star-like whitish flowers, which were succeeded by fruits."

The fruits given in the illustration (natural size) are a fine feature,
but, considering the uncertainty of their production, they can hardly be
claimed for outside decoration. They are of a transparent, wax-like
substance, and the tooth-like divisions glisten like miniature icicles;
they hang in small clusters on lateral shoots from the more ripened
stems, and have a charming effect, contrasting finely with the black
stems and dark green foliage. The leaves are small (1/4in. to 3/4in. across)
somewhat fiddle-shaped, of good substance, and having slender stalks;
they are alternate and distantly arranged on the long trailing and
climbing stems. The habit is dense and diffuse, and though it loses many
leaves in winter, I have never seen it entirely bare; it is therefore
entitled to be called evergreen with outdoor treatment. The distinct
form and colour of its foliage, together with the graceful shape of the
spray-like branches, render this subject of great value for cutting
purposes. Seen in company, and used sparingly with white flowers for
epergne work, the effect is unique; and I ask those who possess it to
try it in that or a similar way.

It enjoys a sunny position and well drained or sandy soil. With me it
grows entangled with a rose tree, the latter being nailed to the wall. I
have also seen it very effective on the upper and drier parts of
rockwork, where it can have nothing to cling to; there it forms a dense
prostrate bush. It may be propagated by cuttings of the hardier shoots,
which should be taken in early summer; by this method they become nicely
rooted before winter.

Flowering periods, warm summers.

Muscari Botryoides.

GRAPE HYACINTH; _Nat. Ord._ LILIACEAE.

This is a hardy species, somewhat finer than the more common _M.
racemosum_, from the fact of its richer, bright sky blue flowers. The
form of the Grape Hyacinth is well known (see Fig. 65), being a very old
garden flower and a great favourite; when it is once planted, it keeps
its place, despite all drawbacks common to a crowded border, with the
exception of that wholesale destroyer, a careless digger; if left
undisturbed for a year or two, it increases to very showy clumps.

The flowers, which are densely arranged on stout spikes 8in. high, are
very small, globular, and narrowed at the opening, where the tiny
divisions are tipped with white. The foliage resembles that of