The English Flower Garden

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"The proof of this is at Versailles, at the Crystal Palace in great part , in the old gardens in Vienna, at Caserta, near Naples, where there is a far from beautiful stone garden ..."--The English Flower Garden (1895) by William Robinson

{{Template}} The English Flower Garden (1895) is a book by William Robinson.

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PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. HITHERTO I have mostly dealt with the flower garden in relation to rock-gardens, plants of fine form, those we may grow without care in the " wild garden," and the many beautiful things included among the hardy flowers of Northern countries. A book embracing all the plants, hardy and half-hardy, for our British flower gardens seemed likely to best meet the wants of the time ; and it is illustrated , with a view to show the beauty of many of the plants, and in the first part to help design. Few know the many flowers worth a place in our open- air gardens, and without such knowledge progress is not easy. It is useless to discuss arrangement if the beauty of the flowers is sealed to us. No stereotyped garden of half-a-dozen kinds of plants will satisfy any one who knows that many beautiful aspects of vegetation are possible in a garden in spring, summer, and autumn. At present the rule is no art, no good grouping, no garden pictures, no variety-little but repetitions of ugly patterns. The choke- muddle shrubbery, in which the shrubs kill each other, shows betimes a few ill-grown plants, but has wide patches of bare earth in summer, over which pretty green things might crowd. Yet the smallest garden may be a picture, and a pretty one. Not only may we have much more variety in any one garden, but, if we give up mere imitation, enjoy charming contrasts between gardens, and every district might have flower gardens adapted to its soil and climate. Even small suburban gardens might refresh us with their variety. In the larger gardens opportunities are great— and yet they are often stereotyped at the season when they ought to be full of delightful change. In the compilation of this book the storehouse of information in The Garden has been taken 44 106 459 241 Hort 1894. ACADEMIAE CASIEN HARVARDIAN VE RORI TAS ECCLESIE IN לעמוד 11 Botanical Laboratory OF HARVARD COLLEGE , FROM George Ceneolu Gordale Jan , 1900. DEPOSITED IN THE LIBRARY OF THE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORIES Agric HOTT: vi THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. advantage of, but articles have been specially written where it was thought necessary. In preparation of the second part of the work valuable aid has been given by Mr. Goldring, late superintendent of the hardy-plant department of the Royal Gardens at Kew. Mr. H. Hyde gave useful aid in the selection of the illustrations, and engraved many of them. The following are the names of the other writers whose contributions are embodied in the book, and frequently marked by their initials :- J. Allen J. Atkins P. Barr W. J. Bean J. Birkenhead J. Britten W. Brockbank F. W. Burbidge Latimer Clarke E. T. Cook J. Cornhill Mons. H. Correvon Rev. Harpur Crewe A. Dean R. Dean D. Dewar Rev. C. Wolley Dod Rev. H. H. Dombrain J. Douglas J. Dundas Rev. Canon Ellacombe H. J. Elwes H. Ewbank W. Falconer D. T. Fish Dr. M. Foster P. Neill Fraser O. Froebel T. W. Girdlestone W. Goldring P. Grieve J. Groom W. E. Gumbleton T. Hatfield W. B. Hemsley I. Anderson- Henry A. Herrington T. H. Archer-Hind E. Hobday Rev. F. D. Horner Miss F. Hope C. M. Hovey E. Jackson Miss G. Jekyll Miss R. Kingsley A. Kingsmill Max Leichtlin H. Selfe- Leonard E. G. Loder R. I. Lynch Mons. B. Latour- Marliac F. W. Meyer A. B. Freeman- Mitford H. G. Moon J. M'Nab R. Marnock G. Maw J. G. Nelson G. Nicholson J. C. Niven

Miss C. M. Owen A. Perry J. T. Poë R. Potter A. Rawson The Very Rev. The Dean of Rochester A. Salter C. W. Shaw C. R. Scrase- Dickens J. Sheppard J. Simpson J. Smith T. Spanswick J. Stevens Rev. Canon Swayne W. Thompson W. P. Thomson G. Van Tubergen, Junr. Rev. F. Tymons Maurice L. de Vilmorin Dr. A. Wallace W. Watson W. Wildsmith T. Williams Miss Willmott G. F. Wilson J. Wood E. H. Woodall The book consists of two parts : First, an introduction, dealing with the question of design-the aim being to make each place at various seasons an epitome of the great garden of the world itself. The usual plan is to repeat in the garden the lifeless formality of wall -paper or carpet. The second part shows the many beautiful plants which grow in the open air in Britain, with their culture and the positions and uses suited for them. The illustrations may suggest the number of beautiful plants. PREFACE. vii even new aspects instance, the fine shut out from our gardens by the few plants used to perpetrate the crudities of " bedding out. " During the past twenty years some gardens have been much enriched ; and of garden vegetation have appeared, as, for Japanese and North American lilies, but gardens generally are still often poor in variety of flower. 30th Nov. 1883. W. R. PREFACE TO FOURTH AND RECENT EDITIONS. IN these Editions I have broken up the old plates and brought into the book many of the flowering shrubs and flowering trees omitted in the First Edition, also many of the trees which, like the Evergreen Oak and Holly, have often a place near the flower garden. The need of keeping the book to the handbook form precludes any considerable enlargement. I shall, however, never give up the hope of making it better, and shall be thankful to any reader who lets me know of omissions, defects, or may suggest an improvement. I regret the book has been long out of print, and hope to prevent this in future. W. R. GRAVETYE MANOR June 15th, 1895. CONTENTS. PART I. CHAP. I. -ART IN RELATION TO FLOWER- GARDENING AND GARDEN DESIGN II. DESIGN AND POSITION III. -CLIPPING TREES IN AND NEAR THE FLOWER GARDEN IV. VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS . PAGE 3 ΙΟ 25 3 V. -BORDERS, BEDS, AND GROUPS OF HARDY FLOWERS . 72 VI. THE RESERVE AND CUT- FLOWER GARDENS. HARDY FLOWERS 94 VII. ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL PLANTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN 104 VIII. HARDY BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS FLOWERS, AND THEIR GARDEN USE . 110 IX. —FLOWERING SHRUBS AND Trees, and thEIR ARTISTIC USE . X.-CLIMBERS 124 137 XI. ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK- GARDENS . 146 XII. THE WILD GARDEN, OR THE NATURALISATION OF HARDY EXOTIC FLOWERS 157 XIII. -WATERside, StreamlET, BOG- GARDEN, AND HARDY FERNS XIV. BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE FLOWER GARDEN • XV. -SUMMER- BEDDING GARDENING XVI. -ROSERIES, PAST AND PRESENT XVII. SPRING FLOWERS . XVIII. AUTUMN FLOWERS XIX. -COLOUR IN THE FLOWER GARDEN . XX. FRAGRANCE XXI. SOME SOURCES OF WASTE . PART II. 165 180 • 193 204 217 221 223 230 235 CONTAINING THE FLOWERS, FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREes, EvergreenS, AND HARDY FERNS FOR THE OPEN- AIR FLOWER GARDEN IN THE BRITISH ISLES, WITH THEIR CULTIVATION AND THE POSITIONS MOST SUITABLE FOR THEM IN GARDENS . INDEX 251 833 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN PART I ART IN THE GARDEN. DESIGN AND PLANS IN RELATION TO THE HOUSE AND HOME LANDSCAPE. VARIOUS KINDS OF FLOWER GARDENS WITH A VIEW TO ARTISTIC EFFECT AND GOOD CULTIVATION. ILLUSTRATED FROM EXISTING EXAMPLES OF BRITISH GARDENS ENGRAVED ON WOOD. CONTENTS. PART I. CHAP. I. -ART IN RELATION TO FLOWER- GARDENING AND GARDEN DESIGN II. DESIGN AND POSITION III.-CLIPPING TREES IN AND NEAR THE FLOWER GARDEN IV. VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS . V. -BORDERS, BEDS, AND GROUPS OF HARDY FLOWERS . VI. THE RESERVE AND CUT- FLOWER GARDENS. HARDY FLOWERS VII. -ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL PLANTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN PAGE 30335 ΙΟ 25 3 72 94 104 VIII. -HARDY BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS FLOWERS, AND THEIR GARDEN USE IX. - FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES, AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE . . 110 124 X. -CLIMBERS XI. ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK-GARDENS . XII. THE WILD GARDEN, OR THE NATURALISATION OF HARDY EXOTIC FLOWERS 157 XIII. —WATERSIDE, STREAMLET, BOG- GARDEN, AND HARDY FERNS 137 146 XIV. -BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE FLOWER GARDEN • XV. -SUMMER- BEDDING GARDENING XVI. -ROSERIES, PAST AND PRESENT XVII. SPRING FLOWERS . XVIII. AUTUMN FLOWERS XIX. -COLOUR IN THE FLOWER GARDEN . XX. -FRAGRANCE XXI. SOME SOURCES OF WASTE . PART II. • 165 180 193 204 217 221 223 230 235 CONTAINING THE FLOWERS, FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES, EVERGREENS, AND HARDY FERNS FOR THE OPEN- AIR FLOWER GARDEN IN THE BRITISH ISLES , WITH THEIR CULTIVATION AND THE POSITIONS MOST SUITABLE FOR THEM IN GARDENS . INDEX 251 833 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN PART I ART IN THE GARDEN. DESIGN AND PLANS IN RELATION TO THE HOUSE AND HOME LANDSCAPE. VARIOUS KINDS OF FLOWER GARDENS WITH A VIEW TO ARTISTIC EFFECT AND GOOD CULTIVATION. ILLUSTRATED FROM EXISTING EXAMPLES OF BRITISH GARDENS ENGRAVED ON WOOD.

THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHAPTER I. ART IN RELATION TO FLOWER- GARDENING AND GARDEN DESIGN. art in the garden, There is no reason THERE is no reason why we should not have true and there is much reason why we should have it . why a garden should be ugly, bare, conventional or stereotyped, though most gardens are so. The word " art " being used in its highest sense here, it may perhaps be well to justify its use. As good a definition of the word as any perhaps is " to see and give form to beautiful things." We see it in its highest expression in Greek sculpture and in the works of the great old masters of painting, and in good nineteenthcentury landscape painting. But art is of many kinds, and the word is frequently applied in our own time to trifling ornament often overdone. Owing to the loose, " critical " talk of the day, it is not easy for every one to get hold of the central truth of art, i.e. clear-eyed study and love for Nature, rather than invention and the bringing of the " personality " of the artist into the work of which we hear so much. We should understand first of all that the work of the true artist is always marked by its fidelity to Nature. Proof of this may be seen in many places, in our National Gallery and the Louvre ; and, the greatest art galleries being now open to all, there is little to prevent any person seeing what is said here about pictorial art in its highest expression. But as a number of people unfortunately write much about art in the magazines and papers without having first received any training which enables them to see its laws, there is consequently infinite confusion in many minds about it. One may read book after book and essay after essay about art without being brought a bit nearer to the B 2 4 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. simple truth. Artists, brush in hand, will urge the false idea that it is not by observing, but by inventing and supplementing, that success is arrived at. The strong man must be there, certainly, but his true work is to see the whole beauty of the subject and to help us to see it, not to distort it in any way for the sake of making it merely singular. This, it is true, is often done as an easy way to popularity, but in the end it means bad work, and only the good work lasts. Other work may be the fashion for a season, owing to some one quality ; but it is soon found out, and we have again to return to the great masters of all ages, who are always distinguished for truth to Nature. The actual beauty of the thing in all its fulness and subtlety is almost the whole of the question, but the critics of the day will not take the trouble to see this. Artists, men of education, and gentlewomen write essays on art in which many words occur, but in which we may not once meet with the word truth. "Realism " and "idealism " are words freely used, and thoroughly bad pictures and examples are shown us as examples of realism when they are only remarkable for leaving out all the refinement, subtlety, truth of tone, and perhaps even the very light and shade in which all things we see are set. They leave out all the refined charms visible to those who look at Nature as well as at pictures, and then condemn the result as "realism." The man who will not take the trouble to see the beauty of the real is sure to go astray in quest of the " ideal." There are men so blind to the beauty of the things set before their eyes in sky, sea or earth that they would seek to idealise the eyes of a beautiful child or the clouds of heaven ; while all real students of natural beauty in landscape know that no imagining can come near to the beauty of things seen, art being powerless to seize their full beauty, and the artist has often to let the brush fall in despair. Only a little, indeed, of the beauty that concerns us most— that of the landscape-can be seized for us except by the very greatest masters. Of things visible to us-flower, tree, landscape, sky, or sea -to see the full and every varied beauty is to be saved for ever from any will-o' -the-wisp of the imaginary. The real is the fullest beauty. But many people do not judge pictures by Nature, but judge them by pictures, and therefore they miss the subtleties of Nature, and all those delicate facts of light and shade on which all true work so largely depends. Many of them sneer at those who " copy Nature," but the answer to such critics is for ever there in the great work of the great men, be they Greeks, Dutchmen, Italians, French, or English. It is, however, essential to remember that part of the work of the artist is choice of subject-the selection of beautiful or memorable ART IN RELATION TO FLOWER- GARDENING. 5 things, not necessarily the first things that come in his way. The Venus of Milo is from a noble type of woman-not a mean Greek. The horses of the Parthenon are the best types of Eastern breed, full of life and beauty. Great landscape painters like Crome, Corot, and Turner seek not ugly things because they are natural, but beautiful combinations of field, and hill, wood, water, tree, and flower, and grass, selecting views which are good in composition, and then waiting for the most beautiful effects of morning, evening, or whatever light suits the chosen subject best, to give us lovely and true pictures ! But they work always from faithful study of Nature and from stores of knowledge gathered from her, and that is the only true path for the gardener, all true art being based on her eternal laws. All deviation from the truth of Nature, whether it be from the hands of Greek, Italian, or other artist, though it may pass for a time, is in the end found out and, it may be ages after the artist is dead, classed as debased art. Why need so much be said about art ? Because once we see the meaning of true " art " we can have no patience with what is ugly and false in art, and it becomes impossible for us to have the foregrounds of the fairest of cultivated landscape scenery daubed with a flower garden like a coloured lithograph. Many feel the right way from their own sense being true, but others will be the better for seeing proofs ofwhat is urged here as to the true source of lasting work in art in the work of the great artists of all time. And we may be as true artists in the garden as anywhere else. So far we have spoken of the great work of the true artist, which is always distinguished by respect for Nature and by keen study of her. But apart from such we have a great many men who do what is called “ decorative " work of a wholly different kind, useful it may be, but still not art in the high sense of delight and study in things as they are the whole class of decorative artists , who make our carpets, tiles, our curtains, and many other things of the kind. Skill in this way may be considerable without any attention whatever being paid to the greater and the higher art of which we have spoken, that art being concerned with life in all its fulness, the decorative " art " being the adapting of conventional or geometric forms mostly to flat surfaces. This it is necessary to clearly understand, because for the flower gardener it is everything on which side he stands. Unhappily, our gardeners for ages have suffered at the hands of the decorative artist, when applying his " designs " to the garden. Patterns which may be quite right on a flat surface like a carpet or panel have been applied a thousand times to the surface of the reluctant earth, as we see this in many gardens and in many books. It is this adapting of absurd 6 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. " knots " and patterns from old books to any surface where a flower garden has to be made that leads to deplorable design-wrong in plan and impossible as an abode for plants. It is so easy for any one asked for a plan to furnish one of this sort without the slightest knowledge of the life of a garden, the needs of the plants of which should govern the design. For ages the poor gardener has been troubled by trying to adapt himself to absurdities of this kind of work as regards plan, but for ages the beds in them were adorned with flowers in more or less simple and natural ways. In our own time the same " decorative " idea has come to be carried out in the planting of the beds themselves under the name of " bedding out," carpet bedding, or " mosaic culture ," of which, notwithstanding the many changes for the better of recent Last expression of " carpet" gardening at Chicago. From a photograph. years, we see so many examples everywhere. In this the beautiful forms offlowers are degraded to the level of crude colour to make a design, and without reference to the form or beauty of the plants. When these tracery gardens were made, often by people without any knowledge of the plants of a garden, they were found to be difficult to plant ; hence the desire to do without the gardener altogether, and get colour by the use of broken brick, white sand, and painted stone, as at Kensington and various private places in our own day. All such work is wholly wrong and degrading to the art of gardening, and in its extreme expressions is ridiculous, as we see from the illustration of a garden at Chicago made during the past year. Why are such designs bad and hateful ? The good sense of all is the final court of appeal for even artistic things, and to many people 8888 878 Near Tew Oxon An English cottage garden. Simple expression of the artistic garden. 8 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. these things need not be said, but the stereotyped gardens that abound in many places show us howmuch has to be learnt by others. The men whose taste we should respect as judges of the matter are those whose life-work it is to study and portray beautiful, natural forms. Το artists the modern garden is no more interesting than an oilcloth pattern, because instead of beautiful things we see emphasis given to mere pattern-work and flowers very often denuded of their grace of growth and form. Where shall we seek the artistic garden-one in which Nature is so far allowed to have her way that nobody is frightened out of the garden or led to abhor it as costly ugliness ? Now, while the artist may be driven from the common garden, he will perhaps go to rest his eyes on a cottage garden, and may make a picture of it, because the cottage garden is itself a picture in thousands of cases. Why should the cottage garden be a picture when the gentleman's garden is not ? The reason is, that one sees the plants and the vegetation not set out in any offensive geometrical or conventional plan. A simple plan is necessary, but in the making of a garden the plan should be subordinate to the living things. Here is an engraving of a very small cottage garden in Oxfordshire to show what is an artistic garden in its simplest expression. There was very little in this beyond the Monthly Rose and a few Pansies and the tree beyond, and yet it was right and beautiful. There are many better in every county in England. May the large gardens be as good in proportion to the money spent upon them and their size as this poor little cottage garden ? The charming gardens described and shown in this book prove it, although it is rarely that a large garden possesses anything like the charm of simplicity and directness that many cottage gardens do. The gardener must follow the true artist, however modestly, in his respect for things as they are, in delight in natural form and beauty of flower and tree, if we are to be free from barren geometry, and if our gardens are ever to be true pictures. The gardener has not the strenuous work of eye and hand that the artist has, but he has to choose from ten thousand beautiful living things ; to study their nature and adapt them to his soil and climate to get the full expression of their beauty ; to grow and place them well and in right relation to other things, which is a life study in itself, considering the great numbers of the flowers and flowering trees of the world. And as the artist's work is to see for us and preserve in pictures some of the beauty of landscape, tree, or flower, so the gardener's should be to keep for us as far as may be, in the fulness of their natural beauty, the living things themselves. The artist gives us the fair image : the gardener is the trustee of many fair living things, to be kept with care and knowledge in necessary subordination to human convenience. ART IN RELATION TO FLOWER- GARDENING. Is there an art of garden design based on reason and knowledge of the life and needs of gardens, or are the many who love gardens to be for ever the victims of nonsense about " styles," " matters of taste," and of the same dreary conventionality applied to every position ? Are there ways of placing our flowers which will give us pictures in the best sense ? This book is written in the hope of answering these questions. CHAPTER II. DESIGN AND POSITION. ONE aim of this book is to uproot the idea that a flower garden must always be of set pattern-usually geometrical-placed on one side of the house. The wants of flowers can be best met, and their varied loveliness best shown, only in a variety of positions, and the first thing. to do is to consider the error of arraying all our flowers in one spot under exactly the same conditions ! Such a plan can never give us a tithe of the beauty which our gardens may give. That a flower garden should occupy one spot, and all the flowers be there shown, is the rule. We must take no notice of it if our gardens are to be varied and beautiful with the flowers of all seasons. The settled way has been to regard one spot with the same soil and aspect-with every condition alike, in fact-as the only home for open-air flowers. Yet near at hand, in the same place, there may be various positions, each favourable to a different type of flower life. Things said to be " matters of taste," like flower gardening, are really matters of law. The shades are so fine, the swift changes so beautiful, the creatures of wood, grass, and air so many and so fair, as they pass, that we may well forget for a moment that life is law. For all that concerns us in this artistic question there are laws which will guide us if we seek for them. The laws here meant are Nature's laws not merely landmarks set out by man for his convenience. Only they are not laws that bind with weary fetters, but as infinite in delightful change as the restless clouds on the hills. No one need fear their tyranny, for in them is perfect liberty and all the sweet wanderings the earth mother has for her children . We shall never settle the most trifling question by the stupid saying that it is “ a matter of taste." Ifthe reader will come with me through these early chapters, I hope to convince him that flower-gardening is “ a matter of reason." The laws of all true art can only be based on the eternal laws of Nature, and these are the source from which all our guidance should come. One ofthe first things we have to do is to get a beautiful isfar more disposition oftherees near picturesque showing also that house ,this illustration terracing near ofground requiring Arundel .Example .near French châteaux oftrees asstilleen tha clipped walls 12 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. clear idea of the hollowness, and much of the talk about " styles " of gardening, that forms a great part of what has been written in books about style of laying out gardens. There are many dissertations on the several styles of laying out gardens : the authors go even to China and to Mexico for illustrations. The first thing every writer on this subject does is to puzzle his readers with words about " styles." But when all is read, what is the result to anybody who looks from words to things ? That there are two styles : the one strait- laced, mechanical, with much wall and stone, with water-squirts, plaster-work, and wasted sculpture ; the other natural-in most cases, once free of the house, accepting the ground lines of the earth herself as the best, and getting plant beauty from its natural source the flowers and trees arranged in picturesque ways. Mr. Ruskin tells us that We are forced, for the sake of accumulating our power and knowledge, to live in cities ; but such advantage as we have in association with each other is in great part counterbalanced by our loss of fellowship with Nature. We cannot all have gardens now, nor our pleasant fields to meditate in at eventide. Then the function of our architecture is, as far as may be, to replace these ; to tell us about Nature ; to possess us with memories of her quietness ; to be solemn and full of tenderness like her, and rich in portraitures of her ; full of delicate imagery of the flowers we can no more gather, and of the living creatures now far away from us in their own solitude. What, then, are we to think of those who, without necessity, carry the dead lines of the builder into the garden, which, above every other artificial creation, should give us the sweetest " fellowship with Nature "? There are positions, it is true, where stonework may be necessary ; but the most beautiful terrace gardens are those built where the nature of the ground requires them. We have an example of wrong formal gardening in the great fountain basins of the Crystal Palace. And there is nothing more melancholy than the walls, fountain basins, clipped trees, and long canals of places like these, not only because they fail to satisfy the desire for beauty, but because they tell of wasted effort, riches worse than lost. There are, from Versailles to Caserta, a great many ugly gardens in Europe, but at Sydenham we have the greatest modern example of the waste of enormous means in making hideous a fine piece of ground. This has been called a work of genius, but it is the fruit of a poor ambition to outdo another ugly extravagance— Versailles. But Versailles is a relic of a past generation, and was the expression of such knowledge of the gardening art as men then possessed. Our means for garden adornment have increased hundredfold since Versailles was designed, and our modern illustration of a barbarous style has none of the excuses which might be urged for Versailles. As Versailles has numerous tall water- squirts, the best .Derby Hall Thrumpington ,planting picturesque with garden English 14 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. way of glorifying ourselves was to make some taller ones at Sydenham ! Instead of confining the formal gardening to the upper terrace, by far the greater portion of the ground was devoted to a stony style of garden design, and nearly in the centre were placed the vast and ugly fountain basins. The contrivances to enable the water to go downstairs, the temples, the statues, the dead walls, all add to the distracting elements of the central region. This costly rubbish was praised by the papers as the marvellous work of a genius. When a private individual indulges in such fancies, he may not injure many but himself; but in this public garden-set up as an example of all that is admirable we have, in addition to wasteful outlay, what is absolutely hurtful to the public taste. Many whose lawns were, or might readily have been made, the most beautiful of gardens have spoiled them for sham terraced gardens. There is a modern castle in Scotland where the embankments are piled one above another, till the whole looks as if Uncle Toby with an army of corporals had been carrying out his grandest scheme in fortification. The rude stone wall of the hill husbandman, supporting a narrow slip of soil for olive- trees or vines, became in the ornamental garden of the wealthy Roman a well - built one, varied by vases and statues ; but it must be remembered that, even where the form is right, the beauty of an Italian garden depends on the predominance of vegetation over the merely artificial. TERRACED GARDENS, allowing of much building ( apart from the house) , have naturally been much in favour with some architects, and with artists who have taken up the profession of landscape gardening. The landscape gardener proper, led by custom, falls in with the notion that every house, no matter what its position, should be fortified by terraces. Accordingly he busies himself in forming them on level ground, instead of thinking of what should be his true work. Thus vast sums, ostensibly devoted to the garden, are spent on fountains, vases, statues, balustrades, useless walls, and stucco work, where they are often a nuisance. By the extensive use of such materials many a noble lawn is cut up ; and sometimes, as at Witley Court, the "architectural " gardening is pushed so far into the park as to curtail and injure the view. If the cost of the stone and stucco ornament lavished on the garden were spent on its legitimate object-the house -how much better it would be for architecture, as well as for gardening ! Where the ground is level, a finer effect often results from turf allowed to sweep up to the walk in front, or on some side, of the house than from an elaborate terrace, as may be seen on the north side of Holland House, and in many other English gardens. In many cases there is need for a straight walk, it may be for a small terrace, DESIGN AND POSITION. 15 but this entirely depends on the position. But where the ground is level, as in most English gardens, there is often no need for more than a grassy foreground. In level town gardens, where the excuse of formal surroundings is used to justify a stony style, it is often a mistake. The best effect is to be got not by carrying architectural features into the usually small town garden, but by charming contrast between the garden vegetation and its formal surroundings. This contrast should be got, not by the sham picturesque, with rocks, cascades, and undulations of the ground, but mainly by the simple dignity of trees and the charm of level turf. It was said that none but an Italian garden would suit South Kensington. Well, we had an elaborate garden there : the design was carried out with the greatest care, yet the result, as everybody knows, was miserable. There are many private gardens in European cities, with as formal surroundings as those of South Kensington, which are as beautiful as it was stiff and ugly. We may often see the effect of the terrace wall approaching the house from some pleasant part of the park. If the wall be raised, as in places it must be, on the level or nearly level ground, so as to cut the foreground of the house off from the park, a bad effect often results. Another matter of some importance is that elaborate terraced. gardens prevent the formation of beautiful lawns. A simple lawn is the happiest thing in a garden. For many years past there has been so much cutting up, geometry, and stonework that it is extremely rare to find a good lawn left. Many a site cut up by terrace gardens and other formalities would be vastly improved by the substitution of a large, nobly fringed lawn. A very common, poorly built house with a fine open lawn has often a better effect than a fine one with a rectilineal garden and terraces in front ofit, though there are many cases where the terraces would be the only possible way to a good result. The Italian made his terrace because he could not make a lawn on the steep hillside. In imitating him we do away with the most precious feature of the English garden-the lawn, and some of the finest lawns in England have been destroyed to make costly, lifeless terraces. The few complicated and paltry beds that are on these terraces, to serve the place of the flower garden, are not half big enough for raising all the beautiful flowers we ought to grow. In removing, in a large place, a useless terrace, and in forming a sweet lawn instead, I should make three times the amount of flower space in different parts of the garden or the pleasure ground-on the outer fringes of the lawn, by the sides of the pleasant walks, anywhere, in fact, that favourite plants can be grown best and would look best. Abolish all 16 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. complex beds, and adopt simple, large forms, using a varied outline for beds on the margin in the case of picturesque lawns. I have formed such beds on the great terrace at Shrubland Park, Suffolk, where the formal plan required all the beds to be alike in shape ; so that one may be as bold and simple in such a garden as on the margins of a beautiful sweep of turf. A striking example of a style of garden design that for a long time has had an injurious effect on country seats, and especially on the garden and the park, is the " railway embankment " phase of landscape gardening madness—one in which we see a series of sharply graded slopes, exactly like well- smoothed railway embankments, more or less relieved by fountains and vases. It is extraordinary that anybody supposed to have any taste should imagine that such an arrangement, marring the whole landscape, should give pleasure to any human being, or do anything but make the home landscape formal and wearisome to the last degree. In this variety we often find several sharp banks falling one below the other without a protecting wall at the top, and the sharp green angles cutting horrible capers from every point of view, and this perhaps in face of a beautiful landscape. A beautiful house in a fair landscape is the most delightful scene ofthe cultivated earth, all the more so if there be an artistic garden the rarest thing to find ! The union between the house beautiful and the ground near it-a happy marriage it should be-is worthy of more thought than it has had in the past, and the best way of effecting that union artistically should interest men more and more as our cities grow larger and our lovely English landscape shrinks back. We have never yet got from the garden and the home landscape half the beauty which we might get by abolishing the needless formality and geometry which disfigure so many gardens, both in plan and in flower arrangements. Formality is often essential to the plan of a garden-never in the arrangement of its flowers or shrubs. To array these in rigid lines, circles, or patterns can only be ugly wherever done! After we have settled the essential approaches and levels around a house, the natural form or lines of the earth herself are in nearly all cases the best to follow, and in my work I face any labour to get the ground back into its natural grade where it is disfigured by ugly or needless banks, lines, or angles. But in the true Italian garden on the hills we have to alter the natural line of the earth, or " terrace it," because we cannot otherwise cultivate the ground or stand at ease upon it. In such ground the strictly formal is as right as the lawn in a garden in the Thames valley. But the lawn is the heart of the true English garden, and as essential to it as the terrace to the gardens on the steep hills. English lawns have been too often destroyed for Old Place ,Lindfield .Alawn garden for hardy flowers 18 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . "geometrical " gardens not only needless, but absolutely ruinous both to the garden and the home landscape. Sometimes on level ground the terrace walls cut off the landscape from the house, and, on the other hand, the house from the landscape ! I hold that it is possible to get every charm of a garden and every use of a country place without sacrificing the picturesque or beautiful ; that there is no reason , either in the working or design of gardens, why there should be a false line in them ; and that every charm of the flower garden may be secured by wholly avoiding the knots and scrolls which subordinate all the plants and flowers of a garden, all its joy and life, to a wretched conventional design. The true way is the opposite. With only the simplest plans to insure good working, we should see the flowers and feel the beauty of plant forms, and secure every scrap of turf wanted for play or lawn, and for every enjoyment of a garden. Time and Gardens. -Time's effect on gardens is one of the first considerations. Fortress-town, castle, and moat, all without further use ! In old days gardens had to be set within the walls ; hence they were formal in outline, though often charming inside. To keep all that remains of them should be our first care-never to imitate them now. Many are far more beautiful than the modern formal gardens, which by a wicked perversity have been kept bare of plants or flower life. At one time it was rash to make a garden away from protecting walls ; but when safety came from civil war, then arose the often beautiful Elizabethan house, free from all moat or trace of war. Again, in the fighting days there was less art away from the house. Rugged wastes and hills , vast woodland districts near London, even small houses moated to keep the cattle safe from wolves-fear of the rough hills and deep woods. In those days the extension of the decorative work of the house into the garden had some novelty to carry it off, while the kinds of cultivated plants were very much fewer than now. Hence if the old gardeners wanted an evergreen hedge or bush of a certain height, they clipped a yew tree to the form and size they wanted. Notwithstanding this, we have no evidence that anything like the geometrical monotony often seen in our own time existed then. To-day the ever-growing city, pushing its hard face over our once beautiful land , should make us wish more and more to keep such beauty of the earth as may be still possible to us. The horrible railway embankments, where once were the beautiful suburbs of London, cry to us to save all we can save of the natural beauty of the earth. Architecture and Flower Gardening. The architect is a good gardener when he makes a beautiful house. That is a thing for which 1 Read before the Architectural Association on Friday, December 16, 1893. DESIGN AND POSITION. 19 one must ever be grateful. Whatever is to be done or considered afterwards, one is always helped and encouraged by its presence. On the other hand, scarcely any amount of skill in gardening softens the presence of an ugly building. No one has more reason to rejoice YO Wakehurst. Elizabethan house on level ground without terraces. at the presence of good architecture than the gardener and planter, and all stonework near the house, even in the garden, should be dealt with by the architect. But when architecture goes beyond the strictly necessary round the house, and seeks to replace what should be a living garden by an elaborate tracery, then I think error and waste are at work, and the C 2 20 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. only possible result is ugliness. The proof of this is at Versailles, at the Crystal Palace in great part, in the old gardens in Vienna, at Caserta, near Naples, where there is a far from beautiful stone garden. One may not so freely mention private places as public ones, but many ugly and extravagant things have been done by trying to adapt a mode of garden design essential in a country like Italy, where people often lived for health's sake on tops of the hills, to gardens in the plains and valleys of England. I know of a terrace in England built right against the house, so as to exclude the light from and make useless what were once the reception rooms of a great house. That deplorable result came about by endeavouring to adapt Italian modes to English conditions, and was the work of Sir Charles Barry. To any one deeply interested in the question, one of the best places to consider it is the upper terrace at Versailles, looking from the fine buildings there to the country beyond, seeing how graceless and inert the whole vast design is, how the clipped and often now dying, because mutilated, Yews thrust their ugly forms into the landscape beyond and rob it of all grace. To those who tell me this sort of work is necessary to " harmonise " with the architecture I say there are better ways. To rob fine buildings of all dignity and repose by a complex geometrical " pattern " in the foreground is often the worst way. Cost and care of stonework in gardens. Where formal gardening is done on a large scale, its cost and maintenance are monstrous. The uses and construction of any building made to be lived in secure it the care without which it will soon fall into decay. Even with the support of a State like France, the repair of elaborate stonework in gardens is an endless, impossible task, as any one may see whovisits frequently that vast extravagance, Versailles. Nearer home we may see something of the same kind near the huge stone basins of the Crystal Palace. Is it in the interest of architecture that noble means should be so wasted ? As the cost and difficulties of the finest work in building increase, the more the need to keep it to its true and essential uses, especially in face of the fact that half the houses in England require to be rebuilt if our architecture generally is to prove worthy of its artistic aims. I delight more than any one I know in walls for my Roses, and build walls, provided they have any true use as dividing, protecting, or supporting lines. I am not afraid of a straight walk, but very much prefer it in many cases. To take advantage of sunny sheltered corners in and about our old or new houses, and make delightful little gardens in and near them, as were made at Haddon, Powis, and Drummond Castle, is quite a different thing from cutting off the landscape with vast " patterns. " "Design" not formal only. I find it implied by some writers on this subject that " design " can only concern formality—an extra- - South front ofSutton Place .Example Elizabethan house without terracing . 22 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ordinary statement. The artistic massing and giving picturesque effect to groups and groves of Oak, Cedar, or Fir are far higher design than putting trees in lines. There is more true and subtle design in Richmond Park and many noble parks in England, where the trees are grouped in picturesque ways and allowed to take natural forms, than in a French wood with straight lines cut through it. In the old days, when designers dealt with but a few trees, and in many countries not a trace of landscape garden existed, it was well to carry the only formal and " decorative design " into the garden. Now a totally different order of things has arisen, because we have tens of thousands of beautiful things coming to us from all parts of the temperate and northern world, and people who know these things will not accept a book design, such as Nesfield adopted at South Kensington, instead of our lovely and infinitely varied garden flora. The trees of California, Oregon, and Canada alone form a tree garden in themselves, and it is absolutely impossible to lay out gardens of any size or dignity without a knowledge of those and all other hardy trees not only in a cultivated but in a wild state. If anything demands special study, it is that of garden design with our present materials. If that art is to be mastered, the work of a life must be given to it, and, more than that, a life's devotion. No less, I presume, is the sacrifice his own art requires of the architect. Noone " style " right.-There is no such thing as a style fitted for every situation. Only one who knows and studies the ground well will ever make the best of a garden. Any " style " may be right if the site fits it. I never see a house the ground around which does not invite plans for itself only. A garden on the slopes about Naples is impossible without much stonework to support the earth. In the neighbourhood of London or Paris such necessity seldom exists. But these considerations never enter into the minds of men who plant an Italian garden in one of our river valleys, where in nine cases out of ten an open lawn is often the best thing before the house, as at Bristol House, Roehampton ; Greenlands, Henley-on- Thames ; and in many gardens in the Thames valley. So, too, there are right and wrong ways in formal gardening. Haddon, simple, right, and charming on the one hand, and Chatsworth on the other. Knole and Ightham and Rockingham without a single yard of stonework not absolutely needed for the house and its approaches, and others with a fortune spent in vast display of costly stonework absolutely needless, and only effective in robbing the foreground of a fine landscape of all repose and picturesque beauty, or even shutting it out altogether, as has not seldom been done by a needless wall. It is worth noting that many of these terrace gardens out of place shut off the house from the landscape near. That, however were essential owing touse and position .Old gardens ofthisype ,Haddon .Example ofld English garden with terracing until recent days planted insimple pretty ways . 24 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. I need not say in the case of a beautiful house, is often an irreparable loss. The idea in some minds that the old style of building in England was always accompanied by elaborate terrace gardening is proved to be erroneous by many beautiful old houses. The Elizabethan house had often an ample lawn in front or plenty of grass near, as, for example, at Wakehurst. Such houses are quite as delightful in effect as the old houses and castles where terracing was necessary and right, owing to the ground, such as Berkeley, Powis, and Rockingham. Large formal gardens are by no means a necessary accompaniment of our finest domestic architecture. Of this there are many instances among the finest old English houses, Tudor and Elizabethan. The formality in flower-planting is a modern idea, and had nothing to do with old gardens, which, however planned, had their flowers planted in simple ways. The idea that trees must be clipped to make them " harmonise " with architecture is a mere survival. In the old days of garden design, when in any northern country there were few trees in gardens, it was, perhaps, expedient to slash these trees into any shape that met the designer's view. But now that many beautiful trees and shrubs are coming to us from many countries, the aim of true gardening is, so far from mutilating them, to develop their natural forms. In by far the greater number of beautiful places in England, from Knole to Haddon, and from the fine west- country houses to the old border castles, there are many of the fairest gardens where the trees are never touched with shears. Sutton Place, near Guildford , built, I think, in 1521 , is one of the most beautiful old houses in the home counties, and its architecture is none the less delightful because the trees near show their true natural forms and are not clipped. It is also an example of a fine old house around which there is no elaborate stone garden, and where none was required. It would be as hopeless to design a building without knowing anything of its uses or inhabitants as design a garden without full knowledge of its nobler ornaments-trees and the many things that go to make our garden flora vary much in form, habits, and hardiness according to soils, situations, and districts. Errors of the most serious kind arise from dealing with such things without knowing them well. Any attempt to keep the gardener out of the garden must fail, as it did in our own day in the case of the ridiculous broken brick and marble flower beds at South Kensington. Except for what is mostly a very small area near the house, the architect and garden-designer deal with distinct subjects and wholly distinct materials. They should work in harmony, but not seek to do that for which their training and knowledge have not fitted them. CHAPTER III CLIPPING TREES IN AND NEAR THE FLOWER GARDEN. "An unerring perception told the Greeks that the beautiful must also be the true, and recalled them back into the way. As in conduct they insisted on an energy which was rational, so in art and in literature they required of beauty that it too should be before all things rational. "-PROFESSOR BUTCHER in Some Aspects of the Greek Genius. THERE are a few wise words above and a few unwise ones at the foot of this page, both of which are worth reading in considering the clipping of trees or shrubs into shapes not natural to them and the art of the topiarist. Now we cut Grass when we want hay or soft turf to play on, but disfiguring a noble tree is not a necessary part of our work either for our profit or pleasure. I clip Yews when I want to make a hedge of them, but then I am clipping a hedge, and not a tree. The Yew in its natural form is the most beautiful evergreen of our western world -finer than the Cedar in its feathery branching, and more beautiful than any Cedar in the colour of its stem. In our own day we see trees of the same great order as the Yew gathered from a thousand hills. -from British Columbia, through North America and Europe to the Atlas Mountains, and not one of them has yet proved to be so beautiful as our native Yew when unclipped root or branch. But in gardens the quest for the exotic is so active that few give a fair chance to the Yew as a tree, while in graveyards, where it is so often seen in a very old state, the cutting of the roots hurts the growth, though there are Yews in our churchyards that have seen a thousand winters. I do not clip my Yew trees, because clipping destroys the shape ofone of the finest in form of all trees. It is not my own idea only that I urge here, but that of all who have ever thought of the forms. oftrees, foremost among whom we must place artists who have the happiness of always drawing natural forms. Let any one stand near the Cedar-like Yews by the Pilgrim's Way on the North Downs, and, comparing them with trees cut into fantastic or ridiculous shapes, A clipped Yew tree is as much a part of Nature—that is, subject to natural laws— as a forest Oak. So far as that goes, it is no more unnatural to clip a Yew tree than to cut Grass. "-The Formal Garden. 26 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. consider what the difference means to the artist who seeks beauty of tree form ! What right have we to deform things given us so lovely in form ? No cramming of Chinese feet into impossible shoes is half so wicked .evergreens ofclipped and wall ,ls old terrace Castle ,with Berkeley atGardens CLIPPING TREES IN AND NEAR THE FLOWER GARDEN. 27 as the wilful and ignorant distortion of the divinely beautiful forms of trees. The cost of this mutilation alone is one reason against it, as we see in places where miles of trees cut into walls have to be clipped, as at Versailles and Schönbrunn ! This shearing is a mere " survival " of the day when we had very few trees, and it passed as clever to clip them to fit certain situations after the architect's notion of " garden design. " This is not design at all from any landscape or artistic point ofview ; and though the elements which go to form beautiful landscape, whether home landscape or the often higher landscape beauty of the open country, are often subtle, and, though they are infinitely varied, they are none the less real. The fact that men when we had few trees made them into walls to make them serve their ways of " design " is not a good reason why we, rich in the trees of all the hills of the north, should go on mutilating them too. Thus, while it may be right to clip a tree to form a dividing- line or hedge, it is never so to clip trees grown for their own sakes, as by clipping such we only get ugly forms-unnatural, too. In November 1891, in Hyde Park, I saw a man clipping Hollies at the " Row" end ofthe Serpentine, and, asking him why it was done, learnt that it was to " keep them in shape," though, to do him justice, he added that he thought it would be better to let them alone. Men who trim with shears or knife so handsome a tree as the Holly are dead to beauty of form. To give us such ugly forms is to show oneself callous to the beauty of tree form, and to prove that one cannot even see ugliness. Consider, too, the clipped Laurels by which many gardens are disfigured. Laurel in its natural shape in the woods, where it is let alone, is often fine in form, though we often have too much of it. But it is planted everywhere in gardens without thought of its fitness. Then it grows apace, until the shears are called in, and its fine leaves and shoots are cut into ugly banks and sharp formless masses , spoiling and starving many gardens without need. There is no place in which it is used clipped for which we could not get shrubs of the right size that would not need the shears. It is not only clipped trees that are ugly, but even trees like the Irish Yew, Wellingtonia, and some Arbor-vitæ which have ugly or lumpy shapes. These, when planted much, so emphasise ugly forms about the house, that often there is no beauty left in the home landscape. Many of such ugly trees have been planted within the last generation, to the injury of the garden landscape, and are spoiling what might be the foreground of many a fine view. In the old gardens, where from other motives trees were clipped when people had very few Evergreens, or where they wanted an object of a certain height, they had to clip. It is well to preserve such 28 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . gardens, but never to imitate them. If we want shelter, we can get it in various delightful ways without clipping, and, while getting it, we can enjoy the natural forms of the Evergreens. Hedges and wall-like lines of green living things are useful, and even may be artistically used ; they are sometimes, however, used where a wall would be better, walls having the great advantage of not robbing the ground near them. A wall is easily made into a garden, with so many lovely things, too, from great scrambling yellow Roses to alpine flowers. Occasionally we find clipped arches and bowers pretty, and, when very old, are interesting and worth keeping. Besides, there is much difference between evergreen archways or bowers, hedges, and shelters, and the fantastic clipping of living trees into the shapes of bird or beast or coffee- pot. It is well to keep any interesting specimens of the art when we Arches of Yew. From a photograph sent by Lady Headfort. find them, but clipping is better not carried out with our lovely evergreens on a large scale, as many have seen it done at Elvaston. Now and then we see attempts on the part of those having more knowledge of some half-mechanical grade of " design " to galvanise the corpse of the topiary art. Such an idea would not occur to any one knowing the many beautiful things now within our reach, or by any one like a landscape painter who studies beautiful forms of earth or trees or flowers, or by any lover of Nature in tree or flower. Sometimes these puerilities are set into book form, as in the case of Mr. J. D. Sedding's Garden Craft. For this author there is no art in gardening, but cutting a tree into the shape of a cocked hat is " art," according to Mr. Sedding ! who says :- ofYew asfence hdge .tence ofclipped Yew .Showing right use Cottage atGreat Tew ,with protecting 30 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. I have no more scruple in using the scissors upon tree or shrub, where trimness is desirable, than I have in mowing the turf of the lawn that once represented a virgin world . . . and in the formal part of the garden my Yews should take the shape of pyramids, or peacocks, or cocked hats, or ramping lions in Lincoln green, or any other conceit I had a mind to, which vegetable sculpture can take. After reading this I thought of some of the true " vegetable sculpture " that I had seen ; Reed and Lily, models in stem and leaf ; the Grey Willows of Britain, lovely against our British skies , as Olives in the south ; many-columned Oak groves set in seas of Primroses, Cuckoo flowers and Violets ; Silver Birch woods of Northern Europe beyond all grace possible in stone ; the eternal Garland of beauty that one kind of Palm waves for hundreds of miles throughout the land of Egypt-a vein of summer in a lifeless world ; the noble Pine woods of California and Oregon, like fleets of colossal masts on mountain waves-thought of these and many other lovely forms in garden and wood, and then wondered that any one could be so blind to the beauty of natural forms of plants and trees as to write as this man does. From the days of the Greeks to our own time, the delight of all great artists has been to get as near this divine beauty as what they work in permits. But this deplorable vegetable sculptor's delight is in distorting beautiful forms ; and this in the one art in which we have the happiness of possessing the living things themselves, and not merely representations of them. The old people from whom he takes his ideas were not so foolish, as when the Yew was used as a hedge or was put at a garden gate it was necessary to clip it to keep it in bounds. But here is a man delighting for its own sake in what he calls with such delicate feeling "vegetable sculpture," in " cocked hats " and " ramping lions "! Such men as these I quote may not be without use even in our beautiful garden art, by showing people who love gardens to what lengths foolish ideas will go in degrading the true garden art to the level of the pastrycook's notions of design. They should stick to whatever work heaven or need has set out for them, go on with their tiles or wall paper, build the cruet- stand house, or design a rug or " decorate " coalscuttle, but leave our fair gardens alone. We have absurdities enough of our own to strive against without letting the mere designer of conventionalities loose on our gardens or landscapes. I say this without disrespect to members of any of the crafts abovenamed. I think the best men in such ways are busy enough with their own work not to seek that which they do not understand. But some of those who seek to force their help upon us are so foolish as to tell us that garden design and garden knowledge may be divorced, and also with great modesty that they only possess all the " garden design. " CHAPTER IV. VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. A VISIT to these should help us to get the most precious lesson of all as regards design ; that the best- laid- out garden is that which is best fitted for its situation and conditions, and without much consideration as to any " style " in its conception. Everywhere the ugliest things are seen, especially in the more pretentious class of gardens. But here and there one sees gardens that are beautiful. Nothing will help us so well to a clear view of what is best in the way of design as a visit to such. For, though we must look to the coming men, starting without prejudice or ill- training, for the artistic flower garden of the future, we may learn something byconsidering a few gardens where true art is not completely set aside. FLOWER GARDENS WITHOUT FLOWERS. -The ugliness of what is generally called flower-gardening has led many people to have no flower garden at or near the house. Those who notice the gardens round country seats need not be surprised to find now and then a house without any flower garden, and with the turf running hard into the walls. A world without trees is not worse than a flower garden without flowers. The fashion of having no flowers near the house crept in about Sir C. Barry's time, when, not satisfied with building commonplace houses, he laid out elaborate gardens, and, as anything the planter or gardener might introduce into the scroll pattern garden could only call attention from the frivolous " art " displayed, he thought it well to forbid planting at all, using instead of flowers broken and painted bricks, gravels, and white sand ! This foolish trick has often made a desert of what should be a happy home for flowers. It is a mistake to suppose that the only alternatives to such schemes are coarse and weedy perennials and annuals, that flower a short time and are weedy the rest of their days. Many delightful things may grow . near a house ; everywhere may be fragrant plants, beautiful not only throughout the summer but beautiful in colour even in winter. The ceaseless digging 32 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. about of the beds also may prejudice people against flowers in the garden. This arose in part from a miserable phase of the bedding- out system called " spring gardening. " The bedding things planted in June were taken away in autumn, and immediately replaced by spring-flowering things. These had a short period of bloom in spring, and were, in their turn, pulled up, leaving bare beds until the summer flowers were planted, sometimes very late ; so that in June, when we ought to have flowers or, at least, pleasant colour over the ground, there was nothing but grave- like earth. The spring flowers round a country house should be grown in quite a different way. They may be naturalised in multitudes (Narcissus, Snowdrop, Crocus, Snake's-head, Grape Hyacinth). They may be grown in borders, in special little gardens for bulbs, and in various other ways, without in the least disturbing the beds near the house. In short, the true way of flower-gardening is to plant the chief beds permanently, so that the greatest amount of beauty may be had throughout the fine months, without disfiguring the beds during those months. The permanent flowers must be hardy, and of the highest order of beauty, and such as require more than a few weeks or months for development ; though here and there blanks might be filled with good, tender things, like Heliotrope. Many of the hardy flowers, too, should be fragrant-Tea Roses, Carnations, and tufted Pansies ; all those, grown in large groups, give off a grateful odour round a house. What is the soil in these gardens for ? Why do people make them ? Surely it is not to have them laid down to grass like cricket grounds ? The objection to the bare surface of beds in such gardens is a just one ; it is easily got rid of by the permanent system ; and if the ground in the early state of the bed or from any other cause is bare below the flowers, it is quite easy to surface the beds with small rock plants, so that they are a good colour always. ENGLISH COTTAGE GARDENS. -We will next look at a few of the gardens that are never bare and seldom ugly. Those who look at sea or sky or wood see beauty that no art can show ; but among the things made by man nothing is prettier than an English cottage garden. We do not see the same thing in other lands. The bare cottages of Belgium and North France are shocking in their ugliness. Even in Ireland and Scotland we do not see the same charming little gardens, and they are not so good in some parts of England. In Surrey, Kent, and the southern counties we find the prettiest. I often pass a cottage garden in the Weald of Sussex never without a flower for nine months in the year. It is only a square patch, but the beauty of it is far more delightful than that of the large gardens near, and it is often pretty when they are bare. D GARDENING garden Acottage atMaltingley , near Winchfield Hants . G-F 34 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. What is the secret of the cottage garden's charms ? Cottage gardeners are good to their plots, and in the course of years they make them fertile. The shelter, too, of the little house and hedge favours the flowers. But there is something more-it is the absence of any pretentious " pattern " which lets the flowers tell their story to the heart. The walks are only what are needed, and so we see only the earth and its blossoms. Wherever the cottage garden threw off its good old ways and went in for the new style, the result was sad to see, and all the old year-round charm of flowers was lost. The cottage garden being often beautiful as a spring garden, to make it into a " bedding-out " garden was to rob it of all life. The very pretty cottage garden of which Mr. Mason Good has sent me a view is in that charming country south of London where good cottage gardens abound. May their charms never grow less ! They often teach lessons that " great " gardeners should learn. One asks how, with so few plants, they are pretty from Violet and Snowdrop till the Fuchsia bushes bloom nearly into winter. A WEST- COUNTRY COTTAGE.-The picture shows at a glance how beautiful even a little country cottage may be with its thatched roof so cool in summer and warm in winter. Simple as is this white-walled cottage, backed by Ivy-clad Elms, one may see worse pictures in the galleries and exhibitions every year. The overhanging porch, with its tiny chamber above the creeper-laden pillars, is particularly piquant, as is also the little tool house or wood shed beside the door. The only puzzle is how sufficient light is obtained in the lower rooms, but without actual knowledge I suspect that the front of this house is really at the back, so to speak, and that there are bright windows looking out over a neat garden on the other side of the house. The whole scene seems an almost perfect expression of peaceful quietude as the lowering sun casts long shadows over the walk of the greensward, and lights up the shrubs clustering at the door. There possibly are Roses looking in at the window on the other side during the summertide when the Elms are in leaf, the birds singing in the trees, and the Honeysuckle perfume lingering over the place. What a vernal paradise it must be in the spring when the copse below that gently rounded hill is full of Snowdrops or Primroses and Violets and Bluebells ; or later when the Clover tempts the bees afield, the wild Roses are flowering, and the new- mown hay flings its perfume everywhere. But this simple cottage in an out-of-the-way corner may also serve to teach us a little of the truth and subtlety of the landscape. gardener's art. Here are no adventitious features nor complicated designs ; no mop-headed Roses nor carpet beds to disturb the sweet repose of the bit of greensward as it dips gently and naturally from VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 35

