s narrowed
at the mouth; segments short, broad, and rolled back, forming a sort of
rim. The flowers are arranged in branched heads, which are one-sided.
The flower stalks are short, and the flowers and buds closely grown. The
stems are about a foot long, having short alternate shoots, which flower
later on; they are weighed to the ground with the numerous flowers and
buds; the leaves are 3in. to 6in. long, narrow, lance-shaped, reflexed,
and covered with short stiff hairs, which impart a grey appearance to
the foliage.

It should be grown fully exposed, as it loves sunshine; if planted in
the frequented parts of the garden, its delicious perfume is the more
likely to be enjoyed; on rockwork, somewhat elevated, will perhaps prove
the best position for it, as then the pendent flowers can be better seen
and studied. The whole habit of the plant renders it a suitable subject
for the rock garden; it may be grown in either loam or vegetable soil if
well drained, and when it once becomes established in genial quarters it
makes rapid growth and is very floriferous. What a rich bed could be
formed of this, judiciously mixed with hardy fuchsias and the various
linums, having deep blue flowers and graceful slender stems! These all
love a breezy situation and sunshine, they also all flower at the same
time, and continuously. To increase this choice plant, cuttings should
be taken during summer; they may be rooted quickly if placed in a
cucumber frame and kept shaded for ten or twelve days; water should be
given carefully, or the hairy leaves will begin to rot. Aim at having
the young stock well rooted and hardened off before the cold weather
sets in.

[Illustration: FIG. 68. ONOSMA TAURICA.

(Plant, one-quarter natural size; blossom, one-half natural size.)]

Flowering period, June to the frosts.

Orchis Foliosa.

LEAFY ORCHIS; _Nat. Ord._ ORCHIDACEAE.

This terrestrial Orchid is not generally known to be hardy, but that
such is the fact is beyond doubt. It is not only hardy, though it comes
from Madeira, but it thrives better in this climate when exposed to all
the drawbacks belonging to the open garden, or hardy treatment, than
when kept under glass. It only seems to require two things--a deep rich
soil and leaving alone--being very impatient of disturbance at its
roots. Many of the hardy Orchids, though interesting, are not showy
enough as flowers for beds or borders. This, however, is an exception,
and is not o