140 HARDY PERENNIALS 
These two are best raised from seed and treated 
as biennials, but the rest of the family may be 
propagated from root cuttings. 
The Eryngiums are popularly known as Sea 
Holly, and are very suitable for seaside gardens 
and also for chalky soils. 
Erythronium. — For quaint beauty and distinctive 
character the Erythroniums, otherwise known as 
the Dog's-tooth Violet, are bulbous plants that 
should receive more notice than is generally accorded 
them. The foliage of most of the species is mottled 
or spotted with brown, and the delicate-looking 
flowers are of dainty form and colouring. The 
bulbs should be planted in cool shady places where 
they can remain for several years without dis- 
turbance, an occasional top dressing with leaf- 
mould and sifted manure being of considerable 
benefit. Erythroniums are also eminently suited 
for cultivation in pans or bowls in an unheated 
greenhouse, early Spring being their season for 
flowering. 
Fritillaria. — The Crown Imperial (Fritillaria 
Imperialis) in its golden-yellow, orange, and brick- 
red varieties is a useful plant for planting at intervals 
between low-growing shrubs or perennials where 
its Lilium-like stems surmounted by crowns of 
nodding bell flowers in May will break a monotonous 
level and give a dash of colour to relieve a mass 
of greenery. The Chequered Daffodil or Snakes- 
head Fritillary is interesting on account of the 