the door ; and yet all the elements of the best art are there--the clear sky, the lingering sunshine, the trees, the turf, and the house itself, all .Bristol ,Brightman E.Mr. bysent photograph aFrom .lawn ope small with cottage country -west A combining to afford us a scene of typical English beauty essentially home-like in its character, and one which is rarely to be met with except in our own country. -F. W. B. D 2 36 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . Mr. E. Brightman adds :- I am a little in doubt as to which picture you allude, but think it is probably the one of which I enclose a rough sketch. If so, it is situated at Selworthy, a little Somersetshire village lying a little off the main road from Minehead to Porlock, a district which abounds in quaint and picturesque cottages, each having the usual patch of kitchen and flower garden, in which flowers grow and flourish in the greatest profusion. So genial is the climate that many half-hardy plants are left out during the winter and rarely suffer. Roses abound everywhere, Gloire de Dijon in particular covering the walls and cottage porches with perfect clusters of bloom. Fuchsias, bushes of immense size, are frequently to be seen trained over the entire walls of the cottages, and reaching to a height of 15 feet or 20 feet. A COTTAGE IN KENT. -Driving on one of the sunny days of autumn through the Weald of Kent from Charing to Ashford-a country strewn with pretty houses and gardens of many charming kinds an old house set in flowers was seen to the left just after passing the pretty village of Charing and the big woods above it . We turned from the main road, and, gazing over the low garden wall, were asked in to see the pretty old house, Oak-panelled, and to stroll about the small garden, little more than a cottage garden in its simplicity of planting. No pretentious plan to consider, only the yellow Sunflowers of the season massed in their own way and running about inside the little wall, and by their profusion giving a unity as well as richness of colour. I took no notes of the contents of the garden, and there were few to take. One lesson ofthese little gardens, that are so pretty, and, in fact, pictures, is that one can get good effects from simple materials. The absence of complexity and pretence, of foolish design, aids this very much. Many things are not needed for good effect, and very often we see gardens in which people store numbers of plants, but which are not artistic because too much cut up into dots. There is no reason why a garden should not be rich in plants and artistic too, but a garden full of things and artistic too is the rarest thing of all A most precious thing in a garden is a beautiful house, and this, with its pretty, brown-tiled roof and Oak-timbered walls, is an example of many in the Weald of Kent which have braved several hundred winters, and which are so beautiful in colour, and often in their being set in pretty little gardens. to see. MOUNT USHER, CO. WICKLOW. -This consists of the quaint creeper-laden cottage or mill- house at Ashford, in the Co. Wicklow, and of an acre or two of ground, partly wooded, through which the silvery Vartry River flows, gentle as it falls over its little rocky weirs in summer, but swollen and turbid after wintry storms. The place is really an island, or delta rather, at the bottom of a valley, and the hilly country around is beautifully diversified, and is graced by the Cottage and garden near Miss Vnall .bysent Charing ,Kent .Engraved from aphotograph 38 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . finest of native timber trees. The garden is quite unlike any other garden I have seen, and to see it in the time of Lilies, Roses, Peonies, Poppies, and Delphiniums is to see much lovely colour amongst the rich greenery of the rising woodlands. In autumn the colour is less brilliant, but equally satisfying as the eye wanders from the Torch Lilies and Gladioli to the blue Agapanthus, and thence to the Pine and Fir-clad hills. An old Ivy-covered wall makes a good and sombre background for the brilliant Tropaeolum speciosum, which everywhere runs wild about Old mill-house garden at Mount Usher, Wicklow. the place, throwing its soft green wreaths over twig and branch, their tips scarlet with blossoms, or heavily laden with turquoise- blue berries. Here also the soft rosy Hydrangeas bloom, and you may see the big scarlet hips on the great Apple Rose of Parkinson ( Rosa (pomifera) villosa), with its large glaucous leaves scented like those of the Sweet Brier. GREENLANDS is an example of a garden in which the principal and river front of the house is a simple sloping lawn. Originally laid out by Mr. Marnock for Mr. Majoribanks, it has long been a garden VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 39 showing good taste. shown. As will be The situation of the house by the river is well seen, there are no terrace gardens, no walls for stucco or terra-cotta vases. One passes easily from the house to a pleasant lawn, which slopes gently till it touches the river. From this Gardens atGolders Hill . Lawn view house from . 40 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. lawn one approaches the wide and well- planted grounds around, studded with many fine trees, among which are beautiful groups of Cedars. It may be noticed that the common fashion of a garden in front of the house is here avoided altogether ; but at a little distance there are various flower gardens within easy reach. It need scarcely be pointed out that this plan keeps the lawn immediately in front of the house unbroken and quiet, instead of what it too often is-patched with brown earth or, not always happy, masses of flowers. It would not be the best plan to follow in every case, and the more variety the greater the charm. But there are ways of delightful flower-gardening in which no bare earth need be. There are many cases where the sunny side and the secluded side of the house afford the best of sites for a true flower garden. GOODWOOD. —As shown in the engraving, no terrace wall stands up to cut off the house from the park with its wide lawns and noble groups of trees, both deciduous and evergreen. Its greatest charms are perhaps the noble groups of evergreen Oaks and the great Cedars of Lebanon standing, as our native trees might do, in a wide, open park, with little of an artificial or pleasure- ground aspect. The delightful contrasts between British Oak in noble groups and evergreen Oak in groups equally fine and Cedars of Lebanon change completely the character of the landscape from what is usually met with in English parks. This is the only place, perhaps, where one may see the majesty and noble variety of the Cedar of Lebanon, whether scattered in groves and groups or in single specimens over a large and varied landscape. No pleasure-ground preparation of deep, wellselected, and gathered soil for these giants of the hills which here compete in sturdiness with the British Oak. Scant soil over chalk and perfect exposure to the hill and sea winds is their fare. One tree is well up the hillside, fully exposed on every side, and, beyond a picturesque leaning of the plumes in one direction , shows as little sign of suffering as the group of the common Yew near it. Somewhat larger and more stately, in the lower level part of the park, the great Cedars contrast superbly with the great Oaks and Chestnuts. Some wise planter must have been here years ago to give us all this stateliness of tree life without torturing the sward with dots, or obscuring the view of sea and hill. Oak and Chestnut and Lime, fine in stature, are grouped like herds of great animals. Away on the hills is grove after grove of Fir and Beech, with here and there the dark plumes of the Yew, or the pale green of Box bushes showing themselves prettily outside the masses ; while, standing clear out of the nearest downs, are the round tufts of trees of the down country. What would be lost by any contrivance to cut off the view of such a wide lawn. and such noble trees from the windows of the principal rooms in the VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 41 house ! In many places such views of the house have been quite shut out by heavy terrace walls for which there was no good reason. ..PARSONS ALFRED 1880 .Parsons ,May 6sketch byAlfred house .From aoreground toExample ofgrassy Cedars and Oaks .front ,with Goodwood Park PENDELL COURT. -It will be seen here that even where it is desired to have the garden, or a portion of it, against the 42 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . house, it is by no means necessary that the ground should be made " architectural." It is a great pleasure to see a beautiful old house, made to live in, with no impediment to keep one away from the door. There are three good views of it. First, that of the lawn in front of the house, which was a flowery meadow yet uncut, with no beds or other obstructions to the view of the house, and with a fine group of trees on either hand. It was a poem in building and in lawn. Quite on the other side a border of flowers and a wall of climbers ran from the house. Looking along this border to the house, a shower of white climbing Roses were seen falling from the wall, and a quaint gable and a few windows and glistening rich Ivy behind formed a lovely picture. Another view of the house from across the water, showing its west end, is also very beautiful. There is a Wild Rose bush on the right and a tuft of Flag leaves on the left ; before you, the water and its lilies ; then a smooth, gently rising lawn creeping up to the windows, which on this side are all wreathed with white climbing Roses. All these views of the same house, although distinct, have none of the impediments which a false art frequently places so very near our houses that is to say, frivolous patterns in beds, fountains, statues, and such objects, which destroy all repose. The view from the house to the left is also free and charming-a wide meadow climbing up the hill through groups of trees, and in the woody region reminding one a little of Alpine pastures. RHIANVA. —We have not only to deal with ugly gardens, made in the wrong places, but with a false idea that all in formal gardens must be as " hard " as tin plate, and that they are not suited for our most beautiful and stately flowers. They are accordingly " bedded out " with dwarf plants, often clipped to make them dwarfer. But despite this almost invariable clipping one may here and there see a little of the better way, and at Rhianva, in Anglesey, there is such an example, where the free growth of evergreens and climbers, and the delightful interlacements of hardy flowers, ferns, and creepers, make a garden beautiful. Again, I remember the beautiful old garden at Ockham Park in Dr. Lushington's time, which was formal and yet beautiful, through the beauty of the vegetation. So again in Italy, where from the nature of the ground formal gardening is often a necessity, the stiffness of the stone is soon softened by the graceful forms of trees, shrubs, and trailers. Forty years ago the site of Rhianva, on the banks of the Menai Straits, was a steep field , with the large lumps of gray rock so characteristic of Anglesey, and was crossed by a small stream which lost itself in marshy ground by the shore. A couple of old Apple and Thorn trees and a little whitewashed cottage made up its features. VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 43 The garden at Rhianva was laid out by Sir J. H. Williams in 1850 and 1851. The quantity of rock and the extreme steepness of the ground made it difficult to deal with, and a number of supporting walls were built to form terraces ; and, by the help ofCourt .atPendell garden oflawn View near house Flowers insimple beds 44 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. a protecting sea-wall, the flowers were carried down to the very edge of the water. Facing a little to the south-east, the garden was protected from the violence of the westerly gales, while the more tender plants were sheltered from the nipping east winds of spring by the larger shrubs and trees. The climate is mild in winter, and the garden being on a southern slope the trees and shrubs grew with great rapidity ; hedges of red Fuchsias and of blue and pink Hydrangeas soon hid the stone walls. Myrtles and Camellias, and some Acacias, were found to do admirably out of doors ; and at the present time the only difficulty is to prevent the shrubs from injuring each other, through their rapid growth in the limited space. In summer the luxuriant abundance of the Roses, climbing from bush to bush, the Cypresses, the Tamarisk and the Vines, and the water, and the purple mountains in the background, seem to belong rather to the Lake of Como than to the wilds of Wales. All the borders are mossed over with small green plants ; large, hardy exotic Ferns are spread into groups ; lacework of Ivy, Vine, and creepers is in many parts. A mixed order of planting is pursued, but in many cases the shrubs and plants are allowed to spread as they will, and the climbers take picturesque shapes. This is an example of the absurdity of the common notion that a terraced garden can only be properly dealt with as a stiff “ beddedout " garden. We have here a terraced garden in a position that called for it—a rocky slope, in which the only way of making a garden was by terracing the ground. It is a precious example of a terraced garden that shelters every treasure of our garden flora, from the Cyclamen to the Tea Rose. It has been said that, however valuable the more beautiful hardy flowers, their place is not the parterre, but some out-of-the-way spot. Not only may any terrace garden be embellished with hardy flowers, but it is the best place for them. The odd notion that our fairest flowers must not show themselves in the flower garden might lead one to suppose that there was nothing in the flower garden before bedding-out was invented. The ugliest formal garden may be planted in the most beautiful way with hardy flowers alone. Is it well to devote the flower beds to one type of vegetation only-hardy or tender? What should we say of the gardener who filled his winter garden with low soft-wooded plants only, and omitted from his collection Camellia, Palm , and Heath ? We have been so long accustomed to forming flat surfaces of colour in flower beds that no one ever thinks of the higher and better way of filling them. But it is worth considering whether it would not be right to fill the beds permanently rather than leave them naked in the usual way. In Nature vegetation in its most beautiful aspects is rarely a thing of one effect, but a union or VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 45 mixing of different types of life-often succeeding each other in bloom. So it should be in the garden. The most beautiful effects must be AP Cottage garden and lawn ,with flowers mostly ontheuter fringes oflawn ,inborders andround beds of"peat shrubs . garden atSelborne ,sketched byA.Parsons in1980 . Gilbert White's obtained bycombining different forms so as to aid each other, and give us a succession of pictures instead of monotony. If any place asks 44 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. a protecting sea-wall, the flowers were carried down to the very edge of the water. Facing a little to the south-east, the garden was protected from the violence of the westerly gales, while the more tender plants were sheltered from the nipping east winds of spring by the larger shrubs and trees. The climate is mild in winter, and the garden being on a southern slope the trees and shrubs grew with great rapidity ; hedges of red Fuchsias and of blue and pink Hydrangeas soon hid the stone walls. Myrtles and Camellias, and some Acacias, were found to do admirably out of doors ; and at the present time the only difficulty is to prevent the shrubs from injuring each other, through their rapid growth in the limited space. In summer the luxuriant abundance of the Roses, climbing from bush to bush, the Cypresses, the Tamarisk and the Vines, and the water, and the purple mountains in the background, seem to belong rather to the Lake of Como than to the wilds of Wales. All the borders are mossed over with small green plants ; large, hardy exotic Ferns are spread into groups ; lacework of Ivy, Vine, and creepers is in many parts. A mixed order of planting is pursued, but in many cases the shrubs and plants are allowed to spread as they will, and the climbers take picturesque shapes. This is an example of the absurdity of the common notion that a terraced garden can only be properly dealt with as a stiff " beddedout" garden. We have here a terraced garden in a position that called for it—a rocky slope, in which the only way of making a garden was by terracing the ground. It is a precious example of a terraced garden that shelters every treasure of our garden flora, from the Cyclamen to the Tea Rose. It has been said that, however valuable the more beautiful hardy flowers, their place is not the parterre, but some out-of-the-way spot. Not only may any terrace garden be embellished with hardy flowers, but it is the best place for them. The odd notion that our fairest flowers must not show themselves in the flower garden might lead one to suppose that there was nothing in the flower garden before bedding-out was invented. The ugliest formal garden may be planted in the most beautiful way with hardy flowers alone. Is it well to devote the flower beds to one type of vegetation only-hardy or tender ? What should we say of the gardener who filled his winter garden with low soft-wooded plants only, and omitted from his collection Camellia, Palm, and Heath? We have been so long accustomed to forming flat surfaces of colour in flower beds that no one ever thinks of the higher and better way of filling them. But it is worth considering whether it would not be right to fill the beds permanently rather than leave them naked in the usual way. In Nature vegetation in its most beautiful aspects is rarely a thing of one effect, but a union or VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 45 mixing of different types of life-often succeeding each other in bloom. So it should be in the garden. The most beautiful effects must be AP Cottage garden and lawn ,with flowers mostly ontheuter fringes oflawn ,inborders andround beds of"peat shrubs . garden atSelborne ,sketched byA.Parsons in1880 . Gilbert White's obtained by combining different forms so as to aid each other, and give us a succession of pictures instead of monotony. If any place asks 46 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . for permanent planting it is the precious spot of ground near the house ; for no one can wish to see large, grave-like masses of soil frequently dug near the windows. It is easy to form beds that would look well in all seasons by the use of choice shrubs of many kinds— Spiræa, Rhododendron, Azalea, Dwarf Cypress, Japan Quince Heath, Coronilla, Clematis, Aralia, Honeysuckle, Weigela, Sweet Brier, Vine, Hydrangea, Azara, Skimmia, Rock Rose, Tamarix, Daphne, Yucca , Tree Peony, bushy St. John's Worts. Why should we not use a beautiful Andromeda, or a Kalmia, or a rare evergreen Barberry in the flower garden in the same way as a Camellia, an Acacia, or a Tree Fern in the winter garden? There would be better culture in the shrubbery for, and more beauty from, our many choice hardy shrubs now so often neglected. The shrubs should be arranged in an open way, the opposite to the crowding common in our beds of American shrubs. In these all individual character and form are crushed away in the crowd ; yet there is scarcely a shrub that has not a charm of form it will show if allowed room. The plan is to allow no crowding, and to place the finest hardy flowers in groups between the free untortured shrubs. Thoroughly prepare the beds ; put in the choicest shrubs, which, without obscuring the view, adorn the earth all the winter as well as all the summer, and give us a broken surface as well as a beautiful one. Between them allow for the planting of a variety of the choicer hardy flowers, which would come up and give us pictures following the seasons. So far from leading to monotony, this would lead to an infinite and varied succession of beauty. We should not then have any set pattern to weary the eye, but quiet grace and verdure, and little pictures, month by month. The beds, filled with shrubs and garlanded with Ivy and other evergreens and creepers, would everywhere afford nooks and spaces among the shrubs where we could grow some of the many fine hardy Lilies with the Gladioli, Phlox, Pentstemon, Iris, tall Anemone, Peony, and Delphinium. The choice shrubs suited for such beds are not gross feeders, like trees, but even encourage the finer hardy bulbs and flowers. They also relieve the plants by their bloom or foliage, and when a Lily or Cardinal Flower fades after blooming it is not noticed as it might be in a stiff border. Another important point is that we should not need the wretched plan of growing a number of low evergreens in pots, or otherwise, to " decorate " ( !) the flower garden in winter. This is only one of various ways of adorning the flower garden in artistic and enduring ways, which I hope to show more of as we go on. It is spoken of here in connection with Rhianva, a precious example which shows us that the almost universal idea that VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 47 a geometrical garden must be geometrically set with flowers is as false as it is usual. To get artistic effects in such a flower garden we must not by any means adopt the close pattern beds usual, because no system allows Aterraced garden with pcturesque planting .Rhianva ,Anglesey 48 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . of a good effect from beds crowded on each other like tarts on a pastrycook's tray. Repose and verdure are essential. Before making the change from the dwarf plants only, be they hardy or tender, it would be well to see that there is ample repose-room for the full expression of the beauty of each bed or group-no complication or crowding, no fanciful or angular beds. The contents of the beds and not the outlines are what we should see. In this way of planting with beautiful flowering summer or evergreen shrubs, with abundant space for flowers to grow between, we could have a permanent beauty in our terrace garden beds on the dullest day in winter. Between the bushes or evergreens we could have evergreen carpets of Alpine plants and tiny hill shrubs. Through these the autumn, winter, and spring flowering bulbs could peep to bloom, untarnished by the soil splashing of the ordinary border. Shelter, as well as the best culture, could be thus secured for many a fair flower, which, once well planted, would there come up year after year. Among the flowering shrubs we have many lovely Roses to help us with our plans. No one can refuse a place to the Rose in our formal garden. The Rose in its many forms is perhaps the greatest treasure of all, and, so disposed, its effect would be better than in any " Rosary." We must get rid of the old collection of ugly sticks formally arranged as a Rose garden. The Rose should be planted in a natural manner, without formality, in simple, large, well-prepared beds, the plants trained as bushes or pegged down, so as to let their foliage and shoots spring from the ground. No Rose beds can be made in this way without offering positions for beautiful hardy plants. We may have many flowers beneath the Rose, or, like fair Lilies, to stand among them or above them. SHEEN COTTAGE.-The late Sir Richard Owen's garden is one of the most charming and simple in the neighbourhood of London. Many a visitor to Richmond Park enjoys the look of his cottage, as it nestles on the margin of the sweep of undulating ground near the Sheen gate, but it is from the other or the garden side that the picture is best. A lawn, quite unbroken, stretches from near the windows to the boundary, and is fringed with numerous hardy trees. Here and there are masses of flowering shrubs and an odd bed of Lilies, while numerous hardy flowers are seen among the Roses and Rhododendrons. There is in the main part of the garden only one walk, which takes one round the whole, and does not obtrude itself, as it glides behind the outside of the groups which fringe the sweet little open lawn. Instead of coming quite close to the house it is cut off from it by a deep border of evergreen shrubs, intermingled with Lilies and hardy flowers. These flowers look into the windows. Instead of looking out of the window, as usual, on a bare gravel walk, the eye is VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 49 caught by Rhododendrons or Spiræas, with here and there a Lily, a Fox-glove, or a tall Evening Primrose. From the other side of the garden the effect of the border is quite charming, and the creepercovered cottage seems to spring out of a bank of flowers. The placing of a wide border with Evergreens against the house is a E ASomerset garden .Selwood Cottage ,near Frome .Rough wall inforeground covered with rock plants . 5950 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . pleasant change from the ordinary mode of laying out little gardens. Another agreeable feature of this garden is the grass walks, which ramble through a thick and shady plantation. Even in our coolest summers there is many a day on which such shady walks, carpeted with grass, are the most enjoyable retreats one can find. And their margins form capital situations for naturalising many beautiful hardy plants which are seen to great advantage in such positions, as, for example, Daffodils, hardy Ferns, Scillas, the Forget- me-not tribe, the Harebells, Snowdrops, and Snowflakes. DRUMMOND CASTLE.-A house on a rock, graced with many Ferns and Ivy, and wild flowers natural to the spot. It would not be easy to find a more graceful example of “ natural ” rock gardening. It is only, however, on going to the south side of the house, where the ground falls rapidly and is supported by stately terrace walls, that all gloom is dispelled by the brightest array of blossoming climbers that ever clad gray stones with beauty. To fancy oneself in some fairyland of sun-bathed flowers a thousand miles south in a lap of the mountains would be easy. No Italian gardens could probably show the same high beauty at the same period of the year, whatever they might do earlier. The very coolness encourages and prolongs the bloom. The shelter of the terrace, with the house behind, helps many things ; but, beyond training, there is little artificial help. It is our privilege of growing so many plants from other countries that makes our open- air gardens so beautiful in the fall of the year : here, when the leaves begin to colour, and when even the Harebell is past its best on the banks, we have a very paradise of flowers. The fact that this fine plant beauty may be enjoyed by all who have a patch of ground and a wall is what makes it so precious a gift. The plants that here give most flowers are nearly all as easily grown as our common Honeysuckle. Loveliest of all the climbers here is the Flame Nasturtium (Tropaeolum speciosum), which drapes these stately walls, as it does those of many a cottage in Scotland. Admirable for walls as is this fragile and brilliant plant, it is seen to even greater advantage when a delicate shoot runs over a Yew-hedge, with its arrows of colour. Near it on the walls are many flowers of the older and once betterknown T. pentaphyllum, which has a graceful habit and curious flowers, but lacks the brilliancy of colour of T. speciosum. It is , however, easily grown anywhere, while speciosum is established with some difficulty in our southern gardens. At least one other hardy Tropaeolum should be added where the object is to have the climbing kinds, and that is the long- neglected T. tuberosum, which is handsome in flower. The common, showy, climbing Nasturtiums of gardens. grow high on the walls here, and add to the rich glow of colours. VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 51 The whole of the Tropæolums are precious plants for our gardens, from the old and lovely Canary Creeper to the snake-like, sea- green T. polyphyllum, with its yellow blossoms, so admirable for banks or warm borders. Nothing could surpass the rich purple of the Clematis here-waves of colour, the flowers of enormous size. The cool hill air suits them admirably ; but, as a rule, they are good throughout Britain. Upper terrace atDrummond Castle ,Crieff Perthshire .Ground steep and terraced . E 2 52 THE ENGLISH FLOWER garden. Still, we have never seen them show the largest flowers with profusion of bloom to such an extent elsewhere. One huge white variety ( C. Anderson-Henryi) was a wonder to see, with its creamy white flowers a span across, crowding each other in the struggle for room and light, and forming a fine contrast with the purple kinds. In the warm or temperate south, in Madeira or the Riviera, the garden lover sometimes makes himself a pretty hedge of Oak- leaved Geraniums ; but, as one does not see them in the South of England, it is a great surprise to see them happy on the walls here in Scotland, growing from four feet to seven feet high, with ample fresh foliage and many flowers. Their spicy fragrance and distinctly pretty foliage make them worth the trouble of storing in the winter, and placing in the open air in early summer. All the winter they are kept in the house in the grown or tall form on trellises, and, being carefully trained against the warm wall, soon make fresh growth and flower freely, and are in good bloom late in September. Along with the Oak-leaved, the Ivy- leaved Pelargoniums, both in the double and single forms, are here tall and in free bloom on the walls, and attain a height of four feet or so. Large borders of the common river Forget-me-not remind us of its superiority to the wood and Alpine Forget-me- nots usually grown in gardens. It is charming in a peat or moist border, flowering long through summer and autumn. The charm of the place almost ceases with the terraces, for below them is one of those wonderful displays of bedding out" in its cruder forms, which attains its greatest " glory ” near large Scottish houses. Plants in squares, repeated by hundreds and thousands ; walks from which all interest is taken by the planting on each side being of exactly the same pattern ; and plants grouped as if for an oilcloth pattern. STEPS AND TERRACE IN THE OLD PARK, Axminster.—This engraving is very instructive as regards the state of the English geometrical gardens. For many years past the rule in some of the most pretentious gardens of this sort has been to allow no vegetation on the walls or balustrades. The older, the true and graceful way is to garland all such surfaces with beautiful life, and not to obliterate or make them less useful. Dividing lines and walls may do their work without being as bare as if in a stonemason's yard. It cannot be too clearly known that the original idea of the terrace garden came from the sunny steep slopes of Italy and Greece. The rough terrace wall of the common cultivator, which kept the earth up and prevented it from being washed away, and gave a little depth on the stony hillside, became, in the garden of the wealthy man, the ornamental terrace. It was structurally right ; it was necessary whether men gardened for pleasure or for profit. Well, these people having VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 53 got their bits of ground level through terracing, it was the rule to have the terrace planted with beautiful things-Olive-trees for profit, and Cypress for shade. People in perfectly flat countries, however, got the dreadful idea that it is wrong to put flowers on the walls ; and so we see terrace gardens where they are not wanted, and terrace walls perfectly bare of vegetation. If anybody will compare this picture with the common style of debased English planting of the terrace garden, where everything is clipped as close as a carpet and nothing is allowed on the walls, he will at once see a great difference. Much of the thrown into Most of this THE FLOWER GARDEN AT PENSHURST PLACE. -There is no more essential charm for a garden than that it should stand by itself in character and not be a mere copy of gardens near it or elsewhere. This merit belongs to Penshurst, and we know of nothing prettier than the network of orchard trees and tall summer flowers beneath them which make up much of the flower gardening there. ground between the kitchen garden and the house is squares and strips, which shelter and divide the space. space between the hedges is planted with fruit trees, and walks- very often Grass walks-run between and among them. The remaining spaces are planted with flowers, from beds of Carnations to mixed borders of tall herbaceous plants and Lilies. Foxgloves, for example, are at home in such conditions, and in rather broad masses under the trees their effect is natural and charming-that is to say, the shade and mystery of the overhead growth give them something of the look they have in woods. The lines of border after border are broken by the trees, and the effect is very soft and different from what it so often is, while the colour tells splendidly in the case of masses of Orange Lily. The growth is free, and there is no such thing as primness, which greatly helps the effect. Groups of Acanthus look well here, and, indeed, Delphinium, Goat's-beard, giant Scabious, and many a midsummer flower are refreshing to see, showing once more that the greater variety in gardens the better, and that the "hardness " of ordinary gardens is a thing to soften rather than to imitate. But to get any like effects in many gardens would involve a change of plan and of our ways of setting out flowers, and would not be worth seeking in every case, as there are so many other ways. Penshurst is an example of the many gardens (new and old) where the reaction from the hardness of bedding out and the ugliness connected with that work have led people to abolish altogether flowers near the house. It is not the old way to make this clearance of everything but shaven Grass near a beautiful old house, nor is it the true way, but it is now a common one, and it gets rid of much of the ugliness of beds. But there are ways of putting flowers in charming modesty about

VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 55 a house as well as that of digging in early summer ugly grave- like beds for them. In the old days flowers clustered round the house, and were the better for its shelter, warmth, and colour. Long before the massing system, with all its garishness, was discovered, flowers were planted for many generations in quiet ways about old English houses. It is well that the main entrance and park side of a great house should be frank and open, but to make the house bare all round for the sake of bare Grass, and to lose all the advantage of shelter and seclusion, is not the best way by far. Bays and warm corners, and high walls, and their shelter and variety of aspect, are delightful for flowersflowers such as could not injure any building ; not even a suspicion of the injury that comes from Ivy betimes could attach to borders of Fern or Iris. Shaven turf is pretty in our summer, but there are acres of it in the parks and fields around. If we lived in a country where close turf was not seen in the parks, or hills, or fields, there would be a reason for making a special effort to get nothing but turf under the windows. Grass is charming, but to exclude the flowers altogether for its sake is a mistake. In a park the short nibbled turf is fringed by Bracken and Bramble or Foxglove ; whereas, near the house, the regulation way now is to let the turf run hard and straight into the wall. All the winds of heaven strike such houses untempered by the breath of a Violet. There is the question of seclusion about large houses which is bound up with this. Nothing is worse than planting out and hiding the sun and air from a beautiful house, but certain slight dividing lines connecting little secluded gardens and sheltered places for flowers are often needed. There are so many ways of screening off such precious spaces, too-Vine, Lemon Verbena, Winter Sweet, and Jasmine for low walls ; Rose, Sweet Brier, and Honeysuckle for fragrant or blossoming hedges ; Clematis, Wistaria, and climbing Rose for arch or pergola. The very lines for shelter or privacy might be gardens of the most fragrant and beautiful things we have, from the winter Jasmine to the climbing Tea Rose. No, the Grass alone is not and never can be the artistic way on all sides of a house ! The gray of the Carnation is welcome in winter seen from the windows, and there are many evergreen rock plants that take their finest hues in winter, and they are a long way better, even for their green, than the winter-worn turf. It is often well, too, to see a glimpse from the windows of the brilliant way the Crocus opens its heart to the sun, giving courage to the crowds of fair blossoms that soon follow it. COMPTON WINYATES.-Compton Winyates is one of the dearest of the old houses jewelled over the land of England, which is surely the most charming of countries for its houses, whatever we may say for its climate. There are graceful old climbers and trees near, but Compton Winyates -indeep hollow orcoombe .Engraved from aphtograph VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 57 not much showy gardening-almost none. There is also very little of what is called pleasure ground in the ordinary sense ; but that is too stereotyped a thing to make one regret it in the presence of such a beautiful home. None the less is it pleasant to wander over the high fields near and along the deep slopes of the coombe, especially in the autumn time when we saw it, with the tree leaves rich in colour, and the Barberry laden with a thousand coral boughs. Compton Winyates is one of the houses not surrounded by a Chinese or other puzzle of terraces and impedimenta of all sorts, as some writers tell us the ideal house should be. It sits quietly on the turf, and is none the worse for it, and tells us, as other of our finest old houses do, that each situation demands its own treatment as regards the surroundings ofthe house. LILFORD HALL.-This is one of the beautiful houses of the great old days of building, of which some of the most interesting examples in England are to be seen in Northamptonshire-Burleigh, Rushton, Drayton , Deene, Castle Ashby, and many others. Lilford is not so large as some of these, but it stands up in a stately way over a fine sweep of landscape and woodland scenery. Instead of the usual unclean, canal-like water which disfigures so many country seats, there is a natural stream running below the house at a comfortable distance away-an enormous improvement on the artificial water so often made near houses, which often is the worst thing that could be done with the foreground of a house. So far as the flower garden is concerned, it is rather of the bedding order, stiff and neat, with many little walks and Grass edgings, and the emphatic forms of the Irish Yew in front of all. But there is much to be grateful for even in this, for the reaction against bedding-out or some other cause has led to many gardens of the present day being turfed up, and some are bare to all the winds of heaven, as, for example, Burleigh. The delightful shelter and the lines of walls or hedges, which give privacy on certain . warm sides of the house, are the very places of all others for good gardening ; and therefore we were grateful to see trees clustering round Lilford and something like gardening there, though we missed the grace of hardy flowers and beautiful mixed borders like those which Lady Ardilaun makes near her house. Lilford is set in noble woods, and we have rarely seen a house which gave us a more distinct and agreeable impression. KETTON COTTAGE. This is one of the Elizabethan farmhouses common in the villages round Stamford, with some recent additions. It stands in the village, a short distance from the beautiful church of St. Mary, a few yards from the little river Chater, which, coming down from Leicestershire, falls into the Welland a mile or two below Ketton and as far above Stamford. As the position is sheltered from rough મેથી Lilford Hall ,showing result ofrepetition evergreen trees opoor form .Engraved from aphtograph byMr. J.T.Hopwood ,Ketton Hall . VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 59 winds, the small space of ground between the road and the river has proved a not unsuitable home for such of the hardy shrubs and flowers from time to time during the last thirty years planted in it as find lime in both soil and water congenial to them. The banks of the stream are in places fringed with Osmunda regalis intermingled with a few plants of Struthiopteris and some patches and undergrowth of Onoclea sensibilis, all of which bear patiently the floods which sometimes in summer and often in winter pass over their heads, lasting occasionally for several weeks. All these Ferns thrive in a bed of rough leaf-mould, 6 inches or 8 inches above and below the ordinary water level, partly coated in the course ofyears with alluvial deposit from the floods and partly denuded by the action of the water, which is only prevented in the exposed portions from washing away the roots by a covering of heavy stones, between which there is just room for the crowns to appear. These conditions prevent the growth of seedling Osmundas, but the old plants are after more than twenty years as vigorous as their friends in the Norfolk marshes, from which most of them were brought, the fronds of some in the shade being more than 6 feet in length. In a place rather more sheltered from the force of the stream Osmunda gracilis and O. interrupta thrive equally well ; as also on a somewhat higher level a certain number of other strong Ferns which do not object to occasional floods. On an open part of the bank a quantity ofpurple Loosestrife makes a good background for the Ferns, and a patch of Meadow Rue gives variety and a distinct autumn colour. Saxifraga peltata and Rodgersia podophylla grow vigorously, but not on the lowest level. The summer Snowflake and common Fritillary show well among the old stems of the Osmunda fronds, and the yellow wood Anemone thrives a little higher on the bank, seedling Kingcups appearing at frequent intervals on the edge of the water. Smaller Ferns and alpine plants generally it is hardly safe to trust in this part of the garden, but we are fortunate in having water at a higher level, with the help of which we have lately attempted to combat the ravages of slugs and the inroads of worms and blackbirds, but these efforts are too recent to give much indication of a successful result. I am pleased, however, to see that the large alpine Butterwort has spread-I cannot say sown itself, for I believe it increases by very small bulbils-over a considerable space of ground, and Grass of Parnassus has seeded freely. The large Cadenabbia form of Helleborus niger has also seeded rather freely round the original clump of plants, and Primula scotica has appeared in unexpected places. —B. POWIS CASTLE. Ofthe many gardens I have seen, very few give us the pleasure of Powis-first, because of its noble drive through Ketton Coage .Example ofpretty garden framd intrees showing their natural forms .Engraved from aphtograph byMr. J.THopwood ,Ketton Hall . VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 61 great Oaks with breaks of Fern between, so unlike the dark monotonous avenue which spreads gloom and ugliness over so many country. seats. The light and shade and the noble forms of the trees make the picture more beautiful than any primly set-out avenue. The flower garden is beautiful, partly owing to its position, which is that of a true terrace garden-i.e. the ground falls so steeply, that terracing is necessary. These terraces were wreathed with Clematis and beautiful with shrub, and flower, and life, a picture of what a flower garden should be. Powis is a few miles inside the Welsh border, and near the old town of Welshpool. Occupying a picturesque position on the bluff, from which several passes in and out of the Principality can be seen, a fact of importance in the old days of feudal strife. The variety of the views obtained from the castle heights are charming in the extreme. The Breidden Hills tower in the distance, and the windings of the Severn carry the eye through the fertile valley away into the several Welsh ranges in the opposite direction. As the original name, "Castell Coch, " signifies, the castle is built of red sandstone, and stands on the same rock. The terraces, too, are hewn out of this red rock, which forms the walls, for the most part unaided by masonry. Indeed, an artificial height is given the castle by the great depth of its foundation being cut away nearly perpendicular from the masonry for the formation of the highest of the three terraces. Glancing over a balustrading from the castle level on to the terraces beneath, the scene is charming, and we are struck at once with the harmonious blending of the flowers and their surroundings. A very happy idea has been adopted in regard to colours, the three terraces having each its predominating colour-viz . the lowest white, the middle yellow, and the highest purple ; not that other colours are excluded in either case, but these characteristic tones are maintained all through. A feature of this terrace has been for years a number of domeshaped trellises 8 feet to 10 feet high, covered with Clematis, and recently the effect has been heightened by the introduction of many more trellises and other light- coloured varieties of Clematis. Here and there a blaze is produced by the Flame Flower ( Tropæolum speciosum), which is induced to cover a few branching sticks loosely, and to suspend therefrom in graceful festoons of brightest colour. Pyramids of Sweet Peas are very noticeable, too, among the best perennials and choice annuals used. Although design and method are abundantly apparent, there is no air of formality in any of the arrangements, the stiffness of hard lines being quite broken by the Clematis, already mentioned, supplemented by Roses, standard and dwarf, Sunflowers, Solidagos, Arbor-vitæ, Hollies, Japanese Maples, and Tree Pæonies. The walls of the terrace are covered with Roses, Clematises, Pears, 62 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. Peaches, Nectarines, Pomegranate, which flowers freely every season, Magnolia, and fine plants of Wistaria sinensis. Much Several of the large Yews that skirt the castle have recently been pruned in considerably, thus affording views long hidden. judicious thinning and pruning have been well carried out of late Castle Welshpool Powis ,.Flower godaren example ofterraced Engraved garden .photograph from a both among these fine old Yews and other trees. Among the former splendid trees there is one whose branches had overgrown the path, and by clipping has become a summer- house, one of the good qualities of the old Yew being its perfect shelter and shade. COTEHELE, CORNWALL.-This is one of the finest old houses in the west of England, and a paradise to the antiquarian. The quaint Wolley -Dod .rm aphotograph sent byRv. C.beds an groups .Engraved Lawn garden with hardy flowers inEdge Hall ,Mpas Cheshire . 64 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . old terraces are laid out in old - fashioned beds and borders filled with hardy flowers. No carpet bedding or any like modern monstrosities have been permitted here. Very little masonry is seen in the formation of the terraces, and the old walls are mantled with various creepers, including Vines, Myrtles, Clematis, Magnolia, Jasmines, and Ivy. The engraving gives a faithful representation of one side of the house, looking east. The house is used as a shooting-box and dower residence by the Earls Mount- Edgcumbe. The building is situated on the summit of a high hill on the Cornish side of the river Tamar, commanding extensive views of its winding course, also of the distant ranges of hills in both Devon and Cornwall. The picturesque freedom of the planting and surroundings is delightful, especially to those who see so many stiff, trim gardens both in England and France. Happily these stiff fashions do not obtain at Cotehele, which is delightfully covered. Whatever people may think of the influence of Ivy on walls, there are a certain number of plants to which no objection can apply, such as the more delicate Clematises and the superb Roses we now have, such as Bouquet d'or, Madame Berard, and many others. If it is a question of attaching them to the walls, it is quite easily got over by an Oak trellis framework and various other ways. THE NEW FLOWER- GARDEN AT SHRUBLAND PARK. Shrubland Park, in Suffolk, illustrates the recent history of English flower-gardening as it was the great bedding-out garden, the " centre " of the system , and which provided many examples for other places in England. The great terrace garden in front of the house was laid out in scrolls, pattern beds, and circles, all filled with plants of a few decided colours, principally yellow, white, red, and blue, and the whole generally edged with Box. In every spot in this garden the same rigid system of set beds was followed, and not a creeper was permitted to ramble over the masonry and stonework of the various terraces. We were told that every bit of Ivy that tried to hide the formality of the place by covering the stonework with foliage had to be removed, to leave the stone ornament " in its first bareness. Large sums were spent in keeping up this system of bedding out ; and where plants failed, or some particular colour was wanted in a certain spot, coloured stones were freely used. Anything that would supply the colour seemed to suffice, and, in the height of the summer, when the hedgerows and meadows are 66 F Cotehele House .Engraved from Hayman photograph byMr. a,Launceston . 66 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. full of flowers, there was nothing in this great garden, including pleasure grounds, to afford cut-flowers for the house ! A few years ago, when Shrubland passed into the hands of the Hon. Mr. Saumarez, a change came over the great bedding-out garden. The scrolls, and pattern designs were swept away. The terrace-garden, which commands. beautiful views over the surrounding country, is planted with the flowers that every one loves-Roses, Lavender, and many of what are called common things, of which until three years ago this great garden was completely innocent. Climbers of many kinds are encouraged to clothe the stone walls with blossom and verdure. One half the garden is devoted to the Carnation, of the best self kinds, grouped together in distinct colours, and associated with groups of many Tea Roses. The self Carnation and the Tea Rose are the glory of this garden-the flowers that fill the air with fragrance, and give endless flowers for cutting. The silvery glaucous colour of the large groups of fragrant Lavender, the rich masses of Carnations, and the bold groups of the loveliest of the Tea Roses, make a delightful picture. It delights the artist who seeks for beautiful grouping of hardy flowers, as well as beauty of bloom. Each Carnation is planted in a bold mass, and the ground-work made up of tufted Pansies, Saxifrages, Sedums, or some other charming flower. The Carnation, which was formerly almost entirely grown in pots for exhibition, here takes its rightful place. The plants are propagated in August by layers, and planted out in September in sweet, well- prepared soil. The Tea Rose is here grown as we have never seen it before. All the finest kinds are planted ; and we thus have a charming gradation of colours, from the brilliant crimson of Thérèse Levet to the delicate shade of Marie van Houtte. This class is the most delightful of all Roses ; the sweet fragrance, lovely colours, soft and tender in their subtle tones, of the graceful flowers giving them a lasting charm. But yet the Tea Rose is not grown as it should be. There is a notion still that it succumbs to the first average frost, but this is wrong. All the varieties at Shrubland, and they include, we believe, every good kind in cultivation, passed unharmed through 20 degrees of frost, and this in an exposed spot without shelter. There is also a rich variety of leaf- colouring, from the crimson shades of the young shoots to the deep, rich green of the fully- developed foliage. One of the most distinct features of Shrubland is what may be called the Bamboo walk. This is a straight walk, planted when Shrubland was in the throes of bedding out, with a smooth ribbon border on one side, and a rough sloping bank of Ferns on the other. The effect of such a contrast was inartistic. This was swept away, and Bamboos now fill the place of the monotonous lines of " bedders. " We have never seen Bamboos .beds -fashioned with old castle Bordr ofExample .Chillingham 68 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. make such a fine growth as in this sheltered walk. It is a pleasure to find the graceful Bamboo thriving with unusual vigour, and creating a picture of luxuriant growth in happy keeping with the surrounding woodland. There are a few fine hardy plants to relieve the green foliage of the Bamboos, and at the time of our visit the Plume Poppy (Bocconia cordata) had spread out into an immense mass, very striking and distinct, with its feathery plumes of creamy-white flowers, richly veined leafage, and silvery stems. Lilies, Funkias, or Plantain Lilies, Evening Primroses, and Michauxia were also in gay flower. Although Tea Roses and Carnations are here leading things, there are many other fine hardy plants in full flower, as Tritomas, hardy Fuchsias, Hcyacinthus candicans, Gladioli, herbaceous Lobelias, Verbenas, and such old favourites as Petunia Countess of Ellesmere, a delightful small- bloomed kind, much prettier than the big flabby things in fashion now. One border of Hybrid Perpetual Roses, planted in bold groups of one kind, is a distinct success ; and here, too, we may see monthly and other Roses well planted, as they ought to be in every good garden. The scarlet Lobelias, especially such varieties as Firefly and Queen Victoria, lit up the garden scenery with peculiar brilliancy. Both these are excellent flowers for massing, the last-mentioned variety having deep- chocolate leaves, in rich contrast to the scarlet flowers. We very seldom find the scarlet Lobelia used in bold groups, but it is a plant in its several varieties of vast importance, blooming late in the summer, loving moisture, but growing in almost any well- prepared, but not dry, spot. Then at Shrubland we saw a rich collection of the various Tritomas or Kniphofias just commencing to throw up their strong stems of brilliant- scarlet flowers. One bed impressed us with the good use to which hardy flowers can be put. It was on the upper terrace, near the wall, and was made up of Fuchsia Riccartoni, Tritomas in variety, numerous spikes of Hyacinthus candicans, and Evening Primroses as an edging, to break the stiffness of the walk- edge. The plan here given is that of the new flower garden at Shrubland Park, which is situated exactly in front of the house, and tells its own story. It shows the simple form of beds adopted, planned to suit their places, in lieu of the complex pattern beds for carpet bedding, sand, coloured brick, and also one alternative to such gardening. The names of the plants used are printed in position. The actual way of grouping cannot well be shown in such a plan, but the plants are not in little dots, but in easy, bold groups here and there running together. The flower gardening adopted is permanent, i.e. , there is no moving of things in the usual wholesale way in spring and autumn. The beds are planted to stay, and that excludes spring gardening of the ordinary kind. But many early spring flowers are used in the garden, the main- Lily Peruvian Creepers Scabious Rock RoatMaCapucine rnations Rose Souvenir Rese Safrano RoseMme Brazy . Snapdragons Tufted Pansies RoveGrace Darling RoseFranciscaRote rianrose Krugerning Eveni Jules Finger Ruse Souvenir deVictor Hugo RedCarnations Rute Miss E.Browntow Rose Luciole RuseJeanne Abc ! Pink & White Carnations Rose Henriette Beauveau de Rose Metz Ernest Rose Bride The SoutenirdeCarnations Rose Rubens acquier RoseA. . Mme Lavender Cotton Hydrangea Thomas Hogg Convolvulus Carnations Rose Duchesse d'Anerstadt Comtesse Rizadu Pare Rose Comtesse deCaserta HoseComtesse Panisse Rose Bouguet d'or Aster Rese Geubault Star worts Rose Mme.de Watteville Pentatemon Rose Perie d Lyon ZinniasMme . Charles Rose Sunset Zinnias Rose Alme . Rose Etienne Rose Dr. Gill Levet . Lobelia Marie Van Houtte Cotoneaster Enothera Rose Gypsophila paniculata Mme Carnations . Chauvry Tritoma Fuchsia White Pea Fuchsias Mme Ros .Hippolyte Jamain Tulips &. Rose Innocente Pirola Carnations RoseDevoniensis Rose Amazone Red & Anemones RoseMme .Primrose Hoste Dam Tufted Pansies Stocks & RoseElegante L' Rose Roar Comtesse Frig de pink & neuseStocks Pernet Fan Blue Hyacinths Hyacinthe Anemone manyost beautiful hardy flowers ingroups and colonies ,Park showing simple forms ofbeds filled with the The new flower garden infront ofhouse atShrubland author (replacing Sir C.Bary's ).Tea Rose and Carnations .Plan by 70 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. stay of which, however, is summer and autumn flowers (as those are the seasons when the house is most occupied). Roses in the most beautiful forms of the Teas in free groups, and Carnations, the finest މ 161 Steps and terrace, " The Old Park, " Axminster. Example of terrace garden not stiffly planted. From a photograph by Miss Dryden, Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire. selfs, are the principal plants used. No plans are repeated, and each bed of the garden differs. The views in this Chapter may give some idea of the many VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 71 different sources of beauty in gardens, and help to show the error of making them all conform to one formal scheme. They will also show something of the great variety of positions in which beautiful flower gardens may be made. There is no one way-the garden should grow out of the spot and be characteristic of it, as the alpine flower is of the rock that bears it. Any way may be right that suits the place. All who care for flower gardens should see as many diverse types of them as possible, and consider their sources of beauty and ugliness. Beware of old books on garden design-mostly dreary quotations, or written by men who knew more of books than gardens. Beware also of public gardens, as they are in design often ugly—partly from the need of many walks and railings. Many cottage gardens. are charming and should always be looked at. The aim should be never to rest till the garden is a reflex of Nature in her fairest moods. The great charm of the art ofgardening over all other arts perhaps is that it gives us beautiful living things and not merely representations of them. The Cedars on the lawn at Painshill and in the park at Goodwood are as precious and as real, happily, as those on Lebanon. The abounding life of things is one reason why it always seemed to me worth while rescuing the garden from its subjection to the mere decorator, who knows little or nothing of the life of a garden. GARDENINGG CHAPTER V. BORDERS, BEDS, AND GROUPS OF HARDY FLOWERS. WE now come to the various classes of hardy flowers that are worthy of garden cultivation, and to consider various ways of arranging them. Their number is inexhaustible. The question, then, is how the garden designer is to enjoy as much of these treasures as his circumstances allow. As during all time a simple border has been the first expression of flower gardening, and as there has hitherto been discovered no arrangement of flowers more graceful, varied, or capable of giving more delight, and none so easily adapted to many positions in almost every kind of garden, some idea of the various kinds of flower borders deserve our first consideration. The difference between the expense of growing hardy flowers and tender ones is important. The sacrifice of flower gardens to plants that perish every year has left them poor of all the nobler plants. We must take into account the hothouses, the propagation of plants by thousands at certain seasons, the planting out at the busiest and fairest time of the year-in June, the digging up and storing in autumn, the care in the winter. Perhaps the most beautiful effects from individual plants ever seen in England were Lilies (auratum) grown by Mr. M'Intosh among his Rhododendrons at Weybridge Heath. Frequent disturbance would be ruinous to them. And not only Lilies ; but many noble flowers may be grown in the same simple way. A few years ago we saw only dense masses of Rhododendrons ; now the idea of growing this shrub with the finer hardy plants has spread. It means more room to show the form of the shrubs, and more light and shade ; mutual relief of shrub and plant ; no " dotting," but colonies and groups of lovely- BORDERS, BEDS, AND GROUPS OF HARDY FLOWERS. 