,,the ,,subtropical ,,garden4 ,works by the same ,author4 ,,alpine ,,flowers ,,for ,,english ,,gardens4 ,with #gj ,illustrations4 ,,the ,,wild ,,garden1 or our ,groves and ,shrubberies made beautiful by the naturalisation of hardy exotic plants4 ,with ,frontispiece4 ,,mushroom ,,culture3 its ,extension and ,improvement4 ,with ,illustrations4 ,nearly ,ready4 ,,hardy ,,flowers2 or1 ,,herbaceous1 ,,bulbous1 ,,and ,,alpine ,,plants4 ,this will be the most comprehensive and practically instructive book ever published on these plants4 ,with ,frontispiece4 ,a ,,catalogue ,,of ,,cultivated ,,hardy ,,perennials1 ,,bulbs1 ,,annuals1 etc41 including also all ,british ,plants4 ,prepared for the purpose of facilitating exchanges1 c41 and enumerating nearly #aj1jjj hardy exotic and ,british plants4 ,illustration3 ,,frontispiece4 ,,the ,,subtropical ,,garden2 ,,or1 ,,beauty ,,of ,,form ,,in ,,the ,,flower ,,garden4 ,,by ,w4 ,,robinson1 ,f4,l4,s41 ,,author ,,of #8,,alpine ,,flowers1' #8,,the ,,wild ,,garden1' #8,,hardy ,,flowers1' ,,etc4 ,,with ,,illustrations4 ,,london3 ,,john ,,murray1 ,,albemarle ,,street4 #ahga4 ,the right of ,translation is reserved4 ,,london3 ,,printed ,,by ,,william ,,clowes ,,and ,,sons1 ,,stamford ,,street ,,and ,,charing ,,cross4 ,,preface4 ,this book is written with a view to assist the newly-awakened taste for something more than mere colour in the flower-garden1 by enumerating1 describing1 indicating the best positions for1 and giving the culture of1 all our materials for what is called 8subtropical gardening40 ,this not very happy1 not very descriptive name1 is adopted from its popularity only2 fortunately for our gardens numbers of subjects not from subtropical climes may be employed with great advantage4 ,subtropical gardening means the culture of plants with large and graceful or remarkable foliage or habit1 and the association of them with the usually low-growing and brilliant flowering-plants now so common in our gardens1 and which frequently eradicate every trace of beauty of form therein1 making the flower-garden a thing of large masses of colour only4 ,the guiding aim in this book has been the selection of really suitable subjects1 and the rejection of many that have been recommended and tried for this purpose4 ,this point is more important than at first sight would appear1 for in most of the literature hitherto devoted to the subject plants entirely unsuitable are named4 ,thus we find such things as ,alnus glandulosa aurea and ,ulmus campestris aurea 7a form of the common elm7 enumerated among subtropical plants by one author4 ,manifestly if these are admissible almost every species of plant is equally so4 ,these belong to a class of variegated hardy subjects that have been in our gardens for ages1 and have nothing whatever to do with subtropical gardening4 ,two other classes have also purposely been omitted3 very tender stove-plants1 many of which have been tried in vain in the ,paris and ,london ,parks1 and such things as ,echeveria secunda1 which though belonging to a type frequently enumerated among subtropical plants1 are1 more properly1 subjects of the bedding class4 ,but if ,i have excluded many that ,i know to be unsuitable1 every type of the vegetation of northern and temperate countries has been searched for valuable kinds2 and as no tropical or subtropical subject that is really effective has been omitted1 the result is the most complete selection that is possible from the plants now in cultivation4 ,no pains have been spared to show by the aid of illustrations the beauty of form displayed by the various types of plants herein enumerated4 ,for some of the illustrations ,i have to thank ,,mm4 ,vilmorin and ,andrieux1 the well-known ,parisian firm2 for others1 the proprietors of the #8,field2' while the rest are from the graceful pencil of ,mr4 ,alfred ,dawson1 and engraved by ,mr4 ,whymper and ,mr4 ,w4 ,hooper4 ,i felt that engravings would be of more than their usual value in this book1 inasmuch as they place the best attainable result before the reader's eye1 thus enabling him to arrange his materials more efficiently4 ,a small portion of the matter of this book originally appeared in my book on the gardens of ,paris1 in which it will not again be printed4 ,for the extensive list of the varieties of ,canna ,i am indebted to ,m4 ,chat's 8,le ,canna40 ,most of the subjects have been described from personal knowledge of them1 both in ,london and ,paris gardens4 ,w4 ,r4 ,april #c1 #ahga4 ,,contents4 ,,part ,i4 ,,page ,,introduction ,,and ,,general ,,considerations #a ,,part ,,ii4 ,,description1 ,,arrangement1 ,,culture1 ,,etc41 ,,of ,,suitable ,,species1 ,,hardy ,,and ,,tender1 ,,alphabetically ,,arranged #dc ,,part ,,iii4 ,,selections ,,of ,,plants ,,for ,,various ,,purposes #bba ,,list ,,of ,,illustrations4 ,separate plates to face the pages given4 ,,page ,frontispiece--,hardy and tender ,plants in the ,subtropical ,garden4 ,cannas in a ,london park #ac ,anemone japonica alba #ag ,group and single specimens of plants isolated on the grass #bc ,portion of plan showing ,yuccas1 etc4 #be ,formal arrangements in ,london parks #bf ,tree ,ferns and other ,stove ,plants #bh ,ailantus and ,cannas #cj ,young ,conifers1 etc4 #cb ,gourds #cd ,section of raised bed at ,battersea #dj ,acanthus latifolius #dg ,aralia canescens #eh ,aralia japonica #fj ,aralia papyrifera #fa ,asplenium ,nidus-avis #gj ,bambusa aurea #gb ,bambusa falcata #gd ,berberis nepalensis #gi ,blechnum brasiliense #hj ,bocconia cordata #ha ,buphthalmum speciosum #hc ,caladium esculentum #hd ,colocasia odorata #he ,canna #hf ,carlina acaulis #aaj ,caryota sobolifera #aaa ,centaurea babylonica #aab ,chamdorea #aad ,chamrops excelsa #aaf ,cycas #abj ,tree ,fern #abc ,dimorphanthus mandschuricus #abd ,erianthus ,ravenn #acb ,ferula communis #acf ,ficus elastica #aci ,gynerium argenteum #adb ,gunnera scabra #add ,heracleum #adg ,malva crispa #aec ,melianthus major #aee ,monstera deliciosa #aef ,montagna heracleifolia #aeg ,morina longifolia #aeh ,mulgedium alpinum #aei ,musa ,ensete #afj ,nicotiana ,tabacum #afc ,onopordum ,acanthium #afd ,poa fertilis #agd ,rheum ,emodi #agh ,rhus glabra laciniata #ahj ,seaforthia elegans #ahe ,solanum robustum #aij ,solanum ,warscewiczii #aie ,uhdea bipinnatifida #bje ,wigandia macrophylla #bjh ,yucca filamentosa #bab ,yucca pendula #bad ,yucca filamentosa variegata #bag ,,part ,i4 ,,introduction ,,and ,,general ,,considerations4 ,,subtropical ,,gardening4 ,,introduction ,,and ,,general ,,considerations4 ,the system of garden-decoration popularly known as 8,subtropical10 and which simply means the use in gardens of plants having large and handsome leaves1 noble habit1 or graceful port1 has taught us the value of grace and verdure amid masses of low1 brilliant1 and unrelieved flowers1 and has reminded us how far we have diverged from ,nature's ways of displaying the beauty of vegetation1 our love for rude colour having led us to ignore the exquisite and inexhaustible way in which plants are naturally arranged4 ,in a wild state brilliant blossoms are usually relieved by a setting of abundant green2 and even where mountain and meadow plants of one kind produce a wide blaze of colour at one season1 there is intermingled a spray of pointed grass and other leaves1 which tone down the mass and quite separate it from anything shown by what is called the 8bedding system0 in gardens4 ,when we come to examine the most charming examples of our own indigenous or any other wild vegetation1 we find that their attraction mainly depends on flower and fern1 trailer1 shrub1 and tree1 sheltering1 supporting1 relieving and beautifying each other1 so that the whole array has an indefinite tone1 and the mind is satisfied with the refreshing mystery of the arrangement4 ,we may be pleased by the wide spread of purple on a heath or mountain1 but when we go near and examine it in detail1 we find that its most exquisite aspect is seen in places where the long moss cushions itself beside the ling1 and the fronds of the ,polypody peer forth around little masses of heather4 ,everywhere we see ,nature judicious in the arrangement of her highest effects1 setting them in clouds of verdant leafage1 so that monotony is rarely produced--a state of things which it is highly desirable to attain as far as possible in the garden4 ,we cannot attempt to reproduce this literally--nor would it be wise or convenient to do so--but assuredly herein will be found the chief source of true beauty and interest in our gardens as well as in those of ,nature2 and the more we keep this fact before our eyes1 the nearer will be our approach to truth and success4 ,nature in puris naturalibus we cannot have in our gardens1 but ,nature's laws should not be violated2 and few human beings have contravened them more than our flower-gardeners during the past twenty years4 ,we should compose from ,nature1 as landscape artists do4 ,we may have in our gardens--and without making wildernesses of them either--all the shade1 the relief1 the grace1 the beauty1 and nearly all the irregularity of ,nature4 ,subtropical gardening has shown us that one of the greatest mistakes ever made in the flower-garden was the adoption of a few varieties of plants for culture on a vast scale1 to the exclusion of interest and variety1 and1 too often1 of beauty or taste4 ,we have seen how well the pointed1 tapering leaves of the ,cannas carry the eye upwards2 how refreshing it is to cool the eyes in the deep green of those thoroughly tropical ,castor-oil plants1 with their gigantic leaves2 how grand the ,wigandia1 with its wrought-iron texture and massive outline1 looks1 after we have surveyed brilliant hues and richly-painted leaves2 how greatly the sweeping palm-leaves beautify the ,british flower-garden2 and1 in a word1 the system has shown us the difference between the gardening that interests and delights all beholders1 as well as the mere horticulturist1 and that which is too often offensive to the eye of taste1 and pernicious to every true interest of what ,bacon calls the 8purest of humane pleasures40 ,but are we to adopt this system in its purity8 as shown1 for example1 by ,mr4 ,gibson when superintendent of ,battersea ,park4 ,certainly not4 ,it is evident1 that to accommodate it to private gardens an expense and a revolution of appliances would be necessary1 which are in nearly all cases quite impossible1 and if possible1 hardly desirable4 ,we can1 however1 introduce into our gardens most of its better features2 we can vary their contents1 and render them more interesting by a better and nobler system4 ,the use of all plants without any particular and striking habit1 or foliage1 or other desirable peculiarity1 merely because they are natives of very hot countries1 should be tabooed at once1 as tending to make much work1 and to return--a lot of weeds2 for 8weediness0 is all that ,i can ascribe to many ,solanums and stove plants1 of no real merit1 which have been employed under this name4 ,selection of the most beautiful and useful from the great mass of plants known to science is one of the most important of the horticulturist's duties1 and in no branch must he exercise it more thoroughly than in this4 ,some of the plants used are indispensable--the different kinds of ,ricinus1 ,cannas in great variety1 ,polymnia1 ,colocasia1 ,uhdea1 ,wigandia1 ,ferdinanda1 ,palms1 ,yuccas1 ,dracnas1 and fine-leaved plants of coriaceous texture generally4 ,a few specimens of these may be accommodated in many gardens2 they will embellish the houses in winter1 and1 transferred to the open garden in summer1 will lend interest to it when we are tired of the houses4 ,some ,palms1 like ,seaforthia1 may be used with the best effect for the winter decoration of the conservatory1 and be placed out with a good result1 and without danger1 in summer4 ,many fine kinds of ,dracnas1 ,yuccas1 ,agaves1 etc41 which have been seen to some perfection at our shows of late1 are eminently adapted for standing out in summer1 and are in fact benefited by it4 ,among the noblest ornaments of a good conservatory are the ,norfolk ,island and other tender ,araucarias2 and these may be placed out for the summer1 much to their advantage1 because the rains will thoroughly clean and freshen them for winter storing4 ,so with some ,cycads and other plants of distinct habit--the very things best fitted to add to the attractions of the flower-garden4 ,thus we may1 in all but the smallest gardens1 enjoy all the benefits of what is called ,subtropical ,gardening1 without creating any special arrangements for it4 ,but what of those who have no conservatory1 no hothouses1 no means for preserving large tender plants in winter8 ,they too may enjoy the beauty which plants of fine form afford4 ,a better effect than any yet seen in an ,english garden from tender plants may be obtained by planting hardy ones only6 ,there is the ,pampas grass1 which when well grown is unsurpassed by anything that requires protection4 ,there are the ,yuccas1 noble and graceful in outline1 and thoroughly hardy1 and which1 if planted well1 are not to be surpassed1 if equalled1 by anything of like habit we can preserve indoors4 ,there are the ,arundos1 conspicua and ,donax1 things that well repay for liberal planting2 and there are fine hardy herbaceous plants like ,crambe cordifolia1 ,rheum ,emodi1 ,ferulas1 and various graceful umbelliferous plants that will furnish effects equal to any we can produce by using the tenderest exotics4 ,the ,acanthuses too1 when well grown1 are very suitable for this use4 ,then we have a hardy ,palm1 that has preserved its health and greenness in sheltered positions1 where its leaves could not be torn to shreds by storms1 through all our recent hard winters4 ,and when we have obtained these1 and many like subjects1 we may associate them with not a few things of much beauty among trees and shrubs--with elegant tapering young pines1 many of which1 like ,cupressus nutkaensis and the true ,thuja gigantea1 have branchlets as graceful as a ,selaginella2 not of necessity bringing the larger things into close or awkward association with the humbler and dwarfer subjects1 but sufficiently so to carry the eye from the minute and pretty to the higher and more dignified forms of vegetation4 ,by a judicious selection from the vast number of hardy plants now obtainable in this country1 and by associating with them1 where it is convenient1 house plants that may be placed out for the summer1 we may arrange and enjoy charms in the flower-garden to which we are as yet strangers1 simply because we have not sufficiently selected from and utilized the vast amount of vegetable beauty at our disposal4 ,in dealing with the tenderer subjects1 we must choose such as will make a healthy growth in sheltered places in the warmer parts of ,england and ,ireland at all events4 ,there is some reason to believe that not a few of the best will be found to flourish much further north than is generally supposed4 ,in all parts the kinds with permanent foliage1 such as the ,new ,zealand flax and the hardier ,dracnas1 will be found as effective as around ,london and ,paris2 and to such the northern gardener should turn his attention as much as possible4 ,even if it were possible to cultivate the softer-growing kinds1 like the ,ferdinandas1 to the same perfection in all parts as in the south of ,england1 it would by no means be everywhere desirable1 and especially where expense is a consideration1 as these kinds are not capable of being used indoors in winter4 ,the many fine permanent-leaved subjects that stand out in summer without the least injury1 and may be transferred to the conservatory in autumn1 there to produce as fine an effect all through the cold months as they do in the flower-garden in summer1 are the best for those with limited means4 ,but of infinitely greater importance are the hardy plants2 for however few can indulge in the luxury of rich displays of tender plants1 or however rare the spots in which they may be ventured out with confidence1 all may enjoy those that are hardy1 and that too with infinitely less trouble than is required by the tender ones4 ,those noble masses of fine foliage displayed to us by tender plants have done much towards correcting a false taste4 ,what ,i wish to impress upon the reader is1 that in whatever part of these islands he may live1 he need not despair of producing sufficient similar effect to vary his flower-garden or pleasure-ground beautifully by the use of hardy plants alone2 and that the noble lines of a well-grown ,yucca recurva1 or the finely chiselled yet fern-like spray of a graceful young conifer1 will aid him as much in this direction as anything that requires either tropical or subtropical temperature4 ,since writing the preceding remarks ,i have visited ,america1 and when on my way home landed at ,queenstown with a view of seeing a few places in the south of ,ireland1 and among others ,fota ,island1 the residence of ,mr4 ,smith ,barry1 where ,i found a capital illustration of what may be easily effected with hardy plants alone4 ,here an island is planted with a hardy bamboo 7,bambusa falcata71 which thrives so freely as to form great tufts from #af ft4 to #bj ft4 high4 ,the result is that the scene reminds one of a bit of the vegetation of the uplands of ,java1 or that of the bamboo country in ,china4 ,the thermometer fell last ,december 7#ahgj7 seventeen degrees below freezing point1 so that they suffered somewhat1 but their general effect was not much marred4 ,accompanying these1 and also on the margins of the water1 were huge masses of ,pampas grass yet in their beauty of bloom1 and many great tufts of the tropical-looking ,new ,zealand flax1 with here and there a group of ,yuccas4 ,the vegetation of the islands and of the margins of the water was composed almost solely of these1 and the effect quite unlike anything usually seen in the open air in this country4 ,nothing in such arrangements as those at ,battersea ,park equals it1 because all the subjects were quite hardy1 and as much at home as if in their native wilds4 ,remember1 in addition1 that no trouble was required after they were planted1 and that the beauty of the scene was very striking a few days before ,christmas1 long after the ornaments of the ordinary flower-garden had perished4 ,the whole neighbourhood of the island was quite tropical in aspect2 and1 as behind the silvery plumes of the ,pampas grass and the slender wands of the bamboo the exquisitely graceful heads of the ,monterey and other cypresses and various pines towered high in the air1 it was one of the most charming scenes ,i have yet enjoyed in the pleasure-grounds of the ,british ,isles4 ,and this1 which was simply the result of judiciously planting three or four kinds of hardy plants1 will serve to suggest how many other beautiful aspects of vegetation we may create by utilising the rich stores within our reach4 ,illustration3 ,clumsy mass of ,cannas in a ,london park4 ,we will next speak of arrangement and sundry other matters of some importance in connection with this subject4 ,the radical fault of the 8,subtropical ,garden10 as hitherto seen1 is its lumpish monotony and the almost total neglect of graceful combinations4 ,it is fully shown in the ,london parks every year1 so that many people will have seen it for themselves4 ,the subjects are not used to contrast with or relieve others of less attractive port and brilliant colour1 but are generally set down in large masses4 ,here you meet a troop of ,cannas1 numbering #ejj1 in one long formal bed--next you arrive at a circle of ,aralias1 or an oval of ,ficus1 in which a couple of hundred plants are so densely packed that their tops form a dead level4 ,isolated from everything else as a rule these masses fail to throw any natural grace into the garden1 but1 on the other hand1 go a long way towards spoiling the character of the subjects of which they are composed4 ,for it is manifest that you get a far superior effect from a group of such a plant as the ,gunnera1 the ,polymnia1 or the ,castor-oil plant1 properly associated with other subjects of entirely diverse character1 than you can when the lines or masses of such as these become so large and so estranged from their surroundings that there is no relieving point within reach of the eye4 ,a single specimen or small group of a fine ,canna forms one of the most graceful objects the eye can see4 ,plant a rood of it1 and it soon becomes as attractive as so much maize or wheat4 ,no doubt an occasional mass of ,cannas1 etc41 might prove effective--in a distant prospect especially--but the thing is repeated ad nauseam4 ,the fact is1 we do not want purely 8,subtropical gardens10 or 8,leaf gardens10 or 8,colour gardens10 but such gardens as1 by happy combinations of the materials at our disposal1 shall go far to satisfy those in whom true taste has been awakened--and1 indeed1 all classes4 ,for it is quite a mistake to assume that because people1 ignorant of the inexhaustible stores of the vegetable kingdom1 admire the showy glares of colour now so often seen in our gardens1 they are incapable of enjoying scenes displaying some traces of natural beauty and variety4 ,the fine-leaved plants have not yet been associated immediately with the flowers2 hence the chief fault4 ,till they are so treated we can hardly see the great use of such in ornamental gardening4 ,why not take some of the handsomest plants of the medium-sized kinds1 place them in the centre of a bed1 and then surround them with the gaily-flowering subjects8 ,the ,castor-oil plants would not do so well for this1 because they are rampant growers in fair seasons1 but the ,yuccas1 ,cannas1 ,wigandias1 and small neat ,palms and ,cycads would suit exactly4 ,avoid huge1 unmeaning masses1 and associate more intimately the fine-leaved plants with the brilliant flowers4 ,a quiet mass of green might be desirable in some positions1 but even that could be varied most effectively as regards form4 ,the combinations of this kind that may be made are innumerable1 and there is no reason why our beds should not be as graceful as bouquets well and simply made4 ,however1 it is not only by making combinations of the subtropical plants with the gay-flowering ones now seen in our flower-gardens that a beautiful effect may be obtained1 but also with those of a somewhat different type4 ,take1 for instance1 the stately hollyhock1 sometimes grown in such formal plantations as to lose some of its charms1 and usually stiff and poor below the flowers4 ,it is easy to imagine how much better a group of these would appear if seen surrounded by a graceful ring of ,cannas1 or any other tall and vigorous subjects1 than they have ever yet appeared in our gardens4 ,consider1 again1 the ,lilies1 from the superb1 tall1 and double varieties of the brilliant ,tiger lily to the fair ,white lily or the popular ,l4 auratum4 ,why1 a few isolated heads of ,fortune's ,tiger lily1 rising like candelabra above a group of ,cannas1 would form one of the most brilliant pictures ever seen in a garden4 ,then1 to descend from a very tall to a very dwarf lily1 the large and white trumpet-like flowers of ,l4 longiflorum would look superb1 emerging from the outer margin of a mass of ,illustration3 ,anemone japonica alba4 ,type of fine-flowered herbaceous plant for associating with foliage-plants4 subtropical plants1 relieved by the rich green within2 and anybody1 with even a slight knowledge of the lily family1 may imagine many other combinations equally beautiful and new4 ,the bulbs would of course require planting in the autumn1 and might be left in their places for several years at a time1 whereas the subtropical plants might be those that require planting every year2 but as the effect is obtained by using comparatively few lilies1 the spaces between them would be so large1 as to leave plenty of room to plant the others4 ,however1 it is worth bearing in mind1 that most of the ,cannas1 by far the finest group of 8,subtropical0 plants for the ,british ,isles1 remain through the winter in beds in the open air protected by litter3 hence1 permanent combinations of ,lilies and ,cannas are perfectly practicable4 ,then1 again1 we have those brilliant and graceful hosts of ,gladioli1 that do not show their full beauty in the florist's stand or in his formal bed1 but when they spring here and there1 in an isolated manner1 from rich foliage1 entirely unlike their own pointed sword-like blades4 ,next may be named the flame-flowered ,tritoma1 itself almost subtropical in foliage when well grown4 ,any of the ,tritomas furnish a splendid effect grouped near or closely associated with subtropical plants4 ,the lavishly blooming and tropical-looking ,dahlia is a host in itself1 varying so much as it does from the most gorgeous to the most delicate hues1 and differing greatly too in the size of the flowers1 from those of the pretty fancy ,dahlias to the largest exhibition kinds4 ,combinations of ,dahlias with ,cannas and other free-growing subtropical plants have a most satisfactory effect2 and where beds or groups are formed of hardy subjects 7,acanthuses and the like71 in quiet half-shady spots1 some of the more beautiful spotted and white varieties of our own stately and graceful ,foxglove would be charmingly effective4 ,in similar positions a great ,mullein 7,verbascum7 here and there would also suit2 while such bold herbaceous genera as ,iris1 ,aster 7the tall perennial kinds71 the perennial ,lupin1 ,baptisias1 ,thermopsis1 ,delphiniums1 tall ,veronicas1 ,aconites1 tall ,campanulas1 ,papaver bracteatum1 ,achillea filipendula1 ,eupatoriums1 tall ,phloxes1 ,vernonias1 ,leptandra1 etc41 might be used effectively in various positions1 associated with groups of hardy subjects4 ,for those put out in early summer1 summer and autumn-flowering things should be chosen4 ,the tall and graceful ,sparaxis pulcherrima would look exquisite leaning forth from masses of rich foliage about a yard high2 the common and the double perennial ,sunflower 7,helianthus multiflorus1 fl4 pl47 would serve in rougher parts1 where admired2 in sheltered dells the large and hardy varieties of ,crinum capense would look very tropical and beautiful if planted in rich moist ground2 and the ,fuchsia would afford very efficient aid in mild districts1 where it is little injured in winter1 and where1 consequently1 tall specimens flower throughout the summer months2 and lastly1 the many varied and magnificent varieties of herbaceous ,peony1 raised during recent years1 would prove admirable as isolated specimens on the grass near groups of fine-foliaged plants4 ,then again we have the fine ,japan ,anemones1 white and rose1 the showy and vigorous ,rudbeckias1 the sweet and large annual ,datura ceratocaula1 the profusely-flowering ,statice latifolia1 the ,gaillardias1 the ,peas 7everlasting and otherwise71 the ever-welcome ,african ,lily 7,calla71 the handsome ,loosestrife 7,lythrum roseum superbum71 and the still handsomer ,french ,willow1 and not a few other things which need not be enumerated here1 inasmuch as it is hoped enough has been said to show our great and unused resources for adding real grace and interest to our gardens4 ,this phase of the subject--the association of tall or bold flowers with foliage-plants--is so important1 that ,i have bestowed some pains in selecting the many and various subjects useful for it from almost every class of plants2 and they will be found in a list at the end of the alphabetical arrangement4 ,many charming results may be obtained by carpeting the ground beneath masses of tender subtropical plants with quick-growing ornamental annuals and bedding plants1 which will bloom before the larger subjects have put forth their strength and beauty of leaf4 ,if all interested in flower-gardening had an opportunity of seeing the charming effects produced by judiciously intermingling fine-leaved plants with brilliant flowers1 there would be an immediate revolution in our flower-gardening1 and verdant grace and beauty of form would be introduced1 and all the brilliancy of colour that could be desired might be seen at the same time4 ,here is a bed of ,erythrinas not yet in flower3 but what affords that brilliant and singular mass of colour beneath them8 ,simply a mixture of the lighter varieties of ,lobelia speciosa with variously coloured and brilliant ,portulacas4 ,the beautiful surfacings that may thus be made with annual1 biennial1 or ordinary bedding plants1 from ,mignonette to ,petunias and ,nierembergias1 are almost innumerable4 ,reflect for a moment how consistent is all this with the best gardening and the purest taste4 ,the bare earth is covered quickly with these free-growing dwarfs2 there is an immediate and a charming contrast between the dwarf-flowering and the fine-foliaged plants2 and should the last at any time put their heads too high for the more valuable things above them1 they can be cut in for a second bloom4 ,in the case of using foliage-plants that are eventually to cover the bed completely1 annuals may be sown1 and they in many cases will pass out of bloom and may be cleared away just as the large leaves begin to cover the ground4 ,where this is not the case1 but the larger plants are placed thin enough to always allow of the lower ones being seen1 two or even more kinds of dwarf plants may be employed1 so that the one may succeed the other1 and that there may be a mingling of bloom4 ,it may be thought that this kind of mixture would interfere with what is called the unity of effect that we attempt to attain in our flower-gardens4 ,this need not be so by any means2 the system could be used effectively in the most formal of gardens4 ,one of the most useful and natural ways of diversifying a garden1 and one that we rarely or never take advantage of1 consists in placing really distinct and handsome plants alone upon the grass1 to break the monotony of clump margins and of everything else4 ,to follow this plan is necessary wherever great variety and the highest beauty are desired in the ornamental garden4 ,plants may be ,illustration3 ,group and single specimens of plants isolated on the grass4 placed singly or in open groups near the margins of a bold clump of shrubs or in the open grass2 and the system is applicable to all kinds of hardy ornamental subjects1 from trees downwards1 though in our case the want is for the fine-leaved plants and the more distinct hardy subjects4 ,nothing1 for instance1 can look better than a well-developed tuft of the broad-leaved ,acanthus latifolius1 springing from the turf not far from the margin of a pleasure-ground walk2 and the same is true of the ,yuccas1 ,tritomas1 and other things of like character and hardiness4 ,we may make attractive groups of one family1 as the hardiest ,yuccas2 or splendid groups of one species like the ,pampas grass--not by any means repeating the individual1 for there are about twenty varieties of this plant known on the ,continent1 and from these half a dozen really distinct and charming kinds might be selected to form a group4 ,the same applies to the ,tritomas1 which we usually manage to drill into straight lines2 in an isolated group in a verdant glade they are seen for the first time to best advantage3 and what might not be done with these and the like by making mixed groups1 or letting each plant stand distinct upon the grass1 perfectly isolated in its beauty6 ,let us again try to illustrate the idea simply4 ,take an important spot in a pleasure-ground--a sweep of grass in face of a shrubbery--and see what can be done with it by means of these isolated plants4 ,if1 instead of leaving it in the bald state in which it is often found1 we place distinct things isolated here and there upon the grass1 the margin of shrubbery will be quite softened1 and a new and charming feature added to the garden4 ,if one who knew many plants were arranging them in this way1 and had a large stock to select from1 he might produce numberless fine effects4 ,in the case of the smaller things1 such as the ,yucca and variegated ,arundo1 groups of four or five good plants should be used to form one mass1 and everything should be perfectly distinct and isolated1 so that a person could freely move about amongst the plants without touching them4 ,in addition to such arrangements1 two or three individuals of a species might be placed here and there upon the grass with the best effect4 ,for example1 there is at present in our nurseries a great ,japanese ,polygonum 7,p4 ,sieboldi71 which has never as yet been used with much effect in the garden4 ,if anybody will select some open grassy spot in a pleasure-garden1 or grassy glade near a wood--some spot considered unworthy of attention as regards ornamenting it--and plant a group of three plants of this ,polygonum1 leaving fifteen feet or so between the stools1 a distinct aspect of vegetation will be the result4 ,the plant is herbaceous1 and will spring up every year to a height of from six feet to eight feet if planted well2 it has a graceful arching habit in the upper branches1 and is covered with a profusion of small bunches of pale flowers in autumn4 ,it is needless to multiply examples2 the plan is capable of infinite variation1 and on that account alone should be welcome to all true gardeners4 ,illustration3 ,portion of plan showing ,yuccas1 ,pampas grass1 ,tritomas1 ,retinospora1 ,acanthus latifolius1 ,arundo ,donax variegata1 etc41 irregularly isolated on the grass4 ,one kind of arrangement needs to be particularly guarded against--the geometro-picturesque one1 seen in some parts of the ,london parks devoted to subtropical gardening4 ,the plants are very often of the finest kinds and in the most robust health1 all the materials for the best results are abundant1 and yet the scene fails to satisfy the eye1 from the needless formality of many of the beds1 produced by the heaping together of a great number of species of one kind in long straight or twisting masses with high raised edges frequently of hard-beaten soil4 ,many people will not see their way to obliterate the formality of the beds1 but assuredly we need not do so to get rid of such effective formality as that shown in the accompanying figure6 ,illustration3 ,formal arrangements in ,london parks4 ,the formality of the true geometrical garden is charming to many to whom this style is offensive2 and there is not the slightest reason why the most beautiful combinations of fine-leaved and fine-flowered plants should not be made in any kind of geometrical garden4 ,but in the purely picturesque garden it is as needless1 as it is in false taste1 to follow the course here pointed out4 ,hardy plants may be isolated on the turf1 and may be arranged in beautiful irregular groups1 with the turf also for a carpet1 or some graceful spray of hardy trailing plants4 ,beds may be readily placed so that no such objectionable stage-like results will be seen as those shown in the preceding figure3 tender plants may be grouped as freely as may be desired--a formal edge avoided by the turf being allowed to play irregularly under and along the margins1 while the remaining bare ground beneath the tall plants may be quickly covered with some fast-growing annuals like ,mignonette or ,nolanas1 some soft-spreading bedding plants like ,lobelias or ,petunias1 or subjects still more peculiarly suited for this purpose1 such as the common ,lycopodium denticulatum and ,tradescantia discolor4 ,choice tender specimens of ,tree ferns1 etc41 placed in dark shady dells1 may be plunged to the rims of the pots in the turf or earth1 and some graceful or bold trailing herb placed round the cavity so as to conceal it2 and in this way such results may be attained as those indicated in the first plate1 in those showing the ,dimorphanthus1 ,musa ,ensete1 and in the frontispiece4 ,the day will come when we shall be as anxious to avoid all formal twirlings in our gardens as we now are to have them perpetrated in them by landscape-gardeners of great repute for applying wall-paper or fire-shovel patterns to the surface of the reluctant earth1 and when we shall no more think of tolerating in a garden such a scene as that shown in the preceding figure1 than a landscape artist would tolerate it in a picture4 ,the old landscape-gardening dogma1 which tells us we cannot have all the wild beauty of nature in our gardens1 and may as well resign ourselves to the compass1 and the level1 and the defined daub of colour and pudding-like heaps of shrubs1 had some faint force when our materials for gardening were few1,a but considering our present rich and1 to a great extent1 unused stores from every clime1 and from almost every important section of the vegetable kingdom1 it is demonstrably false and foolish4 ,a 8,in gardening1 the materials of the scene are few1 and those few unwieldy1 and the artist must often content himself with the reflection that he has given the best disposition in his power to the scanty and intractable materials of nature40--,,allison4 ,to these observations on arrangement1 etc41 one good rule may be added3--,make your garden as distinct as possible from those of your ,illustration3 ,shady and sheltered ,dell1 with ,tree ,ferns and other ,stove ,plants placed out for the summer4 neighbours--which by no means necessitates a departure from the rules of good taste4 ,i wish particularly to call attention to the fine effects which may be secured1 from the simplest and most easily obtained materials1 by using some of our hardy trees and shrubs in the subtropical garden4 ,our object generally is to secure large and handsome types of leaves2 and for this purpose we usually place in the open air young plants of exotic trees1 taking them in again in autumn2 and1 perhaps1 as we never see them but in a diminutive state1 we often forget that1 when branched into a large head in their native countries1 they are not a whit more remarkable in foliage than many of the trees of our pleasure-grounds4 ,thus1 if the well-known ,paulownia imperialis were too tender to stand our winters1 and if we were accustomed to see it only in a young and simple-stemmed condition and with large leaves1 we should doubtless plant it out every summer as we do the ,ferdinanda4 ,there is no occasion whatever to resort to exotic subjects1 while we can so easily obtain fine hardy subjects--which1 moreover1 may be grown by everybody and everywhere4 ,by annually cutting down young plants of various hardy trees and shrubs1 and letting them make a clean1 simple-stemmed growth every year1 we will1 as a rule1 obtain finer effects than can be got from tender ones4 ,the ,ailantus1 for example1 treated in this way1 gives us as fine a type of pinnate leaf as can be desired4 ,nobody need place ,astrapa ,wallichii in the open air1 as ,i have seen done1 so long as a simple-stemmed young plant of the ,paulownia makes such a column of magnificent leaves4 ,the delicately-cut leaves of the ,gleditschias1 borne on strong young stems1 would be as pretty as those of any fern2 and so in the case of various other hardy trees and shrubs4 ,persons in the coldest and least favourable parts of the country need not doubt of being able to obtain as fine types of foliage as they can desire1 by selecting a dozen kinds of hardy trees and treating them in this way4 ,what may be done in this way1 in one case1 is shown in the accompanying plate1 representing a young plant of ,ailantus1 with its current year's shoot and leaves1 standing gracefully in the midst of a bed of ,cannas4 ,a few words may now be added about some types of vegetation which1 though not included among what are commonly termed subtropical plants1 may yet be judiciously used in combination with them1 and go far to produce very charming effects4 ,illustration3 ,,ailantus ,,and ,,cannas ,suggesting the effects to be obtained from young and vigorous specimens of hardy fine-leaved trees4 ,among conifers we find many subjects of the most exquisite grace1 and of a beautiful free and pointed habit1 which it is most desirable we should have associated with vegetation more distinguished for brilliancy than grace4 ,they are in many cases as elegantly chiselled and dissected as the finest fern1 and it is difficult to find more beautiful masses of verdure than such plants as ,retinospora plumosa and ,r4 obtusa display when well developed2 they are simply invaluable for those who use them with taste4 ,apart altogether from our want of a more elegantly diversified surface in the flower-garden--the best and most practical way to meet which is by the use of such plants as these and neat and elegant young specimens of such things as ,thujopsis borealis--there is1 in many ,british gardens1 a great gulf between the larger tree and shrub vegetation and the humbler colouring material1 which most will admit should be filled up1 and there is nothing more suitable for it than the many graceful conifers we now possess4 ,much as conifers are grown with us1 how few people have any idea of their great value as ornamental plants for the very choicest position in a garden6 ,we are sometimes too apt to put them in what is called their 8proper place10--or1 at all events1 too far from the seat of interest to thoroughly enjoy them in winter1 when the beauty of their form and their exquisite verdure are best seen4 ,if the dwarfer and choicer conifers were tastefully disposed in and immediately around a flower-garden not altogether spoiled by a profusion of beds for masses of colour1 that flower-garden could hardly fail to look as well in winter as in summer2 in fact ,i have seen places where1 from rather close association of the more elegant types1 the best kind of winter garden was made4 ,our efforts must tend to prevent a desert-like aspect at any time of the year2 and to this end nothing can help us more than a judicious selection of conifers4 ,almost every beauty of form is theirs4 ,they possess a permanent dignity and interest1 always occupying the ground and embellishing it1 displaying distinct tints of ever-grateful green in spring and summer1 waving majestically before the gusts of autumn1 and beautiful when bearing on their deepest green the snows of winter4 ,some of the more suitable kinds are named in a list at the end of this book1 but the graceful pines are so commonly grown that few will have any difficulty in securing proper sorts4 ,the ,gourd tribe is capable1 if properly used1 of adding much remarkable beauty and character to ,illustration3 ,young ,conifers and hardy fine-leaved ,plants4 the garden2 yet1 as a rule1 it is seldom used4 ,there is no natural order more wonderful in the variety and singular shapes of its fruit than that to which the melon1 cucumber1 and vegetable marrow belong4 ,from the writhing ,snake-cucumber1 which hangs down four or five feet long from its stem1 to the round enormous giant pumpkin or gourd1 the grotesque variation1 both in colour and shape and size1 is marvellous4 ,there are some pretty little gourds which do not weigh more than half an ounce when ripe2 while1 on the other hand1 there are kinds with fruit almost large enough to make a sponge bath4 ,eggs1 bottles1 gooseberries1 clubs1 caskets1 folded umbrellas1 balls1 vases1 urns1 small balloons1--all have their likenesses in the gourd family4 ,those who have seen a good collection of them will be able to understand ,nathaniel ,hawthorne's enthusiasm about these quaint and graceful vegetable forms when he says3 8,a hundred gourds in my garden were worthy1 in my eyes at least1 of being rendered indestructible in marble4 ,if ever ,providence 7but ,i know it never will7 should assign me a superfluity of gold1 part of it shall be expended for a service of plate1 or most delicate porcelain1 to be wrought into the shape of gourds gathered from vines which ,i will plant with my own hands4 ,as dishes for containing vegetables they would be peculiarly appropriate4 ,gazing at them1 ,i felt that by my agency something worth living for had been done4 ,a new substance was born into the world4 ,they were real and tangible existences1 which the mind could seize hold of and rejoice in40 ,of course the climate of ,new ,england is much better suited for fully developing the gourd tribe than ours1 but it is satisfactory to know that they may be readily and beautifully grown in this country4 ,illustration3 ,gourds ,there are many positions in gardens in which they might be grown with great advantage2 on low trellises1 depending from the edges of raised beds1 the smaller and medium-sized kinds trained over arches or arched trellis-work1 covering banks1 or on the ordinary level earth of the garden4 ,isolated1 too1 some kinds would look very effective1 and in fact there is hardly any limit to the uses to which they might be applied4 ,in the ,royal ,botanic ,gardens at ,dublin1 there is a singular