tration: FIG. 83. SAXIFRAGA CERATOPHYLLA.

(Leaf, one-half natural size.)]

Its flowers are small, white, and numerous, produced on slender stalks
in summer; they are of the general type of the flowers of the mossy
section, and need not be further described. The foliage forms rigid
cushions, dense, rounded, and of a dark green colour in the early
season; later it becomes grey, with an exudation; the leaves are
arranged in rosette form, having stout stalks, channelled or folded on
the upper surface; there are three deep divisions, and others less cut;
the segments are subulate, bent back and tipped with horny mucrones,
whence its specific name; these horn-like points are bent under, which,
together with their transparency, renders them all but invisible; they
can, however, be clearly seen if brought near the eye and looked for on
the under side of the foliage. The leaves are of good substance, 1in. to
2in. long, having broad stipules; the stems are exceedingly slender in
the older parts, and somewhat woody, having the appearance of being
dried up and dead.

On rockwork it is seen in its best form, as the slope not only shows it
off better, but is conducive to a finer growth. In flat places, the
dense cushions, which are 6in. or 8in. high, often rot from too much
moisture. I have never seen this occur in the drier positions afforded
by the slopes of a rockery. If planted between large stones it has a
happy way of adapting itself to them, and few plants are more effective.
It thrives equally well in soil of a loamy or vegetable character, but
it seems to enjoy a little limestone, small pieces of which I place
round the specimens; they also serve to hold up the lower foliage and
favour the admission of air. Where alpines are grown in pots this should
form one, as it makes a charming specimen; the drainage should be
perfect. It also makes a capital edging plant, especially for raised
beds, as then it is accommodated in the same way as on rockwork.

It may be propagated by taking the slips nearest the earth, which will
often be found to have a few rootlets, but if not they will still prove
the more suitable; if taken in summer and dibbled into sand, they will
make good roots in a week or two, when they may be transplanted to their
permanent quarters, so as to become established before winter.

Saxifraga Ciliata.

HAIRY-MARGINED SAXIFRAGE; _Syn._ MEGASEA CILIATA;
_Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEAE.

This is a peculiar,