73 plants among the shrubs. Good preparation and some knowledge of plants are needed, but no necessity whatever for any system that may not be called permanent. We may grow in this way many of the nobler hardy plants in pleasure gardens ; but a few other modes of arranging flowers which do not imply annual planting and digging up are given here. Coming to special arrangements, there are a number which, given thorough preparation at first, it would be wise to leave alone for some years at a time-as, for example, groups or beds of the various Tritomas, Irises, Lilies, Pæonies, the free- flowering Yuccas (Y. filamentosa and Y. flaccida), Narcissi-these and many more, either grouped with others or in families. When all these exhaust the ground or become too crowded, by all means move them and replant. But this is very different from the two operations, as in the common 74 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. bedding garden, which are performed each year on the same spot of ground. It would be an improvement in every way if, so far as the flower garden is concerned, gardeners were to see what could be done unaided by the hothouse ; but meanwhile the wise man will reduce the expense ofglass, labour, fire, repairs, paint, pipes, and boilers to something like reasonable proportions. In presence of the wealth of our hardy garden flora, the promise of which is now such as men never expected a few years ago, no one need doubt of making a fair flower garden from hardy plants alone. A mixed border of hardy flowers. THE LABOUR AND CARE required where beauty or variety is sought are so great that it is desirable to dispense with any frequently recurring work not essential for the full enjoyment of a garden. Where a kitchen garden and a good fruit garden exist, the annual labour is so great that any reduction of the work in the flower garden, especially in the busy season of spring and early summer, is a welcome aid, and brings a little needed repose after the labours of autumn and winter work. BORDERS, BEDS, AND GROUPS OF HARDY FLOWERS. 75 THE TRUE WAY to make gardens yield a return of beauty for the labour and skill given them is the permanent one. Choose some beautiful class of plants and select a place that will suit them, even as to their effect in the garden landscape. Let the beds be planted as permanently and as well as possible, so that there will remain little to do for years. All plants may not lend themselves to this permanent plan, but such as do not may be grown apart-for instance, the Poppy, Anemones, Turban and Persian Ranunculuses, Carnations, Stocks, Asters, and the finer annuals. But a great many delightful plants can be planted permanently, and be either allowed to arrange themselves, to group with others, or to grow among peat- loving shrubs which, in many places, are jammed into pudding-shaped masses void of form or or grace. One of the best reforms will be to avoid the " rug pattern," and adopt large and simple beds, placed singly or in groups, in positions suited to the plants they are to grow. These can best be filled permanently, because the planter is free to deal with them in a bolder and more artistic way than if he has to consider their relation to a number of beds. In this way, also, the delight of flowers is much. more keenly felt. One sees them relieved, sees them at different times, and to more advantage than the flowers stereotyped under the window. Roses-favourites with everybody-grouped in their different classes, and not trained as standards, would lend themselves admirably to culture with other things. For instance, we might have Moss Roses growing out of a carpet of double Primroses, Tea Roses with Carnations, and the varied kinds of beautiful Irises. Then there are many groups made by the aid of the finer perennials themselves, such as the Delphiniums and Phloxes, by choosing things that would go well together. Other plants, such as Yuccas, of which there are now various beautiful kinds, are often best by themselves ; and noble groups they form, whether in flower or not. The kinds of Yucca that flower very freely, such as Y. recurva and Y. flaccida, lend themselves to grouping with Flame Flowers (Tritoma) and the bolder autumn, plants. No plan which involves an expensive yearly effort on the same piece of ground can ever be satisfactory. All garden plants require attention, but not annual attention. The true way is quite differentthe devotion of the skill and effort to fresh beds each year. It does not exclude summer " bedding," but includes lovely and varied aspects of vegetation far beyond that attainable in summer " bedding. " It attempts to make the garden artistically beautiful. It also helps to make the skill of the gardener effective for lasting good, and prevents its being thrown away in annual fireworks. There can be no gardening without care ; but is there not a vast difference between some of AUTREDPAY SONS . A garden at Broadway, England. Engraved from a picture by Alfred Parsons. SA.KOHL BORDERS, BEDS, AND GROUPS OF HARDY FLOWERS. 77 the beds and groups just mentioned and those which disappear with the frosts of October, and leave us nothing but bare earth ? The main charm of bedding plants-that of lasting in bloom a long time is really their most serious fault. It is the stereotyped kind of garden which we all have to fight against ; we want beautiful and changeful gardens, and should therefore have the flowers of each season. Too short a bloom is a misfortune ; but so is too A group of meadow sweets. long a bloom, and numbers of hardy plants bloom quite as long as can be desired. There is nothing whatever used in bedding out to be compared in colour, scent, size, or bloom with many families of hardy plants. There is no beauty among bedding plants at all comparable with that of Irises, Lilies, Delphiniums, Evening Primroses, Pæonies, Carnations, Narcissi, and a host of others. Are we to put aside or into the back- 78 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . ground all this glorious beauty for the sake of a few things that merely give us flat colour ? Let those who like bedding flowers enjoy them ; but no one who knows what the plants of the northern and temperate world are can admit that this poor sort of gardening should have the first place. There is nothing among " bedding " plants equal to Windflowers-Anemones, in many kinds, flowering in spring, summer, and autumn ; Flame Flowers (Tritoma) , superb in autumn ; Columbines ; Harebells ; Delphiniums-no blue or purple flowers equal to these ; Day Lilies ; Everlasting Peas ; Evening Primroses, many bold kinds ; Pæonies, both showy and delicate colours, some fragrant ; Phloxes, in many kinds ; Ranunculuses, double and single, and the many fine species ; all the noble autumn- blooming, Daisy- like flowers ; the large blue Scabious and the smaller kinds ; the Larkspurs, charming in colour ; plumy Spiræas ; Globe Flowers, fine in form ; Lilies, in noble variety ; Polyanthus ; Primroses ; Auriculas ; Wallflowers ; Meadow Saffrons ; Crocuses, many kinds, both of the spring and autumn ; Scillas ; Gladioli ; Snowflakes ; Grape Hyacinths ; Narcissi, in lovely variety ; Tulips, the old florists' kinds, and many wild species ; Yucca, free-flowering kinds ; Thrifts ; Carnations and Pinks ; Dielytras ; Veronicas ; Cornflowers ; Foxgloves ; Rhodanthes ; Stocks ; Asters ; the great Scarlet and other Poppies ; Christmas Roses, both of the winter and spring ; Forget- me-nots ; Pansies ; and the pretty mountain Wallflowers, and yellow and purple and white Rock Cresses of the mountains of Europe-from the Alps to the hills of Greece, cushioned with Aubrietia, and sky-blue wind-flowers. All these are hardy as the Docks by the frozen brooks. FLOWER BORDERS AND FRINGING SHRUBBERIES. The usual way in which people attempt to cultivate hardy flowers is in what is called the " mixed border." This may be made in a variety of ways, and its success will depend upon how it is made and upon its position. It is frequently made on the edge of a plantation of trees, the roots of which leave little for the flowers. The face of a shrubbery should be broken and varied ; the shrubs should not form a hard line, but here and there they should come full to the edge and finish it, breaking the border agreeably. The variety of positions and places afforded by the front of a shrubbery is delightful. Here and there, even in a large open space, one might have groups or masses of plants requiring good cultivation, but it would generally be best to avoid this, and use plants which do not depend for their beauty on high culture-which, in fact, fight their BORDERS, BEDS, AND GROUPS OF HARDY FLOWERS. 79 way among shrubs and there are a great many of them, such as the evergreen Candytuft, the large-leaved Saxifrage, Acanthus, Day Lily, Everlasting Pea, and Solomon's Seal. A scattered, dotty mixed border along the face of a shrubbery gives a miserable effect, but a good effect may be secured by grouping the plants in the open spaces between the shrubs, making a careful selection of plants, each occupying a bold space. Nothing can be more delightful than a border made thus ; but it requires knowledge of plants, and that desire to consider plants in relation to their surroundings which is never shown by those who make a " dotty " mixed border, which is the same all the way along and in no place pretty. The presence of tree and shrub life is a great advantage to those who know how to use it. Here is a group of shrubs over which we can throw a delicate veil of some pretty creeper that would look stiff and wretched against a wall ; there a shady recess beneath a flowering tree : instead of planting it up with shrubs in the ordinary gardening way, cover the ground with Woodruff, which will form a pretty carpet, and flower very early in the year, and through the Woodruff dot a few common British Ferns ; in front of this use only low plants, and we shall thus get a pretty little vista, with shade and a pleasant relief. Next we come to a bare patch on the margin. Cover it with a strong evergreen Candytuft, and let this form the edge. Then allow a group of Japan Quince to come right into the grass edge and break the margin ; then a carpet of broad-leaved Saxifrage, receding under the near bushes and trees ; and so proceed making groups and colonies, considering every aid from shrub or tree, and never using a plant of which you do not know and enjoy the effect. This border plan is capable of considerable variety, according to whether we are dealing with an established and grown shrubbery, a medium one of flowering trees and shrubs, or a choice plantation of flowering Evergreens. In the last case, owing to the soil and the neat habit of the bushes, we have excellent conditions in which good culture and effective arrangement are possible. One can have the finest things among them-if the bushes are not jammed together. The ordinary way of planting shrubs is such that they grow together, and then it is not possible to have flowers between them, nor to see the true form of the bushes, which are lost in one solid leafy mass. In growing fine things-Lilies or Cardinal Flowers, or tall Evening Primroses -among open bushes we form a delightful garden, we secure sufficient space for the bushes to show their form and habit, and we get light and shade among them. In such plantations one might have in the back parts " secret " colonies of lovely things which it might not be desirable to show in the front of the border, or which required shade and shelter that the front did not afford. 89 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . BORDERS BY GRASS WALKS IN SHADE OR SUN. —It is not only in the flower garden where we may have much beauty of flower, but away from it there are many places better fitted for growing the more beautiful things which do not require continual attention or propagation. Unhappily, the common way of planting shrubberies has robbed many Grass walks of all charm. The great trees, which take good care of themselves, are all we want, and in the older gardens we often find the finest rare trees, but the usual mixed plantation of Evergreens, so common up to our own day, means death to the variety and beauty we may have by Grass walks in sun or shade. The shrubs are frequently, for no good reason, planted in mixtures, in which the most freegrowing are so thickly set as finally to cover the whole ground, Cherry Laurel, Portugal Laurel, Privet, and such common things very frequently killing all the rest and forming dark walls by such walks. Some of these Evergreens, being very hungry things, overrun the ground, rob the trees, and frequently, as in the case of the Portugal Laurels, give a dark monotonous effect while keeping the walks wet, airless, and lifeless. Light and shade and the charm of colour are impossible in such cases with these heavy, dank Evergreens. Once one is free from the slavery of these Evergreens, what delightful opportunities there are of growing all hardy flowers in broad masses, from the handsome. Oriental Hellebores of the early spring to the delicate blues and lavenders of the Starworts in October. Not only hardy flowers, but graceful climbers like the wild Clematis, and lovely corners of light and shade may be made instead of the walls of hungry Evergreens. If we want the ground green with dwarf plants, we have no end of delightful things in the Ivies and other Evergreens like Cotoneaster and Labrador Tea. There is no need for the labour and ugliness of clipping. I have lately seen one place alone with many acres of these detestable clipped Laurels, hungry, and so ugly! With these grubbed and burnt, what places, too, for such beautiful things as the giant Fennels with their more than Fern- like grace, and all our strong, hardy Ferns which want no rocks, with Solomon's Seal and Foxgloves among them. Such walks may pass from open spaces into half- shady ones or through groves of old Fir or other trees, and so give us picturesque variety apart from their planting with flowers and shrubs, that, too, being full of interest. FLOWER BORDERS AGAINST WALLS. -In many situations near houses, and especially large old houses, there are delightful opportunities for a very beautiful kind of flower border. The stone forms an excellent background, and cuts off any thieving roots. Here we have conditions exactly opposite to those in the shrubbery ; there are no hungry trees behind our plants to steal their food. Here we BORDERS, BEDS, AND GROUPS OF HARDY FLOWERS. 81 can have the best soil , and keep it for our favourites ; we can have Delphiniums, Lilies, Pæonies, Irises, and all choice plants well grown. If the wall happens to be near the house, and we do not wish to have climbers on it, it is none the less valuable, especially if it be a good stone wall. It may be adorned with climbers of delicate growth, climbing Rose, Wistaria, Vine, or Clematis, which will help out our beautiful mixed border. Those trees must to some extent be trained, although they may be allowed a certain degree of abandoned grace even on a wall. In this kind of border we have, as a rule, no contrasts from shrubs, and therefore we must get the choicest variety of plant A well-covered border of hardy flowers. Campden, Glos. life into the border itself. We must try to secure a constant succession ofinterest, and this is very easy. There is scarcely a month of the year in which we may not have delightful things in bloom. In winter this kind of border may have a bare look when seen from the windows. The variety of plants is, however, so great, that we can make it evergreen by evergreen herbaceous plants. In large places also there are frequently positions not seen from the windows-fine massive walls that would form an admirable background to a mixed border composed wholly of hardy flowers, carefully chosen. On these walls a choice selection of well-grown climbers and evergreens forms an G 82 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. excellent addition to the hardy plants in the foreground. Where the wall is broken with pillars, a still better effect may be obtained by training Vines and Wistaria along the top and over the pillars or the buttresses. THE FLOWER BORDER IN THE FRUIT OR KITCHEN GARDEN. -We have here the original and perhaps the commonest form of mixed garden. This kind of border is often badly made, but may be a delightful one. The plan is to secure from about eight to ten feet of rich soil on each side of the walk, and cut the borders off from the main garden by a trellis of some kind from six feet to nine feet high. This trellis may be of strong iron or galvanised wire, or, better still, of simple rough wooden branches-uprights topped by other branches of the same kind. Any kind ofrough permanent trellis will do. On this rough trellis we may grow Climbing Roses and Clematis, and all the choicer but not too rampant climbers. Moreover, we can grow them in their natural grace along the wires or rough branches, or up and across a rustic wooden trellis -Rose and Jasmine showing their grace uncontrolled. We fix the main branches to the supports, and leave the rest to the winds. We have the finest type of mixed border in this way, because we have all the graceful climbing plant life we desire in contrast with the flowers in the border. If Mixed borders may be made in various ways ; but you will do well always to bear in mind the following points : Select only good plants ; throw away weedy kinds ; there is no scarcity of the very best. See good collections. Put, at first, the good kinds selected in lines across four- feet nursery beds, so that a stock of young and strong plants may be at hand, and you may be able to exchange with others as well as form groups. Make bold borders which cannot be robbed by the roots of trees ; see that the ground is thoroughly prepared, and rich, and that there is the best friable soil at least two and a half feet deep. The soil should be so deep that, in a dry season, the roots can seek their supplies far below the surface. On the making of the border depends whether the vegetation will be bold or stunted you are limited to one border only, some variety in the soil will be necessary to meet the various wants of peat-loving and moistureloving plants. In planting, plant in groups, and not in the old dotting way. Never repeat the same plant along the border at intervals, as is so often done with favourites. Plant a bold, natural group of it, or two or three groups if you must have so many. Do not graduate the plants always from the front to the back, as is generally done, but sometimes let a bold and sturdy plant come towards the edge ; and, on the other hand, let a little carpet of a dwarf plant pass in here and there to the back, so as to give a broken and beautiful instead of a monotonous surface. Have no patience with bare ground. Cover the border with BORDERS, BEDS, AND GROUPS OF HARDY FLOWERS. 83 1 dwarf plants ; do not put them along the front of the border only. Let Hepaticas and double and other Primroses, and Saxifrages, and Golden Moneywort and Stonecrops, and Forget- me- nots, and dwarf Phloxes, Hardy border flowers against house, with climbers behind. and many similar plants cover the ground among the tall plants everywhere at the back as well as the front. Let the little ground plants form broad patches and colonies by themselves occasionally, and let them pass into and under other plants. A white Lily will be all the G 2 84 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . better for having a colony of creeping Forget- me- nots over it in the winter. The variety that may be thus obtained is infinite. Thoroughly prepared at first, the border should remain for years without any digging in the usual sense. If the border is in the kitchen garden, or in any other position where it is desired to cut it off from its surroundings, erect a trellis at its back and cover this with climbing plants-Clematises, Roses, Sweet Briers, Honeysuckles, or any beautiful hardy climbing plants, not twined too stiffly but allowed to grow into free wreaths. To avoid loss in severe winters employ Roses of the hardiest kinds only ; the old single Clematis, the mountain and the sweet autumn Clematis (C. Flammula) , as well as other single kinds, should have a place here as much as the larger forms. If the soil is not very deep or well prepared, and the surface is not covered with small plants, it will be well in many cases to mulch the ground in summer by placing an inch of some light dressing on it. When a plant is old and rather too thick, never hesitate to replant it on a wet day in the middle of August or July any more than in the middle of winter. Take it up and put a fresh bold group in fresh ground ; the young plants will have plenty of roots by the winter, and in the following spring will flower much stronger than if they had been transplanted in spring or in winter. Do not pay much attention to labelling ; if a plant is not worth knowing, it is not worth growing ; let each good thing be so bold and so well grown as to make its presence felt. THE MIXED BORDER, in which the plants are placed in rows, a single specimen of each, the tall -growing ones having their flowerstems tied to stakes rigidly upright, is among the very worst arrangements for hardy flowers ; but not the mixed border, in which spreading plants are allowed to form great patches yards across. All hardy plants will be found to have the best effect when planted in an informal manner. This does not mean that the plants are to be planted higgledy- piggledy ; this is the very reverse of Nature's arrangements. When plants seed, the seedlings come up all round them and form clumps and masses ; occasional seeds get blown away or carried away by birds, so that the approach to the colony of any particular plant is generally indicated by the appearance of stragglers detached from the principal groups. Let one thing be a feature in the several parts of the garden at one season, and all the rest be subordinate. At a particular time, for instance, a corner might be conspicuous for its Phloxes, at another time for its Roses, for its Dahlias, at another for its Gladioli, for its Japanese Anemones, and so on, always choosing for the conspicuous plants those which remain in bloom for a considerable time, and keeping subordinate those whose blooming period is short. BORDERS, BEDS, AND GROUPS OF HARDY FLOWERS. 85 he F MR. FRANK MILES ON THE FLOWER BORDER. -Among the first to see the merits of naturally carpeting beds, and who made the border suggested in my Hardy Flowers, was the late Mr. Frank Portion of group of Pink Japan Anemone flower border at Mirehouse, Keswick. Miles, an excellent gardener. His own account of his work I give here. If we are to have mixed borders of herbaceous plants, one thing is quite certain- we can never go back to the borders of our ancestors, in which every plant had a bare space of ground round it. In the spot where once a plant had 86 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. bloomed, there was an end for the year of any flowers. Now a yard of ground should have bloom on it at least eight months in the year, and this applies to every yard of ground in a really good mixed border. I am certain that, once a border is well made, it need not be dug up at all. But the question is —what is a well-made border ? I think a border is not well made, or suitable for growing the most beautiful plants to perfection , unless it is as well made as a Vine border in a vinery. Why we should not take as much trouble with the garden border as the border of a conservatory I cannot imagine, seeing that Lilies will grow 11 feet high in the open air, not less than 10 inches across the flower, and Irises little less than that. The more I garden the deeper I get my drainage, and the fuller of sand and fibre my soil. I consider, first, that a border must have a bed of broken bricks or other drainage, with ashes over that, to prevent the drainage from filling up ; secondly, that that bed of drainage must have 2 feet of light soil over it ; thirdly, that that soil must have equal parts of sand, soil, and veget- able matter. A soil of these constituents and depth is never wet in winter and never dry in summer. During the dry weather I found soil like this, in which quantities of auratum Lilies were growing, to be quite moist an inch below the surface, and I know in winter it always appears dry compared with the natural garden soil. But, for all practical intents and purposes, every 6 inches of ground could contain its plant, so that no 6 inches of bare ground need obtrude on the eye. Almost any kind of bare rock has a certain beauty, but I cannot say bare ground is ever beautiful. Nature covers bulbs with greenery, and we can do it in our gardens. Well, supposing the back of the border filled with Delphiniums, Phloxes, and Roses, pegged down, and other summer and autumn-blooming plants, and supposing the border to be made as I have described it, I should carpet the ground at the back with winter-blooming flowers, so that when the Roses are bare and the Delphiniums and Phloxes have not pushed above ground, the border should even then be a blaze of beauty. Crocuses, Snowdrops, Aconites, and Primroses are quite enough for that purpose. The whole space under the Roses I should cover with the Common Wood Anemone, and the golden Wood Anemone, and early Cyclamens, and the earliest Dwarf Daffodils. And among the Roses and Pæonies and other medium tall shrubs I would put all the taller Lilies, such as require continual shade on their roots ; and such as pardalinum and the Californian section generally, all the forms of auratum (though the scarlet form does not grow quite so high, and wants to be more in front of the border) ; Lilies like excelsum, tigrinum splendens, monadelphum, Martagon album, longiflorum Wilsoni, dalmaticum, Hansoni, and giganteum. Now we come more to the front of the border, and here I would have combinations, such as the great St. Bruno's Lily (Anthericum Liliastrum majus) and the delicate hybrid Columbines, Primroses planted over hardy autumn Gladioli, so that when the Primroses are at rest the Gladioli should catch the eye : Carnations and Daffodils, planted so that the Carnations form a maze of blue-green for the delicate creams and oranges of the Daffodils. When the Daffodils are gone there are the Carnations in the autumn. A mass of Iberis correæfolia happens to have been the very best thing possible for some Lilium Browni to grow through, for the Iberis flowered early and then made a protection for the young growth of the Browni, and then a lovely dark green setting for the infinite beauty of the Lily flowers. As for saying that this cannot be done, I say that it is nonsense, for the Iberis flowered beautifully under such circumstances, and the Lilies too. If once you get it into your head that no bit of ground ought ever to be seen without flowers or immediate prospect of flowers, heaps of combinations will immediately occur to those conversant with plants and the deep-rooting habits of most bulbs and the surface BORDERS, BEDS, AND GROUPS OF HARDY FLOWERS. 87 3 rooting of most herbaceous plants-for instance, Colchicums and Daffodils, with a surface of Campanula pusilla alba. The big leaves of the Colchicum grow in spring, and there would be nothing but leaves were it not for the masses of Daffodils. By and by the leaves of the Colchicums and Daffodils are dry enough to pull away, and then the Campanula, be it pusilla, pusilla alba, or turbinata alba, comes into a sheet of bloom. Before the bloom has passed away the Colchicum blooms begin to push up, and as some of my Colchicums are 5 inches across, of the richest rose colour, I do not exactly feel that this is a colourless A Fern border with flowers here and there. kind of gardening, and as I have a hundred different kinds or Daffodils, this little arrangement will not be without interest in spring. THE DAFFODILS and Colchicums root deeply and grow mostly in winter, requiring water then, and not in summer, when the Campanula carpet is taking it all. There are some, however, which one must be careful about-the common white Lily, for instance, which wants exposing to the sun in the autumn. I do not mind the exquisite French Poppies among these candidum Lilies, because the Poppies die about August, and then the Lilies get their baking and refuse to show 88 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. the bare earth, soon covering it all with their leaves. For the extreme front of the border hundreds of combinations will occur-Pansies over Daffodils, Portulacas over Central Asian bulbs, Christmas Roses and Hellebores over the taller Daffodils, with Gladioli, Tritomas, and giant Daffodils, Hepaticas, and autumnblooming and spring- blooming Cyclamens, with Scillas and Snowdrops. When Anemone japonica is low, up come the taller Tulips, sylvestris for instance, and higher still out of the dark green leaves come the bejewelled Crown Imperials. As for the cultural advantages, I can imagine this system in the hands of a skilful gardener to be the best of all. In the first place, the plants suffer much less from drought, because there is so much less surface exposed to sun and wind. Examine, not right under the root, but under the spreading part of a Mignonette, and see if, on a broiling hot day, the ground is not much cooler and moister than on the bare ground. Irises are almost the only plants I know of that do require the soil bare about their rootstocks, but then Irises are a carpet of green always, and a few clumps of Tiger Lilies or Tiger Irises will not seriously injure their flowering prospects. And what cannot be done with an herbaceous border edge when that edge is the green Grass ? Crocuses and Crocuses all the autumn and winter and spring in the Grass. The tiniest Scillas, and Hyacinths, and Daffodils, and Snowdrops are leading into the border without any break. So I believe, and I think many others will believe by and by, that every bulbous plant ought to be grown in combination with something else, as Amaryllis Belladonna, for instance, which I plant with Arum italicum pictum. In spring the Arum comes up extremely early, and its leaves protect the far more delicate leaves of the Amaryllis till they are growing freely and the Arum dies down. The ground is surfaced with Violets, so that the Belladonnas are now coming into bloom, not with the bare ground but with a setting of Violet leaves in beautiful contrast with their pink blossoms. Christmas Roses of all kinds would probably be a more beautiful setting still, but the Belladonnas want a good deal of summer drying up, which the Hellebores could not stand so well. WE CAN NEVER GO BACK to the mixed border of our ancestors ; we have been spoilt for such blank, flowerless spaces as they had by the gorgeousness of bedding out. But we have now a wealth of hardy plants, especially bulbs, which they never had, and this combination of bulbous plants and herbaceous plants will certainly lead to a preparation of the borders which has been hardly dreamt of by people who do not care what they spend on tropical flowers ; for it seems to be forgotten that we have Irises as big as a plate and Lilies as tall as a tree, all hardy and requiring little attention when once they have been properly planted. The time that used to be spent year after year in digging acres of borders might now be spent in properly making or re-making a few yards of border, till the whole outdoor borders are as exactly suited for the growth of plants to the uttermost perfection-as many as possible being put in the given space-as the borders of a large conservatory. It is in such a border as this that we attain the utmost variety, unceasingly beautiful, every yard different, every week varying, holding on its surface at least three times the value of plant life and successional plant beauty of any ordinary garden. The chief enemy to the system is the slug ; but while the Belladonna Delphinium, which is usually half eaten by slugs in most gardens, grows 6 feet high with me, I am not going to give up my system. What could be more delightful in a formal garden, even right against the house, than a good mixed border ?-not a stiff collection of staked plants, but a well- stored and well- formed border, filled in autumn with Carnations and Picotees, as well as Stocks, white BORDERS, BEDS, AND GROUPS OF HARDY FLOWERS. 89 Lilies, and Christmas roses, and in spring with Daffodils and all the rest of the flowers that in olden times used to adorn these gardens, as well as those we have now. In the garden at Penshurst Place, for example, there is a raised walk on a terrace above the main garden-a walk alongside of and sheltered by a high wall. Here is the very place for a mixed border, and, accordingly, one has been made there. A noble border of the finer shrubs, with flowers between them, would grace the fairest house or garden yet made. One of the prettiest garden borders I know is against a small house. Instead of the walk coming near the windows, a bed of Flowers at the window without intervening walk. choice shrubs, varying from 9 feet to 15 feet in width, is against the house. Nothing in this border grows high enough to intercept the view, but it is just high enough to hide the walk beyond it . Looking out of the windows on the ground floor, you see the foliage and bloom of the border, but not the walk, and the eye reaches a green lawn beyond. Among the shrubs are tall Evening Primroses, and Lilies, and Meadow Sweets, and tall blue Larkspurs, which after the early shrubs have flowered peer above their leaves. This is an example of the mixed border of choice shrubs which we talked of in connection with beds. The ground is always furnished, and the effect is good, even in winter. Let no one imagine, however, that 90 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. this system can be carried out without thought, and taste, and labour. Any one can change into work that will last for years much of the profitless labour spent over a large area for a temporary aim ; but any economy possible with tender plants is even more practicable with hardy ones, for we can dispense with the whole of the pot-and-kettle business, glass, coal, etc.-even smoke ! Digging, in this system, is to be abolished entirely. The beds or borders should be thoroughly prepared, and the things wanted carefully planted. We have afterwards simply to keep the soil wholly free from weeds, and all cultivation must be in the form of surface dressing in autumn or spring. Only when the ground gets worn out, or some portion of it, owing to the excessive growth of a vigorous plant, wants to be replanted and re-enriched, should we take up the whole again. To prevent the effect of bare earth the whole surface should be covered with " ground plants," delicate things like Rockfoil or Stonecrops, and many others from the hills, which spread over the surface, and frequently give bloom in spring. From these rise the groups of taller plants. Part of the common system in mixed arrangements is to repeat a favourite flower at intervals everywhere. The best way is to group enough of any one plant in one or two places, so as to fully express its character, and then be done with it. Besides other advantages this would give us different aspects of vegetation as we passed along the border : Primroses, Cowslips, Bluebells come in tangible, visible masses which we can see and enjoy. Occasionally they are mixed, as our groups in the border might be mixed, but they are not mixed in the common way of dotting fifty different things in a few yards' space. We may have artistic and succeeding mixtures without adopting a muddle mixture, which spoils the whole border. By grouping things we can see better what each subject is doing, and there is less fear of ignorant workmen destroying the plants than when a great number of kinds are dotted about promiscuously, with or without labels. This artistic system need not prevent us from growing single specimens in a special border, or a collection for increase in nursery beds. We might pass on from this to beautiful plants like Yucca and Acanthus, which are so full of character that they might stand by themselves without any aid or arrangement, but enough has been said to explode the notion that all our fair garden flowers must be grown in obscure borders, where they may be robbed by tree roots and be ill-treated and forgotten, and to show how in one way at least we may fully enjoy them in any flower garden. Besides beautiful borders and groups we have the possibilities of beds varying in beauty and interest, from evergreen beds like Yuccas afrom phtograph Engraved .flowers hardy ofgrouping effect ,showing Green Hall atgrden inthe Delphiniums ofBorder 92 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. and Hellebores, so fine in winter, to the many bright combinations of bulbs in early summer. EVERGREEN BORDERS OF HARDY FLOWERS.-The plants of the older kind of mixed border were-like the Grasses of the meadows of the northern world-stricken to the earth by winter, and the border was not nearly so pretty then as the withered Grass of the plain or copse. But since the revival of interest in hardy and Alpine flowers and the many introductions of recent years, we have a great number of beautiful plants that are evergreen in winter and that enable us to make evergreen borders. The great white blanket that covers the north and many mountain ranges in winter protects also for months many Alpine plants which do not lose their leaves in winter, such as Rockfoils, Stonecrops, Primroses, Gentians, and Christmas Roses. The most delicate of Alpine plants suffer when exposed to our winter from excitement of growth, to which they are not exposed in their own home, but many others do not mind our winters much, and it is easy by good choice of plants to make delightful borders wholly or in greater part evergreen. These are not only good as evergreens, but they are delightful in colour, many being beautiful in flower in spring, and having also the charm of assuming their most refreshing green just when other plants are dying in autumn. Along with these rock and herbaceous plants we may group a great many shrublets that come almost between the true shrub and the Alpine flower-little woody evergreen creeping things like the dwarf Partridge Berry, Canadian Cornel, hardy Heaths, Sand Myrtles, and the Thymes. Among these various plants we have plenty of material for making evergreen borders, and this is important, as, while many might object to the bare earth of the ordinary border of herbaceous plants near the house or in other favourite spots, it is different with borders of evergreen plants, which may be charming and natural in effect throughout the year. It is not essential that borders should be entirely devoted to evergreen plants in order to get their good effects, as many of them, like the dwarf Rocky Mountain Phloxes and the evergreen Candytufts, make pretty dwarf edgings and masses, which vary or fringe ordinary mixed borders in a pretty way. Of garden pictures, there are few prettier than Crocus, Snowdrops, or Scilla coming through the green , Moss-like carpets in these evergreen borders, far prettier to those who love quiet and natural colour than more showy effects. Often narrow evergreen borders are the best things that can be placed at the foot of important walls (meant for climbers), as the way of allowing Grass to go right up to the walls is a foolish one, and often leads to injury to the wall trees. A narrow border ( 18 inches will do), cut off with a natural stone edging from BORDERS, BEDS, AND GROUPS OF HARDY FLOWERS. 93 the Grass or walk, is best : even a border of this size may have many lovely things, from early Cyclamen to the rarer Meadow Saffrons in the autumn. Besides the flowers already named, we have Violets, Periwinkles, Yuccas, Carnations, Pinks, white Rock Cress, Barrenworts, charming in foliage, purple Rock Cresses, Omphalodes, Iris, Evergreen hardy flowers in waste corner. Acanthus, Indian and other Strawberries, Houseleeks, Thymes, Forget-me-nots, Sandworts, Gentianella, Lavender, Rosemary, hardy Rock Roses, and many native and other hardy evergreen Ferns in all their fine variety ; these are an essential aid in the making of evergreen borders. CHAPTER VI. THE RESERVE AND CUT-FLOWER GARDENS. HARDY FLOWERS. NOTHING is more unfortunate in gardens than the way in which plants of all kinds are huddled together without any fitness for association in stature, in time of blooming, or in needs of culture. The common scene of confusion is the shrubbery border, into which Carnations, annuals, Alpine flowers, and rampant herbs are often thrown, to dwindle and perish. There is no shrubbery border that could not be made beautiful by carpeting it with wood and copse plants of the northern world in broad masses and groups. But many of our favourite flowers are not wood plants, and many-for example, Carnations cannot maintain the struggle against the bushes and trees. Another series of vigorous perennials require isolation if we want their fullest beauty, say the Lilies, Irises, and Pæonies. The Lilies and Irises will certainly do among bushes, the best of which are those called American, which thrive best in peat soil. Their chances in the common shrubbery with its coarse rooting plants and bushes are very different. Of all causes which tend to make the garden unsatisfactory, this inconsiderate placing of many things along the fringes of the garden-grove or shrubbery is the chief. Hardy plants should be divided into two broad series at least those which thrive in and near woody growth, and those which must perish there. The Solomon's Seal and the blue Apennine Anemone are types of plants that one may grow in any shady place : Carnation , Pink, Auricula represent the flowers which must have good soil away from tree roots. Among hardy flowers there are, in fact, two sets -one set which require care and good culture, full sun and air ; another which will almost take care of themselves in any soil. THE RESERVE AND CUT-FLOWER GARDEN-HARDY FLOWERS. 95 One good plan that all can follow is the growing of various lovely plants for their own sakes, without heed to their place in any design, but not in any kind of " mixed border " or in other mixed arrangements. The common way is to put almost every choice plant in the mixed border, but this very often means losing it. Many important families of hardy flowers are worthy of special culture, and no good result can be obtained without it. Whether we grow Carnations, Pinks, Pansies, Phloxes, Lilies, Stocks, double Wallflowers, Cloves, or tall scarlet Lobelias, in every case they ought to have separate attention. Even an annual, such as the Rhodanthe, Portion of bed of White Trumpet Lily (Lilium Longiflorum). or a beautiful Grass, it is not easy to succeed with unless it has a fair chance, away from the confusion of the ordinary flower border. This special culture of favourite flowers is possible either in the beds of the flower garden or in a plot of ground set aside for square beds of the choicer flowers. A good way is to have a piece of ground in or near the kitchen garden or any other open position , sheltered, but not shaded. Such ground should be treated as a market gardener would treat it-well enriched, and open. It can be thrown into four-foot beds, but in this case the little pathways need not be gravelled or edged : they may simply be marked out with the feet. With the aid of such a division of the garden, the cultivation of many fine hardy plants becomes a pleasure. Well furnished, such a garden is a delight. 96 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . When the things get tired of the soil, or require a change, it is easy to have a rotation, making the Carnation bed of past years the bulb one for the next year, and so on. It would be easy to change one's favourites from year to year, so that richly feeding plants should follow those of a surface- rooting kind, and thus the freshness of the garden would be kept up. It is better to see ground covered with flowering plants than devoted to edgings and gravel. If any edging is used, it should be of thin stone sunk in the earth, as natural stone edgings are not offensive, troublesome, or costly. The abolition of all edgings, beyond one or two main lines through the plot, would tend to more careful culture, as the whole spot could be so readily attended to. Such a plot would be excellent for all who wish to cut flowers in quantity, and also a great aid as a nursery. It would also be a help to exchanges with friends or neighbours, in the generous way of all true gardeners. The space occupied by such an arrangement depends upon the size and wants of the place ; but, wherever the room can be spared, an eighth of an acre might be devoted to the culture in simple beds of favourite flowers, and even the smallest garden should have a small plot of this kind. WHAT TO GROW IN THE RESERVE GARDEN. -Among the fair flowers which in this way may be cultivated, each separately and well, are the delightful old Clove Carnations-white, crimson, and scarlet, as well as the various mixed and named races of the same family ; the tall and graceful Phloxes, so fair in country gardens in the autumn ; the scarlet Lobelias, splendid in colour ; Pinks of many kinds, white and coloured, and hybrid ; pretty Persian and Turban Ranunculus ; bright old garden Anemones, and the finer species of Anemone, like the scarlet A. fulgens ; Lilies, commencing with the beautiful old white Lily, and as many as possible of the splendid species introduced into our gardens within the past dozen years from California and Japan ; the tall perennial Delphiniums or perennial Larkspurs, with their spikes of lovely blue ; the old double Rockets ; beautiful Irises, English, Spanish, Japanese, and German ; Pansies in great variety, the old Tiger Flowers ; the beautiful races of Columbine, including the lovely A. coerulea of the Rocky Mountains and the golden Columbine of the same region ; the blue African Lily in various forms, and with it the Belladonna Lily ; Pyrethrums, showy and varied ; Verbenas, which may be raised from seed during the current year ; Chinese Pinks, rich in colour, large, and finely fringed ; the old garden Scabious ; the blue Cornflower, one of our most precious things ; Sweet Williams ; Stocks of many kinds ; Wallflowers, double and single ; the annual Phlox, which has now broken into a fine series of different colours ; Zinnias, which, if grown as grown abroad-that is to say, well and singly grown-are very fine THE RESERVE AND CUT-FLOWER GARDENS-HARDY FLOWERS. 97 in colour and sometimes as large as Dahlias ; China Asters, quilled and others ; the Sweet Sultan, in two or three forms ; showy tricolour Chrysanthemums ; Grasses of the more useful kinds, suitable for cutting in winter ; Grape Hyacinths ; Narcissus in choice variety ; Meadow Saffrons, pretty in the autumn ; Lilies of the Valley, of which a variety of kinds are now coming into cultivation, differing in length and size of raceme ; Crocuses, the autumnal as well as the vernal kinds ; the hardy Cyclamens, which are at home on the mountains of Europe and hardy in our own gardens ; Dahlias, double and single ; Evening Primroses ; Pæonies, in splendid variety ; Primroses, double and single, of many kinds ; Pentstemon, graceful autumn flowers ; Polyanthus, richly coloured vigorous kinds, for borders ; Oxlips ; Christmas Roses in bed in reserve garden. Tulips, many early and late kinds ; Sweet Violets ; American Cowslips ; Gladioli, stately flowers of autumn ; Christmas Roses ; and, lastly, Everlasting Flowers, which may be grown with the Grasses, and, like them, be gathered for the house in winter. All these fair flowers deserve special care in the smallest garden, and should not be trusted to the too often ill-tended and ill -cultivated slips called "mixed borders." We have an example at Munstead of what is meant in the preceding passages by a reserve garden. As may be seen from the plan, it consists of an oblong piece of ground having the walls of the kitchen garden for two of its boundaries, and a Yew hedge sheltering it from the east winds, while the other is screened by trees and shrubs, with which are intermingled hardy plants of tall growth. The plants are H 98 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . set in beds without reference to the general effect, and all the borders being edged with stone dug on the place, give no trouble after the stones are properly set ; when old and moss-grown the stones look better than anything else that could be used-the dwarfer plants being allowed to run over them and break the lines. Every year the plan of such a garden may be varied as our tastes vary and as the flowers want change. A similar garden ought to be in every place where there are borders to be stocked and maintained in good condition, and particularly where there is a demand for cut flowers. 66 In these special gardens for hardy flowers are included the various. hardy flowers of florists. The term florists' flowers " was once applied to flowers supposed to be popular with amateurs and florists , but it had never any clear meaning. A Rose is above all a florist's flower ; but it is more-it is everybody's flower, and we call it a Rose, and have no use for any other term. Flowers are for all who see. The reserve garden is the best place to grow flowers for cutting. People who love flowers will have them on their tables, even in London ; but, considering the opportunities for the growth of hardy and beautiful flowers which the dwellers in the country have, it is surprising that they do not more frequently use them in the house. Bringing the fair forms of many beautiful flowers near is the best way to make converts. The enemy in the way of plenty of cut flowers has hitherto been the gardener. But the poor fellow was confined in his cutting operations to glass houses, which he naturally wished to have gay. A supply equal to that of a dozen plant houses can be got from an open square in the kitchen garden or any piece of good ground. For eight months there is a continual progress of open- air flowers, which can easily be grown in sufficient quantity to allow the cutting of plenty for every want. A bed or a few lines of each favourite in a patch of good soil would give a great number of flowers, and these, aided by the Roses and other bush and tree flowers about the garden, would yield all the flowers that the largest house would require, and many besides for hospitals and for those who have no garden. Flowers grown for cutting should be carefully selected as regards odour, form , and colour. The gardener should do all he can to carry out an idea tending so much to enhance the resources of his art, and to give people pleasure at home. The smallest country place can afford a spot of ground to grow flowers for cutting. In large gardens this should be made a feature, and it would be enjoyed for its beauty as much as is the flower garden. From this and the general open garden collections-the woods, hedgerows, and copses-every charm offlower life might be gathered for the house. Here flowers, the most YEW HEDGE Wall ofRoses Tea border with front inGladioli for Belladonna ,Lilles Vaiota Agapanthus Lilies and other Bulbs Seat : PEONIES AND DAHLIAS The Dahlias preceeded by Wallflowers. {SCILLAS HYACINTHS MIGNONETTE RANUNCULUS ZINNIA MUSCARI TIGRIDIA DAFFODILS PHLOX SNAPDRAGON PINKS DRUMMONDI IRIS LILIES SWEET WILLIAMS EARLY GLADIOLUS DOUBLE ROCKET PHLOX SWEET SULTAN CARNATIONS ALSTROMERIA BLUE CORNFLOWER SCHIZOSTYLIS SALVIA PATENS PENTSTEMON PYRETHRUM AMERICAN COWSLIPS LATE GLADIOLUS COLUMBINES DELPHINIUM TULIPS CHINA SPRING CROCUS ( STOCKS (ANEMONES GRASSES LASTERS PANSY DOUBLE WALLFLOWERS LILIES SCARLET LOBELIA FRITILLARIES CYCLAMENS DOUBLE PRIMROSES COLCHICUMS POLYANTHUS AUTUMN CROCUS DOGS TOOTH VIOLET HEPATICA CHRISTMAS ROSE ALEXANDRIAN LAUREL JAPAN ANEMONES VIOLETS ALPINE AURICULAS Seat SHRUBS AND TREES W Reserve garden for the choicer families of hardy plants, grown in beds without reference to general effect, and serving also as a garden for cut flowers and a nursery. PERENNIALS IN GROUPS FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES S 100 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. choice and elegant in form, should be brought near the eye, not in coarse, unconsidered jumbles, but each bunch placed where it would look best, and in such a quantity as best to show its form. GARDENS OF ONE FLOWER. Branching away naturally, so to say, from the reserve garden, with flowers in formal and close masses, we may have for a variety of reasons gardens of one hardy flower and its forms, for the purpose of studying a family or adding to it by collecting or cross-breeding. Such gardens may now and then arise from the difficulty of cultivating a flower, as was the case of this most charming garden of the lovely forms of our native Primrose formed by a friend of mine, who thus describes it :— "A PRIMROSE GARDEN. -No flower better deserves a garden to itself than the Primrose. It is so old a favourite, and has been cultivated into so many forms, that any one determined to have a Primrose garden may choose the kind he likes best, and set to work accordingly. There are the single- stalked Primroses, the earliest of all, flowering from the middle of March onwards, while some may be had in bloom as soon as the end of February. They range in colour from pure white to deep primrose, and from palest pinky- lilac through strong red-purples to a colour nearly approaching blue, and there are also rich reds of many shades. There is not as yet any Primrose of a true pink colour, nor, though the type colour is yellow, are there as yet any strong yellows of the orange class. There are also double Primroses in nearly all the same colourings. The florist's Polyanthus, with its neat trusses of small flowers, though beautiful in the hand and indispensable in the good garden of hardy flowers, is not a plant for the Primrose garden, as it makes no show in the mass. The grand Primroses for garden effect are the large bunch- flowered kinds, white, yellow, and orange- coloured, red, crimson, and rich brown ; of infinite. variety in form, texture, habit, and colouring, easy to raise to any amount by seed, as also by division of the older plants. A Primrose garden (part of which is here illustrated), that for some years has been an ever-increasing source of pleasure and interest to its owners, was formed a few years ago by making a cutting about 70 yards long, and varying from 10 yards to 15 yards wide, through a wild copse of Birch trees. The natural soil was very poor and young sandy, so it was prepared by a thorough trenching and a liberal addition of loam and manure, which has to be renewed every year. No formal walks are made, but one main track is trodden down about 2 feet wide near the middle of the space, dividing into two here Primrose garden insmall clearing wood Surrey .A 102 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. and there, where a broader clearing makes it desirable to have two paths in the width. The older divided plants are put into groups of a colour together, from twenty to fifty of a sort. The groups of seedlings are of necessity more various, though they are more or less true to the parent colour, so that a patch of a hundred seedlings -from yellows, for instance-will give a general effect of yellow throughout the group. The whites and yellows are kept at one end of the garden, and the reds at the other ; the deepest yellows next to the reds. Seen from a little distance, the yellow and white part ofthe Primrose garden looks like a river of silver and gold flowing through the copse. The white stems of the Birches and the tender green of their young leaves help to form a pretty picture, which is at its best when the whole is illuminated by the evening sunlight." The question has been much discussed whether it is best to sow Primrose seed as soon as it is ripe, or to keep it over till March in the next year. Such strong opinions have been expressed on both sides, and by such trustworthy writers, that one can only conclude that each way is the best in its own place. Both have been tried in connection with the Primrose garden above described, where the seed sown the next March answers much the best. It may therefore be assumed that this is the way that suits seedlings for a light soil ; whereas the sowing as soon as ripe is right on heavier ground, where the plants may also stand two years without division. Hardy Plants for Reserve Garden and for Cutting Flowers. For convenience, a list of the plants suited for such a garden is here supplied. The amateur will bear in mind the distinction between plants which repay, and require special culture, and those which thrive anywhere. Carnations, white, crimson, and scarlet Selfs and mixed and named sorts Phloxes Lobelia cardinalis ( Scarlet Lobelia) Clove Pinks, and named sorts Double Rockets Iris, finer kinds Pansies Alstroemeria ( Herb Lily) Tigridia (Tiger- flower) Columbines, fine varieties and species Agapanthus, the various kinds ( African Lily) Amaryllis (hardy), Belladonna and Ackermanni Pyrethrum Schizostylis coccinea ( Caffre Lily) Vallota purpurea ( Scarboro' Lily) Verbenas Chinese Pinks Scabious Blue Cornflower Sweet Williams Stocks Double Wallflowers Tricolor Chrysanthemums THE RESERVE AND CUT-FLOWER GARDENS- HARDY FLOWERS. 