a and Echinops. But the relationship will, perhaps, be better
understood when it is stated that as a sub-order the _Carduaceae_ stand
side by side with that of the _Asteraceae_, which includes so many
well-known and favourite flowers. Let me now ask the reader to glance at
the illustration (Fig. 101), and he will, I think, see marks of affinity
with both the thistle and the aster; the few thorny teeth at the base of
the larger leaves, and the spines on the smaller divisions of the
imbricate calyx, are clearly features of the former, whilst the general
form of the plant and flowers are not unlike the aster.

Of all herbaceous plants, this is one of the latest to bloom; in
favourable situations it will begin in October, but often not until
November and December in northern parts of the country; and, I hardly
need add, unless severe frosts hold off, it will be cut down before its
buds expand. There is much uncertainty about its flowering, when planted
in the ordinary way, so that, fine as its flowers are, the plant would
scarcely be worth a place in our gardens, if there were no means by
which such uncertainty could be at least minimised; and were it not a
fact that this plant may be bloomed by a little special treatment, which
it justly merits, it would not have been introduced in this book, much
less illustrated. The plant itself is very hardy, enduring keen frosts
without apparent damage, and the bloom is also durable, either cut or on
the plant.

I scarcely need further describe the flowers, as the form is a very
common one. It has, however, a very ample bract, which supports a large
imbricate calyx, the members of which have stiff bristle-like hairs.
Each flower will be 2in. to 3in. across, and of a fine blue colour. The
leaves are arranged on stout round stems, 18in. high, being from 2in. to
6in. long, somewhat lobed and toothed at the base, the teeth rather
spiny; their shape varies very much, but generally they are
lance-shaped, concave, often waved at the edges, and otherwise
contorted. The foliage is more thickly furnished at the upper part of
the plant, it has a glaucous hue, is of good substance, smooth and
shining, like many of the gentians. It will, therefore, be seen that
this is far from a weedy-looking subject, and throughout the season has
a tidy and shrub-like appearance, but it grows top-heavy, and, unless
supported, is liable to be snapped off at the ground line by high winds.

[Illustration: FIG. 10