A most extensive genus of plants scattered in abundance throughout the northern temperate and alpine regions of Europe and Asia, and also in America, Some of the species are very beautiful, so much so as to claim for them a place in gardens notwithstanding their disagreeable odour. It is in the wild garden only, however, that this family can find a fitting home ; there species that do not seem attractive enough for the garden proper would afford novel effects at certain seasons. One of the most desirable effects to produce in the wild garden would be that of the beautiful white Narcissus-like Allium of the south of Europe (A. neapolitanum). The sheets of this in the Lemon orchards of Provence will be remembered with pleasure, by many travellers. It would thrive in warm and sandy soils : there is an allied species (A. ciliaturn) which does well in any soil, affords a similar effect, and produces myriads of star-like white flowers. Numerous singular effects may be produced from species less showy and mere curious and vigorous, as for example the old yellow A. Moly.

The white Narcissus-like Allium, in the orchards of Provence ; type of family receiving little place in gardens which may be beautiful for a season in wild places.