103 Grape Hyacinth, finer and rarer kinds Grasses, the more graceful kinds, such as the Brizas, Bromus brizæformis, Panicum capillare, Agrostis nebulosa, and others Phlox Drummondi Zinnias Sweet Sultan in var. Ranunculus (Persian and Turban) Anemone, garden varieties and the finer species Lilies Delphiniums ( Larkspurs) Narcissus, finer and rare kinds, till plentiful enough to spare for scattering in Grass or borders China Asters in various classes Campanula, finer kinds for cutting Chrysanthemums (to flower in open garden) Meadow Saffrons ( Colchicum) Lilies Crinum capense in vars. (Cape Lily) Crocus, newer and rare species Cyclamen, hardy species Hardy Orchids, the finer kinds Dahlia, double, single, bouquet, and fancy Pæconies, in great variety Pentstemon Primroses Polyanthus Oxlips Tulips, vars. and species American Cowslips Violets Dog's-tooth Violets Gaillardia Gladiolus ( Sword Lily) Everlasting flowers for gathering-Rho danthe, Helichrysum, Acroclinium , Gnaphalium orientale Helleborus, finer species and varieties GARDENING C CHAPTER VII. ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL PLANTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. AMONG the beautiful things which " carpet-bedding " put aside were the good annuals and like plants which once formed such pretty Bed of " China Asters " : showing effect of well-grown annual plants in garden. beds in the flower garden. While it is not well to depend too much on annuals or biennials, not a few are indispensable, like Stocks, where they can be grown. Some are neglected, like the Rhodanthe, grown as an open-air flower, while many are badly grown, like the Zinnia, as a ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL PLANTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. 105 rule in England. Some, like the Corn- flower, Sweet Sultan, Sweet Pea, Scabious, are charming for cutting ; others are good for trellis- work, and others for surfaces we wish to adorn with pretty climbers, such as Canary Creeper, Maurandya, Adlumia, Gourds, Convolvulus ; some are even plants of good foliage and habit, such as the Castor- oil - plant, the Hemp, the crisp Mallow, the annual Wormwood Indian Corn, Cotton Thistle, Blessed Thistle, Olympian Mullein. In wet seasons and in wet northern districts annuals surprise us by their vigour and beauty. In warmer counties, the effect of the heat may in the case of the hardy kinds be met by autumn-sowing in good rich ground. The autumn sowings are the best. The plants not only flower much sooner, but, where the soil and climate suit them, they are stronger and more beautiful. The reason why they are so often seen in poor condition is that they are sown on hungry soil and are crowded. Concerning these, "Salmoniceps " writes " I have just measured a plant to- day (October 4) of Nemophila insignis, sown more than a year ago. It has been in flower since May, and measures now 4 feet by 3 feet 10 inches. Double Hollyhock. It would take a long time to count the blossoms, although they are not so large as the earlier ones. The plant grows in a new and rich border. Accord- 106 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ing to the ordinary way of sowing annuals, this single plant occupies the space which is usually allotted to a whole packet of seed." All the grown kinds are mentioned in the alphabetical part of this work, and their cultivation is given. It would be interesting to see what a good gardener could do with annuals, considering the requirements of each kind and sowing it at the season likely to get the best and longest bloom. In nature, annuals are usually autumn sown and gather strength in the winter, no matter how small the growth. In growing a number of annuals from various countries we must remember that our winters can be faced by the hardy ones only, such as the Sweet Pea, Corn-flower, Silene, Nemophila, Viscaria, Limnanthes, Larkspur, Poppy, and Scabious. Annuals are best in masses or groups. They are never perhaps so full of colour and beauty as on an old rich vine border. In the course of alterations the soil has often to remain unplanted for a time ; and this should be taken advantage of for annuals. While some annuals may show colour for only a short season, others are among our most fragrant and beautiful plants. HALF-HARDY PLANTS TREATED AS ANNUALS. -It is not every one who has the space or means to provide and winter a large number of tender bedding plants. No matter how favourable the situation, the keeping of a large stock involves a good deal of trouble, and takes up space that might be better occupied . But a garden may be made very gay in summer and autumn with seedlings alone, and without keeping or purchasing a single plant. In seedlings there may be differences in habit and colour, but to many people this will be no objection ; and there are a few plants which come from seed true to the type through many generations, like Verbena venosa, one of the best and most pleasing of hardy bedding or border plants. We have raised many thousands from seed, and never saw any variation. Another is Salvia patens. Like the Verbena, it should be sown on a hotbed early in spring, in order to get it into early flower. Lobelias of the speciosa race come fairly true from seed. Can anything, again, as a mixed bed be more effective than a mass of seedling Petunias ? The colours are not harsh, but soft and pleasing. Seedling Verbenas make a handsome bed ; and for a large bed, where the soil is good, few things are superior to the double Zinnias, which can be had in various colours, and separately if desired. Balsams, again, are not half so much used for open- air decoration as they deserve to be. Those who have only seen them starving in small pots cannot form an idea of their beauty when planted out in good open soil, away from trees. Among yellow- flowering plants, the small single form of White Foxglove. RLET. Engraved from a photograph by H. Hyde of a self-sown plant in shrubbery at Gravetye Manor. 108 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. Tagetes signata pumila is useful, but it is not equal to the double variety, which makes a handsome bed. For large beds or back positions in borders, the lemon and orange varieties of the African Marigold are very lasting and showy. The dwarf kinds of Ageratum, if selected and saved with care, may be raised in a gentle heat, and, with a little management, very effective masses may be easily had in summer. The tuberous Begonias form a good feature in sheltered positions ; they will display all the colours of the Pelargonium without liability to be washed out by rain, and they require no expensive preparation to keep them through the winter. Take the large family of Violas, in almost all shades of purple, yellow, and white. Now that selection and fertilisation have so much improved them, varieties may be raised in the early spring for bedding out the same summer. This applies especially to such plants as the Verbena and Pansy, Pelargonium, Pyrethrum, Salvia patens, S. argentea, Heliotrope, and Antirrhinum, which should be sown in heat in January, much as the Verbena already described ; to the Petunia, Phlox Drummondi, Dianthus, Indian Pink, Ageratum, and Lobelia, which in February should be sown in pans in heat, and, if kept growing, will be ready for planting out in May. Begonias for bedding may be grown from seed in the same year, but are much more effective if raised during the preceding year, selected according to colour, and stored in winter ready for bedding out early in summer. Fuchsias sown in January flower well in August. Of fine-foliaged plants adapted for bedding and which can be raised from seed, there are the useful Amaranthus, Celosia, Centaurea, Cineraria maritima, and Humea. There are many other fine- leaved plants, such as Canna, Chamæpeuce, Nicotiana, Ricinus, Solanum, and Wigandia. If we were not so accustomed to depend on cuttings stored over the winter, we could make a display with seedling plants alone. If seedling Fuchsias may be grown to the flowering stage during the current year, there can be scarcely any difficulty in getting a large stock of other seedling plants for the open garden. The cleanliness of this plan would be a great gain. Old plants harbour through the winter the eggs of vermin always ready to eat up the collection if it is neglected for a week. But, starting with thoroughly clean houses and frames, and with seeds in early spring, the gardener could make a better fight against his many insect enemies. As regards the plants one would like to raise in this way, a point to desire is that seedsmen should select and fix distinct colours of different races of plants. It would not be difficult to select a bluish or purple Verbena which one might count on as coming pretty true from seed. We have so much relied upon cuttings and old plants , that the raising of seedlings in robust health has never had fair ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL PLANTS FOR FLOWER GARDEN. 109 attention. We know that everybody raises some seeds, but few give the early thinning, the perfect exposure to light, the sturdy growth, and the unchecked culture that seedlings require. They usually get little space and less care. Acroclinium Cosmidium Adlumia Cosmos Ageratum Crepis Agrostemma Cuphea Alonsoa Datura Alyssum Delphinium Amaranthus Dianthus Some of the more important Families of Annual and Biennial Flowers for the Flower Garden. Leptosiphon Leptosyne Limnanthes Linaria Platystemon Podolepis Polygonum Portulaca Pyrethrum Rhodanthe Ricinus Linum Loasa Lobelia Amberboa Didiscus Lophospermum Salpiglossis Ammobium Digitalis Lupin Salvia Anagallis Erysimum Maize Saponaria Antirrhinum Erythræa Malope Arctotis Eschscholtzia Malva Argemone Eucharidium Martynia Scabious Schizanthus Schizopetalon Artemisia Eutoca Maurandya Senecio Bartonia Gaillardia Mesembryan- Silene Begonia Gilia themum Solanum Boerkhausia Glaucium Mignonette Sorghum Brachycome Godetia Mimulus Specularia Calandrinia Gourds Mirabilis Calceolaria Grasses Myosotis Calendula Gypsophila Nemesia Calliopsis Hedysarum Nemophila Campanula Helichrysum Nicotiana Cannabis Heliophila Nigella Cape Marigold Hesperis Catananche Hibiscus Celosia Hollyhock Celsia Iberis Onopordon Centranthus Impatiens Nolana Nycterinia Enothera Oxalis rosea Sphenogyne Stenactis Sweet Peas Sweet William Tagetes Tropæolum Verbascum Verbena Viola Stocks Virginia Stock Cheiranthus Ionopsidium Oxyura China Aster Ipomæa Papaver Viscaria Waitzia Chrysanthemum Ipomopsis Petunia Whitlavia Clarkia Isotoma Phacelia Zea Clintonia Kaulfussia Pharbitis Convolvulus Lasthenia Phlox Zeranthemum Zinnia Coreopsis Lavatera מקום CHAPTER VIII. HARDY BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS FLOWERS, AND THEIR GARDEN USE. AT no distant time lists of these things were mostly looked at for the sake of setting a few bulbs to force, but that day is past, at least, for all who now see the great part which hardy bulbous and tuberous plants must take in the outdoor gardens of the future. Since these days the hills of California and of Japan alone have given us a noble lily garden, and the plants of this order in cultivation now form a lovely host. We are not nearly so likely to want novelties as knowledge of how to make effective use of the nobler plants, such as the Narcissus, the glory of the spring, as the Lily is of the summer garden. We may indeed be often tempted with Zephyr flowers, and Ixias and other plants, beautiful in warmer countries than ours, but delicate here, and only living with us as the result of care which is quite needless, as there are so many lovely things from the mountains and plains of the northern world, and from the mountains in all parts, as hardy as the wild Hyacinths of British woods, so that our search will be more for the nobler materials and how to make artistic use of them than in quest of novelty as such. LILIES. It would be fair to begin with the Snowdrop, but we will take the plants in the order of their value ; and, having regard to past service and the present beauty of the Lilies, they should take the first place among hardy bulbs. Who of those who remember the Orange and White Lilies of all English and Irish gardens would have looked for the splendid Lilies that have come to us within less than a generation ? For size, and form, and lovely colour they surpass all we had ever dreamt of even among tropical flowers. The variety is so great that a volume would be required to describe them ; the catalogues give us many of their names. The main thing for all who Group of Giant Indian Lily in half-shady place (Surrey). 112 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. care for them is how to possess their beauty with the least amount of care and disappointment ; and, happily, the question has been solved for many handsome kinds by planting them in the peat beds that were made at first wholly in the interest of the American shrubs. Some of the finest Lilies thrive admirably in these, and by adding here and there deep leaf- mould, rotten cow manure, and the like other kinds may be grown, for some Lilies thrive best in such soil. Nor need we neglect the mixed borders because we have new ways for our Lilies, as several of the European Lilies thrive perfectly in ordinary borders. They may be naturalised too, or some of them, in deep moist peat bottoms ; for example, the American swamp Lily ( L. superbum). The mania for draining everything might even lead to evil in the case of some Lilies which inhabit the cold northern woods, and which do with a very different degree of moisture from that required by the Lilies of California, where the soil in summer is as road dust on a dry hill in summer. Lilies are so varied in their nature and stature that they may adorn almost any aspect in sun or shade. The new and rare among them will have special beds or borders, and we have Lily men or even Lily maniacs who will have Lily gardens. And as these lovely flowers tumble into our lap, as it were, from the woods and hills of Western China, Japan, and California, untouched by man until he found them made to his hand a few years ago, it is reasonable to suppose that some of them would take care of themselves, if trusted in likely spots, with us. I put some of the Panther Lily deep in a leafy hollow in a Sussex wood, just to see if it would survive in such conditions. Whether owing to a series of cold wet seasons and the want of the glorious sun of the hills in Nevada County, California, where I found it, we know not, but after the first season it did not come up. I thought no more of it, but a friend going into the same wood some years afterwards found a colony of it in bloom. So that we must not always cry out if Lilies do not come up, as they have a way of resting for a year now and then. NARCISSUS. Next to the Lily in value as an outdoor flower is the Narcissus, though when we know the Iris better it may find a high place. But the wondrous development of the garden forms of Narcissus during recent years, and its fitness for our climate, give it great value. Mountain plants in origin, for the most part they are as hardy as riverside rushes-the few southern forms that will only live in dry banks and at the foot of warm walls need not concern us who look for the pictures we may get from the Narcissi in the open air. We have not to ask where the Narcissi will grow, as there are few places they will not grow in with the usual garden culture, and in some cool, loamy soils they take to the turf as ducks to water. Hence it is easy HARDY BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS FLOWERS. 113 on many soils to have a spring garden of Narcissi, naturally grouped and massed, set in turf, and giving us many flowers for the house as well as pictures in lawn and meadow. The chief want in this way is that the bulb growers should offer the best hardy sorts for the wild. garden by the thousand at low rates, so as to allow of Narcissi wild gardening in a bold artistic way in pleasure grounds, woods, and fields. These precious early flowers will also have their place in the garden for cut flowers or the nursery bed, where the many new forms of Narcissi raised in England must take their place until plentiful . We already have our Narcissi men and women in Ireland and Scotland, as well as in England, for the true hardiness of the flower allows of its being enjoyed in all parts of these scattered islands, from Scilly, where it is grown in quantities for the markets, to the north of Scotland. In Ireland the Narcissus is at home, and there are excellent collections in the College Botanic Gardens at Dublin and also at Glasnevin, while there is a very well-grown one at Cork, and Miss Currie, of Lismore, grows many of the most precious kinds. In old days the white Narcissi grown in the gardens spread here and there into orchards and fields, and so it happens that now we have to seek in Ireland some of the graceful white Narcissi. IRIS. The Iris is one of the oldest of our garden flowers, in many forms too, but, like the Lily, it has come to us in greater novelty and beauty of recent years, and as districts in Central Asia and Asia Minor are opened to collectors, we must have our Iris gardens too. And what so fair as an Iris garden ? Orchids of the north, many as hardy as reeds, and with more richness of colour than Orchids. The old Irises of our gardens are usually of the Germanica class, and there is much variety among these groups, and they are very hardy and precious, and excellent for the adornment of gardens and even walls and thatched roofs, as we see in France, the Iris of this great group having a valuable power of thriving on such surfaces as well as on good soil. There is a group of waterside and water- loving Iris, much less seen in our gardens than the above, and some of them not yet come to us, of great value. They are allied to the common yellow Iris of our watercourses, but are taller and richer in colour, the golden Iris (Aurea), Monnieri, and Ochroleuca being the best known so far, and very free, hardy, and beautiful plants they are, thriving, too, almost anywhere, best in rich, moist soil . And we have the distinct gain of the splendid Japanese Iris, in its many strange forms, the Japanese surpassing all waterside Irises in its wide range of colour, most beautiful perhaps in its simple forms, white and purple. This plant, though its beauty suggests that of the tropics, will grow side by side with our great water dock by any lake side, or even in a clay ditch, where the I 114 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. coarsest weeds only live. The Siberian Iris and the forms near it are very graceful beside streams or ponds, either in open or copsy places, and far more graceful and charming in such positions than in set borders. All these water-loving Irises will do for the wild garden in bold groups when we can spare them. Then there are the brilliant purple and gold Iris reticulata and its allies, little bulbous Irises, for the spring garden, early and charming things, many beautiful ; Irises that flower in winter and early spring, like the Algerian Iris ; others happy in Britain on warm soils and warm corners, and Iris for the rock garden, like the crested Iris ; and the many pretty forms of Iris pumila, of some of which edgings were made in old gardens. The foliage of the evergreen Iris is so graceful and usually so nice in colour that artistic use may be made of it in that way. The most novel of all the groups of Iris, however, are the cushion Irises, which promise much beauty, but are yet too little known to see how far that beauty may be preserved in our gardens. The old Iris Susiana has been known for many years, and some of its allies like I. Lorteti and the Wolf Iris, seem more hardy and not less beautiful. TULIPS. The old garden tulip, a favourite for generations, grown in the so- called florist varieties, and the source once of severe mania, is but one of a large number of wild Tulipa, many coming to us of late years from Central Asia. The old tulips are the forms of an Italian species (T. Gesneriana) , and these varieties are worthy of all the attention they ever had ; but the wild form is as good as any of its varieties for its splendid effect, and a selection should be made of its simpler colours, including a good white and yellow. The bedding tulips, which are earlier in blooming, are forms of T. scabriscapa, and, though useful, are not nearly so valuable for their effect as the late tulips. The new species coming from Central Asia and other lands promise to be very valuable, too, for their effect, though our climate may not suit all of them, as it does the fine hardy Gesneriana. The colour of these tulips is too fine to be missed, and, as the bloom is too short-lived to give beds under the windows to it, the best way is to plant them in borders, and, when scarce, in the nursery ; when plentiful in the wild garden. I put some in new hedgerow banks a few years ago, and now have a splendid bloom every spring ; also the wood tulip in a meadow regularly mown. As wild tulips abound in the south of Europetravellers might often get many roots which could be tried in this and other ways. Some of the bedding tulips have very ugly slaty colours, and there is much waste in planting them. The Dutch bulb raisers care more for variety than beauty of colour, and should revise their lists. The aim in our gardens should be to get more of the fine simple colours, and the wild kinds planted so far as we may in effective ways ; a Tulip garden at the Castle, Dingwall. I 2 116 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. few trials in that way will show that it is a much more effective one than setting out the plants in tile or other patterns. The later the forms of these wild tulips come into bloom the better, as it brings their nobler colour in when the harsh changes of the spring are nearly over, and in the north they will come in with the early summer days. These ideas of the more picturesque planting of the hardier Tulips need not in any way take from the lover of the old florist kinds his Tulip garden, which was very charming with its long beds of good soil , best in some sheltered -hedged in or walled-garden. CROCUS. If the Crocus has any fault it is courage in coming so early that it has to face every trouble of the spring, and green winters induce it to open too early. Yet what promise it brings us of the many-blossomed spring in border and in lawn, for, in addition to the old and good way in garden borders, the Crocus, at least all the forms and series, and the hardy and vigorous European kinds, is easily naturalised in lawns or meadow turf, and others even under Beech trees as in Crowsley Park. As regards this question, it should be remembered that the Crocus is wild in rich meadow grass in various parts of England, at Nottingham and in Essex. The autumnal kinds may be naturalised too, but they ask perhaps for a warmer soil than the vernal kinds. Recent years have brought us many new Crocuses. The effect of the old kinds is not surpassed, but their beauty may be more fully shown than in lines and dots by scattering them in natural - looking groups in grassy places among trees or in the open turf. SNOWDROP AND SNOWFLAKE. The old Snowdrop gives as good an effect as any other, but the many new varieties give the Snowdrop more value-whether these new forms are species or varieties matters little. Their value as garden plants is the only question that concerns flower-gardeners. Who would have thought a few years ago that our Snowdrop was only one of a large number taking care of themselves in the mountains of Asia Minor and other regions ? Others are coming, and when these increase in our gardens we shall have fresh aids to make our spring gardens more beautiful. As these new kinds are mostly plants from cool regions, they will probably be easily naturalised in many soils. The snowflake must not be forgotten-few spring flowers are more free than the vernal and late snowflakes. SCILLAS, HYACINTHS, AND LIKE PLANTS.-The lovely early group of plants allied to our Wood Hyacinth-Scilla, Chionodoxa, and Hyacinthus (the more tiny and dwarf wild species are referred to here under this last name) -ask for some thought as to their artistic The Scillas are well known, but the newer forms of Chionodoxa give an unlooked- for loveliness of blue very early in the spring, and show a pretty variety in their delicate colours ; and yet there is no more lovely thing among them than the Taurian Scilla, a large form of use. HARDY BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS FLOWERS. 117 the long- neglected Scilla bifolia. It is so early and so deep a blue that one may get rich effects with it very early. The more tiny and select ofall these plants are alpine, and delightful for rock-gardens, all the more so if we can use them in visible groups. The stouter kinds, such as the larger Chionodoxa, are coming in such numbers that we may try their effects in many ways ; it is impossible to omit them from whatever kind of spring gardening we adopt. The common Hyacinth-in its double forms at least is so stiff that we take little interest in it for the flower garden ; but the The Spring Snowflake. simpler colours of the single kinds deserve a place. Would it not be worth while growing the single Hyacinth from which these all come-H. provincialis ? Hyacinths, to come up year after year in flower beds, and throwing away the roots after once blooming, is a mistake. OTHER LILIES.-Apart from the true Lilies there are certain plants to which the name is also given betimes, such as the Torch Lily (Kniphofia), the Day Lily (Hemerocallis), the Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria), the African Lily (Agapanthus), the Belladonna Lily (Amaryllis), the Cape Lily (Crinum) , the Plantain Lily (Funkia), the 118 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. Wood Lily (Trillium ) , the Mariposa Lily ( Calochortus), besides other Lilies that do not, come under our present heading, or which do not ask for thought as regards their effective use. The Torch Lilies are brilliant in colour, and have been added to of recent years, but severe winters have thinned them, and they will always be best in dry soils and in sunny positions, protected in winter. They are best kept apart from the more refined flowers in colour, such as the Tea Rose. The Day Lilies are of a really hardy race, and most of them will grow anywhere. With their fine leaves and showy, well-formed flowers, they may be used with good effect in various ways. The Peruvian Lily is valuable, but far more beautiful on warm soils. If on cool soils and in cool districts it fails, we must prepare beds for it, but the best way in gardening is always to grow the flowers that thrive in the soil we have without great labour. The Belladonna Lily can be grown in no more effective way than the old one of planting it under south walls. The Cape Lilies have increased of late years from hybrids and otherwise. They are worth attention in deep soil in warm corners near walls that protect them from the north. The African Lily is most important for its unrivalled blue, but, save in the warmest parts of the south, where it may live in the open air protected , it is essential to give it greenhouse or like protection in winter. It is one of the plants for which the expense of tubs or large pots is worth indulging in, and there are new and handsome kinds, which make the culture more interesting. The Wood Lilies are valuable because they give us effects both distinct and beautiful in peat borders or bog gardens. Shade is not essential, though we think the best effects are attained in half-shady spots. The Mariposa Lilies are beautiful indeed, some of them almost surpassing any flowers of the old world ; but they come from one of the best climates and warmest soils in the world, and one can hardly hope they will thrive in our climate without special care. Yet such charming flowers will always have a place in curious gardens, where they will thrive in frames and warm corners. Such plants, however, cannot be depended on for much effect in the open garden, though new kinds are being brought from Western America which may thrive in our climate, and help to show us the beauty of these singularly lovely things. ANEMONES AND RANUNCULUS. -The Poppy Anemone has been a welcome flower in our gardens for hundreds of years, and it should never be forgotten, save in soils where it dwindles away. Many now grow it well from seed, but the old way of planting the tubers of favourite kinds and colours should be carried out in the flower garden in Rose beds or in any beds to spare. The Scarlet Anemone and its HARDY BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS FLOWERS. 119 varieties is also precious ; the Star Anemone, so charming in Italy. and Greece in spring, is rarely seen happy in our gardens-too cold for it, no doubt, so it may well be left out in favour of the hardier sorts. Valuable as the brightest Anemones are, the old Turban and Persian Ranunculus, and other forms, once a yearly charm of the flower garden from which they are now often left out. It should not be so ; they require a little care, but are worth it. VARIOUS. The old Dog's- Tooth Violet of the mountains of Europe has been joined in our gardens of recent years by a number of its American relations, graceful plants for peat borders, but as yet not so valuable as the European kind in its various forms, which are among the prettiest early spring flowers. They are, moreover, true wild garden plants, which thrive in turf, coming up every year even more faithfully than Crocus or Snowdrop. The Snake's-head, too (Fritillaria ) , is a charming wild garden plant, thriving in grass in rich or wet meadows ; where not native it may well be introduced. The new yellow Fritillaries give a greater interest to this group of plants, some of which are fitted for the wild garden, but we never could see the charms of the Crown Imperials, with their offensive odour. The Stars of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum) thrive in grass, and are pretty in it. Unfortunately the handsome Arabian kind is not hardy. The Montbretias are plants of somewhat recent appearance in our gardens, and they have a vigour and hardiness we do not look for in Cape plants, and a tenacious way of growing and increasing even in cold poor soil, and are, therefore, valuable where we wish to have close tufts of graceful leaves and gay blossoms below flowering shrubs set not too closely on the ground. Grape Hyacinths (Muscari) are often very pretty, and nearly always hardy. I use them freely in grass, where their blue is very pretty in spring. The choicer newer kinds will find a place in the nursery beds or rock-garden till more plentiful. Among the new plants we have one of fine distinction in the Giant Asphodels (Eremurus), plants of noble part and vigour, but which, though here and there grown and flowered well, are not as yet proved for our climate, with its often open, snowless winters. We must find out the kinds really hardy and that bloom handsomely with us before we can judge of their value in the flower garden. The old tiger flowers (Tigridia) should not be forgotten, especially on limestone or other warm soils, where they are most at home. There are several new kinds, which make the family of more value. Plants that give much pleasure from their good colours are the Triteleia and Brodiaca. Some new and pretty effects will be given by the best of these as soon as plentiful. So noble a plant as the Gladiolus should not, perhaps, have been left to the end, but the fact that the finest class are only half hardy, I20 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. and require care, makes them less important in our country than Lilies and Narcissi, that give so much beauty for little or no care. The years pass so swiftly, and are so full of cares, that things demanding two important attentions yearly-i.e. , taking up and planting— must take a minor place, except in the case of growers who make a special care of them. The groups known as Lemoinei and Saundersi hybrids, being hardier, give better results, but generally our climate is against the older Gladioli, and disease very often comes with any large attempt to grow them. HARDY BULBS FOR CUT FLOWERS. The special or reserve garden includes beds for hardy bulbs—a very good way of growing them, and for affording supplies of flowers for the house. A curious habit of the flowers of bulbs is that when cut from the plants, when just opening and put in water, they get larger than they would if left on the plants out of doors, and this should lead us to make more of the many lovely flowers among hardy bulbs that are among the best for our rooms. Hitherto the horror of the gardener has been cutting flowers for the house ; but if cutting prolongs his bloom, strengthens his plants, and gives all who care for his flowers a fuller enjoyment of them, we may secure his powerful aid. Consider what one may escape in storms, frosts, and other dangers if a flower, cut just on arriving at maturity, lasts longer indoors than out, and actually, as in the case of the Narcissi, gets larger ! Narcissi, through their hardiness and drooping heads, endure our climate better than any other flowers, and yet severe storms will beat them about and destroy flowers that might have been happy for days afterwards in the house. When we come to large showy flowers like Tulips, then we have flowers that must suffer with every heavy shower. Anything which makes the presence of flowers in the house more easy is a real gain. Their exquisite forms are best seen, and tell their story best when brought near to the eye. A flower of our yellow wood Tulip opening and closing, and showing its exquisite form in a room, gives ideas of beauty and of form which cannot be gleaned by glancing at a bed of bulbs. A variety of hardy bulbs should therefore be grown for their value as cut flowers, apart from their great value in the open garden. HARDY BULBS AMONG CHOICE SHRUBS. -One of the most marked improvements is the planting of handsome bulbs in masses of Rhododendrons and similar bushes. These beds, in the usual way of planting, look interesting only when in flower, and not always then, owing to the flat surface into which the shrubs are pressed . Lilies HARDY BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS FLOWERS. 121 and the finer bulbs may with great advantage be placed among the shrubs. In many cases where this view has been acted upon, it has almost changed the entire aspect of gardens, and given various beautiful types of life instead of only one, and many fine rare bulbs find a home in such beds, which should be sacred from the murderous spade. In placing choice, peat- loving shrubs, give the bushes room to fully attain their natural forms, and plant the interspaces with finer bulbs. Light and shade, relief and grace, are among the merits of this mode

Kelly

Vase of Narcissus and Ilex leaves. of planting. Beds of the smaller shrubs will suit admirably for the smaller and more delicate bulbs, the shelter of low shrubs being an advantage to many little bulbs whose leaves suffer from cold winds. While in this way we get relief, variety, and longer bloom, and the shrubs show their forms better when they have free play of light and air about them. BULBS IN BEDS ON TURF.-Bold beds of Lilies and the taller bulbs are admirable for the lawn, and for quiet corners of the pleasureground. The showy beds of bulbs which are to be seen in public and 122 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. other gardens, and which come so largely into spring gardens, are familiar to all. The beds suggested here are of a higher and more permanent nature, and are to be placed where they will be let alone. At Moulton Grange some years ago I saw on the turf in a quiet corner quite a bed of Tiger Lilies with no other flowers near to mar its beauty. It was a large oval bed, and the colour of the finely grown Lilies was brilliant and effective when seen through the trees and glades. In point and colour alone, nothing could be better ; the mass of bloom was profuse, and the plants, about 6 feet high, told well in the garden landscape. The plants had a great advantage in habit, form, and colour over the usual dwarf type, of showy " bedding " plant. Many Bed of Narcissus hardy flowers of the highest beauty would have as effective colour if we took equal pains with them. Colour on a 6- foot plant must usually be more effective than colour on a plant 6 inches or 12 inches high, and various hardy Lilies are well over 6 feet high. This Lily bed was on one of those little strips of turf which occur by most shrubberies, and within a few yards of a walk, so that it could be easily seen. Among the most lovely beds are those of the nobler Lilies, while Iris, many beautiful Day Lily, Pæony, Gladiolus, and Cape Hyacinth may be grouped with them or near them. It may be as well to note that what is meant in this case is not wild gardening with bulbs but very good cultivation of them, surfacing and edging the beds with spring flowers. HARDY BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS FLOWERS. 123 Cyclamen Families of Hardy Bulbous and Tuberous Plants for British Flower Gardens. Acis Agapanthus Allium Convallaria Crocus Scilla Sparaxis Sternbergia Lilium Montbretia Muscari Alstroemeria Erythronium Narcissus Tigridia Amaryllis Fritillaria Orchis Trillium Anemone Galanthus Ornithogalum Triteleia Anthericum Gladiolus Oxalis Tritonia Arum Galtonia Pæonia Tropæolum Calla Hyacinthus Pancratium Calochortus Iris Puschkinia Tulipa Valotta Chionodoxa Ixiolirion Ranunculus Zephyranthes Colchicum Leucojum Schizostylis CHAPTER IX. FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES, AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE. SPRING comes to us wreathed in honeysuckle, and summer brings the Wild Rose and the May bloom. These, precious as they are, are but messengers of a host of lovely shrubs and low trees of the hills and plains of the northern and temperate regions, and also of the high mountains of countries like India, where there are vast alpine regions with shrubs as hardy as our own, as we see in the case of the white Clematis that covers many an English cottage wall with its fair white bloom. It is not easy to give an idea of the lovely host we have to deal with, but the fact that there are hundreds of Wild Roses as pretty as our Dog Rose, and dozens of Hawthorns as good as our native one, should go some way to let light into the minds of the many who think that flower-gardening is only a matter of potting and pinching a number of little half-hardy plants that give us the result we see in the French gardens as mosaic culture, and our own carpet bedding. If we think of the pictures formed in thousands of places in England, FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES, AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE. 125 Scotland, and Ireland, by the May alone, we may get an idea of the precious beauty there is in the American, Asiatic, and European kinds, some of which flower later than our own, and make the May bloom season longer. Nothing is lovelier among flowering trees than a group of the various thorns, beautiful also in fruit. The foliage of some kinds is finely coloured in autumn, and for this reason, as well as for its needle thorns and stout habit, I have made fences of the Cockspur thorn (C. Crus-galli). The Thorns are but one branch of, perhaps, the most important family of flowering trees, embracing the Apples ( a garden of beauty in their varied flowers alone) ; the Pears, wild and cultivated ; the Crabs, good in bloom and bright in fruit ; the Quinces, Medlars, Snowy Mesipulus, Almonds, Double Cherries, Japan Quinces, Plums (including Sloe and Bullace), not to speak of a number of less important families. Among these larger and more important branches of this great order of plants there is a likeness in habit and size, which allows of similar use as regards position at least. It is generally not easy to use these flowering trees in the flower garden, when that is very near the house, except in an orchard flower garden, like that at Penshurst ; it is absolutely essential that their beauty be seen about every country house where the life of spring is welcome, and where there is room to place them. For nothing ever set in florist's parterre or prince's winter garden has such precious beauty as these trees, clad as they are in clouds of white or pink or delicately shaded shell- like hues. They, or the hardiest and best of them, should be massed or grouped where they will come into the picture-whether seen from the house or otherwise. The Double Peaches are among the most precious of trees of this order, but for some reason we rarely see them in any but a miserable state in England. In France they are sometimes lovely not only in the flower, but in the mass of colour from healthy growth. It may be from the shoots not ripening in our cool climate, or from some weakness through grafting on a bad stock. There is such a great and noble variety among these trees, that there is room for distinct effects, as tastes may vary (and it is well they should). An excellent point in favour of Thorns, Crabs, Almonds, and Bird Cherries is that, in their maturity, they, in groups or single specimens, stand free on the turf-free, too, from all care ; and it is easy to see how important this is for all who care for English tree- fringed lawns a long way more beautiful than any other kind of tree garden. It is not only the value of the flowers on the trees we have to think of, but also for the house in a cut state when gathered when the flower buds are ready to open. What is meant is gathering the branchlets and long twigs before the flowers are quite out and placing them in vases to open in rooms. The system has various advantages : in the case of very bad weather it may prolong the bloom for us, or even 126 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. save it in the case of very hard frost. Also in a cold spring it will advance the bloom a little, the warmth of the house giving us a few days' advantage in point of time. As to the kinds of shrubs that may be treated in this way, there are a good many of the same race, from the Sloe to the beautiful kinds of Apple. Experience may be necessary to know the kind of shoots that give the best result ; probably those rather long and succulent would be the most likely to flower well. There is a good deal in putting them into the right sort of glass. The Japanese are very clever in their little ways of fitting the flowers exactly into the vases so that each may show its form and beauty best. Mr. Parsons says he notices that flowers seem to last longer in bronze, in which it may be the action of the light is less than in an ordinary vessel. While such trees as the Almond or Crab will usually be in the more distant parts of the garden picture, the variety of flowering shrubs is so great that we may choose from among them things for the most precious of flower garden beds. Let us take an ordinary flower garden under the windows of the house, often with the beds as bare as oilcloth in winter. What beautiful groups of flowering evergreens we might plant in them! Mountain Laurels (Kalmia), Japan and American Andromeda, Azaleas, choice Evergreen Barberries, alpine Cotonaster, Evergreen Daphne, Desfontainea, in the south ; the taller hardy Heaths, Escallonia, Ledum, alpine and wild forms of Rhododendron, Sweet Gale, Star bush, and various Laurustinus, leaving out not a few which thrive only in the warmer districts. Charming gardens might be made of such bushes, not lumped together, but in open groups, with the more beautiful American hardy bloomers between them, such as the Wood Lily and Mocassin flower, many rare Lilies, and beautiful bulbous flowers of all seasons. The light and shade and variety in such beds of choice evergreens and flowers mixed are charming, and the plan would be a permanent one-i.e. , it would tend to abolish the never- ending digging in the flower garden. Beds of flowering shrubs in the flower garden are not always so well suited for small gardens ; but in bold ones, now naked in winter, it would make them sightly even at that season, and much easier to deal with in early summer. The Rhododendrons of the hybrid sorts are too much used, and, as they are nearly always grafted, the common stock that bears them in the end kills the thing it should support, and so we too often see the common pontic kind. Yet there are many beautiful things among these hybrids. The good colours are well worth picking out from them, and all pudding- like planting should give way to showing the habit and form of the plant. This does not mean planting them singly ; they may be grouped or massed just as before, but openings of all Tree Pæony . 128 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. sizes left among them for light and shade, and for handsome herbaceous plants that die down in the winter, thus allowing the full light for half the year to evergreens. In the south and west the various Arbutus are charming for lawns and ravines, and for sheltering the flower garden, as is the sweet Bay Laurel, but the common Cherry Laurel and the Portugal should not be planted near anything precious. The hardy Azaleas are, considering their great number and variety, perhaps the most precious flowering shrubs we have ; fine in form of bush, even when they get little freedom, and superb in colour, the foliage in autumn, too, being rich in colour in sunny places. The Hydrangeas are noble plants in warm valleys, and on soils where they are not too often cut lown by the winter, and not only the common one of the markets, which, in soils where it turns blue, is so effective in the garden. There is a variety of good kinds, and among them should always be the oak- leaved Hydrangea, as old plants of it are so handsome. As these are plants that cannot be grown everywhere, this is a good reason why they should be made much of where the climate. suits them. There are few garden sights more interesting than groups of Hydrangeas well grown and placed, and it is one we rarely see. The Brooms have many effective plants-none more so than the common and the Spanish Brooms, which should be massed on banks, or where they will come into the picture, for nothing can be better in effect. Some of the smaller Brooms are excellent for rock-gardens. The Furze in all its obtainable forms is just as precious, as it blooms so early, and brightens up a landscape as no other plant does ; it will grow almost anywhere. We have only to place it in any rough spots where we may enjoy it without care. Native shrubs should not always be neglected ; the wild single Guelder Rose is as pretty a shrub as any that come across the sea, while all the hardy kinds may give us good and bold effects grouped with or near such bushes as Deutzias, Weigelas, Mock Oranges—all plants of high value and much variety. From an artistic point of view nothing is better than groups of our hardy Heaths in any open place room can be found for them--white heather and all other strong varieties of heather, as well as all other kinds of hardy Heaths. After planting they give little trouble, and they are always good in colour even in winter, being generally happiest out of the garden proper, where it does not matter in the least if any other wild plants grow among them. No doubt, the choicest and smallest of these Heaths deserve careful garden culture as well as any other plants, but for effect the forms of our common Heather are the best, and the larger kinds from the Continent, in bold masses not primly kept, but, once well rooted, allowed to mingle with any pretty FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES, AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE. 129 wild plants that interest us. We might even assist this idea bysowing or planting other things, such as Foxgloves, Harebells, or the small Furze, among the heaths. When heaths are grown in this way their bloom is charming from the first peep of spring, when the little rosy heath of the mountains of central Europe begins to open, till the Rhododendron garden at Bidston, Cheshire. autumn days, and even the mild winter ones, when the delicately tinted Portuguese heath (E. codonodes) blooms in the south and west of England. We have to take little notice of such minor things as the Fire- bush, so lovely in Cornwall, and pretty also in other seashore districts, as it K 130 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. may not be enjoyed in the country generally, and also leave out some others, like the witch and Japan hazels, the Winter- sweet, and the Allspice bushes, which, though pretty seen near at hand, do not give us very definite effects in the garden landscape-effects which it is well to seek if we wish to get out of the fatal jumble of the common shrubbery. The Escallonias -very precious in seashore gardens and in the south on warm soils are apt to go into mourning after hard winters elsewhere. But so many of our island gardens are so near the sea that we must not undervalue these shrubs, though a constant source of waste is the planting of things not really hardy in districts where they perish in hard winters, such as the Arbutus about London and in the midlands. And, even where things seem hardy, some of the fuchsias never give the charming effects we get from them in the west of Ireland and in Wales, whatever care we take. Such facts should not discourage, because they only emphasise the lesson that the true way in a garden is to do what our soil and climate allow us to do best, and in that way we arrive at the most important artistic gain of all-that each garden should have its own distinct charms. A very lovely group is the Lilacs, much enriched of recent years by the introduction of new species and many charming varieties of the common old Lilac-lovely plants, worthy of the finest days of our English summer, and none so neglected and degraded, as one may see in many London squares. Few of the forms found in France seem to thrive in our gardens from being grafted on the Privet, which often, after a year or two's poor bloom, kills the plant and begins to take care of itself—as if we had not enough of this mean bush already. How much evil Privet has done to English ideas of flowering shrubs by thrusting itself everywhere ! Lilacs, being hardy for all parts of Britain, deserve our best care, and should always be grouped together in the open sun. They should always be bought from nurserymen who raise them from layers or suckers in the good old way, and should be, once grown up, always kept a little open and free by simple pruning, so that we may get bold and handsome trusses. With these, too, must be grouped such lovely things as the Snowdrop tree, the Stuartias, and bush Magnolias. The Magnolias have recently become more numerous, and it will be easy soon to have a Magnolia garden, at least in favoured places. The tree Magnolias should come among the taller flowering trees in the distant parts of our flower grove-Horse Chestnuts, Buckeyes, Tulip Trees, Laburnums, Catalpa and Yellow Wood. The Alpine Laburnum, so very beautiful in bloom, becomes a tall slender tree where not overcrowded. The flowering Ash (Ornus) must not be omitted from the taller flowering trees. For the Paulownia, so beautiful in France FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES, AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE. 131 and Italy in spring, our climate is not warm enough to secure its full size or health, save in the most favoured places in the south-if even in them. Some shrubs of modest charm as to their flowers give very pretty effects in well- placed groups, such as the flowering Currant, Tamarix, and Ceanothus ; on walls. But of all, none are more charming than the wild Roses in summer, the Sweet Briar being taken as representing our native wild Roses ; the Glossy Rose ( R. lucida) , the American wild Roses ; the many flowered Rose ( Polyantha), and the Japanese ( R. rugosa). These and others we use in some quantities in hedgerows and rough fences, and have never planted anything that has given a more beautiful return . THE JUDAS TREE is neglected in England, and rarely planted in an effective way. In the Parc Monceau in Paris, there is a beautiful grove of it-trees of various ages in one family party, so to say, showing some differences in colour and earliness. Such slight but often valuable differences arise when we raise trees from seed, and do not slavishly follow the habit of grafting one thing on another. One of the gains of following a more natural mode of increasing trees than is usual in nurseries is that we encourage such slight variations in trees and shrubs. Those raised from seed have always a chance of interesting variations, whereas grafting from the same identical form and blood shuts out all chance of variation. It is curious that a tree so effective in bloom, and so distinct in foliage, and in habit as the Judas Tree is, should be so little planted with us, and so often left to the scant mercy of the shrubbery border. All such trees have their own ways and wants, and should not be jumbled up in the common crowded and ignorant way of planting. CITRUS TRIFOLIATA. -I have never seen anything with greater pleasure than a bush of this in the School Garden at Versailles-a sheet of large and beautiful flowers on April 19, having no idea that any Citrus could have borne such a beautiful and distinct bloom in the open air, and yet this was borne by a hardy shrub standing for years among Crabs, Almonds, and trees of that degree of hardiness. INDIAN AZALEAS IN THE OPEN AIR.-" The hardy Azaleas of the American races are very popular, but few know the value of the white Indian Azalea for the open garden over a large area in the south of England. Few plants give so little trouble when once established, and even though the late frosts may now and again spoil the beauty of the flowers, yet in the intervening years it is something to be grateful for. I have before this called attention to its habit of growth when planted out and left alone, not much more than three or four feet in height, dense-growing and spreading. The engraving K 2 GARDEN .Sussex ,Coolhurst inawoodt(A.Indica ),Azalea Indian White Te FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES, AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE. 133 shows a bush over ten feet across, with a shadow thrown over the upper part of a tree of Magnolia which grows at the side. “ This, perhaps, may give some idea of the position it occupies and apparently is satisfied with, namely, shelter from cold winds and from too fierce a sun on the flowers or on the roots. Any one who intends to plant this Azalea should remember that it flowers naturally at a time when there may still be late frosts and cold winds hovering about, and that it would be a mistaken kindness to choose any place, such as under a south wall, which would tend to make the blossoms open earlier in the season. We have some plants under a north wall which do admirably, but they seem to like association with other things and not to be spotted out by themselves in the open. The variety which does best here is the old typical white. Overgrown plants of other colours from the greenhouse have been turned out sometimes, but they do not seem so happy or produce so good an effect. "-C. R. SCRASE-DICKENS. If one- tenth the trouble wasted on " carpet- bedding " plants and other fleeting and costly rubbish had been spent on flowering shrubs, our gardens would be all the better for it. There are no plants so much neglected as flowering shrubs. Even when planted they are rarely well treated, owing to the " traditions " of what is called the shrubbery. The common way is to dig the shrubbery every winter. This is often carried out without giving the soil any manure, and much harm is done by mutilating the roots of the shrubs. The labour and time wasted in this way, if devoted to the proper culture of a portion of the ground each year, would make our gardens delightful indeed. Many shrubs, as fair as any flower requiring the shelter of glass, have been introduced into this country ; but for the most part they have been destroyed by the muddle and bad cultivation of the shrubbery. The system is too " scratchy " to permit a beautiful group of hardy shrubs to receive as much care as is given to plants in pots. The murderous common shrubbery is so rooted in the popular mind that it is almost hopeless to expect much change for the better. The true way is to depart wholly from the idea of the shrubbery as a mass of mixed shrubs and beautiful families should be grouped by themselves. Each family or plant should have a separate place free from the all-devouring Privet and Laurel. Each part of the shrubbery should have a character of its own. This may easily be given to it by grouping instead of the usual mixture, which ends in the starvation of the choice kinds. We do not allow stove and greenhouse plants to be choked in this way, and no plants are more worthy of a distinct place and of care than hardy shrubs. Low flowering trees, like Hawthorns, group admirably on the turf; the finer kinds of 134 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. flowering shrubs should be planted in beds. The shrubbery itself need no longer be a dark dreary mass, but light and shade may play in it, its varied life be well shown, and the habit and form of each shrub or tree may be seen. Plants of high quality or rarity deserve to be well grown. Any one who thinks how much less trouble is given by hardy plants than by pot plants, will not grudge attention to the outdoor things, and some may even consider a garden of beautiful shrubs as a conservatory in the open air-no kind of flower gardening being more delightful or enduring. We have often to re-arrange vigorous herbaceous plants, and constantly to work with the lovable Carnation, but Snowdrop or Fringe Trees give us little trouble. It is not only flowers that suffer from being stuck in lines and patterns ; our beautiful flowering shrubs are injured in the same way. The Rhododendron and the Azalea, and what are commonly called American plants, are often put in such close masses that their forms cannot be seen. We may get the flowers, to some extent, but they are not so enjoyable as when the plants, placed in picturesque and open ways, are allowed to show their individual forms. There is not the slightest reason why we should not have all the force of colour, too, because it is quite possible to have a number of beautiful Rhododendrons and other flowering shrubs together, without putting them in the serried formal mass in which they are usually seen. "There is one feature in our parks and gardens which requires thorough reform, and that is the shrubberies with their miserable fringe of earth in which nothing but poor bedding plants will grow, and these badly. Parks and gardens are too often designed to look pretty on paper, the shrubberies and the beds forming harmonious. combinations of flowing curves in the plan. The ground plan of a garden has no business to look pretty, and flowing curves on paper are almost certain to be tame and ugly curves when carried out in walks and beds. Gardens should be designed and staked out on the ground they are to occupy-not drawn on paper and then transferred to the ground. The main difference between real mediæval building and modern imitations of it is, that the old work was staked out on the ground from a rough sketch, and the details filled in as the work proceeded ; whereas the modern work always fails in picturesque effect because it always looks like a built drawing. Our gardens have exactly the same fault-the shrubberies never look right ; there is about them an utter absence of change, of variety, and of surprises. What is required is, that people should avoid doing as their neighbours do, and strike out new paths. In gardening there is not one right way, but a great many right ways, and a great many wrong One of the worst ways is that of making all gardens consist of the same features, and every hundred yards of a garden like ones. Magnolia in a Japanese garden 136 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. every other hundred yards. The shrubbery may itself be made a fair garden, instead of the museum of crowded half-dead trees and shrubs it usually is. "-J. D. So, without going into varieties or touching upon all the treasures within our reach, it is clear how much those who care to adorn their gardens in the most enduring way, have to gain by planting flowering shrubs after their own tastes. Those who gave a fair chance to one half the groups of plants referred to in this chapter, need not care much about garden coal bills, hot-houses, " contrasts of colour, " and many other considerations that go with ordinary bedding out, as the beauty of the flowering trees and shrubs would come year after year, as certainly, if as carelessly, as the wind through the Cherry-blooms. Abelia Cornus Æsculus Corylopsis Akebia Cotoneaster Amelanchier Crataegus Amygdalus Cydonia Andromeda Cytisus Aralia Daphne Arbutus Desfontainea Arctostaphylos Desmodium Some Flowering Trees and Shrubs Hardy in British Gardens. Koelreuteria Potentilla Prunus Pterostyrax Pyrus Raphiolepis Rhododendron Rhodora Rhodotypos Ribes Illicium Indigofera Jamesia Jasminum Kalmia Kerria Laburnum Ledum Asimina Deutzia Leiophyllum Robinia Azalea Dimorphanthus Lespedeza Azara Drimys Leycesteria Rosa Rubus Berberidopsis Edwardsia Liriodendron Berberis Embothrium Lonicera Bignonia Erica Lupinus Buddleia Escallonia Magnolia Calycanthus Eucryphia Mahonia Camellia Euonymus Malus Caragana Exochorda Mespilus Sambucus Solanum Sophora Spartium Spiraa Staphylea Stauntonia Catalpa Fabiana Nuttalia Stuartia Ceanothus Forsythia Olearia Styrax Cerasus Fothergilla Ononis Syringa Cercis Garrya Ornus Tamarix Chimonanthus Gaultheria Ozothamnus Tecoma Chionanthus Genista Paulownia Ulex Cladrastis Gleditschia Pavia Veronica Clematis Halesia Periploca Viburnum Clethra Hamamelis Pernettya Virgilia Colletia Hibiscus Philadelphus Weigela Colutea Hypericum Phlomis Comptonia Hydrangea Piptanthus Wistaria Xanthoceras

- Some of the evergreens, though hardy under almost any conditions in the southern and shore lands, are killed or greatly injured in severe winters in cold inland districts.

