. to 2in. across, are borne on slender stems, 4in.
to 6in. long. They are nearly white, but have various tints, bluish
reflections, with a line of blue in each petal. The leaves resemble
those of the snowdrop when overgrown and turning flabby, and have a
somewhat untidy and sprawling habit; they are abundantly produced from
the rather small cocoon-shaped bulbs. On the whole, the plant is very
ornamental when in flower, and the bloom is produced more or less for
many weeks; at any rate, it is an early flower, and if it cannot be used
indoors it should be extensively planted amongst border subjects, than
which there are few more hardy or reliable. Propagated by divisions of
the crowded bulbs every other year, during late summer.

[Illustration: FIG. 105. TRITELEIA UNIFLORA.

(One-fourth natural size.)]

_T. u. lilacina_ (the Lilac-coloured Star Flower) is a most handsome
variety, having, as implied by the name, a richly coloured flower. I am
indebted to a lady for roots and flowers recently sent me; so far as I
know, it is not yet generally distributed. It is very distinct from the
type in having smaller parts throughout, and a more highly coloured
bloom, with the outer surface of the shining tube of a darker or
brownish-green colour. I have seen a mauve coloured form, but this is
much more pronounced and effective. The chief recommendation of this
otherwise desirable flower, to my thinking, is its rich, new-mown hay
scent; in this it differs much from the parent form.

Flowering period, March to May.

Tritoma Uvaria.

GREAT TRITOMA; _Common Names_, FLAME-FLOWER,
RED-HOT POKER; _Nat. Ord._ LILIACEAE-HEMERO-CALLIDEAE.

This is one of our finest late-flowering plants; it has, moreover, a
tropical appearance, which renders it very attractive. It is fast
becoming popular, though as yet it is not very often seen in private
gardens; it comes from the Cape of Good Hope, its year of introduction
being 1707. In this climate, when planted in well-exposed situations and
in sandy loam, it proves hardy but herbaceous; if protected it is
evergreen; and I ought to add that if it is planted in clay soil, or
where the drainage is defective, it will be killed by a severe winter;
but when such simple precautions as are here indicated will conduce to
the salvation of a somewhat doubtful plant, it may be fairly termed
hardy. According to my experience during severe winters, plants in wet
stiff loam were all killed, but others