wigwam made by placing a number of dead branches so as to form the framework1 and then planting ,aristolochia ,sipho all round these4 ,it runs over them1 and the large leaves make a perfect summer roof4 ,a similar tent might be made with the free-growing gourds1 and it would have the additional merit of suspending some of the most singular1 graceful1 and gigantic of all known fruits from the roof4 ,a few words on their culture1 and a selection of kinds1 occur at the end of the book4 ,although some ,ferns are named in the descriptive part of this book1 it is desirable to allude to the family here4 ,why do we always put ferns in the shade1 when many of the best and hardiest kinds grow freely in the full sun if sufficiently moist at the root8 ,why do we always confine them to the fernery proper1 when there are so many other places that could be graced by their presence8 ,the very highest beauty of form might be added to beds of low flowers1 by the introduction of such ferns as the ,struthiopteris1 ,pteris1 ,lastrea1 etc41 while they should also be freely planted in various parts of the pleasure-ground1 either alone1 or grouped with the ,acanthuses and other hardy fine-leaved plants4 ,not a few of the ,umbelliferous plants recommended have foliage as finely cut as any of the ,ferns1 and would associate very well with them4 ,even in cases where the soil might not be suitable for ferns1 it would1 instead of confining them to the fernery proper1 be much better to arrange for having small groups or beds of them in places alongside of shady wood-walks or similar positions4 ,by reference to the ,osmunda article1 it will be seen how these have been grown to magnificent proportions4 ,it may be easily imagined that groups of fine ferns1 grown to the luxuriance there described1 would contrast with and relieve groups of the brilliant flowers in a superb way4 ,as the culture of most of the subjects has been sufficiently spoken of in the descriptive part1 it is needless to say much of it here1 but a few general remarks may help to make the matter clearer to the amateur4 ,it is hoped that the greater number of the hardy subjects enumerated will sufficiently prove that it is not only those persons who have streets of glass-houses to whom the luxury of 8subtropical gardening0 is accessible4 ,once placed in suitable soil and position1 these hardy kinds may1 as a rule1 be left to take care of themselves4 ,a great number of subjects1 like the ,ricinus and the ,annuals1 may be considered practically hardy1 inasmuch as they only require to be raised in warm or cool frames1 or even 7some of them7 in the open air4 ,when once planted out for the summer1 they give but little further trouble4 ,in the next group may be placed the tender greenhouse kinds2 long-lived subjects1 like the ,dracnas1 ,american ,aloe1 etc41 which thrive in greenhouses or conservatories in winter1 and are great ornaments there1 and which may be placed in the open air in summer without the least injury4 ,next to the hardy group1 this is the most important1 from the fact that the subjects are effective at all seasons of the year1 and useful indoors as well as without4 ,they also1 unlike the following1 may be enjoyed by every one who possesses any kind of a cool glazed structure2 and even1 in some cases1 this is not needed1 for ,i have seen some very fine specimens of ,agave americana kept in a large entrance hall in winter1 and put out of doors in ,may to be taken in again in ,october4 ,lastly1 we have the least important group of all1 and happily also the most costly1 viz41 those plants which must be kept through the winter and spring in warm stoves1 such as ,ferdinanda1 ,solanum1 etc4 ,considering the vast number of hardy and half-hardy plants from which we may select1 this type is not worthy of encouragement in gardens generally1 with the exception of a few fine things1 such as ,polymnia grandis4 ,they may1 for the sake of convenience1 be considered in two sections3 those1 like the ,polymnia1 that should be put out in a young state1 and which make a fresh and handsome growth during the summer months2 and those which1 like the ,monstera and ,anthurium acaule1 make no growth whatever during that season4 ,it need not be said that the first section is by far the most important3 it comprises the ,wigandia1 and some of the noblest things used in this way4 ,plants of the other section can1 in the nature of things1 be tried in but few places in this country2 they are too expensive1 and they are not the most effective3 but some persons no doubt may take a pleasure in showing what will endure the open air1 even if useless for any other purpose4 ,one general rule may be applied to these last-named subjects--they should be allowed to make a strong growth in the hothouse in spring or early summer1 and to mature1 and1 so to speak1 harden off that growth before being placed in the open air early in ,june1 or even later if the season be unfavourable4 ,speaking generally of all the tender subjects used1 it is necessary to discriminate between kinds that should be planted out in a young state every year1 and those which are valuable in proportion to their age and size4 ,some plants are all the better the higher and larger they are grown2 others must be started in a dwarf fresh state every year1 or1 if not1 their foliage will not possess that pristine freshness which charms us when they are properly treated4 ,a large plant of ,polymnia grandis1 for example1 would1 if placed in the open air in early summer1 speedily become a far from attractive object1 while a young plant of the same kind1 put out on the same day1 would soon produce and carry to the end of the season a mass of fresh and noble leaves4 ,but of course this only applies to kinds that grow rapidly during the summer months in our climate4 ,with respect to the preparation of the beds for the finer subtropical plants1 a peculiar mode is practised in ,battersea ,park4 ,here many of the beds are raised above the level of the ground1 and underneath and around the mass of light rich soil is a good layer of brick-rubbish1 as shown in the accompanying engraving4 ,the soil is first excavated and thrown round the margin of the bed2 then the brick-rubbish is put in on the bottom and ,illustration3 ,section of raised bed at ,battersea1 with brick-rubbish beneath and around the soil4 around the sides also1 raising the bed somewhat above the level of the ground2 the cavity in the centre is then filled up1 generally with fine light rich soil1 using as much of the soil that was dug out as is fit to be used1 and arranging the remainder round the edge of the raised bed1 covering it neatly with turf4 ,the soil may vary in depth from three feet to eighteen inches1 according to the kinds of plants to be grown in it4 ,in this way1 by presenting a larger surface to the sun1 it is considered that a greater amount of heat is obtained2 but ,i certainly think the advantages of the method are not so great in this way as is generally supposed1 and that it is quite needless to adopt it in the case of the great majority of subjects4 ,its chief merit probably is that it secures a better drainage4 ,good drainage is undoubtedly indispensable1 and1 still more so1 a thoroughly rich and light mass of deep soil1 with abundance of water2 without these two last conditions it is hopeless to expect a free rich growth1 which is the great charm of these plants4 ,ricinus1 ,cannas1 ,ferdinanda1 and some of the freer-growing kinds certainly succeed perfectly without any such arrangement as that above described4 ,the more delicate kinds1 such as the ,solanums and ,wigandia macrophylla1 would be those most likely to be benefited by it4 ,it is needless to say1 that the numerous fine and hardy subjects enumerated in ,part ,,ii4 do not require anything of the kind1 although they too will1 as a rule1 be fine in proportion to the care bestowed in securing for them a deep and rich body of soil4 ,one most essential matter is the securing of as perfect shelter as is possible4 ,warm1 sunny1 and thoroughly sheltered dells should be chosen where convenient2 and1 in any case1 positions which are sheltered should be selected1 as the leaves of all the better kinds suffer very much from strong winds1 from which they will be protected if judiciously planted near sheltering banks and trees4 ,even in quite level districts it will be possible to secure shelter1 by planting trees of various kinds1 among which such graceful conifers as ,thujopsis borealis1 ,thuja gigantea 7true71 ,cupressus macrocarpa1 ,cryptomeria elegans1 etc41 should be freely used in the foreground1 as in beauty of form they are unsurpassed by any short-lived inhabitants of the summer garden4 ,except1 however1 in the case of the ,tree-ferns1 and various other things not grown in the open air but simply placed there for the summer1 it is very desirable not to place the plants in the shade of trees4 ,all the things which have to grow in the open air should be placed in the full sun4 ,not a few hardy subjects will thrive very well without any but ordinary shelter1 as1 for example1 the ,yuccas and ,acanthuses2 but1 judging by the remarkable way in which the hardy ,bamboo thrives when placed in a sheltered dell1 shelter has a considerable influence on the well-being even of these1 as it must have on all subjects with large leaf-surfaces4 ,but it should not be forgotten that shelter may be well secured without placing the beds or groups so near trees that they will be robbed1 shaded1 or otherwise injured by them4 ,w4 ,r4 ,march #a1 #ahga4 ,,part ,,ii4 ,,description1 ,,arrangement1 ,,culture1 ,,etc41 ,,of ,,suitable ,,species1 ,,hardy ,,and ,,tender1 ,,alphabetically ,,arranged4 ,,subtropical ,,gardening4 ,,part ,,ii4 99,acacia ,julibrissin4--,a native of ,persia1 with large and elegant much-divided leaves1 and flowers somewhat like short tinted brushes from the numerous purple stamens4 ,though this does not succeed as a standard tree in all parts of ,england 7where it grows well against walls1 and sometimes flowers71 yet doubtless it would do so in some parts of the south1 and ,i have seen it make presentable standards about ,geneva and in ,anjou4 ,but for our purposes it is better that it should not be perfectly hardy1 as by confining it to a single young stem and using young plants1 or plants that have been cut down every year1 we shall get an erect stem covered with leaves more graceful than a fern1 and that is the kind of ornament we want as a graceful object amidst low-growing flowers4 ,the leaves1 like those of some other plants of the pea tribe1 are slightly sensitive4 ,on fine sunny days they spread out fully and afford a pleasant shade2 on dull ones the leaflets fall down4 ,this interesting phenomenon takes place with other members of the same family--for instance1 the elegant ,a4 dealbata of our conservatories4 ,seed of ,a4 ,julibrissin--or the silk-rose1 as it is called by the ,persians in consequence of its silky stamens--is readily obtained1 and it is much better raised from seed1 as then you get those single-stemmed and vigorous young plants which are to the flower-garden what an elegant fern is to the conservatory or show-house4 ,to succeed with it in the way above named1 it may be protected at the root and cut down every year in spring1 or strong young plants may be put out annually1 in much the same way as those of ,a4 lophantha4 99 ,the names of all hardy species and other kinds easily raised from seed in spring 7the kinds useful in all classes of garden71 are preceded by an asterisk4 ,acacia lophantha4--,this elegant plant1 though not hardy1 is one of those which all may enjoy1 from the freedom with which it grows in the open air in summer4 ,it will prove more useful for the flower-garden than it has ever been for the houses1 and1 being easily raised1 is entitled to a place here among the very best4 ,the elegance of its leaves and its quick growth in the open air make it quite a boon to the flower-gardener who wishes to establish graceful verdure amongst the brighter ornaments of his parterre4 ,it has graceful fern-like leaves and a close and erect habit1 which permits us to closely associate it with flowering plants without in the least shading them or robbing them4 ,of course ,i speak of it in the young and single-stemmed condition1 the way in which it should be used4 ,by confining it to a single stem and using it in a young state1 you get the fullest size and grace of which the leaves are capable4 ,allow it to become old and branched1 and it may be useful1 but by no means so much so as when young and without side branches4 ,it may be raised from seed as easily as a common bedding plant4 ,by sowing it early ,illustration3 ,,acanthus ,,latifolius 7lusitanicus74 ,ornamental foliaged herbaceous ,section2 retaining its leaves till very late in the year4 in the year it may be had fit for use by the first of ,june2 but plants a year old or so1 stiff1 strong1 and well hardened off for planting out at the end of ,may1 are the best4 ,it would be desirable to raise an annual stock1 as it is almost as useful for room-decoration as for the garden4 ,native of ,new ,holland4 ,,acanthus4 ,these stout and hardy herbaceous plants are of the greatest importance in the subtropical garden or the pleasure-ground1 their effect being very good when they are well established4 ,they thrive in almost any soil1 but attain their greatest luxuriance and beauty in deep warm ones4 ,the best uses for these species are as isolated tufts in the grass1 in the mixed border1 or in picturesque groups with other hardy subjects4 ,in all cases they should be placed in positions where they are not likely to be disturbed1 as their beauty is not seen until they are well established4 ,all are easily propagated by division4 ,few herbaceous genera may be made more useful than this4 99,acanthus hirsutus4--,this uncommon species has a narrow spiny leaf1 more in the way of ,morina longifolia than the ordinary ,acanthuses1 and is dark green in hue4 ,the leaves grow to a length of about #ae ins4 or #af ins4 in ordinary soil4 ,being distinct1 it may be worth growing1 though in point of character or importance it is inferior to the larger kinds4 ,south of ,europe4 99,acanthus latifolius4--,the leaves of this are bold and noble in outline1 and the plant has a tendency1 rare in some hardy things with otherwise fine qualities1 to retain them till the end of the season without losing a particle of their freshness and polished verdure4 ,in fact1 the only thing we have to decide about this subject is1 what is the best place for it8 ,now1 it is one of those things that will not disgrace any position1 and will prove equally at home in the centre of the mixed border1 projected in the grass a little from the edge of a choice shrubbery1 or in the flower-garden2 nobody need fear its displaying anything like the seediness which such things as the ,heracleums show at the end of summer4 ,i should not like to advise its being planted in the centre of a flower-bed1 or in any other position where it would be disturbed2 but in case it were determined to plant permanent groups of fine-leaved hardy plants1 then indeed it could be used with great success4 ,supposing we have an irregular kind of flower-garden or pleasure-ground to deal with 7a common case71 one of the best things to do with this ,acanthus is to plant it in the grass1 at some distance from the clumps1 and perhaps near a few other things of like character4 ,it is better than any kind of ,acanthus hitherto commonly cultivated1 though one or two of these are fine4 ,give it deep good soil1 and do not grudge it this attention1 because1 unlike tender plants1 it will not trouble you again for a long time4 ,nobody seems to know from whence it came4 ,probably it is a variety of ,acanthus mollis4 ,the plant varies a good deal2 ,i have seen specimens of it about a foot high1 with leaves comparatively small and stiff and rigid1 as if cast in a mould1 by the side of others of thrice that development1 and of the usual texture4 99,acanthus longifolius4--,a fine1 distinct1 and new species from ,dalmatia and ,s4 ,europe1 #c ft4 to #d ft4 high1 distinguished from ,a4 mollis 7to which it is allied7 by the length and narrowness of its arching leaves4 ,they are about #b ft4 long1 very numerous1 of a bright green colour1 growing at first erect1 then inclining and forming a sheaf-like tuft1 which has a very fine effect4 ,the flowers are of a wine-red colour1 becoming lighter before they fall4 ,a specimen in the gardens of the ,museum at ,paris1 in four years after planting1 had twenty-five blooming-stems rising from the midst of a round mass of verdure nearly #b ft4 in height and width4 ,this would be very effective on the undulating and picturesque parts of landscape-gardens4 ,it does not run so much at the root as ,a4 mollis4 ,it seeds more freely than the other kinds1 and may be readily increased by seeds as well as by division4 ,its free-flowering quality makes this species peculiarly valuable1 while it is as good as any for isolation or grouping4 99,acanthus mollis4--,a well-known old border-plant from the south of ,europe1 about #c ft4 high1 with leaves nearly #b ft4 long by #a ft4 broad1 heart-shaped in outline1 and cut into angular toothed lobes4 ,the flowers are white or lilac1 the inflorescence forming a remarkable-looking spike1 half the length of the stem4 ,well adapted for borders1 isolation1 margins of shrubberies1 and semi-wild places1 in deep ordinary soil1 the richer the better4 ,increased by division of the roots in winter or early spring4 99,acanthus spinosissimus4--,this is in all respects among the finest of thoroughly hardy 8foliage-plants10 growing to a height of #c ft41 and bearing rosy-flesh-coloured flowers in spikes of a foot or more in length4 ,it is perfectly hardy1 very free in growth1 and is quite distinct from any of the other species1 forming roundish masses of dark-green leaves1 with rather a profusion of glistening spines1 by which it is known immediately from its relatives4 ,as a permanent object1 fit to plant in a nook in the pleasure-ground or on the grass1 associated with the nobler grasses or other plants1 there is nothing to surpass it4 ,i know of no hardy foliage-plant so thoroughly neat in its habit at all times4 ,it does not often flower2 and if it should throw up a spike1 it will perhaps be no loss to cut it off1 as its leaves are its best ornament1 though the flowers too are interesting4 ,never at any time does it require the least attention2 it will stand any exposure2 and is1 in a word1 invaluable as a hardy ornamental plant4 ,it will thrive best in good and deep soil4 ,south of ,europe4 99,acanthus spinosus4--,this species appears to flower well more regularly than any other4 ,its leaves are rather narrow1 and very deeply divided into almost triangular segments3 they are also covered with short spines4 ,the flowering-stems are about #c ft4 high1 and bear dense spikes of purplish flowers4 ,useful for borders1 or grouping with the other kinds and plants of similar character and size4 ,south of ,europe4 99,adiantum pedatum4--,this fern1 which abounds in the woods of ,canada and the ,united ,states1 is unquestionably one of the most elegant of those which are able to endure the climate of ,britain1 and grows from #af ins4 to #bj ins4 high4 ,from the tops of the erect black stems the fronds branch and spread horizontally in a very graceful and peculiar manner4 ,the leaflets are slightly wedge-shaped1 the upper margin resembling an arc of a circle4 ,the ,american ,maiden-hair flourishes in a light cool soil1 and in a half-shaded position1 or in a coarsely-broken1 shallow1 turfy peat soil1 covered with a layer of moss to keep it constantly cool4 ,it is commonly grown in the greenhouse with us1 but is especially adapted for embellishing the low and shady parts of rockwork1 and for ornamenting beds and mounds of peaty soil which have a north aspect or are sheltered from the full sun4 ,it is propagated by division of the tufts in autumn or early spring4 ,if done in autumn1 the divisions should be potted and placed under a frame for the winter1 as they form new roots more readily if so treated4 ,there can be no question that1 if planted in rich moist soil in a shady wood1 we should have no trouble in naturalising this graceful fern1 the fronds of which are such graceful objects in the dense woods of the 8great country40 ,agave americana4--,this and its variegated varieties are plants peculiarly suited for subtropical gardening1 being useful for placing out of doors in summer in vases1 tubs1 or pots plunged in the ground1 and also for the conservatory in winter4 ,it forms a large rosette of thick fleshy leaves of a glaucous ashy-green colour1 overlapping each other at the base1 from #d ft4 to #f ft4 long1 and from #f ins4 to #aj ins4 broad1 ending in a strong spine1 and having numerous spines along the margin4 ,when the plant flowers1 which it does only once1 and after several years' growth1 it sends up a flowering-stem from #bf ft4 to nearly #dj ft4 high4 ,the flowers are of a yellowish-green colour1 and are very numerous on the ends of the chandelier-like branches4 ,it will grow in any moderately dry greenhouse or conservatory in winter1 or even in a large hall1 and may be placed out of doors at the end of ,may and brought in in ,october4 ,all the varieties are easily increased from suckers4 ,n4 ,america4 99,agrostis nebulosa4--,this beautiful annual grass forms most delicate feathery tufts about #a ft4 or #ae ins4 in height1 terminated when in flower by graceful panicles of spikelets1 which are at first of a reddish-green colour1 and afterwards change to a light red in the upper part1 the remaining two-thirds being of a deep green3 the pedicels are extremely slender and of a violet colour4 ,it forms very handsome edgings1 and is very valuable for bouquets1 vases1 baskets1 room and table decoration1 etc4 ,if cut shortly before the seed ripens1 and dried in the shade1 it will keep for a long time4 ,dyed in various colours it is much used by makers of artificial flowers4 ,it may be sown either in ,september or in ,april or ,may4 ,in the former case it will flower from ,may to ,july1 in the latter from ,july to ,september4 ,the seed1 being very fine1 should be only slightly covered4 ,though small1 this deserves a place in groups of the finer and dwarfer plants1 such as ,thalictrum minus1 and also in herbaceous borders4 ,spain4 99,ailantus glandulosa4--,much trouble and expense are incurred in the purchase1 growth1 and protection of tender plants with fine compound leaves like this1 but which in our climate never display anything like the fresh vigour1 health1 spotless appearance1 and youthful grace characteristic of hardy subjects4 ,this is one of the most valuable of the hardy trees which1 if kept in a dwarf state by being planted young and cut down annually1 will furnish as good an effect as any tropical plant4 ,the ,ailantus should be kept in a young state1 with a single stem clothed with its superb pinnate leaves2 and we can readily keep it in this form by planting it young and cutting it down annually1 taking care to prevent it from breaking into an irregular head1 as then the symmetry of the leaf beauty becomes confused and is not at all so effective as when it is kept to a single stem4 ,vigorous young plants and suckers in good soil will produce handsome1 arching1 elegantly divided leaves #e ft4 and even #f ft4 long1 not to be surpassed by those of any stove-plant4 ,under such treatment it could be grown conveniently to about from #d ft4 to #g ft4 high1 and would thus do grandly for association with the larger class of garden flowers--,gladioli1 ,dahlias1 and ,hollyhocks1 for example--while among ,cannas and the like it will prove fine4 ,the leaves are not liable to be attacked by insects--a good point in a plant used for the purpose ,i suggest--and they retain their healthy green till the first frosts in ,november1 when they suddenly drop off4 ,it is propagated with facility by cuttings of the roots1 but is cheap in all nurseries4 ,china and ,japan4 99,aira pulchella4--,one of the most ornamental grasses1 with numerous hair-like stems1 growing in light elegant tufts #f ins4 to #h ins4 high4 ,it is useful for forming very handsome edgings1 or for interspersing amongst plants in borders1 or growing in vases or pots for room-decoration4 ,its delicate panicles give an additional charm to the finest bouquets4 ,may be sown either in ,september or in ,april4 ,s4 ,europe4 99,alisma ,plantago4--,a native perennial water-plant1 growing nearly #c ft4 high1 and bearing a very handsome pyramidal panicle of rosy-white flowers from ,june to ,september4 ,the leaves are oval-lance-shaped with a cordate base1 and are borne nearly erect on long stalks for some distance above the surface of the water4 ,a graceful object on the margins of ponds1 lakes1 etc41 where a plant of it transferred from any place where it grows will soon increase4 ,alsophila excelsa4--,a noble tree-fern1 native of ,norfolk ,island1 where it attains a height of #dj ft41 crowned with a magnificent circular crest of bipinnate fronds4 ,these fronds or branches fall off every year1 leaving an indentation in the trunk4 ,it stands well in the open air in this country in shady1 moist1 and thoroughly well sheltered places4 ,it should be put out at the end of ,may1 and taken indoors at the end of ,september or early in ,october1 and receive warm-greenhouse or temperate-house treatment in winter4 ,the same remarks apply to ,a4 australis1 and probably others of the family will be found to thrive well in the open air when sufficiently plentiful to be tried in that position4 99,,the ,,amarantuses4 ,among the common annuals of our gardens ,i know of none more in want of judicious use and appreciation than these4 ,the few we grow are usually treated as rough common annuals1 and sown so thickly that they never attain half their true development1 or never fulfil any of the graceful uses for which they are adapted4 ,but the family possesses greater claims on our attention by reason of the more recent additions to it4 ,the old 8,love lies bleeding0 7,a4 caudatus71 with its dark-red pendent racemes1 is a very striking object when well grown1 but ,a4 speciosus and some of the more recent varieties are still more so4 99,amarantus caudatus4--,a hardy and vigorous-growing species1 from #b ft4 to #c ft4 high4 ,flowers from ,july to ,september1 dark purplish1 very small1 collected in numerous whorls1 which are disposed in drooping spikes so as to form a handsome pendent panicle4 ,there is a variety which has yellow flowers and is equally hardy4 ,it is advisable to give this plant plenty of room to spread2 otherwise much of its picturesque effect will be lost2 and to use it in positions where its fine and peculiar habit may be seen to advantage1--as1 for example1 in large vases1 edges of large beds of subtropical plants1 or dotted among low-growing flowering plants4 ,although as easily raised as any common annual1 it deserves to be properly thinned out1 and each plant isolated in rich ground1 so that it may attain its full size4 ,e4 ,indies4 99,amarantus sanguineus4--,is distinguished by the blood-red colour of its leaves1 and grows about #c ft4 high4 ,its purple flowers appear from ,july to ,october1 disposed partly in small heads in the axils of the upper leaves1 and partly in slender1 flexible spikes which form a panicle more or less branching4 ,this plant1 though a native of the ,east ,indies1 is quite hardy1 and seems to do best in light soil with plenty of leaf-mould and having a warm aspect4 ,it may be sown in hotbeds in ,april and pricked out in ,may1 or in the open air at the end of ,april or beginning of ,may1 and1 like the others1 should never be allowed to get crowded4 99,amarantus speciosus4--,a very large kind1 well adapted for associating with subtropical plants1 as it grows from #c ft4 to nearly #e ft4 high4 ,the flowers are very numerous1 of a dark crimson purple1 and arranged in large erect spikes1 forming a fine plumy panicle4 ,the leaves are suffused with a reddish tinge4 ,plants of this species are occasionally met with having leaves with a light green centre surrounded by wavy zones of a reddish hue4 ,this colouring disappears at the time of flowering4 ,it is an effective subject in the autumn months4 ,culture1 the same as for the preceding kind4 ,nepaul4 99,amarantus tricolor4--,distinguished by the very handsome and remarkable colouring of its leaves1 which are of a fine transparent purplish-red1 or dark carmine1 from the base to the middle4 ,a large spot of lively transparent yellow occupies the greater part of the upper end of the leaf1 and sometimes covers it altogether1 with the exception of the point1 which is mostly green4 ,the leaf-stalk is either of a light green or yellow colour4 ,sometimes leaves occur which have the lower half green and the upper part red4 ,another variety 7bicolor7 has leaves of a tender green variously streaked with light yellow4 ,it is rather delicate1 and requires very good soil1 and a warm1 open aspect4 ,another variety 7bicolor ruber7 is hardier than the last-named1 and has leaves which are of a brilliant glistening scarlet when young1 gradually changing to a dark violet-red mixed with green4 ,another variety 7ruber7 has a more squat and ramified habit1 and leaves of a deep rose-colour thickly clothing the stems4 ,other varieties recommended are elegantissimus 7with scarlet leaves71 ,gordoni1 melancholicus ruber1 and versicolor1 all having some claims as bedding plants4 ,the foliage of these varieties is exceedingly ornamental1 and rivals the finest flowers in the richness of its hues4 ,planted along with large-leaved subjects1 such as the ,cannas1 ,wigandias1 ,ricinus1 ,solanums1 etc41 the effect is very fine4 ,they may also be advantageously employed in borders and flower-beds of all sizes1 and for fringing the edges of shrubberies4 ,the varieties of ,a4 tricolor are a little more tender than the other kinds1 and a light soil and a warmer position are necessary for them4 ,they do well in gardens by the seaside4 ,they should be sown in ,april in a hotbed1 pricked out in a hotbed1 and finally planted permanently about the end of ,may4 ,a4 t4 giganteus is described as very fine in recent catalogues of the nurserymen4 ,to these may be added a beautiful new kind1 ,a4 salicifolius1 in the possession of the ,messrs4 ,veitch1 but not yet sent out4 ,it has highly coloured and very long1 narrow1 and arching leaves1 and is a singularly graceful and brilliant object4 ,e4 ,indies4 99,andropogon squarrosus is a hardy ,east ,indian grass1 which survives the winter with but slight protection1 making luxuriant tufts seven feet high1 or more1 when in flower4 ,it would probably make a beautiful object in the warmer and milder parts of ,england and ,ireland in good soil1 but it is not a subject which can with confidence be recommended for every garden4 ,however1 all who value fine grasses should try it4 ,well-drained and deep-sandy loam4 99,,aralias4 ,this genus embraces many plants of very diverse aspects1 and few that are fitted for the open air in our climate2 but in the case of ,a4 canescens1 and its relative 7,a4 spinosa71 the ,angelica-tree of ,north ,america1 we have subjects which thrive perfectly well in our gardens1 and which in the size and beauty of their leaves are far before many 8foliage-plants0 carefully cultivated in hothouses at a perpetual expense4 99,aralia canescens4--,the specimen of this species figured was one of a batch of young plants growing in a ,london nursery1 and sketched in the summer of #ahfh4 ,the engraving falls far short of rendering the beauty of the plant4 ,it is easy to imagine what a graceful effect may be realised by such an object1 either isolated on the turf near the edge of a shrubbery1 or grouped with subjects of similar character4 ,success with these plants may be secured by first selecting a sheltered and warm position1 so that their noble leaves may be well developed and not lacerated by storms when they are fully grown2 secondly1 by giving them a deep1 free1 and thoroughly-drained soil2 and thirdly1 by confining them as a rule to a simple and rather dwarf stem1 so that the vigour of the individual may not be wasted in several branches4 ,the effect of a plant kept to a single stem1 as shown in the plate1 is always much superior to that of a branched one4 ,young plants present this aspect naturally2 but old ones may be cut down1 ,illustration3 ,,aralia ,,canescens4 ,deciduous fine-leaved ,shrub2 hardy everywhere4 when they will shoot vigorously4 ,if the effect of a full-grown specimen be desired1 the shrubbery is the place for it4 ,a4 japonica 7,hort474 99,aralia edulis4--,this is a vigorous herbaceous perennial1 well suited for those positions in which we desire a luxuriant type of vegetation4 ,it is perfectly hardy1 is of a fresh and vigorous habit1 and grows #f1 #g1 and even #h ft4 high in good soil1 even so early as the end of ,june4 ,the leaves attain a length of nearly a yard when the plant is strong1 while the shoots droop a little with their weight1 and thus it acquires a slightly weeping character4 ,it is rare in this country now1 but1 being easily propagated1 may1 it is to be hoped1 not long prove so4 ,as it dies down rather early in autumn1 it must not be put in important groups1 but rather in a position where its disappearance may not be noticed4 ,an isolated position1 or one near the margin of an irregular shrubbery1 fernery1 or rough rockwork by the side of a wood walk1 will best suit it4 ,japan4 ,division4 99,aralia japonica4--,a valuable species1 quite distinct from any of the others1 with undivided1 fleshy1 dark-green leaves4 ,it is usually treated as a green-house plant1 but is hardy and makes a very ornamental and distinct-looking shrub on soils with a dry porous bottom4 ,it grows remarkably well in the dwelling-house2 in fact it is one of the very few plants of like character that will develop their leaves therein in winter4 ,not difficult to obtain1 it may be used with advantage in the flower-garden or pleasure-ground among medium-sized plants--say those not more than a yard high4 ,it would form striking isolated specimens on the turf1 and is also very suitable for grouping4 ,a native of ,japan4 ,a4 ,sieboldi4 ,illustration3 ,aralia japonica4 99,aralia nudicaulis4--,a very vigorous perennial1 with a smooth stem scarcely rising out of the ground1 bearing large leaves with long-stalked1 oval-oblong1 pointed1 toothed leaflets1 and a shorter naked flower-stem1 with from two to seven umbels of blossoms4 ,roots several feet long and highly aromatic4 ,similar uses to those directed for ,a4 edulis4 ,north ,america4 ,aralia papyrifera 7,chinese ,rice-paper ,plant74--,this1 though a native of the hot island of ,formosa1 flourishes vigorously with us in the summer months1 and is one of the most valuable plants in its way1 being useful for the greenhouse in winter and the flower-garden in summer4 ,it is handsome in leaf and free in growth1 though to do well it must1 like all the large-leaved things1 ,illustration3 ,aralia papyrifera4 be protected from cutting breezes4 ,if this ,aralia be planted in a dwarf and young state1 it is likely to give more satisfaction than if planted out when old and tall4 ,the leaves spread widely out near the ground1 and then it is very ornamental through the summer4 ,prefer therefore dwarf stocky plants when planting it in early summer4 ,it should have rich1 deep soil and plenty of water during the hot summer months4 ,for the public gardens of ,paris it is kept underground in caves during the winter2 but in private gardens it will doubtless be thought worthy of a place in the greenhouse throughout that season4 ,in ,battersea ,park a bed of ,a4 papyrifera1 #ac ft in diameter1 attained a height of #e ft1 from cuttings struck in the spring of #ahfh4 ,the plants were left out all the next winter1 and1 although killed to the ground1 the thick fleshy roots next season produced numerous strong shoots or suckers4 ,these were produced irregularly1 and so numerously that they had to be thinned out in many places2 a few spaces only requiring to be filled up4 ,it is easily increased by cuttings of the root1 and is usually planted in masses1 edged with a dwarfer plant2 but as a small group in the centre of a bed of flowers1 or even as an isolated specimen in a like position1 it is most excellent4 99,aralia racemosa 7,american ,spikenard74--,an herbaceous species1 with smooth1 widely-branching1 diverging stems1 about #d ft4 in height1 and pinnate1 slightly downy leaves with ovate heart-shaped leaflets4 ,flowers numerous1 white1 in racemose umbels4 ,thrives best in good soil in shady or half-shady positions4 ,similar positions1 etc41 to those for ,a4 nudicaulis and edulis4 ,n4 ,america4 99,aralia spinosa 7,angelica tree of ,north ,america7 is highly useful1 in consequence of its beauty of foliage1 among subtropical plants4 ,like many of the hardy things1 it should not be placed in positions where it would be necessary to remove it1 nor closely associated with tender plants requiring frequent disturbance of the soil ,flowers in autumn1 small1 white1 in numerous umbels arranged on a much-branched panicle beset with velvety stellate down4 ,the leaves are twice and thrice pinnate1 with ovate1 deeply serrated1 smooth leaflets4 ,in most cases it grows with a single erect stem--the very type we require--and it should not be allowed to depart from this habit4 ,the stem is fiercely arrayed with spines4 ,on account of its umbrella-like head this fine thing has often been planted in exposed open spaces1 where it would produce a distinct feature1 but it is better planted where the great leaves will not be lacerated4 ,it generally grows not more than #aj ft4 high2 and in every size from that down to a plant with a stem not more than #ah ins4 high1 it may be effectively used in the ornamental garden4 ,it is propagated by cuttings of the roots4 ,n4 ,america4 ,aralia macrophylla is a fine large digitate-leaved species which stands summer exposure pretty well1 but does not make any growth in the open air2 hence it can be but of comparatively slight importance for this purpose4 ,norfolk ,island4 ,areca sapida4--,a ,new ,zealand palm from #f ft4 to nearly #aj ft4 high1 with a beautiful crown of bright-green pinnate leaves1 which when young are tinged with a bronze colour3 leaflets from #af ins4 to #b ft4 in length1 lance-shaped4 ,the young leafstalks are of a greyish red hue4 ,a fine palm for placing in the open air in summer1 and equally so for the conservatory in winter and spring4 ,it is of very easy culture1 if supplied with plenty of water4 ,aristolochia ,sipho4--,this well-known huge-leaved plant is capable of being used with excellent effect where large and distinct foliage is desired4 ,generally it is used as a wall plant2 but it is far finer when used to cover bowers or any like structure4 ,i have seen a most effective object formed by making the framework of a tent loosely with rough boughs1 and then planting the ,aristolochia around it4 ,it formed a dense green and singular-looking wigwam4 ,a4 tomentosa is smaller1 but distinct in tone of green1 well worthy of a place1 and to be employed in like manner4 ,n4 ,america4 99,artemisia anethifolia4--,a hardy perennial species about #d ft4 high1 with a simple round stem1 woody at the base1 and branching vertically above1 clothed from about a foot above the ground with much-divided leaves1 the segments of which are almost thread-like4 ,flowers very numerous1 small1 in a dense1 large1 terminal panicle1 with erect branches4 ,useful in groups1 or as isolated specimens in beds or borders4 ,division4 99,artemisia annua 7,annual ,wormwood74--,an exceedingly graceful kind of wormwood1 with tall stems reaching to a height of #e ft4 or #f ft4 in a season2 the foliage is small and fine1 and the flowers inconspicuous but arranged in not inelegant panicles4 ,the hue of the plant is a peculiarly fresh and pleasing green1 and it forms an elegant object in the centre of a flower-bed or group with plants of like character4 ,raised from seed as easily as any half-hardy annual4 99,artemisia gracilis4--,an exceedingly graceful plant1 #c or #d ft4 high1 with leaves cut into very fine hair-like segments1 having some resemblance to fennel or other umbelliferous plants with minutely-cut leaves1 and of a deep grass-green1 except in the hearts of the shoots1 where the young leaves are unfolding1 where there is a slight hoary pubescence4 ,the flowers are in compound panicles1 quite obscure1 of a pale green1 not at all ornamental in the common sense1 but forming a not ungraceful inflorescence4 ,however1 the plant is only likely to be grown for its graceful foliage and habit1 and the flowers1 which only appear in autumn1 may be pinched off if not admired4 ,similar positions to those recommended for the preceding species4 ,seed4 99,arum crinitum4--,the appearance of this plant when in flower is very grotesque from the singular shape of its broad1 speckled1 contorted spathe4 ,the leaves are divided into five or seven deep segments1 the central division being much broader than the others1 and the leaf-stalks1 overlapping each other1 form a sort of spurious stem a foot or #ad ins4 high1 marbled and spotted with purplish-black4 ,the treatment for this plant is similar to that given for ,a4 ,dracunculus2 but as it is rather more tender1 it will require more care and shelter in winter4 ,warm borders1 fringes of shrubberies1 or beds of the smaller subtropical plants1 will suit it best4 ,the appearance of the flower is almost too repulsive for the nerves of some persons4 ,division4 ,s4 of ,europe4 99,arum ,dracunculus4--,a strange-looking but handsome plant1 with a white stem curiously marbled with black1 about #c ft4 high1 and very deeply cut palm-like leaves1 broadly veined and spotted with white4 ,the spathe is of a pale green colour on the outside and of a deep purple-violet within1 and1 as well as the flowers1 exhales a powerful carrion odour4 ,requires a light1 deep1 and dry soil1 and does best in half-shady positions4 ,easily multiplied by division in spring or autumn4 ,it is best fitted for the fringes of shrubberies1 etc41 or among the vegetation that sometimes starts from the bottoms of warm walls4 ,s4 of ,europe4 99,arum italicum4--,this plant1 which is a native of the ,isle of ,wight and the ,channel ,islands1 resembles the common ,a4 maculatum in habit and in the shape of its leaves1 which are1 however1 of a dark bluish-green colour1 handsomely spotted with white1 and marked with yellow veinings4 ,although it is a very hardy plant1 and will thrive almost anywhere in moist soil and a shady position1 it will be better to place it in sheltered positions along the sunny fronts of shrubberies1 amidst low-spreading evergreens1 and in cosy spots about the flanks of rock work and ferneries1 to prevent its handsome foliage from being disfigured by cold wintry winds4 ,one great merit of this is that it may be used to ornament positions in which few other plants will thrive1--as1 for instance1 under trees1 groups of shrubs1 etc4 ,easily multiplied by division in the end of summer and in autumn4 ,s4 of ,europe4 99,arundo conspicua4--,a companion for the ,pampas grass1 though by no means equal to it1 as has been stated by some writers4 ,in some very fine deep and free sandy loams it attains a height of nearly #ab ft41 but this is rare4 ,as a conservatory subject it is fine in flower1 and it will be often seen in large conservatories after a few years4 ,a large pot or tub will be necessary if it is grown indoors4 ,the drooping foliage will always prove graceful1 and it sends up long silvery plumes1 drooping also1 and strikingly beautiful4 ,judging by its different appearance when freely grown in a tub indoors1 and when planted out even in favourable spots1 my impression is that it by no means takes so kindly to our northern climate as the ,pampas grass4 ,however1 it is well worth growing1 even in districts where it does not attain a great development4 ,it comes into flower before the ,pampas grass1 and may be considered as a sort of forerunner of that magnificent herb4 ,new ,zealand4 99,arundo ,donax4--,this great reed of the south of ,europe is a very noble plant on good soils4 ,in the south of ,england it forms canes #aj ft4 high1 and has a very distinct and striking aspect4 ,it will grow higher than that if put in a rich deep soil in a favoured locality2 and those who so plant clumps of it on the turf in their pleasure-grounds will not be disappointed at the result4 ,nothing can be finer than the aspect of this plant when allowed to spread out into a mass on the turf of the flower-garden or pleasure-ground4 ,it seems much