May 15, 1884. 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
887 
which Mr. Ingram recognised as Primula macrocalyx ; these produce 
excellent effect, and are the outcome of continually selecting the earliest 
and best. The most noteworthy cf other plants used in this garden are 
oronic um austriacum, Primula auriculseflora, with rich crim c on maroon 
flowers, Hyacinths and Tulips, good clumps of Helleborus orientals, 
.Narcissus in variety, and many more. Almost unique in effect are 
mounds of Saxifraga muscoides atropurpurea, which was just bursting 
into bloom, nestling in a carpet of the downy leaves of Antennaria 
tomentosa. One large bed had Polyanthus and red Hyacinths as a 
centre, next a band of Euonymus, then Primula auriculeeflora, and 
double crimson Daisies. Some handsome tufts of Hepatica angulosa, 
hough its season of flowering had passed, are worthy of special note, 
as eing probably the most attractive and largest flowered species, and 
at the same time the earliest. 
xr We fumed to leave this delightful spot with considerable reluctance 
.Not the least worthy of note are the grassy slopes and rising banks 
. We next ascended a winding path, rugged as the mountain side, and 
in advancing from ledge to ledge something new was constantly coming 
into sight. On all sides are hardy Heaths grouped in small colonies, Heli- 
anthemums, the purple form of Corydalis solida, Cardamine, Pulmonaria, 
Doronicum, Gentiana tinctoria for later bloom, banks are wild wiih the 
Wood Anemone (A. nemorosa), and Primroses ; while the spring Navel- 
wort (Omphalodes verna) and its white variety are in the greatest profusion. 
Few know the splendour of these charming plants, and what can vie 
with the intensity of the Gentian blue of the typical species ? 
Descending a grassy slope we noticed a powerful fragrance produced 
from a fine bush of Azara microphylla. Next we saw the ever-flowering 
Primula obconica, which promises to be among the foremost of the genus, 
P. rosea and the striped Squill (Puschkinia scilloides), the colouring 
somewhat fainter than usual, consequent on the age of the flowers ; this 
is still a rare and charming plant. Then we saw the lovely Anemone 
Bobinsoniana and A. blanda. Here also was Narcissus minimus 
Fig. 90. —Medihilla Curtisi, 
which are viewed from this elevated position, and below in the valley are to 
be seen groups of Bambusa Metake, probably the hardiest of all evergreen 
Bamboos ; Azalea mollis in great variety, Spiraea Thunbergii, Berberis 
Darwini, all in perfection ; and crowning one of these slopes the crimson 
trusses of lihododendron Jacksoni. On one of these banks Mr. Ingram 
has already established many choice plants ; on the one in question 
Narcissi predominate, having for companions Crocuses, Snowdrops, Scillas, 
Anemone apennina, the lovely Chionodoxa, and others to succeed, with 
sheets of Myosotis dissitiflora at every turn. Charming everywhere 
and flowering profusely was the Snow Glory, though few seem at 
present to realise its value. Happily, however, Mr. Ingram is not of that 
number, for already has he established it on semi-wild banks with 
charming effect, and where he intends it to seed at will, the result of 
which in a few years will be worth a journey from the remotest parts of 
England to behold. No plant of recent introduction is so well adapted 
for naturalising as this. It cannot be had in perfection in pots, for 
which purpose it ha3 been so strongly recommended ; it must have 
freedom, and if allowed to seed in the border or a sheltered position on 
the rock will soon surpass any other spring bulbous plants at present in 
cultivation, 
just passing out of flower, and many others too numerous to mention. 
Close by, in a newly established peaty bed, were Cypripediums springing 
up, Trilliums, Gentianas, and a lovely show of the golden flowers of 
Anemone ranunculoides ; and on the grass were groups of Ferns, Spiraeas, 
and Saxifraga peltata, all of which will play their parts through the 
comiDg summer months. 
There is also a rich collection of plants in Mr. Ingram’s reserve 
garden, which cannot be fully described. Narcissi is in abundance, 
including the rare minimus, Chionodoxa by hundreds, Anemone coronaria 
(single and double) with their fiery heads, A. fulgens in plenty, and like¬ 
wise A. Bobinsoniana, A. blanda, and A. apennina. Of A. blanda Mr. 
Ingram annually raises many seedlings, some of increased size and vigour. 
Among many others worthy of note may be mentioned Tropseolum 
polyphyllum, not content with its allotted space in the bed is springing 
up abundantly in the walks. It is in this garden that every fresh 
arrival is thoroughly tested before it becomes entitled to a place in the 
spring garden. 
Finally, what a boon is all this to the outer world, who, by the 
gracious permission of the noble owner of Belvoir, are allowed to inspect 
such a paradise of flowers. They comes by hundreds, a fact alone which 