CHAPTER X. CLIMBERS. OUR numerous hardy climbers are rarely seen to advantage, for they are too often stiffly trained against walls. Indeed, many have CARDEC Clematis over porch. gone out of cultivation because there were no just ideas of their proper use. One of the happiest of all ways of using them is to train them 138 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . freely against trees ; and many good effects may be thus secured. The trees must not, of course, be crowded like those in shrubberies, but standing on the turf. The graceful companion may garland the heads of some low trees ; in tall ones the stems only may at first be adorned. But some vigorous climbers could in time ascend the tallest trees, and I know of nothing more beautiful than a veil of Clematis montana suspended from the branch of a tall tree. Besides the well known and popular climbers, there are various handsome plants which may be seen to great advantage in this way : for example, many species of Clematis, which have never come into general cultivation, but which are as beautiful as climbers can be. The same may be said of the Honeysuckles, wild Vines, and various other families of which the names may be found in catalogues. The nurseries are by no means rich in them ; but much of the northern tree and shrub world is garlanded with creepers which may be grown in similar ways, for example, on banks and in hedgerows. The naked stems of the trees in our pleasure-grounds have, however, the first claim on our attention in planting garlands ; for there would seldom be any fear of injury to well-grown trees. If any one likes to carry out the idea, a most interesting garden can be made of creepers, twiners, and climbers. Not indeed a garden of trim formal beds, as the growth of such plants could not-in fact, should not be kept within set bounds, but what groups and clusters of climbing Roses, Honeysuckles, Jasmines, Clematis, and Ivies, might one possess in such a garden ! Those who have not made a study of creepers and their uses may be aided in the consideration of their merits by grouping them according to the season in which they are most effective. During the winter, Cotoneaster microphylla and C. Simonsi are good plants for walls, as well as for training up a pole or planting on the top of a mound of rockwork. Escallonia macrantha, Berberis Darwini, and B. stenophylla are useful to clothe walls to a height of 12 or 14 feet. Chimonanthus fragrans should be planted for the sake of the delicious spicy scent of its flowers in winter. In sheltered places in the south of England, Magnolias are handsome plants in winter, with their fine large leaves, but in many places they require protection in severe weather, and should therefore not be used for winter effect. For the spring we have also a long list. Clematis montana grandiflora, Wistaria sinensis, and alba, the white form, are good for covering high walls, or for training over anywhere where quick- . growing creepers are required. Forsythia viridissima and Cydonia japonica are plants of lower growth, but are very desirable for making out the outlines of panels, or for covering the face of a CLIMBERS. 139 buttress or a pier. The yellow- flowering Jasmines flower early ; and the spring offers us a few Roses, for the old pink China or Climbers on the Vicarage, Odiham, Hants. Monthly is the earliest as well as the latest to flower, and Gloire de Dijon generally opens its first flowers early in May. But it is in the summer that the creepers are at their best, for 140 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. then the Rose, the Clematis, the Honeysuckle, the Magnolias, and the Jasmine are in season ; and what visions of beauty are conjured up by the mere mention of their names ! Roses alone are capable of adorning the most commonplace buildings. Besides these plants there is the Passion-flower (Passiflora coerulea), but it is only fit for sheltered places, as it is not quite hardy in our coldest seasons ; still, if its base be sheltered with some dry Fern, it will spring again from the base. The Stauntonia latifolia is a very rapid-growing creeper in the south of England. The Birthworts-Aristolochia Sipho and A. tomentosa—are good climbing plants, the last- named having silvery leaves. Then for warm sheltered places the Ceanothuses are very beautiful, freely producing blue flowers of various shades. And, besides the hardy creepers, there are a great many summer or annual creepers, bright and effective, such as the Tropæolum, Lophospermum, Maurandya, Convolvulus, and Ipomæa, in many varieties. In the autumn there is also much beauty of leaf and fruit or berry, if less of blossom. The Virginian Creepers are then in all the splendour of crimson and bronze ; the Japanese Honeysuckle is resplendent in its network of gold, and we have the bright berries of the Pyracantha and the Cotoneaster-most fitting and appropriate autumn decoration. Hardy climbers in gardens should, for the most part, be what they are in their native places : trailing over trees, or shrubs, or stumps, or banks, or over such artificial supports as railings , rustic work, etc. No plant bears repression and continual pruning so badly as a vigorous climber. In that way, moreover, its beauty can rarely be well seen. The shrub that does not climb is often fit to train on walls for example, the evergreen Euonymus, Pyracantha, and certain evergreen Barberries. The value of wild Vines for covering wall-surfaces must also not be forgotten. I have seen them clambering up forest trees, spreading into huge masses of fine foliage on the ground, and sending out long arms to find the nearest trees. A PERGOLA. -Adaptations of the Italian pergola are much to be recommended for English gardens, since though our summer is short, there are a good three months when a bowery shaded walk would be most enjoyable, and the numbers of free-growing climbing plants at our disposal, besides Vines, give an abundant choice of material. Aristolochia, Wistaria, Virginian Creeper, rambling Roses, Honeysuckles, Jasmines, and the free Clematises are all suitable and look well and do well in such a position. In Italy and other parts of the sunny south one often sees in gardens the pergola, as the creeper-clad arbour or walk is called, which generally serves the twofold purpose of supporting the Grape Vine and affording pleasant coolness during the summer heat. As a rule, these pergolas are Pergola ,with White Lilies inMrs. Eden's garden atVenice . ! 142 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. rude trellis-work structures of wood, sometimes supported by stone where this is at hand. In the gardens in the neighbourhood of Rome, Naples, and Florence I have seen some beautiful examples of the pergola-stately structures, the supports of which were massive columns of stone covered and festooned in a beautiful way Newly-formed Pergola at Munstead, with brick pillars and oak timbers. with Banksian Roses, Wistaria, Pergularia odoratissima, Periploca græca, Clematises, Honeysuckles, blue Passion - flowers, scarlet Trumpet - flowers, and other beautiful climbers, structures which formed the most delightful retreats in flowertime, and were cool in the hot days. But such pergolas seldom occur outside the rich gardens of the great villas, and near humbler dwellings the pergola is usually a simple structure made for the purpose of supporting the Grape Vine. The pergolas, like the stately fountains, are in Italy quite appropriate to the country and the climate. They are rarely necessities in our English climate ; but simple adaptations would add to the delights of many an English garden. A creeper-clad trellis spanning a frequented walk is a good feature in a garden, as it gives a contrast to the open breezy parts, and serves for growing many beautiful hardy climbers which can only be seen at their best when rambling over trees trellises, or along the tops of walls. It should lead to somewhere and be over a frequented walk, and should not interrupt any line of view. The breadth, height, and length are points for individual taste to dispose of, but if flowering creepers are desired to cover it, it must not be placed under or near the shade of big trees, especially such as the Elm, whose hungry roots would travel a long way to feed upon the good soil that the creepers must be planted in. The form of the structure must also be governed by circumstances and individual taste. A simple structure is the best ; the supports should be Oak tree stems, about 9 inches in diameter with the bark on, let into the ground about 2 feet ; if on a bed of concrete the better. The posts must be connected and firmly secured to each other by long pieces of similar width and running along the sides, while the top may be formed of small pieces fixed transversely Конк Wistaria fence ona. 144 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. across the top. This will make a more firm and massive structure, and the simpler it is kept the better it will look. On no account let the " rustic " carpenter begin to adorn it with his fantastic branches, which he is so fond of doing. CLIMBING ROSES ON TREES. -Occasionally in England one sees a beautiful climbing Rose rambling over a tree, and perhaps among our garden pictures nothing is more lovely than such a Rose when in flower. By a selection of the hardiest of climbing Roses, very beautiful pictures might be formed in our pleasure-grounds, and even in our woods ; and we might often see as the result of design what is now mainly an accident. There is a great deal too much pruning of Roses. A certain number of kinds lend themselves admirably to growing " free " among trees ; and other kinds would succeed with a little pruning every few years after their growth became matured. There are, however, countries more favourably situated than ours for such Rose beauty. In Europe, perhaps the country that pleases one most by its fitness for Rose culture is that along the shores of the Mediterranean, about Nice, Genoa, and Cannes, where the Banksian and many other Roses may be seen literally “abandoning themselves "-up trees, forming hedges, and arranging themselves in other delightful ways. I remember being very much struck, during the short time I spent in that country, with the beauty of the single Banksian Rose in such positions, and often wondered why it was not secured for our own gardens, even though it might not grow so freely as there. It is a little yellow single Rose, and is most free and graceful. An arch or series of arches, when well furnished with beautiful climbing plants suitable for such a purpose, forms a charming feature in the garden. When a quiet walk leads from one especially interesting part of the garden to another, and that walk is spanned at intervals with bold wire arches clothed with such beautiful climbers as Honeysuckles, Clematis, climbing Roses, Jasmine, and similar subjects, a great charm is imparted to what might be an uninteresting walk, for the beauty of the flowers is in the case of many of these climbers supplemented by their fragrance. Near doorways or gateways in a garden such an arch will veil the hard outlines of the entrance. Some Families of Hardy Climbing Plants, including also Wall-Plants. Berberidopsis Berberis Bignonia Abelia Abutilon Adlumia Ampelopsis Apios Aristolochia Akebia Atragene Bomarea Aloysia Azara Calystegia Camellia Ceanothus Chimonanthus Choisya Clematis CLIMBERS. 145 Cissus Mikania Rubus Smilax 1114 Convolvulus Cotoneaster Eccremocarpus Echinocystis Edwardsia Escallonia Fuchsia Hablitzia Hedera Indigofera Jasminum Kerria Lonicera Lophospermum Maurandya Magnolia Menispermum Olearia Osmanthus Passiflora Periploca Piptanthus Punica Pyrus Rosa Solanum Stauntonia Viburnum Vitis Weigela Wistaria In this country we are often led to plant against walls things which are naturally shrubs, Abelia, PyrusJaponica, Sweet Verbena-but which thrive best on walls in Britain, and are often among our most beautiful things for them. Mexican Orange- flower (Choisya). GF L CHAPTER XI. ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK-GARDENS. IN the culture of alpine plants, the first consideration is that much difference exists among them as regards size and vigour. We have, on the one hand, a number of plants that merely require to be sown or planted in the roughest way to flourish-the common Arabis and Aubrietia, for example ; but, on the other, there are some kinds, like Gentians and the Primulas of the high Alps, which we rarely see in good health in gardens. It is as to the less vigorous species that advice is chiefly required. Nearly all the misfortunes which these little plants have met with n our gardens are due to a false conception of what a rock-garden ought to be, and of what the alpine plant requires. It is too often thought that they will do best in our gardens if merely elevated on tiny heaps of stones and brick rubbish, such as we frequently see piled together and dignified by the name of " rockwork." Mountains are often " bare," and cliffs are devoid of soil ; but we must not conclude that the choice jewellery of plant- life scattered over the ribs of the mountain lives upon little more than the air and the melting snow. Where else can we find such a depth of stony soil as on the ridges of débris flanking some great glacier, stained with tufts of crimson Rockfoil ? Can we gauge the depth of that chink from which peep tufts of the beautiful little Androsace helvetica ? No ; for ages it has gathered the crumbling grit, into which the roots enter so far that nothing we carry can dig them out. And if we find plants growing from mere cracks without soil, even then the roots simply search farther into the heart of the flaky rock, so that they are safer from want of moisture than in the best soil. ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK- GARDENS. 147 We meet on the Alps plants not more than an inch high firmly rooted in crevices of slaty rock, and by knocking away the sides from Alpine flowers at home. find bits of projecting rock, and laying the roots quite bare, we may therm radiating in all directions against a flat rock, some of the L 2 148 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. largest perhaps more than a yard long. Even smaller plants descend quite as deep, though it is rare to find the texture and position of the rock such as will admit of tracing them. It is true we occasionally find in fields of flat hard rock hollows in which moss and leaves have gathered, and where, in a depression of the surface, without an outlet of any kind, plants grow freely enough ; but in droughts they are just as liable to suffer from want of water as they would be in our plains. On level or sloping spots of ground in the Alps the earth is of great depth, and, if it is not all earth in the common sense of the word, it is more suitable to the plants than what we commonly understand by that term. Stones of all sizes broken up with the soil , sand, and grit prevent evaporation ; the roots lap round them, follow them down, and in such positions they never suffer from want of moisture. It must be remembered that the continual degradation of the rocks effected by frost, snow, and heavy rains in summer serves to " earth up," so to speak, many alpine plants. In numbers of gardens an attempt at " rockwork " has been made ; but the result is often ridiculous, not because it is puny when compared with Nature's work, but because it is generally so arranged that rock-plants cannot exist upon it . The idea of rockwork first arose from a desire to imitate those natural croppings-out of rocks which are often half covered with dwarf mountain plants. The conditions which surround these are rarely taken into account by those who make rock-gardens. In moist districts, where rains keep porous. stone in a humid state, this straight-sided rockwork may support a few plants, but in the larger portion of the British Isles it is useless. and ugly. It is not alone because they love the mountain air that the Gentians and such plants prefer it, but also because the great elevation is unsuitable to coarser vegetation, and the alpine plants have it all to themselves. Take a patch of Silene acaulis, by which the summits of some of our highest mountains are sheeted over, and plant it 2,000 feet lower down in suitable soil, keeping it moist and free from weeds, and it will grow well ; but leave it to Nature, and the strong herbs will soon cover it, excluding the light and killing it. Although hundreds of alpine flowers may be grown without a particle of rock near them, yet the slight elevation given by rocky banks is congenial to numbers of the rarest kinds. The effect of a well- made rock-garden is pretty in garden scenery. It furnishes a home for many native and other plants which may not safely be put in among tall flowers in borders ; and it is important that the most essential principles to be borne in mind when making it should be stated. The usual mistake is that of not providing a feeding- place for the roots of the plants. On ordinary rockwork even the coarsest British weeds cannot find a resting-place, because there is no body of ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK-GARDENS. 149 soil for the roots to penetrate and find nourishment sufficient to keep the plant fresh in all weathers. POSITION FOR THE ROCK- GARDEN. -The rock-garden should never be near walls ; never very near a house ; never, if possible, within view of formal surroundings of any kind, and it should be in an open situation. No efforts should be spared to make all the surroundings, and every point visible from the rockwork, as graceful and natural as they can be made. The part of the gardens around the rock-garden should be picturesque, if possible, and, in any case, be a quiet airy spot with as few jarring points as may be. No tree should be in the rock-garden ; hence a site should not be selected where it would be necessary to remove favourite trees. The roots of trees would find their way into the masses of good soil for the alpine flowers, and soon exhaust them. Besides, as these Passage in rock garden. flowers are usually found on treeless wastes, it is best not to place. them in shaded places. As regards the stone to be used, sandstone or millstone grit would perhaps be the best ; but it is seldom that a choice can be made, and almost any kind of stone will do, from Kentish rag to limestone : soft and slaty kinds and others liable to crumble away should be avoided, as also should magnesian limestone. The stone of the neighbourhood should be adopted, for economy's sake, if for no other reason. Wherever the natural rock crops out, it is sheer waste to create artificial rockwork instead of embellishing that which naturally occurs. In many cases nothing would be necessary but to clear the ground, and add here and there a few loads of good soil, with broken stones to prevent evaporation, the natural crevices and crests being planted where possible. Cliffs or banks of chalk, as well as all kinds of rock, should be taken advantage of in this way: many plants, like the dwarf Harebells and Rock Roses, thrive in such places. No burrs, clinkers, vitrified matter, portions of old arches 150 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. and pillars, broken- nosed statues, etc., should ever be seen in a garden of alpine flowers. Never let any part of the rock-garden appear as if it had been shot out of a cart. The rocks should all have their bases buried in the ground, and the seams should not be visible ; wherever a vertical or oblique seam occurs, it should be crammed with earth, and the plants put in with the earth will quickly hide the seam. Horizontal fissures should be avoided as much as possible. No vacuum should exist beneath the surface of the soil or surface-stones, and the broken stone and grit should be so disposed that there are no hollows. Myriads of alpine plants have been destroyed from the want of observing this precaution, the open crevices and loose soil allowing the dry air to destroy the alpine plants in a very short time, and so one often sees what was meant for a " rock-garden " covered with weeds and brambles, and forgotten ! Steps in a garden at Coneyhurst. In all cases where elevations of any kind are desired, the true way is to obtain them by a mass of soil suitable to the plants, putting a "rock " in here and there as the work proceeds ; frequently it would be desirable to make these mounds of earth without any strata. The wrong and usual way is to get the elevation by piling up ugly masses of rock. No very formal walk-that is to say, no walk with regularly trimmed edges-should come near the rock-garden. This need not prevent the presence of good walks through or near it, as by allowing the edges of the walk to be a little irregular and stony, and by encouraging Stonecrops, Rockfoils, and other little plants to crawl into the walk at will, a pretty margin will result. There is no surface of this kind that may not be thus adorned. Violets, Ferns, Forget- me- ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK- GARDENS. 151 nots, will do in the shadier parts, and the Stonecrops and many others will thrive in the full sun. The whole of the surface of the alpine garden should be covered with plants, except a few projecting points, as far as possible. In moist districts, Erinus and the Balearic Sandwort will grow on the face of the rocks ; and even upright faces of rock will grow a variety of plants. Regular steps should never be in or near Shady side of wall covered with Rockfoil and Ferns. the rock-garden. Steps may be made quite irregular, and even beautiful, with violets and other small plants jutting from every crevice. No cement should be used. In cases where the simplest type of rock-garden only is attempted, and where there are no steps or rude walks in the rock-garden, the very fringes of the gravel walks may be graced by such plants as the dwarfer Stonecrops. The alpine Toadflax is never more beautiful than 152 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. when self-sown in a gravel walk. A rock-garden so made that its miniature cliffs overhang is useless for alpine vegetation, and all but such wall-loving plants as Corydalis lutea soon die on it. The tendency to make it with overhanging " peaks " is often seen in the cement rock-gardens now common. SOIL. The great majority of alpine plants thrive best in deep soil . In it they can root deeply, and when once rooted they will not suffer from drought, from which they would quickly perish if planted in the usual way. Three feet deep is not too much for most GARDEN A rock-garden : Windermere. kinds, and in nearly all cases it is a good plan to have plenty of broken sandstone or grit mixed with the soil . Any free loam, with plenty of sand and broken grit, will suit most alpine plants. But peat is required by some, as, for example, various small and brilliant rockplants like the Menziesia, Trillium, Cypripedium, Spigelia, and a number of other mountain and bog-plants. Hence, though the body of the soil may be of loam, it is well to have a few masses of peat here and there. This is better than forming all the ground of good loam, and then digging holes for the reception of small masses of peat. ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK-GARDENS. 153 The soil of some portions might also be chalky or calcareous, for the sake of plants that are known to thrive best on such formations, like the Milkworts, the Bee Orchis, and Rhododendron Chamæcistus. Any other varieties of soil required by particular kinds can be given as they are planted. It is not well to associate a small lakelet or pond with the rockgarden, as is frequently done. If a picturesque piece of water can be seen from the rock-garden, well and good ; but water should not, as a rule, be closely associated with it. Hence, in places of limited extent, water should not be thought of at all. In the planting of every kind of rock-garden, it should be remembered that all the surface should be planted. Not alone on slopes, or favourable ledges, or chinks, or miniature valley, should we see this exquisite plant-life. Numbers of rare mountain species will thrive on the less trodden parts of footways ; others, like the two-flowered Violet, seem to thrive best in the fissures between steps ; many dwarf succulents delight in gravel and the hardest soil. In cultivating the very rarest and most minute alpine plants, the stony, or partially stony, surface is to be preferred . Full exposure is necessary for very minute plants, and stones are useful in preventing evaporation from their roots. Few have much idea of the number of alpine plants that may be grown on fully exposed ordinary ground. But some kinds require care, and there are usually new kinds coming in, which, even if vigorous, should be kept apart for a time. Therefore, where the culture of alpine plants is entered into with zest, there ought to be a sort of nursery spot on which to grow the most delicate and rare kinds. It should be fully exposed, and sufficiently elevated to secure perfect drainage. A mossy wall, or an old ruin, would give a place for many rockplants which no specially prepared situation could rival. Those who have observed how alpine plants grow on stony ground must have noticed in what arid places many flourish-fine plants springing from a chink in a boulder. They are often stunted and small in such places, but are always more free-flowering and long- lived than when growing upon the ground. Now, numbers of alpine plants perish if planted in the ordinary soil of our gardens. This results from over-moisture in winter, the plants being more susceptible of injury when growth is induced in our winters. But if many of these delicate plants are placed where their roots dry in winter, they may be kept in perfect health. Many plants from countries a little farther south than our own, and from alpine regions, may find on walls, rocks, and ruins that dwarf, sturdy growth and dryness in winter which go to form the conditions that make them at home in our climate. There are many 154 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. alpine plants now cultivated with difficulty in frames that may be grown on walls with ease ! The best way to establish plants on walls is by seed. The Cheddar Houseleeks on rock-garden at Lamport Hall. Pink, for example, grows on walls at Oxford much better than I have ever known it do on rockwork or on level ground. Afew seeds of this plant, sown in an earthy chink, and covered with a dust of fine soil, would soon take root, living for years in fine sturdy tufts. ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK-GARDENS. 155 Where no old walls exist, by building a rough stone wall, and packing the intervals as firmly as possible with loam, a host of rock plants may be grown. The wall affords the kind of nutriment they require. To many species the wall would prove a more congenial home than any but the best- constructed rock- garden. ALPINE PLANTS IN GROUPS.-A great number of alpine flowers will do perfectly well on level ground in our cool climate, if they are not overrun by coarser plants. Where there are natural rocks or good artificial ones it is best to plant them properly ; but people who are particular would often be better without artificial " rockwork " if they wished to grow these plants in simpler ways. There is not the slightest occasion to have what is called " rockwork " for these flowers. I do not speak only of things like the beautiful Gentianella, which for many years has been grown in our gardens, but of the Rockfoils, the Stonecrops, and the true alpine plants in great numbers. Alpine garden on level ground with Gentianella in large group. Then, for the sake of securing the benefits of the refreshing rains, it would often be best, in the south of England at least, to avoid the dusty pockets hitherto built for rock flowers. The illustration of Gentians is that of a little alpine garden, made in quite a level place in the worst possible soil for growing the plant, the hot Bagshot sand, where the soil is always fit for working after heavy rain, but in hot summer is almost like ashes. By making the soil rather deep and by burying a few stones among the plants to prevent dryness, this flower, which loves a rich loamy soil, grew well, as the picture, which is engraved from a photograph, shows. The next point is the great superiority of natural grouping over the botanical or labelled style of little single specimens of a great number of plants. In this stretch of bed, in the ordinary way, there would be fifty or more kinds, but nothing pretty for those who have ever seen the beautiful mountain gardens. Many rightly contend that, in a sense, Nature includes all, and that therefore the 156 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. term "natural " may be misapplied. But the term " natural " is a perfectly just one when used in the sense of Nature's own way of arranging flowers as opposed to the lines, circles, and other set patterns so commonly hitherto followed by man. By adopting bold and natural grouping we may get all the colour of the “ bedding " system without a trace of its formality. But most gardeners find it difficult to group in this natural way-we have all been so used to setting things out in formal lines. This is a difficulty felt by the most artistic, but a little attention to natural objects will help us to get away from set patterns, and let things intermingle here and there and run into each other to form groups such as we may see among the rocks by alpine paths. After a little time the plants themselves begin to help us by growing irregularly. An excellent way is, if a number of plants are set out too formally-as in most cases they are -to pull up a number here and there after the whole are " set out. " ALPINE AND ROCK- PLANTS FOR BRITISH GARDENS. Where the name of a large and varied family is given, as in Phlox, Iris, Rhododendron, Pentstemon, Salix, Antirrhinum, it is the alpine, or dwarfmountain kinds, that are meant. Acæna Cypripedium Leucojum Acantholimon Daphne Linaria Achillea Dianthus Linnæa Acis Diapensia Linum Æthionema Dodecatheon Lithospermum Rhexia Alyssum Draba Loiseleuria Andromeda Dracocephalumi Lychnis Androsace Dryas Lycopodium Puschkinia Pyrola Pyxidanthera Ranunculus Rhododendron Sanguinaria Saponaria Anemone Epigæa Mazus Saxifraga Antennaria Erigeron Meconopsis Anthyllis Erinus Menziesia Aquilegia Erodium Mertensia Arabis Erpetion Muscari Arenaria Erysimum Myosotis Armeria Erythronium Narcissus Asperula Galanthus Nertera Astragalus Gaultheria Enothera Aubrietia Genista Omphalodes Bellis Gentiana Ononis Bryanthus Geranium Onosma Bulbocodium Globularia Ophrys Scilla Sedum Sempervivum Senecio Silene Smilacina Soldanella Spigelia Statice Thalictrum Thlaspi Thymus Calandrinia Helianthemum Orchis Trientalis Campanula Helleborus Orobus Trillium Cardamine Houstonia Oxalis Triteleia Cerasium Hutchinsia Papaver Cheiranthus Hyacinthus Parnassia Tulipa Tunica Chimaphila Iberis Petrocallis Vaccinium Colchicum Iris Phlox Cornus Coronilla Isopyrum Jasione Polemonium Polygala Crocus Leiophyllum Potentilla Veronica Vesicaria Viola Waldsteinia Cyclamen Leontopodium Primula CHAPTER XII. THE WILD GARDEN, OR THE NATURALISATION OF HARDY EXOTIC FLOWERS. O universal Mother, who dost keep From everlasting thy foundations deep, Eldest of things, Great Earth, I sing of thee. IN a rational system of flower-gardening one of the first things to do is to get a clear idea of the aim of the " Wild Garden." When I began to plead the cause of the innumerable hardy flowers against the few tender ones, put out in a formal way, the answer sometimes was, " We cannot go back to the mixed border "—that is to say, to the old way of arranging flowers in borders. Thinking, then, much of the vast world of plant beauty shut out of our gardens by the "system " then in vogue, I was led to consider the ways in which it might be brought into them, and of the " Wild Garden " as a home for numbers of beautiful hardy plants from other countries which might be naturalised, with very little trouble, in our gardens, fields, and woods —a world of delightful plant beauty that we might make happy around us, in places bare or useless. I saw that we could grow thus not only flowers more lovely than those commonly seen in what is called the flower garden, but also many which, by any other plan, we should have little chance of seeing. The term " Wild Garden " is applied to the placing of perfectly hardy exotic plants in places where they will take care of themselves. It has nothing to do with the " wilderness," though it may be carried out in it. It does not necessarily mean the picturesque garden, for a garden may be picturesque and yet in every part the result of ceaseless care. What it does mean is best explained by the winter Aconite flowering under a grove of naked trees in February ; by the Snowflake abundant in meadows by the Thames ; and by the Apennine Anemone staining an English grove blue. Multiply these instances by adding many different plants and hardy climbers from 158 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. countries as cold as our own, or colder, and one may get some idea of the wild garden. Some have thought of it as a garden allowed to run wild, or with annuals sown promiscuously, whereas it does not meddle with the flower garden proper at all. I wish the idea to be kept distinct from the various important phases of hardy plant growth in groups, beds, and borders, in which good culture may produce many happy effects ; from the rock-garden Group of Mullein, near Scotch Firs, in Surrey Heath. or borders reserved for choice hardy flowers ; from growing hardy plants of fine form ; from the ordinary type of spring garden. In the smaller class of gardens there may be little room for the wild garden, but in the larger gardens, where there is often ample room on the outer fringes of the lawn, in grove, park, copse, or by woodland walks or drives, new and beautiful effects may be created by its means. Among reasons for advocating this system are the following :- THE WILD GARDEN. 159 I. Because hundreds of the finest hardy flowers will thrive much better in rough and wild places than ever they did in the oldfashioned border. Even comparatively small ones, like the beautiful Ivy-leaved Cyclamen, are perfectly naturalised and spread all over the mossy surface of woods. 2. Because, in consequence of plant, fern and flower and climber, grass, and trailing shrub, relieving each other in delightful ways, they will look infinitely better than in gardens. 3. Because no ugly effects will result from decay and the swift passage ofthe seasons. After the first flush of spring and early summer bloom had passed, the raggedness of the old mixed border with its bundles of decayed stems tied to sticks was intolerable. When Lilies are sparsely dotted through masses of shrubs their flowers are far prettier than if they were in isolated showy masses ; and when they pass out of bloom they are not eyesores, like rigid unrelieved tufts in borders. In a semi- wild state the beauty of individual species will proclaim itself when at its height ; and when out of bloom they will be succeeded by other kinds, or lost among the numerous objects around. 4. Because it will enable us to grow many plants that have never yet obtained a place in our " trim gardens "-multitudes that are not showy enough to be considered worthy of a place in a garden. An isolated tuft may indeed be unsuitable to a formal border, but when the plants are grouped naturally in some glade, or wood, or little colony, the effect may be charming. Among the plants usually considered unfit for garden cultivation are a goodly number that, grown in gardens, are no addition to them-like the coarser American Asters, Golden Rods, and such plants, which overrun the choicer border- flowers when planted among them. Such plants would be quite at home in copses and woody places, where their blossoms might be seen in due season, and their vigorous vegetation form a covert welcome to the game- preserver. To these might be added plants like the winter Heliotrope, and many others, which, while interesting in the garden, are apt to spread so rapidly as to become a nuisance. 5. Because in this way we may settle the question of spring flowers, and the spring garden, as well as that of hardy flowers generally ; and many parts of the garden may be made alive with spring flowers, without in the least interfering with the geometrical beds that have been the stock-in-trade of the so- called landscape gardener for centuries. The blue stars of the Apennine Anemone will be seen. to greater advantage when " wild " in shady or half-shady bare places, under trees, or in the meadow grass, than in any conceivable formal arrangement, and this is but one of hundreds of sweet spring flowers that will succeed perfectly in like ways. 6. Because there can be few more agreeable phases of communion with Nature than 160 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. naturalising the native plants of countries in which we are more interested than in those from whence come our hothouse plants. It is not only to shrubberies, and plantations, and belts of grass in the rougher parts of the pleasure-ground, and shady mossbordered wood walks, that these remarks apply. The suburban garden, with its single fringe of planting, may show like beauty. It may have the Solomon's Seal arching forth from a shady recess , behind tufts of the sweet-scented Narcissus ; and wild fringes of strong and hardy flowers in the spring sun-flowers which cannot be cut off by harsh winds as when exposed in the open garden. Rough banks in or near the pleasure-ground or flower garden, at present perhaps containing nothing but weeds, and any rough or unused spot about the garden-such are the places for them. Even where all the lawn must be mown, the Snowdrop may be enjoyed in early spring, for its leaves die down, or, at all events, ripen sufficiently, before there is any occasion to mow the grass. But the prettiest results are attainable only where the grass need not be cut till the meadows are mown. Then we may have gardens of Narcissi, such as no one ever thought possible in Britain. In grass not mown at all we may even enjoy many of the Lilies, and many of the lovelier and more stately bulbous flowers of the meadows and mountain lawns of Europe, Asia, and America. Copses and woods offer still better situations, as in these there is no destruction ofthe foliage by harrow, roller, or mower. On a stretch of good grass which need not be mown, and on fairly good soil in any part of our country, we may enjoy such beauty as has hitherto only gladdened the heart of the wanderer on the high mountain lawns and copses in early summer, when the hill flowers bloom in multitudes in the alpine grass. All planting in the grass should be in natural groups or prettily fringed colonies, growing to and fro as they like after planting. Lessons in this grouping are to be had in the woods, copses, heaths, and meadows, by those who look about them as they go. At first many will find it difficult to get out of formal masses, but they may be got over by studying natural groupings of wild flowers. Once established, the plants soon begin to group themselves in pretty ways. Where the branches of trees, both evergreen and summer-leafing, sweep the turf in pleasure-grounds many pretty spring-flowering bulbs may be naturalised beneath the branches, and will thrive. without attention . It is chiefly in the case of deciduous trees that this can be done ; but even in the case of Conifers and Evergreens some graceful objects may be dotted beneath the outermost points of their lower branches. We know that a great number of our spring Snowdrops in wood at Monreith . M 162 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. flowers and hardy bulbs mature their foliage and go to rest early in the year. In spring they require light and sun, which they obtain abundantly under the summer-leafing tree ; they have time to flower and grow under it before the foliage of the tree appears ; then, as the summer heats approach, they are gradually overshadowed, and go to rest ; but the leaves of the tree once fallen, they soon begin to reappear and cover the ground with beauty. By experiments in naturalising bulbous flowers in meadow grass, I found that certain flowers with broad leaves do not thrive where the harrow and roller are used as they are in pastures and meadow land. The Wood Tulip suffers in this way in meadow grass, while in copses or woody places it is quite free. Narcissi generally thrive in meadow grass, but owing to the injury to the leaves, and the struggle for life, they are not so vigorous as in woods. I might have had a better and more interesting result if I had put in open woods the same large numbers of bulbs that I put in pastures. On the other hand, some flowers -such as the Apennine Anemone, Snowdrop, Scillas, Winter Aconite, Dog's- tooth Violet, and Snake's- head-thrive perfectly in meadow grass. Even the Narcissi are very pretty in the grass, though they do not grow so large as by woodland walks in rich soil. At most country seats there is so much pleasure-ground that delightful things of this kind are quite easy. In my own garden in Sussex cultivated fields come quite close to the house, and I made a delightful spring garden by planting in the grass early bulbs, which had quite disappeared, leaf and all, before the grass was mown in the usual way. Plants for the Wild Garden. The following are the chief families of plants that may be used in the wild garden. Where families are named which are British as well as natives of the Continent of Europe, as in the case of, say, Scilla, the foreign kinds are meant. In considering what may be done in naturalising plants in a given position, it may be well to cast the eye over the families available. Success will depend on how the plants are chosen to go in any one position. And in grounds of our country seats, soils and situations are so varied that it is not easy to generalise. The degree of moisture must be thought of. I failed with the American Wood Lily in a delightful shady lane in my Sussex garden owing to want of moisture. Acanthus Aconite Arabis Asphodel Aconite, Winter Alkanet Aubrietia Bamboo Barrenwort Bee Balm Bellflower Bindweed Bitter Vetch Blood Root Borage Broom zegan sketch byW.E.Norton .summer 1891 ,planted five years .From aManor with Poet's Narcissus inbloom early The wild garen ;view inMoatead ,Gravetye M 2 164 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. Hepatica Honesty Honeysuckle Houseleek Cyclamen Christmas Rose Clematis Columbine Comfrey Compass Plant Cornflower Coronilla Cotton Thistle Cow Parsnip Crane's-bill Crocus Globe Thistle Goat's-rue Golden Rod Grape Hyacinth Heath Heliotrope, Winter Holly, Sea Jasmine Mimulus Monk's-hood Mountain Avens Mullein Narcissus Omphalodes Ox-eye Daisy Pæony Pea, Everlasting Periwinkle Phlox Snake's-head Snapdragon Snowdrop Snowflake Solomon's Seal Star of Bethlehem Starwort Stock Stonecrop Sun Rose Sunflower ( Peren- Pink nial) Daffodil Jerusalem Sage Plantain Lily Sweet Fern Day Lily Knotwort Pond-flower Thrift Dog's-tooth Violet Lavender Poppy Thyme Ferns, Hardy Leopard's- bane Flag Lily Flax Lily-of- the-Valley Forget-me-not Loosestrife Foxglove Lungwort French Willow Lupine Fumitory Lychnis Gentian Mallow Giant Fennel May-apple Giant Scabious Gladioli (hardy Eu- ropean kinds) Globe Flower Mayflower Meadow Rue Meadow Saffron Meadow Sweet Primrose, Evening Rosemary St. Bruno's Lily St. John's Wort Sandwort Scabious Scilla Viola Virginian Creeper Virginian Poke Wallflower Water Lily Windflower Winter-green Wistaria Wood Lily Yarrow Tulip Rest Harrow Valerian Rocket Rockfoil Rock Rose Rose Streamlet in a Devonshire garden. CHAPTER XIII. WATERSIDE, STREAMLET, BOG GARDEN, AND HARDY FERNS. WHAT a number of unclean " duck ponds " deface our gardens ; people have a mania for artificial water. The effect of water under its best conditions pleases them so well, that they bring it near their houses, where they cannot have any of its good effects. But they have instead the filth that accumulates in stagnant water, and feel its deadly smell over many a lawn. Water is only good in such sheets as reflect light on the landscape. In our cold, wet climate, too , it is desirable that the effects of water-even beautiful and clean water-should be kept a little away ; and since this is impossible in very small places, " artificial " water is better excluded from them. In one form, however, it is always innocuous, and that is as a streamlet or rill. This can do no harm, and may, in a garden or near it, be kept always alive with beauty by bordering it with flowers and trailing shrubs, broken by little bits of smooth Grass. A hundred yards of a limpid chalk stream alive with fish, such as one may see among the Wiltshire Downs (clear as a diamond on the coldest day) , is better than many pretentious and costly pieces of " artificial water." A bad quality of the ugly duck ponds-and, indeed, of all kinds of artificial water in gardens-is the way they fill up with mud ; and the cost of cleaning them is great. Where in a large park the effect ofwater in the distance is good, and the views picturesque, " mudding " may be worth doing, but in places where the scum and the smell are 166 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. the main results, and the best part of the lawn is cut up for the sake of an ugly pond, a way is to cut a drain from it, and make it into a little garden for Rhododendrons, Ferns, and Lilies. Then, at all events, we should have something into which, if a child fell, it could be picked out alive. Ponds and fountain basins in gardens are often a danger to children. The brook-margin offers opportunities to lovers of hardy flowers which few situations equal. Hitherto we have used in and near such places aquatic or bog plants only, and of these usually a very meagre selection ; but the improvement of the brook-side will be most readily effected by planting the banks with hardy flowers. A great number of our finest herbaceous plants, from Irises to Globe- flowers, thrive best in moist soil and often by the water. Waterside plants have this advantage overwater plants that we can fix their position, whereas water plants are apt to spread, and one kind often exterminates the rest, therefore it would sometimes be better to form colonies of hardy flowers along the banks. Therepeating ofa favourite plant at intervals would spoil everything ; groups of free hardy things, different in each place as one passed, would be best : Day Lilies ; Phloxes, which love moisture ; Irises, mainly the beardless kinds, which love wet places, and all the German Irises ; Gunnera ; Aster ; American swamp Lilies in peaty or boggy soil ; the rose Loosestrife ; Golden Rods ; Spider Worts ; the Compass- plants ; Irises by water at Warley Place. From a photograph by Miss Willmot. AIhep from20ON3 tic ator COLD .Lilies Water Hrdy 168 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. Everlasting Peas ; Monk's-hood ; the Goat Rues ; the hardiest Torch Lilies (Tritoma) ; the stouter kinds of Yarrow (Achillea) ; the common Lupin-these are some of many types of hardy flowers which would grow freely near the waterside. With these hardy plants, too, a variety ofthe nobler hardy ferns, such as the Struthiopteris Osmunda, would also come well. We will now consider the plants that belong naturally to such situations. Water plants of northern and temperate regions, associated with native plants, add much beauty to a garden if they are well selected and well grown. If the soil be rich, we usually see the same monotonous vegetation all round the margin of the water, and where the bottom is of gravel there is little vegetation, but an unbroken, ugly line of washed earth. A group of Water Lily is beautiful ; but Water Lilies lose their charm when they spread over the whole of a piece of water-thickening and weakening-and waterfowl cannot make their way through them. No garden water, however, should be without the Water Lily. The Yellow Water Lily ( Nuphar lutea), though less beautiful, is well worthy of a place ; and so is the fine and large N. advena (a native of America) , which pushes its leaves boldly above the water. The American White Water Lily (Nymphæa odorata) is a noble species, and quite hardy. Of recent years much interest has been aroused in the many hybrid hardy Water Lilies raised by M. Latour- Marliac, who has added the large and noble forms and the lovely colour of the Eastern Water Lilies to the garden waters of northern countries. The splendid beauty of these plants should lead people to think of true and artistic ways of adorning garden waters. Our own poor Water Lily was always neglected and rarely effective, except in a wild state ; but when people see that they may have in Britain the soft yellow and the fine rose and red flowers of the tropical Water Lilies throughout summer and autumn, they will begin to take more interest in their garden water flowers. Even the wretched duck ponds which disfigure so many country seats will begin at last to have a reason to be. The change should be the means of leading us to think more of the many noble flowers and fine-leaved plants of the waterside, apart from Water Lilies. A great many handsome plants frequent the banks of rivers and lakes, and are never seen so well anywhere else. rich soil brought down by rivers is a great aid in the growth of waterside plants, and those who have never seen them in this their natural position have little idea of their beauty or even size. Apart from the true water plants, there is also a whole series of noble hardy flowers which should be massed in natural ways by the side of water, like Iris, Meadow- sweet, Loosestrife, Globe- flowers, Knotworts, and The WATERSIDE AND BOG GARDENS. 169 many others, some of them, like the rosy Meadow- sweets ( Spiræa venusta and S. palmata), flowering with these Lilies. In such ways we shall get gardens of lovely colour and form free from all trace of the pastrycook gardener. Should there be limits to cultivating the Nymphæas in the open garden in the north, it will be quite easy to keep them in houses in the winter and turn them out in the summer. Another interesting aspect is what may be done in greenhouses and warm houses in cold or unsuitable places, and many may in that way enjoy their fine forms and lovely colours quite near the eye, though the greatest charm. of the plants is the giving us new and beautiful pictures in the open garden. The new hybrid kinds continue blooming long after our native kind has ceased, and from the middle of May to nearly the end. of October flowers are abundant. One of the prettiest effects I ever observed was afforded by a sheet of Villarsia nymphæoides near a woody recess, belting round the margin of a lake with a group of Water Lilies before it, nearer the deep water. Not rare-growing, in fact, in nearly all districts of Britain— but beautiful and singular, is the Buckbean, with flowers fringed inside with white filaments, and with round unopened buds blushing on the top with a rosy red like an Apple-blossom. It will grow in any moist place, in a bog, or by the margin of any water. For a bold and picturesque plant there is the great Water Dock ; its great leaves become a fine red in autumn. It forms a handsome mass of foliage on rich muddy banks, and, unlike many water plants, does not spread much. The Reed-mace (Typha) must not be omitted. But it should not be allowed much liberty. The narrow- leaved one is more graceful than the common one (T. latifolia). Carex pendula is excellent for the margins of water, its elegant drooping spikes being quite distinct in their way. Carex paniculata forms a strong and thick stem, sometimes 3 feet to 4 feet high, somewhat like a tree Fern, and it has luxuriant masses of drooping leaves : on that account it is sometimes transferred to moist places in gardens, though these large specimens are generally difficult to remove and soon perish. The Bulrush is too distinct to be omitted, its stems sometimes attaining a height of more than 7 feet and even 8 feet ; and Cyperus longus is also desirable, and recalls Papyrus in flower. Poa aquatica might also be used. Cladium Mariscus is another distinct British aquatic which is worth a place. A very long list might be made of the plants that grow in British and European water, but those which possess no distinct character or beauty of flower are useless, for it is only a selection of the best kinds that can give satisfaction. 