to prefer deep sandy soils to heavy ones2 indeed1 ,i have known it refuse to grow on heavy clay soil1 and flourish most luxuriantly on a deep sandy loam in the same district4 ,like all large-leaved plants1 it loves shelter4 ,no garden or pleasure-ground in the southern parts of ,england and ,ireland should be without a tuft of it in a sheltered spot4 ,but1 fine as it is for effect and distinctness1 its variegated variety is of more value for the flower-garden proper4 99,arundo ,donax versicolor4--,we have already noticed several fine things for grouping together1 or for standing alone on the turf and near the margin of a shrubbery-border1 and this is as well suited for close association with the choicest bedding-flowers as an ,adiantum frond is with a bouquet4 ,it will be found hardy in the southern counties1 and1 considerably north of ,london1 may be saved by a little mound of cocoa-fibre1 sifted coal-ashes1 or any like material that may be at hand4 ,in consequence of its effective variegation1 it never assumes a large development1 like the green or normal form of the species1 but keeps dwarf1 and yet thoroughly graceful4 ,it is of course best suited for warm1 free1 and good soils1 and abhors clay1 though it is quite possible to grow it even on that with a little attention to the preparation of the ground4 ,but it is in all cases better to avoid things that will not grow freely and gracefully on whatever soil we may have to deal with3 and it is to those having gardens on good sandy soils1 and in the warmer parts of ,england1 that ,i would specially recommend this grand variegated subject4 ,for a centre to a circular bed nothing can surpass it in the summer and autumn flower-garden1 while numerous other charming uses may be made of it4 ,not the least happy of these would be to plant a tuft of it on the green turf1 in a warm spot1 near a group of choice shrubs1 to help1 with many other things named1 to fill up the gap that is now nearly everywhere observed between ordinary fleeting flowers and the taller tree and shrub vegetation4 ,it is better to leave the plant in the ground1 in a permanent position1 than to take it up annually4 ,protect the roots in the winter1 whether it be planted in the middle of a flower-bed or by itself in a little circle on the grass4 ,increased by placing a shoot or stem in a tank of water1 when little plants with roots will soon start from every joint2 they should be cut off1 potted1 and placed in frames1 where they will soon become strong enough for planting out4 99,arundo ,phragmites 7,common ,reed74--,a native marsh-or water-plant1 #e ft4 or #f ft4 high1 bearing when in flower a large1 handsome1 spreading1 purplish panicle4 ,the stems are smooth1 simple1 very erect1 and grow closely together4 ,the plant is only attractive when in flower1 as its flat1 ribbon-like leaves do not of themselves present any very striking appearance4 ,useful for the margins of artificial waters1 etc41 to which it may be brought from its wild haunts4 ,it should1 however1 if possible1 be kept in one spot and not allowed to spread too much4 99,asclepias ,cornuti4--,a handsome hardy perennial from ,n4 ,america1 sending up from its running1 underground rootstock a number of erect1 unbranched stems1 from #d ft4 to #f ft4 high1 thickly covered with large opposite oval leaves4 ,the flowers are of a light rose-colour1 and agreeably fragrant1 and are borne in large umbels at the tops of the stems4 ,the plant does well in almost any kind of soil or position1 and is well adapted for planting in places which do not require much attention4 ,as it spreads very rapidly at the root1 it is better to exclude it from small beds or gardens1 which would soon be overrun by it4 ,several other species are in cultivation1 the best of which are ,a4 speciosa 7,douglasii71 ,a4 incarnata1 and ,a4 tuberosa4 99,asparagus ,broussoneti 7,giant ,asparagus74--,a vigorous1 climbing asparagus1 with a tapering1 shrubby stem1 #aj or #ab ft4 high4 ,the flowers are small and inconspicuous1 and are followed by numerous small red berries4 ,an excellent subject for tall trellises1 rustic bowers1 stumps of trees1 tall poles1 etc4 ,canary ,islands4 ,asplenium ,nidus-avis4--,this is a remarkable fern1 which has been placed out of doors in the garden in summer1 from early in ,june to ,october2 but it is not vigorous or hardy enough to be generally recommended for this purpose4 ,however1 as it may have been noticed in abundance at ,battersea ,park1 ,i allude to it here4 ,the leaves are rather broad1 pointed1 and undulating1 nearly #c ft4 long1 and form roundish1 spreading1 nest-like tufts4 ,it is a favourite subject in places where large collections of tropical ferns are grown1 and in such places a plant may be tried in the open air in a very warm1 shady1 and perfectly sheltered position4 ,e4 ,indies4 ,illustration3 ,asplenium ,nidus-avis4 99,astilbe rivularis4--,a large-leaved and striking plant from ,nepaul1 with the habit and general appearance of a ,spira1 growing to a height of more than #c ft41 and of a free and graceful habit1 which makes it useful for association with the finer-foliaged herbaceous plants1 and for dotting here and there in the wild or picturesque garden4 ,it keeps its foliage well through the season1 unlike some herbaceous plants1 and is therefore all the more valuable4 ,flowers late in summer1 small1 yellowish-white1 in large panicled spikes4 ,the radical leaves are broad1 twice ternate with toothed divisions1 and the base of the leaf-stalk is covered with numerous rough tawny hairs4 ,being pretty hardy1 the ,astilbe usually succeeds well in any cool rich soil1 and best in half-shaded positions4 ,easily multiplied by division4 ,it is suited for isolation1 borders1 fringes of shrubberies1 or for groups of hardy plants4 99,astilbe rubra4--,a very pretty and hardy plant1 also resembling a4 ,spira in habit and appearance1 and growing from #d ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,the leaves are twice ternate1 with oblique1 heart-shaped leaflets1 #a in4 to #b ins4 long1 and with lengthened serrated points4 ,the flowers are numerous1 in dense panicles1 and of a rose-colour1 appearing late in summer and in autumn4 ,the same positions1 etc41 as those for the preceding kind4 ,north ,america1 ,japan1 and mountains of ,northern ,india4 99,bambusa4--,i wish to call the attention of all horticulturists who live in the southern and more favoured parts of these islands to the fact that there are several bamboos and bamboo-like plants from rather cool countries that are well worth planting4 ,nothing can exceed the grace of a bamboo of any kind if freely grown2 but if starved in a crowded house1 or grown in a cold dry place1 where the graceful shoots cannot arch forth in all their native beauty1 nothing can be more miserable in aspect4 ,in cold bad soils and exposed dry places in the ,british ,isles these bamboos have little chance2 but1 on the other hand1 they will be found to make most graceful objects in many a sheltered nook in the south and southwestern parts of ,england and ,ireland4 ,we have some knowledge of the capabilities of one kind in this country4 ,in a well-sheltered moist spot at ,bicton ,i have seen ,bambusa falcata send up young shoots1 long and graceful1 like the slenderest of fishing-rods1 while the older ones were branched into a beautiful mass of light foliage of a distinct type4 ,the same plant grows in the county of ,cork to a height of nearly #bj ft4 ,this is the best known kind we have4 ,at ,paris ,i was fortunate enough to observe various other kinds doing very well indeed1 although the climate is not so suitable as that of ,cork or ,devon4 ,these were ,bambusa edulis1 aurea1 nigra1 ,simonii1 mitis1 ,metake1 and viridi-glaucescens1 the first and last of this group being very free and good4 ,all the others will prove hardy in the south of ,england and ,ireland1 though1 as some of them have not yet been tried there1 it requires the test of actual experiment4 ,those who wish to begin cautiously had better take ,b4 ,simonii1 viridi-glaucescens1 and edulis to commence with1 as they are the most certainly hardy1 so far as ,i have observed4 ,the best way to treat any of these plants1 obtained in summer or autumn1 would be to grow them in a cool frame or pit till the end of ,april1 then harden them off for a fortnight or so1 and plant out in a nice warm spot1 sheltered also1 with good free soil--taking care that the roots are carefully spread out1 and giving a good free watering to settle the soil4 ,there are no plants more worthy of attention than these where the climate is at all favourable1 and there are numerous moist nooks near the sea-side where they will be found to grow most satisfactorily1 as well as in the south4 99,bambusa aurea4--,a very hardy and graceful ,chinese species1 differing but slightly from ,b4 viridi-glaucescens in size and habit1 and forming elegant tufts with its slender much-branched stems1 which attain a height of from #f ft4 to #aj ft41 and are of a light-green colour when ,illustration3 ,,bambusa ,,aurea4 ,thriving in warm and mild southern districts4 young1 changing into a yellowish hue1 and finally becoming of a straw-yellow when fully grown4 ,the leaves are lance-shaped acute1 light green1 and are distinguished from those of ,b4 viridi-glaucescens by having their under surface less glaucescent1 and the sheath always devoid of the long silky hairs4 ,the preliminary remarks on culture1 etc41 will apply to all the species here described4 99,bambusa edulis4--,a hardy and vigorous kind1 with very elegant light-green shoots and olive-green stems1 attaining a height of #aj ft4 in the neighbourhood of ,paris4 ,the leaves are small1 and the plant is not nearly so branching as in some other kinds4 99,bambusa falcata 7,arundinaria falcata74--,a very ornamental species from ,nepaul and the ,himalayas1 and at present the only kind of bamboo much planted with us4 ,it grows from #g ft4 to #bj ft4 high1 and has woody1 twisted1 smooth stems of a yellowish-green or straw-colour1 knotty1 bearing on one side of each of the knots a bundle of small branches equally knotty and twisted4 ,the whole plant has a pale yellowish hue1 except in the young spikelets and sheaths1 which are occasionally purplish4 ,the leaves are of a fine delicate green1 from #d ins4 to #f ins4 long1 ribbon-like1 linear-acute1 sickle-shaped1 in two rows1 short-stalked1 and sheathing4 ,it is hardy over the greater part of ,england and ,ireland1 but only attains full development in the south and west4 ,i have seen it attain great luxuriance in ,devon1 and nearly #bj ft4 high near ,cork1 though in many districts it is stunted4 ,it loves a deep1 sandy1 and rich soil1 and plenty of moisture when growing fast4 99,bambusa ,fortunei4--,a pretty dwarf variegated species from ,japan1 of which ,i have not seen the green form in cultivation1 with very dwarf1 slender1 branching1 hollow1 half-shrubby stems1 seldom growing more than #ah ins4 high1 and with very short internodes4 ,the leaves are #c ins4 to #h ins4 long1 linear-lance-shaped1 abruptly pointed1 somewhat rounded at the base1 serrated and often fringed with long hairs on the margin1 downy on both sides2 they are distinctly variegated1 the transverse veins being often of a bottle-green colour2 stalks very short and hairy4 ,this kind has proved hardy in our gardens1 but it has not the charm of grace possessed by the other kinds1 and is chiefly desirable in collections of variegated and edging plants4 99,bambusa japonica 7,b4 ,metake74--,a large-leaved and rather dwarf species from ,japan1 growing from #d ft4 to #g ft4 high1 with erect thickly-tufted stems1 which are entirely covered by the sheaths of the leaves2 the branches are also erect4 ,the leaves are lance-shaped1 with a very sharp point1 dark green1 persistent1 narrowed into a short leaf-stalk1 and nearly a foot long4 ,this species sometimes flowers with extraordinary profusion at the expense of a portion of the foliage1 which withers away and leaves the naked stems exposed4 ,this may1 however1 be prevented to some extent1 by placing the plants on mounds somewhat above the level of the surrounding soil4 ,i have seen it thrive very freely in the late ,mr4 ,borrer's garden in ,sussex1 and in one or two other places4 ,it loves a peat soil1 or a very free moist and deep loam1 and runs a good deal at the root4 ,bambusa mitis4--,a fine and vigorous kind from ,cochin ,china1 somewhat tenderer than most of the other ,illustration3 ,,bambusa ,,falcata4 ,hardy ,bamboo ,section2 growing #af to #bj feet high in the milder southern parts of ,england and ,ireland4 kinds enumerated1 though no doubt it will be found to thrive in the milder southern districts2 or it may be found useful if grown in the conservatory in winter and placed out in the open air in summer1 as is sometimes done with ,b4 arundinacea1 which otherwise could not possibly be seen out of doors in our climate4 ,panicle simple1 erect1 close2 spikes long1 imbricated4 ,leaves rather large1 lance-shaped1 striated1 clasping the stem1 which is woody and tapering2 nodes rather distant1 and not very prominent4 99,bambusa nigra4--,a rather compact-growing ,chinese kind1 with nearly solid stems1 and thinner leaves than those of any other species4 ,the stems are smooth and bushy1 about #g ft4 high1 of a light green1 dotted and striped with purple when young1 changing to a glistening black when fully grown2 they branch very much at the top1 and sometimes from the base up4 ,the leaves are oval-oblong1 acute1 shortly-stalked1 with a hard1 dry1 persistent sheath2 their tender green colour contrasting finely with the blackish hue of the stems4 ,it is best planted as isolated specimens near the margins of shrubberies1 or on slopes in the pleasure-ground in warm1 sunny1 and sheltered positions1 in deep1 sandy1 and well-drained soil4 99,bambusa ,quilioi4--,a ,japanese species of vigorous growth1 with robust green stems and bright-green leaves1 polished above and slightly mealy beneath1 the ligule bearing a little bundle of brownish-grey hairs at the top4 ,this kind ,i first saw in the gardens of the ,acclimatisation ,society at ,paris1 where it was thriving vigorously1 and ,i have little doubt of its proving valuable in ,britain4 99,bambusa ,simonii4--,a handsome1 distinct1 and vigorous species1 which has grown very freely for some years past in the neighbourhood of ,paris4 ,the stems are numerous and grow as much as #aj ft4 high in a season4 ,they are mealy-glaucous at the joints1 and the branchlets are numerous and rather closely crowded4 ,the leaves are narrow1 sometimes nearly a foot long1 and are occasionally striped with white4 ,this species1 which was obtained from ,china some years since1 has thriven very well in the gardens at ,paris1 where ,m4 ,carrire first drew my attention to it4 ,from what ,i have seen it do there ,i have no doubt it will prove of great value in the milder southern parts of ,england and ,ireland4 99,bambusa violascens4--,a hardy and vigorous kind1 intermediate between ,b4 nigra and ,b4 viridi-glaucescens1 most resembling the last-mentioned however4 ,it has blackish-violet much-branched stems1 which assume a yellow tinge with age4 ,the leaves are green above1 bluish-grey beneath1 with an elongated ligule surrounded by a bundle of black hairs4 ,native of ,china4 99,bambusa viridi-glaucescens4--,a species from ,northern ,china1 which has been proved very hardy and free in the ,paris gardens1 and will1 probably1 in warm parts of our islands1 make a more vigorous growth and prove a more beautiful object than any other kind4 ,the stems1 of a light-yellowish-green1 grow from #g ft4 to #ab ft4 high1 branching from the base1 each branch again branching very much4 ,the leaves are very numerous1 especially at the ends of the branches1 of a pale-green1 bluish underneath1 sheathing the stem for a considerable length4 ,it forms a fine object when planted as isolated specimens in sheltered warm glades in the pleasure-ground1 or in snug open spots near wood-walks1 in very deep1 rich1 light1 and well-drained soil4 99,bambusa viridis striata4--,described as a vigorous-growing1 hardy kind1 with numerous branches1 having its long leaves green on both sides1 and marked with bands1 some of a yellowish and others of a deeper green4 ,it is a native of ,japan1 and was recommended by ,,mm4 ,thibaut and ,ketteleer of ,paris1 but ,i have had no experience of its growth4 99,baptisia australis4--,a handsome hardy perennial from ,n4 ,america1 forming strong bushy tufts from #c ft4 to #e ft4 high1 and from #c ft4 to #f ft4 across1 with sea-green trifoliate leaves which reflect a metallic lustre4 ,the flowers are of a delicate blue1 with wings of a greenish-white colour1 and are borne in long erect spikes4 ,grows well in ordinary1 deep1 well-drained soil1 preferring a sandy loam4 ,b4 exaltata and ,b4 alba are closely allied to the preceding species1 and form equally handsome bushes4 ,the foliage of these is of a character to permit of their being grouped along with some of the finer perennial foliage-plants with good effect4 ,division4 99,berberis ,aquifolium4--,a well-known shrub from ,n4 ,america1 with simple stems from #c ft4 to #f ft4 high1 and very glistening1 bright green leaves1 each consisting of #g or #i sessile1 oval1 spiny leaflets4 ,where the plant is fully exposed to the sun1 the foliage frequently acquires an agreeable reddish tinge4 ,there are numerous varieties1 of which ,b4 floribunda may be mentioned as very handsome in habit and profuse in flower1 and ,b4 nitens1 remarkable for the extremely glossy appearance of the old leaves1 which when young are of a rich bronze changing to a dark green4 ,this variety is of a dwarf and compact habit4 ,it requires a shady situation and a compost of peat1 loam1 and sand4 ,though so very common1 it will be found worth planting in some places among groups of hardy things1 and also for isolation on the turf1 its leaves being very ornamental4 99,berberis ,bealii4--,this is perhaps the finest of all the hardy species1 whether as regards foliage or flower1 while the fruit1 in colour and size1 surpasses that of any other kind4 ,the leaflets vary to a very great degree on the same plant1 both in form and size1 some being #e ins4 long and #c ins4 broad1 the average size being #c ins4 long by #b ins4 broad3 some again are nearly square1 while others are long and narrow1 with a very stiff triangular point4 ,shade1 shelter from gusts of wind1 and rich1 well-manured soil are absolutely necessary to do full justice to the merits of this species4 ,by pruning it to a single stem1 it may be made to assume a very effective palm-like character4 ,it is easily propagated from seed2 a single berry frequently producing three plants4 ,being a noble subject for quiet half-shady wood-walks in peat or moist sandy loam1 it should be much planted in the southern and milder districts4 ,where it thrives freely1 it would prove a fine object on the margins of shrubberies grouped with the hardy 8subtropical0 plants1 or indeed in any position4 99,berberis japonica4--,a very handsome species1 #e ft4 or #f ft4 high1 with very leathery1 pinnate1 spiny leaves1 from #a ft4 to #ah ins4 long1 slightly tinged with pink when first opened1 then becoming pale green1 and finally changing to dark green blotched with yellow4 ,flowers yellow1 in large racemes1 succeeded by large handsome ,illustration3 ,,berberis ,,nepalensis4 ,fine-leaved evergreen shrub ,section2 very effective when well-grown1 in the warmer southern districts4 clusters of purple berries4 ,this is also a fine kind for half-shady walks1 and for similar positions and soil to those recommended for ,b4 ,bealii4 ,japan4 99,berberis nepalensis4--,the noble habit of this plant makes it peculiarly valuable1 possessing1 as it does1 the grace of a luxuriant fern with the rigidity of texture and port of a ,cycas4 ,the leaves are occasionally #b ft4 in length and of a pale green colour1 sometimes with eight pairs of leaflets and an odd one3 some of the leaflets #f ins4 long and nearly #b ins4 broad1 with coarse spiny teeth on the margin4 ,the inflorescence is very striking and beautiful4 ,the ,nepaul ,barberry is one of those subjects that are too hardy to perish in our climate1 yet which do not usually attain perfect development in it4 ,it exists about ,london in the open air1 and flowers in early spring2 but the leaves seldom attain one-fourth of their full development1 and the plant scarcely ever displays its vigorous grace4 ,in mild parts1 principally in the south and south-west1 it grows more freely1 and when judiciously placed in sheltered positions1 in deep and rather sandy soil1 it becomes a beautiful object4 ,where it thrives in the open air1 it may be most tastefully used in the more open spots near the hardy fernery1 here and there among 8,american plants10 or other choice shrubs with simple leaves1 and also isolated in the grass a little way from the margin of the shrubbery in sheltered spots in the pleasure-ground4 ,it should also1 in places favourable to its growth in the open air1 prove very useful as a hardy 8subtropical0 plant4 ,where it does not thrive well in the open air1 it should not be planted4 ,nepaul4 99,beta cicla variegata 7,chilian ,beet74--,under this name a very showy plant has recently come into cultivation4 ,when well grown the leaves are often more than a yard long1 and present a vivid and most striking coloration4 ,their midribs are #d ins4 or more across1 and vary from a dark deep waxy orange to vivid polished crimson4 ,the splendid hue of the lower part of the leaf-stalk flows on towards the point1 and spreads in smaller streams through the main veins and ramifications of the great soft blade of the leaf1 which is often #a ft4 and even #ae ins4 in diameter1 if the plant be in rich ground4 ,the under sides of the leaves are most richly coloured1 and the habit such that these sides are well seen4 ,it requires the treatment of an annual--to be raised in a gently heated frame1 and afterwards planted out in very rich ground1 though it may also be kept over the winter in pots4 ,it varies a good deal from seed1 and the most striking individuals should be selected before the plants are put out4 ,used sparingly1 its effect would perhaps be more telling than if in quantity1 and it is well suited for isolation4 ,chili4 99,bocconia cordata4--,this is a fine plant in free soil1 but comparatively poor in that which is bad or very stiff4 ,it forms handsome erect tufts from #e ft4 to over #h ft4 high1 and is admirably suited for embellishing the irregular or sloping parts of pleasure-grounds4 ,the stems grow rather closely together1 and are thickly set with large1 reflexed1 deeply-veined1 oval-cordate leaves1 the margins of which are somewhat lobed or sinuated4 ,the flowers1 which are rosy-white and very numerous1 are borne in very large terminal panicles4 ,the flowers are not in themselves pretty1 but the inflorescence1 when the plant is well grown1 ,illustration3 ,,blechnum ,,brasiliense4 ,dwarf tender ,tree ,fern3 in sheltered shady dells during the summer months4 has a distinct and pleasing appearance4 ,the plant is seen to best effect when isolated1 and does well in ordinary garden-soil or free sandy loam4 ,it attains its greatest size when placed in the angle of two walls which shelter it from the north and east1 which seems to indicate that it does not like sudden changes of temperature and light4 ,it should not be stirred too often1 nor divided for several years4 ,it will prove a good thing for associating with other fine hardy plants in bold groups4 ,seed or cuttings4 ,china4 ,illustration3 ,bocconia cordata4 ,bocconia frutescens4--,a vigorous-growing ,mexican shrub1 #c ft4 to nearly #f ft4 high1 with few and very brittle branches1 large1 sea-green1 handsome leaves1 and greenish flowers4 ,very effective when placed on grass-plats1 either in groups1 or as isolated specimens4 ,it requires a somewhat warmer climate than ours to thrive well1 though it is sometimes seen in fair condition in the ,london parks4 ,a mixture of free sandy loam and peat1 well-drained ground1 and an airy position are necessary4 ,multiplied by sowing in a hotbed in spring1 and may be placed out from ,june to the end of ,september4 ,it is difficult to propagate it by cuttings4 99,brassica oleracea crispa4--,a handsome kind of cabbage nearly #d ft4 high1 with elegantly-cut arching leaves1 the divisions of which are finely curled or frizzled4 ,in autumn and winter it may be advantageously employed in the embellishment of winter-gardens1 the leaves being at their best during that part of the year4 ,a still more striking subject is ,b4 o4 palmifolia1 which attains a height of #f ft41 and bears its leaves near the summit of the stem1 having quite a palm-like appearance in the end of the summer and in autumn4 ,this kind might be used with good effect in various positions1 as its 8cabbage0 character is not so evident4 ,the fact of their being cabbages prevents many people from using these really ornamental plants4 ,the variegated ,kales have been much employed and with a very good result in the winter-garden at ,wardie ,lodge in ,scotland and in other places3 they lose their beauty early in spring4 8,to keep them dwarf and compact1 and to bring out their fine colours10 say ,messrs4 ,stuart and ,mein1 8we sow at the beginning of ,march thinly4 ,after the plants are a moderate size1 we transplant them into a poorish soil1 in an open space of ground1 but not too closely together4 ,they remain there until they are wanted for use1 when they are removed at any time to the winter-garden4 ,we plant out into our beds in ,november1 and keep the heads with their foliage close to the ground4 ,we cut off all the lower rough leaves1 leaving the rich-coloured head or centre1 which in all weathers will be found to stand up neat and trim1 even in bright frosty weather4 ,as the plants are thus much reduced in size1 they can be planted much closer in the beds4 ,we may add that1 as in other hybrids1 worthless plants will occasionally make their appearance3 these we discard4 ,no plants should be selected for the beds except those showing pleasing shades of colour40 ,brexia madagascariensis4--,a handsome shrub with a slender erect stem 7which sometimes attains a height of #be ft4 or #cj ft4 in its native country1 but with us is seldom seen more than a fourth of that71 clothed with alternate1 leathery1 long1 rather narrow1 light-green leaves1 nearly or quite smooth at the margin4 ,it is one of the tropical stove-plants that have stood well in the open air from ,june to early in ,october1 but very few places can spare it for this purpose4 ,it requires ordinary stove culture during winter and spring1 and should only be placed out after having made a strong growth1 and having that growth hardened off4 ,madagascar4 ,illustration3 ,buphthalmum speciosum4 99,buphthalmum speciosum4--,a hardy1 distinct1 and vigorous herbaceous plant1 the stems of which are stout1 very slightly branching1 and about #d ft4 high1 with broad1 oval-acute leaves mostly clustered around the base of the plant1 the lower ones falling gracefully towards the earth4 ,the flowers1 which have a red or purple disk and yellow rays1 are more than #b ins4 across1 and are terminal1 solitary1 long-stalked1 borne in the axils of the upper leaves1 and appear in ,june1 ,july1 or ,august1 according to the season4 ,the plant seldom flowers well before the third year4 ,it is of easy culture in any soil1 is increased by division in autumn1 winter1 or spring1 and is best fitted for association with the more vigorous herbaceous plants in rough places4 ,s4 of ,europe4 ,caladium esculentum4--,this species has1 for outdoor work1 proved the best of a large genus with very fine foliage4 ,it is only in the midland and southern counties of ,great ,britain that it can be advantageously grown1 so far as ,i have observed2 but its grand outlines and aspect when well developed make it worthy of all attention1 and of a prominent position wherever the climate is warm enough for its growth4 ,it may be used with great effect in association with many fine foliage-plants2 but ,ferdinanda1 ,ricinus1 and ,wigandia usually grow too strong for it1 and1 if planted too close1 injure it4 ,this may have been noticed particularly in cases where it was used as a bordering to masses of the strong-growing kinds above named4 ,for all kinds of stonework1 vases1 etc41 it is peculiarly effective and beautiful4 ,this plant1 requires1 above all others1 a thoroughly-drained1 light1 rich1 warm soil4 ,in times of great heat1 it should be plentifully watered1 and occasionally with liquid manure4 ,the month of ,may is the best time for planting it out2 and if groups are formed1 the plants should have an interval of #b ft4 or #b ft4 between them4 ,the foliage generally arrives at its full beauty and development in ,august and ,september4 ,at the approach of cold frosty weather1 all the leaves1 or all but the central one1 should be cut down to within an inch or two from the crown1 and a few days afterwards the tubers should be taken up and left on the ground for a few hours to dry3 ,illustration3 ,,caladium ,,esculentum4 ,tender ,section2 displaying noble leaves during summer in the warmer parts of the southern counties4 ,illustration3 ,,colocasia ,,odorata4 ,tender stove ,section2 will endure exposure only during summer in the warmest parts of the southern counties4 they should then be stored on the shelves of a greenhouse1 or in a cellar or other place where they will be sheltered from frost and moisture4 ,by placing the tubers in a hotbed in ,march1 plants may be obtained with well-grown leaves for planting out in the open air about the end of ,may or the beginning of ,june4 ,new ,zealand4 ,caladium odorum 7,colocasia odora74--,a very striking plant1 with stout stems usually from #c ft4 to #h ft4 in height1 but growing much taller in a warm stove4 ,the leaves are erect1 very broad1 and heart-shaped1 marked with strong veinings1 and frequently measure more than #c ft4 in length4 ,the flowers are exceedingly fragrant4 ,it is a fine subject for isolation on grass-plats1 its tall arborescent habit distinguishing it from all the other species2 but it is unfortunately too tender to thrive in our climate except in sunny sheltered dells in the southern parts1 and should not be planted out until ,june4 ,e4 ,indies4 99,calla thiopica 7,lily of the ,nile74--,this well-known plant may be grown either as an aquatic in pieces of ornamental water1 fountain-basins1 etc41 or in the open ground in cool1 moist soil1 and equally well in positions exposed to the full sun and in those which are shaded4 ,being so very distinct in leaf and beautiful in bloom1 this old favourite will be seen to as much advantage grouped with the smaller fine-leaved plants in beds as ever it has been in our stoves or windows4 ,s4 ,africa4 99,,the ,,cannas4 ,if there were no plants of handsome habit and graceful leaf available for the improvement of our flower-gardens but these1 we need not despair1 for they possess almost every quality the most fastidious could desire1 and present a useful and charming variety4 ,the larger kinds make grand masses1 while all may be associated intimately with flowering-plants--an advantage that does not belong to some free-growing things like the ,castor-oil plant4 ,the ,canna ascends as boldly1 and spreads forth as fine a mass of leaves as these1 but may be closely grouped with much smaller subjects4 ,the general tendency of most of our flower-garden plants is to assume a flatness and dead level1 so to speak2 and it is the special quality possessed by the ,cannas for counteracting this that makes them so valuable4 ,even the grandest of the other subjects preserve this tameness of upper-surface outline when grown in great quantities3 not so these1 the leaves of which1 even when grown in dense groups1 always carry the eye up pleasantly from the humbler plants1 and are grand aids in effecting that harmony which is so much wanted between the important tree and shrub embellishments of our gardens and their surroundings1 and the dwarf flower-bed vegetation4 ,another good quality of these most useful subjects is their power of withstanding the cold and storms of autumn4 ,they do so better than many of our hardy shrubs and plants1 so that when the last leaves have been blown from the ,lime1 and the ,dahlia and ,heliotrope have been hurt by frost1 you may see them waving as gracefully and as green as the vegetation of a temperate stove4 ,many of the subtropical plants1 used for the beauty of their leaves1 are so tender that they go off in autumn1 or require all sorts of awkward protection at that season2 but the ,cannas last ,illustration3 ,,canna4 ,the most important and generally useful of tender plants for our climate4 ,many kinds are hardy if protected in winter4 in good trim till the borders must be cleared4 ,all sheltered situations1 places near warm walls1 and nice snugly-warmed dells1 are suitable positions for them4 ,they are generally used in huge and ugly masses1 both about ,paris and ,london2 but their true beauty will never be seen till we learn to place them tastefully here and there among the flowering-plants--just as we place sprigs of graceful fern in a bouquet4 ,a bed or two solely devoted to them will occasionally prove very effective2 but enormous meaningless masses of them1 containing perhaps several hundred plants of one variety1 are things to avoid and not to imitate4 ,as to culture and propagation1 nothing can be more simple3 they may be stored in winter1 as readily as potatoes1 under shelves in the houses1 in the root-room1 or1 in fact1 anywhere if covered up to protect them from frost4 ,and then in spring1 when we desire to propagate them1 nothing is easier than pulling the roots in pieces1 and potting them separately4 ,afterwards it is usual to bring them on in heat1 and finally harden them off previous to planting out in the middle of ,may2 but a modification of this practice is desirable1 as some kinds are of a remarkably hardy constitution1 and make a beautiful growth if put out without so much as a leaf on them4 ,the soil for all ,cannas should be deep1 rich1 and light4 ,in rambling through the suburbs of ,paris1 ,i once came upon a tuft of ,canna springing up strongly through a box-edging--pretty good evidence that it had remained there for some years4 ,upon inquiring of the proprietor of the garden ,i found this was the case1 and that he had no doubt of the hardiness of several other kinds4 ,they were planted not more than #h ins4 or #aj ins4 deep4 ,when we remember that the ,cannas are amongst the most valuable plants we use for giving grace and verdure to the flower-garden1 this surely is a hint worthy of being acted upon1 as1 of course1 they will prove equally hardy with us4 ,considering their diversity of colour and size1 their graceful pointed habit and facility of propagation1 we must concede them the first place2 but their capability of being used by anybody who grows ordinary bedding-plants1 and the fact that they may be preserved so very easily through the winter1 enhance their value still more4 ,cannas1 protected by a coating of litter1 have been left out in ,battersea ,park through severe winters1 and during the unfavourable summer of #ahfg attained a height of nearly #ab ft4 ,where it is desired to change the arrangements as much as possible every year1 it may not be any advantage to leave them in the ground1 and in that case they may be taken up with the bedding-plants1 and stored as simply and easily as carrots4 ,wherever they are grown as isolated tufts1 in small groups1 or in small beds1 it will be best not to take them up oftener than every second or third year4 ,these noble plants would also adorn the conservatory1 which is often as devoid of any dignified vegetation as the unhappy flower-gardens which are seen all over the country4 ,few subjects would be more effective1 none more easily obtained4 ,,species ,,and ,,varieties ,,of ,,canna4 ,in the following list of the species and varieties of ,canna1 the first thirteen kinds are considered species3 but the finest kinds for garden use will be found among the ,hybrids and ,varieties4 ,canna aurantiaca4--,a vigorous kind1 #f ft4 or more in height1 with large1 broadly oval-lance-shaped leaves1 of a pale green colour1 slightly waved on the margin4 ,flowers with rose-coloured outer1 and reddish inner1 divisions1 the upper lip being of an orange colour and the lower one yellow dotted with orange4 ,rhizome tuberous1 with long subterranean shoots4 ,antilles4 ,canna discolor4--,one of the finest kinds1 and1 although it does not flower regularly in the open air1 one of the most valuable on account of its foliage4 ,the leaves are very large1 broadly oval-oblong1 the lower ones tinged with a blood-red hue1 and the upper ones veined or streaked with purple4 ,stems reddish1 stout1 growing to a height of more than #f ft4 ,flowers orange-red1 with bright-red inner divisions4 ,s4 ,america4 ,canna edulis4--,a vigorous species1 largely cultivated by the ,peruvians for the sake of its edible roots1 growing from #f ft4 to #g ft4 high1 the stems tinged with deep purple4 ,leaves broadly oval-lance-shaped1 green tinged with purple maroon4 ,flowers large3 external divisions purple1 upper internal division scarlet shaded with yellow1 the lower one of an orange-red4 ,s4 ,america4 ,canna flaccida4--,a species remarkable for the great size of its flowers1 which bear some resemblance to those of ,iris ,pseud-acorus4 ,they are entirely yellow1 flaccid1 few in number1 and very transitory4 ,this is not a tall species1 seldom exceeding #b ft4 #h ins4 in height4 ,leaves oval-lance-shaped1 erect1 glaucescent4 ,south ,america4 ,this species should not be confounded with the ,c4 flaccida of ,willdenow which is found on the shores of the ,mississipi4 ,canna ,gaboniensis4--,a species from the ,gaboon ,river1 with the habit of ,c4 nepalensis4 ,rhizomes large and round2 stalks green1 large2 leaves deep green lightly edged with purple1 longish1 acuminate2 flowers medium-sized1 clear orange2 habit fine1 special2 height #e ft4 to #f ft4 ,canna gigantea4--,a robust kind1 growing about #f ft4 high4 ,flowers in summer1 large and very handsome2 external divisions orange red2 internal ones deep purple-red2 spathes reddish4 ,leaves more than #b ft4 long2 stalks covered with a velvety down4 ,s4 ,america4 ,canna indica4--,flowers in summer1 tolerably large1 irregular1 in erect spikes2 external divisions light yellow2 upper inner divisions of a carmine-red2 the lower one yellow dotted with carmine4 ,leaves large1 alternate1 oval-lance-shaped2 the stalks sheathing at the base4 ,stems #c ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,a variety 7,c4 i4 superba7 has much larger flowers of a scarlet colour4 ,india4 ,it is not nearly so useful or imposing in appearance as some of the newer hybrid kinds4 ,canna iridiflora4--,flowers in midsummer1 large1 lively rose-colour1 with a yellow spot on the lip2 divisions of the calyx red1 erect1 oval-acute2 spikes somewhat drooping1 issuing several together from the same spathe4 ,leaves broadly oval-acuminate1 slightly membranous at the margin1 and having some hairs at the lower part of the midrib4 ,stems #f ft4 to over #h ft high4 ,peru4 ,a somewhat tender species1 and although one of the finest1 does not flower freely4 ,to secure its blooming1 the plants should be taken up towards the end of summer1 potted1 and kept in a hothouse through the winter4 ,they should be watered moderately1 and1 treated in this way1 will almost always begin to show flower in the ensuing spring4 ,canna limbata4--,this has numerous stems nearly #c ft4 high1 and oblong-lance-shaped1 acute leaves4 ,flowers in long loose spikes issuing from glaucous spathes tinged with red2 outer divisions pale yellow2 upper lip scarlet edged with a yellow margin2 lower lip red1 with golden reticulations4 ,brazil4 ,canna musfolia4--,this species was formerly described in the ,english1 ,dutch1 and ,german horticultural journals under the name of ,c4 excelsa4 ,it was named musfolia by ,m4 ,anne1 who introduced it into ,france in #aheh1 from the resemblance of its leaves to those of the ,musa or banana-tree4 ,it reaches a height of more than #h ft41 and has green1 downy stems1 and very large1 oval1 green leaves4 ,flowers small1 orange-yellow4 ,it is a tender species without rhizomes1 and requires to be kept constantly growing4 ,peru4 ,canna nepalensis4--,a variety of ,c4 glauca 7according to ,m4 ,chat71 introduced into ,france by ,m4 ,wallich1 director of the ,botanic ,garden at ,calcutta4 ,about #f ft4 high1 with oval-lance-shaped glaucous leaves1 narrowed at both ends4 ,outer divisions of flower greenish-yellow2 inner ones1 sulphur-coloured or light orange4 ,canna purpurea spectabilis4--,rhizomes cylindrical4 ,stalks medium-sized1 purple4 ,leaves deep greenish purple1 fair size4 ,flowers small1 scarlet4 ,rather uncommon2 habit fine2 height #f ft4 to #f ft4 ,this is a very hardy species1 and has given rise to all the varieties with red or striped leaves4 ,canna ,warscewiczii4--,a very early-flowering species1 easily raised from seed1 and if sown early in spring1 may be used for decorative purposes the same year4 ,stems numerous1 reaching a height of somewhat over #c ft4 ,leaves oval-elliptical1 narrowed at both ends1 and deeply tinged with dark purple4 ,flowers with brilliant scarlet inner divisions2 outer ones purplish4 ,s4 ,america4 ,there are many handsome varieties of this species in cultivation4 ,canna ,alfred ,dumesnil4--,rhizomes clouded1 elongated4 ,stalks medium thickness1 deep greenish-purple4 ,leaves medium-sized1 acuminate and erect1 deep green striped with violet-purple4 ,flowers large1 well-formed1 scarlet4 ,free-flowering2 height #c ft4 to #d ft4 ,canna ,annei4--,a vigorous kind1 with numerous stiff stems1 of a sea-green colour1 #f ft4 high1 and large green1 glaucescent1 oval-acute leaves1 #b ft4 long by #aj ins4 wide4 ,flowers large1 well-formed1 salmon-colour1 continuing to appear from ,july until the first frosts4 ,canna ,annei-rosea4--,flowers late and scantily4 ,stems numerous1 dark green with a reddish base1 attaining a height of nearly #aj ft4 ,flowers small1 carmine rose-colour4 ,leaves dark green1 very narrow and pointed1 erect1 about #b ft4 #d ins4 long4 ,rootstock long1 conical-cylindrical1 reddish4 ,canna ,annei-bicolor4--,a kind with rather thick green stems nearly #f ft4 high1 with a violet-coloured base4 ,leaves light green1 oval-acute4 ,flowers few1 of medium size1 orange-coloured2 the two upper petals reddish4 ,rootstock of a violet colour4 ,canna ,annei-floribunda4--,resembles the type in habit and foliage1 but is not so tall1 is more free-flowering1 and has yellow leaves4 ,canna ,annei-fulgida4--,stems small1 of a dark-red colour1 from #c ft4 to #e ft4 high4 ,leaves deep purple1 erect1 #bj ins4 long and #f ins4 wide4 ,flowers large1 well-opened1 orange-red4 ,very tender4 ,canna ,annei-marginata4--,stems of medium size1 dark-red colour1 and about #c ft4 high4 ,leaves of a deep green with a dark-red margin4 ,flowers rather large1 orange-red4 7,considered an inferior variety47 ,canna ,annei-discolor4--,stems five or six in number1 vigorous and erect1 of a uniform red hue1 from #c ft4 to #e ft4 high4 ,leaves lance-shaped1 erect1 of a light-red colour1 #b ft4 long and #aj ins4 wide4 ,flowers late and few1 small1 rose-coloured1 tinged with yellow4 ,rootstock conical1 very small and short1 covered with violet scales4 ,canna ,annei-rubra4--,rhizomes of good thickness4 ,stalks medium thickness1 purple4 ,leaves acuminate1 deep green striped with purple1 good size2 habit fine4 ,flowers bright orange1 well-formed4 ,one of the most free-flowering ,cannas4 ,height #f ft4 ,canna atronigricans4--,stems of medium thickness1 seldom exceeding #c ft4 in height4 ,leaves of a purplish shade passing into dark-red1 of a deeper hue than those of ,c4 nigricans4 ,flowers few1 of a golden-brown colour4 ,rootstocks small and few1 with reddish scales4 ,a very handsome but tender kind4 ,canna aurantiaca-splendida4--,stems green1 downy1 rather thick1 #f ft4 to over #h ft4 high4 ,leaves oval1 erect1 #b ft4 #d ins4 to #b ft4 long and #a ft4 wide1 with very prominent membranes4 ,flowers in ,september1 orange1 well-formed1 and of a good size4 ,rootstocks small4 ,a very vigorous-growing variety4 ,canna aurantiaca-zebrina4--,stems brown1 downy1 #c ft4 to nearly #e ft4 high4 ,leaves of a light green1 striped with fine violet bands1 and #b ft4 in length by #aj ins4 wide4 ,flowers very few1 light red4 ,rootstocks few and short4 ,canna ,amelia4--,stems of a sea-green colour1 nearly #e ft4 high4 ,leaves oval-acuminate1 glaucous1 and gracefully recurved4 ,flowers large1 well-opened1 of a golden yellow1 