416 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ May 27, 1886. 
appreciated, especially with the long-spurred section, of which the 
well-known Aquilegia chrysantha may be regarded as typical, and 
which, when well established and covered with its myriads of 
blossoms, may take a (dace among the best choice perennials. These 
Aquilegias are easy to cultivate, and their best method of propaga¬ 
tion is by seeds, which they yield abundantly, and there is ample 
scope for those endowed with patience to improve the existing forms 
of these flowers. In the flower gardeD, where partial change is 
needed from the general run of bedding plants, these Columbines are 
specially adapted ; and, growing well in ordinary vegetable soil, is 
only another point in their favour. They make a most pleasing bed 
alone, or they may with good effect be associated with annuals in the 
mixed border, or with some dwarfer bedding plants. I remember a 
charming bed in a lady's garden in the vicinity of Bath. It was in 
full flower at the time of my visit, and despite the gaiety of the other 
beds near by I found greater pleasure in these Columbines (hybrids 
of A. californica) than in all the gaudy colours of the Zonal Pelar¬ 
goniums. 
It is not wise, perhaps, to speak in high praise of any group of 
hardy perennials however meritorious they may be, and their intro¬ 
duction into the flower garden generally, without attempting to show 
>how they may be employed so as to harmonise with other plants 
around them. For example, in the genus of which I speak, the 
earliest of its members do not commence flowering till the middle of 
June, depending in some measure on the season itself, so that we 
could hardly be content that these should occupy permanent positions 
in the flower garden, and so long without floweis. In such a case as 
this, however, there is ample room for introducing a few of the many 
spring bedding plants planted indiscriminately amidst the glaucous 
tufts of the Columbines. Such as these would make the bed gay ere 
the Columbines expanded, and when these began to wane the 
■Columbines would be ready to take their place, and by planting a 
few white Tobacco (Nicotiana affinis) if space permitted a good bed 
may be made for the rest of the year. Many more examples might 
be given, but one will suffice, seeing that the plants available for 
making pleasing combinations in such beds are numerous, and most 
occupiers of gardens design such beds to meet their especial circum¬ 
stances and tastes. 
It may not be altogether lost if I briefly cite some of the most 
showy members of the Columbine family, and by giving to each its 
average height and predominant colour, may tend to assist those 
desirous of embracing one of the most elegant groups of perennials. 
A.alpina.— This is a showy species, growing from 1^ foot to 
2 feet high and bearing showy blue flowers ; a most desirable plant 
for the second row in the border or for the higher positions on the 
rockery. It succeeds well in ordinary sandy loam of good depth 
made fairly rich, and where possible comparatively moist. It inhabits 
high elevations in the European Alps, over which it is somewhat 
widely distributed. This must not be confounded with A. vulgaris, 
flowers of which are of a deeper purple-blue, though the character¬ 
istic distinction is in its longer stamens and larger flowers. 
A. ccertji.ea (The .Rocky Mountain Columbine).—Here we have 
one of the choicest alpines, and one which cannot be too highly 
recommended. Among hardy-plant growers it is well known, and 
its unique beauty warmly appreciated. It grows freety in any warm 
sandy soil (here in passing I may remark that the Columbines as a 
whole object to stiff or cold soils), and grows about 18 inches high ; 
the foliage assumes a deep glaucous hue, and is much divided. From 
the bushy rootstock arise the somewhat branching flower stems, on 
which are situate numbers of its lovely blue-and-white flowers. 
These are erect, and display the flowers to advantage, a combination 
so charming in the soft blue of the sepals and pure white petals 
that it has been compared to “a large soft-coloured Clematis,” and 
while I cannot discover the slightest resemblance, it must be 
regarded by all as one of the handsomest perennials. It flowers in 
early summer, and lasts a long time in perfection. By saving a few 
seeds each year and sowing early in January an annual display of 
this charming plant may be guaranteed, and as I rest in the full 
belief that no one having once succeeded with it would care to be 
without it in future, it is worthy any care or extra attention to keep 
up a good supply. It is worthy of remark, however, that it is of 
easy culture as compared with some of the other rare species—a 
point considerably in its favour. 
A. californica. —A most distinct and highly decorative species 
from the locality signified in its specific name, and which has, in 
conjunction with the yellow-flowered chrysantha, produced some 
chaste and elegant hybrids. It attains a height of 2.) feet, and 
produces flowers of a bright scarlet hue somewhat profusely. If 
only on account of its distinguishing colour, it is entitled to a 
first place among choice hardy plants. When established it forms a 
compact handsome bush. 
