2Q THE LADIES' FLOWER-GARDEN 
the tuberous stem will begin to put out its fibrous roots. When planted, three or more tubers should be put 
into the ground to make a cluster, as otherwise the flowers will be too far apart to look well. Alternate patches 
of winter aconites and snowdrops have a very pretty effect as a border in early spring. The winter aconite was 
introduced before 1596. 
2.— ERANTHIS SIBIRICUS Dec. THE SIBERIAN WINTER ACONITE. 
Specific Character. — Sepals five, oval. (O. Don,) 
Description, &c. — Though this little plant closely resembles the preceding species in its general appearance, 
it differs materially in its habits, as it is a native of Siberia, where it is found in moist places. It is thus much 
more hardy than the common kind ; and it is much better adapted for London gardens, which are generally 
damp and close. This species does not flower till March or April. It was introduced in 1826; but it is very 
rarely met with. 
GENUS XI. 
HELLEBORUS Adan. THE HELLEBORE. 
Generic Character. — Calyx pei-manent, of five roundish, obtuse, 
large sepals, which are generally green. Petals from eight to ten, very 
short, tubular, narrowed in the lower part, nectariferous. Stamens 
Lin. Sijst. POLYANDRIA POLYGYNIA. 
thirty to sixty. Ovaries three to ten. Stigmas terminal, orbicular. 
Capsules coriaceous. Seeds oval, disposed in two rows, on a linear, 
double-notched receptacle. (G. Don.) 
Description, &c. — The species of this genus are perennial plants, with a very disagreeable smell, and of a 
leathery texture. They are furnished with a creeping underground stem, less fleshy than that of the winter 
aconite, but in other respects of the same nature ; and they have an ornamental calyx, as is the case with that 
plant. The species vary considerably in their habits, but all are poisonous when taken to excess, though in small 
quantities they are found useful. The name of Helleborus alludes to their poisonous qualities, as it signifies 
" deadly food." The fibrous roots only are used in medicine. 
1.— HELLEBORUS NIGER Lin. THE BLACK HELLEBORE, OR CHRISTMAS ROSE. 
Engravings. — Bot. Mag. t. 8 ; Swt. Brit. Flow. Gard. 2d Ser. t. I Specific Character. — Radical leaves pedate, quite smooth ; scape 
186 ; and owe fig. 1 in Plate 7. | leafless, bearing one or two flowers and bracteas. (G. Don.) 
Description, &c. — Every one knows that first harbinger of spring, the Christmas rose, though but few 
people are aware how very well it looks as a window plant. In the open air, the delicate texture of its flowers 
is often injured by the frost, or melting snow, which so often covers the ground at the dreary season when it 
appears ; but when kept in a sheltered place, such as in a room or in a greenhouse, it becomes a very ornamental 
plant. The calyx of the Christmas rose consists of five large white sepals, which are delicately tinged with pink. 
The petals are small and tubular, like those of the winter aconite ; but they are even less ornamental than in 
that plant, as they are of a dingy green. They, are, however, but little seen, as they are nearly hidden by the 
numerous stamens which surround the eight or ten carpels that grow erect and close together in the centre of the 
flower. The involucre consists of two large bracts, which shade the flower in the bud, so as to resemble a green 