spotted with orange-purple on all the petals4 ,rootstocks conical and cylindrical4 ,blooms abundantly and continuously from ,july till the first frosts4 ,canna atropurpurea4--,stems very small and downy1 of a reddish hue1 and not exceeding #c ft4 in height4 ,leaves small1 recurved1 of an almost black colour4 ,flowers rather large1 of a reddish golden-brown4 ,rootstocks small1 cylindrical1 closely crowded around the plant4 ,this variety seeds well and freely4 ,canna ,abb ,rosier4--,stems green1 nearly #f ft4 high4 ,leaves erect1 of a glaucous sea-green shade4 ,flowers of medium size1 light brown1 tinged with vermilion1 not well-formed1 and opening badly4 ,rootstocks conical and cylindrical4 ,canna ,bonetti4--,stems vigorous1 of a deep-red colour1 glaucous towards the top1 and about #h ft4 high4 ,leaves deep green1 with deep-red veins and edges1 #b ft4 #d ins4 long1 and over #h ins4 wide4 ,flowers rather large1 yellowish-brown1 shaded with dark purple1 well-formed and well-opened4 ,rootstocks thick1 elongated4 ,seeds freely and well4 ,canna ,bonetti-major4--,very like the preceding1 but with much taller stems and larger leaves and flowers4 ,canna ,bonetti-semperflorens4--,stems brown1 #f ft4 to over #h ft4 high4 ,leaves lance-shaped1 deeply tinged and margined with a dark-red shade4 ,flowers rather large1 of a wine-red colour4 ,a very free bloomer4 ,canna ,bourcier4--,stems brown1 #f ft4 to nearly #aj ft4 high4 ,leaves long1 lance-shaped1 of a deep violet-red colour4 ,flowers of a brick-red shaded with salmon-colour4 ,rootstocks conical1 of medium size1 violet-coloured4 ,canna ,bihorelli4--,stems purple1 #c ft4 to nearly #e ft4 high4 ,leaves dark red1 with a narrow purple margin4 ,flowers numerous1 light red1 in handsome panicles4 ,rootstocks conical and rather numerous4 ,canna compacta-grandiflora4--,stems brown1 #c ft4 to nearly #e ft4 high4 ,leaves dark red1 not well set4 ,flowers very large1 well-formed1 of a salmon-shaded-red1 in handsome panicles4 ,rootstocks conical1 rather large1 covered with reddish scales4 ,canna ,chatei-discolor4--,stems purple1 very robust1 #c ft4 to nearly #e ft4 high4 ,leaves thick and firm1 of a deep green1 finely rayed and margined with purple4 ,flowers blood-red1 well-formed4 ,rootstocks conical1 of medium size4 ,a very shy bloomer4 ,canna ,chatei-grandis4--,stems brownish-purple1 #f ft4 high1 when not divided year after year4 ,leaves at first erect1 afterwards deflected throughout their entire length and spreading very much1 #b ft4 #d ins4 long and #a ft4 wide4 ,flowers late1 crimson1 in a handsome panicle4 ,rootstocks brown1 conical1 very short4 ,ripens its seeds well4 ,canna ,daniel ,hooibrenk4--,rhizomes large4 ,stalks strong1 green4 ,leaves large1 glaucous-green1 acuminate4 ,flowers large1 bright orange4 ,free-flowering2 fine habit ,height over #f ft4 ,canna ,de ,candolle4--,stems green1 about #d ft4 high4 ,leaves green1 badly set4 ,flowers very numerous1 vermilion shaded with carmine4 ,rootstocks conical4 ,canna discolor-floribunda4--,stems dark red1 #c ft4 to #d ft4 high4 ,leaves oblong1 #ah ins4 long and #aj ins4 wide1 deep green striped with purple4 ,flowers small1 orange-red4 ,rootstocks conical1 of medium size4 ,ripens its seeds well4 ,canna ,dput ,hnon4--,stems green1 not exceeding #d ft4 #aj ins4 in height4 ,leaves of a light glaucous-green1 oval1 acute1 erect4 ,flowers large1 well-formed1 of a pure canary-colour1 with a brownish-yellow base1 in numerous spikes1 which rise gracefully above the foliage to the height of about #bj ins4 ,rootstocks cylindrical1 elongated1 standing at some distance from the centre of the tuft4 ,ripens its seeds well4 ,canna ,edward ,morren4--,rhizomes conical4 ,stalks green1 numerous4 ,leaves clear green1 longish4 ,flowers large1 well-formed1 yellow1 very much spotted with bright nasturtium-colour4 ,very floriferous4 ,this is the finest ,canna with spotted flowers4 ,height #e ft4 to #e ft4 ,canna elata-macrophylla4--,stems reddish below1 green and downy above1 more than #h ft4 high4 ,leaves light green1 very large1 oval1 slightly waved4 ,flowers salmon-coloured1 small4 ,rootstocks conical1 of medium size4 ,seeds freely4 ,canna expansa4--,stems thicker than in any other variety1 green1 downy1 #f ft to over #h ft4 high4 ,leaves of enormous size 7over #d ft4 long and from #bb ins4 to #b ft4 wide71 oval1 obtuse1 spreading horizontally to a great distance from the stems4 ,flowers small1 vermilion shaded with salmon1 in panicles4 ,roots fibrous4 ,should be planted in a well-sheltered position to save the huge leaves from being torn by the winds4 ,never seeds4 ,canna expansa-rubra4--,stems numerous1 vigorous1 very thick1 dark-red1 #d ft4 to nearly #f ft4 high4 ,leaves of a dark-red colour1 and resembling those of the preceding in size1 shape1 and arrangement4 ,flowers large1 with rounded divisions1 of a dazzling purple colour4 ,rootstocks very thick1 cylindrical1 and much swollen in the upper part4 ,like the preceding1 requires a sheltered position4 ,canna elongatissima-rustica4--,stems deep-green1 very thick1 #f ft4 to over #h ft4 high4 ,leaves oval1 erect1 very large1 of a deep shining green1 with a narrow dark-red margin4 ,flowers very small1 orange-rose-coloured4 ,rootstocks very small1 conical1 with fibrous roots4 ,a vigorous-growing variety4 ,canna excelsa-zebrina4--,stems dark violet-red1 downy1 rather thick1 #f ft4 to over #h ft4 high4 ,leaves very large1 oval1 erect1 deep-green1 passing into dark-red1 rayed with violet-purple4 ,flowers small1 orange4 ,rootstocks small1 conical4 ,this is the finest striped variety4 ,canna guayaquilla4--,rhizomes large1 round4 ,stalks very thick1 reddish4 ,leaves very wide and large1 bordered with purple4 ,flowers small1 yellowish-orange4 ,rather uncommon2 fine habit2 a remarkable kind4 ,height over #f ft4 ,canna gigantea-major4--,stems thick and vigorous1 of a light-green1 slightly reddish below1 #f ft4 to #h ft4 high4 ,leaves very large1 of a light glistening green4 ,flowers1 medium size1 pale-red4 ,rootstocks whitish1 very thick1 cylindrical1 and swollen4 ,a very hardy variety4 ,canna gigantea-rubra4--,stems dark red1 #d ft4 to nearly #f ft4 high4 ,leaves broad1 obtuse1 green1 shaded with dark-red4 ,flowers blood-red1 in panicles4 ,rootstocks conical1 very closely crowded together4 ,resembles ,c4 ,chatei-grandis1 but is an inferior variety4 ,canna grandis4--,stems green1 downy1 very thick1 from nearly #aj ft4 to nearly #ab ft4 high4 ,leaves oval1 erect1 deep green1 very large4 ,flowers poppy-red1 small1 but in large panicles4 ,rootstocks small1 with fibrous roots4 ,canna grandiflora-floribunda4--,stems small1 from #bj ins4 to #c ft4 high1 of a light glistening green4 ,leaves small1 light-green and glistening4 ,flowers numerous1 very large1 with rounded divisions1 orange-rose colour1 in handsome panicles4 ,rootstocks yellowish1 numerous1 cylindrical1 of medium size4 ,a very hardy variety1 of great effect from its brilliant and luxuriant inflorescence4 ,canna ,heliconifolia4--,stems deep green and downy1 #f ft4 to over #h ft4 high4 ,leaves green1 oval1 erect1 very firm4 ,flowers small1 orange4 ,roots fibrous4 ,does not seed before the second year4 ,canna ,hostei4--,stems chestnut-coloured1 about #h ft4 high4 ,leaves dark-red1 lance-shaped4 ,flowers large1 red4 ,rootstocks dark-red1 conical4 ,canna involventiafolia4--,stems green1 #h ft4 to nearly #aj ft4 high4 ,leaves very large1 reflexed1 of a light green4 ,flowers few and small4 ,rootstocks small1 with fibrous rootlets4 ,canna ,imperator4--,stems vigorous1 very thick1 green and downy1 reddish below1 #f ft4 to over #h ft4 at the close of the season4 ,leaves half-opened1 lance-shaped1 light green1 with prominent lateral nerve1 #b ft4 #d ins4 long by #ad ins4 wide4 ,flowers late1 very effective1 of a dazzling blood-red4 ,rootstocks conical1 very short4 ,canna iridiflora-hybrida4--,stems green1 downy1 somewhat reddish below1 #f ft4 to over #h ft4 high4 ,leaves green1 very large4 ,flowers well-formed1 very large1 blood-red4 ,rootstocks small1 with fibrous roots4 ,flowers to most advantage in a house1 where it is really magnificent4 ,canna iridiflora-rubra4--,stems brown1 #c ft4 to nearly #e ft4 high4 ,leaves deep green shaded with dark red1 and with a narrow dark purplish-red margin4 ,flowers large1 purplish-red4 ,this variety is not so tender as the preceding one4 ,canna insignis4--,stems violet1 downy1 #c ft4 to nearly #e ft4 high4 ,leaves oval1 extending horizontally1 of a tender green1 rayed and margined with purplish-red4 ,flowers few and small1 of an orange-red4 ,this variety is valuable for its fine foliage4 ,canna ,joseph-,auzende4--,stems green1 #d ft4 high4 ,leaves green and flaccid4 ,flowers deep carmine1 of medium size4 ,rootstocks yellowish1 small and conical4 ,not a very good variety4 ,canna ,jean ,bart4--,rhizomes conical2 stalks medium thickness1 deep green1 elongated4 ,flowers very large1 deep purple2 height #e ft4 to #f ft4 ,canna ,jean ,vandael4--,rhizomes cylindrical1 longish2 stalks medium thickness1 numerous1 clear green4 ,leaves clear green1 erect1 elongated4 ,flowers large1 well-formed1 garnet-red2 height #d ft4 to #d ft4 ,canna ,jussieu4--,stems green1 from nearly #d ft4 to #d ft4 high4 ,leaves small1 glaucous-green4 ,flowers citron1 approaching a chamois-colour4 ,rootstocks conical cylindrical4 7,an inferior variety47 ,canna ,krelagei discolor4--,stems very thick1 from nearly #e ft4 to nearly #f ft4 high4 ,leaves broad and thick1 dark-red1 rayed with purplish-red4 ,flowers large1 carmine-red1 sometimes rayed with white1 in handsome panicles4 ,rootstocks grey1 conical4 ,canna ,liervalii4--,stems dark-red1 #f ft4 high4 ,leaves of the same colour1 rayed with purple4 ,flowers orange-red4 ,rootstocks dark red1 conical4 ,canna ,lavallei4--,stems slender1 purplish-brown4 ,flowers very large1 well-formed1 vermilion-orange1 becoming yellower as they open4 ,rootstocks cylindrical4 ,canna ,lemoinei4--,stems green1 #f ft4 to over #h ft4 high4 ,leaves very leathery1 of medium size1 and deep green colour4 ,flowers bright orange4 ,canna limbata-major4--,stems green and downy1 #e ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves large1 lance-shaped1 narrow1 spreading1 deep green1 #b ft4 long1 and over #h ins4 wide4 ,flowers large1 orange-red4 ,rootstocks cylindrical1 narrowed towards the top1 closely crowded together4 ,ripens its seeds freely4 ,canna maxima4--,stems green and downy1 #e ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves very large1 lance-shaped1 acute1 light green1 becoming darker in the course of growth1 reflexed1 from #b ft4 to #cb ins4 long1 and #aj ins4 to #a ft4 wide1 on stalks #f or #g ins4 long4 ,flowers small1 orange-yellow4 ,roots fibrous1 without rootstocks4 ,does not flower before the second year1 and is valuable only for its foliage4 ,canna ,marchal-,vaillant4--,stems robust1 from #e ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves oblong1 lance-shaped1 erect1 #bh ins4 to #cb ins4 long1 deep green1 striped with purplish-red4 ,flowers large1 elegant1 of a pure orange1 in handsome spikes4 ,rootstocks rather thick1 conical and cylindrical1 standing at some distance from the tuft4 ,canna musfolia-peruviana4--,stems green and downy1 #e ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves very large1 wide1 light green4 ,flowers small1 orange4 ,rootstocks very small4 ,canna musfolia minima4--,leaves of a whitish green1 badly set4 ,flowers small1 orange-brown4 ,no rootstocks4 ,canna musfolia-hybrida4--,resembles ,c4 musfolia1 but the stems and leaves are thicker and of a deeper green4 ,canna musfolia-rubra4--,stems dark red1 #f ft4 high4 ,leaves dark purple-red1 oval1 very large4 ,flowers small1 salmon-red4 ,rootstocks very tender1 with fibrous roots4 ,neglected as too tender and not sufficiently distinct from several other varieties1 such as ,c4 ,chatei-grandis1 etc4 ,canna musfolia-perfecta4--,stems from #e ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves broad1 very firm1 of a handsome whitish green4 ,flowers small1 yellow4 ,roots fibrous1 without rootstocks4 ,canna metallica4--,resembles ,c4 nigricans1 and has never justified its name4 ,canna macrophylla-zebrina4--,stems violet and downy1 #d ft4 to over #e ft4 high4 ,leaves dark-red1 rayed and striped with purple4 ,flowers red1 with a perennially withered aspect4 ,rootstocks very small1 conical1 closely set round the tuft4 ,this variety is very subject to diseases4 ,canna metallicoides4--,stems violet1 #e ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves of medium size1 dark-red striped with purple4 ,flowers medium size1 light-red4 ,rootstocks small1 with fibrous roots4 ,canna nervosa4--,stems reddish1 #c ft4 to #e ft4 high4 ,leaves deep green1 rayed and margined with purple4 ,flowers small1 blood-red4 ,rootstocks conical4 ,canna nigricans4--,stems purplish-red1 #d ft4 to over #h ft4 high4 ,leaves lance-shaped1 acuminate1 erect1 of a coppery red1 which exhibits a metallic gleam under sunshine4 ,the old leaves lose their reddish tint1 and assume a duller hue4 ,they are #b ft4 in length by #aj ins4 or #ab ins4 wide4 ,flowers few and late1 of a sad1 tawny-yellow colour4 ,rootstocks brownish1 conical4 ,seldom seeds4 ,one of the finest kinds4 ,canna nana-superba4--,stems green1 growing very closely together1 and from #bj ins4 to #cb ins4 high4 ,leaves small1 of a handsome green4 ,flowers large1 badly formed1 of a brick-red1 becoming darker as they open4 ,rootstocks grey1 small1 conical 7,a very inferior variety47 ,canna nepalensis-grandiflora4--,has the same habit and foliage as the type 7,c4 nepalensis71 but is a dwarfer variety with better-shaped flowers of a sulphur-yellow1 sometimes dotted with red4 ,canna ,oriflamme4--,rhizomes conical1 stalks deep green4 ,leaves good size1 elongated1 acuminate1 deep green lightly striped4 ,flowers very large1 deep orange1 in panicles which stand up considerably above the foliage4 ,height #e ft4 to #e ft4 ,canna ,pie ,,ix4--,stems small1 green1 slightly reddish below1 #c ft4 to #d ft4 high4 ,leaves small1 of a pale glaucous-green1 erect1 lance-shaped1 acuminate4 ,flowers large1 light yellow with a deep orange claw1 very numerous1 in closely-crowded panicles4 ,rootstocks conical and cylindrical4 ,excellent for edgings4 ,canna ,parmentier4--,stems small1 green1 #d ft4 to #e ft4 high4 ,leaves glaucous-green1 small4 ,flowers brownish-yellow4 ,rootstocks grey1 conical and cylindrical4 7,an inferior variety47 ,canna purpurea-hybrida4--,stems dark-red1 from #d ft4 to over #e ft4 high4 ,leaves dark-red1 rayed with reddish-purple4 ,flowers large1 brownish-yellow4 ,rootstocks small1 conical1 crowded4 ,a very handsome variety1 but tender4 ,canna ,porteana4--,stems small1 dark-red1 #c ft4 to #d ft4 high4 ,leaves red1 with a metallic lustre4 ,flowers medium-sized1 light orange4 ,rootstocks grey1 small1 forming a close1 compact tuft4 ,a fine but tender variety4 ,canna picturata-fastuosa4--,stems numerous1 green1 #e ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves green1 glaucescent1 narrow1 much pointed1 over #b ft4 long by #f ins4 wide4 ,flowers large1 well-opened1 light yellow speckled with red4 ,blooms luxuriantly and continuously from the end of ,july to the first frosts4 ,rootstocks white1 with grey scales1 cylindrical1 much elongated4 ,canna picturata-nana4--,stems small1 green1 from #bj ins4 to #b ft4 high4 ,leaves very small1 of a light green4 ,flowers large1 yellow1 spotted with red4 ,rootstocks whitish1 small1 conical4 ,a charming variety for edgings4 ,canna ,plantieri4--,stems very thick1 reddish below1 deep green above1 #c ft4 to over #h ft4 high4 ,leaves green1 glaucous1 lance-shaped1 acute4 ,flowers large1 bright yellow1 changing to orange4 ,rootstocks greyish1 rather thick1 conical and cylindrical4 ,a late and shy bloomer4 ,canna ,prmices-de-,nice4--,stems and leaves like those of ,c4 ,annei1 #c ft4 to #e ft4 high4 ,flowers very large1 bright yellow1 sometimes dotted with salmon-colour4 ,rootstocks conical and cylindrical1 rather shorter than those of ,c4 ,annei4 ,a very free-flowering and hardy variety4 ,canna rubra-superbissima4--,stems dark purple-red1 very thick1 from nearly #f ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves broad1 round1 purplish-red1 with a metallic lustre4 ,flowers of medium size1 light orange-red4 ,rootstocks brownish1 very thick1 conical1 crowded together4 ,one of the finest metallic-red-leaved ,cannas4 ,canna rubricaulis4--,stems dark-red1 from nearly #f ft4 to #g ft4 high4 ,leaves dark-red1 rayed and margined with purple-red4 ,rootstocks greyish1 small1 conical4 7,inferior to the preceding variety47 ,canna rubra-nerva4--,stems dark-red1 from #c ft4 to #e ft4 high4 ,leaves long and narrow1 lance-shaped1 reflexed1 dark-red rayed with purple4 ,flowers large1 of a cinnabar red4 ,rootstocks dark-red1 very long1 conical1 and cylindrical4 ,resembles a weeping willow4 ,canna rubra-perfecta4--,stems dark-red1 from #e ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves dark-red1 rayed with purple4 ,flowers of medium size1 orange-red4 ,rootstocks dark-red1 conical4 ,seeds freely4 ,canna rotundifolia-vera4--,stems very thick1 green1 downy below1 from #c ft4 to #e ft4 high4 ,leaves round1 reflexed1 of a deep glistening green4 ,flowers medium-sized1 opening very badly1 of a carmine-red4 ,rootstocks medium-sized1 conical4 7,a tender variety47 ,canna rotundifolia-rubra-major4--,stems dark-red1 numerous1 very thick1 vigorous1 from #c ft4 to #e ft4 high4 ,leaves round1 obtuse1 spreading almost horizontally1 pale-red1 with a dark purplish-red midrib and border4 ,rootstocks dark-red1 very thick1 cylindrical1 much swollen above4 ,canna rotundifolia-metallica4--,similar to the preceding1 but with coppery-red leaves which have a metallic lustre4 ,canna ,rendatleri4--,stems light purplish-red1 of medium thickness1 vigorous1 rather distant from each other1 from nearly #f ft4 to over #h ft4 high4 ,leaves much pointed1 deep-green tinged with dark-red1 badly set4 ,flowers numerous1 very large1 well-opened1 salmon-red4 ,rootstocks greyish1 conical1 cylindrical4 ,ripens its seeds badly4 ,canna ,rodezii4--,stems small1 numerous1 from #d ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves green1 glaucous1 lanceolate1 acute1 very narrow4 ,flowers large1 marigold-orange4 ,rootstocks whitish1 cylindrical1 very slender and long4 ,a variety desirable for its flowers1 but not ornamental in foliage4 ,canna ,thibauti4--,stems purplish-brown1 from #e ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves broad1 thick1 dark-red1 rayed with purple4 ,flowers very large1 well-opened1 poppy-red1 in crowded panicles4 ,rootstocks white1 small1 crowded together4 ,canna striata4--,stems green1 slender1 #c ft4 to #e ft4 high4 ,leaves small1 very narrow1 erect1 glaucous-green4 ,flowers yellow1 speckled and rayed with red4 ,rootstocks small1 cylindrical1 crowded at the base of the plant4 ,inferior to ,c4 picturata-nana of the same colour4 ,canna ,warscewiczioides-,chatei4--,stems dark-red1 thick1 from #f ft4 to over #g ft4 high4 ,leaves very large1 dark-red4 ,flowers small1 blood-red1 in very large panicles4 ,rootstocks brown1 rather thick1 cylindrical4 ,canna ,warscewiczioides-nobilis4--,stems deep-green1 tinged with dark-red1 from #e ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves deep-green1 rayed and margined with dark-red4 ,rootstocks medium-sized1 conical1 crowded around the base of the plant4 ,canna ,van-,houttei4--,stems dark-red1 vigorous1 from #e ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves lance-shaped1 pointed1 green1 rayed and margined with dark purplish-red1 #b ft4 to #b ft4 long4 ,flowers large1 well-formed1 poppy-red4 ,rootstocks grey1 long1 cylindrical4 ,a very handsome and hardy variety4 ,canna zebrina4--,stems green1 tinged with dark-red1 small1 from #cb ins4 to #c ft4 high4 ,leaves deep-green1 rayed and striped with dark-red4 ,flowers small1 orange tinged with salmon4 ,rootstocks whitish1 conical4 ,a tardy grower4 ,canna zebrina-major4--,stems green tinged with dark-red1 downy1 of medium size1 #e ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,leaves oval1 erect1 deep-green1 rayed and striped with dark purplish-red4 ,flowers very small1 red4 ,rootstocks brown1 rather thick1 conical1 swollen4 ,canna zebrina-elegantissima4--,stems dark-red1 vigorous1 #d ft1 to #e ft4 high4 ,leaves very large1 lance-shaped1 deep-green1 striped with dark purplish-red4 ,flowers of medium size1 yellowish-brown tinged with scarlet4 ,rootstocks greyish1 conical1 swollen4 ,canna zebrina-gant4--,stems deep-green1 tinged with violet-red1 very thick1 downy4 ,leaves very large1 thick1 deep-green1 rayed with dark-red4 ,flowers large1 light-red4 ,rootstocks whitish1 conical1 closely crowded together4 ,difficult to flower1 but very ornamental in foliage4 ,canna zebrina-violacea4--,stems violet1 downy1 slender1 about #d ft4 high4 ,leaves violet1 rayed with purple4 ,flowers of medium size1 bright-red4 ,roots fibrous4 ,a very tender variety1 with badly-developed leaves4 ,canna zebrina-nana4--,stems green tinged with dark-red1 #af ins4 to #bj ins4 high4 ,leaves small1 light-green1 rayed and margined with purple4 ,flowers of medium size1 light-red4 ,rootstocks small1 crowded on one another4 ,excellent for large edgings4 ,canna ,ferrandii4--,stems dark purplish-red1 #d ft4 to #e ft4 high4 ,leaves medium-sized1 dark-red1 margined with purple4 ,flowers large1 blood-red1 very numerous1 in handsome panicles4 ,canna ,auguste ,ferrier4--,stems green1 very thick1 downy1 nearly #aj ft4 high4 ,leaves very large1 oval1 erect1 pointed1 deep-green1 with narrow stripes and margin of dark purplish-red4 ,flowers of medium size1 orange-red4 ,rootstocks small1 but very hardy4 ,a shy bloomer1 but of remarkably fine habit and foliage4 ,canna ,barilletti4--,stems red1 vigorous1 nearly #aj ft4 high4 ,leaves very large1 deep-red4 ,flowers small1 orange-red4 ,rootstocks very small1 conical1 with fibrous roots4 ,the number of ,cannas enumerated is so large that it is desirable to make a selection from them4 ,a still narrower selection is indicated by asterisks4 ,a ,,selection ,,of ,,cannas4 ,c4 ,annei 8 -discolor atronigricans atropurpurea 99,auguste ,ferrier aurantiaca-splendida aurantiaca-zebrina 99,amelia ,barilletti ,bihorelli ,bonetti 99,chatei-discolor 8 -grandis ,dput ,hnon discolor 99excelsa-zebrina expansa 8 -rubra ,c4 99elegantissima rustica ,ferrandii gigantea grandiflora-floribunda iridiflora 8 -hybrida 8 -rubra insignis 99,imperator 99,krelagei discolor ,lavallei ,liliiflora limbata macrophylla musfolia maxima ,marchal-,vaillant 99nigricans ,c4 peruviana purpurea 8 robusta 99purpurea spectabilis 99,porteana 99picturata-fastuosa 8 -nana ,pie ,,ix4 ,prmices-de-,nice ,rendatleri rotundifolia-metallica 8 -rubra ,thibauti ,van-,houttei zebrina-nana 8 -elegantissima 99,cannabis sativus 7,hemp-plant74--,a well-known annual1 native of ,india and ,persia1 and largely cultivated in ,europe for the sake of its fibre4 ,in ordinary situations it grows from #d ft4 to #aj ft4 high1 but in ,italy1 under very favourable circumstances1 it sometimes grows as high as #bj ft4 ,in plants growing singly the stem is frequently much branched1 but when grown in masses it is generally straight and unbranched4 ,the leaves are long-stalked1 and composed of from five to seven long1 lance-shaped1 sharp-pointed leaflets1 radiating from the top of the stalk1 and with the margins cut into sharp saw-like teeth4 ,this well-known plant is useful where the tenderer subtropical plants cannot be enjoyed4 ,single well-grown plants of it look very imposing and distinct1 and are good for the backs of borders or mixed groups4 ,for these purposes1 it should be sown early in ,april in the open ground4 ,to get large plants it would no doubt be worth while raising it in frames4 ,it loves a warm1 sandy loam4 99,carduuse riophorus 7,woolly-headed ,thistle74--,a remarkably conspicuous native plant1 with a much-branched1 furrowed1 hairy stem #c ft4 to #e ft4 high1 and very deeply cut and undulated spiny leaves1 the lower ones often #b ft4 long4 ,the flower-heads are very large1 of a purplish-red colour1 and surrounded on the under side with a dense white cottony web4 ,there are few plants more handsome or novel in appearance than an established one of this4 ,it is suitable for borders1 or groups of hardy fine-foliaged plants1 and grows well in any ordinary garden-soil4 ,seed4 99,carex paniculata4--,a very large sedge1 growing somewhat like a dwarf tree-fern1 with strong and thick stems1 and with luxuriant masses of drooping leaves4 ,the roots form dense elevated tufts1 frequently elevated from one to three feet above the surface of the ground2 and when the plant is in flower1 it generally exhibits a large and spreading panicle4 ,the leaves are rough and broad1 and the flower-spike from #c ins4 to #f ins4 long4 ,a few tufts of this are very effective on the margins of water near groups of picturesque plants4 ,the finer specimens are of great age1 and must be procured from the bogs where the plant occurs wild4 99,carex pendula4--,a very handsome plant1 unlike any of the other ,british ,carices1 growing in large round tufts1 with numerous flowering-stems and barren shoots1 which attain a height of from #c ft4 to #f ft4 ,the leaves are often #b ft4 or more in length1 and are chiefly at the base of the plant4 ,it is most attractive when in flower1 from the graceful disposition of its pendent spikes1 which are usually about half-a-dozen in number1 and each from #d ins4 to #g ins4 in length4 ,very suitable for the margin of water or for boggy or moist spots4 ,illustration3 ,carlina acaulis4 99,carlina acaulis4--,a hardy perennial1 rather interesting from its foliage1 which has some resemblance to the leaves of a miniature ,acanthus1 and is disposed in a broad1 handsome1 regular rosette very close to the ground4 ,its single yellowish flower1 #c ins4 or more across1 is borne on a very short1 erect stalk in the centre of the rosette4 ,although too dwarf for association with plants of more imposing stature1 it is well worthy of a place on a bank or slope1 or on the margins of low beds or groups1 where its pleasing aspect and very distinct habit will be ,illustration3 ,,caryota ,,sobolifera4 ,tender ,palm2 for summer use in the southern counties only4 seen to best advantage4 ,it thrives best in dry1 stony1 calcareous soil1 and is easily multiplied by sowing4 ,in the mountainous districts of ,france the flowers are gathered by the inhabitants1 and used as a substitute for artichokes4 ,central ,europe4 ,carludovica palmata4--,a very ornamental1 palm-like plant1 from #d ft4 to #g ft4 high1 with rich dark-green leaves from #b ft4 to #c ft4 broad1 and divided into four lobes1 each of which is again divided at the apex into narrow segments4 ,the leaf-stalks are round1 smooth1 and without spines1 and are of the same colour as the leaves4 ,this interesting plant will stand the open air in summer1 from early ,june till ,october1 but requires warm house treatment in winter1 with plenty of water at all times4 ,seed4 ,peru and ,new ,granada4 ,caryota sobolifera4--,an elegant ,palm1 with a slender stem and shining light-green bipinnate leaves4 ,the leaf-stalks1 when young1 are clothed with a short1 black1 scaly tomentum1 which falls off as the plant grows older4 ,it is often confounded with ,c4 urens1 but may be easily distinguished from it by the suckers which it produces very freely from its base4 ,similar treatment and uses to those given for ,c4 urens1 with which it is of much the same value for the open garden4 ,malacca4 ,caryota urens4--,an ,east ,indian ,palm1 with a stout stem1 and an elegant crown of spreading bipinnate leaves1 from #c ft4 to #ab ft41 or more1 in length1 of a dark-green colour1 the leaflets being #f ins4 to #i ins4 long by #b ins4 to #d ins4 wide4 ,when young1 it should be potted in equal parts of loam and vegetable mould1 with a little sand2 the pot to be well drained1 and water given liberally during the growing season4 ,it is generally seen in a small state in this country2 and though it stands the open air in summer1 from ,june till the end of ,september1 pretty well1 it can never be of much importance for our open-air gardening4 99,cassia marilandica4--,a hardy1 graceful perennial1 #c ft4 to #e ft4 high1 with pinnate leaves1 resembling those of the ,acacia1 and slender stems1 bearing yellow flowers1 in numerous small clusters in autumn4 ,it is somewhat late in growth1 but once commenced1 grows with great rapidity4 ,it thrives best in a position with a south aspect1 and may be multiplied either by division in spring1 or by sowing from ,april to ,june4 ,it should always be planted in a warm1 deep1 sandy loam1 and is very suitable for borders or association in groups with the finer hardy subjects1 its graceful leaves qualifying it for a place in a group of hardy foliage-plants4 ,in naturally warm1 deep1 and well-drained soils it will prove a noble subject for the back parts of borders4 ,n4 ,america4 99,centaurea babylonica4--,among the ,centaureas there are a few subjects which might be used among hardy fine-leaved plants1 but by far the most distinct and remarkable is the very silvery-leaved ,c4 babylonica4 ,this is quite hardy1 and when planted in good ground1 sends up strong shoots1 clad with yellow flowers1 to a height of #aj ft4 or #ab ft4 ,the bloom1 which continues from ,july to ,september1 is not by any means so attractive as the leaves2 but the plant is at all times picturesque4 ,in groups1 or1 still better1 isolated1 on rough or undulating parts of pleasure-grounds1 it has a very fine effect4 ,a free sandy loam suits it best4 ,seed4 ,levant4 ,illustration3 ,,centaurea ,,babylonica4 ,coarse herbaceous ,section2 for isolation by wood-walks1 etc4 ,centaurea ,clementei4--,a plant of robust growth 7resembling ,c4 ragusina1 but much larger in every part71 with broad crowns of leaves1 which are deeply serrated and cut into lobes4 ,to the elegance of the foliage must be added its beauty of colouring1 the leaf in a young state being covered with down as white as snow1 and when fully matured and developed still retaining a silvery appearance4 ,this plant1 which ,i first saw in ,m4 ,boissier's garden1 near ,lausanne1 ,i have no experience of as a hardy plant in this country2 but whatever its value in this respect may be1 there can be no doubt that for the summer garden it will prove as effective as either ,c4 gymnocarpa or ,c4 ragusina1 both exceptionally fine and useful plants4 ,the same treatment will suit it4 ,centaurea dealbata is a dwarf hardy species from the ,caucasus1 with elegant foliage1 white underneath1 and rosy flowers3 suitable among dwarf hardy subjects4 ,centaurea gymnocarpa4--,a half-shrubby plant from the ,south of ,europe1 nearly #b ft4 high1 with hard1 branching1 bushy stems1 and elegantly cut1 arching leaves1 which are covered with a short1 whitish-satiny down4 ,a variety 7,c4 plumosa7 has the leaves much more divided1 and not so white4 ,this plant is somewhat hardier than ,c4 ragusina1 but both require greenhouse treatment in winter4 ,same soil1 positions1 and treatment as for ,c4 ragusina4 ,useful as this is as an edging or bedding plant1 it is when grown as fine single specimens that its beauty is most seen4 ,centaurea ragusina4--,this fine and distinct plant1 which has lately become one of the most popular of our flower-garden ornaments1 cannot be passed by in a book on fine-leaved plants4 ,it is so abundantly used as a bedding and ribbon-plant1 etc41 that nothing need be said of it in these respects1 but it will be seen to great advantage in single1 well-grown tufts or small groups1 as its silvery leaves would contrast finely with many of the dark green and glossy things recommended for this purpose4 ,readily increased by seeds1 or by cuttings4 ,should be planted out in ,may4 ,s4 ,europe4 ,chamdorea4--,a family of ,mexican palms1 with smooth1 fine green stems1 resembling those of the bamboos1 seldom more than #ae ft4 or #bj ft4 high and #a in4 or #b ins4 thick1 surmounted by tufts of eight or nine pinnate or almost entire leaves1 nearly #h ft4 in length4 ,among the most ornamental species are ,c4 elatior1 ,c4 elegans1 and ,c4 ,ernesti-,augusti4 ,these elegant palms may1 with advantage1 be placed in the open air in early summer1 in sunny but sheltered nooks1 and taken in at the end of ,september4 ,their small1 elegant heads particularly fit them for placing here and there among groups of medium-sized1 fine-leaved plants1 or among mixed masses of dahlias1 cannas1 etc4 99,champeuce diacantha4--,a spiny-leaved biennial of remarkable habit1 growing in tufts of six or eight stems1 from #b ft4 to nearly #c ft4 high1 which1 in the following season1 are terminated by dense1 spike-like clusters of purplish blooms4 ,it requires light1 well-drained soil and a warm position1 and should seldom be watered4 ,as the stems are not produced until the second year1 the radical rosettes of the first year may be advantageously used in forming edgings1 or on the margins of groups1 for which ,illustration3 ,,cham,,dorea4 ,slender ,palm ,type2 for placing amidst groups of dwarfer subjects during the summer months4 their light-green1 silver-veined leaves are very suitable1 or they may serve to fill a vacant space in the mixed border4 ,multiplied by sowing in spring or autumn4 ,the plants require the shelter of a house in winter1 and are only effective for edgings in the young or rosette stage4 99,chamrops excelsa4--,a hardy species1 with an erect stem1 #bj ft4 or #cj ft4 high in its native country1 and dark-green1 erect1 fan-shaped leaves1 deeply cut into narrow segments4 ,the leaf-stalks are from #c ft4 to #f ft4 long1 and are enclosed at the base in a dense mass of rough fibres1 and armed at the edges with small1 tooth-like spines4 ,this plant remains out during the winter in the neighbourhood of ,paris1 in sheltered positions1 the stem being protected in severe frosts with a covering of straw1 etc41 and it is worth a trial in the south with us4 99,chamrops ,fortunei 7,the ,chusan ,palm74--,this species is often confounded with ,c4 excelsa1 from which1 however1 it differs in being of a stouter habit1 having a more profuse matted network of fibres around the bases of the leaves and crown1 the segments of the leaves much broader1 and the leaf-stalks shorter and stouter1 from #a ft4 to #b ft4 long1 and quite unarmed4 ,it grows #ab ft4 or more in height1 and has a handsome1 spreading head of fan-like leaves1 which are slit into segments about half-way down4 ,it may not be generally known that this palm is perfectly hardy in this country4 ,a plant of it in ,her ,majesty's gardens at ,osborne has stood out for many winters and attained a considerable height4 ,it is also placed out at ,kew1 though protected in winter4 ,on the water-side of the high mound in the ,royal ,botanic ,gardens1 ,regent's ,park1 it is in even better health than at ,kew1 though it has not had any protection for years1 and stood the fearfully hard frost of #ahfj4 ,if small plants of this are procured1 it is better to grow them on freely for a year or two in the greenhouse1 and then turn them out in ,april1 spreading the roots a little and giving them a deep loamy soil4 ,plant in a sheltered place1 so that the leaves may not be injured by winds when they grow up and get large4 ,a gentle hollow1 or among shrubs on the sides of some sheltered glade1 will prove the best place for it4 ,the establishment of a palm among our somewhat monotonous shrubbery and garden vegetation is surely worthy of a little trouble1 and the precautions indicated will prove quite sufficient4 ,chamrops ,palmetto 7,palmetto ,palm74--,this is a rather slow-growing species1 but valuable on account of its hardiness4 ,it grows to a height of about #ae ft41 and has glaucous or sea-green1 fan-shaped leaves1 divided into long narrow segments4 ,the stem is smooth or without prickles4 ,it is a very fine object when planted out2 and1 grown in tubs in a cool house or conservatory1 stands the open air in summer well1 and should be put out at the end of ,may4 99,chenopodium ,atriplicis4--,a vigorous-growing ,chinese annual1 with an angular1 erect1 slightly branched1 reddish stem1 over #c ft4 in height1 the young shoots and leaves covered with a fine rosy violet powder4 ,the leaves are very numerous1 nearly spoon-shaped1 and long-stalked4 ,this plant is very ornamental in foliage1 and well adapted for planting on grass-plats or grouping with ,illustration3 ,,cham,,rops ,,excelsa4 ,hardy ,palm3 best in sheltered positions4 other plants in pleasure-grounds4 ,may be treated as a half-hardy annual4 ,cineraria maritima4--,a very handsome bushy perennial1 with finely-cut leaves1 covered on the under side with a silvery down4 ,it bears numerous heads of bright yellow flowers in summer4 ,when the effect of its foliage only is desired1 the flowering-stems should be pinched off on their first appearance4 ,the plant then becomes more leafy and more branching4 ,multiplied easily by seeds4 ,useful on the margins of shrubberies1 or isolated on banks1 or on the grass of the pleasure-ground1 where it would form an agreeable variety among the ,acanthuses and various other dark-green subjects recommended for this purpose4 ,cineraria ,acanthifolia is a fine variety of the preceding1 and well worthy of cultivation4 ,cladium ,mariscus4--,this vigorous native fen-plant grows from #b ft4 to #f ft4 high1 and1 when in flower1 is crowned with dense1 close1 chestnut-coloured panicles1 which are sometimes #c ft4 in length4 ,the radical leaves are glaucous1 rigid1 and often #d ft4 long4 ,worthy of a place near such subjects as ,carex pendula or the ,typhas on the margin of water4 ,colea ,commersonii4--,a shrub from ,madagascar1 with very large opposite leaves1 each consisting of pairs of oval-obtuse leaflets4 ,this has been used in the subtropical garden at ,battersea ,park1 but it is not likely to be of any practical importance in our outdoor gardening4 ,indeed it must be a very fine plant in this way which would produce so good an effect as young plants of ,ailantus glandulosa4 99,comptonia asplenifolia4--,this is a quaint-looking little shrub1 fern-like in leaf and neat in habit4 ,the leaves are long1 and cut into numerous rounded lobes1 somewhat like those of the ,ceterach2 and the habit of the shrub is spreading and pleasing4 ,it likes peaty soil1 and may be increased by layers1 suckers1 or seeds4 ,it should be used as an isolated specimen on the grass1 or associated with such things as the oak-leaved ,hydrangea and ,aralia japonica4 ,a very pretty object in the woods of ,new ,jersey and many other parts of ,n4 ,america1 where it is called the ,sweet ,fern4 ,it would be peculiarly appropriate for similar positions in this country1 when we have it plentiful enough to naturalise4 ,cordyline indivisa4--,a magnificent ,new ,zealand plant1 with a simple stem1 from #b ft4 to #e ft4 high1 and well distinguished by its excessively thick and leathery leaves1 which are from #a ft4 to #e ft4 long1 and #d or #e inches broad1 lance-shaped1 of a dark shining green colour1 the midrib and veins being of a rich deep orange4 ,the flowers are white1 and very densely crowded1 in a large drooping panicle4 ,this fine greenhouse plant may be placed out of doors in summer1 from the end of ,may till ,october1 with a very good effect2 best1 perhaps1 as an isolated specimen1 the pot being sunk in the grass4 ,corypha australis4--,a noble ,australian palm1 over #cj ft4 high in its native country1 and forming a very effective subject for the subtropical garden in summer1 from ,june till ,october4 ,the leaves are nearly circular1 often more than #e ft4 broad1 of a dark green colour1 very much plaited1 and divided round the edge into narrow segments1 and supported by spiny leaf-stalks1 from #f ft4 to nearly #aj ft4 long4 ,it requires abundance of water1 and should have a warm1 sunny1 and sheltered position4 ,few places1 however1 can afford to have subjects of this character in the open air1 except where there are large conservatories1 in which it is a relief to get more room in summer4 99,crambe cordifolia4--,this is unquestionably one of the finest of perfectly hardy and large-leaved herbaceous plants4 ,it is as easily grown as the common ,seakale--more easily1 if anything2 and in heavy rich ground makes a splendid head of leaves1 surmounted in summer by a dense spray of very small flowers4 ,in planting it1 the deeper and richer the soil the finer the result4 ,it will prove a capital thing for any group of fine-leaved hardy plants1 and may also be planted wherever a bold though low type of vegetation is desired4 ,there is another species1 99,c4 juncea1 a dwarf kind1 with white flowers and much-branched stems1 the ramifications of which are very slender and elegant4 ,this is also effective1 but not so valuable as ,c4 cordifolia4 99,cucurbita perennis4--,a climbing or trailing plant1 well adapted for covering walls1 ruins1 trellises1 steep slopes1 etc4 ,it is a very vigorous grower1 its stems sometimes attaining a length of nearly #dj ft4 in one year2 but it will probably never do this in our climate4 ,the leaves are strong1 rough1 and of a glaucous colour2 and the shoots run about freely if the plant be in very rich soil4 ,where a bold trailing plant for high trellis-work1 or rough banks1 or shaggy rockwork is desired1 it will be found useful2 but withal we cannot give it a place in the front rank1 and the small select garden without any of the above-mentioned appendages will certainly be better without it4 ,for the botanical garden and curious collections it is indispensable4 ,it is strong and lasting when well established1 and may be allowed to trail over rough places1 stumps1 or similar positions4 ,the flowers have a rather strong odour of violets1 and are succeeded by roundish fruit1 the size of a small orange1 of a deep green colour barred and speckled with white4 ,requires a deep1 light soil1 and a warm but airy position4 ,seedlings and plants in exposed places should be covered in winter with litter or leaves4 ,it is easily multiplied in spring by division of the young tuberous stems1 or by sowing in light1 substantial1 well-drained soil from ,april to ,july1 or in pots in a lukewarm hotbed in ,march and ,april4 ,it has not1 so far as ,i am aware1 fruited in our climate4 ,cyathea dealbata4--,this very handsome fern1 known in ,n4 ,zealand as the ,silver ,tree-fern1 has a slender1 branched1 almost black stem1 #d ft4 to #h ft4 high1 ending in a fine crown of broadly-oblong twice-divided fronds of a dark green colour above and milk-white below2 the rachis and midribs when young are covered with brown scales1 and afterwards with pale deciduous down4 ,this plant may be placed in the open air1 in the southern and milder districts1 during the summer months from the end of ,may till the end of ,september4 ,cycas revoluta4--,a graceful and well-known plant1 with a very stout stem1 sometimes1 though rarely1 reaching a height of from #f ft4 to #aj ft4 from the top of which issues a beautiful crown of dark green pinnate ,illustration3 ,,cycas 7very large and old specimen74 ,stove ,section3 suitable for placing in the open air1 in warm and sheltered parts of the country1 after a strong growth has been made and matured indoors4 leaves1 from #b ft4 to #f ft4 long4 ,it is one of the most valuable of the greenhouse plants that may be placed in the open air in summer from the end of ,may till ,october1 and is particularly graceful in the centre of a bed of flowering plants1 or isolated with the pot or tub plunged to the rim in the turf1 always in a warm and sheltered position4 ,increased by seeds1 or by separation of the suckers which are occasionally thrown up4 99,cynara ,scolymus 7,french ,artichoke74--,this plant1 although chiefly grown for culinary purposes1 possesses sufficient merit as a foliage-plant to entitle it to a place amongst ornamental subjects4 ,its long1 deeply-divided leaves1 white and downy beneath1 its height 7#d ft4 to #e ft471 its purplish flower-heads1 and distinct habit render it very suitable for planting on the irregular and rougher parts of pleasure-grounds1 grass-plats1 etc41 which are often occupied by subjects far less striking4 99,cyperus longus 7,galingale74--,the stiff1 erect1 tapering1 triangular stem of this plant1 which is from #b ft4 to #c ft4 high1 is crowned by a handsome loose umbellate panicle of chestnut-coloured flower-spikes1 at the base of which there is an involucrum of three or more unequal leaves4 ,these are often #a or #b feet long1 the lower ones arching gracefully and of a bright shining green1 giving the plant a very distinct and pleasing appearance4 ,the rootstock is thick and aromatic1 and was formerly much used in medicine as a tonic4 ,a rare native plant1 suitable for the bog-bed or the margin of