under such conditions will be found to be
much superior in every way. A position under fruit trees suits it
admirably, and for such thoughtful planting it will well repay the lover
of flowers for vase decoration. It also makes a good subject for large
or rough rockwork, on which, however, it should be sheltered from the
mid-day sun. Its propagation may be carried out at any time by dividing
the roots, but autumn is the preferable period.

Flowering period, April to June.

Tiarella Cordifolia.

_Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEAE.

[Illustration: FIG. 102. TIARELLA CORDIFOLIA.

(One-fifth natural size; _a_, flower, natural size.)]

The illustration (Fig. 102), together with the order given to which it
belongs, will convey a fair idea of the style and habit of the plant,
but its exquisite flowers must be seen to be appreciated, and hardly
could they appear to more advantage than in a growing state, the rich
foliage forming their most natural and effective ground. This hardy
herbaceous perennial has been known to English gardens for 150 years,
and was introduced from North America, where it grows in glorious
masses, but common as it is in its native country, and long as it has
been grown in this, I scarcely know a flower respecting which so many
have been in error as regards the true species. I have had all sorts of
things sent to me under the name, and, after all, it is easy to be wrong
with it unless the amateur has either closely noted its distinctions or
grown it for a year at least. Heucheras are similar in habit and shape
of foliage, and are often confounded with it, though otherwise very
distinct. _Tellima grandiflora_, when in its young state, is very like
it, but the strong crowns should be noted--they are twice the strength
of _T. cordifolia_, and develop foliage more than double its size,
whilst the flowers are on stems 3ft. high, nearly green, and might
easily be taken for seed pods.

The Mitellas, however, are much more puzzling, the distinctions being
finer and mostly of a botanical character. Still, in May and June, when
all are in flower, the identification of our subject is not difficult,
more especially if the other species of the same order are near for
comparison.

_T. cordifolia_ grows to the height of 9in. to 12in.; the flowers are
composed of a calyx (five-parted) and five petals, which are entire,
evenly set in the calyx. The ten stamens are prominent; each flower has
a stout pedicel, which