170 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. Those who have seen the flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) in blossom are not likely to omit it from a collection of water plants. Place it not far from the margin, for it likes rich muddy soil. The common Arrow Head ( Sagittaria), very frequent in England and Ireland, might be associated with this ; but there is a much finer double exotic kind, which is really handsome, with white flowers resembling those of the old white Double Rocket, but larger. The Bog Arum is a beautiful plant, and I know of nothing prettier on rich, soft, boggy ground. It will also grow by the side of water. The well-known Lily of the Nile is hardy in some places if planted rather deep, and in nearly all may be placed out for summer ; but in the south of England and Ireland it will not thrive except in WATERSIDE AND BOG GARDENS. 171 quiet waters. The Sweet- flag will be associated with the water Iris (I. pseudacorus), and in wet ground a number of exotic Irises will thrive, e.g. I. sibirica, ochroleuca, graminea, and many others. The Pond-flower is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and is a singularly pretty plant, hardy enough for our climate, sweet and quaintly beautiful. It frequently succeeds where there are springs that keep the water a little warmer than usual. The Water Violet occurs in eastern and central districts. The best example of it that I have seen was on an expanse of soft mud near Lea Bridge, in Essex, where it covered the surface with a sheet of dark fresh green, RDEN Mocassin-flower in rocky bog. and looked better than when in water, though doubtless the place was occasionally flooded. A suitable companion for the Marsh Marigold and its varieties is the very large and showy Ranunculus Lingua, which in rich ground grows to a height of 3 feet or more. Fortunately in winter the margins of lakes and streams are not upturned by the spade, and just away from the water-line almost any vigorous and hardy flower will take care of itself. The Globeflowers alone would form beautiful effects and endure as long as the Grass. Near the various Irises that love the waterside might be planted those which thrive in moist ground, including the most 172 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. beautiful kinds. It would require a long list to enumerate all the plants, apart from the aquatics proper, that would grow near the margin of water ; but enough has been said to prove that on a strip of ground beside a stream or lake, a charming garden may be formed. The placing near of plants which naturally inhabit different situations -water plants, waterside plants, and land plants which thrive in moist ground-would prevent a running together of the whole mass, as we often see in the case of water plants. Distinct effects could be obtained from the beauty of the flowers close at hand ; and from that of the more conspicuous kinds at a distance, or from the other side of a stream or lakelet. THE BOG GARDEN is a home for the numerous children of the wild that will not thrive on our harsh, bare, and dry garden borders, but must be cushioned on moss, and associated with their own relatives in moist peat soil. Many beautiful plants, like the Wild. Gentian and Creeping Harebell, grow on our own bogs and marshes, much as these are now encroached upon. But even those acquainted with the beauty of the plants of our own bogs have, as a rule, but a feeble notion of the multitude of charming plants, natives of northern and temperate countries, whose home is the open marsh or boggy wood. In our own country, we have been so long encroaching upon the bogs and wastes that some of us come to regard bogs and wastes as exceptional tracts all over the world. But when one travels in new countries in northern climes, one soon learns what a vast extent of the world's surface was once covered with bogs. In North America, even by the margins of the railways, one sees, day after day, the vivid blooms of the Cardinal-flower springing erect from the wet peaty hollows ; and far under the shady woods stretch the black bog pools, the ground between being so shaky that you move a few steps with difficulty. One wonders how the trees exist with their roots in such a bath. And where the forest vegetation disappears, the Pitcher-plant (Sarracenia), Golden Club ( Orontium) , Water Arum (Calla palustris), and a host of other handsome and interesting bog plants cover the ground for hundreds of acres, with perhaps an occasional slender bush of Laurel Magnolia (Magnolia glauca) among them. In some parts of Canada, where the painfully long and straight roads are often made through woody swamps, and where the few scattered and poor habitations offer little to cheer the traveller, a lover of plants will find beside the road conservatories of beauty in the ditches and pools of black water fringed with a profusion of stately ferns, and bog and water bushes. Southwards and seawards, the bog flowers, like the splendid kinds of herbaceous Hibiscus, become tropical in size and brilliancy, while far north and west and south along the mountains grows the .Fern Lady 174 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. queen of the peat bog-the beautiful and showy Mocassin- flower (Cypripedium spectabile). Then in California, all along the Sierras, a number of delicate little annual plants continue to grow in small mountain bogs long after the plains are quite parched, and annual vegetation has quite disappeared from them. But who shall record the beauty and interest of the flowers of the widespreading marshlands of this globe of ours, from those of the vast wet woods of America, dark and brown, and hidden from the sunbeams, to those of the breezy uplands of the high Alps, far above the woods, where the little bogs teem with Nature's most brilliant flowers, joyous in the sun ? No one worthily ; for many mountain-swamp regions are as yet little known to us. One thing, however, we may gather from our small experience that many plants commonly termed “ alpine, ” and found on high mountains, are true bog plants. This must be clear to any one who has seen our pretty Bird's-eye Primrose in the wet mountain- side bogs of Westmoreland, or the Bavarian Gentian in the spongy soil by alpine rivulets. In many country seats there are spots that with a little care can be made into pretty bog gardens. Where there are no natural sites , a bog garden may be made by forming a basin of brickwork and Portland cement, about one foot in depth ; the bottom may be either concreted or paved with tiles laid in cement, and the whole must be made water-tight ; an orifice should be made in the side, at the height of 6 inches, to carry off the surplus water, and another in the bottom at the lowest point, with a cork, or, better still, with a brass plug valve to close it. Five or six inches of stones and bricks are to be first laid in, and the whole must be filled with good peat soil, the surface being raised into uneven banks and hillocks, with large pieces of clinker or stone imbedded in it, so as to afford drier and wetter spots. The size and form of this garden may be varied at discretion ; it should be in an exposed situation ; the back may be raised with a rockwork of stones imbedded in peat, and the moisture, ascending by capillary action, will make the position a charming one for Ferns and numberless other peat-loving plants. It is in every way desirable that a small trickle of water should constantly flow through the bog ; ten or twelve gallons daily will be sufficient, but if this cannot be arranged it may be kept filled by hand. Such a bog may be bordered by a very low wall of flints or stones, built with mortar, diluted with half its bulk of road- sand and leaf-mould, and having a little earth on the top ; the moisture will soon cause this to be covered with moss, and Ferns and all kinds of wall- plants will thrive on it. Where space will permit, a much larger area may be converted into bog and rockwork intermingled, the surface being raised or WATERSIDE AND BOG GARDENS. 175 depressed at various parts, so as to afford stations for more or less moisture-loving plants. Large stones should be freely used on the surface, so as to form mossy stepping- stones ; and many plants will thrive better in the chinks between the stones than on the surface of the peat. It is not necessary to render water- tight the whole of such a large area. A channel of water about 6 inches deep, with drainpipes and bricks at the bottom, may be led to and fro or branched over the surface, the bends or branches being about 3 feet apart. The whole, when covered with peat, will form an admirable bog, the spaces Cypripedium. Trillium. Sarracenia. A bog garden. Helonias. Pinguicula. between the channels forming drier portions, in which various plants. will thrive vigorously. Perhaps the best place for an artificial bog is on sloping ground. The water flows in at the top, and the surface must be rendered water-tight with Portland cement or concrete. Contour or level lines should then be traced on the whole surface at distances of about 3 feet apart, and a ridge, two bricks in height, should be cemented along each of the horizontal lines. These ridges, which must be perfectly level, serve to hold the water, and the surplus escapes over the top to the next lower level. Two-inch drain tiles, covered with coarse stones, should be laid along each ridge to keep the channel open, and a foot of peat should be thrown over the whole. Before 176 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. adding the peat, ridges may be built on the surface, the stones being built together with peat in the interstices. These ridges need not follow the horizontal lines. The positions thus formed are adapted both to grow and to display Ferns and alpine bog plants to advantage. In addition to regular bog plants, almost all the choice alpines will thrive better in the drier and more elevated parts than in pots or an ordinary border. Perhaps the most charming plants to commence with are our own native bog plants-Pinguicula, Drosera, Parnassia, Menyanthes, Viola palustris, Anagallis tenella, Narthecium, Osmunda, Lastrea Oreopteris, Thelypteris spinulosa, and other Ferns ; Sibthorpia europæa, Linnæa borealis, Primula farinosa, Campanula hederacea, Chrysosplenium alternifolium and oppositifolium ; Saxifraga Hirculus, aizoides, stellaris, Caltha, and Marsh Orchises. These, and a host of plants from our marshes and the summits of our higher mountains, will flourish as freely as in their native habitats, and may all be grown in a few square feet of bog ; while Rhododendrons, Kalmias, dwarf Ferns, and Sedges will serve for the bolder features. I have not space to enumerate the many beautiful foreign bog plants which abound, and which may be obtained from our nurseries, although some of the best are not yet introduced into this country. One of the great charms of the bog garden is that everything thrives and multiplies in it, and nothing droops or dies, but the real difficulty is to prevent the stronger plants from overgrowing, and eventually destroying, the weaker. A small pool of water filled with water plants forms a charming adjunct to the bog garden. The only caution necessary is to destroy the strong weeds before they gain strength-a single plant of Sheep Rot (Hydrocotyle), for example, would smother and ruin the entire bog in a season.- LATIMER CLARK. HARDY FERNS.-In countries where hardy Ferns abound, they are often seen near water and in hollow and ditch-like places, and it is perhaps best to group them here with the waterside and bog plants. Many of the boldest and best may well be thus grouped. This is a way of treating them more artistically than arranging them in the prim and very special " hardy fernery." The marriage of the fernery and the flower garden, too, is very desirable, our many hardy evergreen Ferns being excellent for association with hardy flowers. There are many varieties of our native Polystichums, Hart's-tongues, Blechnums, which would be excellent companions to evergreen herbaceous plants suited for sheltered, half- shady nooks. There are also many exotic kinds hardy and vigorous. Graceful effects may be developed in foregrounds, in WATERSIDE AND BOG GARDENS. 177 drives through glades, and in many other positions, by the bold use of the larger hardy Ferns. The Bracken is everywhere ; but others are more graceful in form, delighting in the partial shade of open woods and drives, and succeeding even in the sun. Up to the present time Ferns have, as a rule, been stowed away in obscure corners, and have never come into the garden landscape at all. But they can give us new and beautiful aspects of vegetation not only in the garden landscape, but even in parks and woods. In the home counties there is probably not a better specimen than the fernery at Danesbury, of which an illustration is given. It is on a sloping bank in a rather deep dell, overhung with trees and Royal Fern (Osmunda Regalis). Ivy, in the shade of which the Ferns delight. The spot has been improved by artistic rockwork. As regards the planting, the various families are arranged in distinct groups, and each group has a position. and a soil adapted to its requirements. The best way of growing Ferns, however, is with flowers, as in Nature, and a hardy fernery may be very beautiful. As a rule, Ferns have in their natural state both soil and locality exactly suited to their requirements ; and the soil is yearly enriched by the decaying foliage of surrounding trees, which protects them in winter. In arranging a fernery, study the habits and requirements of the species, and allot to each the position most likely to produce the best results. At Danesbury the most N 178 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . sheltered, moist spot is given to the evergreen Blechnums, which delight in a damp atmosphere, and to the delicate forms of Asplenium. Osmunda, which thrives amazingly, is allotted a low swamp, which is, however, free from stagnant moisture. The soil used for these Royal Ferns is a mixture of good loam and fibrous peat. The better deciduous kinds of Polypodium, such as P. Phegopteris and P. Dryopteris, have sheltered positions ; and in quiet nooks may be found charming groups of the Parsley Fern, and Cystopteris fragilis, a most delicate and graceful Fern. Lastrea Filix-mas and its varieties occupy the more exposed positions in company with fine colonies of the evergreen kinds, comprising some unique varieties of the Polystichums, Scolopendriums, Polypodiums, etc. A plentiful supply of water is available. The beauty of a fernery is much enhanced if the larger kinds of Ferns grow out of some plant of dwarfer habit. The Ferns themselves are much benefited by this, because there is not excessive evaporation during dry and hot weather. The small Ferns are best without any carpet. They are the choicest, rarest, and most difficult to grow and as they require a little extra attention, it would be better not to risk their being smothered. The Fern- lover will remember that not only our own beautiful native Ferns we possess for adorning our gardens, but we have also the hardy Ferns of America, Asia, and the continent of Europe. Rock ernery at Danesbury . WCWATMOUGH Sheltered dell , with tree ferns and stove plants placed out for the summer (Battersea). CHAPTER XIV. BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. WITH our many fine-leaved plants from temperate and cool climes it is possible to have beautiful groups of hardy fine-leaved plants, for trees like the Ailantus and Paulownia make fine growth if cut down close to the ground every year. We have also the hardy Palm (Chamærops), the Yuccas, and graceful Bamboos, and Siebold's Plantain Lily (Funkia), Acanthuses, and plants of a similar character. Amongst those annually raised from seeds, and requiring only the protection of glass to start them, we have much variety from the stately Castor-oil-plant to the dwarf Centaurea. One advantage of using permanent plants in pots for central objects in groups or as isolated specimens on the turf is that, while they add variety to the arrangement during summer, they can be taken indoors when the beauty of the outdoor garden begins to fade. Although tender plants in pots are effective in summer in special positions, plants that cannot stand out-of-doors from the beginning of June until the end of September can hardly be called fit for summer gardening. Among the most suitable are several kinds of Palm, such as Seaforthia elegans, Chamærops excelsa, and C. humilis ; Aralias, various ; Dracenas, do.; Phormium tenax and its variegated form ; Yucca aloifolia variegata, Ficus elastica, and Eucalyptus globulus, the bluish-gray tint of which is pretty. Erythrinas make fine autumn PAHNEMAKER Hardy Palm in the open air in Southern England. 182 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. beds ; they are brilliant in colour, and useful for lighting up masses of foliage. Bamboos have such beautiful foliage, that where the winter is severe they should be used as large pot plants for plunging out-of-doors in summer. The hardiest Tree Fern, Dicksonia antarctica, looks well when plunged in shady dells where a canopy of overhanging foliage gives shelter and shade ; and several varieties of dwarf Ferns, such as the Bird's-nest Fern, are admirably adapted as undergrowth to this Fern. Plants raised from seed will, however, usually form the majority, owing to the lack of room under glass for many large plants. Of plants raised from seed the most useful are Cannas. If sown in February in strong heat, they make handsome plants for bedding ; their foliage is graceful and their flowers are rich in colour. The roots increase yearly in size and strength. They may be taken up and wintered under glass, or securely protected in the soil by means of external coverings. The Cannas in London public gardens are protected in winter. Most of the tall light green-foliaged varieties flower freely and make excellent centres for groups, while the dwarf bronze- foliaged sorts are good for edging. Solanums are also effective. The spinyleaved S. robustum, the elegant cut- leaved S. laciniatum, and S. Warscewiczi make good single specimens, or edgings to groups of taller plants. Wigandias, Ferdinanda eminens, and Melianthus major are all good if treated as annuals ; and among dwarf things that can be raised with them I may mention Brazilian Beet, with its richly tinted leaves and mid-ribs ; Acacia lophantha, Amaranthus, Cineraria maritima, and Centaureas, with their silvery cut leaves. Bocconias, with their tall spikes of graceful flowers and noble foliage, make effective and permanent plants for isolated groups. The beautiful Pampas Grass and Arundo ought also to find a place. Several varieties of Rhus or Sumach have good foliage, Rhus glabra laciniata being elegant. Aralia japonica is also useful, and so are the Tritomas, with their Rush- like foliage and flame- like spikes of flower, and the Plantain Lilies. As to arrangement, the best beds or sets of beds are those of the simplest design. Shelter is of importance, recesses in shrubberies or in banks clothed with foliage form the most fitting background for beds or groups to nestle in. Avoid Musas or Caladiums, the leaves of which tear to shreds if winds cannot be shut out, and also plants that look unhappy after a cold night or two. Make the most of plants that grow under nearly all conditions. If there is a dell or garden overhung by trees where flowering plants run to leaf and refuse to flower, use it for fine-leaved plants. A garden where each plant spreads forth its delicate foliage will form a pleasant Pampas Grass in a Sussex garden (Chichester). 184 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. change from brilliant bedding plants, or severely geometric carpet beds.-J. G. But are we to adopt this system in its entirety like Mr. Gibson when superintendent of Battersea Park ? Certainly not. To carry it out fully in private gardens would entail enormous expense. We can, however, introduce most of its better features into our gardens. By its aid, we can vary their contents, and render them more interesting. A better effect may be obtained from hardy plants only than from tender ones. There is the Pampas Grass, unsurpassed by anything requiring protection ; there are the Yuccas, thoroughly hardy, and unsurpassed by anything of like habit grown in a hothouse ; the Arundos, conspicua and donax ; fine hardy plants like Crambe cordifolia, Rheum Emodi, Ferulas, and umbelliferous plants, as graceful as tenderest exotics. Acanthuses, too, when well grown are very suitable. Then we have a hardy Palm that through all our recent hard winters has preserved its health and greenness wherever its leaves could not be torn to shreds by storms. As an example of fine form from hardy plants, I cannot do better than give the New Zealand Reed ( Arundo conspicua). This handsome Grass produces its blossom-spikes earlier than the Pampas, and is more elegant in habit, the silky white tufts bending like ostrich plumes at the end of slender stalks. It is best adapted to a sheltered corner, where it is protected from rough winds, and relieved by a background of darker foliage. As to tender plants in the open air, it would be difficult to give a better illustration than the stately Musa Ensete in Berkshire. In sheltered nooks in the southern counties it makes a very fair growth in the summer. In 1877 I was struck with its health and vigour at Park Place, Henley-on- Thames. Mr. Stanton, the gardener, raised a batch from seed, and it was surprising what fine plants they became in fifteen months. They were sown in April, and planted out early in June. Placed indoors early in October, they remained throughout the winter in a warm greenhouse, and were again planted out in the following June, when they formed fine young leaves. The plant is quite as effective in a conservatory in winter as when put out-ofdoors during summer. Here is an illustration of a bold mass formerly near Hyde Park Corner, which seemed to illustrate the best features of recent fineleaved gardening. It had a great Abyssinian Plantain in the middle, and was fringed by a few sub-tropical plants, and edged by an extraordinary fringe of the fine hardy Siebold's Plantain Lily, long- enduring in beauty. The reason of the success of this bed is clear. The bed was not a finicking angle or a wormy scrawl, but a bold circle, and presented no confusion to the observer, who simply saw the plants rising Musa Ensete inthe open garden Devonshire . From a Hodder Mr. bysent photograph 186 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. in a well- defined group from the roomy turf. It was by itself, could be seen unopposed, and was not muddled up with a lot of other beds near it. It may be noted that the eye does not, as a rule, care for more than one thing at a time, and if invited to look at a picture made up of many things, rests with pleasure on some one spot. Lastly, the plant forms were strong and well selected, and contrasted well with the ordinary tree vegetation near, as there was plenty of Grass about the bed to allow of contrasts without confusion with rival subjects. The way in which the Plantain Lilies began early in the year to adorn the spot, and continued to do so throughout the whole summer and autumn, was a pleasure to see. The drawing Bed of fine- leaved plants in Hyde Park. From a sketch by H. G. Moon. was made about the end of September, shortly after some heavy storms which tore the Musa a little, but the effect remained excellent till October. Some of the Plantain Lily leaves had begun to fade, but they still produced a very fine effect. YUCCAS IN GROUPS. -Wherever space can be afforded, and suitable situations found, hardy Yuccas should be grown. Few hardy subjects are so distinct in foliage and manner of growth ; but they appear to the best advantage if arranged in bold groups, and in the immediate vicinity of trees and shrubs, forming a harmonious contrast to them. Perhaps the best situation is a sloping ground fully exposed to the mid-day sun, and backed by evergreens. If allowed space for development, they will every year add beauty to BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 187 the place. The handsome spikes of their large cream-coloured flowers are extremely effective, especially when relieved by a background of verdure. Yuccas like a welldrained soil, and thrive on a subsoil of pure chalk. They delight in full exposure to the sun, and enjoy shelter from rough winds. Hence the advisability of planting them near trees or shrubs. The Yucca is hardy, but the foliage of several ofthe best species, such as filamentosa, is apt to get torn when much exposed. In grouping Yuccas, a more natural effect is obtained where some of the specimens have the head of theirfoliage from 3 feet to 6 feet above the soil. These tall plants should not, however, be placed in a regular manner in a back line, but some should be allowed here and there to advance into the foreground, some of the smaller specimens nestling at their feet. The effect of a group thus arranged charms by its irregularity and quaint beauty. Yucca gloriosa, Salisbury. 188 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. The use in gardens of plants having handsome leaves and fine form has taught us the value of grace and verdure amid masses of flowers, and has reminded us how far we have diverged from artistic ways. In a wild state brilliant blossoms are usually relieved by a setting of abundant green. Where mountain and meadow plants of one kind produce a sea of colour at one season, there is intermingled a spray of pointed grass and leaves, which tone down the colour masses. Group of house plants placed out for summer. Harrow Lodge, Dorking. We may be pleased by the wide spread of purple on a heath or mountain, but when we go near we find that its most exquisite aspect is seen in places where the long moss cushions itself beside the ling, and the fronds of the Polypody come up around little masses of heather. We cannot attempt to reproduce this exactly, but it will be found the chief source of the beauty and interest of our garden ; and the more we keep this fact before our eyes, the nearer shall we be to success. BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 189 Nature's laws should not be violated ; and few human beings have violated them more than flower-gardeners. We may have in GARDENING American Aloe. Example of greenhouse plants set in open air in summer. Engraved from a photograph taken in Knightwick Rectory Garden, Worcestershire. our gardens-without making wildernesses of them either-all the shade, the relief, the grace, and the beauty of Nature. By selecting from the vast number of hardy plants in the country 190 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. and by associating them, where convenient, with house-plants placed out for the summer, we may have as much variety and beauty of form as can be desired for the flower-garden or pleasure-ground. Fine-leaved sub-tropical plants, with Ivy and climbers in the gardens of the Princess Kotschoubey, at Nice. Among the more tender plants, we must choose such as grow healthily in sheltered places in the warmer parts of England. The kinds with permanent foliage, such as the New Zealand Flax and the hardier Dracænas, will be as effective everywhere as they are BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 191 around London and Paris, and to them the northern gardener should direct his careful attention. Even if it were possible in all parts to cultivate the softer-growing kinds to the same perfection as in the south of England, it would by no means be always desirable, as they cannot be used indoors in winter. The best are the many evergreen plants that stand out in summer without injury, and may be transferred to the conservatory in autumn, to produce through the cold months as fine an effect as in the flower garden in summer. But the hardy plants are of far greater importance ; for while few can afford the tender plants, many may enjoy hardy ones, and that too with far less trouble than tender ones. The one illustration from the South of France exhibits very graceful vegetation ; but the other engravings in the chapter show that effects quite as good may be had in English gardens. One kind of arrangement in particular must be guarded against -the geometro- picturesque one, seen in some parts of the London parks devoted to sub- tropical gardening. The plants are often of the finest kinds and in the most robust health, and all the materials for the best results are abundant ; yet the scene fails to satisfy, from the needless formality of the beds, from the heaping together of many specimens of one kind in long masses, straight or twisting, with high raised edges of hard- beaten soil. British Gardens. Acacia Acanthus Carduus Carex Agave Carlina Ailanthus Carludovica Alsophila Caryota Amaranthus Centaurea Andropogon Chamadorea Aralia Chamæpeuce Aristolochia Chamaerops Artemisia Cordyline Plants hardy or half-hardy, withfine Foliage or Form, for use in Molospermum Montagnæa Morina Mulgedium Musa Nicotiana Nuphar Onopordon Osmunda Paulownia Eryngium Eucalyptus Farfugium Ferdinanda Ferula Ficus Funkia Gourds Gynerium Gunnera Arum Corypha Gymnocladus Arundo Crambe Hedychium Asparagus Cucurbita Helianthus Petasites Phoenix Phormium Asplenium Cyathea Heracleum Astilbe Cycas Inula Bambusa Cynara Jubæa Berberis Cyperus Kochia Polygonum Polymnia Rheum Rhus Bocconia Datisca Koelreuteria Ricinus Bupthalmum Dicksonia Latania Caladium Dimorphanthus Ligularia Calla Dipsacus Megasea Canna Dracæna Melia Cannabis Equisetum Melianthus Rumex Sagittaria Scirpus Seaforthia Senecio 192 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. Plants hardy or half-hardy, with fine Foliageor Form, for use in Silphium Silybum Solanum Sorghum British Gardens. -Continued. Struthiopteris Thalictrum Tupidanthus Typha Uhdea Veratrum Verbascum Wigandia Woodwardia Yucca Zea Particulars ofculture andposition for each will be found in the alphabetical part. AXOM CHAPTER XV. SUMMER- BEDDING GARDENING. WHEN the bedding system first came into vogue, it was no doubt its extreme brightness, or what we should now call its " gaudiness," that caused it to hold the position it did ; but it was soon done to death. Only scarlet Geraniums, yellow Calceolarias, blue Lobelias, or purple Verbenas were used ; and the following year, by way of a change, there were Verbenas, Calceolarias, and Geraniums, the constant repetition ofthis scarlet, yellow, and blue nauseating even those with little taste in gardening matters, whilst those with finer perceptions began to inquire for the Parsley bed, by way of relief. Such a state of things could not continue ; but yet the system could not be given up for several reasons-a very good one being that the great bulk of hardy flowers had been ruthlessly swept out of the garden to make room for bedding plants, and so-gardeners being, as it were, in desperate straits the development of the bedding system began, and foliage plants of various colours were mixed with the flowers. Then followed standard graceful foliage plants and hardy carpeting plants ; and now dwarf- growing shrubs are freely associated with the commoner types of bedding plants. Indeed, the system improved so rapidly that its most relentless opponents admitted that it had some redeeming qualities. I think, however, that the strongest reason of all for its retention is its suitability to formal or geometrical parterres. Most people have their own notions as to what constitutes perfection of colour in bedding arrangements. This perfection I have not attained to, nor have I , perhaps, any decided preference for one colour over another ; but I have very decided notions that the various colours should be so completely commingled that one would be puzzled to determine what tint predominates in the entire arrange1 As the aim of this book is to show in how many ways we can make a garden beautiful without resorting to the bedding system, that system is described by one who carries it out with great success. 194 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ment. This rule I have followed for years, and have had a fair amount of success in working it out. I am even still learning, my latest lesson being that, if any colour at all may predominate, it is "glaucous," that is, a light gray or whitish green. Of this colour the eye never tires, perhaps because it is in harmony with the tints ofthe landscape, and particularly of the lawn. To carry out my rule as to colour successfully, there are other rules which must be studied. The first is that high colours, such as scarlet and yellow, must be used in much less proportion than colours of a softer tint, for high colours overweigh all others ; the second is that there must be no SEMPERVIVUM CALCAREUM LCAREUM GOLDEN FEATHER DO ALTERNANTHERA 080 SANTOLINA AMOENA INCANA 00 DO DO Bed of hardy and half-hardy plants. violent transition from one colour to another-the contrast of colours must as far as possible be avoided in favour of their gradual intermingling or harmonising ; the third, that the most decided or high colours, being the heaviest, ought to occupy the most central part of the beds, or be distributed in due proportion over the entire garden, so as to ensure an even balance throughout. Further, when dealing with such colours, use them in necessary proportion, and no more, and, if you err at all, err on the side of niggardliness. By close adherence to these rules, I have for years had no difficulty in producing a harmony of colour that has worn so well as to be as welcome at the end of the season as at the beginning ; for the quieter the SUMMER-BEDDING GARDENING. 195 colouring the more lasting is the enjoyment of it. And it is pleasant to observe the great advance yearly made in favour of the quieter tints-gaudiness, in bedding-out, having become the exception rather than the rule. To fully carry out the ideal of colour here advocated , a great variety of plants is needed, though not more than is generally grown where bedding-out is practised to any extent. But there is colour and colour ; and those who cannot have elaborate designs and variety in colour, may have an equivalent in graceful foliage and beautiful tinted shrubs of hues varying from deep green to bright yellow, and in habit tapering, weeping, or feathery. Cypresses, Yews, Yuccas, and many others, not only associate well with all kinds of bedding plants, but with the various kinds of hardy Sedums, Saxifrages, and Veronicas. These are all within the means of most ECHEVERIA SECUNDA GLAUCA. ALTERNANTHERA PARONYCHOIDES GOLDEN FEATHER LOBELIA BLUE KING COLEUS VERSCHAFFELTII GOLDEN FEATHER GOLDEN FEATHER LOBELIA BLUE KING ALTERNANTHERA PARONYOHOIDES "Carpet" bed. owners of small gardens, and may be arranged in bedding- out form, the shrubs for centres and panels, and the dwarf hardy plants for massing and carpeting. SOIL AND CULTIVATION. -Next to position, soil is the most important element in the formation of a garden. In selecting a soil, two things should be kept in view-first, that an open or welldrained soil assists climate (that is, the more porous a soil is, the warmer is the ground, and the better able to withstand extreme cold are the plants) ; and secondly, that the soil should be deep. Unless there is depth, permanent things will not flourish satisfactorily. And for less permanent things, depth of soil is just as important, as it renders unnecessary frequent dressings of fresh soil to maintain fertility. Wherever these conditions of soil exist, flower-gardening easy ; but in many cases opposite conditions have to be dealt with 0 2 196 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. and though it is hopeless to attempt to rival a naturally suitable soil, a very near approach can be made to doing so. The best soil is good loam, that is, soil of a clayey nature, but sufficiently sandy not to be sticky. Of the two states, light and heavy, the light is the better, because it is the warmer, and the more easily cultivated . In dealing with heavy soil, we must have drainage, deep tilth, and the working-in of material rendering it more porous, such as halfdecayed leaves, mortar or brick rubble, charcoal, and ashes. If manure be needed, it should be used in the long straw state as it comes from the stables. One mistake frequently made with regard LOBELIA BLUE KING ECHEVERIA SECUNDA GLAUCA COLEUS VERSCHAFFELTII GOLDEN FEATHER SEMPERVIVUM CALIFORNICUM ALTERNANTHERA VERSICOLOR to soil is, that sufficient attention is not paid to the kind of plants that the soil of a given district is best suited for. Were this always remembered, we should see fewer garden failures, and the gardening in different districts would possess an interest from variety. If each possessor of a garden were to strike out a line for himself, the question of suitability of soil would soon be settled, for a man would be too observant to plant a Rhododendron in chalky soil because he had admired a friend's Rhododendrons in peaty or vegetable soil. A healthy Yew or Box is infinitely preferable to a sickly Rhododendron. The annual dressing of flower-beds is needed to get the best effects ; and by all means continue it, but not to the entire SUMMER-BEDDING GARDENING. 197 neglect of hardy flowers and shrubs. These, though they will do a long time without fresh food, enjoy rich top-dressings of good soil or manure ; it is only by so treating them that their best effects are developed. Flower-beds occasionally require to be deeply dug. Trenching is perhaps the proper term, but it scarcely expresses what I mean. The time to do it is when the beds are empty. I trench up my flower- beds once in two years-in autumn, after the summer bedders are removed, and before the spring- flowering plants are put in. Stirring flower-beds creates a wider field of action for the roots, and gives them an opportunity of getting out of the reach of drought in a dry season. COLOURED FOLIAGE. The use of coloured and fine- leaved plants in the flower garden has increased, the causes being, the introduction of a number of suitable plants ; and the weather, which has often been so wet that, no sooner have ordinary bedding plants got into full flower, than they have been dashed to pieces by the rain. Hence the desire for plants that would withstand such washings, and yet give bright effects. As regards coloured - foliaged bedding plants in particular, I do not think that if half of the bedding plants used were what are termed foliage plants, it would be out of proportion ; in such coloured foliage I would include the variegated Pelargoniums, together with hardy variegated plants, such as Japanese Honeysuckles, variegated Periwinkles, Ivies, and the hardy Sedums and Saxifrages. The effects to be had from this class of plants combined with variegated and coloured- leaved plants of the tender section, and with graceful-leaved plants, are better than any to be had from flowering plants alone, as they stand all weathers without injury. One of the brightest coloured beds I have ever seen planted in geometrical form for summer effect was composed of the following plants -viz. Sedum acre elegans, creamy white ; Sedum glaucum, gray ; Herniaria glabra, green ; Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum, light yellow ; and the bright orange and scarlet Alternantheras, all dwarf plants ; the standard or central plants being Grevillea robusta and variegated Abutilons. BEDDING AND FINE-LEAVED PLANTS.-There can be no doubt that the use of the freer-growing green and graceful fine-leaved plants has done a great deal of good. In the South of England one may grow a great variety of plants of this kind. A number of greenhouse and even of stove plants may be placed in the open air without injury, and even with benefit to themselves. But some plants put out look sickly all the summer and make no good growth, Others always look well, even in the face of damaging storms Where the climate is against the tenderer plants, a very good selec- 198 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. tion may be made from hardy things-from shrubs, plants like the Yucca, or young trees cut down and kept in a single-stemmed state. But there are errors in the system from which these things cannot save us. A geometrical bed is little the less geometrical because we place green-leaved or graceful plants in the middle of it. A more radical alteration is required, and that is the abolition of geometry itself, of formalism and straight lines, and of all the hateful gyrations which place the art of gardening on a level so much lower than it deserves to occupy. We can have all the variety, all the grace, all the beauty of form, all the glory of colour of the world of flowers and plants, without any of the pattern business which is now the rule. But we cannot make much progress in this direction except by suppressing the elaborate pattern beds as much as convenient, and by letting the vegetation tell its own story. The plants или Bed of succulents, and coloured-leaved plants. we must feed and the soil we must enrich ; but finicking beds, reminding one of the art on fire-shovels and such productions, are not necessary. Let us then begin by adopting a bold, large, and simple type of bed, from which the flowers will spring and make us think more of them than of the pattern. By way of variety, succulents are desirable plants for dry positions and under the shade of trees, where other bedding plants do not flourish satisfactorily. From their power of withstanding storms of wind and rain, and even drought and cold, they are always in good form ; and they should have a place in summer flower-garden arrangements of any extent. They harmonise well with many hardy plants that may serve as cushions for them to display their quaintness on. The term " succulent " includes all plants of a fleshy character, the more common types SUMMER-BEDDING GARDENING. 199 being the Echeverias, Cotyledons, and Kleinias. Agaves and Aloes are more rare, but are none the less valuable for bedding. VASES.—In their proper place, and in due proportion, vases and baskets are useful in flower gardens, but they are frequently to a great extent out of all harmony with the style of the garden and its surroundings. Perhaps the tendency to over-decorate in this way is due to the geometrical plan of many gardens, when vases are placed on every pedestal and at every corner to square with many meaningless angles. Happily, this style of gardening is giving place to a less formal one in which vases and baskets can be used or not, according to the taste of the owner. When vases are used in large CARDEN Stone basket of flowers and fine- leaved plants in the garden at Heckfield Place. numbers, much may be done by planting plants of a drooping character in them ; indeed, vases look most natural when trailers or climbers droop over the sides. Basket-formed beds are well suited to almost any position in pleasure-grounds ; but the best of all spots is in an isolated recess on the turf, and next, in the central bed of a flower garden, where the surrounding beds are circles or ovals. I have one, the extreme length of which is 16 feet ; it is 8 feet wide in the middle, stands 2 feet 6 inches above the turf, and is made of Portland cement. The principal plants in it are Marguerites, Pelargoniums, Heliotropes, Fuchsias, Marvel of Peru, Abutilons, Castoroils, Cannas, Japanese Honeysuckles, and Tropæolums. More rustic- 200 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. looking baskets would be better suited for isolation on the turf and for distant parts ofthe pleasure-grounds ; and very good ones can be formed ofwirework, lined inside with zinc, or made of barked Oak boughs instead of wirework. In baskets and vases of this kind permanent plants should be used, such as the variegated Ivies, Periwinkles, Japanese Honeysuckles, Clematises, and climbing Roses-space being reserved for flowering plants in summer and for small shrubs in winter. SUB-TROPICAL BEDDING. -There are four types of summer flower-gardening : 1 , the massing (the oldest) ; 2, the carpet ; 3 , the neutral-quiet and low in colour, mainly through use succulents ; and 4, the sub-tropical, in which plants of noble growth and graceful foliage play the chief part. To my mind, a mixture of the four classes is the very ideal of flower-gardening. It is possible to plant a formal garden in such a manner that the severest critic could not complain of excessive formality ; for, after all, it is the abuse of carpet bedding that has brought it into disrepute. And justly so, for when one sees bed after bed and arrangement after arrangement repeated without end, with no plants to relieve the monotony of flat surfaces, one has good reason to protest. I have charge of a terrace garden which has to be planted with a view to obtaining the best display from June to November, and I am therefore compelled to adopt the carpet-bedding system ; but I supplement it by dotting over the surface, of necessarily formal arrangements, plants of noble or graceful aspect, such as Acacia, Dracena, and Yucca. In such arrangements a judicious blending of beds of flowering plants, principally Pelargoniums, adds brightness to the whole ; but, save under exceptional circumstances, flowers, and even fine-foliaged and flowering plants, should never be put in the same bed as succulents. The colour-massing or grouping style of summer-gardening is best adapted to a terrace or parterre that is well backed up or surrounded by evergreens, as these afford relief from the glare of brilliant colours, and at the same time set them off to advantage. A few plants of fine form distributed apart over the garden, and especially in beds of glaring colours, will be found to enhance the beauty of the whole. My view of sub-tropical gardening is, that it is only suitable for positions where it can be associated with water, or for sheltered nooks and dells, where the force of the wind is broken before it comes in contact with the plants. Where such positions are not at command, it is best to choose the hardier class of noble or handsome foliaged plants, many of which may be permanently planted, such as Ailantus, Rhus, Arundo, Salisburia, Yuccas, and the hardy Palm (Chamærops humilis). Of half-hardy plants that will withstand wind there are numbers, such as Araucaria, Acacia, Ficus, Cycas, Dracæna, Aralia. In planting SUMMER-BEDDING GARDENING. 201 sub-tropical plants, care should be taken that the beds when fully furnished do not have a " bunchy " appearance. To avoid this, plant thinly, and use as undergrowth dwarfer plants, of which there are many suitable kinds. SUMMER AND WINTER BEDDING. -Now that there is such a wealth of plants suited for furnishing the flower-beds in winter, there can be no excuse for their remaining empty after the summer- bedding plants are cleared away. Much labour is required to carry out both summer and winter bedding ; but I strongly recommend this kind of decoration. There are reasons why winter bedding should be encouraged. First, winter is the season when all around us is bleak, dull, Part of bed of Begonias at Canons Ashly. and bare-leaden skies, leafless trees, flowerless meadows, and silent woods, all of which have a depressing effect on most temperaments. It therefore behoves us to endeavour to neutralise this prevailing dulness by making our gardens as cheerful as possible. Another reasonwhich to those fond of summer bedding should be the great reason for adopting winter bedding-is the short period during which summer bedding continues in perfection. The thought is continually haunting one that it will fade all too soon. The adoption of winter bedding, however, in my own case obliterates such thoughts, and one looks forward to real pleasure from both systems. Nor has this been the only result. It being necessary that summer and winter bedding should meet, ingenuity had to devise means to this end. This led to 202 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. my using as summer bedders many hardy plants which otherwise I should not have thought of using, but which are just as effective as tender exotics ; nay, in some cases, more so ; and which, when planted in the spring, serve till the following spring, when they are taken up, divided, and replanted for another year. SHRUBS FOR WINTER BEDDING.-Isolated beds or a series of beds in parts of pleasure- grounds not much frequented in winter may not repay the labour and expense of thus planting them ; but for gardens immediately under the windows of a mansion-as most bedded-out gardens are the winter filling of the beds is important if permanent enjoyment is desired. There can certainly be no enjoyment. in looking out upon bare beds, and that at a time usually gloomy enough without having a daily spectre of barrenness directly under our eyes. The naked beds in winter, no doubt, constitute the strongest objection to the bedding-out system, and, whilst acknowledging the justice of the objection, it is well to bear in mind that, to a great extent, the same objection is applicable to hardy herbaceous plants, as few of these do real furnishing service during the winter months. Indeed, for a garden overlooked from the windows, I should certainly prefer the bedding-out plan, supplemented by shrub- planting for the winter-and not necessarily the planting of shrubs alone, but of other hardy evergreen plants, particularly the dense-growing Sedums and Saxifrages, and similar plants, many of which are now used with excellent effect in combination with ordinary bedding plants in summer arrangements. The more plants of this type that it is possible to work in with the summer bedders, the less the labour when the time arrives for the winter planting ; for, to furnish the parterre in winter, we do not require to move more than half the plants that have done duty in summer. It now only remains to give a list of the best kinds of shrubs for the purpose, the list being strictly composed of kinds that bear removal well, do not grow fast, or change colour after planting. It is as follows :-Aucuba, Berberis, Cupressus, Euonymus, Hollies, Juniper, Laurustinus, Osmanthus, Pernettya, Portugal Laurels, Retinospora, Rhododendron, Thujopsis, Yews, Yucca. W. W. Heckfield.

