120 THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
Mexico, and a member of the Spiderwort order (Commeli- 
naceae). It is a very pretty hardy perennial, growing i8in. 
high, with fleshy roots, and blue flowers borne in 
July. There is a white variety of it named alba. Both are 
very charming old border perennials. They require a warm 
position and a well-drained, light, sandy loam. Not adapted 
for heavy soils. In seaside gardens both kinds invariably do 
well. They display their beauty to the best advantage when 
planted in bold masses. Plant in autumn or spring. Where 
the soil is inclined to be at all damp in winter, lift the fleshy 
roots in October, store them in dry soil in a frost-proof place, 
and replant in March. Increased by seeds sown in heat in 
spring, and by division of the fleshy roots in March. 
Con«indron.. — C. ramondioides is the only species of 
this genus that is cultivated. It grows about 6in. high, has 
ovate wrinkled leaves, and bears lilac-purple and white 
blossoms in summer. A native of Japan, and a member of the 
Gloxinia order (Gesneriaceae). A very interesting and 
pretty plant, something like the Ramondia, and requiring, like 
it, to be grown in the moist crevices of rock-work in a peaty 
soil. The position must be a sheltered one. Increased by 
division of the plants after flowering. 
Convallaria (Lily of the Valley). — The Lily of 
the Valley (C. majalis) is too well known to need any 
lengthy exposition of its merits. It belongs to the Lily 
order (Liliaceae), and is a native of not only Britain, but 
also of Europe, Asia, and the United States. In Yorkshire 
and many other parts of England the Lily of the Valley 
grows wild in woods. It is therefore a shade-loving plant, 
and to grow it well a shady border must be allotted to it. 
It is quite cosmopolitan in its habits, for it will grow and 
flower just as well in a shady town garden as in the suburbs 
or country. Besides the species which bears graceful 
sprays of white flowers in May, there are several varie- 
ties, to wit: Fortin’s Lily of the Valley, large foliage, 
vigorous spikes, * and big blooms; Victoria, also a large- 
flow'ered kind ; prolificans, white, flushed with pink ; rosea, 
rose-tinted flowers ; and a double-flowered kind named florens ; 
also a variegated form named variegata. We have already 
said that the Lily of the Valley loves a shady spot. In making 
a bed, therefore, choose a north border or a position under 
the shade of fruit trees. Prior to planting have the ground 
well dug and plenty of rotten manure, leaf-soil and grit added, 
for these lilies like such a soil. If the soil be light use cow 
manure ; if loamy or clayey, horse manure. The best time 
to plant is in September. Open drills 6in. deep, one side of 