water4 ,dahlia imperialis 7,lily-flowered ,dahlia74--,the common ,dahlia gives us no more idea of this than the little vernal ,scilla of ,britain does of ,scilla peruviana4 ,the ,imperial ,dahlia has very large and graceful1 much divided leaves1 and flowers of a pure and beautiful ,french white1 thrown up in a great cone-like mass1 and resembling such lilies as ,l4 tigrinum ,fortunei1 which1 instead of merely developing a head of flowers1 shoot up a great candelabrum laden with them4 ,the flowers of this dahlia do not1 like most of the flowers of composite plants1 open so wide as to stare at you with the brazen look of a sunflower1 but1 on the contrary1 hang pendulous and half open1 with some of the modesty of the white lily4 ,there is little chance of this species producing its flowers in the open air in this country1 but it will1 notwithstanding1 be of service both in the flower-garden and conservatory4 ,planted in rich soil1 and placed in a warm1 sheltered position in the open air at the end of ,may1 it grows well with us in summer1 and1 in consequence of its large and graceful leaves1 is an ornament worthy of being used as a 8fine-foliaged0 or 8subtropical0 plant4 ,just at the time that it begins to gather together its flowering energies the best of our season fails1 and the plant must soon fail too1 if not immediately taken up and placed in a well-lighted and warm greenhouse4 ,if plunged out in a large pot or tub during the summer1 it may be taken up without injury1 and will in all probability flower under glass in the autumn1 and prove a magnificent ornament4 ,we should have very small hopes of its flowering well if planted out so that its great roots must be mutilated when being taken up1 and therefore the safe way will be to pot it in a very large pot1 and plunge that in the ground4 ,the roots would probably go through the pot and enter the ground1 but the main mass of them could be taken up without disturbance1 ,illustration3 ,,tree ,,fern4 ,for half-shady sheltered dells1 in warmer and milder districts1 during the summer months4 and then it could if necessary be shifted into a larger pot or small tub4 99,datisca cannabina4--,a distinct and gracefully-habited herbaceous plant from #d ft4 to #f ft4 high4 ,the long stems are clothed with large and handsome pinnate leaves1 and the yellowish-green inflorescence appears towards the end of summer4 ,the male plant has long been known as a very strong1 graceful1 and effective herb4 ,the female plant1 however1 remains green much longer than the male1 and when profusely laden with fruit1 each shoot droops and the whole plant improves in aspect4 ,it should not be forgotten in any selection of hardy plants of free growth and imposing aspect4 ,from seed will probably be found the best way to raise it1 and then one would be pretty sure of securing plants of both sexes4 ,dicksonia antarctica4--,a very noble evergreen tree-fern1 with a stout trunk1 which varies considerably in thickness1 and attains a height of #cj ft4 or more4 ,the fronds1 which form a magnificent crown #bj ft4 or #cj ft4 across1 are lance-shaped1 much divided1 of a shining dark green on the upper surface1 and paler underneath1 from #f ft4 to #bj ft4 long1 beautifully arched1 and becoming pendulous with age4 ,perhaps the hardiest of tree-ferns1 and therefore most suitable for placing in the open air in summer in sheltered shady dells1 from the middle of ,may to the beginning of ,october4 99,dicentra 7,dielytra7 eximia4--,a plant with dense and very graceful foliage1 far more so than any other member of the order in cultivation2 and valuable as a flowering plant too1 as the brightly-coloured flowers remain on for a long time in spring and early summer4 ,it generally grows from #ab ins4 to #af ins4 high1 forming thick1 almost pyramidal1 tufts of pale green1 glaucescent1 deeply-divided leaves1 and bearing handsome drooping clusters of large1 rose-coloured flowers1 often flowering twice in the year4 ,although not absolutely necessary1 it will be all the better to plant it in light soil4 ,multiplied by division of the tufts in spring4 ,it should be associated with dwarf subjects like ,thalictrum minus1 or be used on the margins of mixed beds of fine-leaved hardy plants4 99,dimorphanthus mandschuricus4--,a magnificent hardy shrub of erect habit1 with very large1 much-divided1 spiny leaves1 which very much resemble those of the ,angelica-tree of ,north ,america1 and in this country attaining a height of #f ft4 to #aj ft41 which it will probably much exceed when well established in favourable positions4 ,it is certainly the most remarkable fine-foliage shrub that has been introduced into our gardens for years1 and is therefore of the highest importance for the subtropical garden4 ,as to its treatment1 it seems to thrive with the greatest vigour in a well-drained deep loam1 and would grow well in ordinary garden soil4 ,as to position1 isolation in some sheltered but sunny spot will show it to great advantage2 but it may also be grouped with like subjects1 always allowing space for the spread of its great leaves4 99,dipsacus sylvestris4--,a rather singular-looking hardy native plant1 #e ft4 to #f ft4 high1 with a prickly1 leafy1 branching stem1 and longish opposite leaves joined together at their bases4 ,the flowers are of a pretty purplish rose-colour1 and are borne in conical heads #c ins4 ,illustration3 ,,dimorphanthus ,,mandschuricus4 ,hardy deciduous shrub ,section4 or more in length4 ,suited for the embellishment of rough1 uneven ground1 and will grow well in almost any kind of soil4 ,still more desirable than the foregoing is ,d4 laciniatus2 a native of ,france1 the leaves of which are fringed with silky hairs instead of spines1 and which has always whitish flowers4 ,both these plants are biennials1 and are easily raised from seed4 ,,the ,,drac,,nas4 ,long as this noble family has been known in our gardens1 we have yet to learn a great deal about its use and beauty4 ,hitherto only allowed to grace a stove or conservatory now and then1 the ,dracnas in future will be among the indispensable ornaments of every garden where grace or variety is sought4 ,they are among the very best of those subjects which may be brought from the conservatory or greenhouse in early summer1 and placed in the flower-garden till it is time to take them in again to the houses in which they are to pass the winter months4 ,and if it were not necessary to protect them through the winter1 it would be almost worth our while to bring them indoors at that season1 so graceful are they1 and so useful for adding the highest character to our conservatories4 ,the hardier and most coriaceous kinds1 like indivisa and ,draco1 may be placed out with impunity very far north4 ,the brightly coloured kinds1 like ,d4 terminalis1 have been tried in the open air at ,battersea1 but not with success4 ,it would be dangerous to try them in the open air much farther north1 except in very favourable spots4 ,the better kinds are indicated in the select list of subtropical plants4 ,d4 indivisa grows well in the open air in the south of ,england and ,ireland4 ,dracna australis4--,a fine plant1 with a stout1 branched stem1 from #aj ft4 to #dj ft4 high2 and oblong1 lance-shaped1 bright green leaves1 from #b ft4 to #c ft4 in length and #b ins4 to #d ins4 in breadth1 striated with numerous parallel veins4 ,flowers white1 densely crowded1 sweet-scented1 in4 across2 but these are rarely produced except in large houses in botanic or other gardens1 where there are old or well-established specimens4 ,this is a useful conservatory species1 and may be used out of doors in summer1 like ,d4 indivisa1 though it is not quite so graceful4 ,this plant is of very easy culture in ordinary soil4 ,dracna cannfolia4--,a very fine species from ,new ,holland1 with a tall stem1 and leaves from #bj ins4 to #b ft4 long1 the sides of which are rolled inwards1 so as to form a kind of pipe1 of a fine sea-green colour1 and supported on stalks a foot or more in length4 ,this is a valuable species for warm greenhouse or conservatory use1 and also for placing out of doors in the southern counties1 though it thrives best indoors4 ,dracna ,draco 7,dragon tree of ,teneriffe74--,a large and vigorous species1 native of the ,canary ,islands1 where it attains a great height and age2 the now perished ,dragon-tree at ,orotava in ,teneriffe having grown1 according to ,meyen1 8#gj ft4 high and #dh ft4 in circumference1 with an antiquity which must at least be greater than that of the ,pyramids40 ,in this country it is seldom seen more than #aj ft4 high4 ,the stem is tree-like1 simple or divided at the top1 and often1 when old1 becoming much branched1 each branch terminated by a crowded head of lanceolate-linear entire leaves of a glaucous green colour4 ,the flowers form a large terminal panicle1 and are individually small and of a greenish-white colour4 ,this plant is more graceful and effective when in a young state1 in which it usually occurs in our gardens1 than when old and branched4 ,it thrives well in the greenhouse or conservatory1 and in the midland and southern counties may be placed in the open air from the end of ,may to ,october1 while it is a fine object indoors at all seasons4 ,it is of very easy culture in sandy loam1 and requires plenty of pot room4 99,dracna indivisa4--,a very graceful plant1 with leaves from #b ft4 to #d ft4 long1 and #a in4 to #b ins4 in breadth1 tapering to a point1 pendent1 and dark green4 ,it should not be confounded with the conservatory plant known as ,cordyline indivisa1 which is too tender to succeed well in the open air1 and somewhat difficult to grow4 ,this species1 on the contrary1 is perfectly hardy in the south of ,england and ,ireland4 ,i saw good specimens of it at ,bicton a few years ago1 and quite recently as far north as ,woodstock1 in the county ,kilkenny1 in ,ireland2 a plant also stood out in a vase for several years in ,mr4 ,a4 ,m',kenzie's garden at ,muswell ,hill1 ,n4 ,d4 indivisa lineata is a very fine variety1 the leaves of which are much broader than those of the type1 measuring sometimes #d ins4 across1 and coloured with reddish pink at the sheathing base4 ,other good varieties are ,d4 indivisa atro-purpurea1 which has the base of the leaf and the midrib on the under side of a dark purple2 and ,d4 indivisa ,veitchii1 in which the habit and size of the leaf are the same as in the species1 but in addition it has a sheathing base and the midrib on the under side is of a beautiful deep red4 ,it would be difficult to find a plant more worthy of cultivation than this4 ,where it does well in the garden or pleasure-ground in the southern parts1 it surpasses any ,yucca or other hardy plant that ,i know in respect of distinctness and tropical-looking grace2 and1 this being the case1 there can be little need to plead for it to the many who have gardens in the counties south of ,london4 ,in all districts it may be placed in the open garden in summer with fine effect1 the rim of the pots plunged level with1 or a little below1 the surface1 and the plants either isolated on the turf1 in the centre of a bed of flowering plants1 or grouped with other fine-leaved subjects4 ,in the conservatory it is one of the most effective and graceful subjects at all seasons1 and is of very easy culture in rich sandy loam4 ,the ,dracnas are a very numerous family1 and many more might be described2 but most of the other kinds have not been proved to possess any excellence for the flower-garden1 while those enumerated are abundantly sufficient to represent the aspect of this graceful and stately family4 ,echeveria metallica4--,this is scarcely high enough to be suitable for association with the taller plants1 but it is so very distinct in aspect1 and has been proved to grow so well in the open air during several unfavourable seasons1 that ,i must not pass it by4 ,i purposely exclude from this book many things sometimes found in lists of 8subtropical0 plants1 but which may be classed most properly with bedding subjects4 ,but this1 although not very large1 forms an agreeable and distinct object1 and is very well calculated for producing a striking effect among dwarf bedding and edging plants4 ,it may be propagated by the leaves1 by cuttings1 or by seeds1 and requires a dry greenhouse-shelf in the winter4 ,light sandy earth1 not of necessity very poor1 will suit it best in the open air4 ,it will prove very effective on the margins of beds and groups of the dwarfer foliage-plants1 or here and there among hardy succulents1 and should be planted out about the middle of ,may4 99,echinops ruthenicus4--,a hardy ornamental plant from ,s4 ,russia1 with stems #c or #d feet high1 much branched in the upper part1 and covered with a silvery down4 ,the leaves are deeply toothed and spiny1 of a dark green above1 white and cottony underneath4 ,the flowers are blue1 and borne in almost spherical heads on the tops of the erect branches4 ,the plant flourishes best in a calcareous soil1 but will do well in almost any well-drained ground4 ,easily multiplied by seed1 division of the tufts1 or by cuttings of the roots in spring4 ,this is the most ornamental of its distinct family1 and is highly suitable for grouping with the finer herbaceous plants4 ,it would also look remarkably bold and well if isolated on the turf4 99,elymus arenarius4--,this wild ,british grass--a strong-rooting and most distinct-looking herb--is capable of adding a striking feature to the garden here and there1 and should be quickly introduced into cultivation4 ,planted a short distance away from the margin of a shrubbery1 or on a bank on the grass1 and allowed to have its own way in deep soil1 it makes a most striking object4 ,in short1 it deserves to rank high among really hardy fine grasses1 the ,pampas and the two ,arundos alone surpassing it4 ,i am not quite certain that it is not more useful than the ,arundo1 being hardy in all parts of these islands4 ,in very good soil it will grow #d feet high2 and as it is for the leaves we should cultivate it1 if the flowers are removed they will be no loss4 ,it is found frequently on our shores1 but more abundantly in the north than in the south4 ,the variety called geniculatus1 which has the spike pendulous1 is also worthy of culture1 and in its case the flowers may prove worth preserving4 ,it may possibly be useful for covert1 and is certainly so for rough spots in the pleasure-ground and in semi-wild places4 99,elymus condensatus 7,bunch grass74--,a vigorous perennial grass from ,british ,columbia1 forming a dense1 compact1 column-like growth1 more than #h ft4 in height1 covered from the base almost to the top with long arching leaves1 and crowned in the flowering season with numerous erect1 rigid spikes1 each #f ins4 long1 and resembling an elongated ear of wheat in form4 ,it is a very ornamental plant1 and may be associated with our largest grasses4 ,a very distinct variety has been raised in the ,edinburgh ,royal ,botanic ,gardens1 in which the spikes or ears are much shorter and broader than those of the original form4 ,for this the name ,elymus condensatus compactus has been suggested4 ,entelea arborescens4--,a small1 branching1 light-wooded tree1 #e to #aj ft4 high1 with large1 alternate1 heart-shaped or three-lobed leaves covered with stellate down1 and white flowers1 somewhat like those of a small dog-rose1 borne in umbels on the ends of a branching panicle4 ,it is peculiar to ,new ,zealand1 and is the only species of the genus4 ,this used to grow satisfactorily in the ,paris gardens1 but ,i have no experience of it in this country4 ,it will require greenhouse treatment in winter1 and is of but secondary importance for open-air culture4 99,epimedium pinnatum4--,a hardy dwarf perennial from ,asia ,minor1 from #h ins4 to #b ft4 high1 forming handsome tufts of long-stalked radical pinnate leaves1 and bearing long clusters of yellow flowers4 ,the handsome leaves remain on the plant until the new ones appear in the ensuing spring4 ,it is not a good plan to remove them1 as they serve to shelter the buds of the new leaves during the winter1 and the plants flower much better when they are allowed to remain4 ,cool1 moist1 peaty soil1 and a slightly-shaded position1 will be found most suitable for this1 and the novel appearance of its foliage claims a place for it among the dwarfer plants1 groups of fine-foliaged hardy herbaceous subjects1 ,mahonias1 etc4 99,equisetum ,telmateia 7,giant ,horse-tail74--,a ,british plant of very noble port and much grace of character when well-developed1 growing from #c ft4 to #f ft4 high in favourable soil and positions4 ,the stem is furnished from top to bottom with spreading whorls of slender1 slightly drooping1 quadrangular branches2 the whole forming a pyramidal outline of very distinct and pleasing effect4 ,it is a highly ornamental subject for planting in the hardy fernery1 the artificial bog1 shady peat borders1 near cascades1 or among shrubs growing best in moist hollows in vegetable soil4 ,multiplied by division4 99,equisetum sylvaticum is another native ,horse-tail of much dwarfer size1 but of the most exquisite grace when grown2 the stem standing from #h to #ae inches high1 and well covered with numerous slender1 spreading1 or deflexed compound branches4 ,very suitable for rockwork1 margins of ornamental water1 or any of the positions in which ,e4 ,telmateia may be grown4 ,it also does well and looks very graceful when grown in pots in a cold frame4 ,multiplied by division4 99,erianthus ,ravenn4--,a highly ornamental grass from ,s4 ,europe1 somewhat like the ,pampas grass in habit1 but smaller in size1 and frequently having violet-tinged leaves4 ,the flowering-stems grow from #e ft4 to #f ft4 high2 but as it only flowers with us in a very warm season1 it must be valued for its foliage alone4 ,its dense and handsome tufts thrive well in light1 dry1 calcareous soil1 in positions with a south aspect4 ,it thrives but poorly on cold soils1 and will probably not grow well north of ,london except in peculiarly favourable positions1 and in well-drained free loams4 ,it is fitted for association with such grasses as ,arundo conspicua4 ,multiplied by division of the tufts in spring or autumn4 ,illustration3 ,erianthus ,ravenn4 99,eryngium alpinum4--,a singular-looking plant1 from #b ft4 to nearly #c ft4 high1 forming a rather stiff bush1 with leathery and very spiny leaves of a sea-green colour1 and bearing numerous roundish heads of bluish flowers1 the stems beneath them being also of a very handsome blue for some inches down4 ,suitable for planting in the wilder parts of pleasure-grounds1 for isolation1 for borders1 or grouping with the finest and most distinct subjects4 99,eryngium amethystinum is not so tall as the preceding1 seldom growing more than #b ft4 high4 ,it is remarkable for the beautiful amethystine bloom which the leaves assume in ,july1 and which they preserve until the approach of frost4 ,it is suitable for the positions recommended for the preceding kind4 ,various other members of this family are useful in like manner2 indeed there is not one of them that is not so1 including our own common ,sea ,holly1 ,e4 maritimum4 99,erythrina4--,these are very beautiful trees or shrubs1 pretty generally distributed through the tropics of both hemispheres4 ,some attain great dimensions1 while others are dwarf bushes with woody rootstocks1 and a few have the stems and leaf-stalks beset with prickles4 ,the leaves are trifoliate1 with long stalks1 and the leaflets oval1 lance-shaped1 or triangular4 ,many of the species produce beautiful large pea-flowers1 usually of a blood-red or scarlet colour1 in terminal racemes4 ,the varieties of these have proved very hardy and useful in the summer garden1 flowering freely1 and showing considerable beauty of foliage4 ,two round beds1 each of #i ft41 and one oblong bed1 #db ft4 by #e ft41 including ,e4 ornata1 ,marie ,belanger1 laurifolia1 crista-galli1 profusa1 ,madame ,belanger1 ruberrima1 ,hendersoni1 stood out last winter uninjured in ,battersea ,park2 and1 as many people know1 the common old ,erythrina crista-galli will thrive for years against a warm south wall in a warm soil1 if protected about the root in winter4 ,eucalyptus4--,handsome ,australian trees and shrubs1 of which there are a vast number of species1 many growing to an immense height4 ,the leaves are of a thick leathery texture1 always quite entire1 and very variable in shape4 ,in young plants they are opposite1 heart-shaped1 pointed1 and covered with a glaucous bloom2 as they grow older1 they become alternate and sickle-shaped1 the stalks acquiring a peculiar twist1 so that the leaves present their edges to the branches4 ,the most hardy kinds are ,e4 globulus and ,e4 ,gunni4 ,other kinds1 however1 will no doubt be found sufficiently hardy4 ,these are most likely to be attractive in the south of ,england and ,ireland1 where a few of the species will be found to thrive in the open air1 as the peculiarly distinct and graceful habit of the trees is not observed till they are #ab ft4 or more above the ground4 ,nevertheless some may grow them for the aspect they present after a single year's growth in the open air about ,london1 in which case they should be put out about the middle of ,may4 ,i was very much struck with their graceful and singular appearance in ,california1 where they are being planted in great variety4 ,farfugium grande4--,a very vigorous-growing perennial1 with thick fleshy stems1 from #a ft4 to nearly #b ft4 high1 and broad1 cartilaginous1 almost heart-shaped leaves1 of a light-green colour1 variously streaked1 and spotted with yellow in one variety1 and with white and rose-colour in another4 ,it flourishes best in free1 substantial1 moist soil which contains a large proportion of vegetable mould1 and in a half-shady position4 ,during the heats of summer it will require frequent watering4 ,at the approach of winter it should be removed to the conservatory or cool greenhouse1 except in the southern and milder districts1 where it survives an ordinary winter4 ,in the colder parts of the country it is scarcely worth planting out1 it grows so slowly2 but where it thrives it is very ornamental in borders1 isolated1 or near the margin of beds4 ,multiplied by division in spring2 the offsets to be potted and kept in the propagating-house or in a frame until they are well rooted4 ,ferdinanda eminens4--,this is one of the tallest and noblest subtropical plants1 growing well in the southern and midland counties when it is supplied with rich soil and abundant moisture4 ,it is also very much the better for being sheltered4 ,where the soil is rich1 deep1 and humid1 and the position warm1 it attains large dimensions1 sometimes growing over #ab ft4 high1 and suspending pairs of immense opposite leaves4 ,it will in all cases form a capital companion to the ,castor-oil plant1 and1 though it may not be grown with ease in all parts1 it should be in every collection4 ,it requires to be planted out1 in a young state1 about the middle of ,may1 and grows freely from cuttings4 ,greenhouse treatment will do in winter4 ,it is better to keep a stock in pots through the summer to afford cuttings1 though the old ones may be used for that purpose4 99,,ferulas4 ,i wish it were not necessary to write in praise of such very fine plants as these1 so noble in aspect and beautiful in leaf4 ,if #bjjj kinds of herbaceous plants are grown1 the first things that show clearly above the ground in the very dawn of spring 7even in ,january7 are their deep-green and most elegant leaves4 ,in good garden soil they look like masses of ,leptopteris superba1 that most exquisite of ferns4 ,their chief charm will probably be found to consist in their furnishing masses of the freshest green and highest grace in early spring4 ,the leaf is apt to lose some of its beauty and fade away early in autumn1 but this may to some extent be retarded by cutting out the flower-bearing shoots the moment they appear4 ,not that these are ugly2 for1 on the contrary1 the plants are fine and striking when in flower4 ,it is indispensable that the ,ferulas1 like some other hardy foliage-plants1 be planted permanently and well at first1 as it is only when they are thoroughly established that you get their full effect4 ,at a first view1 the best way to treat them would appear to be so to arrange them that they would be succeeded by things that flower in autumn1 and only begin their rich growth in early summer2 but it will be equally wise to plant them near the margin of a shrubbery1 or wherever it is desired to have a diversified and bold type of vegetation4 ,we may look forward to the day when a far greater variety of form will be seen in ,english gardens than is at present observable1 and these ,ferulas are thoroughly well worth growing for their superb spring and early summer effect4 ,the best species are ,illustration3 ,,ferula ,,communis4 ,graceful herbaceous ,type2 dying down towards the end of summer1 and therefore most desirable for isolation near the margins of shrubberies1 etc4 ,f4 communis and tingitana4 ,probably a few others1 including ,f4 glauca1 neapolitana1 nodiflora1 asparagifolia1 ,ferulago1 and persica1 may with advantage be added where much variety is sought1 but the effect of any of the first three cannot be surpassed4 ,among the 8aspects of vegetation0 which we may enjoy in these cold climes1 nothing equals that of their grand leaves1 pushing up with the snowdrop4 ,in semi-wild spots1 where spring flowers abound1 it will prove a most tasteful and satisfactory plan to drop a ,ferula here and there in a sunny spot1 and leave it to nature and its own good constitution afterwards4 ,in general aspect these plants are much alike2 it is better1 however1 to describe some of them individually4 99,ferula asparagifolia4--,an ornamental perennial1 #d ft4 or #e ft4 high1 with very graceful and finely-cut leaves1 the radical ones #a ft4 to #b ft4 long 7including the leaf-stalk71 repeatedly subdivided3 the divisions very narrow1 linear1 pointed1 and set with hairs2 the upper stem-leaves are reduced to short sheaths1 the lowest of which bear a short pinnate limb4 99,ferula communis4--,a very fine and striking hardy perennial1 growing from #f ft4 to #aj ft4 or more high1 with much-divided1 spreading1 shining green leaves1 repeatedly subdivided into linear1 flaccid segments2 the lower leaves spreading more than #b ft4 each way2 the sheaths of the upper leaves very large4 99,ferula ,ferulago4--,a very ornamental kind1 with striped stems1 #f ft4 to #h ft4 high1 and much-divided leaves1 with divided spreading leaflets1 which are nearly as broad as those of ,f4 tingitana1 but longer1 and of a darker green4 99,ferula glauca4--,a valuable and imposing foliage-plant1 #d ft4 to #f ft4 or more high1 with very much divided leaves1 shining above1 glaucous beneath1 cut into long1 linear1 flat segments4 ,the stalks of the upper leaves are widened above4 99,ferula persica4--,a hardy perennial from ,persia and the ,caucasus1 with a glaucous stem from #c ft4 to #f ft4 high1 tapering gradually upwards1 and very handsome1 much-divided leaves1 with rather distant lance-shaped leaflets1 widening and toothed or cut at the apex4 ,flowers in umbels1 without any general or partial involucrum4 ,this plant is easily distinguished by its strong asaftida odour1 and requires warm sandy soil4 99,ferula tingitana4--,a very noble plant1 from #f ft4 to #h ft4 high1 with a stout stem and very glistening leaves1 which are broader than those of any other species1 and repeatedly subdivided into oblong or lance-shaped deeply-toothed segments4 ,ficus ,chauvieri4--,a noble species1 with a faultless habit1 which does well in the open air1 and is the best kind after ,f4 elastica4 ,the leaves are oval-obtuse in outline1 of a very dark glistening green1 with pale-yellow veins1 and usually have one or more large undulations on the margin4 ,useful for the same purposes as the following species4 ,ficus elastica 7,india-rubber ,plant74--,this is one of those valuable leathery-leaved things that are useful in hothouse1 drawing-room1 or flower-garden4 ,it not only exists in the open air in summer in good health1 but makes a good growth under the influence of our weak northern sun4 ,never assuming the imposing proportions of other plants mentioned herein1 it is best adapted for select mixed groups1 and1 in small gardens1 as isolated specimens amongst low bedding plants4 ,it will best enjoy stove treatment in winter1 and is propagated from cuttings4 ,it should be put out at the end of ,may4 ,in all cases it is better to use plants with single stems4 ,illustration3 ,ficus elastica4 99,fuchsia4--,the ,fuchsia1 one of the most beautiful ornaments of the garden when well grown1 is comparatively rarely seen in our flower-gardens4 ,it is to be regretted that this is the case1 for assuredly there is nothing in cultivation more calculated to improve the aspect of things therein4 ,not showy in mass of flower1 like many things common enough now1 it is of the highest order of beauty2 while the drooping habit of the shoots of most kinds gives the plant a grace which is valuable indeed1 and which no flower-garden should be without4 ,even in dwarf lines1 where this drooping tendency is not seen to such advantage1 or1 it may be1 presents a disadvantage1 the ,fuchsia is very valuable2 but it is when we use plants with rather tall stems or pyramids that the full beauty of the ,fuschia as a flower-garden plant is seen4 ,and the right way to manage them is to make them as far as possible produce all their growth in the open air4 ,that is the secret3 start them1 nurture them1 and make them full of leaves and strong young growth in the spring1 so as to go out strong1 and most likely you will find them very disappointing indeed2 but keep them back and do not let them burst forth into leaf until put in the open air in ,may1 and they will then go on and retain all the strength they gather1 suspending quantities of graceful blossoms until the leaves have deserted the trees1 when they should be taken up and put in a dry cave1 cellar1 or shed for the winter4 ,in a cool position of that kind it would not be difficult to 8keep them back0 in spring4 ,and supposing they seemed inclined to push forth too much before the time had quite arrived when it would be convenient or desirable to put them in the flower-garden1 there should be no difficulty in placing them in some quiet1 sheltered nook1 where they might receive more protection than in the flower-garden proper1 and yet have full opportunity to make growth in the open air--the great point to be attained4 ,the freest and hardiest kinds should be chosen for this purpose4 ,in many places refuse plants may be turned to good account in this way4 ,given a lot of specimen ,fuchsias--arrived1 perhaps1 at that stage when they must be parted with to make way for younger plants and newer kinds--nothing is simpler than to make of these standards for the flower-garden1 by cutting away the lower and middle side shoots1 and leaving the head to form a standard4 ,their exceptional grace when placed among fine foliage-plants induces me to allude to them here4 99,funkia ,sieboldiana4--,a ,japanese plant1 remarkable for the elegance of its leaves1 which are large1 broadly heart-shaped1 of a greyish-green colour1 slightly undulating1 and finely marked with regular lines of prominent ribs4 ,the flowers are of a light lilac or bluish colour1 and are borne in a drooping unilateral cluster at the extremity of a leafless stem #a ft4 or #af ins4 high4 ,thrives best in a light1 cool1 sandy soil in a sheltered half-shady position4 ,it will also thrive well in peat4 ,multiplied by division of the tufts in autumn1 once in three or four years4 ,useful among the dwarfer herbaceous plants1 etc41 and occasionally as a groundwork in beds of shrubs with fine foliage4 99,galega officinalis4--,a handsome1 hardy1 and vigorous-growing plant1 #c ft4 to #e ft4 high1 forming graceful tufts of pinnate leaves1 and flowering abundantly and for a long time2 the flowers are of a pale blue1 in long1 dense clusters or spikes4 ,although it will grow in almost any soil1 it does best in a deep1 free1 moist1 sandy clay4 ,this not uncommon herbaceous plant is alluded to here in consequence of its graceful leaves1 which fit it for taking a part in the groups of handsome hardy subjects so often suggested in this book4 ,geranium anemonfolium4--,a handsome perennial from ,madeira1 with a simple1 woody1 erect stem #a ft4 to #ad ins4 in height1 covered with dry scales4 ,the leaves1 which are of a bright green1 smooth1 and very much divided1 are chiefly collected at the base of the plant1 from which they extend horizontally on stalks from #bj ins4 to #b ft4 long4 ,the flowers are very numerous1 and of a lilac rose-colour4 ,it is a highly ornamental plant both in foliage and flower1 and may be used with good effect grouped with comparatively dwarf kinds1 or occasionally as an edging to tall subjects4 ,it is best raised in frames and put out early in ,may4 ,multiplied by seed1 which it yields freely4 99,gynerium argenteum 7,pampas grass74--,this fine plant is so well known that there is no excuse for naming it here1 except the opportunity to say a few words as to the splendid use we may make of it in the branch of gardening we are now discussing4 ,it deserves as much attention as any plant in cultivation1 and yet how rarely is any thorough preparation made for its perfect development4 ,what is there growing in garden or in wild more nobly distinct and beautiful than the great silvery plumes of this plant waving in the autumnal gusts--the burial plumes as it were of our summer too early dead8 ,what tender plant so effective as this in giving a new aspect of vegetation to our gardens1 if it be tastefully placed and well grown8 ,long before it flowers it possesses more merit for its foliage and habit than scores of things cultivated indoors for their effect--,dasylirions1 etc41 for example--and it would be well worthy of being extensively used if one of its silken-crested wands were never put forth in autumn4 ,it is not enough to place it in out-of-the-way spots1 but the general scene of every garden and pleasure-ground should be influenced by it4 ,it should be planted even far more extensively than it is at present1 and given very deep and good soil either natural or made4 ,the ,illustration3 ,,gynerium ,,argenteum4 ,giant hardy evergreen ornamental ,grass4 soils of very many gardens are insufficient to give it the highest degree of strength and vigour1 and no plant better repays for a thorough preparation1 which ought to be the more freely given when it is considered that one preparation suffices for many years4 ,if convenient1 give it a somewhat sheltered position in the flower-garden1 so as to prevent as much as possible that ceaseless searing away of the foliage which occurs wherever the plant is much exposed to the breeze4 ,we rarely see such fine specimens as in quiet nooks where it is pretty well sheltered by the surrounding vegetation4 ,it is very striking to come upon noble specimens in such quiet green nooks2 but1 as before hinted1 to leave such a magnificent plant out of the flower-garden proper is a decided mistake4 ,seed and division4 99,gunnera scabra4--,mr4 ,darwin met with this in a region where the vegetation is so luxuriant that the branches of the trees extend over the sea1 somewhat like those of a shrubbery of evergreens over a gravel walk4 8,i one day noticed growing on the sandstone cliffs some very fine plants of the ,panke 7,gunnera scabra71 which somewhat resembles the rhubarb on a gigantic scale4 ,the inhabitants eat the stalks1 which are sub-acid1 and tan leather with the roots1 and prepare a black dye from them4 ,the leaf is nearly circular1 but deeply indented on its margin4 ,i measured one which was nearly #h ft4 in diameter1 and therefore no less than #bd ft4 in circumference6 ,the stalk is rather more than a yard high1 and each plant sends out four or five of these enormous leaves1 presenting altogether a very noble appearance40 ,of a spot in the same neighbourhood he says3 8,the forest was so impenetrable that no one who has not beheld it can imagine so entangled a mass of dying and dead trunks4 ,i am sure that often for more than ten minutes together our feet never touched the ground1 and we were frequently ten or fifteen feet above it2 so that the seamen1 as a joke1 called out the soundings60 ,yet ,i have grown this plant to great size in a cold ,british bog4 ,mr4 ,darwin does not speak of the inflorescence1 which is more remarkable than the leaves4 ,the little flowers and seeds are seated densely on conical fleshy masses a few inches long1 and these in their turn being seated as densely as they can be packed on a thick stem1 the whole has the appearance of a compound cone a couple of feet high 7on strong plants71 very heavy1 and perhaps the oddest-looking thing ever seen in the way of fructification4 ,this great spike springs from the root itself1 the leaves also springing from the root1 as in the case of the rhubarbs4 ,i had two plants in a wet peat bog--one in deep rich soil1 with the crown well raised above the level1 and the whole protected under a couple of barrowloads of leaf mould2 the other left exposed1 and not allowed any particularly good soil4 ,both plants survived the severest winters1 but the protected and well-fed one grew much the larger4 ,the leaves of the larger plant used sometimes to grow #d ft4 in diameter1 the texture being of extraordinary thickness and rugosity4 ,i have1 however1 in the ,royal ,gardens at ,kew1 seen it grown to a larger size than that4 ,the bottom there is the reverse of bog1 while the situation is warmer and more sheltered than where ,i grew it4 ,but the ,kew people met its wants very cleverly1 by building a little bank of turf around it1 so ,illustration3 ,,gunnera ,,scabra4 ,hardy herbaceous ,section2 attaining huge dimensions in deep1 rich1 moist soil4 as to admit of its absorbing a thorough dose of water now and then1 while in winter it was protected with dry leaves and a piece of tarpaulin4 ,similar protection1 plenty of water in summer1 and a warm and sheltered position1 are all that are necessary for success with this very striking subject4 ,it is not difficult to obtain1 and may be raised from seed1 though that is a slow way4 ,it should be planted in some isolated spot1 and not as a rule in the 8flower-garden proper10 as it must not be disturbed after being well planted1 and would associate badly with the ordinary occupants of the parterre4 ,the plant cannot have too much sun or warmth1 but makes little progress if its huge leaves are torn by storms4 ,in places with any diversity of surface it will be easy to select a spot well open to the sun and yet sheltered by surrounding objects 7shrubs1 clumps1 etc474 ,the figure shows more the habit of the plant than the character of its huge compound fleshy spike1 on which the small seeds are thickly scattered4 99,gymnocladus canadensis 7,kentucky ,coffee-tree74--,a remarkable hardy forest tree1 which1 kept in a young state1 will furnish a fine head of foliage4 ,it has twice-divided leaves1 the leaflets of which stand vertically4 ,on young trees the leaves are more than #c ft4 long1 and on subjects confined to a single stem and cut down every year they would prove even larger than that4 ,it grows wild in ,canada1 but more abundantly and larger in ,kentucky and ,tennessee1 where it used to be employed as a substitute for coffee--hence the common name4 ,it loves a rich deep soil1 and is propagated by seeds and cuttings of the roots4 ,it will prove very suitable for planting in similar positions to those recommended for the ,ailantus4 ,hedychium ,gardnerianum4--,a stove herbaceous plant from the ,east ,indies1 growing from #c ft4 to #f ft4 high1 with broadly lance-shaped clasping leaves in two rows1 and bearing1 in autumn1 lemon-coloured flowers with a strong ,jonquille perfume1 in terminal spikes nearly a foot long4 ,another species1 ,h4 aurantiacum1 has handsome orange flowers4 ,these handsome plants may have been seen flowering in the open air in the gardens at ,battersea ,park1 very pleasing and effective in shady nooks--not planted out but kept in the pots in which they were grown4 ,they should be put out about the end of ,may4 99,helianthus annuus 7,sun-flower74--,this common and familiar annual plant may be usefully employed in adorning the rougher parts of pleasure-grounds in warm positions1 where it will thrive to best advantage4 ,although very hardy and capable of being grown in almost any soils1 it prefers those that are substantial and free4 99,helianthus orgyalis4--,a very distinct-looking hardy plant1 growing #f ft4 or #h ft4 high4 ,its distinctiveness arises from the fact that the leaves are recurved in a peculiarly graceful manner4 ,at the top of the shoots1 indeed1 their aspect is most striking1 from their springing up in great profusion and then bending gracefully down4 ,it will form a capital subject for groups of fine-leaved1 hardy plants1 or for isolation by wood-walks1 etc4 ,as it is apt to come up rather thickly1 the cultivator will act judiciously by thinning out the shoots when very young1 so that those which remain may prove stronger and better furnished with leaves4 ,n4 ,america4 99,hemerocallis fulva4--,this is one of those fine old plants formerly grown in almost every garden1 but which ,illustration3 ,,heracleum ,coarse herbaceous ,type2 foliage perishing late in summer4 has latterly sunk into unmerited neglect1 as from its luxuriance1 the height of its stem 7nearly #d ft471 and its fine1 large1 tawny-orange flowers1 it well deserves a place among vigorous and striking subjects4 ,it is thoroughly hardy and will thrive in almost any soil1 but comes to greatest perfection in that which is deep1 substantial1 and moist1 and in almost any position4 ,multiplied by dividing the tufts once in three or four years in autumn when the leaves are withered1 or in spring4 ,there is a variety of this species with double flowers1 and one with variegated leaves1 both of which are somewhat tender and require well-drained soil and a sheltered position4 ,other species in cultivation are ,h4 flava1 ,h4 disticha1 ,h4 graminea1 and ,h4 ,dumortieri4 ,all these plants are desirable associates for the hardy fine-leaved plants4 99,heracleums 7,cow-parsnips74--,no perennials rival these plants in size1 and few in distinctness of appearance4 ,the shape and width of their leaves1 the height of their stems1 and especially the great size of their umbels1 produce an effect of a very striking character4 ,planted singly on slopes in the rougher parts of pleasure-grounds1 on or about ruins1 rough wild declivities1 or by pieces of water or streams1 they are seen to excellent advantage2 their enormous leaves forming great tufts of vegetation1 sometimes nearly #ac ft4 in diameter4 ,the period of their greatest vigour and beauty is from ,may to the end of ,july2 and this should be distinctly borne in mind when arranging them1 as1 once the great leaves fade away with the heats of early ,august1 they become very ragged1 and soon disappear altogether4 ,they delight in a moist1 deep1 clay soil1 but will grow vigorously in almost any kind of cool soil1 and even on rubbish-heaps4 ,they are easily multiplied1 either from seed or by division of the tufts early in spring1 or after the ripening of the seed4 ,they usually sow themselves freely4 99,heracleum eminens4--,a peculiarly distinct species1 easily known by the blunt or roundish lobes of its trifoliate leaves1 which also possess the advantage of lasting longer than the leaves of other kinds4 ,they are of a thick texture1 and finely covered with velvety down1 which gives them a slightly glaucous appearance1 whereby they may also be distinguished4 ,i have only seen the plant in a young state in ,paris gardens1 and cannot say what it is like when fully grown2 but it is probably dwarfer in stature and more compact in habit than most of the other kinds1 and1 as the leaves last so much longer in perfection1 it is suited for grouping among choicer subjects4 ,for isolation on the grass1 after the fashion of the ,acanthuses1 etc41 it is particularly well suited4 ,seed or division4 99,heracleum flavescens4--,a vigorous species1 #e ft4 to #f ft4 high1 with deeply-furrowed rough stems1 and convex green leaves1 with ovate or oblong serrate divisions4 ,flowers yellowish1 in large umbels4 ,suitable for banks of rivers or ponds1 where effective foliage is desired4 ,s4 ,europe4 ,seed4 99,heracleum persicum4--,a vigorous perennial1 of rapid growth and imposing dimensions1 attaining a height of more than #f ft41 and bearing whitish flowers in umbels1 the upper one of which is more than #af ins4 across4 ,the stem does