firm, from 1in. to 3in.
long, and each carries but one flower; they issue from the axils of the
leaves, which are arranged in whorls of five or seven, and nearly as
many blossoms will be produced from the whorl, but seldom more than one,
and hardly ever more than two, flowers will be open together, when they
occupy the central position of the foliage, which gives the plant an
elegant appearance. The leaves are of a pale green colour, sometimes a
little bronzed at the tips, veined, entire, bald, lance-shaped, and, as
before hinted, verticillate; they vary much in size, being from 1in. to
3in. long and 1/2in. to 1in. broad. The stems are round, reddish, slender,
and naked, with the exception of two or three minute round leaves, borne
distantly apart; the stems, too, like the leaves, vary in length;
sometimes they grow 8in., while others equally floriferous are not above
3in. high; the root is creeping, and somewhat tuberous. A colony of this
plant has the appearance of a miniature group of palms, bedecked with
glistening stars at the flowering time, and it is one of the most
durable flowers I know; so persistent, indeed, are they, that botanical
descriptions make mention of it.

In a cut state they equal either violets or snowdrops, from the
beautiful combination of flowers and foliage, and it is a pity that it
is not grown in sufficient quantities for cutting purposes. Its culture
is very easy, but to do it well it may be said to require special
treatment; in its wild state it runs freely, and the specimens are not
nearly so fine as they may be had under cultivation with proper
treatment. It should have moist quarters, a little shade, light
vegetable soil, and confinement at the roots. I ought, perhaps, to
explain the last-mentioned condition. It would appear that if the
quick-spreading roots are allowed to ramble, the top growths are not
only straggling, but weak and unfruitful. To confine its roots,
therefore, not only causes it to grow in compact groups, but in every
way improves its appearance; it may be done by planting it in a large
seed pan, 15in. across, and 4in. or 6in. deep. Let it be well drained;
over the drainage place a layer of lumpy peat, on which arrange another
of roots, and fill up with leaf soil and peat mixed with sand; this may
be done any time from September to February; the pan may then be plunged
in a suitable position, so as to just cover the rim from sight, and so
do away with artificial appea