1912-1913-] Heather mid other Allied Plants. 19 



stagnation), all being points essential to the healthy conditions 

 of the plants, — conditions which the level ground does not 

 afford. In this connection, I may say in passing that the 

 present most elaborate rockery in the Botanic Garden in this 

 city is the outcome of this small beginning, when the idea 

 was young and the material scarce. I have in my mind at 

 this moment a place in Stirlingshire where hundreds of heaths 

 have been recently planted. They are set to measurement on 

 the level ground, and look so formal that they might well be 

 taken for a culinary or nursery crop. 



The first heathers to flower in early spring, displaying their 

 floral beauties amongst the snows of retiring winter and 

 advancing spring, are Erica carnea, E. carnea hybrida, and 

 E. herbacea. Although not British, they are pretty and per- 

 fectly hardy. The next in order to flower is Erica mecli- 

 terranea, found on the hills of Mayo and Galway : it is 

 represented by seven varieties, distinct in colour, time of 

 flowering, and more dwarf in habit than the original species 

 from the shores of the " Great Sea." Of our true Scottish bell- 

 heathers, the first to flower is Erica cinerea, the badge of the clan 

 M'Alastair, a universal favourite, with twelve varieties, prized 

 for their fine dwarf habit, including a lovely double-flowering 

 variety, flowers of many shades, and abundantly produced. 

 All are well suited for dry banks. Next in order comes Erica 

 Tetralix, or cross-leaved heath of the Scottish Highlands, the 

 badge of the clans M'Donald and M'Dougal (it is also known 

 as the Carlin or range heather), with four varieties, in shades 

 of a paler colour with white, — favourites in the making of 

 small bouquets. They may be gathered from July to October. 

 In August comes Calluna vulgaris or common ling, with its 

 numerous varieties,- probably thirty. Of all crops, this is the 

 one nature has given with the most bounteous hand, the 

 variety being ample for all who have eyes to see. It does 

 much to relieve the monotony of those who wander on the 

 hills — for who has not enjoyed the pastime of hunting on the 

 hills for the precious sprig of white heather ? The type 

 is the badge of the clans M'Donell, M'Intyre, and M'Nab. 

 Two varieties are alba and Hammond's white, both under 

 cultivation. They are the finest of all heathers, being the true 

 souvenirs to send to the Scot abroad. The sight of the 



