1. STOKESIA CYANEA.

(One-sixth natural size.)]

In order to get it to bloom before the frosts cut it, the soil and
situation should be carefully selected; the former cannot be too sandy
if enriched with manure, whilst cold, stiff soil is quite unsuited to
it. The position should not only have the sunniest possible aspect, but
be at the base of a wall that will ward off the more cutting winds. In
such snug quarters many things may be had in bloom earlier, and others
kept in flower through the winter, as violets; whilst fuchsias, crinums,
African and Belladonna lilies, and similar roots, that would perish in
more exposed parts, will live from year to year in such situations.
Unless the subject now under consideration can have these conditions, it
is useless to plant it--not that its hardiness is doubtful, but because
its blooming period should be hastened. Its propagation may be by
division of the roots after it has flowered, or in spring.

Flowering period, October to December.

Symphytum Caucasicum.

CAUCASIAN COMFREY; _Nat. Ord._ BORAGINACEAE.

A comparatively modern species in English gardens, belonging to a genus
well represented by native species, from which this differs mainly in
being less tall and hairy, and otherwise less coarse. The erect habit,
and abundant azure flowers produced in pendent form, which, moreover,
last for several weeks, go to make this a capital border plant. If not
an old species, from its resemblance to some which are so, it is
rendered a suitable companion to "old-fashioned" subjects. The plant
grows to a height of nearly 2ft., is of dark greyish-green colour, from
being thickly covered with short, stiff hairs, on every part, including
the calyx.

The flowers are more than 1/2in. long, produced in elongated clusters,
opening three or four at a time, and just before expansion they are of a
bright rose colour, but afterwards turn a fine blue; calyx five-parted,
as also is the corolla, the segments being drawn in at the mouth. The
entire flower is long and bell-shaped; the pendent clusters of bloom are
well held out from the main stem by leafy branches, each being
terminated by two racemes. The leaves of the root are large and stalked,
oval, lance-shaped, and wrinkled; those of the stems are stalkless, and
so attached as to give the stems a winged appearance near their
junction.

The plant will thrive in any kind of soil, but it likes shade and
moisture, and a specimen grown