OF ORNAMENTAL PERENNIALS. SI 
are perfectly distinct from each other, and they are so different in form as to be easily distinguishable. The 
sepals are shaped like an oval leaf, tapering to a point, and are attached by a kind of stalk to the disk of the 
flower ; while the petals, which are horn-shaped, pass between them, being slightly attached to the disk bv part 
of the mouth of the horn, and having the spur raised far above it ; so that the spurs of the five petals form a 
kind of crown round the flower-stalk. The name of Aquilegia is derived from Aquila, an eagle, and alludes to 
the bird-like appearance of a petal when detached, with two of the sepals adhering to it, which resemble wings. 
The English word Columbine is derived from the Latin word Columba, a dove, and alludes to the same 
appearance. There are numerous stamens, and those of the inner row are abortive, being without anthers, 
and growing together so as to form a membranous cover to the five carpels or incipient seed-vessels in the centre 
of the flower. The sepals and petals fall off, and the seed-vessels become brown and leathery, opening at the top 
to discharge the numerous seeds. Theap seed-vessels have only one valve, and are of the kind called follicles. 
The leaves, which spring from the root, are bi-temate, with bluntish segments, which are somewhat toothed, but 
those on the stem are divided into linear lobes. The stem is tall and erect, and it bears numerous flowers. 
1.— AQUILEGIA VULGARIS Lin. THE COMMON COLUMBINE. 
Engkavings.— Eng. Bot. t. 297; 2u edit. t. 770. 
Vakietifs. — These are immerous, ns rcgarda the colour and doublc- 
ness of the flowers. The following are the most distinct. A. v. 2 
alpina Iluds. Stem usually onc-flowercd. Spurs less curved tliiiu 
in the species. Found at Matlock. A. v, 3 corniculata Dec. 
Flower double ; petals spurred ; spurs drawn downwards. A. v. 4 
inversa Dec, Flower double ; spurs inverted. A . v. 5 stellata 
Dec. Flower double ; petals flat and spurlcss, coloured. A. v. S 
degener Dec. Flower double ; sepals and petals flat and spuiiess, 
green. 
Specific Character. — Spurs incurved ; capsules villous ; stem 
leafy, many-flowered. Style not longer than the stamens. 
Description, &c. — This species is a native of Britain, and it is generally found growing in sandy loam, and 
flowering from May to July. It grows from one foot to two feet high, according to the depth of the soil, and the 
flowers are of a deep livid purple, or very dark blue, varying, however, occasionally to pinkish or almost white, 
particularly in the double flowers. Some of the varieties are streaked, and some spotted, or blotched ; but these are 
always pink and white. In the species and all the varieties, both sepals and petals are of the same colour. The 
leaves are bi-temate, and of a bluish green. The Columbine is not only found wild in Britain, but in most parts 
of Europe ; and in some parts of Asia, particularly in -Japan. It is always found in meadows or thickets, .md 
never on dry hills. It is of the easiest culture, only requiring not to bo kept too dry ; and it is propagated either 
by seeds or by division of the root. It does not increase rapidly, and seldom requires taking up to reduce in size ; 
the young plants which appear in a border where columbines grow, are generally seedlings and not suckers ; and 
they may be prevented from appearing by cutting off the flowers as soon as they begin to fade, and thus preventing 
the ripening of the seeds. Each flower has five or more carpels, or follicles, as they are called when ripe, each 
of which contains numerous seeds. When seedlings are to be raised, the seeds should be sown as soon as. ripe. 
2.— AQUILEGIA ATRO-PURPUREA Willd. THE BROWNISH-PURPLE COLUMBINE. 
of the flower, leaves smooth ; A. a. 3 Fisheiiana Dfc. Styles pro- 
jccling, loaves downy. 
Engravings.— Bot. Reg. t. 922 ; and our /jr. 8 in Plate 8. 
Specific Character. — Spurs erect, straight, equal to the limb. 
Styles sometimes exserted. Sepals longer and paler than the petals. 
Description, &c.— A beautiful little plant, which grows freely in any light soil, and flowers from April till 
June. It differs from the common Columbine in the spurs being erect, and quite straight ; and in the colour, 
Sthonymes, — A. Davurica Dec. ; A. Dahurica Link. ; A. viridi- 
flora var. Hart. 
Varieties. — A. a. 1 brevistyla Willd. Style not so long as the 
stamens ; A . a. 2 Dahurica Dec. Styles protruding beyond the rest 
