36.  OPHRYS apifera.  Bee orchis.—­There are few plants that are more generally admired than all the Orchideae for their singular beauty and uncommon structure.  The one in question so very much resembles the humble-bee in appearance, that I have known persons mistake this flower for the animal.  It is unfortunate for the amateurs of gardening that most plants of this tribe are difficult of propagation, and are not of easy culture.  I have sometimes succeeded with this and other species, by the following method:—­to take up the roots from their native places of growth as early as they can be found, and then procure some chalk and sift it through a fine sieve, and also some good tenacious loam; mix both in equal quantities in water; a large garden-pot should then be filled with some rubble of chalk, about one third deep, and then the above compost over it, placing the roots in the centre, at the usual depth they grew before.  As the water drains away, the loam and chalk will become fixed closely round the bulbs, and they will remain alive and grow.  By this method I have cultivated these plants for some years together.

In this way all those kinds growing in chalk may be made to grow; but such as the Orchis moryo, maculata, and pyramidalis, may be grown in loam alone, planted in pots in the common way.  Care should be taken that the pots in which they are planted are protected from wet and frost in the winter season.

37.  Ornithogalum latifolium and umbellatum are also ornamental, and are often cultivated for their beautiful flower.  The season for planting the bulbs is about the month of September.

38.  Papaver somniferum.  Greater poppy.  Papaver Rhoeas.  Carnation poppy.  —­These are made by culture into numerous varieties, and are very beautiful; but the aroma, which is pregnant with opium, renders too many of them unpleasant for the garden.

39.  Polemonium coeruleum.  Greek valerian, or JACOB’S ladder.—­Is also a beautiful perennial, and claims the notice of the gardener.  Its variety, with white flowers, is also ornamental.  It is raised from seeds, which are sold in plenty in our seed-shops.

40.  Primula officinalis.  Cowslip.  Primula vulgaris.  Primrose.  Primula elatior.  Oxlip.  Primula farinose.  Bird’s eye.—­All well known ornaments of numerous varieties, double and single.  The third species is the parent of the celebrated Polyanthus.  The last is also an interesting little plant with a purple flower.  It grows best in bog earth.

41.  Rosa rubiginosa.  Sweet Briar.—­This lovely and highly extolled shrub has long claimed a place in our gardens.  We have several varieties with double flowers, which are highly prized by the amateurs of gardening.

42.  Saxifraga umbrosa.  London Pride.—–­A beautiful little plant for forming edgings to the flower garden, or for decorating rock-work.