holds out the pretty white blossom in a nearly
horizontal way. There is nothing of a bell-shape character about the
flower, as in its nearest relative the Mitella. The flower stem is erect
and round, being evenly furnished with flowers, for a length of 4in. to
6in.; the flowers are very lasting. The leaves are heart-shaped, acutely
lobed, denticulate, slightly wrinkled, hairy on both sides, and more or
less spotted or splashed with brown spots on the main ribs; the leaf
stalks are long, and carry the foliage gracefully. The whole plant has a
neat habit, and, when in vigorous health, sends out surface creepers.

It enjoys moist quarters and slight shade, though it is grown as seen in
the drawing in an exposed part. The soil is good, but otherwise there is
nothing special about its culture. If this little spring flower can be
made more known, it will be sure to be more widely cultivated; for
covering the bare parts of lawn shrubberies it would form a pleasing
subject, and might be mixed with the scarlet ourisia and the finer sorts
of myosotis; these would make an excellent blend, all flowering
together, and lasting for a long time, besides being suitable otherwise
for such shady positions. When increase is desired strong plants may be
divided at any time, soon after flowering being the best; if the season
be dry, the young stock should be shaded by a leafy branch and kept well
watered.

Flowering period, May and June.

Trientalis Europaea.

EUROPEAN WINTERGREEN, or STAR-FLOWER; _Nat. Ord._
PRIMULACEAE.

Some may say, "Why, this is a common British plant;" and so it is in
some parts, but for all that there are many who have never seen it. In
no way does the mention here of this lovely little flower need an
apology: the best possible reasons for growing and recommending it are
in the facts that it is very beautiful and greatly admired (see Fig.
103).

[Illustration: FIG. 103. TRIENTALIS EUROPAEA.

(Plant, one-third natural size; blossom, full size.)]

The flowers, which are 3/4in. across, are salver-shaped, pure white,
excepting for a day or two when newly opened, then they are stained with
a soft pink; the calyx has eight handsome light green, shining,
awl-shaped sepals; the corolla has five to nine petals, equal in size,
flatly and evenly arranged, their pointed tips forming the star-like
appearance from which the flower takes one of its common names; the
flower stalks are exceedingly fine--thready--but