ETLEOrS TLOWEES. 



probably on account of its not being particularly prolific 

 of offsets. This graceful flower, a native of the Alps, 

 has the divisions of its corolla turned up like those of 

 the cyclamens. The tint varies from white to pinky- 

 purple. Prefers light soil. The American species, 

 E. Americanum, has yellow flowers, and requires the 

 same culture, i. e.. to be taken up every two or three 

 years. It has a tendency to run to offsets instead 

 of flowers, which is best obviated by planting in light 

 peat soil, such as would be used for heaths and rhodo- 

 dendrons. 



Fritilkiry — Fritillaria meleagris. — Chequered Lily or 

 Chess-board Flower, — is a native, hardy, and early-flower- 

 ing plant, whose grass-like leaves and pendulous flowers 

 render it a general favourite. In tint, it varies consider- 

 ably, from greenish white to dark dull purple. In well- 

 drained soil, the roots may remain for a succession of 

 years without removal or protection. The Persian 

 Fritillary, F. Fersica, a larger species, is more delicate, 

 requires a lighter soil, and the shelter of a cold frame or 

 greenhouse in winter. 



Garlie. — Several species of Allium are grown as border 

 flowers ; A. Molt/, with golden-yellow flowers, of which 

 there is a white variety, being the most generally culti- 

 vated. There are also white and pink-flowering species. 

 One parodoxical Garlic, A. fragrans or odorum, is agree- 

 ably scented. They are showy, increase rapidly by bulb, 

 prefer a warm dry light soil, and require no further care 

 than separation every second or third year. Their generally 

 offensive odour would seem to render them unfit for the 

 flower-garden, whilst their gay appearance suggests their 

 employment in tricks on inexperienced admirers of 

 flowers. A. Moly, however, does not prove disagreeable 

 in large bouquets which are only to be looked at without 

 being handled. 



diolus — Corn Flag, — The wild European species. 

 6r. communis, is perfectly hardy in England, and delights 

 the eye in summer by its tapering spikes of bright red 

 flowers. The bulbs are corms like those of the crocus, 



