LEUCOJUM saxatile thymifolio hirsutum caeruleo-purpureum. Bauh.  Pin.
      201.

[Illustration:  No 126]

Plants which flower early, and continue a long while in bloom, are deservedly preferred, more especially by those who content themselves with a partial collection; of that number is the present species of Alyssum, which begins to flower in March, and continues to blossom through April, May, and June, and, if favourably situated, during most of the summer.

It is properly a rock plant, being hardy, forming with very little care a neat tuft of flowers, and not apt to encroach on its neighbours.

May be propagated by parting its roots in Autumn, or by cuttings.

Is a native of the Levant, according to Mr. AITON; and cultivated by Mr. MILLER, in 1739, but omitted in the 6th 4to. edition of his Dictionary:  has usually been considered by the Nurserymen about London as the hyperboreum.

[127]

IXIA FLEXUOSA.  BENDING-STALK’D IXIA.

Class and Order.

TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

Generic Character.

Cor. 6-partita, campanulata, regularis. Stigmata 3.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

IXIA flexuosa foliis linearibus, racemo flexuoso multifloro. Linn. 
      Sp.  Pl. p. 51. Ait.  Hort.  Kew. p. 58.

[Illustration:  No 127]

The Ixias are a numerous tribe, chiefly natives of the Cape, and in general remarkable either for their delicacy, or brilliant colours.

The one here figured appears to be a variety of the flexuosa with a purple eye, its blossoms are fragrant, and come forth in April or May.

“All the sorts multiply very fast by offsets, so that when once obtained, there will be no occasion to raise them from seeds:  for the roots put out offsets in great plenty, most of which will flower the following season, whereas those from seeds are three or four years before they flower.  These plants will not thrive through the winter in the full ground in England, so must be planted in pots, and placed under a frame in winter, where they may be protected from frost, but in mild weather should enjoy the free air; but they must be guarded from mice, who are very fond of these roots, and if not prevented will devour them.” Millers Gard.  Dict.

[128]

SCILLA CAMPANULATA.

Class and Order.

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

Generic Character.

Cor. 6-petala, patens, decidua. Filamenta filiformia.

Specific Character and Synonyms.

SCILLA campanulata bulbo folido, racemo multifloro oblongo-subconico,
      corollis campanulatis erectis, bracteis bipartitis, pedunculo
      longioribus, foliis lanceolatis. Ait.  Hort.  Kew. p. 444.

HYACINTHUS Hispanicus major flore campanulae instar.