and pricked into moist
peat under a bell glass, or by layering the branches. These only need to
be pegged down and covered with soil, or to have a small boulder placed
on the part where roots are desired.

Flowering period, all summer.

Mazus Pumilio.

DWARF MAZUS; _Nat. Ord._ SCROPHULARIACEAE.

This diminutive and pretty plant is a native of Australia, and was
introduced into this country in 1823. It is hardy, herbaceous, and
perennial; it is, however, sometimes said to be only annual, which may
have been inferred from the fact of its perishing in winter in this
climate when grown in cold, stiff soil, but that it is perennial is
beyond doubt. Not only have I experienced that it dies every winter in
clay soil, but also that the roots remain fresh and healthy year after
year when in more suitable quarters, such as an open situation in light
vegetable soil mixed with sand, where it quickly spreads by underground
runners and asserts its perennial character.

Its flowers much resemble the small wild violet of the hedgerows, in
size and colour more especially; the flower-stalks are, however,
sometimes branched, carrying four or five flowers; and if I may be
allowed to make another comparison in order to convey an idea of its
form, I would mention _Pinguicula vulgaris_, the common butterwort. The
flowers spring from the midst of flattened tufts of pale green foliage;
the leaves are 1in. to 3in. long, spoon-shaped, slightly waved at the
edges and occasionally notched, distinctly veined, of a light green
colour, and flesh-tinted in the stalks; they are arranged in nearly
rosette form up to the period of flowering, when they are not only
longer, but become almost erect; but the younger tufts which do not
produce flowers remain perfectly flat.

It is useful for rockwork or as a carpet plant where the soil is of a
sandy nature. There should be few bare places in our gardens whilst we
have such lovely creepers as this to fall back upon. The rooted stems,
which run immediately under the surface, may be transplanted any time
except during winter. If the roots are mutilated then, they will
probably rot.

Flowering period, June to September.

Melittis Melissophyllum.

_Syn._ M. GRANDIFLORUM; LARGE-FLOWERED BASTARD BALM; _Nat.
Ord._ LABIATAE.

[Illustration: FIG. 63. MELITTIS MELISSOPHYLLUM.

(One-sixth natural size.)]

This is a somewhat uncommon but handsome native plant. The above names,
together wit