plant for its very recent
offspring, the former is certainly very much eclipsed. _Splendens_ has
foliage slightly different, but its flowers are much larger and
brighter; and though it may not be quite so vigorous, in this case that
may be considered an improvement. It is said to come true from seed.

Flowering period, May to August.

Saxifraga Burseriana.

BURSER'S SAXIFRAGE; _Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEAE.

A hardy evergreen alpine. A native of Carniola, not long discovered, and
quite new to English gardens. Though it belongs to a very extensive
genus, it is a distinct species; many of the Saxifrages are not so,
neither are they sufficiently decorative to merit a place in any but
large or scientific gardens. This one, however, is a truly handsome
kind, and its flowers are produced amid the snow and during the bleak
and dull weather of mid-winter.

The plant in form is a dense cushion of little spiked rosettes, of a
dark green colour, slightly silvered. The flowers are produced on bright
ruddy stems 3in. high, and are creamy white, nearly the size of a
sixpence. Small as the plant is, a moderate sized specimen is very
attractive, especially before the flowers open, when they are in their
prettiest form. They open slowly and endure nearly two months.

It enjoys light soil and a well drained situation, such as the edge of a
border, where strong growing kinds cannot damage it, or on rockwork,
where it will be fully exposed to the sun. To be effective, it should be
grown into strong clumps, which may easily be done by annually giving a
top-dressing of leaf-mould; the older parts of the plant will remain
perfectly sound and healthy for years. When it is desirable to propagate
it, it may best be done in April, when the tufts should be carefully
divided, and its short roots made firm in the soil by one or two stones
being placed near.

Flowering period, January to April.

Saxifraga Caesia.

SILVER MOSS, _or_ GREY SAXIFRAGE; _Nat. Ord._
SAXIFRAGACEAE.

One of the alpine gems. This has been grown in English gardens since
1752, yet good specimens are rarely met with, though its culture is
simple and easy. It is found wild on the Alps of Switzerland, Austria,
and the Pyrenees. To the lover of the minute forms of genuine alpine
plants, this will be a treasure; it is very distinct in form, habit, and
colour. Its tiny rosettes of encrusted leaves can scarcely be said to
rise from the ground, and the common n