io THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN 



Eranthis hyematis. — Winter Aconite. This delightful 

 little flower, which expands its bright gold blossoms 

 above their Elizabethan ruffs of foliage in the early days 

 of the year, makes a charming picture when naturalised 

 by the thousand beneath deciduous trees where its sheet 

 of bright yellow gleams afar. Although thriving in 

 some soils it does not do so in all. E. cilicicus is a newer 

 introduction. 



Erythronium. — Dog's-tooth Violet. The common 

 European E. dens canis, with rosy and white blossoms 

 and spotted leaves is well known, and there are several 

 American species of late introduction, such as E. gigan- 

 teum, E. revolution, E. grandifiorum and others that may 

 also be employed. A gritty, porous soil that does not 

 dry up in the summer, and where the grass is not too 

 vigorous suits them. 



Fritillaria. — The member of this family most generally 

 seen in gardens is F. imperialis, the Crown Imperial. 

 This fine species grows to a height of four feet, and 

 with its drooping yellow or orange-red bells looks well 

 in open spaces in the woods or in front of shrubberies. 

 The Snake's-head Fritillary, F. meleagris, especially its 

 white variety, is charming when naturalised in damp 

 meadows. 



Galanthus. — Snowdrop. There are few more beautiful 

 sights than that afforded by countless thousands of these 

 chaste flowers blossoming beneath the trees in sheltered 

 woods and grassy glades. They are said to succeed 

 better in the north than in the south of England, but in 

 the latter locality they flourish and multiply in the cool 

 soil of shady woods. Besides the common Snowdrop, 

 G. nivalis, other species, such as G. Elwesii, G. latifolius 

 and G. plicatus may be planted. 



Leucojum. — Snowflake. L. vernus, the early-blooming 

 species is of rather dwarf habit and is seen to advantage 

 on a grassy slope. The summer-flowering L. astivum 