not branch much1 and the leaves are chiefly radical and very large4 ,persia4 99,heracleum pubescens4--,this species bears yellowish-white flowers1 in umbels about a foot in diameter1 and grows to a height of from #f ft4 to #i ft4 or more4 ,the leaves are very large1 roughish on the upper side1 and much divided into elliptical segments1 which are pointed and stand close together4 ,crimea4 99,heracleum villosum4--,a species distinguished by its very downy and fringed fruit1 with robust stems1 #f ft4 high or more4 ,leaves broad1 much divided1 the segments coarsely toothed1 covered with a whitish down on the under side4 ,flowers in large umbels4 ,caucasus4 99,heracleum ,wilhelmsii4--,the leaves of this species are very large1 downy1 and wrinkled1 much divided1 with lance-shaped1 acute segments distant from each other4 ,the stem is more than #f ft4 high1 and bears whitish flowers1 in umbels from #aj ins4 to #ab ins4 in diameter4 ,siberia4 ,several other species are in cultivation1 the principal of which is ,h4 platytnium1 a biennial of very large dimensions1 and remarkably ornamental in habit and foliage4 ,humea elegans4--,this well-known plant may be very agreeably associated with many of the subjects mentioned in this book1 and is a graceful object in the centres of beds1 etc4 ,to be put out early in ,may4 ,new ,holland4 99,hydrangea quercifolia4--,this is quite distinct in aspect from the common ,hydrangeas1 and sufficiently striking to deserve a place where variety of form is sought4 ,the leaves are1 as the name indicates1 somewhat lobed and oak-like in outline4 ,it is best adapted to form a bush1 its natural habit1 and is best used singly4 ,i1 however1 have never tried to train young plants of it with a single stem2 it might be worth the trial4 ,it is a native of ,n4 ,america4 ,a rich and somewhat moist soil1 with shelter1 will be found to suit it best4 ,well adapted for isolation4 99,inula ,helenium4--,a vigorous-growing ,british plant1 about #c ft4 or #d ft4 high1 with a stout stem1 branching in the upper part1 and large1 oblong-oval leaves1 of a delicate green colour4 ,the flowers are yellow1 and are borne in loose clusters4 ,well suited for planting along with other large-leaved plants1 or as isolated specimens on rough slopes1 or wild places1 in free1 moist1 good soil4 ,multiplied by division in spring or autumn1 or by seed4 99,juba spectabilis4--,a very handsome1 hardy ,s4 ,american palm1 with a short1 arboreous1 smooth stem1 which sometimes attains a height of nearly #dj ft41 and spreading pinnate leaves1 of a full1 deep-green colour1 and from #f ft4 to #ab ft4 long1 the leaflets being from #a ft4 to #a ft4 long and about an inch wide1 springing in pairs from nearly the same spot1 and standing out in different directions4 ,the leaf-stalks are very thick at the base1 where they are enclosed in a dense mass of rough1 brown fibres1 which grow upon their lower edges4 ,the soil for this plant should be a mixture of two parts of rich loam and two parts composed of peat1 leaf-mould1 and sand4 ,this exists in the open air throughout the winter1 near ,london1 but not in such a condition as to encourage many to try it in this way4 ,grown in tubs in the conservatory in winter1 and placed in the open air in summer1 it will prove very satisfactory for association with the hardier palms4 99,juncus effusus spiralis4--,a very singular-looking rush1 forming spreading tufts of leaves1 which1 instead of growing1 straight1 like those of other kinds1 are curiously twisted in a regular corkscrew form4 ,from its very unusual appearance it is well worthy of cultivation1 and may be planted with advantage on the margins of pieces of water1 near cascades1 etc41 or in the artificial bog4 ,it is easily multiplied by division of the tufts4 99,kochia scoparia4--,an annual plant of the ,goose-foot family1 forming a neat1 compact1 pointed bush1 from #c to #e ft4 in height4 ,the flowers are green and insignificant1 but the graceful habit of the plant renders it valuable and effective1 placed either singly or in groups1 on the slopes of pleasure-grounds1 especially from ,july to ,september--the time of its full development4 ,it should be sown in ,april and ,may1 in a hotbed1 and afterwards planted out in beds or borders4 ,southern ,europe4 99,klreuteria paniculata4--,a small sized1 hardy1 deciduous tree1 from ,n4 ,china1 from #ae ft4 to #ai ft4 high1 and handsome both in foliage and flower4 ,the leaves are pinnate1 and of a dark1 glistening-green colour2 the leaflets ovate1 and coarsely toothed4 ,flowers yellow1 in terminal1 spreading clusters1 and succeeded by large1 reddish1 pendent1 bladdery capsules1 which render the tree conspicuous till late in the autumn4 ,it does best in rich1 moist soil4 ,when planted in a dry and arid position1 the leaves are never so large or glistening1 and soon turn yellow and fall4 ,it is one of the trees which may1 as advised for the ,ailantus1 be kept in a small state by cutting them down annually1 and will1 thus treated1 furnish a fine effect4 ,easily multiplied by seed1 layers1 and cuttings4 ,latania borbonica4--,a well-known1 hardy1 and favourite palm1 attaining a height of #be ft41 with large1 fan-shaped leaves1 over #e ft4 broad1 of a cheerful green colour1 and with pendent marginal segments4 ,the leaf-stalks are over #d ft4 or #e ft4 long1 and are armed at the edges for half their length with short reflexed spines4 ,may be placed in the open air about ,london and southward in sunny dells in summer1 and is a fine warm-conservatory or stove ornament in winter4 99,lavatera arborea4--,this plant1 which has the appearance of a small tree1 attains in the southern counties the height of nearly #aj ft4 ,the stem is simple for some distance1 and then branches into a broad1 compact1 roundish1 and very leafy head4 ,it may be used to adorn warm and sheltered parts of pleasure-grounds and rough places4 ,in rich well-drained beds it would prove a worthy companion for the ,ricinus and the ,cannas4 ,it is most at home on dry soils1 but during the summer months thrives on all4 ,when planted in the shelter of a south wall it has been known to live for several years and to have almost woody stems from #b ins4 to #d ins4 in diameter at the base4 ,italy4 99,ligularia macrophylla 7,large-leaved ,l474--,a vigorous perennial1 with an erect stem nearly #c ft4 high1 and very large1 glaucous1 erect1 long-stalked1 oval leaves4 ,the flowers are yellow1 and are borne in a dense long spike at the end of the stem4 ,the most suitable soil for this plant is that which is free1 moist1 and somewhat peaty4 ,multiplied by careful division in autumn or in spring4 ,it is a useful subject for grouping with fine-leaved herbaceous plants1 but will seldom command a place in the select flower-garden4 ,caucasus4 99,malva crispa4--,a vigorous-growing annual1 #c to #f ft41 or more1 in height1 growing in an erect1 pyramidal bush of densely-crowded1 broad leaves1 with a very undulating curled or frizzled margin4 ,the flowers are small1 white1 and inconspicuous4 ,bushes of this are pretty in groups1 beds1 or borders4 ,it may be sown in cool frames and put out early in ,may1 by which means strong plants may be obtained early in the season4 ,illustration3 ,malva crispa4 99,martynia lutea4--,a very pretty annual from ,brazil1 about #a ft4 high1 with roundish leaves and handsome yellow flowers1 collected in cylindrical clusters at the angles of the principal branches4 ,it requires a light1 rich1 cool soil1 a warm position1 and frequent watering in summer4 ,its large leaves and ornamental bloom make it a desirable subject for beds1 groups1 and borders4 ,increased by seed4 99,megaseas4--,some parts of pleasure-grounds for which there may be a difficulty in finding any subject that will either thrive in such places1 or that is not too commonplace to be thought of1 may be very advantageously occupied by a few specimens of ,megasea cordifolia and ,m4 crassifolia1 the large1 leathery1 persistent leaves of which will1 in such positions1 preserve their freshness through the winter1 and in the earliest days of spring be surmounted by dense clusters of very pleasing rose-coloured flowers4 ,these plants are very hardy perennials1 and will require hardly any care after planting them4 ,they are well suited for embellishing cascades and rough rockwork1 are not fastidious as to soil1 and are easily multiplied by division of the tufts4 ,melanoselinum decipiens4--,an umbelliferous shrub1 from ,madeira1 with a round simple stem1 bare below1 and large spreading compound leaves with oval toothed segments and sheathing leaf-stalks4 ,flowers white1 borne in umbels4 ,should be planted out in ,may4 ,a useful subject for isolation on grass-plats1 etc41 and requiring greenhouse or warm-frame treatment in winter4 ,young plants are to be preferred for ornamental purposes4 ,multiplied by seed4 ,melia ,azedarach 7,pride of ,india74--,a very ornamental tree1 but with us usually seen in a small state4 ,it is a native of ,india1 but is now naturalised in various parts of ,s4 ,europe4 ,it usually grows from #ac ft4 to #ag ft4 high1 and bears its smooth dark-green pinnate leaves chiefly clustered together at the ends of the branches4 ,the flowers are of a lilac colour1 and emit an agreeable perfume3 they are produced in large bunches which issue from the axils of the leaves4 ,the fruit is considered poisonous4 ,healthy young plants kept to a single stem1 and cut down to within a foot or two of the base annually1 form graceful objects in the ornamental garden1 throwing up an erect stout stem regularly clothed with leaves twice and thrice divided1 from #af ins4 to more than #b ft4 long and from #a ft4 to nearly #ah ins4 across4 ,plant out in early summer4 ,a substantial1 well-manured soil1 a shady position1 and frequent waterings in summer are necessary for ,illustration3 ,,melianthus ,,major4 ,herbaceous ,type3 best treated as a perennial1 and protected at the roots in winter4 the development of the ornamental qualities of the ,melia4 ,in winter it requires the shelter of a greenhouse with us4 ,multiplied by seed or layers4 99,melianthus major4--,this is usually treated as a greenhouse plant1 and is sometimes put out of doors in summer4 ,so grown1 however1 the full beauty of the plant has not time to develope2 and much the better way is to treat it as a half-hardy subject1 putting it out in some sunny and sheltered spot1 where the roots will not suffer from wet in winter4 ,the shoots will be cut down by frost1 but the root will live and push up strong stems in spring1 forming by midsummer a bush about #c ft4 high1 very distinct and beautiful1 with large1 pinnate1 light sea-green leaves1 which will not suffer from rain storms4 ,i have grown it in this way to a much more presentable condition than it ever assumes indoors1 where it is usually drawn too much4 ,i used to protect the roots in winter by placing leaves over them1 and then covering all with a handlight1 but have seen the plant survive without this precaution4 ,it is1 however1 best to make quite sure by using protection1 except where the soil and climate are particularly favourable4 ,melianthus minor has the habit of ,m4 major1 but is smaller in every respect and flowers later4 ,its inflorescence also is different1 the flowers being of a yellowish red1 and growing in short clusters4 ,cape of ,good ,hope4 99,meum athamanticum4--,one of the most elegant and gracefully-cut plants in an order second to no other for these qualities4 ,the leaves are divided so finely as to appear as if they were made of vegetable hair1 and the plant is dwarf and neat in habit1 from #f inches to #a foot high2 easy of growth in ordinary soils1 and perfectly hardy and perennial4 ,it is probable that in dry seasons it might 8go off0 too soon for association with autumn-flowering plants1 but for rockwork1 borders1 or mixed arrangements of any sort it is invaluable4 ,a ,british plant1 easily increased by division4 99,molopospermum cicutarium4--,a very ornamental umbelliferous plant1 #e ft4 or more in height1 with large1 deeply-divided leaves of a lively green colour1 forming a dense irregular bush4 ,the flowers1 which are insignificant and of a yellowish-white colour1 are borne in small roundish umbels4 ,there is a deep green and fern-like beauty displayed profusely by some of the umbelliferous family1 but ,i have rarely met with one so remarkably attractive as this species4 ,many of the class1 while very elegant1 perish quickly1 get shabby indeed by the end of ,june1 and are therefore out of place in the tasteful flower-garden2 but this is firm in character1 of a fine rich green1 stout yet spreading in habit1 growing more than a yard high1 and making altogether a most pleasing bush4 ,it is perfectly hardy1 and easily increased by seed or division1 but rare as yet4 ,loves a deep moist soil1 but will thrive in any good garden soil4 ,it is a fine subject for isolation or grouping with other hardy and graceful-leaved umbelliferous plants4 ,carniola4 ,monstera deliciosa4--,this very remarkable-looking plant has been found to bear being placed in the open air with impunity in shady and sheltered spots from the beginning of ,june till the end of ,september4 ,its great perforated leaves look so singular that everybody should grow it who has a stove in which to do so1 and it is so ,illustration3 ,,monstera ,,deliciosa ,tender ,section2 stands well in the open air in summer in warm and sheltered spots4 ,illustration3 ,,montagn,a ,,heracleifolia 7,polymnia grandis74 ,one of the noblest of the tender section1 making free growth in the open air during summer4 readily grown and propagated that a plant may soon be spared for placing in the open air during the warmer months4 ,although1 however1 it will exist in the open air for a few months in warm and sheltered spots in this country1 it is only to be seen to perfection in the stove4 ,few subjects possess nobler or more singular foliage1 or are more worthy of a place for effect alone1 while its fruit is edible and produced freely enough when the plant is well-grown4 ,the culture is quite simple--plenty of rich soil1 a high temperature1 and abundance of moisture4 ,i have seen the plant fruit well in what is called an 8intermediate house10 but1 where convenient1 it is much better to place it in a warm stove4 ,wherever rockwork or any picturesque arrangement is attempted in any of these structures2 no nobler plant can be selected for its embellishment4 ,it crawls over such positions with a snake-like stem1 and a trail of great leathery leaves perforated in many places1 as shown in the plate4 ,mexico4 ,montagna heracleifolia 7,polymnia grandis74--,this is second to no other plant for its dignified and finished effect in the flower-garden1 forming a handsome shrub with large1 opposite1 much-divided1 and elegantly-lobed leaves1 which are often nearly #c ft4 long1 presenting very striking and luxuriant masses of foliage4 ,the stem and leaf-stalks are spotted with white1 and the leaves when young are covered with a soft white down4 ,like most large soft-growing things in this way1 it is best planted out in a young state1 so as to ensure a fresh and unstinted growth4 ,easily multiplied from cuttings1 which plants freely produce if placed in heat in ,january4 ,it is best planted out at the end of ,may1 and should be in every collection4 ,mexico4 99,morina longifolia4--,a hardy perennial of handsome and singular appearance1 the large spiny leaves resembling those of certain ,thistles1 while the long spikes of whorled flowers1 which are from #b to #c ft4 high1 are almost identical in form with the inflorescence of many of the ,labiate family4 ,it grows well in ordinary well-drained soil1 preferring that which is mellow1 deep1 and moist4 ,easily multiplied by sowing the seed as soon as it ripens1 in light1 peaty1 sandy soil4 ,in our winters it would be advisable to cover the plants with litter1 as it is the dampness and sudden changes of the atmosphere which appear to injure it rather than the cold4 ,being a fine-flowering plant1 as well as remarkable for its leaves1 it is excellent for every kind of mixed border1 and also for grouping with the smaller and medium-sized perennials that have fine foliage or are singular in appearance4 ,nepaul4 ,illustration3 ,morina longifolia4 99,mulgedium alpinum4--,a tall mountain-plant of the ,sow-thistle family1 with very broad leaves and stems over #c ft4 high4 ,the flowers are very numerous1 of a dark-blue colour1 resembling those of the ,chicory1 and are borne erect on the upper parts of the branching stems4 ,a somewhat shaded position and a very moist deep loam are necessary to the vigorous growth of this plant1 which will prove effective in the rougher parts of the pleasure-ground4 ,multiplied by division4 ,alps4 99,mulgedium ,plumieri4--,a vigorous herbaceous perennial1 #d ft4 to #f ft4 high1 with very large1 deeply-cut radical leaves somewhat glaucous underneath1 bearing late in summer large spreading terminal corymbs of blue flowers4 ,a good subject for association with strong-growing herbaceous plants in groups1 or as isolated tufts by wood-walks1 in deep rich soil4 ,s4 of ,france4 ,illustration3 ,mulgedium alpinum4 ,musa ,ensete4--,the noblest of all the fine-leaved plants yet used in the flower-garden is ,musa ,ensete--the great ,abyssinian ,banana1 discovered by ,bruce--the stem of which has been known to attain a diameter of more than #c ft4 at the base1 and a height of from #ac ft4 to nearly #bj ft4 ,the huge leaves1 borne nearly erect1 are oblong in shape and of a beautiful bright-green colour1 with a very stout deep-red midrib4 ,in the open air they often grow nearly #aj ft4 long and nearly #b ft4 broad4 ,the fruit of this kind is not edible1 like that of the ,banana and ,plantain 7,musa paradisiaca and ,m4 sapientum71 but the leaves are magnificent1 and they stand the rain and storms of our northern climes with little laceration1 while all the other kinds of ,musa become torn into shreds4 ,it has hitherto been generally grown in stoves2 but it is an interesting and1 until recently1 little known fact1 that the finest of all the ,banana or ,musa tribe is also the hardiest and most easily preserved4 ,when grown for the open air it will of course require to be kept in a house during winter and planted out the first week in ,june4 ,in any place where there is a large conservatory or winter-garden it will be found most valuable1 either for planting therein or for keeping over the winter1 as1 if merely housed in such a structure during the cold months1 it will prove a great ornament among the other plants1 while it may be put out in summer1 when the attraction is all out of doors4 ,other kinds of ,musa have been tried in the open air in ,england1 but have barely existed1 making it clear that they should not be so cultivated in this country4 ,m4 ,ensete is the only species really worth growing in this way4 ,where the climate is too cold to put it out of doors in summer1 it should be grown in all conservatories in which it is desired to establish the noblest type of vegetation4 ,it also stands the drought and heat of a dwelling-house remarkably well1 and though1 when well developed1 it is much too big for any but ,brobdingnagian halls1 the fact may nevertheless be taken much advantage of by those interested in room-decoration on a large scale4 ,the plant is difficult to obtain as yet1 but will1 ,i trust1 be soon made abundant by our nurserymen4 ,in ,september1 #ahfh1 ,i saw a fine plant of this ,musa ,illustration3 ,,musa ,,ensete4 ,noblest of tender ,section2 thriving in the open air in summer1 in the warmer districts in summer and in the conservatory in winter4 that had remained in the open ground in ,baron ,haussmann's garden in the ,bois de ,boulogne during the preceding winter4 ,it was left in the position in which it grew during the summer of #ahfg1 and in the month of ,november covered with a little thatched shed1 the space about the plant being filled with dry leaves4 ,all the leaves were cut off4 ,in spring the protection was removed and the plant pushed vigorously4 ,it had1 when ,i saw it1 #af leaves1 not one of which was torn or lacerated1 although it was in an exposed position4 ,it was not more than #e ft4 high1 but was more attractive than much larger individuals of the same species1 from being so compact and untattered in its foliage4 ,as most people who grow it will have means of keeping it indoors in winter1 and as it is so rare1 this mode of keeping it is not likely to be taken advantage of with us at present2 but that it can and has been so wintered is an interesting fact4 ,other species are3 ,m4 paradisiaca 7the ,plantain72 ,m4 sapientum 7the ,banana72 ,m4 ,cavendishii1 a dwarf-growing kind1 seldom exceeding #e ft4 or #f ft4 in height1 and fruiting freely in a stove2 ,m4 superba1 and ,m4 zebrina4 ,these1 however1 are all properly hothouse kinds1 and do not thrive in the open air4 ,nelumbium luteum4--,this is perhaps second to none of its fine family in beauty4 ,in the ,paris ,garden a plant remained in a fountain-basin1 in a very sheltered position1 for several years1 flowering yearly4 ,on the #aath of ,september1 #ahfh1 the petals of one of these flowers measured each #f ins4 in length6 and consequently the flower fully spread out was more than a foot in diameter4 ,the singular-looking disk within these great fragrant flowers is as interesting as the flower itself1 and far more peculiar4 ,the flowers are of a pale yellow1 with a single deep stain of rosy crimson at the apex of each petal4 ,the leaves push boldly above the water1 are quite round1 #ab ins4 to #ae ins4 in diameter1 and of a peculiar bluish-green4 ,if the hand be placed under one of them1 so as to slightly raise the outer parts of the large plate-like leaf1 a hollow will of course be formed2 and if water be poured into this so as to cover exactly the centre of the stem which supports and feeds the leaf1 a curious result will be noticed4 ,bubbles of air will rise rapidly one after another from exactly over the part where the leaf joins its stem4 ,in this particular leaf this spot is marked by being of a much lighter green than the remainder of the leaf4 ,this would be well worth trying in the southern counties on the margin of ponds1 etc41 where it would be fine associated with ,nuphar advena1 and the like4 ,it should be put out early in ,may4 ,nelumbium speciosum 7,sacred ,bean74--,an ,egyptian water-plant of very great beauty1 with round sea-green leaves from #aj ins4 to over a foot in diameter1 some of which float on the surface of the water1 while others are elevated above it at various heights up to #b ft4 ,above the highest leaves appear the large1 solitary1 white1 rosy-tipped flowers1 which are about #aj ins4 broad1 and are very fragrant4 ,as the plant is somewhat tender1 it should be grown in tubs1 and placed in rather shallow water 7which is more easily warmed by the sun7 from the end of ,may until the end of ,september in a position ,illustration3 ,,nicotiana ,,tabacum4 7,var4 macrophylla74 ,annual ,section2 forming handsome specimens within a few months after sowing4 sheltered from sudden changes of the atmosphere4 ,a mixture of good loam1 sharp sand1 and charcoal seems to answer it best4 ,multiplied by division of the rootstocks1 or by seed4 ,wherever there is a contrivance for heating the water in a small pond or tank in the open air1 these two remarkable plants would be well worth a trial4 ,nicotiana ,tabacum 7,common ,tobacco74--,there are several varieties of this well-known plant1 distinguished by the different length and width of their oblong lance-shaped leaves and the lighter or deeper colour of their rosy flowers4 ,a deep1 well-drained1 light soil1 rich in decayed vegetable matter1 is essential to this plant1 as is also copious watering in summer4 ,as it is so readily raised from seed1 and grows luxuriantly in rich soil1 ,i need not say it is a very desirable subject for association with the ,castor-oil plant and the like1 and especially suited for the many who desire plants of noble habit1 but who cannot preserve the tender ones through the winter under glass4 ,it should be raised in a hotbed1 and put out in ,may4 ,height1 #f ft4 or more4 ,n4 macrophylla is the finest variety4 ,nicotiana wigandioides4--,a species of recent introduction1 with a simple stem #f ft4 or more high1 and very large1 broad1 woolly leaves which grow in a somewhat erect position4 ,if placed in a hothouse at the close of the year1 it becomes woody and branching1 and assumes an arborescent habit4 ,requires good substantial1 well-manured soil1 and copious watering4 ,this is a useful plant for grouping with the medium-sized tender subjects in rich1 light1 well-drained soils1 and should be planted out about the middle of ,may4 99,nuphar advena4--,a hardy ,water-lily from ,n4 ,america1 with broad1 oval-heart-shaped leaves1 some floating on the surface of the water1 and some emerging well above it4 ,the flowers are rather large1 of a golden-yellow colour1 with scarlet stamens4 ,this plant is as hardy as our native water-lilies1 and is therefore adapted for any position in which they will grow4 ,in ,n4 ,america it occurs chiefly in still or stagnant waters4 ,the bold and large leaves make it peculiarly suitable for placing near the margin of water in the vicinity of groups of picturesque plants4 ,illustration3 ,onopordum ,acanthium4 99,onopordum ,acanthium4--,a native biennial plant of bold1 habit and vigorous growth1 with stout1 branching stems often more than #e ft4 high1 and very large1 undulating1 spiny leaves1 covered with long1 whitish1 cobweb-like hairs4 ,flowers purplish1 in large1 solitary1 terminal heads4 ,o4 illyricum has greener and more deeply-cut leaves1 stiffer stems1 a more branching habit1 and much more spiny leaves and stems4 ,o4 arabicum grows to the height of nearly #h ft4 with an erect and very slightly branching habit1 and has both sides of the leaves1 as well as the stems1 covered with a white down4 ,all these species are very hardy1 and thrive well in ordinary soil4 ,they are particularly adapted for the rougher and more neglected parts of pleasure-grounds1 where they will sow themselves4 99,osmunda regalis4--,this1 the largest and most striking of our native ferns 7sometimes attaining a height of #h ft471 is one of the most ornamental subjects that can be grown in certain positions4 ,it should be planted in moist peaty soil in half-shady places1 on the banks of streams1 the margins of pieces of water1 by cascades1 etc4 ,it may also be planted in the water with good effect4 ,it has been found to do well exposed to the full sun1 when its roots are in a constantly moist1 porous1 moss-covered soil1 in a position sheltered from strong winds4 ,in shady positions it would be found to attain great stature if planted in deep1 well-manured soil4 ,the various ,north ,american ,osmundas should also be associated with this4 ,there are several varieties to be met with in gardens1 the handsomest of which perhaps is ,o4 r4 cristata4 ,popular and almost universally cultivated as the ,osmunda is2 however1 it is not at all common to see the ,royal ,fern and several other ,osmundas otherwise than in a shabby1 or at best in a half-developed1 condition4 ,mr4 ,a4 ,parsons1 of ,danesbury1 a well-known florist and cultivator of ferns1 has overcome this difficulty1 and narrates his marked success in the pages of the ,florist and ,pomologist4 ,he formed a very large fernery in an old chalk-pit1 and with much success2 but1 notwithstanding all the care taken of the ,osmundas and allied ferns1 they were tried for four seasons with no satisfactory results1 the roots of the surrounding trees robbing them of both soil and water4 8,a change was then made3 a piece of ground1 of irregular shape1 large enough to contain about #bj plants1 was staked out1 and the mould1 or1 more correctly speaking1 the chalk1 was removed to the depth of #c ft42 a bricklayer followed1 and put in a floor of three bricks laid on the flat1 set in good ,portland cement1 and over that a layer of plain tiles1 the sides being made up to the ground-level with a #d-;inch wall1 well built up in the same kind of cement2 this made the whole water-tight1 and prevented the roots of the surrounding trees from penetrating and robbing the ferns of their moisture4 ,the space was filled up with earth1 compounded of good loam1 peat1 and leaf-mould1 in equal proportions1 with about one-fifth of good rotten manure added thereto2 these ingredients were thoroughly mixed and well trodden in1 and then the ferns were planted4 ,in forming this bed1 provision was made for the escape of the surplus water1 by introducing into the front wall1 at about #d ins4 from the bottom1 a common #c-;in4 drain-pipe1 which communicated with a small tank1 about #c ft4 square1 sunk into the chalk1 so that all waste water became absorbed4 ,this method proved to be eminently successful1 the plants far surpassing in size any ,i have ever seen under artificial cultivation1 and1 judging from report1 rivalling their growth in their natural habitats4 ,last season ,i could boast of ,osmunda regalis with fronds at least #h ft4 in length1 ,osmunda spectabilis #d ft41 ,osmunda ,claytoniana #e ft41 ,osmunda cinnamomea #c ft41 and the beautiful ,osmunda regalis1 var4 cristata1 #c ft4 in length4 ,adiantum pedatum grew from #b ft4 to #c ft4 in height1 and others were proportionally fine4 ,the plants were not drawn up by being planted closely together1 but were placed at a fair distance apart1 and became handsome and noble specimens4 ,every spring ,i apply a dressing of about two inches of rotten manure to the surface1 and just cover it with mould for the sake of appearance4 ,the artificial swamp is the admiration of all the visitors here4 ,the plants are always in a healthy and vigorous state1 and have none of that half-starved appearance so frequently to be seen4 ,the result of my experience induces me to believe that a more liberal treatment would not be found objectionable in the cultivation of many more of our native ferns4 ,i intend making the experiment this season1 and may possibly find time to make known what amount of success ,i may meet with4 ,in concluding my remarks upon what ,i may term #8growing ,osmundas under difficulties1' ,i would observe that the points to be principally attended to are--7#a7 a deep water-tight and root-tight tank1 the depth of which may1 with advantage1 be more than in the case ,i have described2 7#b7 a rich nutritious soil2 7#c7 a reasonable amount of water2 and 7#d7 a drain to carry off the surplus40 99,ponia tenuifolia4--,a charming plant1 about #a ft4 or #b ft4 high1 with numerous upright stems almost completely hidden by the dense finely-cut leaves1 producing an effect which very much resembles that afforded by the foliage of the ,ferulas4 ,the flowers are of a deep crimson1 or purplish-red1 and about #b ins4 broad1 solitary and erect on the tops of the stems4 ,it does well in almost any soil or position1 and might with advantage be now and then used as an isolated specimen on the turf4 99,panicum altissimum4--,a very handsome hardy perennial grass1 very like ,p4 virgatum1 and often confounded with it1 although much more elegant in habit4 ,it forms dense1 erect tufts from #b ft4 to #f ft4 high1 according to climate1 soil1 and temperature4 ,the leaves are linear1 finely toothed1 long1 and arching4 ,when in flower the plant presents a very attractive appearance1 the inflorescence consisting of very large panicles of slender whorled branchlets covered with numerous small spikelets of flowers1 which ultimately assume a tinge of dark chestnut-red4 99,panicum bulbosum4--,a tall and strong species1 with a free and beautiful inflorescence4 ,it grows about #e ft4 high1 and the flowers are very gracefully spread forth4 ,it forms an elegant plant for the flower-garden in which grace and variety are sought2 for dotting about here and there1 near the margins of shrubberies1 etc42 and for naturalisation4 99,panicum capillare4--,a hardy annual kind1 growing in tufts from #af ins4 to #bj ins4 high1 and very ornamental when in full flower1 the tufts being then covered with large1 pyramidal panicles1 which are borne both at the ends of the stems and in the axils of the stem-leaves4 ,grows in any soil or position1 and sows itself4 ,i noticed it in great abundance in cultivated fields in many parts of ,canada and the ,united ,states4 ,well suited for border beds or isolation1 being one of the most graceful plants in cultivation4 ,it is commonly grown under the name of ,eragrostis elegans4 99,panicum virgatum4--,a handsome1 bold1 hardy species from ,n4 ,america1 growing1 in good soil1 to a height of nearly #c ft4 ,it forms close1 compact tufts of leaves1 a foot or more long1 which1 from ,july to the first frosts1 are crowned with very large1 dense1 branching panicles4 ,the general colour of the plant is a fine lively green1 and its graceful habit renders it an admirable subject for the picturesque flower-garden1 the pleasure-ground1 etc41 in isolated tufts4 ,it is also fine for borders4 ,the best mode of multiplying it is by division in the spring1 when vegetation is just commencing4 99,papaver bracteatum 7,great ,scarlet ,poppy74--,a remarkably vigorously-growing perennial species from ,siberia and ,n4 ,russia1 with simple1 rough1 hairy stems more than #d ft4 high1 each terminated by a single flower #i ins4 broad1 and of a bright deep brick-red colour1 with a large black spot at the base of each petal1 and #b or #c leaf-like bracts at the base of each flower4 ,the radical leaves1 which are very deeply divided1 form a dense broad tuft resting on the ground4 ,a very ornamental plant for the open parts of pleasure-grounds1 flourishing in almost any kind of well-drained soil4 ,it will prove most effective as an isolated plant in the rougher parts of the pleasure-ground4 ,a plant of it would also show to great advantage in a group of green-leaved subjects like the ,ferulas4 ,very closely resembling the preceding is the ,armenian species ,p4 orientalis4 ,it is however smaller in every respect1 and the flowers want the distinguishing bracts4 ,papyrus antiquorum 7,egyptian ,paper-plant74--,a very graceful reed1 or rather cyperus1 which yielded the material used as paper by the ancient ,egyptians4 ,the rootstocks spread horizontally under the mud in places where the plant grows1 continuing to throw up stems as they creep along4 ,these stems are triangular and grow from #c ft4 to #h ft4 high2 they are quite leafless except at the top1 where they bear a large parasol-like tuft of green1 gracefully-arching filaments4 ,shallow parts of pieces of water in a warm position are the most suitable places for this plant4 ,it may1 however1 also be planted in soil which is kept constantly moist4 ,multiplied by division of the rootstocks2 the pieces to be planted under water1 if possible4 ,in gardens south of ,london this fine plant may be tried in the open air in summer from ,june till ,september in warm spots2 if not planted in shallow water1 or the artificial bog1 it should receive a very liberal supply of water in summer4 99,paulownia imperialis4--,a ,japanese tree of moderate size1 with a large1 dense1 spreading head1 and broad1 entire or lobed1 opposite leaves covered with hoary down4 ,the flowers are nearly #b ins4 long1 in terminal panicles1 and of a purplish-violet colour4 ,young plants1 say of a year1 or in the first spring of their existence as independent plants1 will1 if cut down to the ground1 make a luxuriant growth during the current year1 and indeed prove more effective than the ,ferdinanda eminens4 ,the stem rises quite vertically and with great vigour1 and looks simply a column of noble leaves4 ,plants growing in an ordinary nursery-quarter were 7,sept4 #h1 #ahfh7 #g ft4 and #h ft4 high from the ground1 and the leaves from #bj ins4 to #bb ins4 in diameter4 ,it was noticeable1 too1 that those at the top of each shaft were as large as those half-way up and near the base1 which is not usually the case2 and of course every variation of this kind is valuable1 as it helps us to produce variety4 ,planted in rich ground and treated specially to secure a subtropical effect1 greater dimensions than the above may readily be obtained1 and older plants when cut down may be expected to produce stronger stems and leaves4 ,they should be cut down every year in winter or spring1 and confined to one stem4 99,petasites vulgaris4--,a native plant of vigorous growth and striking appearance1 forming dense spreading tufts of enormous radical leaves1 usually about #b ft4 or #b ft4 high4 ,the leaves are heart-shaped in outline1 and sometimes #c ft4 in width4 ,a suitable subject for planting in any position where the soil is moist and deep1 as on the margins of pieces of water or in damp glades4 ,there is a variety 7,p4 v4 niveus7 which has white1 instead of rosy1 flowers4 ,this is also quite hardy1 but does best in a slightly shaded position in deep clayey or sandy-clay soil4 ,phnix dactylifera 7,date ,palm74--,a handsome palm with a rugged stem1 and pinnate dark-green leaves from #f ft4 to #ab ft4 long2 the divisions linear-lance-shaped1 very much pointed1 and standing out quite straight4 ,easily increased from seed4 ,suitable for the greenhouse in winter and the open garden in summer1 from the end of ,may till the beginning of ,october4 ,africa and ,india4 ,phormium tenax 7,new ,zealand ,flax74--,a hardy plant1 with something of the habit of a large ,iris1 forming tufts of broad1 shining1 leathery leaves from #e ft4 to #f ft4 high1 gracefully arching at the top4 ,the flowers1 of a lemon colour1 are borne in erect loose spikes just above the foliage4 ,generally with us it will be found to enjoy greenhouse temperature1 though in genial places in the south and west of ,england and ,ireland it does very well in the open air4 ,its best use is for the decoration of the garden in summer1 a few specimens well grown and plunged in the grass or the centre of a bed giving a most distinct aspect to the scene4 ,the larger such plants are1 the better1 of course1 will be the effect4 ,the small ones will prove equally useful and effective in vases1 to which they will add a grace that vases rarely now possess4 ,it is pre-eminently useful from its being alike good for the house1 conservatory1 and hall-decoration in winter4 ,multiplied by division of the tufts in summer1 and thriving best in a light deep soil4 ,wherever indoor decoration on a large scale is practised it is indispensable1 and it should be remarked that1 unless for vase decoration1 it requires to be grown into goodly specimens before affording much effect out of doors2 but when grown large in tubs1 it is equally grand for the large conservatory and for important positions in the flower-garden4 ,in the extreme south of ,england and ,ireland the ,new ,zealand ,flax will thrive in the water as well as on dry land2 and where this is the case it may of course be used with fine effect as an aquatic4 ,doubtless1 too1 the variegated variety of the ,new ,zealand ,flax would be a capital plant to try in the open air in nice situations in the south and west of ,england and ,ireland1 where the green plant sometimes does so well4 ,in any case it will do finely out of doors for the summer4 99,phytolacca decandra 7,virginian ,poke74--,a vigorous herbaceous perennial1 from #e ft4 to nearly #aj ft4 high1 with stems of a reddish hue1 very much branched above2 the branches1 leaf-stalks1 veins of the leaves1 and flower-stalks being also red4 ,the flowers are numerous1 in cylindrical spikes1 and are at first white1 afterwards changing to a delicate rose-colour4 ,in autumn the leaves change to a uniform reddish tinge1 which has a fine effect1 contrasted with the numerous pendent purple berries4 ,this is a very hardy plant1 requiring hardly any attention and growing in almost any kind of soil4 ,multiplied either by seed or by division4 ,it forms a very free and vigorous mass of vegetation1 and1 though perhaps scarcely refined enough in leaf to justify its being recommended for flower-garden use1 no plant is more worthy of a place wherever a rich herbaceous vegetation is desired2 whether near the rougher approaches of a hardy fernery1 open glades near woodland walks1 or any like positions4 ,n4 ,america4 99,poa aquatica4--,a stout1 rapidly increasing native grass1 growing from #d ft4 to #f ft4 high1 with broad1 flat leaves and the inflorescence in much-branched handsome panicles1 sometimes nearly a foot long4 ,it is not uncommon in ,england and ,ireland1 mostly occurring in wet ditches1 by rivers1 and in marshes4 ,it is one of the boldest and handsomest hardy grasses1 for planting by the margins of pieces of artificial water or streams1 associated with such plants as the ,typhas1 ,acorus1 bullrush1 great water-dock1 etc4 99,poa fertilis4--,just within the main entrance of the ,royal ,gardens at ,kew a very graceful-looking grass might have been seen isolated on the turf during the past year or two4 ,it is a comparatively dwarf subject1 and not at all striking in bloom like the ,pampas1 but withal very distinct and desirable4 ,it is one of the most elegant grasses1 forming dense tufts of long1 soft1 smooth1 slender leaves1 which arch outwards and downwards in the most graceful manner on every side1 and1 in the flowering season1 are surmounted by airy1 diffuse1 purplish or violet-tinged panicles1 rising to a height of from #bj ins4 to #c ft41 the grassy tufts being usually about half that height4 ,this plant is widely distributed over ,southern ,europe1 ,northern ,asia1 and ,north ,america1 in wet meadows and on low banks of streams4 ,of all the dwarf perennial grasses it is perhaps the best for isolation on the grass1 where its fine dense and graceful tufts of long hair-like leaves and elegant panicles form a quite distinct-looking and ornamental object4 ,illustration3 ,poa fertilis4 99,polygonatum multiflorum 7,solomon's ,seal74--,this1 one of the most graceful of our native plants1 is too distinct and pleasing in aspect to be omitted from an enumeration of ornamental subjects4 ,it is best suited for a shady position under trees1 or the fringes of shrubberies1 or groups of tall and widely-branching plants1 where its elegantly arching stems and pretty pendent flowers would attain greatest perfection1 and exhibit a very marked contrast to the surrounding types of vegetation4 ,a well-drained1 sandy1 and peaty soil will be found to suit it best1 and it is well adapted for the wild and semi-wild parts of the pleasure-ground4 ,easily multiplied by division of the rootstocks4 99,polygonum cuspidatum 7,sieboldi74--,forms large and noble tufts of lively green1 which increase in beauty from year to year4 ,it grows to a height of #c ft4 to #f ft4 and more1 the stems being at first erect and simple1 then becoming much branched1 the branches arching1 and spreading nearly horizontally at the top4 ,the white flowers1 which are disposed in clusters forming close panicles1 are succeeded by handsome rosy-white fruit4 ,when planted singly1 and away from other subjects1 its head assumes a rather peculiar and pretty arching character2 and therefore it is not quite fit for forming centres or using in groups1 so much as for planting singly on the turf1 there leaving it to take care of itself and come up year after year4 ,in this way it would be particularly useful in the pleasure-ground or diversified ,english flower-garden4 ,it is also good for any position in which a bold and distinct type of vegetation is desired1 while of course1 when we come to have fine groups of hardy 8foliage-plants0 in our gardens1 its use will be much extended4 ,the deeper and better the soil1 the finer will its development prove4 ,you cannot make the soil too deep and good if you want the plant to assume a very striking character4 ,it runs very much at the root in all directions horizontally just below the surface of the soil4 ,by cutting away the runners1 and thus concentrating the sap in the central stems1 tufts have been obtained from #i ft4 to #ac ft4 high1 and as much across4 ,japan4 ,polymnia grandis4 7,see ,montagna heracleifolia47 ,polymnia pyramidalis4--,a free1 bold1 and tall plant1 with somewhat of a sunflower habit1 but withal very fine1 and making a tall green growth by the end of ,july1 before many other things used in this way begin to push4 ,the leaves are not so large as those of the other species1 and differ in shape1 being nearly cordate2 but the growth is vigorous1 and the habit distinct4 ,it pushes up a narrow pyramidal head of foliage to a height of nearly #aj ft4 in ,paris gardens1 and will be found to do well in the south of ,england4 ,easily multiplied in spring by division or cuttings from plants placed in heat in ,january1 or from seed sown in a pot4 ,the species ,uvedalia and