A. chrysantha.— One of the most showy and floriferous of all 
the Columbines, and one which when well established in a deep rich 
soil (which, by the way, all the taller kinds enjoy) attains a height 
of some 3 feet and nearly as much in diameter. It is at this stage 
which under good cultivation may be reached in aboi«t three season 
that they are admired by all who see them. There is no formality 
about them, but a natural grace and beauty which all may enjoy 
owing to their delicate and pleasing shades of colour. It is by 
letting them alone after being once well planted that they may be 
had in perfection. It is not uncommon for this species to continue 
flowering for two or three months, and taking into consideration 
how charmingly its light golden flowers mingle with other shades of 
colour it at once stands forth as a valuable plaut either in a cut state 
or for border decoration. I would cot advise the planting of this 
species in shrubberies, for in almost every case it is sure to become 
crowded by stronger growers. Rather give it a good position in the 
open border or bed—a central one if possible, where it will have 
ample room for free development. This species is better known 
than many, and is quite distinct from any other of this genus. 
A. glandulosa.— This is not only one of the most lovely species 
of this genus, but it is at the same time one of the most exquisite of 
hardy perennials. No greater praise can be accorded it than this, 
and this is not more than it deserves ; and the large handsome 
flowers, the sepals of which are of a deep rich blue, with pure white 
corolla, making it one of the most desirable plants for the rockery 
or for the front row in the border. It grows from 6 to 10 inches 
high, and should be planted on slightly elevated positions on an even 
surface. Anywhere in flower it is one of the most conspicuous of 
the alpine section, and inhabits the Altai Mountains. If disposed in 
small colonies on level surfaces of the rockery, where a good depth 
of sandy soil mingled with stones to keep it uniformly moist at the 
roots can be given it, it will be found to thrive admirably. It 
deserves every attention and well repays good cultivation. 
A. leptoceras lutea. —A rather pale yellow-flowering variety, 
with habit similar to A. chrysantha, though not so tall or showy as 
that species. The spurs are much shorter and not so much recurved. 
It seldom grows more than 2 feet high, of sturdy habit, and rather 
free-flowering. 
A. pyrenaica.— A very pleasing Columbine of dwarf habit and 
pale violet flowers, best treated perhaps as a biennial to insure a 
continuance of its flowers annually. It produces seed freely, and 
these vegetate quickly if sown as soon as ripe. It grows about 
10 inches high, and should be included among the choice occupants 
of the rock garden. 
A. Skinneri. —In point of colour we have another very distinct 
species, the flowers being of an orange-red and slightly tipped with 
green at the mouth. It grows nearly or quite 3 feet high, though 
not so bushy or compact as some, but still very interesting and dis¬ 
tinct ; and then, apart from those above named, we find some useful 
plants in the forms of vulgaris, both single and double. In the 
latter we have its double white form, which is very useful in a cut 
state. A. vulgaris caryophylloides is also a double, and whose flowers 
are handsomely striped. Witmaniana has flowers of blue, violet, 
and white, and is a good useful border plant ; while in atrata we 
have one of a vigorous constitution and deep reddish violet flowers. 
The foregoing are among the best of this very pleasing and free- 
flowering genus of hardy plants. There are, however, many more 
both of species and forms, and new varieties are continually coming 
in view. One of these, grandiflora alba, is a fine new white with 
single flowers, good robust habit, 2 feet high, and a welcome addition 
to the list of good things. In conclusion, I may remark that a wide 
field is open for improvement among these plants, and their free- 
seeding qualities and perfect hardiness are points in their character, 
with easy culture, that cannot do other than make them popular 
subjects, embracing as they do a flowering period of about four 
months.—J. H. E. 
GARDENERS AND PREMIUMS. 
I have been reading the contributions on the above subject with 
great inierest. First of all I cannot see why a premium should not be 
paid by an apprentice in our profession just the same as by an apprentice 
in any other trade and profession. In most cases there is no dis¬ 
tinction made between the young man that paid his premium and the 
one that paid no premium, nor should there be, for I think that any 
young man should be appreciated according to his abilities, whether he 
paid premium or not. Some young men are more fortunate than others 
in procuring situations in first-class establishments where no premiums 
are demanded, but there aie in most first-class establishments some young 
men that have paid premiums and some that have not; therefore, it is 
interesting to hear the different opinions on the subject. 
Some years ago I applied for a situation as improver in a noted earl’s 
garden in one of the Midland counties, and received a reply to the effect 
that £10 was required as a premium. Being very young at that time— 
viz., seventeen years of age—I had not much money, but I overcame the 
difficulty by obtaining a friend who was kind enough to advance me the 
money, on the agreement that I should return it in small payments 
