bers may be planted in early spring in any desired situation, and when
the frosts at the end of the season have cut down the foliage, the
tubers may be taken up and stored in sand; but if it is intended to
winter it out the situation should be chosen for its dryness, and the
soil should be of a sandy nature, in which the tubers ought to be placed
5in. or 6in. deep. It is self-propagating, the tubers being numerously
produced; and like "potato sets," the larger ones may be cut in pieces;
if, however, numbers are not the object they are better left uncut.
Caterpillars are fond of this plant; at the first sight of an eaten
leaf, they should be looked for and destroyed.

It begins to flower in the latter part of summer, continuing until
stopped by frosts.

Umbilicus Chrysanthus.

_Nat. Ord._ CRASSULACEAE.

[Illustration: FIG. 107. UMBILICUS CHRYSANTHUS.

(One-half natural size.)]

This is a very pretty and distinct subject, and never fails to flower
very late in the year. It is a plant having the appearance of being
tender, and is not often seen growing fully exposed in the garden; it
is, however, perfectly hardy, enduring any amount of cold; it suffers
more from wet. It is also evergreen. Its soft dull or greyish-green
rosettes are in marked contrast with the rigid and shining sempervivums,
in the company of which it is frequently placed. It is an alpine
subject, and comes from the mountains of Asiatic Turkey, being also
found more west. Not only is it interesting, but its pretty form and
habit are qualities which render it very useful in a garden, more
especially for dry parts, such as old walls and rockwork.

It grows 6in. high, the older rosettes elongate and form leafy flower
stalks, which are topped by drooping panicles of flowers, somewhat bell
shaped; each flower is 3/4in. long, of a yellowish white colour; the
petals are finely pointed, and well supported by a fleshy calyx; the
bloom is slowly developed and very enduring, even when the worst weather
prevails. The leaves are arranged in flat rosette form (the rosettes
from 1in. to 2in. across), lower leaves spathulate, those near the
centre more oval.

All are fleshy, covered with short hairs, and somewhat clammy to the
touch. Its habit is neat, and it adorns such situations as otherwise
suit it, viz., banks or risen beds, and such other positions as have
already been named.

Its culture is easy, but it ought to have the compost it most
enjoys--p