In point of form the blossoms resemble those of the ampullacea, but they are not so large, and have no viscidity; the stigma is enclosed within the mouth of the flower, and the peduncles are usually naked; in some very luxuriant specimens we have observed a scale or two on them.
It is with Heaths, in some respects, as it is with fruit trees: one season they will produce blossoms most abundantly, they seem indeed to overblow themselves, the next few appear; in different years the blossoms of the same heath will vary also considerably in size. The ventricosa is a free blower, and will in general produce flowers in abundance, for two or three months, from June to September.
Those who possess the knack of striking heaths, raise it by cuttings without much difficulty.
[351]
Saxifraga Mutata. Saffron-Colour'd Saxifrage.
Class and Order.
Decandria Digynia.
Generic Character.
Calyx 5-partitus. Corolla 5-petala. Caps. 2-rostris 1-locularis polysperma.