- - This bedding of Evergreens in winter is one of the most expensive and least artistic ways offlower-gardening. The true way with beds near the windows

is to plant them to last the year round with ( 1 ) choicest evergreen shrubs, leaving spaces between for rare flowers ; ( 2 ) beds ofbest Tea and other Roses, Carnations, Tufted Pansies, and rock-plants as surfacing; (3) or beds and borders of evergreen hardyplants. SUMMER-BEDDING GARDENING. 203 Abutilon Coleus Agathæa Convolvulus Ageratum Cotyledon Ajuga Cuphea Alternanthera Dahlia Alyssum Daisies Amaranthus Nertera Anagallis Echeveria Anthemis Erigeron Principal Families ofPlants usedfor Bedding-out. Dianthus Lobelia Matricaria Mesembryanthe- mum Mimulus Polemonium Pulmonaria Pyrethrum Salvia Santolina Saponaria Sempervivum Senecio Silene Myosotis Nierembergia Enothera Begonia Fuchsias Oxalis Solanum Blue Marguerite Gazania Pachyphytum Brugmansia Gladiolus Pansies Calceolaria Gnaphalium Pelargonium Canna Heliotropium Pentstemon Centaurea Hollyhock Petunia Cerastium Iberis Phlox Cheiranthus Iresine Chrysanthemum Cineraria Lantana Leucophyton Plantain Lily Plumbago Stachys Stocks Tropæolum Tussilago Verbena Veronica Viola Vittadena CHAPTER XVI. ROSERIES, PAST AND PRESENT. UP to the present time the Rose has been almost confined to the " Rosery," and has been sparingly used in connection with other plants for furnishing borders and shrubberies-the curious idea prevailing that Roses do not associate well with other forms of vegetation. In the Gardener's Assistant, published some years ago, the writer on Roses states that Roses should be confined to a rosery, because "the stems of standards, etc., contrast unfavourably with shrubs, and, indeed, all other vegetation which is not of a dwarf character "—a strange assertion , when one remembers the unnatural appearance that standards present when arranged in the objectionable dotting system, as they generally are in roseries. When varieties of the Rose were few and poor, there was less objection to the rosery ; but the rosery was not always planned in quite the same way as modern roseries, many of which are of the most formal pattern it is possible to conceive. For example, I was acquainted with one that consisted of a parallelogram, nearly half an acre in extent, intersected at right angles by walks, the plots being filled up on the general mixture principle-rows of standards, half- standards, and dwarfs alternating with the walks in parallel lines. There was nothing beautiful or artistic in such an arrangement. Another example designed by a modern landscape gardener consisted of concentric circles laid out on Grass, with iron pillars round the outside, on which climbing Roses were trained as festoons. This looked better than the straight bed, but still had an inartistic look, as all such designs must have. Roseplanting and arrangement, indeed, is conducted on much the same lines as it was sixty or eighty years ago ; but Loudon did anticipate modern taste so far that he recommended some of the more distinct species or varieties to be massed by themselves, which was a step in the right direction , -not, however, generally adhered to. Formal roseries are as objectionable as formal " bedded-out " gardens in their barest and poorest aspect, if not more so ; and it is no excuse ROSERIES, PAST AND PRESENT. 205 that they enable the cultivator to give the bushes a special culture, for this can be given equally well in prettier situations. I am not speaking of growing Roses for exhibition, but of their culture for the general decoration of the garden. Hitherto the Rose decoration of the garden has been almost entirely neglected, because the " rosery " has absorbed the main supply of plants ; and one of the saddest facts connected with our Roses is the annual mortality among them. Whether this is due to severe pruning, or the poor constitution of the plants, is not necessary to determine ; but it is certain that the mortality has become greater since varieties have so much increased, and since severer methods of pruning have been adopted. Climbing Rose (Rosa alba) on cottage porch, Surrey. PLACES FOR ROSES. -They should be wherever they will grow. We cannot have too many Roses, or Roses in too many places, any more than we can have too many other popular flowers which we are now trying to extend so much. But in order to extend Rose plantations, especially where the cost of procuring and keeping up a stock is a consideration, we must abolish the " Rosery," and send its contents to places where they are more wanted. I never saw a garden yet where it was necessary to invent places or positions for Roses. The walls, fences, and shrubberies, etc., will always absorb as many of the climbing or trailing varieties as can be spared and cultivated to good purposes, and numberless aspects and positions can always be found for bushes. Rose bushes may be in beds, borders, or shrubberies ; and if it be true that the most pleasing effects with garden flowers are produced by planting them in good, visible, and striking 206 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. groups or masses, then assuredly that is the way to use the Rose, and no plant is likely to be more accommodating and useful for this purpose. At present we mix indiscriminately summer and autumn flowering sorts and their varieties ; but, on the grouping principle, we should have to divide these, or, as occasion required , mix them with a view to a succession of bloom, keeping the colours as far as possible to themselves. If this system were generally adopted, it would tend to shorten our Rose lists sooner than any other plan, for gardeners would soon discern what varieties suited their purpose best, and they are strongly conservative as to making changes. Thus we should have bold masses of the vivid Général Jacqueminot and its race, Gloire de Dijon, John Hopper, La France, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Victor Verdier, Moss Roses, and all the best and most striking kinds, which are comparatively few in number. For the ramblers, many suitable positions could be found, where, Brier-like, they could grow at their own sweet will, and produce masses of bloom to be estimated by square yards, such as we not unfrequently see on older varieties that, aided by a good soil and favourable position, have by chance established themselves and made headway. It would be as easy to cultivate Roses in this way as in a formal rosery, and it would enable us to choose the most favourable positions for the more tender and select kinds. The plants could be manured, pruned, and tended just as readily as under any other system, they would look in their natural and proper place, and would afford more pleasure than they could possibly do in a formal and perhaps inconveniently situated " Rosery." This system of planting might restrict the number of varieties in a collection, if only one sort were planted in each place—a most desirable object under certain circumstances ; but, by planting several varieties of the best reds in one place, and of the best yellows in another, and so on, the number could be extended as much as might be desired ; the plan would soon show which were the best in the different classes, and weeding out would follow as a natural consequence. Certain varieties of Roses could also be mixed with other suitable flowering subjects in the same way that we now plant Gloire de Dijon among the purple Clematis. Roses would do well among Rhododendrons and Azaleas, would be benefited by the shelter, and would flower when the bloom of the sheltering plants was over ; they would also succeed with many other things that will suggest themselves to the reader. The Rose patches, wherever they happened to be, could also be carpeted over to better purposes than beds of most other things. They might be literally crammed with spring and summer flowers of dwarf, low habit, including many kinds of bulbs, Saxifrages, and the like, which would just suit the Roses, and afford protection to their roots in winter-an important matter, for no cultivator doubts ROSERIES, PAST AND present. 207 that one of the principal causes of mortality among Roses is the absence of a covering to the soil. Even the Brier dies in bare ground, while in the hedgerow and the copse it braves our hardest winters ; and many good old Roses do the same as the Brier. THICK PLANTING.-Another fault is thin planting. The desire to cover much ground has been the cause of this, and Roses are generally planted as far apart as Gooseberry bushes—a great mistake in the case of plants that, like Roses, are pruned to stumps every winter. Both for effect and for shelter, Roses should be planted thickly according to their vigour, and " standards " should be used only to fill up backgrounds of clumps of Roses. Standards have been condemned as in bad taste, and certainly a mere addition of bare stem cannot under any circumstances add to the beauty of such a stiffly habited plant as the Rose. But when standards are planted in the formal manner which has been so long the fashion, either as single objects on lawns or in regular rows in the rosery-their heads all on the same level—their objectionable appearance is forced prominently upon the sight. Nevertheless, in clumps placed against shrubs and other objects, and planted according to their size, so as to form a background to dwarf plants, standards may be useful. They are not, however, a necessity in any way, and they are both dear and troublesome to grow. PRUNING AND LARGE BUSHES OF ROSES. -It is a pertinent question to ask whether Rose- pruning is not carried a trifle too far in general culture. There is no bush in the garden annually cut so close as the Rose, and it is to be feared that the advantages of the practice are more apparent than real. Close pruning is said to induce vigorous. growth, and hence the weaker varieties are pruned most severely. Under good management and protection this system answers well enough, and it is the best plan for the nurseryman, who for commercial reasons has to keep his plants within bounds ; but in private gardens, where a show of Roses is desired, and desired soon, severe pruning is best avoided. It may be different in the case of Roses for exhibition. It is pretty well ascertained that the most severely pruned plants suffer most in severe winters, and are shorter-lived than plants grown as unpruned bushes. It is quite an error to suppose that Hybrid Perpetuals, Bourbons, or Teas, etc., grow weakly and poorly by being left to develop their tops as large as they will. All the ordinarily vigorous kinds will make quite large bushes if allowed, and will continue to grow and do well for many years. Climbers excepted, the plants never grow above a certain height, but they spread out and annually throw up strong shoots which produce vast numbers of flowers every The cottager's Roses are never pruned, and they are sometimes of remarkable age and size. Thirteen years ago, I split up and season. 208 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. planted as a hedge a large number of Hybrid Perpetuals, Teas, and other Roses, and ceased pruning them ; they are now all fine large bushes 4 feet and 5 feet high. The vigour and length of their annual shoots is surprising. They are often over 5 feet long and an inch in diameter near the base-just like Brier shoots, in fact. None of them have died, and the plants must now be twenty years of age-some of them probably a good deal older—while in the borders, among the pruned and select Roses, my losses have been great. During the severe winters of recent years these old bushes have stood unscathed, and are at present as vigorous as ever. The number of Roses they produce is surprising, and the productions of the highly cultivated, much-pruned plants are quite put into the shade. From them in the course of an hour a man has frequently filled several large vegetable baskets with Rose petals for drying, and that without making much difference to the show of flowers. The way the unpruned Rose behaves is this : the plant, as soon as fairly established in a good soil, throws up plenty of strong shoots, and the following year these shoots break their buds freely along the stem, and each branch produces a mass of bloom, which, after a shower, weighs the branch almost down to the ground. The older branches flower equally well, but what pruning such bushes need consists principally in thinning out the oldest branches, and leaving the younger ones. What takes place in the case of dwarf bush Roses happens in climbers, only the mass of blooms is ten times greater. It is the climbing or scrambling Roses that show what the Rose is capable of when cultivated in this free and natural manner. One of my most attractive specimens is an old double white Ayrshire Rose growing in the shrubberies among a group of common Laurel. I cannot tell how old the plant is, but it has probably been in its present situation for more than thirty years, struggling to keep its place among the tall-growing Laurels sending out a shoot of white flowers sometimes on this side, and sometimes on that side of the clump of bushes, and sometimes scrambling up to the tops of the tallest branches, and draping them with blossoms throughout June and July. Nearly six years ago I headed the Laurels down to within 6 feet of the ground, leaving the straggling branches of the Rose which were found among them, and since then this Rose has grown and thriven amazingly, and now fairly threatens to gain the mastery. Some time ago I measured the ground covered bythe plant and found it rather over 70 feet in circumference. Within this space the bush forms an irregular undulating mound so densely covered with Roses that not a handsbreadth is vacant, and the Laurel branches are quite hidden, and in fact are now dying smothered by the Rose. A finer example of luxurious development I never saw. The plant was a perfect sheet of bloom for a month or more, and Portion of plant of climbing yellow Tea Rose on house in Devonshire . P 210 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. hundreds of buds were cut just at the opening stage. The tree never received the least attention, with the exception of the removal of the Laurel tops to let in the light. It is growing in a tolerably deep and strong dry loam, and this, together with head room, seems to be all it requires. There are far too few examples of this kind, for our efforts have not been in the direction of showing what could be done with the Rose as a tree or bush. The common Brier teaches us a good lesson in Rose-pruning. No one has ever ventured to say the wild Rose was out of place in the hedgerow ; and how does it behave there? It forms a mighty mound of branches, the older stems dying down as the young ones accumulate, till a large bush is formed, covered with flowers. On the roads and lanes I have seen wild Roses which old people said had been there ever since they remembered, and I have taken note of Briers in the woods that, to all appearance, have been more than fifty years of age ; and yet our strongest-growing Roses on Brier stocks in gardens are short-lived. From these facts the Rosegrower may learn that to have Rose bushes and plenty of Roses he should plant good kinds of known repute for hardiness and vigour, and should mainly confine the use of his knife to thinning out the shoots. ROSES ON LAWNS. -Climbing and strong-growing Roses make very ornamental objects in a few years. Climbers want something to support them at first ; and for this purpose nothing is better or more convenient than four or five thin flat iron rods bent over each other at right angles, with their ends in the ground, so as to form a circular frame about 4 feet high and 6 feet through. The Rosetree is planted in the centre, and as it grows a shoot is trained each way to form the foundation of the future plant ; but after the first or second year it is left entirely to itself. The supports are soon covered, and a large natural- looking mound of Roses is the result. I have seen specimens of this kind twenty years old in which the wood had accumulated about 2 feet or more deep all over the trellis, and yet nowhere was any dead wood to be seen, owing to the plants throwing out annually fresh shoots which covered the old ones. The plants, in fact, grow exactly in the same manner as the wild Brier, which keeps sending up from its centre long shoots, increasing its size every year. Those who desire very large mounds may have them just as easily as small ones, and in about as little time, by increasing the size of the iron framework and planting the Roses-as many as they choose-round the sides. This would leave the space inside vacant, and, by keeping the internal surface clipped with a pair of shears, they would have a veritable bower of Roses. Except against walls and in similar situations, there is no occasion to prune climbing Roses. They ROSERIES, PAST AND PRESENT. 211 make by far the grandest display when left to themselves, and it is only necessary to provide them with a good, deep, strong soil at the beginning, and to let them have a fair amount of light on all sides. Whether planting be carried out with the object above described, or for the purpose of covering naked tree-stumps or branches, or for draping any unsightly object whatever, liberal treatment in the first instance is the main thing. A good soil makes Tea Rose. Marie van Houtte. Grown in open air. all the difference in quickness of growth, and in the permanent vigour of the tree ; and were I desirous of having a great Rosetree (whether a common Ayrshire, or a Gloire de Dijon which I expected to produce thousands of blooms in a few years), I should, if the soil were not naturally strong and deep, provide a welldrained pit, and fill it with two or three cartloads of sound loam and manure ; and the result would be certain, provided an unP 2 212 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. restricted growth were permitted. Among the best plants for such purposes are the Ayrshire Roses. These are all double, or semidouble, and the best of them are white or of a pinkish colour. There are hardly a dozen varieties, and most of them are worth growing for the sake of variety. Almost equally hardy and useful is the evergreen Rose, so called on account of the length of time it retains its leaves in winter. There are several good varieties, and they are vigorous and rapid growers, and need little or no attention , except thinning when they are trained to pillars or walls. To these may be added the Boursault varieties, a few of the Bourbon kinds, and among the Tea-scented class, Gloire de Dijon and Maréchal Niel. The last two are worthy of all the attention that can be bestowed upon them. Gloire de Dijon comes in early and goes out late, the second growth often producing flowers in abundance late in the season, and in the south Maréchal Niel does well either on a wall or as a rambler in the open ground. As far north as the Tweed also it occasionally grows and flowers freely on a roof or against a wall in a favourable exposure. Both are hardier than some people imagine, and unpruned plants stand severe winters best. Both, too, are great ramblers, and, where the situation suits them, there is nothing to prevent any one from having single plants of either quite as large as the Rose described above. ASPECTS FOR ROSES.-Aspects for Roses should be warm. The Rose's powers of enduring an English climate depend, next to protection, upon the thorough maturation of its growth each year ; this in its turn depends upon the amount of heat received during the summer, and this again to some extent depends upon the position the plants occupy. Roses grow best and live longest on sunny sites, and the farther north we go the more apparent becomes this fact. The best Roses, like the best Peach-trees, are grown in the south, and this is better known to the trade than to private growers. All nurserymen supply Roses, but all do not grow them equally well, and many northern nurserymen have to make up their stock annually from the south, or to supply their customers on commission—a very common plan. Roses love shelter and warmth, and the choice of a situation should always be regulated by these considerations. At the same time, they will endure severe exposure, and no one need hesitate to plant even if the site is less favourable than could be desired. In some of the northern and midland nurseries acres of Roses are grown in the open, and are quite exposed in every direction ; but then the losses in such nurseries are enormous, and both stocks and buds are at a premium. For the private grower such facts are sufficiently instructive, and point to the importance of shelter, both for roots and tops, in all cold and exposed situations. ROSERIES, PAST AND PRESENT. 213 SOIL FOR ROSES. -Any good garden soil will do for Roses, but the nearer it approaches to a good fresh loam the better. Roses do not object to a rather tenacious loam, approaching a clayey texture, provided the drainage is good ; and, in some nurseries, where Roses are successfully propagated by thousands and well grown, it would surprise fastidious growers to see what the soil is like a stiff, clayey loam, which in summer lies in lumps, like baked bricks, upon the surface. Yet in this soil the plants make fine growth and flowerson the Brier stock especially. But the best soil for a general plantaFGARDENT Rose John Hopper on fence. tion of Roses is one neither too light nor too heavy ; for Roses greatly differ in rooting power, more particularly when grown on their own roots, the more tender Teas and the like doing best in moderately light and rich composts, and the strong briery climbers doing best in deep, strong loams. The habit of the variety itself indicates the nature of the compost likely to suit it. Strong growers are most likely to succeed in strong soils, and weak growers in light and open soils ; and, in planting, it is not difficult to give each kind the soil it likes best, at least in starting at the beginning.-S . ROSES ON PALINGS. -One of the prettiest and most useful pur- 214 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. poses to which the Rose can be turned as a climbing plant is to cover palings, or fences. The varieties best adapted for this purpose are Noisettes, Hybrid Chinas, and Tea-scented classes, together with some few of the Bourbons. If the exposure be northerly or the fence high, many of the Boursault, Ayrshire, and evergreen Roses will be found very suitable. When pruned the plants should not be much cut back, but the weak shoots should rather be removed altogether, as it is masses of flower, in preference to individual fine specimens, that are to be sought after. It would be well to try in all cases where possible strong and hardy Roses on their own roots on trellises of this kind, as where kinds do well in this way, there is reason to believe that they bloom more freely, live longer, and do not perish in hard winters. WALL ROSES. -Roses are seldom more effective than when grown against walls and well managed. The protection afforded to the Tea- scented varieties is peculiarly favourable to growth. Nevertheless, judging from the condition in which they are often seen, Roses are frequently the least inviting of all wall plants. This arises, first, from the selection of unsuitable kinds ; secondly, from the exhaustion of the soil a few years after planting, through omission to take sufficient means to enrich it ; thirdly, from unskilful training, which, in the case of strong-growing sorts, permits the lower portion of a high wall to become bare of young flower- producing shoots. The main reason, however, of such an unsatisfactory condition of walltrained Roses is the difficulty of keeping insects in check. When trained to a wall, Roses, more than other plants, are susceptible to the attacks of insects, particularly aphides, red spider, and Rose maggot. The difficulty in freeing the plants from the worst of these is all the greater on account of the walls offering an obstacle to the application of most kinds of liquid, excepting clean water. Most liquid insecticides leave ugly stains on the walls, unless washed off before they become dry. But in this case the material is also washed off before it has destroyed the insects. Since, however, paraffin in a very diluted state is an effectual insecticide which does not injure the plants, or leave traces on the walls, it answers the purpose well, and the worst drawback connected with the culture of wall-trained Roses is overcome. I have regularly applied it against a lightcoloured wall, where I could not use anything that left a mark. Prevention is always better than cure, and as soon as the Roses are pruned and nailed or tied to the trellises, they should have a good washing with paraffin water, by a syringe or a garden engine, for although it may be supposed that severe frosts destroy the eggs of aphides, such is not the case. One recommendation of Roses against walls is that, except in the colder parts of the country, they thrive Tea Rose, " Rubens, " in the garden of Malwood, Hampshire. 216 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. better on east, or even northern , aspects than on the southern, which is no small advantage ; for on a northern aspect few plants will flower successfully. As to the sorts suitable for walls, much depends upon the height and space to be covered. Any of the strongest and free-growing Hybrid Perpetual varieties may be grown, as well as the more commonly planted Tea- scented kinds ; but the Teas have a more continuous habit of flowering , and handsomer and better foliage. Lists of the best Roses in their various classes will be found in the second part of the book. Lastly, there are few ways in which our flower gardens may be more improved than by freeing the Rose from the stupid plans of the Rose books. Good Roses of all sorts should be grown as bushes in groups in any beds or borders we care for. The notion that Roses are only for the formal rosery has done vast harm to our flower gardens and to the Rose. It should be dropped for ever.-T. B. CHAPTER XVII. SPRING FLOWERS. A GARDEN with many hardy flowers has at least three months' clear gain in flowers over one which depends entirely on " bedding-out." This is usually done the first week in June, and, the plants being tender, the cold rains and storms after that date frequently injure them, and their period of beauty is often much later. The bedding system reduces the beauty of the garden by one half. The first movetowards “ spring gardening " was a kind of beddingout-an arrangement of Forget- me-nots, Pansies, Daisies, Catchflies, Violets, and Hyacinths in beds and in ribbons ; but this way of cultivating spring flowers is not the best. The easiest and most artistic is to scatter about the flowers wherever they will grow-in mixed beds, hedgerows, or plantations. Many country gardens, like the London parks, are as bare and ugly in their dug borders as a London cemetery. It was uncommon some years ago to see a beautiful flower in the open air before the time of bedding-out. Now that we have doubled the length of our flower season, the best ways of enjoying spring flowers is an important question. Every place where there is a pleasureground, or any open space for grass with trees on it, may be made delightful with the winter Aconite and Snowdrop, the spring Snowflakes, the blue Apennine Anemone, and various other flowers dotted in the grass, and under the branches of summer-leafing trees. Some little plants that flower and ripen their leaves early find a happy home under Beech or Oak or other deciduous trees ; they complete their season's work before the leaves come on the trees, and in spring are seen happy under the branches. Then again, wherever wild flowers grow well, numerous additions from other countries may be made to them. For instance, if we have a grove where the wood Anemone grows naturally (a common occurrence enough), nothing is easier than to introduce the blue Apennine Anemone with it. If the soil be chalky, the yellow Anemone (A. ranunculoides) would be a delightful addition . Or does the Bluebell or wood Hyacinth 218 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. grow with us ? Then certainly in the same place, or near it, will also grow the bell- flowered Scilla and S. bifolia-not native plants, but perfectly hardy in our country. Various kinds of Daffodils or Narcissi, as, for example, the different forms of Poet's or Pheasanteye Narcissus, will grow in any place where the common Daffodil will. The beautiful wood Forget- me-not may be sown in any wood, copse, or shrubbery, and will give an ample return. Thus it will be seen that, apart from the garden proper, much may be done in adding the glory of spring flowers to any place where there are trees and grass. The corners in an old orchard are delightful for experiments of this kind. Coming into the garden proper, we may look at the many positions in which spring flowers may be grown before we come to the geometrical bedding, which is the most troublesome of all. The fashion of leaving beds of Roses, choice shrubs, etc. , bare of all but what might be called their proper contents must be given up. In many places the half-bare Rose beds alone would furnish a happy home for numerous beautiful spring flowers-Pansies, Violets, choice Daffodils, Scillas ; in fact, for many pretty dwarf plants established in colonies between the Roses. Double primroses are particularly happy in such positions, and flower profusely. The slight shade such plants receive in summer from the other tenants of the bed assists them ; they do better than in bare borders. Where the Rhododendron beds are planted in an "open " way, as they often are (and the precious bushes never ought to be jammed together), a garden of another delightful kind is at our disposal. The peatloving plants (and there are many fair ones among them) will be quite at home there-much more so than in any bare borders. The white wood Lily of the American woods, the Virginian Lungwort, the Canadian Bloodroot, and the various Dog's-tooth Violets enjoy peat beds. Next we come to borders and beds of favourite spring flowers, such as Polyanthus, Primroses in their coloured forms, Cowslips, Auriculas, which in the self- coloured and border kinds are delightful. One can " cut and come again " for the flowers ; they are also convenient for division and exchange. Then along favourite walks in quiet places, a rich border for those glorious Polyanthuses and coloured Primroses and any other favourite free spring flowers may be made. Thus it will be seen that before we come to the formal massing of spring flowers there is a variety of ways of enjoying them more artistic and more easily managed than " beddingout " pure and simple. That may follow the fashion of the hour, and be arranged according to taste, with a considerable variety of material-Forget-me-nots, Daisies (both variegated and green), Silene, Pansy, Violet, Hyacinth, Anemone, Tulip. If we have a SPRING FLOWERS. 219 group of beds, and, say, a parterre under a window or in any other conspicuous position, a bright and pretty effect may be formed ; but without any such thing as either parterre or formal beds under the windows, fair gardens of spring flowers may be made in every place. If they are, the eternal problem of the design for the few formal beds of the parterre will not be so terrible as at present. Of late a number of beautiful forms of well-known flowers have been collected from various countries or raised from seed. For example, it is believed that there now exists over a dozen different forms of the Lily- of- the-Valley, differing in size of bloom, in size of plant, and even in time of flowering. So, again, the Hepaticas, which we know in two or three bright forms, have broken into a much greater number. It needs only a small effort of the imagination to see what we can do with such treasures when they are sufficiently increased to be valuable for general garden decoration . Apart from these new forms of old friends, many wholly new species are being introduced yearly, thus adding to the store from which we may draw to make our spring gardens rich in form, colour, and fragrance. SPRING FLOWERS IN SUN AND SHADE.-An important point is the difference that occurs in the blooming of a hardy plant, according to the aspect in which it is put. I have had a border of the beautiful Chionodoxa Alleni from Asia Minor, on the north side of a wall, and they were beautiful for several weeks, owing to being saved from the sun ; also Aubrietia and Arabis planted in the shade of a house, and on the east side of it , and the difference was very marked in the time ofblooming between the plants that see the sun and those that are in the shadow of the house. Forsythia suspensa is on each side of a wall running nearly east and west, and there is fully a fortnight's difference in the blooming time. So also with Wistaria planted on the sunny side, but hanging over the shady side of the wall. Daffodils do better in half shade than in full sunshine. Bluebells (Scilla) are like the Daffodils in their preference of half-shady positions in woods or copses ; so also Crown Imperials, which, like the Scillas, bleach badly if fully exposed to the sun. Such facts may be taken advantage of in many ways, especially as regards the nobler flowers that we make broad and artistic use of. If it is important for hardy flowers generally, it is doubly so for those of the spring, when we are much more liable to sudden storms of rain, snow, and sleet, that may destroy an early bloom. If fortunate enough to have the same plant on the north side of a hill or wall, we have still a chance ofa second bloom. We have known a difference of even three weeks in one place in the blooming of a plant. Country gardens are generally fortunate in wall surfaces and shady groves, so that frequent 220 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. opportunities of securing this variety in the blooming of our favourites occur, and by following out such trials we may find a difference even in vigour in different situations, but the greatest advantage is in prolonging the bloom. This question of various aspects is worth the thought of all fond of hardy flowering shrubs and hardy flowers. Let all who love the early flowers (the joy of our climate) look at the following list, remembering that it is not a list of the kinds of spring flowers (which are innumerable), but of the families. Some of these names, such as Narcissus and Rockfoil, stand for very large groups of lovely flowers. Then perhaps persons may judge if these beautiful children of the mountains and plains of the northern world are fairly shown by what is called " spring bedding ” —a few bits of wood Forget-me-not and Silene in a pattern. This system prevents any noble use of the beds, and we have to root all up when summer comes. Adonis Alyssum Andromeda Androsace Anemone Aquilegia Arabis Draba Epimedium Eranthis Some Spring and Early Summer Flowers Hardy in English Gardens¹ Hesperis Houstonia Hyacinthus Dianthus Dicentra Dodecatheon Doronicum Iris Potentilla Primula Pulmonaria Iberis Ramondia Ranunculus Arenaria Erica Armeria Erinus Leucojum Linaria Linum Lychnis Sanguinaria Saponaria Saxifraga Scilla Asperula Erodium Asphodelus Erythronium Aubretia Ficaria Meconopsis Muscari Myosotis Sedum Silene Soldanella Bellis Fritillaria Narcissus Solomon's Seal Caltha Fumaria Nemophila Trillium Centaurea Galanthus Omphalodes Triteleia Cerastium Genista Ornithogalum Trollius Clematis Geranium Orobus Tulipa Crocus Geum Pæonia Uvularia Convallaria Gypsophila Papaver Veronica Cyclamen Helleborus Daphne Hepatica Phlox Polemonium Vinca Viola Dentaria ¹ Shrubs are excluded; they will be found in the chapter on " Flowering Trees and Shrubs. Border of Michaelmas Daisies in a Surrey Garden. CHAPTER XVIII. AUTUMN FLOWERS. THE day will come when the beauty of the spring garden will have a reflex in the beauty of the autumn garden. Think of the many autumn-blooming plants similar to those which are the glory of the spring. Thus, for example, the autumn- flowering species of the Crocus (excluding hybrids) are probably more numerous than the spring- flowering kinds. Taken individually, the flowers of the autumn. Crocuses are bold and strong, as, for example, Crocus nudiflorus and Crocus speciosus. Up to the present these have been very little cultivated, and have not yet broken into garden varieties. Their beauty in the golden days that often come in autumn is as delightful as any spring garden. At present, with the exception, perhaps, of two or three kinds, all the autumn Crocuses are scarce. Even the 220 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. opportunities of securing this variety in the blooming of our favourites occur, and by following out such trials we may find a difference even in vigour in different situations, but the greatest advantage is in prolonging the bloom. This question of various aspects is worth the thought of all fond of hardy flowering shrubs and hardy flowers. Let all who love the early flowers (the joy of our climate) look at the following list, remembering that it is not a list of the kinds of spring flowers (which are innumerable) , but of the families. Some of these names, such as Narcissus and Rockfoil, stand for very large groups of lovely flowers. Then perhaps persons may judge if these beautiful children of the mountains and plains of the northern world are fairly shown by what is called " spring bedding "—a few bits of wood Forget-me-not and Silene in a pattern. This system prevents any noble use of the beds, and we have to root all up when summer comes. Adonis Dianthus Alyssum Dicentra Andromeda Dodecatheon Androsace Doronicum Anemone Draba Aquilegia Epimedium Arabis Eranthis Arenaria Erica Armeria Erinus Some Spring and Early Summer Flowers Hardy in English Gardens.¹ Leucojum Linaria Linum Lychnis Potentilla Primula Pulmonaria Ramondia Ranunculus Sanguinaria. Saponaria Saxifraga Hesperis Houstonia Hyacinthus Iberis Iris Scilla Asperula Erodium Meconopsis Sedum Asphodelus Erythronium Muscari Silene Aubretia Ficaria Myosotis Soldanella Bellis Fritillaria Narcissus Solomon's Seal Caltha Fumaria Nemophila Trillium Centaurea Galanthus Omphalodes Triteleia Cerastium Genista Ornithogalum Trollius Clematis Geranium Orobus Tulipa Crocus Geum Pæonia Uvularia Convallaria Gypsophila Papaver Cyclamen Daphne Helleborus Hepatica Phlox Polemonium Veronica Vinca Viola Dentaria ¹ Shrubs are excluded; they will be found in the chapter on and Shrubs. 66 Flowering Trees Border of Michaelmas Daisies in a Surrey Garden. CHAPTER XVIII. AUTUMN FLOWERS. THE day will come when the beauty of the spring garden will have a reflex in the beauty of the autumn garden. Think of the many autumn-blooming plants similar to those which are the glory of the spring. Thus, for example, the autumn-flowering species of the Crocus (excluding hybrids) are probably more numerous than the spring- flowering kinds. Taken individually, the flowers of the autumn Crocuses are bold and strong, as, for example, Crocus nudiflorus and Crocus speciosus. Up to the present these have been very little cultivated, and have not yet broken into garden varieties. Their beauty in the golden days that often come in autumn is as delightful as any spring garden. At present, with the exception, perhaps, of two or three kinds, all the autumn Crocuses are scarce. Even the 220 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. opportunities of securing this variety in the blooming of our favourites occur, and by following out such trials we may find a difference even in vigour in different situations, but the greatest advantage is in prolonging the bloom. This question of various aspects is worth the thought of all fond of hardy flowering shrubs and hardy flowers. Let all who love the early flowers (the joy of our climate) look at the following list, remembering that it is not a list of the kinds of spring flowers (which are innumerable), but of the families. Some of these names, such as Narcissus and Rockfoil, stand for very large groups of lovely flowers. Then perhaps persons may judge if these beautiful children of the mountains and plains of the northern world are fairly shown by what is called " spring bedding "—a few bits of wood Forget- me-not and Silene in a pattern. This system prevents any noble use of the beds, and we have to root all up when summer comes. Adonis Dianthus Alyssum Dicentra Andromeda Dodecatheon Some Spring and Early Summer Flowers Hardy in English Gardens) Potentilla Primula Pulmonaria Hesperis Houstonia Hyacinthus Androsace Doronicum Iberis Anemone Draba Iris Aquilegia Arabis Epimedium Eranthis Arenaria Erica Leucojum Linaria Linum Ramondia Ranunculus Sanguinaria Saponaria Saxifraga Armeria Erinus Lychnis Scilla Asperula Erodium Meconopsis Sedum Asphodelus Erythronium Muscari Silene Aubretia Ficaria Myosotis Soldanella Bellis Fritillaria Narcissus Solomon's Seal Caltha Fumaria Nemophila Trillium Centaurea Galanthus Omphalodes Triteleia Cerastium Genista Ornithogalum Trollius Clematis Geranium Orobus Tulipa Crocus Geum Pæonia Uvularia Convallaria Gypsophila Papaver Cyclamen Helleborus Daphne Hepatica Phlox Polemonium Veronica Vinca Viola Dentaria ¹ Shrubs are excluded; they will be found in the chapter on 66 Flowering Trees and Shrubs. Border of Michaelmas Daisies in a Surrey Garden. CHAPTER XVIII. AUTUMN FLOWERS. THE day will come when the beauty of the spring garden will have a reflex in the beauty of the autumn garden. Think of the many autumn- blooming plants similar to those which are the glory of the spring. Thus, for example, the autumn-flowering species of the Crocus (excluding hybrids) are probably more numerous than the spring- flowering kinds. Taken individually, the flowers of the autumn Crocuses are bold and strong, as, for example, Crocus nudiflorus and Crocus speciosus. Up to the present these have been very little cultivated, and have not yet broken into garden varieties. Their beauty in the golden days that often come in autumn is as delightful as any spring garden. At present, with the exception, perhaps, of two or three kinds, all the autumn Crocuses are scarce. Even the 220 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. opportunities of securing this variety in the blooming of our favourites occur, and by following out such trials we may find a difference even in vigour in different situations, but the greatest advantage is in prolonging the bloom. This question of various aspects is worth the thought of all fond of hardy flowering shrubs and hardy flowers. Let all who love the early flowers (the joy of our climate) look at the following list, remembering that it is not a list of the kinds of spring flowers (which are innumerable), but of the families. Some of these names, such as Narcissus and Rockfoil, stand for very large groups of lovely flowers. Then perhaps persons may judge if these beautiful children of the mountains and plains of the northern world are fairly shown by what is called " spring bedding "—a few bits of wood Forget-me-not and Silene in a pattern. This system prevents any noble use of the beds, and we have to root all up when summer comes. Adonis Dianthus Alyssum Dicentra Andromeda Dodecatheon Some Spring and Early Summer Flowers Hardy in English Gardens¹ Potentilla Primula Pulmonaria Hesperis Houstonia Hyacinthus Androsace Doronicum Iberis Ramondia Anemone Draba Iris Aquilegia Arabis Epimedium Eranthis Arenaria Erica Armeria Erinus Leucojum Linaria Linum Lychnis Ranunculus Sanguinaria Saponaria Saxifraga Scilla Asperula Erodium Meconopsis Sedum Asphodelus Erythronium Muscari Silene Aubretia Ficaria Myosotis Soldanella Bellis Fritillaria Narcissus Solomon's Seal Caltha Fumaria Nemophila Trillium Centaurea Galanthus Omphalodes Triteleia Cerastium Genista Ornithogalum Trollius Clematis Geranium Orobus Tulipa Crocus Geum Pæonia Uvularia Convallaria Gypsophila Papaver Cyclamen Helleborus Phlox Daphne Hepatica Polemonium Veronica Vinca Viola Dentaria ¹ Shrubs are excluded; they will be found in the chapter on Flowering Trees and Shrubs. Border of Michaelmas Daisies in a Surrey Garden. CHAPTER XVIII. AUTUMN FLOWERS. THE day will come when the beauty of the spring garden will have a reflex in the beauty of the autumn garden. Think of the many autumn-blooming plants similar to those which are the glory of the spring. Thus, for example, the autumn- flowering species of the Crocus (excluding hybrids) are probably more numerous than the spring- flowering kinds. Taken individually, the flowers of the autumn Crocuses are bold and strong, as, for example, Crocus nudiflorus and Crocus speciosus. Up to the present these have been very little cultivated, and have not yet broken into garden varieties. Their beauty in the golden days that often come in autumn is as delightful as any spring garden. At present, with the exception, perhaps, of two or three kinds, all the autumn Crocuses are scarce. Even the 222 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. common kinds are only cultivated as border or nursery plants in the ordinary way, and a very proper way too. To secure, however, little pictures from such plants, we must have them happy in the Grass, or Moss, or with other dwarf plants which will keep their flowers from being splashed, and in carpets where they may be seen sunny knolls or banks or in Grassy corners of the lawn or pleasure garden. Not less important are the Colchicums, sometimes called the autumn Crocuses, which flower at the same time as some of the Crocuses, or earlier. The remarks as to the arrangement of Crocuses are almost applicable to the Colchicums. As the meadows of much of Central Europe are bright in autumn with the flowers of the common Colchicum, so should our garden turf be with the precious garden kinds. Thus, from these two races alone, we could add new and distinct charms to our gardens-and that without troublesome culture-by securing some stock of the plants, and putting them out in well- considered positions. I give a list of Some Hardy and Half-hardy Plants blooming in London District in September-October. Abutilon Dianthus Lonicera Salvia Aconitum Diplacus Lupin Scabious Agapanthus Diplopappus Lychnis Sedum Ageratum Eccremocarpus Lythrum Senecio Amaryllis Erica Magnolia Anagallis Escallonia Marigold Anemone Fuchsia Matthiola Arnebia Gaillardia Mignonette Aster Geum Mimulus Berberidopsis Gladioli Montbretia Bignonia Godetia Nicotiana Brugmansia Gypsophila Nigella Calceolaria Helenium Campanula Helianthus Canna Heliotrope Pansy Cassia Hieracium Ceanothus Hollyhock Celsia Honeysuckle Petunia Centaurea Hyacinthus Phlox Chrysanthemum Hypericum Phygelius Enothera Pampas Grass Papaver Penstemon Silene Silphium Snapdragon Solanum Solidago Statice Strawberry Sweet Peas Sweet William Telekia Trachelium Tradescantia Tritonia Tritonia Tropæolum Tuberose Clematis Iberis Physalis Valerian Colchicum Impatiens Physostegia Convolvulus Lantana Plumbago Coreopsis Lauristinus Polygonum Crocus Lavender Prince's-feather Cuphea Liatris Pyrethrum Cyclamen Lilium Rose Dahlia Linaria Rudbeckia Delphinium Linum Salpiglossis Venidium Verbascum Verbena Veronica Viola Yucca Zephyranthes Zinnia Desmodium Lobelia CHAPTER XIX. COLOUR IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. ONE of the first things which all who care for gardens should learn is the difference between true and delicate and false and artificial colour-between the mere showy dye of the colour printer and much glaring colour seen in gardens and the beauties and harmonies of natural colour. There are many lessons and no fees : -Oak woods in winter, even the roads and paths and hedgerows ; leaves in many hues oflife and death, the stems of trees. Many birds are lovely studies in harmony and delicate gradation of colour ; the cloud flocks in many aspects of light, and the varied and infinite beauty of colour of the air itself as it comes between us and the distant view. Nature is a good colourist, and if we trust to her guidance we may be very good flower gardeners without considering “ laws " of colour. We never find colour wrong in wood, meadow, or on mountain. "Laws " have been laid down about colours which the true artists laugh at. If we have to make coloured cottons, or to " garden " in coloured gravels, then it is well to think what ugly things will shock least ; but dealing with living plants in their infinite tints of green, and with their beautiful flowers, is a different thing ! To consider the " laws " of colour laid down by writers on decoration is a waste of time. If we grow well plants of good colour, all will be right in the end. The complicated pattern beds so often seen in flower gardens should be given up in favour of simpler beds, of the shapes best suiting the ground . A strong reason for this is the colour. When we have little pincushion-beds where the whole " pattern " is seen at once, and where we use dwarf plants, the desire comes to bring in colour in a geometric, unnatural, and inartistic way. For this purpose the wretched Alternanthera and other pinched plant rubbish are grown - plants not worth growing at all. Instead, plants naturally dwarf, like alpine plants, should be grown, where their forms and flowers will be beautiful without any relation to patterns of colour. When dwarf flowers are associated with bushes like Roses, a little 224 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. taller than themselves, and with plants like Carnations and tall Irises, having pointed and graceful foliage, the colours are relieved against the delicate foliage of the plants. By having the beds large enough we have the chance of relieving the plants with taller plants behind. In a shrubbery, too, groups of flowers are nearly always right, and we can follow our desire in flowers without much thought of colour. But the roots of the shrubs rob the flowers ; and the best way is to put in near and around shrubberies free- running plants that do not want fine gardening, like Solomon's Seal and Woodruff, and the numerous plants that grow naturally in woods and copses. With flowers like Pansies, Carnations, Roses, and other flowers that much depend for their beauty on good cultivation, the best way is to keep them in the open garden, and away from hungry tree-roots. By having large simple beds we get the flowers relieved, and enjoy beauty of colour in the flowers and the forms of the plants without colour " pattern " of any kind. Instead of " dotting " the plants, it is better to group them naturally without any regular plan, letting the groups run into each other, and varying them here and there with taller plants. A flower garden of any size could be planted in this way, without the geometry of the ordinary flower garden, and the poor effect of the " botanical " " dotty " mixed border. As, however, many may not be ready to follow this plan, the following notes on colour, by a flower gardener who has given much thought to the subject, will be useful : — "One of the most important points in the arrangement of a garden is the placing of the flowers with regard to their colour-effect. Too often a garden is an assemblage of plants placed together haphazard, or if any intention be perceptible, as is commonly the case in the bedding system, it is to obtain as great a number as possible of the most violent contrasts ; and the result is a hard, garish vulgarity. Then, in mixed borders, one usually sees lines or evenly distributed spots of colour, wearying and annoying to the eye, and proving how poor an effect can be got by the misuse of the best materials. Should it not be remembered that in setting a garden we are painting a picture, a picture of hundreds of feet or yards instead of so many inches, painted with living flowers and seen by open daylight-so that to paint it rightly is a debt we owe to the beauty of the flowers and to the light of the sun ; that the colours should be placed with careful forethought and deliberation, as a painter employs them on his picture, and not dropped down in lifeless dabs. " HARMONY RATHER THAN CONTRAST. -Splendid harmonies of rich and brilliant colour, and proper sequences of such harmonies, should be the main rule ; there should be large effects, each well studied and well placed, varying in different portions of the garden COLOUR IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 225 scheme. One of the commonest faults is a want of simplicity of intention, or an obvious absence of any definite plan of colouring. Many people have not given any attention to colour-harmony, or have not by nature the gift of perceiving it. Let them learn it by observing some natural examples of happily related colouring, taking separate families ofplants whose members are variously coloured. Some ofthe best to study would be American Azaleas, Wallflowers, German and Spanish Iris, Alpine Auriculas, Polyanthus, and Alstroemerias. " BREADTH OF MASS AND INTERGROUPING.