illustration (Fig. 88), it belongs to the rosette section, and may
indeed be said, for size and symmetry, to head the list. There are many
forms of it, differing more or less in shape of leaves, colour, habit,
and size of rosette. The original or reputed type is but an indifferent
form compared with the one now generally accepted as the representative
of the species. So readily do the various Saxifrages become crossed,
that it is hard to distinguish them; and when a distinct form is evolved
the question occurs, What constitutes or entitles it to specific
honours? Surely the form of which we are speaking must be fully entitled
to a name all its own, as it is not possible to find another Saxifrage
that can so widely contrast with the whole genus.

It may be as well, in a few words, to refer to one or two varieties; and
it shall only be from an amateur's point of view, whose estimate of
their worth or importance is based entirely on their ornamental
qualities under cultivation. Such varieties, as far as I know, have not
had any name given them, descriptive or otherwise, and I for one have no
desire to see any, as the genus is already overloaded with names.

[Illustration: FIG. 88. SAXIFRAGA LONGIFOLIA.

(One-fourth natural size.)]

There is, first, a form whose main distinction is its dark olive-green
leaves; the ends are rather inclined to be spathulate, they are long,
narrow, and arch well, rather nearer the centre of the rosette; this
causes the end of the outer circle of leaves to come flat on the ground.
The whole specimen has a sombre appearance compared with the more
silvery kinds. The second form has broader leaves, is more distinctly
toothed and spotted; as a consequence of their width, the leaves are
fewer, and though all the varieties are very formal, this is the most
so. When by the side of what we may term the true form, which has
sometimes _vera_ added to its name, this one has a plain and somewhat
"dumpy" appearance, and frequently the tips of the leaves curl back,
which further detracts from its ornamental quality. A third form has
small rosettes, pale green foliage, indistinct silvery dots, and, worse
than all, the habit of throwing out a progeny of young growths all round
the collar, furnishing itself as with a ruff, when the parent rosette
turns to a yellowish-green. Of all the forms this is the most constant
bloomer. The favourite variety, to which an engraving can do but scant
justice, is superior