without doubt. All the
sections of Saxifraga to which it belongs are fond of good loam, well
enriched. It is propagated from offsets taken as soon as they are from
an inch to two inches across; they may either be put into nursery beds
or be planted in their blooming quarters.

Flowering period, June and July.

Saxifraga Rocheliana.

ROCHEL'S SAXIFRAGE; _Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEAE.

Another hardy evergreen species, distinct in form, foliage and flowers,
and a native of the alpine regions of central Europe; it nevertheless
thrives well in our climate with ordinary care. Its foliage takes the
form of miniature rosettes, which are closely packed; the tiny leaves
are distinctly and regularly dotted; and present a frosted appearance.

The flowers are unimportant, though they form an interesting feature of
such a choice and somewhat rare plant; they are small, white, and
produced on stems 3in. to 4in. high, which are thick and curiously
furnished with leaves. During summer this species has a very bright
silvery appearance, as if laid on in patches.

Similar treatment is required for this as for _S. Burseriana_, but it
will be found much more difficult to propagate, as its roots are of the
tap kind, and are more sparingly produced, while its seed seldom ripens,
I believe, in this climate. To increase it, the better plan is to
prepare the old plant by keeping it well earthed up, and so encouraging
new roots; after a year's patience it may be divided in April. The small
pieces should be secured by stones or verbena pins, and a supply of
pebbles placed around them will keep them cool and moist during summer.

Flowering period, March and April.

Saxifraga Umbrosa.

LONDON PRIDE; _Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEAE.

This common flower is well known, and is only mentioned here as the
typical form, and by way of introducing a beautiful variety called _S.
u. variegata_, broad cushions of which, from their verdant condition,
good habit, and pleasing variations of leaf colour, are amongst the more
attractive objects of the garden in January. It hardly need be said that
the plant is not valued for its flowers, which are similar to those of
the parent form and borne at a corresponding date. The leaves, however,
are much less in size and more flatly arranged in rosette form, they are
also recurved at the edges. The markings are of two colours,
creamy-white and pink, and there are many shades of green. The forms of
the mark