e handsomest plants of the British
flora (see Fig. 57); in its wild state it is a charming object, and
under cultivation, in full exposure to sunshine, with proper provision
for its tendrils, and kept clear of weeds, it becomes in every way one
of the finest objects in the garden, whether considered as a decorative
climber, a floral specimen, or a source of cut flowers.

[Illustration: FIG. 57. LATHYRUS LATIFOLIUS.

(One-sixth natural size.)]

It grows fully 8ft. high, in deep and rich soil, and is furnished with
large, many-flowered bunches of blossom from the leaf axils nearly all
its length, each flower stalk being 6in. to 9in. long. The flowers are
of a lively rose colour, about twelve in a cluster; tendrils five-cut,
long, and two-leaved. The leaves are in pairs, elliptical, many ribbed,
glaucous, and very large, whence the specific name; the internodes of
the whole plant are winged, wings membranaceous; stipules large, broader
than the stems. The habit is rampant; it enjoys sunshine, but will do in
partial shade.

_L. l. albus_ is a variety similar to the above in all its parts, but
scarcely as large in the foliage, and the flowers are pure white, and
produced a week or a fortnight later; for cutting purposes these are
justly and highly esteemed.

Tall vases may be pleasingly dressed by the flowered stems, if cut about
3ft. long; these twined round or hanging down are very graceful, but
they should not be used too freely--one, or two at most, on each large
vase will be ample.

Both the above may be grown with good effect amongst other climbers, on
a specially prepared trellis-work, ordinary pea-rods, or over defunct
trees.

Propagated by seeds, or by division of very strong roots only. February
is a good time for both methods.

Flowering period, June to August.

Leucojum AEstivum.

SUMMER SNOWFLAKE; _Nat. Ord._ AMARYLLIDACEAE.

As may be seen by the illustration (Fig. 58), this native bulbous plant
is somewhat ungainly; blooming specimens are sometimes 2ft. high, and
each one rarely produces more than three of its small flowers, but they
are worth growing, because of their lasting properties, either cut or
otherwise; the pretty snowdrop-shaped flowers are very effective when
used in vases, their long stems rendering them more serviceable than
they otherwise would be.

[Illustration: FIG. 58. LEUCOJUM AESTIVUM.

(One-third natural size.)]

The white flower is without calyx, and has a coro