l, and has not long been
cultivated in this country.

[Illustration: FIG. 87. SAXIFRAGA (MEGASEA) LIGULATA.]

Its flowers are produced numerously on bold stout stems 10in. high.
Sometimes the flower-stem is branched. The pale but clear rosy flowers
are not only showy, but very enduring, lasting several weeks. The leaves
are six to ten inches long, of irregular form, but handsomely ribbed and
wavy; the new growths are bright yellowish-green, and tinted from the
edges with a reddish bronze, so that, during spring, besides being
finely in flower, it is otherwise a pleasing plant to look upon.
Moreover, it is one of the few bold kinds of plants which flower so
early and therefore a most valuable subject for the spring flower-beds.

It looks well in any position, either near or back from the walks, in
shrubs, or as a centre specimen for beds; it is also a plant that may be
moved easily, as it carries plenty of root and earth, consequently it
may be used in such designs as necessitate frequent transplantings. It
is not particular as to soil or position, but in light earth, well
enriched with stable manure, I have found it to thrive, so as to be
equal to many of the so-called "fine foliage" plants during summer;
therefore, I should say, give it rich food. To propagate it, a strong
specimen with branched crowns should be selected. These branches or
stems are 1/2in. to 1in. thick. They should be cut off with as much length
as possible; if they have a bit of root, all the better; if not, it does
not much matter. Let the cut end dry for a little time, take off half,
or even the whole, of the largest leaves, or the action of the wind will
prevent their remaining firm. When so prepared, the cuttings may be
deeply planted in sandy loam, which has previously been deeply stirred.
This may be done as soon as the flowers are past, and by the end of the
year the cuttings should be well rooted and suitable for moving into the
ornamental part of the garden.

Flowering period, March to May.

Saxifraga Longifolia.

LONG-LEAVED SAXIFRAGE; QUEEN OF SAXIFRAGES; _Nat.
Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEAE.

Numerous and beautiful as are the species and varieties of this genus,
this is the most admired of them all, from which fact it derives its
proud name of "Queen." It is of recent introduction; habitat, the
Pyrenees; but though of alpine origin, it thrives in lower, I may say
the lowest, situations even in our wet climate. As will be seen by the