maculata are rather coarse herbaceous plants1 fitted for rough places in warm positions1 and deep1 rich soil4 ,new ,granada4 99,pontederia cordata4--,one of the handsomest water-plants in cultivation1 combining gracefulness of habit and leaf with beauty of flower4 ,it forms thick tufts of almost arrow-shaped1 erect1 long-stalked leaves from #a ft4 to more than #b ft4 high1 crowned with the handsome blue flower-spikes1 which issue from the leafstalks just below the base of the leaves4 ,it should be planted in shallow pieces of water4 ,multiplied by division of the tufts at any season4 ,n4 ,america4 ,pothos acaulis4--,a noble plant of the ,arum family1 with huge simple dark-green leaves1 forming a magnificent rosette4 ,it requires stove treatment in winter and spring1 and having made its growth and been hardened off under cover1 it may be placed out in the open air in sheltered warm places in the southern counties1 from the middle of ,june to the end of ,september4 ,it1 however1 sometimes suffers from cold1 and is on the whole only likely to be of very partial use4 ,among the other large ,aroids which have been tried in ,battersea ,park1 the best are ,philodendron macrophyllum1 ,p4 ,simsii1 and ,anthurium ,hookeri4 ,being rather tender they all require a very warm and well-sheltered position4 ,w4 ,indies4 99,rhaponticum cynaroides4--,a hardy perennial from the ,pyrenees1 #c ft4 or more in height1 with a rigid1 simple1 furrowed stem1 and lobed or entire oblong radical leaves1 covered underneath with silvery down4 ,flowers solitary1 purple1 in very large heads4 ,it thrives in a deep1 substantial1 moist1 but well-drained and free soil4 ,this and1 to a smaller extent1 the following species are worthy of a place in full collections of hardy fine-leaved plants1 for borders1 the margins of groups1 and1 in the case of ,r4 cynaroides1 for isolation4 ,both are easily increased by division4 99,rhaponticum pulchrum4--,a hardy perennial from the ,caucasus1 with numerous simple stems #b ft4 or more in height1 and much-divided1 undulating1 toothed leaves of an ashy or sea-green colour on the upper side1 and whitish underneath4 ,the flowers are borne in small solitary purplish heads late in summer4 ,a very suitable subject for embellishing dry1 arid1 rocky positions4 ,r4 scariosum is another kind1 useful for the same purposes as the preceding species4 99,,the ,,rhubarbs4 ,the ,rhubarbs1 from their vigour and picturesqueness1 are well worthy of cultivation among hardy1 fine-leaved plants4 ,they are so hardy that they may be planted in any soil1 and afterwards left to take care of themselves4 ,their fine leaves and bold habit make them valuable ornaments for the margins of shrubberies 7the best way is to plant one singly a few feet from the margin of the shrubbery1 so that when they die down in autumn no blank may be seen71 and for semi-wild places where a very free and luxuriant type of vegetation is desired4 ,though not particular as to soil1 they enjoy it when it is deep and rich1 and the more it is made so the better they will grow4 ,rheum ,emodi is undoubtedly the handsomest and most distinct of the genus in cultivation4 ,the figure conveys an accurate idea of the outline of its leaves1 and of its aspect when in flower4 ,the large leaves have their veins red1 which distinguishes it from any other species4 ,it has a large and deep-feeding root1 black on the outside1 and yellow within4 ,the flowers are very small1 of a yellowish white4 ,it comes up somewhat later than the common kinds1 and is not by any means common1 though it may be found in botanic gardens and nurseries where collections of herbaceous plants are formed4 ,it may1 like all the species1 be increased by division1 but a young plant should not be disturbed for several years after being planted4 ,it is a native of ,nepaul4 ,the palmated rhubarb1 ,rheum palmatum1 is immediately distinguished from its cultivated fellows by its leaves ,illustration3 ,,rheum ,,emodi4 ,hardy herbaceous fine-foliaged ,type4 being deeply cut into lobes4 ,it is scarcely so ornamental or imposing as the fuller-leaved kinds1 but is an interesting plant4 ,i have seen it grown in some ,irish gardens for culinary purposes1 but do not remember to have noticed it in ,english kitchen-gardens4 ,when well grown in deep and rather light and well-drained earth1 the flowering-stem of this species attains a height of about nine feet4 ,it is a native of ,tartary1 and well deserves a place4 ,rheum ,ribes is a somewhat delicate species1 a native of ,southern ,persia1 which may be seen in one or two of our botanic gardens1 and more frequently in those of ,france2 but we fear it is not hardy enough to thrive well in these islands4 ,the most remarkable known species is the ,himalayan 7,r4 nobile71 which has its flower-stems beautifully clothed with large straw-coloured and pink-edged bracts1 so as to form what may be termed a pyramid of leaves2 but1 as this species is not in cultivation1 we need not describe it further4 ,it would prove a very welcome addition to our collection of hardy plants4 ,the common rhubarbs are said by some of our authorities to have chiefly sprung from ,rheum ,rhaponticum1 and some of them have also come from the wavy-leaved ,rheum 7,r4 undulatum74 ,in any case1 some of the garden varieties of rhubarb are worth planting for ornamental purposes4 ,they have been so planted in ,hyde ,park1 but in masses--not the proper way to employ them4 ,kinds deserving of notice are ,r4 australe1 ,r4 compactum1 ,r4 rugosum1 ,r4 hybridum1 ,victoria rhubarb 7a garden variety1 with very large leaves and long red stalks71 ,myatt's ,linnus1 and ,prince ,albert 7also garden varieties1 and splendid ornamental plants74 ,mr4 ,shirley ,hibberd says he has found ,scott's ,monarch to be the most imposing and ornamental of all the garden varieties4 99,rhus ,cotinus 7,venetian ,sumach74--,a bushy shrub1 about #f ft4 high1 with simple1 smooth1 shining green leaves1 and a very remarkable feathery inflorescence of a deep red colour4 ,it requires a dry1 gravelly1 warm soil1 and will grow in the most arid positions4 ,where it thrives the effect of its peculiar inflorescence is very fine and distinct4 ,it is used with most effect as an isolated specimen1 though it would group very well with such plants as ,lindley's ,spira4 ,s4 ,europe4 99,rhus glabra laciniata4--,this variety of the smooth or scarlet ,sumach is a small shrub with compound leaves1 growing from #d ft4 to #g ft4 high1 a native of ,north ,america1 with finely-cut and elegant leaves1 the strongest being about a foot long when the plants have been established a year or two4 ,when seen on an established plant1 these leaves combine the beauty of those of the finest ,grevillea with that of a fern frond1 while the youngest and unfolding leaves remind one of the aspect of a finely-cut umbelliferous plant in spring4 ,the variety observable in the shape1 size1 and aspect of the foliage makes the plant charming to look upon1 while the midribs of the fully-grown leaves are red1 and in autumn the whole glow off into bright colour after the fashion of ,american shrubs and trees4 ,during the entire season it is presentable1 and there is no fear of any vicissitude of weather injuring it4 ,its great merit is that1 in addition to being so elegant in foliage1 it has a very dwarf habit1 and is thoroughly hardy4 ,plants three years old and undisturbed for the last two years are not more ,illustration3 ,,rhus ,,glabra ,,laciniata4 ,hardy deciduous ,shrub ,section4 than eighteen inches high4 ,the heads of some are branched1 but these are not less elegant than when in a simple-stemmed state1 so that here we have clearly a subject that will afford a charming fern-like effect in the full sun1 and add graceful verdure and distinction to the flower-garden4 ,when the flowers show after the plant is a few years old1 they may be pinched off2 but this need only be practised in the case of permanent groups or plantings of it4 ,to produce the effect of a ,grevillea or a fern on a small scale1 we should of course keep this graceful ,rhus small and propagate it like a bedding-plant4 ,like most other shrubs1 it has a tendency to branch2 but to fully enjoy the beauty of the leaves it is best to cut down the plants yearly1 as then the leaves given off from the simple erect stem are much larger and more graceful4 ,it will1 however1 be necessary to allow it to become established before treating it in this way1 as it is at present comparatively new to our gardens4 ,the figure1 sketched early in ,august1 represents a young plant little more than a foot high1 which had been cut down to the ground during the spring of the past year1 and proves that its full beauty may be enjoyed in a very small state4 ,it may be most tastefully used in association with bedding-plants1 or on banks in or near the rock-garden or hardy fernery1 planting it in light sandy loam4 ,the graceful mixtures and bouquet-99like beds that might be made with the aid of such plants need not be suggested here1 while of course an established plant1 or groups of three1 might well form the centre of a bed4 ,planting a very small bed or group separately in the flower-garden1 and many other uses which cannot be enumerated here1 will occur to those who have once tried it4 ,some hardy plants of fine foliage are either so rampant or so topheavy that they cannot be wisely associated with bedding-plants4 ,this is1 on the contrary1 as tidy and tractable a grower as the most fastidious could desire4 ,it would be a mistake to put such a pretty plant under or near rough trees and shrubs4 ,give it the full sun1 and good free soil4 99,rhus vernicifera is distinct from the preceding1 and has fine leaves4 ,it is a native of ,japan1 and the source of the best ,japan varnish according to ,thunberg4 ,useful for grouping with the preceding or other hardy shrubs of like character4 99,ricinus communis 7,castor-oil ,plant74--,when well grown in the open air1 there is not in the whole range of cultivated plants a more imposing subject than this4 ,it may have been seen nearly #ab ft4 high in the ,london parks of late years1 and with leaves nearly #a yd4 wide4 ,it is true we require a bed of very rich deep earth under it to make it attain such dimensions and beauty2 but in all parts1 and with ordinary attention1 it grows well4 ,in warm countries1 in which the plant is very widely cultivated1 it becomes a small tree1 but is much prettier in the state in which it is seen with us--i4e41 with an unbranched stem clothed from top to bottom with noble leaves4 ,soon after it betrays1 a tendency to develope side-shoots the cold autumn comes and puts an end to all further progress2 and so much the better1 because it is much handsomer in a simple-stemmed state than any other4 ,the same is true of not a few other large-leaved plants--once they break into a number of side-shoots their leaf beauty is to a great extent lost4 ,it is as easily raised from seed as the common bean1 requiring1 however1 to be raised in heat4 ,it should be sown about the middle of ,february1 and the plants gradually hardened off so as to be fit to put out by the middle of ,may4 ,the ,ricinus is a grand plant for making bold and noble beds near those of the more brilliant flowers1 and tends to vary the flower-garden finely4 ,it is not well to associate it closely with bedding-plants1 in consequence of the strong growth and shading power of the leaves1 so to speak4 ,a good plan is to make a compact group of the plant in the centre of some wide circular bed and surround it with a band of a dwarfer subject1 say the ,aralia or ,caladium1 and then finish with whatever arrangement of the flowering plants may be most admired4 ,a bold and striking centre may be obtained1 while the effect of the flowers is much enhanced1 especially if the planting be nicely graduated and tastefully done4 ,for such groups the varieties of the ,castor-oil plant are not likely to be surpassed4 ,east ,indies4 ,the most notable varieties are ,r4 c4 sanguineus1 the stem1 leaf-stalks1 young leaves1 and fruit of which are of a blood-red colour2 ,r4 c4 borboniensis1 which in southern climates often attains the extraordinary height of #bf ft4 in one year2 ,r4 c4 giganteus1 a very tall kind from the ,philippine ,islands4 ,other kinds in cultivation are ,r4 ,belot ,desfougers 7a very tall and branching kind71 ,r4 viridis 7of a uniform lively green colour71 ,r4 insignis1 ,r4 africanus1 ,r4 africanus albidus1 ,r4 minor1 ,r4 hybridus1 ,r4 microcarpus4 ,the better and richer the soil1 and the warmer the position1 the more vigorous will be the growth of any of the above4 ,copious watering in summer is indispensable4 99,rumex ,hydrolapathum4--,a very large native water-plant of a size and habit sufficiently striking to entitle it to a place amongst ornamental subjects by the water-side4 ,the radical long-stalked leaves1 which are sometimes #b ft4 or more in length1 form erect tufts of a very imposing character4 ,the flowering-stem is frequently #f ft4 in height1 and bears a very large1 dense1 pyramidal panicle of a reddish or olive-fawn colour4 ,the plant is most effective in autumn1 when the leaves change to a lurid red colour1 which they retain for some time4 99,saccharum gyptiacum4--,a vigorous perennial grass1 forming ample tufts of reed-like downy stems #f ft4 to #ac ft4 high1 and clothed with very graceful foliage1 well adapted for ornamenting the margins of pieces of water1 the slopes and other parts of pleasure-grounds1 etc41 in a warm position4 ,in our climate it does not flower1 but even without its fine feathery plumes it is a pretty plant from its foliage and habit alone4 ,easily and quickly multiplied by division in spring2 the offsets to be started in a frame or pit4 ,when established they may be planted out in ,may or ,june4 ,n4 ,africa4 99,sagittaria sagittifolia4--,a ,british water-plant1 affording the most remarkable example of the arrow-shaped leaf to be met with among hardy plants4 ,these leaves stand erect1 from #a ft4 to #a ft4 above the water1 and from the middle of the tuft the flowering-stem rises in ,august to the height of #a ft4 to #b ft4 ,the flowers are of a pale rosy-white colour4 ,there is a variety with double flowers 7,s4 sagittifolia flore pleno71 which resemble the flowers of the double ,rocket4 ,both the double and single kinds should have a place among water or bog plants4 ,illustration3 ,,seaforthia ,,elegans4 ,conservatory ,palm2 standing well in the open air in summer4 99,salvia argentea 7,s4 patula74--,a handsome biennial about #c ft4 high1 forming broad spreading rosettes of large1 oval1 heart-shaped leaves1 densely covered with long silky hairs of a silvery whiteness1 and bearing large panicles of white flowers4 ,an excellent subject for grouping on grass-plats or the uneven parts of pleasure-grounds4 ,where the effect of the foliage only is desired the flower-stems should be pinched off as soon as they appear2 the leaves will then preserve their freshness and silvery colour throughout the year4 ,a light1 sandy1 or gravelly soil is the most suitable4 ,easily propagated by sowing in autumn1 and keeping the seedlings in a cold frame through the winter1 giving them air as often as possible1 and watering very moderately4 ,this plant is most effective during its first summer1 and before it makes an attempt to flower4 ,s4 ,europe4 99,scirpus lacustris 7,bulrush74--,this giant rush sends up numerous smooth green stems as thick as the finger at the base1 and from #c ft4 to #h ft4 high4 ,in still water the bases of these are covered with leafless sheaths1 but in running water the uppermost sheath produces at its extremity a leaf of several inches in length1 in addition to which numerous barren tufts of leaves1 often of great length1 and resembling those of ,sparganium affine1 are also produced4 ,when in flower1 the stems are crowned with short1 umbel-like1 chestnut-coloured panicles4 ,it is very effective on the margins of lakes or streams1 associated with other tall and imposing aquatic plants4 ,seaforthia elegans4--,one of the most beautiful of the ,palm family1 from the northern parts of ,australia1 where it attains a height of about #cj ft41 but in this country seldom arrives at more than half its full size4 ,the leaves are from #b ft4 to #aj ft4 in length1 and are divided into numerous narrow leaflets from #a ft4 to #a ft4 long1 and of a dark green colour4 ,the whole plant is perfectly smooth1 and is one of the finest subjects in cultivation for the conservatory1 greenhouse1 or subtropical garden4 ,it may be placed in the open air from the middle or end of ,may until the beginning of ,october4 ,it is too scarce as yet to be procurable by horticulturists generally1 but should be looked for by all who take an interest in these matters and have a house in which to grow it4 ,it stands well in the conservatory during the winter1 though generally kept in the stove1 where of course it grows beautifully4 ,there are hardier kinds--the dwarf ,fan-palm for example--but on the whole none of them are so valuable as this4 ,senecio ,ghiesbreghtii4--,a handsome ,mexican plant with stout1 round1 spotted stems1 #c to #d ft4 high1 and large oval-oblong1 thick1 coarsely-toothed leaves of a light green colour1 and slightly rolled down at the margin4 ,flowers small1 yellow1 very numerous1 in corymbose clusters of enormous size4 ,a useful plant for isolation on grass-plats1 or for beds1 etc4 ,young plants are to be preferred for this purpose1 as the old ones are apt to become bare and ragged-looking at the base4 ,plant in a mixture of peat soil and free loam at the end of ,may4 ,multiplied by cuttings in winter1 struck under glass in a temperate heat in early spring4 ,senecio ,petasites 7,cineraria platanifolia74--,another ,mexican species1 nearly #c ft4 high1 with a stout1 half-shrubby1 slightly-branching stem1 and large1 dark-green1 roughish1 lobed leaves4 ,it requires a substantial1 but free and cool soil1 and may be multiplied at almost any season by cuttings4 ,it requires greenhouse protection in winter1 grows freely in the open air planted out in early summer1 and is suitable for beds or groups associated with the medium-sized subjects4 99,seseli gummiferum4 7,silvery ,seseli74--,an umbelliferous plant with elegantly-divided leaves of a peculiarly pleasing glaucous or almost silvery tone4 ,i am not sure whether this plant is perennial or not1 and it is not hardy on cold soils1 having perished during several of our most severe winters1 but it is so unique in its way that some persons might like to grow it1 and if so the best position is on dry and sunny banks1 or raised beds or borders4 ,it is one of the few subjects that are at once fern-like and silvery1 and if plentiful enough might be used to form charming edgings4 ,it is not difficult to raise from seed1 which should be sown soon after being gathered4 ,as it is liable to perish in winter1 perhaps the best way to deal with it would be to put it out annually at the end of spring1 raising it and keeping it in frames for this purpose2 and to secure seeds a few plants might be left in #aj in4 or #ab in4 pots1 so that the seed might be gathered under cover4 ,doubtless1 however1 continental raisers can supply it4 ,s4 ,russia4 99,silphium integrifolium4--,this composite has a rough1 vigorous1 rigid1 slightly four-angled1 grooved stem1 from #b ft4 to #d ft4 high1 and leaves from #c ins4 to #e ins4 long1 all opposite1 lanceolate-ovate1 entire1 tapering to a sharp point from a roundish heart-shaped and partly-clasping base1 and covered with a roughish down4 ,the flower-heads are of a greenish-yellow1 on short stalks1 in a close1 forking corymb4 ,a variety 7,s4 lve7 has the leaves and stem smooth1 or nearly so4 ,this and the following kinds are only suited for the rougher parts of the pleasure-ground1 and by wood-walks1 etc42 they will be seen to greatest advantage in rich and deep soil1 but will grow in any kind4 ,division4 ,n4 ,america4 99,silphium laciniatum 7,compass-plant74--,a vigorous perennial with a stout1 round stem1 often upwards of #h ft4 in height4 ,the leaves1 which are collected chiefly about the base of the plant1 are large1 wrinkled1 and deeply-divided into lance-shaped1 pointed segments1 and fringed with white hairs4 ,the stem-leaves are few1 much smaller1 and opposite4 ,flowers of a fine yellow with a brownish centre1 in large1 few1 solitary1 short-stalked1 horizontal or drooping heads1 which have the peculiarity of facing to the east4 ,division4 ,n4 ,america4 99,silphium perfoliatum 7,cup-plant74--,a robust-growing ,north ,american perennial from #d ft4 to #h ft4 in height1 with a square stem and broad1 opposite1 oval1 lance-shaped1 coarsely toothed leaves1 #f ins4 to #ae ins4 long1 rough on both sides1 the upper ones united at their bases2 the lower ones abruptly narrowed into winged leaf-stalks1 which are also united at their bases4 ,flower-heads about #b ins4 across1 with a greenish-yellow disk and a yellow ray4 ,does best in a deep1 free1 well-drained1 sandy soil1 but will grow well when the ground is slightly moist1 especially in warm1 but not too shady1 positions4 ,division4 99,silphium terebinthinaceum 7,prairie-,dock74--,a large kind with smooth slender stems from #d ft4 to #aj ft4 high1 panicled at the summit1 and bearing many small heads of light yellow flowers4 ,the leaves are ovate-oblong1 thick and rough1 especially beneath1 and from #a ft4 to #b ft4 long1 on slender stalks4 ,a variety 7pinnatifidum7 has the leaves deeply cut or pinnatifid4 ,this species is remarkable for its strong turpentine odour4 ,division4 ,n4 ,america4 99,silphium trifoliatum4--,this species has a smooth1 often glaucous1 rather slender stem1 from #d ft4 to #f ft4 high1 branching above4 ,leaves lance-shaped1 pointed1 entire or scarcely serrate1 short-stalked1 in whorls of three or four1 the uppermost ones opposite4 ,flower-heads yellow1 more than #b ins4 across1 on long stalks1 and forming loose panicles4 ,division4 ,n4 ,america4 99,silybum marianum 7,milk-thistle74--,a very robust and vigorous-growing native biennial1 #e ft4 or more in height1 of strikingly handsome appearance1 and well deserving to be associated with other large fine-foliaged plants4 ,its leaves are of very great size1 variously cut and undulated1 tipped and margined with scattered spines1 and of a bright glistening green colour marbled and variegated with broad white veins4 ,easily raised from seed1 and thrives in almost any kind of well-drained soil4 ,additional vigour and development may be thrown into the foliage by pinching off the flower-stems on their first appearance4 ,if a few plants are raised in the garden and planted out in rough and somewhat bare places or banks1 etc41 this will soon establish itself permanently4 ,silybum eburneum is a more tender species1 very closely resembling the above1 but with spines which appear as if made of ivory4 ,it is also more constantly biennial1 and in consequence its leaves are almost always in the rosette stage throughout the first year4 ,it is somewhat tenderer than ,s4 marianum4 ,algeria4 ,the ,solanums4--,this family1 so wonderfully varied1 affords numerous species that look graceful and imposing in leaf when in a young and free-growing state4 ,in selecting examples from this great genus we must be careful1 as our climate is a shade too cold for some of the kinds grown on the continent1 and many of them are of too ragged an aspect to be tolerated in a tasteful garden4 ,half a dozen species or so are indispensable1 but there is quite a crowd of narrow-leaved and ignoble ones which may well be passed over4 ,most of these plants may be raised from seed1 while they are also freely grown from cuttings1 which struck in ,february will make good plants by ,may4 ,all the kinds named are suitable for association with the larger-leaved plants1 though they do not as a rule attain such height and vigorous development as those of the first rank1 like the ,ricinus4 ,as a rule1 temperate-house treatment in winter is required1 and they should be planted out about the middle or end of ,may1 in rich fight soil1 a warm position1 and perfect shelter4 ,s4 marginatum1 planted in a very dwarf and young state1 furnishes a most distinct and charming effect3 it should be planted rather thinly1 so that the leaves of one plant may not brush against those of another4 ,if some very dwarf plants are used as a groundwork1 so much the better2 but the downy and silvery leaves of this plant are sure to please without this aid4 ,it is very much better when thus grown than when permitted to assume the bush form4 ,solanum betaceum4--,a small tree from ,south ,illustration3 ,,solanum ,,robustum4 ,tender ,section2 making vigorous growth during the summer months4 ,america1 which in our climate attains a height of nearly #aj ft4 if taken up in autumn and kept through the winter in a house4 ,the stems are stout1 smooth1 and fleshy4 ,the leaves1 which resemble those of the ,beet1 are of an oval1 pointed shape1 and of a deep green colour1 tinged with violet in the variety purpureum4 ,the flowers are small1 rose-colour1 in pendent cyme-like clusters1 and are succeeded by fruit of the shape and size of a fowl's egg1 which become of a fine deep scarlet colour during the winter4 ,some varieties have flowers tinged with purple and fruit striped with brown4 ,may be placed to great advantage in groups in round beds with dwarfer plants or shrubs at the base1 or with climbing plants ascending the stems1 but is much better isolated on slopes1 etc4 ,it is a vigorous grower1 and should have rich soil4 ,solanum crinitipes4--,a slow-growing woody species with undivided oval leaves somewhat more than a foot long3 the young stems and flower-stalks being densely covered with chaffy hairs somewhat like those of a fern4 ,this ,i have not seen thrive so well in ,england as the preceding kind1 but it is well worthy of trial in full collections in the southern counties4 ,s4 ,america4 ,solanum crinitum4--,a vigorous-growing species from ,guiana1 #e ft4 or more in height1 with stout stems1 set with short strong spines and dense long hairs4 ,it has very large1 soft1 hairy1 spreading1 roundish leaves1 which in good soil attain a length of #b ft43 the upper surface of a tender green colour with violet veinings set with spines1 as are also the leaf-stalks2 the under side whitish and more thickly furnished with spines4 ,the hairs and bark on the upper portion of each petiole are of a purplish hue1 and1 on the lower part1 of a light pale green1 by which the plant may be readily recognised4 ,the flowers are very large and white4 ,berries roundish1 villose1 and twice or thrice as large as a cherry4 ,this ,i have seen attain a very remarkable development in sheltered warm spots in the south of ,england4 ,it is fine in medium-sized groups4 ,solanum hyporhodium4--,a fine branching kind from ,venezuela1 with a stout stem about #e ft4 high1 and branches armed with short thinly-scattered spines4 ,the leaves1 which attain a length of nearly #b ft41 are oval1 with angular sinuated lobes1 the upper surface being of a fine green colour with white veins1 and the under side of a violet-red and downy4 ,when young the hue of the leaves is exceedingly lively4 ,the flowers are borne in almost lateral cymes and are of a rosy-white colour with yellow stamens4 ,this plant is sometimes sold as ,s4 discolor and ,s4 purpureum1 but is quite distinct from them4 ,solanum ,karstenii4--,this1 which is more commonly known as ,s4 callicarpum1 is a robust1 slightly branching1 arborescent shrub about #e ft4 high1 covered with long hairs interspersed with spines and of a general variable greyish-violet hue4 ,the leaves are oval1 broad1 angular1 heart-shaped at the base1 and #b ft4 or more in length4 ,the flowers are large1 of a fine delicate violet colour1 and borne in crowded1 almost one-sided clusters4 ,this plant is best isolated1 as when placed in close groups the leaves of the associated subjects are apt to tear it4 ,venezuela4 ,solanum lanceolatum4--,this is the best kind for blooming qualities4 ,the foliage1 which is somewhat fluffy and willow-like1 possesses no marked character1 but the mauve-coloured flowers are borne abundantly in clusters1 each containing #bj or more blooms3 the stamens1 being of an orange colour1 add to the effect4 ,there are a dozen or more species that flower freely but have little beauty of leaf3 among the best of these is ,s4 ,rantonnettii1 which has very pretty dark-purple flowers1 more than an inch across1 with an orange centre4 ,it forms a neat bush1 and flowers freely in the southern counties1 in warm sunny spots and on light soils4 ,mexico4 ,solanum macranthum4--,a fine species from ,brazil1 confessedly one of the best kinds in cultivation1 and somewhat resembling ,polymnia grandis4 ,it grows nearly #g ft4 high in one year1 with a stout1 simple1 spiny stem of a deep shining green with grayish spots1 and sparsely armed with very strong shortish spines4 ,the leaves are elegant and deeply cut1 some of them over #b ft4 long1 falling gracefully earthwards1 of a light green on the upper surface1 with red veinings1 the under side having a reddish hue4 ,the flowers1 seldom seen with us1 are of a fine violet colour1 and grow in corymbs4 ,it will not attain its full character and large dimensions in cold places1 and should therefore have as warm positions as possible4 ,increased by cuttings struck in ,february3 they are fit to plant out in ,may4 ,solanum marginatum4--,a vigorous-growing1 erect1 branching and bushy species from ,abyssinia1 #c ft41 or more1 in height4 ,the leaves are somewhat oval1 with a bluntly sinuated margin2 the upper surface smooth1 of a brilliant green with a white silvery border1 and the under side covered with a white satiny down4 ,the flowers are white1 with orange stamens1 pendulous1 very numerous1 in clusters4 ,for the positions suited to this plant see the introductory remarks on the genus4 ,solanum ,quitoense4--,a half-shrubby native of ,peru and the neighbourhood of ,quito1 seldom growing higher than #c ft4 in cultivation4 ,the stem is spineless1 covered with a soft down1 and of a delicate green colour suffused with violet1 which exhibits iridescent changes4 ,the leaves are broad1 stalked1 obcordate1 with toothed angles1 and of a fine green colour1 with violet downy veins4 ,flowers rather large1 white1 tinged with lilac on the top when in bud1 in short clusters4 ,it requires a warm position and a warm season to bring out its best qualities4 ,solanum robustum4--,a ,brazilian species with a vigorous much-branching stem more than #c ft4 high1 and furnished with very sharp and strong spines and densely-set1 long1 reddish1 viscous hairs4 ,the leaves1 which are very large1 are of a rich brown colour on the upper surface and oval-elliptical in form1 with #h or #i oval-acute lobes1 the upper ones nearly triangular2 and the midrib and principal veins1 which are of a brown colour1 are closely set with spines similar to those on the stem4 ,the flowers are white1 with orange stamens1 and are borne in unilateral clusters4 ,the berries are round1 of a brown colour1 and the size of a small cherry4 ,as a foliage-plant this is a subject of considerable merit1 and one of those most suitable for our climate4 ,it requires a warm sunny aspect in a position which will be at the same time airy and sheltered from strong winds4 ,solanum ,sieglingii4--,a large and handsome kind1 which forms a small tree about #ac ft4 high after some ,illustration3 ,,solanum ,,warscewiczii4 ,tender ,section2 making noble leaves in the open garden in summer4 years' growth4 ,the foliage is of a light-green colour1 tinged here and there with rose1 and sparsely armed with spines2 the young unfolded leaves are slightly tinged with violet4 ,flowers numerous1 small and white1 appearing when the plant is two or three years old4 ,a good kind which has been little tried in ,england4 ,venezuela4 ,solanum ,warscewiczii4--,a very fine and ornamental kind1 resembling ,s4 macranthum1 but with a lower and more thickset habit1 and branching more at the base4 ,the leaf-stalks also1 and upper branches1 are of a red colour1 glandular1 and scaly2 and the flowers are white and small4 ,the stem is armed with strong slightly recurved spines1 and both the stems and the petioles of the leaves are covered with a very dense crop of short stiff brown hairs scarcely rising above the skin4 ,this is one of the handsomest and best kinds we have4 ,sonchus laciniatus4--,a very graceful composite plant1 from ,madeira1 with a stout stem1 growing to a height of more than #e ft41 and large deeply-cut leaves with linear-lance-shaped segments4 ,flower-heads yellow4 ,when grouped on grass-plats1 or open spaces in pleasure-grounds1 the fine foliage of this plant is seen to very great advantage2 but being so slender and delicate the plants must be placed where they may be seen4 ,it should be planted out at the end of ,may1 and thrives best in rich1 substantial soil1 in a warm sunny position4 ,very numerous varieties1 with the leaves variously divided and of various shades of green1 have been advertised in catalogues under specific names1 as ,s4 lyratus1 ,s4 gummiferus1 etc41 etc4 ,many of these are quite as charming as the type1 and are well adapted for the same uses4 99,sorghum halepense4--,a handsome hardy grass from ,s4 ,europe1 ,n4 ,africa1 and ,syria1 with an erect stem about #c ft4 high1 and broad flat leaves more than #a ft4 long1 chiefly collected round the base of the plant4 ,it is most attractive when in flower in the end of summer1 the inflorescence consisting of a dense panicle of purplish awned flowers4 ,suitable for isolation1 groups1 or borders4 ,sparmannia africana4--,a beautiful flowering stove-shrub from #c ft4 to #ab ft4 high1 very much resembling a ,malva in habit1 with long-stalked1 heart-shaped1 lobed leaves1 clothed with soft down1 and numerous pretty white flowers produced in stalked umbels4 ,it thrives freely in the open air in the south of ,england1 from the end of ,may to ,october1 if planted in rich light soil and in warm positions4 ,cape of ,good ,hope4 99,spira ,aruncus4--,this is a remarkably handsome and effective plant1 from #c ft4 to #e ft4 high1 with elegantly-divided leaves1 which bear some resemblance to the fronds of certain ferns4 ,the flowers are white1 and are disposed above the foliage in graceful1 airy plumes4 ,a cool1 peaty soil1 and a slightly-shaded position1 are best suited for this plant1 and it may be placed with advantage on slopes with a north aspect1 the banks of streams or pieces of water1 in glades1 and thinly-planted shrubberies1 etc4 ,division4 ,siberia4 99,spira ,filipendula4--,a hardy1 native perennial1 with elegant foliage and handsome flowers4 ,the leaves are mostly radical1 very finely cut1 and form a loosely-spreading rosette4 ,the flower-stems rise to a height of #a ft4 to #b ft41 and are terminated by dense panicles of rosy-white flowers4 ,there is a fine variety with double flowers4 ,this plant is included here only in consequence of the resemblance of its leaves to a pinnate-leaved fern4 ,by pinching off the flowers it may be used with good effect as a green1 fern-like edging plant1 and it is pretty in borders4 ,division in winter or spring4 99,spira 7,hoteia7 japonica4--,a handsome1 herbaceous perennial1 forming rich tufts of dark shining green much-divided leaves1 which have a somewhat fern-like appearance4 ,these tufts are usually from a foot to #af ins4 high4 ,the flowers are very freely produced in graceful panicles1 of which the bracts1 little flower-stems1 and all the ramifications are1 like the flowers1 white4 ,it is particularly fond of a sandy peat1 or very sandy loam1 a sheltered position1 and moist soil4 ,multiplied by division of the tufts in spring or the end of summer4 ,japan4 99,spira ,lindleyana4--,a graceful shrub1 with erect stems1 from #f ft4 to nearly #aj ft4 high1 and large compound leaves1 with finely-toothed leaflets4 ,flowers late in summer1 white1 in very large and handsome terminal panicles4 ,this well-known plant is second to none for its grace and distinctness1 both of foliage and flower4 ,it is a native of the ,himalayas1 and easily procured in our nurseries2 it should receive far more attention than the majority of our shrubs do1 and should be employed both in a young and fully-grown state in and near the flower-garden4 ,few things1 tender or hardy1 known in our gardens1 afford a better effect than may be obtained from this4 ,it is probably one of those plants which would look exceedingly effective if trained to a single stem and cut down every year1 as recommended for the ,ailantus and the ,paulownia2 but ,i have had no experience of it in this way1 and its natural habit is sufficiently graceful4 ,stadmannia ,jonghei4--,a tall and stately foliage-plant from ,australia1 where it attains the dimensions of a small tree1 with dark shining green pinnate leaves2 the divisions oblong-pointed1 with serrated margins1 and of a paler colour underneath4 ,bears the open air of the southern counties in summer well1 if placed in sunny and sheltered spots4 99,statice latifolia4--,a hardy and very ornamental herbaceous perennial from ,russia1 with broad leaves1 which form a rosette or tuft more or less spreading4 ,the flower-stem is more than #b ft4 high1 and very much branched2 the branches commencing at from #d ins4 to #h ins4 above the ground1 and forming a large and exceedingly handsome panicle of flowers of a light-blue colour1 tinged with the greyish hue of the numerous membranous bracts and thin dry calyces4 ,a well-drained1 sandy soil1 in an open sunny position1 is the best for this plant1 which1 however1 grows in any ordinary garden-soil1 and is admirably adapted for naturalisation or grouping with the acanthuses1 tritomas1 etc41 the effect of the inflorescence being very remarkable4 99,stipa pennata 7,feather-grass74--,this plant1 which at other times is hardly to be distinguished from a strong1 stiff tuft of common grass1 presents1 in ,may and ,june1 a very different appearance1 the tuft being then surmounted by numerous flower-stems1 nearly #b ft4 high1 gracefully arching1 and densely covered1 for a considerable part of their upper extremity1 with long1 twisted1 feathery awns4 ,it loves a deep1 sandy loam1 and may be used with fair effect in groups of small plants1 or isolated2 but its flowers continue too short a time in bloom to make it very valuable away from borders4 99,struthiopteris germanica4--,one of the most elegant hardy ferns1 with fronds resembling ostrich-plumes in shape1 nearly #c ft4 long1 and arranged in a somewhat erect1 vase-like rosette4 ,it is particularly suited for the embellishment of the slopes of pleasure-grounds1 cascades1 grottoes1 and rough rockwork1 the margins of streams and pieces of water1 and will thrive in moist and deep sandy soil1 either in the full sunshine or in the shade4 ,s4 pennsylvanica very closely resembles ,s4 germanica1 the chief point of difference being the narrowness of the fertile fronds of the former species4 ,both kinds will prove very effective in adding beauty of form to a garden1 and should by no means be confined to the fernery proper4 ,central ,europe4 99,tamarix4--,these very elegant hardy shrubs may be used with excellent effect in the flower-garden and pleasure-ground1 though they are at present seldom employed in these places4 ,t4 gallica or anglica is found apparently wild in several parts of the south of ,england1 and other kinds1 such as germanica1 parviflora1 tetrandra1 spectabilis1 and indica1 are also in cultivation4 ,in the neighbourhood of ,paris ,t4 indica thrives very freely1 and forms beautiful hedges1 but is cut down by frost during some winters4 ,it would probably do better in the south of ,england4 ,the plants have minute leaves and very elegantly-panicled branches1 which gives them a feathery effect1 somewhat like that of the most graceful conifers1 and1 if possible1 more elegant3 the roseate panicles of small flowers are also very pretty4 ,a finer effect would be obtained from these shrubs by isolating them on the grass than in any other way4 99,tanacetum vulgare var4 crispum4--,a very elegant variety of the common tansy1 much dwarfer in stature1 and with smaller emerald-green leaves1 which are very elegantly cut1 and have a crisped or frizzled appearance4 ,it is quite hardy1 and forms an effective ornament on the margins of shrubberies1 near rockwork1 etc4 ,it does best fully exposed1 and probably the only way in which it can be benefited after planting--in deep and rather moist soil it does best1 but will grow 8anywhere0--is by thinning out the shoots in spring1 so that each remaining one shall have free room to suspend its exquisite leaves2 thinned thus1 it looks much better than when the stems are crowded1 and of course1 if it is done in time1 they individually attain more strength and dignity4 ,the flowers should be pinched off before they open4 ,britain4 ,thalia dealbata4--,this is one of the finest aquatic plants which we can employ in the embellishment of pieces of water1 streams1 etc4 ,in a warm and sheltered position1 and on a substantial and rich bottom1 it grows vigorously1 sometimes attaining a height of #f ft4 ,the best mode of growing it is in pots or tubs pierced with holes1 in a mixture of stiff peat and clayey soil1 with a portion of river-mud and sand4 ,in winter these pots or tubs may be submerged to a greater depth1 and the plants be thus effectually protected4 ,it would not attain the above size out of doors except in warm places in the southern counties1 in which it might be planted out directly without taking the precautions above described4 ,it is generally grown in the stove in this country4 ,n4 ,america4 99,thalictrum minus4--,one of the most elegant-leaved of our native plants1 forming compact1 roundish bushes1 from a foot to #ah ins4 high1 very symmetrical1 and of a slightly glaucous hue4 ,it may be grown in any soil1 and requires only one little attention1 namely1 to pinch off the slender flower-stems that appear in ,may and ,june4 ,not alone in its aspect1 as a little bushy tuft1 does it resemble the 8,maidenhair ,fern10 as ,adiantum cuneatum is often called1 but the leaves are almost pretty enough to pass1 when mingled with flowers1 for those of the fern2 they are also stiffer and more lasting than fern-leaves1 and are well suited for mingling with vases of flowers1 etc4 ,there are probably several 8forms0 or varieties of this plant4 ,it would look very pretty isolated in large tufts as an edging1 or in borders1 or in groups of dwarf subjects4 ,easily increased by division4 99,the ,tritomas4--,so hardy1 so magnificent in colouring1 and so fine in form are these plants1 that we can no more dispense with their use in the garden where beauty of form as well as colour is to prevail1 than we can with the noble ,pampas grass4 ,they are more conspicuously beautiful1 when other things begin to succumb before the gusts and heavy rains of autumn1 than any plants which flower in the bright days of midsummer4 ,it is not alone as component parts of large ribbon-borders and in such positions that these grand plants are useful1 but in almost any part of the garden4 ,springing up as a bold1 close group on the green turf1 and away from brilliant surroundings1 they are more effective than when associated with bedding plants2 and of course many such spots may be found for them near the margins of the shrubberies in most pleasure-grounds4 ,it is in an isolated group1 flaming up amid the verdure of trees and shrubs and grass1 that their dignified aspect and brilliant colour are seen to best advantage4 ,however1 tastefully disposed in the flower-garden1 they will prove generally useful1 and particularly for association with the finer autumn-flowering herbaceous plants4 ,a most satisfactory result may be produced by associating the ,tritomas with the ,pampas grass and the two ,arundos1 the large ,statice latifolia1 and the strong and beautiful autumn-flowering ,anemone japonica alba1 which is peculiarly suited for association with hardy herbaceous plants of fine habit1 and should be in every garden where a hardy flower is valued4 ,the ,tritomas are not fastidious as to soil1 and with a little preparation of the ground may be grown almost anywhere4 ,they thrive with extraordinary vigour and freedom where the soil is very sandy as well as rich and deep1 and are readily multiplied by division4 ,as every garden should be embellished by well-developed specimens or groups of these fine plants1 those who have very poor and thin1 or pure clay soils1 would do well to excavate the ground to the depth of #b ft4 or #c ft41 and fill in with good rich loam4 ,when the soil is deep1 no watering will be required4 99,tritoma ,burchelli4--,this kind is distinguished by the lighter green of its leaves1 