ing over, and it is
worth one's while to try to find out from what cause it happens, and if
my theory is not the true one, it may prove useful as a hint.

It likes a deep and rich soil, and well deserves to have it; if left out
all the winter, a piece of glass should be put over the crown, because
it has the fault (No. 3) of rotting in the centre, as I believe from
water being conducted down its spout-like stems; but even under the most
neglected conditions it stands our winters, and the rootlets send up a
number of small growths in spring. These may make plants, but will not
be reliable for bloom the following autumn; the damage should be
prevented if possible. Another plan, by which two points are gained, is
to grow young plants in good-sized pots and winter them, plunged in cold
frames, not failing to give plenty of air. In April these, if compared
with others in the open garden, will be found to be much more forward,
and the first gain will be that, if planted out then, they will flower
much more vigorously, and, secondly, they will start earlier by two
weeks at least. To propagate this fine border plant, the very long and
fleshy roots may be cut into pieces 6in. long and dibbled into fine
soil; they are somewhat slow, but pretty sure to "go"; they should be
protected from slugs, which are very fond of the young leaves. On young
stuff, grown apart from the flower beds and borders, quicklime may be
used, which would otherwise be unsightly.

Flowering period, August to October.

Sisyrinchium Grandiflorum.

SATIN-FLOWER, _or_ RUSH LILY; _Nat. Ord._
IRIDACEAE.

[Illustration: FIG. 97. SISYRINCHIUM GRANDIFLORUM.

(One-third natural size.)]

The generic name of this flower is in reference to the grubbing of swine
for its roots, and means "pig-snout." The common names may be seen, by a
glance at the cut (Fig. 97), to be most appropriate; that of
Satin-flower is of American origin the plant being a native of Oregon,
and is in reference to its rich satiny blossom; that of Rush-lily, which
is, perhaps, an even more suitable name, has been recently applied to
it, I believe, in this country. It is applicable alike to the rush-like
form and habit of foliage, and the lily-like purity and style of
flowers. It was sent to this country in 1826, and yet it is rarely met
with in English gardens. Some think it scarcely hardy in our climate in
certain soils. I happen to have grown it for six years, which period
includes