by its black-spotted flower-stem1 and especially by the colour of its flowers1 which are crimson at the base1 passing into carmine in the middle1 and pale-yellow or greenish at the tips4 ,there is a variety which has the leaves variegated or striped with white1 but it is somewhat tender and rare4 99,tritoma glauca4--,a dwarfer kind than ,t4 ,uvaria1 with leaves of a sea-green colour1 and very large spikes of scarlet-and-yellow flowers1 which1 when in bud1 are hidden by long1 sea-green bracts1 streaked and rayed with white4 ,there is a scarce variety with recurved leaves 7,t4 g4 recurvata71 which has somewhat of the habit of a ,bromelia4 ,s4 ,africa4 99,tritoma prcox4--,a recently-introduced1 handsome1 hardy perennial1 with very much the habit of ,t4 ,uvaria4 ,the flower-stem grows from #bj ins4 to #b ft4 high1 and the flowers1 which are produced about the middle of ,may1 are of a bright-red colour when exposed to the full sun1 and of a bright-yellow when grown in the shade4 ,the leaves are fully #b ft4 long1 sharply keeled1 and with toothed edges4 ,s4 ,africa4 99,tritoma ,uvaria4--,a very ornamental and well-known kind from ,s4 ,africa1 forming thick tufts of linear1 erect leaves4 ,it is a vigorous grower1 and small specimens have been known in three years to form tufts from #c ft4 to #d ft4 through1 bearing from #ej to #ajj flower-spikes4 ,the flowering-stems are about #c ft4 in height1 and the flowers are borne in dense conical clusters at the top4 ,the upper part of the cluster1 containing the young flowers1 is of a coral-red colour1 the lower part yellow1 all the flowers gradually changing to this colour4 ,other varieties in cultivation are--,t4 ,u4 grandis or grandiflora1 which is much taller than the preceding kind1 with stouter stems and larger flower-spikes2 ,t4 ,u4 ,rooperi1 which only differs from the type in being somewhat dwarfer in habit and having softish or flaccid leaves1 frequently falling forward2 it also flowers later2 and ,t4 ,u4 ,lindleyana1 which has erect1 very rigid leaves1 and more deeply-coloured flowers than the type4 ,tupidanthus calyptratus4--,a noble subtropical plant from ,bengal1 standing in the open air from the beginning of ,june till ,october without the slightest injury4 ,the leaves are large1 deeply-divided1 and of a dark shining green colour4 ,it requires stove treatment in winter and spring1 and is suitable for beds or planting singly4 99,typha latifolia 7,reed-,mace74--,a native aquatic plant1 growing in tufts of #b-rowed flat leaves from #a ft4 to #b ft4 long1 and #a in4 or #a in4 wide4 ,from the centre of each tuft springs a stem #f ft4 or #g ft4 high1 which in the flowering season is terminated by a close cylindrical spike #i ins4 long1 and of a dark-olive colour1 changing to a brownish-black as it ripens4 ,this is one of the most striking and ornamental of our ,british water-plants1 and may be used with excellent effect grouped with such subjects as the ,great ,water-,dock4 99,typha angustifolia resembles the preceding species in all respects except in the size of its leaves and spike4 ,the leaves are about in4 wide and the spike about in4 in diameter1 and something shorter than that of ,t4 latifolia4 ,of the two it is perhaps the more graceful in aspect4 ,uhdea bipinnatifida4--,this is one of the most useful plants in its class1 producing a rich mass of handsome leaves1 with somewhat the aspect of those of the great cow-parsnips1 but of a more refined type4 ,the foliage has a slightly silvery tone1 and the plant continues to grow fresh and vigorously till late in autumn4 ,it is well suited for forming rich masses of foliage1 not so tall1 however1 as those formed by such things as ,ricinus or ,ferdinanda4 ,it is freely propagated by cuttings taken from old plants kept in a cool stove1 greenhouse1 or pit during the winter months1 and placed in heat to afford cuttings freely in early spring4 ,under ordinary cutting treatment on hotbeds or in a moist warm propagating house1 it grows as freely as could be desired1 and may be planted out at the end of ,may or the beginning of ,june4 ,mexico4 ,illustration3 ,uhdea bipinnatifida4 ,uhdea pyramidata4--,this kind has been less cultivated in ,england than the preceding1 from which it is distinct in appearance4 ,it is of a lighter and fresher green1 and inclined to grow larger in habit1 having more of the aspect of a ,malva in foliage4 ,useful for the same purposes as the preceding kind1 but not so valuable4 99,veratrum album 7,white ,hellebore74--,a handsome1 erect perennial of pyramidal habit1 #c ft4 to #e ft4 high1 with curiously plaited leaves #a ft4 long and #f ins4 to #h ins4 broad1 regularly alternating on the stem and overlapping each other at the base4 ,the flowers1 of a yellowish-white colour1 are borne in numerous dense spikes on the top of the stem1 forming a large panicle4 ,the leaves being handsome1 it is worth a place in full collections of fine-foliaged hardy herbaceous plants1 and would look to best advantage in small groups in the rougher parts of the pleasure-ground and by wood-walks4 ,thrives best in peaty soil1 and is best multiplied by division1 as the seed is very slow and capricious in germinating1 sometimes not starting until the second year1 and it is some years before the seedlings are strong enough to flower4 ,the root of this plant is exceedingly poisonous4 ,v4 nigrum differs from ,v4 album1 in having more slender stems1 narrower leaves1 and blackish-purple flowers4 ,v4 viridiflorum resembles ,v4 album in every respect1 except that its flowers are of a lively green colour4 ,france4 99,verbascum ,chaixii4--,most of us know how very distinct and imposing are the larger ,verbascums1 and those who have attempted their culture must soon have found out what far-seeding things they are4 ,of a biennial character1 their culture is most unsatisfactory3 they either migrate into the adjoining shrubbery or disappear altogether4 ,the possession of a fine perennial species must therefore be a desideratum1 and such a plant will be found in ,verbascum ,chaixii4 ,this is fine in leaf and stature1 and produces abundance of flowers4 ,the lower leaves grow #ah ins4 or #bj ins4 long1 and the plant when in flower reaches a height of #g ft4 or #h ft41 or even more when in good soil4 ,it is a truly distinct subject1 and may1 it is to be hoped1 ere long be found common in our gardens and nurseries4 ,like the preceding1 but grown under the name ,v4 vernale1 is a kind ,i saw in the ,jardin des ,plantes at ,paris1 and introduced into cultivation in ,england2 but it is as yet scarce4 ,verbesina gigantea4--,an ornamental shrub from ,jamaica1 about #f ft4 high1 forming1 when young1 a very pleasing subject for decorative purposes1 its round green stems being covered with large1 winged1 pinnate leaves of a glistening delicate-green colour1 and very elegant outline4 ,suitable for rich beds or groups2 and should be planted out at the end of ,may or early in ,june4 ,v4 pinnatifida is a rough1 half-shrubby species with a winged stem and woolly oval leaves with lobed or toothed margins2 they are larger than those of the preceding species1 growing #c ft4 long by #ad ins4 broad in the first year4 ,both species require hothouse treatment in winter1 and are multiplied by cuttings in early spring4 ,young plants are to be preferred for effect1 and will be much the better for as warm and sheltered a position and as rich and light a soil as can be conveniently given them4 ,wigandia macrophylla 7caracasana74--,this noble plant1 a native of the mountainous regions of ,new ,granada1 is1 from the nobility of its port and the magnificence of its leaves1 entitled to hold a place among the finest plants of our gardens4 ,under the climate of ,london it has made leaves which have surprised all beholders1 as well by their size as by their strong and remarkable veining and texture4 ,it will be found to succeed very well in the midland and southern counties of ,england1 though too much care cannot be taken to secure for it a warm sheltered position1 free good soil1 and perfect drainage4 ,it may be used with superb effect either in a mass or as a single plant4 ,it is frequently propagated by cuttings of the roots1 and grown in a moist and genial temperature through the spring months1 keeping it near the light so as to preserve it in a dwarf and well-clothed condition2 and1 like all the other plants in this class1 it should be very carefully hardened off previous to planting out at the end of ,may4 ,it is1 however1 much better raised from cuttings of the shoots1 if these are to be had4 ,it may also be raised from seed4 ,w4 macrophylla has the stems covered with short stinging hairs1 and bearing brownish viscid drops1 which adhere to the hand like oil when the stem is touched4 ,w4 ,vigieri is another fine kind of quick and vigorous growth1 and remarkable habit4 ,in the beginning of ,september1 #ahfg1 ,i measured a specimen with leaves #c ft4 #i ins4 long1 including the leaf-stalk1 and #bb ins4 across2 the stem1 nearly #g ft4 high and #c ins4 in diameter1 bearing a column of such leaves4 ,it is known at a glance from the popular and older ,w4 macrophylla1 by the leaves and the stems being covered in a much greater degree with glossy1 ,illustration3 ,,wigandia ,,macrophylla4 7,w4 caracasana74 ,tender ,section2 making noble leaves in the open air in summer4 slender1 stinging bodies4 ,these are so thickly produced as to give the stems a glistening appearance4 ,w4 urens is another species often planted1 but decidedly inferior to either of the foregoing1 except in power of stinging1 in which way it is not likely to be surpassed4 ,woodwardia4--,this noble genus of ferns is of great and peculiar use in the subtropical garden1 where their broad and beautifully arching fronds make very effective objects1 especially when planted in a vase1 on the top of a stump1 or small mound1 a little above the level of the eye4 ,the principal species are3 ,w4 orientalis1 ,w4 radicans1 ,w4 japonica1 ,w4 virginica1 and ,w4 areolata4 ,of these ,w4 orientalis and ,w4 areolata are hardy1 and the others nearly so4 ,they may be used as effectively in the conservatory in winter as in the open garden in summer4 ,xanthoso sagittfolium4--,a ,brazilian plant with very much the habit and appearance of ,caladium esculentum1 but not so valuable1 having arrow-shaped leaves1 of a dark-green colour1 supported on rather slender stalks4 ,another equally handsome and large species is ,x4 violaceum1 the leaves and leaf-stalks of which are suffused with a delicate violet hue1 slightly inclining to hoariness4 ,positions and treatment similar to those recommended for ,caladium esculentum4 ,they should only be tried in the warmer parts of the country1 and not be placed in the open air till the beginning of ,june4 ,yuccas4--,among all the hardy plants ever introduced into this country1 none surpass for our present purpose the various kinds of ,yucca1 or 8,adam's ,needle10 as it is commonly called4 ,there are several species hardy and well suited for flower-garden purposes1 and1 more advantageous still1 distinct from each other4 ,the effect afforded by them1 when well developed1 is equal to that of any hothouse plant that we can venture in the open air for the summer1 while they are green and ornamental at all seasons4 ,they may be used in any style of garden1 may be grouped together on rustic mounds1 or in any other way the taste of the planter may direct4 ,if we had but this family alone1 our efforts to produce an agreeable effect with hardy plants could not be fruitless4 ,the free-flowering kinds1 filamentosa and flaccida1 may be associated with any of our nobler autumn flowering plants1 from the ,gladiolus to the great ,statice latifolia4 ,the species that do not flower so often1 like pendula and gloriosa1 are simply magnificent as regards their effect when grown in the full sun and planted in good soil2 and ,i need not say bold and handsome groups may be formed by devoting isolated beds to ,yuccas alone4 ,they are mostly easy to increase by division of the stem and rhizome2 and should in all cases be planted well and singly1 beginning with healthy young plants1 so as to secure perfectly developed specimens4 ,yucca alofolia4--,a fine and distinct species1 with a stem when fully developed as thick as a man's arm1 and rising to a height of from #f ft4 to #ah ft4 ,leaves numerous1 rigidly ascending1 dark-green1 with a slight glaucous bloom1 #ah to #ba inches long and broad at the middle1 with the horny margin rolled in for #b ins4 or #c ins4 below the point1 and finely toothed in the remaining portion4 ,flowers almost pure white1 in a vast pyramidal panicle4 ,this plant is hardy1 but the fact is not generally known4 ,it should be tried on well-drained slopes in good sandy loam4 ,there are some varieties1 of which ,t4 a4 quadricolor and ,t4 a4 versicolor have the leaves variously edged with green1 yellow1 and red4 ,these fine variegated varieties are also very hardy1 but as they are as yet far from common1 it will be best to utilise them in the greenhouse or conservatory1 or place them in the open air during summer4 ,they look very pretty isolated on the grass1 the pots plunged to the rim4 ,s4 ,america and ,w4 ,indies4 99,yucca angustifolia4--,a somewhat dwarf species1 the whole plant1 when in flower1 not being more than #b or #c ft4 high4 ,the leaves are thick and rigid in texture1 from #ae ins4 to #ah ins4 long and about in4 broad1 of a pale sea-green colour1 with numerous white filaments at the edges4 ,the inflorescence is a simple raceme of white flowers slightly tinged with yellow4 ,till more plentiful this had better be grown in warm borders1 in well-drained sandy loam4 ,n4 ,america4 99,yucca canaliculata4--,the leaves of this species are entire1 i4e4 neither toothed nor filamentous at the margin1 and form a dense rosette on a stem which rises #a or #b ft above the ground4 ,each leaf is from #bj ins4 to #bd ins4 long1 and #b ins4 to #b ins4 broad at the middle1 very strong and rigid1 and deeply concave on the face4 ,the flowers are of a creamy white1 in a large panicle #d ft4 to #e ft4 high4 ,fine for isolation or groups4 ,till more plentiful should be encouraged in favourable positions and on warm soils4 ,mexico4 99,yucca filamentosa4--,a very common and well-known species1 with a much-branched panicle1 #d ft4 to #f ft4 high1 and apple-green leaves1 from #ae ins4 to #ba ins4 long by #a ins4 to #b ins4 broad at the middle1 fringed at the edges with grey filaments #b or #c ins4 long3 the outer leaves spreading1 the central ones erect or slightly recurved4 ,this species varies very much when raised from seed3 one variety 7concava7 has short1 strong1 broad leaves1 with the face more concave than in the type2 another variety 7maxima7 has leaves nearly #b ft4 long by #b ins4 broad1 with a panicle #g ft4 to #h ft4 in height4 ,this species flowers with much vigour and beauty1 and is well worth cultivating in every garden2 not only in the flower-garden or pleasure-ground1 but also on the rough rockwork1 or any spot requiring a distinct type of hardy vegetation3 and so is its fine though delicate variegated variety4 ,all the varieties thrive best and flower most abundantly in peaty or fine sandy soil4 ,n4 ,america4 ,illustration3 ,yucca filamentosa4 99,yucca flaccida4--,a stemless species1 somewhat resembling ,y4 filamentosa1 but smaller1 with a downy branching panicle #c ft4 to #d ft4 high4 ,foliage in close rosettes of leaves1 #a ft4 to #b ft4 long1 by about #a in4 broad at the middle1 often fringed with filaments on the edges3 the young ones nearly erect1 the old ones abruptly reflexed at the middle1 almost appearing as if broken4 ,this gives such an irregular aspect to the tufts that it at once distinguishes this kind from any of the varieties of ,y4 filamentosa4 ,it also flowers more regularly and abundantly than its relative1 and is exceedingly well suited for groups of the finer hardy plants1 for borders1 or for being planted in large isolated tufts4 ,n4 ,america4 99,yucca glaucescens4--,a very free-flowering kind1 with a panicle #c ft4 to #d ft4 high1 the branches of which are short and very downy4 ,leaves sea-green1 about eighteen inches long1 with a few filaments on the margins4 ,the flowers are of a greenish-yellow colour1 and when in bud are tinged with pink1 which tends to give the whole inflorescence a peculiarly pleasing tone4 ,a very useful and ornamental sort--fine for groups1 borders1 isolation1 or placing among low shrubs4 ,n4 ,america4 99,yucca gloriosa4--,a species of large and imposing proportions1 with a distinct habit and somewhat rigid aspect4 ,flower-stem over #g ft high1 much-branched1 and bearing an immense pyramidal panicle1 of large1 almost pure white flowers4 ,leaves numerous1 stiff1 and pointed4 ,one of the noblest plants in our gardens1 and suitable for use in almost any position4 ,it varies very much when grown from seed--a good recommendation1 as the greater variety of fine form we have the better4 ,the chief varieties in cultivation are ,y4 g4 longifolia1 plicata1 maculata1 glaucescens1 and minor4 ,the soil for this plant should be a rich deep loam4 ,n4 ,america4 99,yucca pendula4--,the best species perhaps1 considering its graceful and noble habit1 which is simply invaluable in every garden4 ,it grows about #f ft4 high1 the leaves being at first erect and of a sea-green colour1 afterwards becoming reflexed and changing to a deep green4 ,old and well-established plants of it standing alone on the grass are pictures of grace and symmetry1 from the lower leaves which sweep the ground to the central ones that point up as straight as a needle4 ,it is amusing to think of people putting tender plants in the open air1 and running with sheets to protect them from the cold and rain of early summer and autumn1 while perhaps not a good specimen of this fine thing is to be seen in the place4 ,there is no plant more suited for planting between and associating with flower-beds4 ,n4 ,america4 99,yucca rupicola4--,a species somewhat resembling ,y4 alofolia1 with a stem from #d ft4 to #g ft4 high1 and pale-green leaves #ah ins4 to #bj ins4 long1 by #a in4 broad at the middle1 almost erect and frequently twisted1 the horny margin being broader and the teeth more distinct than in ,y4 alofolia4 ,this is not much in cultivation as yet1 and will probably be difficult to obtain for some time to come4 ,n4 ,america4 99,yucca ,treculeana4--,this species is one of the most remarkable of the noble genus to which it belongs1 from its habit1 and especially from the dimensions to which its foliage attains4 ,like many plants of its family1 ,illustration3 ,,yucca ,,pendula4 ,hardy evergreen fine-foliaged ,type4 young specimens differ considerably from those which have reached maturity4 ,thus1 while the former have their leaves bent1 generally inflected1 the full-grown plants exhibit them erect1 rigid1 very long1 and very straight4 ,the stem of this plant is stout1 about #aj ins4 in diameter1 furnished on all sides with leaves about #d ft4 long1 straight1 thick1 deeply channeled1 acuminate for a considerable length1 and ending in a stiff1 very sharp point1 very finely toothed on the edges1 which are of a brownish red and scarious4 ,the flower-stalk is very stout1 about #d ft4 long1 much branched2 the branches erect1 from #a ft4 to #a ft4 #h ins4 long1 bearing throughout their entire length flowers with long and narrow petals of a yellowish white1 shining1 and1 as it were1 glazed4 ,it is a hardy and very vigorous plant4 ,it is not rare to see on the ,continent specimens of more than #f ft4 in diameter4 ,fine for banks and knolls1 placed singly1 or for the boldest groups4 ,it comes from ,texas4 ,zea ,mays4--,were our climate a little warmer1 we should find this noble grass one of the most ornamental1 as well as useful1 of our plants4 ,but in countries where it is grown for food they would no more think of honouring it with a place in the garden than we should of planting the artichoke in our flower-beds1 though far worse things are done every day4 ,in this country1 however1 where maize is not to be seen as a field crop1 a tuft of its tropical-looking blades has a good effect among the 8subtropical plants40 ,of course it should only be tried in warm districts1 and it should always have sunny and sheltered positions and rich soil4 ,in light warm soils1 deep1 and with a free bottom1 it generally thrives very well1 if a foot or so of rich and rotten manure is placed beneath its roots4 ,in some seasons it would here and there ripen seeds1 and in all cases one could gather a few heads of 8green corn40 ,in warmer countries it is always best to sow maize in the open ground as soon as the frost permits2 but in ,england it is better to raise it on a gentle hotbed in ,april1 although occasionally it will succeed if sown out of doors4 ,gradually harden off the plants before they have made more than three or four little leaves1 keeping them in a cool frame very near the glass1 so as to keep them sturdy1 and finally exposing them in the same position by taking the lights quite off4 ,this course is perhaps the more desirable in the case of the variegated maize4 ,in neither case should the plants be drawn up long in heat1 as1 if so1 they will not thrive so well4 ,the first few leaves the variegated kind makes are green1 but they soon begin to manifest that striping which makes it as attractive as any variegated stove-plant we grow4 ,cuzko and ,caragua are the largest and finest of the green varieties1 and gracillima the smallest and most graceful of all the varieties of maize4 ,they should be planted out about the middle of ,may4 ,the variegated or ,japanese maize is a very remarkable and handsome variety1 found by ,mr4 ,hogg in ,japan--that great country for variegated plants4 ,its beautiful variegation is reproduced true from seed1 and it is almost an indispensable plant in the flower-garden1 not growing so vigorously as the green kinds4 ,it is particularly useful for intermingling with arrangements of ordinary bedding-plants1 for vases1 the outer margins of beds of subtropical plants1 and like positions1 where its variegation may be well seen1 and where its graceful leaves will prove effective among subjects of dumpy habit4 ,it should in all cases have light1 rich1 warm soil4 ,it has a habit of breaking into shoots rather freely near the base of the central stem2 and where it grows very freely1 this should recommend it for planting in an isolated manner1 or in groups of three or five1 on the turf4 ,illustration3 ,yucca filamentosa variegata4 ,,part ,,iii4 ,,selections ,,of ,,plants ,,for ,,various ,,purposes ,,in ,,the ,,subtropical ,,garden4 ,,subtropical ,,gardening4 ,,selections ,,of ,,plants ,,for ,,various ,,purposes4 ,a ,selection of the very finest and most distinct ,subtropical ,plants1 both hardy and tender1 suited for use in the climate of ,britain4 ,acacia lophantha ,acanthus latifolius ,agave americana 8 8 variegata ,ailantus glandulosa ,aralia canescens 8 japonica 8 papyrifera 8 spinosa ,arundo conspicua 8 ,donax 8 8 versicolor ,bambusa falcata 8 japonica 8 ,simonii 8 viridi-glaucescens 8 edulis ,berberis ,bealii ,beta cicla1 var4 chilensis ,caladium esculentum ,canna 7in var47 ,chamrops excelsa ,crambe cordifolia ,corypha australis ,cycas revoluta ,dimorphanthus mandschuricus ,dicksonia antarctica ,dracna indivisa ,echeveria metallica ,erythrina 7in var47 ,ferdinanda eminens ,ferula 7in var47 ,ficus elastica ,gynerium argenteum ,gunnera scabra ,gymnocladus canadensis ,helianthus orgyalis ,heracleum 7in var47 ,melianthus major ,monstera deliciosa ,molopospermum cicutarium ,musa ,ensete ,onopordon ,acanthium ,paulownia imperialis ,phormium tenax ,poa fertilis ,polygonum cuspidatum ,polymnia grandis ,rheum 7in var47 ,rhus glabra laciniata ,ricinus 7in var47 ,seaforthia elegans ,solanum crinitipes 8 crinitum 8 macranthum 8 marginatum 8 robustum 8 ,warscewiczii ,tupidanthus calyptratus ,uhdea bipinnatifida ,verbesina gigantea ,wigandia macrophylla 8 ,vigieri ,yucca alofolia 8 canaliculata 8 gloriosa 8 pendula ,a ,selection of hardy perennials affording the finest effects in the ,subtropical ,garden4 ,acanthus1 in variety ,aralia edulis 8 nudicaulis ,astilbe rivularis ,arundo ,donax 8 8 versicolor ,bambusa1 in var4 ,bocconia cordata ,carex paniculata 8 pendula ,carduus eriophorus ,carlina acaulis ,cassia marilandica ,centaurea babylonica ,crambe cordifolia ,datisca cannabina ,echinops ruthenicus ,eryngium alpinum 8 amethystinum ,gynerium argenteum ,gunnera scabra ,helianthus orgyalis ,hemerocallis fulva ,heracleum 7in var47 ,inula ,helenium ,melianthus major ,meum athamanticum ,molopospermum cicutarium ,morina longifolia ,panicum bulbosum 8 virgatum ,phytolacca decandra ,polygonum cuspidatum ,rhaponticum cynaroides 8 pulchrum ,rheum 7in var47 ,statice latifolia ,tritoma 7in var47 ,yucca 7in var47 ,cynara ,scolymus ,a ,selection of the finest tender ,subtropical ,plants that will succeed in our climate in summer4 ,acacia lophantha ,agave americana ,aralia papyrifera ,asplenium ,nidus-avis ,bambusa nigra ,bocconia frutescens ,brexia madagascariensis ,caladium esculentum ,canna 7in var47 ,chamrops humilis 8 ,palmetto ,cycas revoluta ,dahlia imperialis ,dracna australis 8 cannfolia 8 ,draco ,echeveria metallica ,ferdinanda eminens ,ficus elastica 8 ,chauvieri ,monstera deliciosa ,musa ,ensete ,nicotiana virginica 8 wigandioides ,phormium tenax 7hardy in the ,s4 of ,england and ,ireland7 ,polymnia grandis ,ricinus 7in var47 ,seaforthia elegans ,selinum decipiens ,solanum crinitipes 8 crinitum 8 macranthum 8 marginatum 8 robustum ,solanum ,warscewiczii ,tupidanthus calyptratus ,uhdea bipinnatifida ,verbesina gigantea ,wigandia macrophylla 8 ,vigieri ,zea ,mays 8 8 variegata ,a ,selection of hardy ,plants suited for isolation on the turf of the ,flower-garden and ,pleasure-ground4 ,acanthus latifolius 8 longifolius 8 mollis 8 spinosissimus 8 spinosus ,aralia canescens 8 japonica 8 spinosa ,astilbe rivularis ,arundo conspicua 8 ,donax 8 8 versicolor ,bambusa 7in var47 ,bocconia cordata ,canna 7hardier kinds7 ,crambe cordifolia ,datisca cannabina ,dracna indivisa 7in the southern counties of ,england and ,ireland7 ,echinops ruthenicus ,elymus arenarius 8 condensatus ,eryngium alpinum ,eryngium amethystinum ,ferula 7any kinds7 ,gynerium argenteum ,gunnera scabra ,helianthus orgyalis ,hemerocallis flava 8 fulva and others ,heracleum eminens ,melianthus major ,molopospermum cicutarium ,morina longifolia ,osmunda regalis ,phormium tenax ,phytolacca decandra ,poa fertilis ,polygonum cuspidatum ,rheum ,emodi 7and other species and varieties7 ,statice latifolia ,stipa pennata ,tritoma 7any kind7 ,yucca 7any kind7 ,a ,selection of ,plants useful for the open air in summer and for embellishing the conservatory in winter4 ,agave americana and vars4 and other greenhouse species ,brexia madagascariensis ,chamrops excelsa 8 ,fortunei 8 humilis 8 ,palmetto ,cordyline indivisa ,cycas revoluta ,dracna australis 8 cannfolia 8 ,draco 8 indivisa1 and most of the other greenhouse kinds ,echeveria metallica ,ficus ,chauvieri 8 elastica ,juba spectabilis ,monstera deliciosa ,musa ,ensete ,phormium tenax1 and vars4 ,phnix dactylifera and other greenhouse species ,seaforthia elegans ,tupidanthus calyptratus ,yucca alofolia variegata1 and vars4 ,araucaria ,bidwillii 8 ,cookii 8 excelsa 8 ,rulei ,areca sapida ,caryota urens 8 sobolifera ,corypha australis ,latania borbonica ,woodwardias ,half-hardy ,palms1 in var4 ,a ,selection of hardy ,plants of vigorous habit and distinct character suited for planting in semi-wild places in pleasure-grounds or near wood-walks4 ,acanthus1 in var4 ,aralia canescens 8 edulis 8 nudicaulis ,aralia spinosa ,arum ,dracunculus ,asclepias ,cornuti ,asparagus ,broussoneti ,astilbe rivularis 8 rubra ,arundo ,donax 8 8 versicolor 8 ,phragmites ,bambusa falcata ,bocconia cordata ,buphthalmum speciosum ,carex pendula 8 paniculata ,carduus eriophorus ,centaurea babylonica ,crambe cordifolia 8 juncea ,cucumis perennis ,datisca cannabina ,dipsacus sylvestris ,echinops ruthenicus ,elymus arenarius ,erianthus ,ravenn ,eryngium alpinum 8 amethystinum ,ferulas1 in var4 ,gunnera scabra ,helianthus orgyalis 8 ,maximiliani 8 ltiflorus 8 occidentalis 8 rigidus 8 multiflorus 8 8 fl4 pl4 ,inula ,helenium ,hemerocallis fulva ,heracleum1 in var4 ,lavatera arborea 8 thuringiaca 8 unguiculata ,hibiscus moscheutos 8 palustris 8 roseus ,altha1 in var4 ,ligularia macrophylla ,molopospermum cicutarium ,morina longifolia ,mulgedium alpinum 8 ,plumieri ,onopordon ,acanthium ,ponia1 in var4 ,panicum bulbosum ,papaver bracteatum 8 orientale ,petasites vulgaris ,phytolacca decandra ,poa aquatica ,polygonatum multiflorum ,polygonum cuspidatum ,rhaponticum cynaroides 8 pulchrum 8 scariosum ,rheum1 in variety4 ,rumex ,hydrolapathum ,silphium1 in var4 ,silybum eburneum 8 marianum ,spira ,aruncus ,statice latifolia ,tanacetum vulgare crispum ,thalictrum1 in var4 ,tritoma1 in var4 ,veratrum album ,verbascum1 in var4 ,yucca1 in var4 ,cynara ,scolymus ,vernonia noveboracensis ,verbesina persicifolia ,rudbeckia digitata 8 laciniata 8 californica ,a ,selection of kinds that will best withstand wind4 ,acacia ,julibrissin 8 lophantha ,acanthus 7all the kinds7 ,agave americana ,ailantus glandulosa ,aralia canescens 8 japonica 8 spinosa ,artemisia annua 8 gracilis ,arundo conspicua 8 ,donax ,astilbe rivularis ,bambusa falcata ,canna 7in variety7 ,carlina acaulis ,crambe cordifolia ,cycas revoluta ,datisca cannabina ,dracna indivisa ,echinops ruthenicus ,elymus arenarius ,eryngium 7in variety7 ,ferula 7in variety7 ,ficus elastica ,gynerium argenteum ,kochia scoparia ,meum athamanticum ,molopospermum cicutarium ,osmunda regalis ,panicum bulbosum 8 virgatum ,phormium tenax ,phytolacca decandra ,poa fertilis ,polygonum cuspidatum ,rheum ,emodi ,ricinus 7in var47 ,tritoma 7in var47 ,yucca 7in var47 ,subtropical ,plants to raise from seed4 ,abutilon 7in var47 ,acacia lophantha 8 ,julibrissin ,acanthus1 in var4 ,amarantus1 in var4 ,aralia nudicaulis 8 papyrifera 8 japonica 8 spinosa ,artemisia annua 8 gracilis ,bocconia cordata 8 frutescens ,calla thiopica ,canna1 in var4 ,cannabis sativa ,baptisia australis 8 exaltata ,beta cicla chilensis ,brassica oleracea crispa ,carduus eriophorus ,cassia marilandica ,centaurea1 in var4 ,cineraria acanthifolia 8 maritima 8 platanifolia ,champeuce ,cassabon 8 diacantha ,crambe cordifolia ,cyperus longus ,dahlia imperialis ,datura ceratocaula ,datisca cannabina ,dracna1 in var4 ,echeveria metallica ,echinops ruthenicus ,dipsacus sylvestris ,erianthus ,ravenn ,erythrina1 in var4 ,eryngium alpinum 8 amethystinum ,ferdinanda eminens ,ferula1 in var4 ,astilbe rivularis 8 rubra ,galega officinalis ,gynerium argenteum ,gunnera scabra ,geranium anemonfolium ,hedychium ,gardnerianum ,helianthus orgyalis ,heracleum1 in var4 ,humea elegans ,inula ,helenium ,kochia scoparia ,gourds ,latania borbonica ,lavatera arborea ,lobelia ,tupa ,malva crispa ,melanoselinum decipiens ,melianthus major 8 minor ,meum athamanticum ,mulgedium alpinum 8 ,plumieri ,musa ,ensete ,nicotiana1 in var4 ,onopordon ,acanthium ,panicum bulbosum 8 capillare 8 virgatum ,papaver bracteatum ,phormium tenax ,phytolacca decandra ,polymnia grandis ,rhaponticum cynaroides 8 pulchrum ,rheum1 in var4 ,ricinus1 in var4 ,salvia argentea ,seaforthia elegans ,silphium1 in var4 ,silybum eburneum 8 marianum ,solanum1 in var4 ,statice latifolia ,stipa pennata ,thalia dealbata ,thalictrum minus ,uhdea bipinnatifida 8 pyramidata ,verbascum ,chaixii ,verbesina gigantea ,wigandia macrophylla 8 urens 8 ,vigieri ,zea1 in var4 ,arundo conspicua ,a ,selection of annual and biennial ,plants useful for the ,subtropical garden4 ,in this list annual plants grown for the beauty of the flower only are usually omitted4 ,adlumia cirrhosa ,amarantus1 in var4 ,argemone grandiflora ,artemisia annua ,artemisia gracilis ,atriplex hortensis ruber ,cannabis gigantea 8 sativa1 and vars4 ,champeuce diacantha 8 ,cassabon ,chenopodium ,atriplicis ,cosmos1 in var4 ,gourds1 in var4 ,euphorbia variegata ,glaucium1 in var4 ,helianthus argyrophyllus ,kochia scoparia ,martynia lutea ,nicotiana ,tabacum 8 virginica ,ricinus1 in var4 ,solanum erythrocarpum ,solanum ,fontanesianum 8 racemigerum ,tagetes tenuifolia ,silybum eburneum 8 marianum ,chilian beet ,brassica oleracea crispa ,dipsacus sylvestris ,heracleum1 in var4 ,malva crispa ,onopordon ,acanthium 8 tauricum ,zea1 in var4 ,a selection of ,flowers of various classes for association with ,subtropical ,plants4 ,in this selection the dwarfer bedding-plants1 etc41 are omitted4 ,those selected are chiefly such as would bear more intimate association with fine-foliaged plants4 ,alstrmeria1 in var4 ,amaryllis ,belladonna1 and vars4 ,gladioli1 in great variety ,sparaxis pulcherrima ,lilium1 in great variety ,agapanthus umbellatus1 in the milder districts ,arum crinitum ,arum ,dracunculus ,asclepias ,cornuti 8 ,douglasii 8 tuberosa ,calla thiopica ,crinum capense 8 8 roseum ,erythrina1 in var4 ,funkia grandiflora ,pancratium illyricum 8 maritimum ,tropolum speciosum ,acanthus longifolius ,achillea ,eupatorium 8 ,millefolium roseum ,aconitum1 in var4 ,ammobium alatum ,anchusa italica ,anemone japonica1 and vars4 8 vitifolia ,antirrhinum1 fine vars4 ,asphodelus luteus 8 ramosus ,aster turbinellus 8 pyrenus 8 discolor 8 ericoides 8 ,nov ,angli 8 ,novi ,belgii 8 coccineus 8 ,amellus 8 lvis1 and any other tall and ornamental kinds ,campanula pyramidalis 8 persicifolia1 and vars4 8 latifolia 8 macrantha ,coreopsis lanceolata ,crambe cordifolia ,delphinium1 in great var4 ,dictamnus ,fraxinella ,digitalis purpurea1 in var4 ,echinops ruthenicus1 and any other showy species ,epilobium angustifolium 8 8 album ,stenactis speciosa ,erodium ,manescavi ,eryngium alpinum 8 amethystinum1 and other species ,eupatorium ageratoides 8 purpureum ,gaillardia1 in var4 ,galega officinalis ,hedysarum coronarium ,helenium atropurpureum ,helianthus multiflorus fl4 pl4 ,hemerocallis flava 8 fulva 8 disticha fl4 pl41 and others ,hesperis matronalis1 fl4 pl4 ,iris pallida 8 ,de ,bergii 8 ochroleuca 8 germanica1 in var4 and any other large kind4 ,flowering early1 they should be associated chiefly with hardy subjects ,lathyrus latifolius1 and vars4 8 grandiflorus 8 tuberosus ,liatris1 in var4 ,lobella ,tupa1 on well-drained1 deep1 and light soils4 ,tall herbaceous kinds in great variety ,lupinus polyphyllus1 and vars4 ,largest annual kinds ,lychnis coronaria1 in var4 ,lythrum roseum superbum 8 virgatum ,michauxia campanuloides ,mirabilis ,jalapa1 in var4 ,monarda1 in var4 ,morina longiflora nothera1 all the tall kinds ,ponia1 in great var4 ,poppy1 in var4 ,pentstemon1 in var4 ,phlomis ,herba-venti 8 tuberosa 8 ,russelliana ,phlox1 taller kinds1 in great variety ,phygelius capensis1 in warm districts ,polygonatum multiflorum1 with ,ferulas and other hardy things ,polygonum orientale ,potentilla1 larger kinds in var4 ,pyrethrum1 choice double and single kinds in great var4 8 uliginosum ,rudbeckia ,newmanni 8 hirta ,salvia patens ,saxifraga crassifolia ,schizostylis coccinea ,scabiosa caucasica ,scilla peruviana ,sedum spectabile 8 8 purpureum ,spira palmata 8 venusta ,statice latifolia ,stokesia cyanea1 on warm soils in the south ,symphytum bohemicum 8 caucasicum ,thermopsis fabacea ,tradescantia virginica1 and its varieties ,tigridia ,pavonia1 and other kinds ,tritoma1 all the kinds ,trollius napellifolius 8 asiaticus1 and others ,veronica1 any tall herbaceous kinds1 and in southern and mild districts the varieties of the evergreen ,new ,zealand species ,vinca major1 on the fringes of beds or groups of hardy kinds ,hollyhock1 in var4 ,dahlia1 show1 fancy1 pompone1 and bedding vars4 ,verbascum ,thapsus 8 ,chaixii ,baptisia australis ,vernonia noveboracensis ,fuchsia1 in var4 ,datura ceratocaula ,abutilon1 in var4 ,ageratum1 in var4 ,petunia1 in var4 ,chrysanthemum1 early-flowering kinds ,amarantus1 in var4 ,argemone grandiflora ,calliopsis1 in var4 ,cosmos bipinnatus purpureus ,echinacea angustifolia 8 atropurpurea ,hibiscus1 any of the perennial ,american kinds ,malope1 in var4 ,matthiola1 in var4 ,scabiosa atropurpurea1 in var4 ,french and ,african marigolds ,xeranthemum annuum1 and vars4 ,zinnia1 in great variety ,china aster1 in var4 ,brugmansia sanguinea ,list of ,plants for forming mixtures and carpets beneath ,subtropical ,plants4 ,abronia umbellata ,acroclinium roseum ,ageratum mexicanum1 and vars4 ,alyssum maritimum ,anagallis indica ,athanasia1 in var4 ,brachycome iberidifolia ,calandrinia discolor ,calliopsis ,drummondi 8 tinctoria ,china aster1 in var4 ,centaurea ,centranthus macrosiphon ,clarkia1 in var4 ,clintonia1 in var4 ,collinsia1 in var4 ,convolvulus tricolor ,erysimum ,peroffskianum ,eschscholtzia1 in var4 ,eucharidium concinnum ,eutoca viscida ,gaillardia picta ,gilia1 in var4 ,godetia1 in var4 ,gypsophila1 annual kinds ,iberis coronaria 8 umbellata ,ionopsidium acaule ,lantana1 in var4 ,leptosiphon1 in var4 ,limnanthes ,douglasii1 in var4 ,linum grandiflorum ,lobelia1 the dwarf and annual kinds ,lupinus affinis ,mimulus1 in var4 ,myosotis palustris 8 dissitiflora 8 sylvatica ,nemesia versicolor ,nemophila1 in var4 ,nolana1 in var4 ,omphalodes linifolia ,oxalis corniculata atropurpurea ,oxalis rosea ,petunia1 in var4 ,portulaca1 in var4 ,mignonette ,malcolmia maritima ,rhodanthe ,manglesii1 and vars4 ,saponaria calabrica ,schizanthus1 in var4 ,silene pendula ,sphenogyne speciosa ,tropolum1 the bedding vars4 ,verbena1 in var4 ,viola cornuta 8 lutea 8 odorata ,viscaria oculata ,whitlavia grandiflora ,tradescantia zebrina ,saxifraga1 the mossy section ,gnaphalium lanatum ,panicum variegatum ,lycopodium denticulatum ,trees and ,shrubs of remarkable foliage suited for the ,subtropical garden4 ,the trees of this ,selection will for the most part display much greater beauty and size of foliage if kept in a dwarf simple-stemmed condition by being cut down every year4 ,conifers are1 of course1 excepted4 ,hydrangea quercifolia ,comptonia asplenifolia 8 ,lindleyana ,paulownia imperialis ,acacia dealbata 8 ,julibrissin 8 lophantha 7,these are only suited for warm parts of the southernmost counties7 ,ailantus glandulosa ,aralia canescens 8 japonica 8 spinosa ,bambusa falcata and others ,berberis ,bealii and others ,chamrops excelsa ,dracna indivisa ,gymnocladus canadensis ,lavatera arborea ,melianthus major ,rhus glabra laciniata and others ,yucca 7in var47 ,conifers 7in var41 small specimens of the most graceful kinds7 ,ampelopsis 7climbers7 ,aristolochia ,sipho 7climber7 ,ficus ,carica ,fraxinus excelsior crispa ,magnolia macrophylla ,salisburia adiantifolia ,hedera ,regnieriana ,carya alba 8 olivformis ,catalpa syringfolia ,pterocarya caucasica ,robinia hispida ,rubus biflorus 8 laciniatus ,colletia 7in var47 ,gleditschia 7young plants7 ,klreuteria paniculata ,robinia ,pseud-acacia umbraculifera ,tamarix1 in var4 ,vines 7,american species7 ,juglans cinerea 8 regia 8 8 laciniata ,a ,selection of ,conifers for association with flower-garden ,plants4 ,abies pygma ,araucaria imbricata ,arthrotaxus cupressoides 7selaginoides7 8 laxifolia ,biotia cupressiformis 8 nana 8 orientalis elegantissima 8 orientalis variegata aurea ,cephalotaxus drupacea ,chamcyparis sphroidea variegata 8 sphroidea viridis ,cryptomeria elegans ,cupressus ,lawsoniana 8 8 nana 8 8 variegata 8 8 erecta viridis ,cupressus nutkaensis ,dacrydium glaucum ,juniperus chinensis 8 8 variegata 8 excelsa stricta 8 fragrans 8 hibernica 8 tamariscifolia 8 8 variegata 8 virginiana viridis pendula ,retinospora ericoides 8 leptoclada 8 lycopodiodes 8 obtusa 8 8 aurea 8 8 compacta 8 pisifera 8 8 alba variegata 8 8 aurea ,taxus baccata elegantissima 8 8 variegata ,thuja aurea ,thuja gigantea 8 nana ,thujopsis dolabrata 8 ltevirens ,conifers most suited for the surroundings of the flower-garden and pleasure-ground--kinds which1 though noble and graceful as can be in many instances1 are yet too large for anything but the framing of the picture1 so to speak4 ,abies ,douglasii 8 ,engelmanni 8 ,menziesii inverta 8 ,hookeriana 8 orientalis ,cephalotaxus ,fortunei ,juniperus virginiana glauca 8 8 thurifera ,libocedrus tetragona ,picea amabilis 7magnifica7 8 nobilis 8 ,nordmanniana ,picea ,parsonsi 8 ,pinsapo ,pinus ,cembra 8 monticola 8 insignis 7where it thrives7 ,sciadopitys verticillata ,thuja gigantea 7true7 8 plicata 8 pyramidalis ,thujopsis ,standishii ,sequoia gigantea 8 sempervirens ,a ,selection of ,gourds4 ,amongst the most beautiful are the ,turk's ,cap varieties1 such as ,grand ,mogul1 ,pasha of ,egypt1 ,viceroy1 ,empress1 ,bishop's ,hat1 etc2 the ,serpent ,gourd1 ,gooseberry ,gourd1 ,hercules' ,club1 ,gorilla1 ,st4 ,aignan1 ,mons4 ,fould1 ,siphon1 ,half-moon1 ,giant's ,punchbowl1 and the ,mammoth1 weighing from #agjlb4 to upwards of #bjjlb42 while amongst the miniature varieties the ,fig1 ,cricket-ball1 ,thumb1 ,cherry1 ,striped ,custard1 ,hen's-egg1 ,pear1 ,bottle1 ,orange1 ,plover's-egg1 etc41 are very pretty examples1 and very serviceable for filling vases1 etc4 ,all these are well adapted to the climate of ,england1 and there are many others equally suitable--a fact sufficiently indicated in one collection shown by ,mr4 ,w4 ,young1 which consisted of #ejj varieties1 all ,english grown1 the greater number of which were sown where grown1 and came to maturity without the assistance of glass or any other protection4 ,the ground being manured and dug one spit deep1 the seed was sown the second week in ,may1 and from first to last many of the plants had no water supplied to them through the season4 ,others1 by way of experiment1 had it in various quantities--the more water was given1 the larger1 the freer1 and the better the produce4 ,sowing in a frame at the end of ,april1 and exposing them to the free air during the day so as to prevent them being drawn1 and then removing the frame altogether to harden them off before planting out1 would be the best way to secure an early growth of gourds4 ,sowing in the open ground under hand-lights would also do1 but not so well4 ,ornamental ,grasses4 ,agrostis nebulosa ,arundo conspicua 8 ,donax 8 8 versicolor 8 festucoides 8 ,phragmites ,bambusa1 in var4 ,elymus arenarius 8 condensatus ,erianthus ,ravenn ,gynerium argenteum1 and its vars4 ,calamagrostis argentea ,poa aquatica 8 fertilis ,saccharum gyptiacum 8 cylindricum 8 ,maddenii ,stipa pennata ,zea ,mays ,andropogon argenteus 8 bombycinus 8 formosus 8 ,sorghum 8 strictus 8 squarrosus ,chloropsis ,blanchardiana ,gymnothrix latifolia ,holcus saccharatus ,erianthus strictus 8 violascens ,chloris myriostachys ,panicum bulbosum 8 altissimum 8 capillare 8 miliaceum 8 virgatum 8 maximum 8 palmifolium 8 gongyloides ,panicum violaceum ,penicillaria spicata ,sorghum cernuum 8 halepense 8 melanocarpum 8 nankinense 8 tataricum ,tripsacum monostachyum 8 dactyloides ,milium nigricans 8 multiflorum 8 effusum ,bromus brizopyroides ,briza gracilis 8 geniculata 8 maxima 8 rufiberbis ,hordeum jubatum ,pennisetum longistylum ,piptatherum multiflorum ,agrostis spica-venti ,setaria germanica ,stipa capillata ,chascolytrum erectum ,leptochloa gracilis ,agrostis ,steveni ,echinochloa ,zenkowski ,paspalum elegans ,list of ,ferns that may be grown with advantage away from the fernery proper4 ,even should any of these thrive better in shade1 it is usually easy to secure this for them in groups by wood-walks4 ,adiantum pedatum ,asplenium ,filix-fmina and vars4 ,dennstdtia punctilobula ,diplazium thelypteroides ,lastrea ,filix-mas and vars4 8 ,goldieana 8 8 assurgens intermedia 8 marginalis 8 noveboracensis 8 atrata 8 erythrosora 8 opaca 8 ,standishii ,lomaria magellanica1 in warm shady places ,onoclea sensibilis ,osmunda cinnamomea 8 ,claytoniana 8 gracilis 8 regalis ,osmunda regalis cristata 8 spectabilis ,polypodium hexagonopterum ,polypodium ,phegopteris ,polystichum acrostichoides 8 aculeatum 8 angulare 8 vestitum venustum ,pteris aquilina ,scolopendrium vulgare and vars4 ,struthiopteris germanica 8 pennsylvanica ,woodwardia areolata 8 aspera 8 japonica 8 orientalis 8 radicans ,cyrtomium caryotideum 8 falcatum ,list of hardy aquatics and bog-plants of bold and distinct habit suitable for grouping on the margins of lakes1 etc4 ,nuphar lutea 8 advena 8 pumila ,nympha alba 8 odorata ,menyanthes trifoliata ,equisetum ,telmateia ,rumex ,hydrolapathum ,typha angustifolia 8 latifolia ,carex pendula 8 paniculata 8 ,pseudocyperus ,scirpus lacustris ,butomus umbellatus ,poa aquatica ,arundo ,phragmites ,cyperus longus ,cladium ,mariscus ,pontederia cordata ,acorus ,calamus ,iris ,pseudacorus ,alisma ,plantago ,orontium aquaticum ,lysimachia thyrsiflora ,lythrum ,salicaria ,epilobium hirsutum ,calla thiopica 8 palustris ,hippuris vulgaris ,,the ,,end4 ,,london3 ,,printed ,,by ,,william ,,clowes ,,and ,,sons1 ,,stamford ,,street ,,and ,,charing ,,cross4