-It is important to notice that the mass of each colour should be large enough to have a certain dignity, but never so large as to be wearisome ; a certain breadth in the masses is also wanted to counteract the effect of foreshortening when the border is seen from end to end. When a definite plan of colouring is decided on, it will save trouble if the plants whose flowers are approximately the same in colour are grouped together to follow each other in season of blooming. Thus, in a part of the border assigned to red, Oriental Poppies might be planted among or next to Tritomas, with scarlet Gladioli between both, so that there should be a succession of scarlet flowers, the places occupied by the Gladioli being filled previously with red Wallflowers. "WARM COLOURS are not difficult to place : scarlet, crimson, pink, orange, yellow, and warm white are easily arranged so as to pass agreeably from one to the other. " PURPLE and LILAC group well together, but are best kept well away from red and pink ; they do well with the colder whites, and are seen at their best when surrounded and carpeted with gray- white foliage, like that of Cerastium tomentosum or Cineraria maritima ; but if it be desired to pass from a group of warm colour to purple and lilac, a good breadth of pale yellow or warm white may be interposed. "WHITE FLOWERS. -Care must be taken in placing very cold white flowers such as Iberis correæfolia, which are best used as quite a high light, led up to by whites of a softer character. Frequent repetitions of white patches catch the eye unpleasantly ; it will generally be found that one mass or group of white will be enough in any piece of border or garden arrangement that can be seen from any one point of view. " BLUE requires rather special treatment, and is best approached by delicate contrasts of warm whites and pale yellows, such as the colours of double Meadow Sweet, and Enothera Lamarckiana, but rather avoiding the direct opposition of strong blue and full yellow. Blue flowers are also very beautiful when completely isolated and seen alone among rich dark foliage. " A PROGRESSION OF COLOUR in a mixed border might begin with strong blues, light and dark, grouped with white and pale yellow, Q 226 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. passing on to pink ; then to rose colour, crimson, and the strongest scarlet, leading to orange and bright yellow. A paler yellow followed. by white would distantly connect the warm colours with the lilacs and purples, and a colder white would combine them pleasantly with lowgrowing plants with cool-coloured leaves. " SILVERY-LEAVED PLANTS are valuable as edgings and carpets to purple flowers, and bear the same kind of relation to them as the warm-coloured foliage of some plants does to their strong red flowers, as in the case of the Cardinal Flower and double crimson Sweet William. The bright clear blue of Forget-me-not goes best with fresh pale green, and pink flowers are beautiful with pale foliage striped with creamy white, such as the variegated forms of Jacob's- ladder or Iris pseudacorus. A useful carpeting plant, Acæna pulchella, assumes in spring a rich bronze between brown and green which is valuable with Wallflowers of the brown and orange colours. These few examples, out of many that will come under the notice of any careful observer, are enough to indicate what should be looked for in the way of accompanying foliage—such foliage, if well chosen and well placed, may have the same value to the flowering plant that a worthy and appropriate setting has to a jewel. " IN SUNNY PLACES warm colours should preponderate ; the yellow colour of sunlight brings them together and adds to their glowing effect. "A SHADY BORDER, on the other hand, seems best suited for the cooler and more delicate colours. A beautiful scheme of cool colouring might be arranged for a retired spot, out of sight of other brightly coloured flowers, such as a border near the shady side of any shrubbery or wood that would afford a good background of dark foliage. Here would be the best opportunity for using blue, cool white, palest yellow, and fresh green. A few typical plants are the great Larkspurs, Monkshoods, and Columbines, Anemones (such as japonica, sylvestris, apennina, Hepatica, and the single and double forms of nemorosa), white Lilies, Trilliums, Pyrolas, Habenarias, Primroses, white and yellow, double and single, Daffodils , white Cyclamen, Ferns and mossy Saxifrages, Lily- of-the- Valley, and Woodruff. The most appropriate background to such flowers would be shrubs and trees, giving an effect of rich sombre masses of dusky shadow rather than a positive green colour, such as Bay Phillyrea, Box, Yew, and Evergreen Oak. Such a harmony of cool colouring, in a quiet shady place, would present a delightful piece of gardening. BEDDED- OUT PLANTS, in such parts of a garden as may require them, may be arranged on the same general principle of related, rather than of violently opposed, masses of colour. As an example, a fine effect was obtained with half-hardy annuals, mostly kinds of Marigold, Chrysanthemum, and Nasturtium, of all shades of yellow, orange, and COLOUR IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 227 Anemone Perennia Luping Irispallida Day LilyYellow &Orange , Poppies Oriental bracteate & Red Wallflower French German Polyanthur Deepa Pale Yello Iris Bronze ,Deep & Sulpbar Tausy Mysotis dissi Yellow Yellow Gentianella Alyssum Poppy Lilac &Purple Phlox setacea Cheiranthus , Marshalli ana ! .are pinted inplanrevailing atthis season names offlowers SPRING .-The Anemone Pulsatilla Pansy Achilles ntennar Foliage Silveryanna &umbella tomente sylvestris yramida Verbascum White inel Purple Monkshood Phlox Galtonia Cepersicifolia candicans Campanulusatifolia ernale Thalictrum White & Crimson Phloxes Salmon Scarlet Coreopsis Nanceolata ! Globe Iris ochroleuca Thistle Telianth igidus Scarlet Opium Statice ( Gaillardia Scarlet Poppies tenchleyensis French Scarlet Lychnis Scarlet Balm Pot Fraseri St.Bruno's Carpatica Marigold African Marigolds Pentstemon Alba Youngi Knotheras French Pansy Silvery Foliage &riparia Nasturtium Achillea &Lilac Purple linearis Antennaria Orange Yellow Scarlet Sweet William Double Pink Tinson SUMMER .-State ofthe same border with names offlowers infull bloom atthat seson . Pink palmata Sulphur Pansy Enothera )macrocarpa Enothera Lamarekiapa- Dark Blue Delphiniums Donble Spireas Pale Blu , Venusta Aruncus Ulmaria White Lily Eryngium amethystinum Acanthus , Fantheinta Pyramidal Michaelmas Daisies maximu Coreopsis danceolata White Phlox White JapanAnemone 23 C.carpatica alba Silvery Foliage Achillea SCALE OFFEET . 45678910 T Antennaria 15 Ferennial Alelianthus Paible Sunflower giganteus Globe Thistle Helianth rigidus Rudbeckia ewmanni Pot 20 Tiger Lily Crimson Phloxes Scarlet Salmon Tritomas Lobelia cardinalia Scarlet African Marigolds Marigold Freng Pentstemon Sedum Pink Nasturtium Orange Yellow pectabile Scarlet Balm Great Ox-eye autumnal blooming plants .AUTUMN .-State ofthe same border with names of Enothera aerocarpa Acanthus Gentian asclepiade Thilage Larrento Plan showing the principal groups inaborder ofhardy flowers ;the plantsaced tofrm masses ofharmonious colouring ,and their progression simply but effect .fine colour -produce aMany groups ofsmall plants and bulbs ,that could nt beshown onthe plan ,are planted between andrranged tocarefully , flowers .the surrounding agreeing with that ofcolour always masse ,their among the larger Q 2 228 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. brown. This was in a finely designed formal garden before the principal front of one of the stateliest of the great houses of England. It was a fine lesson in temperance, this employment of a simple scheme of restricted colouring, yet it left nothing to be desired in the way of richness and brilliancy, and well served its purpose as a dignified ornament, and worthy accompaniment to the fine old palace. "CONTRASTS-HOW TO BE USED.- The greater effects being secured, some carefully arranged contrasts may be used to strike the eye when passing ; for opposite colours in close companionship are not telling at a distance, and are still less so if interspersed, their tendency then being to neutralize each other. Here and there a charming effect may be produced by a bold contrast, such as a mass of orange Lilies against Delphiniums or Gentiums against alpine Wallflowers ; but these violent contrasts should be used sparingly and as brilliant. accessories rather than trustworthy principals. " CLIMBERS ON WALLS. -There is often a question about the suitability of variously coloured creepers on house or garden walls. The same principle of harmonious colouring is the best guide. A warm-coloured wall, one of Bath stone or buff bricks, for instance, is easily dealt with. On this all the red-flowered, leaved, or berried plants look well-Japan Quince, red and pink Roses, Virginian Creeper, Crataegus Pyracantha, and the more delicate harmonies of Honeysuckle, Banksian Roses, and Clematis montana, and Flammula, while C. Jackmanni and other purple and lilac kinds are suitable as occasional contrasts. The large purple and white Clematises harmonise perfectly with the cool gray of Portland stone ; and so do dark- leaved climbers, such as White Jasmine, Passion Flower, and green Ivy. Red brickwork, especially when new, is not a happy ground colour ; perhaps it is best treated with large- leaved climbers-Magnolias, Vines, Aristolochia-to counteract the fidgety look of the bricks and white. joints. When brickwork is old and overgrown with gray Lichens, there can be no more beautiful ground for all colours of flowers from the brightest to the tenderest-none seems to come amiss. " COLOUR IN BEDDING- OUT.-We must here put out of mind nearly all the higher sense of the enjoyment of flowers ; the delight in their beauty individually or in natural masses ; the pleasure derived from a personal knowledge of their varied characters, appearances, and ways, which gives them so much of human interest and lovableness ; and must regard them merely as so much colouring matter, to fill such and such spaces for a few months. We are restricted to a kind of gardening not far removed from that in which the spaces of the design are filled in with pounded brick, slate, or shells. The best rule in the arrangement of a bedded garden is to keep the scheme of colouring as simple as possible. The truth of this is easily perceived by an ordinary COLOUR IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 229 observer when shown a good example, and is obvious without any showing to one who has studied colour effects ; and yet the very opposite intention is most commonly seen, to wit, a garish display of the greatest number of crudely contrasting colours. How often do we see combinations of scarlet Geranium, Calceolaria, and blue Lobeliathree subjects that have excellent qualities as bedding plants if used in separate colour schemes, but which in combination can hardly fail to look bad? In this kind of gardening, as in any other, let us by all means have our colours in a brilliant blaze, but never in a discordant glare. One or two colours, used temperately and with careful judgment, will produce nobler and richer results than many colours purposely contrasted, or wantonly jumbled. The formal garden that is an architectural adjunct to an imposing building demands a dignified unity of colouring instead of the petty and frivolous effects so commonly obtained by the misuse of many colours. As practical examples of simple harmonies, let us take a scheme of red for summer bedding. It may range from palest pink to nearly black, the flowers being Pelargoniums in many shades of pink, rose, salmon, and scarlet ; Verbenas, red and pink ; and judicious mixtures of Iresine, Alternanthera, Amaranthus, the dark Ajuga, and red-foliaged Oxalis. Still finer is a colour scheme of yellow and orange, worked out with some eight varieties of Marigold, Zinnias, Calceolarias, and Nasturtiums—a long range of bright rich colour, from the palest buff and primrose to the deepest mahogany. Such examples of strong warm colouring are admirably suited for large spaces of bedded garden. Where a small space has to be dealt with it is better to have arrangements of blue, with white and the palest yellow, or of purple and lilac, with gray foliage. A satisfactory example of the latter could be worked out with beds of purple and lilac Clematis, trained over a carpet of Cineraria maritima, or one ofthe white- foliaged Centaureas, and Heliotropes and purple Verbenas, with silvery foliage of Cerastium, Antennaria, or Stachys lanata. These are some simple examples easily carried out . The principle once seen and understood (and the operator having a perception of colour), modifications will suggest themselves, and a correct working with two or more colours will be practicable ; but the simpler ways are the best, and will always give the noblest results. There is a peculiar form of harmony to be got even in varied colours by putting together those of nearly the same strength or depth. As an example in spring bedding, Myosotis dissitiflora, Silene pendula not the deepest shade), and double yellow Primrose or yellow Polyanthus, though distinctly red, blue, and yellow, yet are of such tender and equal depth of colouring, that they work together charmingly, especially if they are further connected with the gray-white foliage of Cerastium. -G. J.” я коноба CHAPTER XX. FRAGRANCE.¹ A MAN who makes a garden should have a heart for plants that have the gift of sweetness as well as beauty of form or colour. And what a mystery as well as charm-wild Roses sweet as the breath of heaven, and wild Roses of repulsive odour all born of the earth-mother, and it may be springing from the same spot. Flowers sweet at night and scentless in the day ; flowers of evil odour at one hour and fragrant at another ; plants sweet in breath of blossom, but deadly in leaf and sap ; Lilies sweet as they are fair, and Lilies that must not be let into the house ; with bushes in which all that is delightful in odour permeates to every March-daring bud. The Grant Allens of the day, who tell us how the Dandelion sprang from the Primrose some millions of years ago, would explain all these things to us, or put long names to them-what Sir Richard Owen used to call conjectural biology." But we need not care where they leave the question, for to us is given this precious fragrance, happily almost without effort, and as free as the clouds from man's power to spoil. Every fertile country has its fragrant flowers and trees ; alpine meadows with Orchids and mountain Violets ; the Primrose- scented woods, Honeysuckle-wreathed and May-frosted hedgerows of Britain ; the Cedars of India and of the mountains of Asia Minor, with Lebanon ; trees of the same stately order, perhaps still more fragrant in the warmer Pacific breezes of the Rocky Mountains and Oregon, where the many great Pines spring from a carpet of fragrant Ever1 First written for McDonald's Sweet-scented Flowers. London, 1895. FRAGRANCE. 231 greens, and a thousand flowers which fade away after their early bloom, and rest in the heat, while the tall trees overhead distil for ever grateful odour in the sunny air. Myrtle, Rosemary, and Lavender, and all the aromatic bushes and herbs clothing the little capes that jut into the great sea which washes the shores of Greece, Italy, Sicily, and Corsica ; garden islands scattered through vast Pacific seas, as stars are scattered in the heavens ; enormous tropical forests, little entered by man, but from which he gathers on the outskirts treasures for our Orchid and greenhouses ; great island gardens like Java and Ceylon and Borneo, rich in spices and lovely plant life ; Australian bush, with traces of plant life as if from another world, but often most delicate in odour even in the distorted fragments ofthem we see in our greenhouses. It is not only from the fragile flower-vases these sweet odours flow ; they breathe through leaf and stem, and the whole being of many trees and bushes, from the stately Gum trees of Australia to the sweet Verbena of Chili. Many must have felt the charm of the strange scent of the Boxbush before Oliver Wendell Holmes told us of its “ breathing the fragrance of eternity, for this is one of the odours which carry us out of time into the abysses of the unbeginning past. " The scent of flowers is often cloying, as of the Tuberose, while that of leaves is often delicate and refreshing, as in the budding Larch, and in the leaves of Balm and Rosemary, while fragrance is often stored in the wood and down through the roots. It is given to few to see many of these sweet plants in their native lands, but we who love our gardens may enjoy many of them about us, not merely in drawings or descriptions, but the living, breathing things themselves. The Geraniums in the cottage window bring us the spicy fragrance of the South African hills ; the Lavender bush of the sunny hills of Provence, where it is at home ; the Roses in the garden bring near us the breath of the wild Roses on a thousand hills ; the sweet or pot herbs of our gardens are a gift of the shore-lands of France and Italy and Greece. The Sweet Bay bush in the farmer's or cottage garden comes with its story from the streams of Greece, where it seeks moisture in a thirsty land along with the wild Olive and the Arbutus. And this Sweet Bay is the Laurel of the poets, of the first and greatest of all poet and artist nations of the earth-the Laurel sacred to Apollo, and used in many ways in his worship, as we may see on coins, and in many other things that remain to us of the great peoples of the past. The Myrtle, of less fame, but also a sacred plant beloved for its leaves and blossoms, was, like the Laurel, seen near the temples of the race who built their temples as Lilies are built, whose song is deathless, and the fragments of its art Despair to the artist of our time. And 232 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. thus the fragrant bushes our gardens may entwine for us, apart from their gift of beauty, living associations and beautiful thoughts for ever famous in human story. It is not only the odours of trees and flowers known to all we have to think of, but many delicate ones, less known of, perhaps, by reason of the blossoms that give it being without showy colour, as the wild Vine, the Sweet Vernal, Lemon, and other Grasses. And among these modest flowers there are none more delicate in odour than the blossoms of the common white Willow and yellow- twigged and other Willows of Britain and Northern Europe, all the more grateful in air coming to us O'er the northern moorland, o'er the northern foam . What is the lesson these sweet flowers have for us? They tell us -if there were no other flowers to tell us that a garden should be a living thing ; its life not only fair in form and lovely in colour, but in its breath and essence coming from the Divine. They tell us that the very common attempt to conform their fair lives into tile or other patterns, to clip or set them out as so much mere colour of the paperstainer or carpet-maker, is to degrade them and make our gardens ugly and ridiculous, from the point of view of Nature or true art. And many of these treasures for the open garden have been shut out of our thoughts owing to the exclusion of almost everything that did not make showy colour and lend itself to crude ways of setting out flowers to compete with tiles and like modes of "decoration." Of the many things that should be thought of in the making of a garden to live in, this of fragrance is one of the first. And, happily, among every class of flowers which may adorn our open-air gardens there are fragrant things to be found. Apart from the groups of plants in which all, or nearly all, are fragrant, as in Roses, the annual and biennial flowers of our gardens are rich in fragrance-Stocks, Mignonette, Sweat Peas, Sweet Sultan, Wallflowers, double Rockets, Sweet Scabious, and many others. These, among the most easily raised of plants, may be enjoyed by the simplest cottage gardeners. The garden borders of perennial flowers bear for us odours as precious as any breath of tropic Orchid, from the Lily- of-the-Valley to the Carnation, this last yielding, perhaps, the most grateful odour of all the flowering host in our garden land. In these borders are things sweeter than words may tell of Woodruff, Balm, Pinks, Violets, garden Primroses, Polyanthuses, Day and other Lilies, early Iris, Narcissus, Evening Primroses, Mezereon, and Pansies delicate in their sweetness. No one may be richer in delicate fragrance than the wise man who plants hardy shrubs and flowering trees-Magnolia, Thorn, Daphne, Lilac-names each telling of whole families of delightful things. FRAGRANCE. 233 Among shrubs, those without any strong odour, like hardy Heaths, are welcome to many who are often touched by remembered fragrance of some plant they do not always know. From the same regions where we found the Laurel and the Myrtle we have the Laurustinus, beautiful in all our sea-coast and milder districts, and many other lovely bushes happy in our climate ; one, the Winter- sweet, even pouring out delicious fragrance in mid-winter ; Sweet Gale, Azaleas, Allspice, and the delightful little Mayflower that creeps about in the woodland shade in North America. So, though we cannot boast of Lemon or Orange groves, our climate is kind to many lovely and fragrant shrubs. Even our ugly walls may be sweet gardens with Magnolia, Honeysuckle, Clematis, Sweet Verbena, and the delightful old Jasmine, still clothing many a house in London. Most precious of all, however, are the noble climbing Tea Roses raised in our own time, within the past fifty years or so. Among the abortions of this century these are a real gain—the loveliest flowers ever raised by Noble in form and colour, and scented as delicately as a June morn in alpine pastures, with these most precious of garden Roses we could cover all the ugly walls in England and Ireland, and very many ofthem are in want of a veil. man. The old way of having an orchard near the house was a good one. Planted for use, it was as precious for its beauty, and not only when the spring winds carried the breath of its myriad blossoms of Cherry, Plum, Apple, and Pear. There were the fruit odours too, and the early Daffodils and Snowdrops, with Violets and Primroses on the banks came, and overhead the lovely hardy trees that bear our orchard fruits, Apples, Pears, Cherries, Plums, Medlar, and Quince. To make pictures to last round the years and far along them I should ask for many orchard trees on a few acres of good ground, all the better if too uneven for the plough ; a rough belt of native Evergreens, Hollies, Yew, and Fir on the cold sides to comfort trees and men ; with careless garlands of Honeysuckle, Rose, and fragrant Clematis among them here and there, and in the bank fence plenty of Sweet Brier, and May, and Sloe. The fence would not be cut in every year to a bare backbone, but Sloe, and May, and Sweet Brier, and Wild Rose left to bud and bloom , the hedge being a shelter as well as a strong fence ; and not to be cut down oftener than every ten years or so. Then it should be woven together in the strong way usual in parts of Kent, that is to say, strong enough to keep back an elephant. On the cool sides of these sod banks, the Primrose and Oxlip would bloom long and well, and on all sides of them Daffodils and Jonquils, with Snowflakes, Snowdrops, wild Tulips, or any bulbs like these one had to spare from the 234 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. Day Lily Deutzia Evening Primrose Flowering garden ; and from the garden choppings too, tufts of Balm and Myrrh to live for ever among the Grass of the bank. Abelia Abronia Allspice Almond Some Fragrant Plants for British Gardens. Sweet Fern Bush Meadow Sweet Sweet Bay Mexican Orange Sweet Cicely Flower Mezereon Sweet Flag Alyssum Brambles Mignonette Sweet Gale American Cowslip Andromeda Flowering Currant Mock Orange Sweet Pea Forsythia Morina Sweet Scabious Apples, Crabs, and Orchard Fruits Gladiolus (some Musk Sweet Sultan kinds) Myrtle Sweet Verbena Auricula Grape Hyacinth Narcissus Sweet Vernal Grass Azalea Hawthorn Balm Heartsease Stock Balm of Gilead Honeysuckle Pæony Blue Bells Bee Balm Belladonna Lily Brugmansia Burning Bush Californian Poppy Carnation Horse Chestnut Pancratium Hyacinth Iris Phlox Jasmine Polyanthus Primroses Clematis Clethra Columbine Cowslips Crinum Crocus (some) Cyclamen Laburnum (some) Lavender Lilac Lily Limnanthes Lily-of-the- Valley Lupins Magnolia Marvel of Peru May- flower Night-scented Pelargonium Rhododendrons Rock Rose Rocket Rose Rosemary St. Bruno's Lily Snowflake Southernwood Styrax Sweet William Thyme Tuberose Tulip Tree Tulips (some) Twinflower Vine Violets Wallflower Water Lilies Willows Winter Green Winter Heliotrope Winter Sweet Wistaria Woodruff Yarrow し CHAPTER XXI. SOME SOURCES OF WASTE. To a great extent our gardens are laid out in a too complex way. There are so many needless walks and edgings that we cannot work in a simple way and half the time is lost in cleaning the feet, and taking care of useless or frivolous things. Efforts thus wasted should be turned to account in the growth of flowers. In many large places there is no true flower-gardening ; wretched plants are stuck out in the parterre every year, and a few stunted hardy flowers are scratched in round the choke- muddle shrubbery, but little labour or love is bestowed on the growth of flowers. In others there are miles of walks bordered by bare stretches of earth, as cheerful as Woking Cemetery in its early years. The gardener is impotent to turn such a waste into a paradise ; his time and his thoughts are eaten up by barber's work- shaving Grass and weeding walks. I went once into one of the finest places in England for site and extent, the property of a wealthy peer, and, seeing six masses of lugubrious Perilla, and as many of the yellow Calceolaria, turned for relief to the trees around. The gardeners, in consequence ofthe trouble of this system, have little time for true flower-gardening. But to form a garden of Roses, or groups of choice shrubs, or beds of Lilies, or of other noble hardy plants, so that the beds may fairly nourish their tenants for a dozen years, are ends to which good gardeners' labour should be directed. Instead of the never-ending and wearisome scratchings of autumn and spring, we ought to have a thorough preparation of one portion of the flower garden each year, so that it would yield beauty for many years. We should then escape in great part the massing of tender plants, with its great annual cost, its suite of hothouses, and the complete loss of the flowers every autumn. GRASS. Then we have the endless shaving of big lawns. The soft turf is the glory of our gardens, but who can say that it is wise to mow forty acres of kept lawn, as people have boasted of doing ? 236 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . Soft lawns we want near our houses, and we cannot take too much care of them ; but the wide acres of Grass mown in many large country seats would be better if cut as hay. A flowering meadow is one of the most beautiful things in Nature, and our park or garden lawns might be lovely with the Grass growing long and with many flowers in it. The Grass itself should be a beautiful garden. We should see in it, as we often see in an alpine meadow, fair flowers which grow in English as well as in alpine turf. By allowing the Grass to grow in spring and till maturity, this phase of the wild garden will be enjoyed, and plants will come up year after year to reward us. Lawns for play, and smooth turf among the flower-beds we must have, but in most gardens something may be gained if the Grass to be frequently mown be kept to what is essential. A good deal of Grass in pleasure-grounds and among trees is quite as pretty if cut at haytime. Grass so mown is that which best suits hardy bulbs and other flowers naturalised in the Grass. The leaves of the early bulbs are generally ripe or withered down before mowing. WALKS.-After the Grass come the needless walks. Our own landscape gardeners are a little more sparing with these hideous things than are the French ; but we very often have four times too many walks, which torment the poor gardener by needless and stupid labour. He is always hoeing, and weeding, and salting. The planning of these walks in various elaborate ways has been supposed to have some relation to landscape gardening ; but one needless walk often destroys all possibility of good gardening in its vicinity. Walks are essential, but they should be designed simply to go wherever it is necessary they should go. Flower-beds are often best set in Grass, and those who care to see them will approach them quite as readily on Grass as if hard walks are brought near them. For the three or four months of our winter season there is little need of frequent resort to flower-beds, but for much of the rest of the year the turf is better than any walk. I do not mean that there should be no walk to the flower-garden, but that every walk not necessary for frequent use should be suppressed. Few have any idea how much they would gain, not merely in labour, but in the beauty and repose of their gardens, by doing away with needless walks. GLASS. Among the evils of the " bedding system " is the need of extensive glass-houses in which to keep the plants all the winter, not one in ten of these plants being as pretty as flowers that are as hardy as the Grass in the field, -like Roses, Carnations, and Delphiniums. It is absurd to grow Alternantheras in heat, and not to give a place to flowers that endure cold as well as Lilies-of-the-Valley. Glass- houses are useful helps for many purposes, but we may have noble flower SOME SOURCES OF WASTE. 237 gardens without them. To bloom the Rose and Carnation in winter, to ripen fruits that will not mature in our climate, to enable us to see many fair flowers of the tropics-for these purposes glass-houses are a precious gain ; but for a beautiful flower garden they are needless. Therefore one great source of expense may be saved, and the numerous glass-houses in our gardens may be turned to better use. It would not be true to say that good hardy flower-gardening is cheaper than growing the weedy tender plants that often disgrace our gardens. The splendid variety of beautiful hardy plants tempts one to buy, and it is therefore all the more necessary not to waste money in stupid ways. essential. WATERING.—In warmer countries much watering or irrigation is In England, nine seasons out of ten, this heavy labour is unnecessary, particularly if we grow hardy flowers, and plant in autumn, winter, and early spring, so that the plants may be rooted before the hot days. When watering is necessary, sufficient should be given to moisten the soil to the full depth it is dug or trenched, but if the borders and beds have three feet of soil, there will be much less need of artificial watering. From an economical point of view, nothing is more important than the due preparation of the soil by deep trenching. If this be well done in the first instance, and mulching used, little artificial watering will be required. If mulching be applied as soon as the plants are put out in May, it saves much labour, and its advantages are great. Cocoa-fibre refuse is the neatest mulch, being so clean to use. The next best material is decayed leaf-soil : this, sifted, also looks neat, but under sunshine it soon shrinks away, and requires renewing. Wellrotted stable-manure is another good mulch, particularly for plants we wish to feed well, like Dahlias. The mowings of lawn Grass is a good mulch for beds, and should not be wasted, especially where there are recently transplanted shrubs. I use with good results flat pieces of thin sandstone among Carnations and other choice hardy plants. These pieces of stone keep the ground between the plants clean , keep the soil cool and moist, and in winter keep the plants from being thrown up by frost, while, being of a good colour, they are not unpleasant in the beds at any time. A light carpet of alpine flowers under Roses tends to keep the beds moist. Deep good soil does away with the need of any unpleasant mulch. The tufted Pansies, Rockfoils, gray and green Stonecrops which I use among the Roses and Carnations are a living and beautiful " mulch." At the same time what is needed in this way is often a question of soil. In Surrey sands our plants may be dead for want of water, when a few miles away in the weald the same kinds will be proud with good food and sufficient moisture. 238 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. FANCY LABELS are a frequent source of waste, especially if stamped so as to suit only one plant. It would in many cases be well to do without labels, except where we grow many kinds of things that differ by slight shades, as Carnations and Roses. YTITT Cast-iron labels ; the simplest, neatest, and best form for shrubs, bold herbaceous plants , and for all cases where the label has to be fixed in the ground. The contents of a garden are usually in a state of change ; we are continually adding to and taking from them ; new plants are introduced ; a severe winter kills a number of shrubs, which we determine not to replant. Fashion changes the garden vegetation too, and then the permanent labels, cast and burnt into hardware and cemented in cast iron, are thrown aside. I prefer a label which can be used again, such as a cast- iron label of “T shape " or, in other words, a slip of cast iron with an oblong head slightly thrown back. These are cast very cheaply in the iron districts. We have to paint them and write the names of the trees on them when they come to hand ; but that can be readily done by a handy painter in winter. In a large garden, where much naming is required, the best way is to train a youth who is likely to remain in the place, by placing a copy of the desired kind of letters before him. It is an advantage to give the label a coat of copal varnish when the letters are dry, and generally use white letters on a black or dark ground, and give three coats of black over one of red lead. These are the best labels for the shrubs and choice young trees of a pleasure-ground or flower garden. The painting will last for twenty years, and if we cease to cultivate the plants to which they belong, the labels may be repainted. Scarlet Oak. Quercus Coccineus . NAmer The simplest and best label for trees. With big trees it is always a mistake to use a ground label. The best labels for large trees are made of pieces of tin about 4 inches by 3 inches. About half an inch of the upper edge should be bent at a right angle so as to form a little coping for the label, two holes should be made just beneath the little angle, through which a strong copper wire should be put and firmly nailed to the tree. Place it so as to be easily read, and about 5 feet from the ground. Paint it dark brown or black with white letters and it will last for many years. All labels inserted Position for tree label. SOME SOURCES OF WASTE. 239 in the grass in pleasure-grounds are liable to be pulled up by mowers or others, and in this way to get lost, while the labels on the stems are safe from such mishaps. For low trees and bushes to which copper wire may be fixed with ease, the simplest and most enduring labels are those of cast metal galvanised, such as are made at Stratford-on- Avon ; but as they are so enduring so they are best fitted for hardy trees and shrubs. The words on them should be few as may be, and all needless words omitted. Thus in fruit-tree labels it is needless to use the word Pear or Apple, but simply the variety, as " Ribstone." This plan makes these labels more legible than when they are crowded with letters. FOR ALL HALF- HARDY PLANTS ordinary wooden labels are at once the most convenient. And if they are required to last, dip the ends in tar or pitch. In most gardens it is the practice to write the name at the part that goes in the ground, and to go on from thence to the top a bad way, for the label always begins to decay at the base, and thus the beginning of the name is lost, while the end of it may be quite legible. Always begin to write it at the top. This may seem a small matter, but it is important where many wooden labels are used. After a little practice it becomes as easy to write from the top as from the other end. In writing the names always begin as near the top as possible. beds and walks are The most common now than formerly. FANCY EDGINGS of cast stone or tile ware to costly, ugly, needless, and a great source of waste. of living edgings is Box, though it is far less used Where exactness has to be adhered to, there is nothing equal to Box, provided the blanks are made up and it is kept in good order bythe shears . A neglected Box edging mars the appearance of a garden, and those who cannot afford to keep Box in good condition should dispense with it. A beautiful evergreen edging is formed by Irish Ivy, where carefully grown as in the public gardens of Paris. A broad, well- kept edging of Irish Ivy has a fine effect in various situations, but neglect soon mars any Ivy edging. The Irish Ivy is only one of many forms of our native Ivy, and by no means the best. Other good and distinct forms should be used for this purpose. Some hardy plants make good edgings, such as double Daisies, Thrift, Arabis, Auriculas, Primroses, Violets, and Gentianella. Enough is hardly made of these easily increased plants as edgings. Burnt tiles with a bead on the top are often used, because they are easy to procure and cheap ; but they are useless, for the frost breaks them up in a couple of years unless they are very well burnt. They are always hard and ugly, and should never be used. A thin 240 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. tile, made of fireclay and glazed, is also used, but all burnt clay edgings are bad. Terra-cotta tiles stand fairly well, but they are expensive. Stout blue slate, with sawn edges, is enduring ; it is expensive at first, but its great lasting properties are a compensation ; it can be had in long lengths and is easily laid, but it is ugly. Where hard stone is abundant it is excellent for edgings, and in quarries there is often a quantity of stone refuse which might be used for edgings. If they are nearly the same thickness, pieces of various shapes and sizes may be used. The charm of rough stone edgings is due to their colour when clothed with small Mosses. They require no hard rigid setting, as they look much better set simply and roughly in the earth. Unlike the cast tiles they are none the worse if they fall out of line, and are easily removed and easily reset, and give by far the best effect of any permanent edging. Edgings are best made ofthe natural stone which abounds in various counties. An edging in a garden may be beautiful by reason of dwarf rock plants being associated with it. If we have an ugly stiff tile edging, we would hardly think of putting an alpine flower near it ; but on the other hand, any good natural stone edging forms a good place for rock plants. If the stones are irregular in size, sink them partly in the ground, as in the case of a flint edging, and then we may have a number of pretty plants running in and out among these stones, and spreading into gravel walk or soil. There is no difficulty in growing numbers of alpine flowers in this way. In all borders of hardy and alpine plants, a good plan is to let tufts of vigorous dwarf plants grow a little into the walk. STUCCO AND STONE WASTE. It is a costly folly to make a flower garden like a cemetery, with costly terracing work-where terraces are not required, and where the natural form of the earth is far fitter than any other form for a beautiful flower garden, —vases, fountain basins, sculpture of the poorer sort, and, lastly, pounded stones and gravel, set out instead of flowers, these are wasteful and ugly. The cost of all this stone rubbish should be laid out in good plants and good ways of growing them. The money spent on it in a single county (now and then, indeed, in a single place) would form many lovely gardens. If we ruin ourselves through extravagance in gardening, let it be for living and beautiful things. PATENTED ARTICLES.- In this age of mechanism there are inventors who try to worry us out of our simplest, pleasantest little tasks by inventing things that nobody wants, and among the ugliest things in gardens are the remains of various too clever contrivances, rusty, useless, forgotten. Some one has invented a teapot which saves us the trouble of pouring out a cup of tea, and many garden inventions are as much called for as this, though it would not be fair to SOME SOURCES OF WASTE. 241 condemn those that really save labour, like a mowing machine. It is the invention of contrivances that instead of helping really add to our confusion that we should guard against. No contrivance should be admitted unless we know it is essential to our work. If it be ugly or showy in use, it should never be used. WASTE THROUGH RABBITS.-The worst of all waste is the preservation of the rabbit, which is such a cruel enemy to the Carnation and many other flower-garden plants. No good flowergardening is possible where rabbits are not carefully and constantly excluded. The injury rabbits do to young trees alone is incalculable ; indeed, where they prevail there is no chance of getting up cover except at an enormous cost. Rabbits eat down the evergreen cover so necessary to the existence of pheasants in the way of shelter in winter. Pheasants will not remain in a wood where there is not shelter of this kind ; and to nothing are rabbits more destructive than to Holly, often killing it. Hares and pheasants many people can never have enough of, and the existence of both is directly interfered with by the rabbit, while expense is incurred year after year in making up losses in plantations, and for wirenetting and labour, etc. , in protecting the trees. Hares should be encouraged at the expense of rabbits, and the extermination of the latter is not a difficult matter. Few, even among those who suffer most by their ravages, seem to know how much rabbits injure woodland, pasture, meadow, and arable land, as well as gardens. Hungry rabbits will eat almost any green thing. As a rule they prefer to nibble over a pasture that contains short sweet grass, and a proportion of clover, dandelion, and daisies ; but in and about a wood where they are numerous the grass, from being closely and constantly eaten off, gradually disappears, and at the approach of winter is succeeded by moss, a very cold, watery, and innutritious substitute ; then rabbits are driven to seek food from sources other than grass, and the bark of small trees, the leaves, stalks, and bark of shrubs, and the protruding roots of forest trees are eaten almost indiscriminately. Among evergreen shrubs, Rhododendrons and Box are generally avoided, but I have known newly planted Rhododendrons to be partly eaten by rabbits. The Elder is distasteful, and so are American Azaleas. I have frequently seen Yew trees barked ; Mahonias are devoured as soon as planted ; and in severe weather Periwinkle, which is named amongst rabbit- proof plants, is generally eaten to the ground. —J. S. All who really care for the beauty of woodland or garden should spare no effort to get rid of this pest. Those who suffer most are people in and near small estates, where "preserving " is so badly done that rabbits alone remain. Estates surrounded by farmers do R 242 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. not suffer so much, as the farmer must keep down the rabbits to secure his crops. Winged game of all kinds is helpful to the landowner and farmer, by reason of the insects and grubs they destroy, so that all who care for the true game should encourage them, and keep down the rabbit at all seasons. THE WASTE OF MONOTONY. -Perhaps the most grievous source of wasted effort in gardens is monotony arising from everybody growing what his neighbour grows. Thus it comes that the poor nurseryman who attempts to grow new or rare trees or shrubs very often finds them left on his hands, so that many country nurseries only grow few stereotyped things, which give monotony to gardens. For instance, we see public gardens and squares in London given over to the common Privet, the common Lilac let to run as a weed, and the common Elder, as in Lincoln's Inn Fields. The temptation is strong on the part of trade growers to keep only things that grow freely, and to recommend things, like Privet, which are without beauty, and offensive in odour when in flower. The unfortunate presence of such things is one of the causes of the miserable aspect of the shrubberies in many gardens, which might be very beautiful and interesting with a varied life. Many shrubs of little or no beauty in themselves very often destroy by their vigour the rare and beautiful garden vegetation, so that we have not only the ugliness of a brake of Laurel, or Privet, or Pontic Rhododendron to survey, but often the fact that these shrubs have overrun and killed far more precious things. And this nursery rubbish having eaten up every good thing begins to eat up itself, and hence we see so many shrubberies worn out. Every lover of the garden could do something to check this fatal tendency to monotony by taking up some plant or family of plants for himself which perhaps he is unable to find in the nursery gardens near at hand. It is not only many beautiful species of plants which are excluded from the ordinary nurseries, but even special nurseries, as for Roses, will often exclude good things from their collections. It is not only the introduction of new plants or species we have to think of, but the raising of new forms ( hybrids or varieties), the fine cultivation of neglected groups, as the beautiful forms of our native Primrose by Miss Jekyll ; the making more artistic use of old and well-known plants ; the skilful adaptation of plants and trees to the soil so as to get the highest beauty of which it is capable without excessive care or cost, and without the mourning and death that is visible in many places after hard winters. It is necessary to form true ideas of trade limitations, as nothing can be more regrettable than the slight knowledge of hardy vegetation which is often found among the trade, while many people think that the nearest nursery- SOME SOURCES OF WASTE. 243 man represents all the known art of gardening, and has all known plants, whereas he probably is in a very narrow groove. Therefore those who seek to vary the monotony of gardens must be prepared to face some little trouble, and not take the least notice of what is considered right in the neighbourhood, or what can be obtained from the nearest nursery garden, or even some of the larger nursery gardens. The further afield they look, probably the better in the end it will be for them if they would escape from the trammels of monotony. At the same time, if local men have good things they ought to be encouraged. It is a misfortune for gardens that there are not more local nurseries of an interesting character, because they would be the very best basis on which to judge what local conditions will admit of. SIMPLER FLOWER GARDEN PLANS AND BEDS. The greatest waste of all is owing to frivolous and thoughtless " design " as to plan and shapes of the beds in the flower-garden. What a vision opens out to any one who really considers the design of the flower garden when he thinks of the curiosities and vexations in the forms of beds in almost every land where a flower garden exists ! The gardener is the heir to his great misfortune-of much useless complexity and frivolous design, born of applying conventional designs to the ground. These designs come to us from a remote epoch, and the designing of gardens being from very early times in the hands of " artist " decorators of all sorts, the garden was subjected to their will, and in our own days we have many times seen gardens laid out from the point of view of the " decorator," i.e. beds without the slightest relation to garden use, difficult to plant, and very costly to form and to keep in order. At South Kensington the elaborate tracery of sand and gravel, etc., was attractive to some when first set out, but it soon turned to dust and ashes. It was, indeed, to a great extent formed of broken brickdust, in a vain attempt to get rid of the gardener and his flowers. The colours were supplied from the building sheds, where one saw boys pounding up bricks and slates, and little beds were made of silver sand, so that no gardener could disfigure them. The Box edgings of beds a foot wide or smaller soon got out of order, and after a few years the whole thing was painful to see. Good gardeners were losing their time trying to plant paltry beds in almost every frivolous device known to the art of conventional design. Even where such extravagances were never attempted we see the evil of the same ideas, and in villa gardens the idea of adapting the beds to the ground never occurs to the designer, but a design has been •R 2 240 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. tile, made of fireclay and glazed, is also used, but all burnt clay edgings are bad. Terra-cotta tiles stand fairly well, but they are expensive. Stout blue slate, with sawn edges, is enduring ; it is expensive at first, but its great lasting properties are a compensation ; it can be had in long lengths and is easily laid, but it is ugly. Where hard stone is abundant it is excellent for edgings, and in quarries there is often a quantity of stone refuse which might be used for edgings. If they are nearly the same thickness, pieces of various shapes and sizes may be used. The charm of rough stone edgings is due to their colour when clothed with small Mosses. They require no hard rigid setting, as they look much better set simply and roughly in the earth. Unlike the cast tiles they are none the worse if they fall out of line, and are easily removed and easily reset, and give by far the best effect of any permanent edging. Edgings are best made of the natural stone which abounds in various counties. An edging in a garden may be beautiful by reason of dwarf rock plants being associated with it. If we have an ugly stiff tile edging, we would hardly think of putting an alpine flower near it ; but on the other hand, any good natural stone edging forms a good place for rock plants. If the stones are irregular in size, sink them partly in the ground, as in the case of a flint edging, and then we may have a number of pretty plants running in and out among these stones, and spreading into gravel walk or soil. There is no difficulty in growing numbers of alpine flowers in this way. In all borders of hardy and alpine plants, a good plan is to let tufts of vigorous dwarf plants grow a little into the walk. STUCCO AND STONE WASTE.-It is a costly folly to make a flower garden like a cemetery, with costly terracing work—where terraces are not required, and where the natural form of the earth is far fitter than any other form for a beautiful flower garden,-vases, fountain basins, sculpture of the poorer sort, and, lastly, pounded stones and gravel, set out instead of flowers, these are wasteful and ugly. The cost of all this stone rubbish should be laid out in good plants and good ways of growing them. The money spent on it in a single county (now and then, indeed, in a single place) would form many lovely gardens. If we ruin ourselves through extravagance in gardening, let it be for living and beautiful things. PATENTED ARTICLES.-In this age of mechanism there are inventors who try to worry us out of our simplest, pleasantest little tasks by inventing things that nobody wants, and among the ugliest things in gardens are the remains of various too clever contrivances, rusty, useless, forgotten. Some one has invented a teapot which saves us the trouble of pouring out a cup of tea, and many garden inventions are as much called for as this, though it would not be fair to SOME SOURCES OF WASTE. 241 condemn those that really save labour, like a mowing machine. It is the invention of contrivances that instead of helping really add to our confusion that we should guard against. No contrivance should be admitted unless we know it is essential to our work. If it be ugly or showy in use, it should never be used. WASTE THROUGH RABBITS.-The worst of all waste is the preservation of the rabbit, which is such a cruel enemy to the Carnation and many other flower-garden plants. No good flowergardening is possible where rabbits are not carefully and constantly excluded. The injury rabbits do to young trees alone is incalculable ; indeed, where they prevail there is no chance of getting up cover except at an enormous cost. Rabbits eat down the evergreen cover so necessary to the existence of pheasants in the way of shelter. in winter. Pheasants will not remain in a wood where there is not shelter of this kind ; and to nothing are rabbits more destructive than to Holly, often killing it. Hares and pheasants many people can never have enough of, and the existence of both is directly interfered with by the rabbit, while expense is incurred year after year in making up losses in plantations, and for wirenetting and labour, etc., in protecting the trees. Hares should be encouraged at the expense of rabbits, and the extermination of the latter is not a difficult matter. Few, even among those who suffer most by their ravages, seem to know how much rabbits injure woodland, pasture, meadow, and arable land, as well as gardens. Hungry rabbits will eat almost any green thing. As a rule they prefer to nibble over a pasture that contains short sweet grass, and a proportion of clover, dandelion, and daisies ; but in and about a wood where they are numerous the grass, from being closely and constantly eaten off, gradually disappears, and at the approach of winter is succeeded by moss, a very cold, watery, and innutritious substitute ; then rabbits are driven to seek food from sources other than grass, and the bark of small trees, the leaves, stalks, and bark of shrubs, and the protruding roots of forest trees are eaten almost indiscriminately. Among evergreen shrubs, Rhododendrons and Box are generally avoided, but I have known newly planted Rhododendrons to be partly eaten by rabbits. The Elder is distasteful, and so are American Azaleas. I have frequently seen Yew trees barked ; Mahonias are devoured as soon as planted ; and in severe weather Periwinkle, which is named amongst rabbit- proof plants, is generally eaten to the ground.-J. S. All who really care for the beauty of woodland or garden should spare no effort to get rid of this pest. Those who suffer most are people in and near small estates, where " preserving " is so badly done that rabbits alone remain. Estates surrounded by farmers do R 242 THE ENGLISH flower garden. not suffer so much, as the farmer must keep down the rabbits to secure his crops. Winged game of all kinds is helpful to the landowner and farmer, by reason of the insects and grubs they destroy, so that all who care for the true game should encourage them, and keep down the rabbit at all seasons. THE WASTE OF MONOTONY.-Perhaps the most grievous source of wasted effort in gardens is monotony arising from everybody growing what his neighbour grows. Thus it comes that the poor nurseryman who attempts to grow new or rare trees or shrubs very often finds them left on his hands, so that many country nurseries only grow few stereotyped things, which give monotony to gardens. For instance, we see public gardens and squares in London given over to the common Privet, the common Lilac let to run as a weed, and the common Elder, as in Lincoln's Inn Fields. The temptation is strong on the part of trade growers to keep only things that grow freely, and to recommend things, like Privet, which are without beauty, and offensive in odour when in flower. The unfortunate presence of such things is one of the causes of the miserable aspect of the shrubberies in many gardens, which might be very beautiful and interesting with a varied life. Many shrubs of little or no beauty in themselves very often destroy by their vigour the rare and beautiful garden vegetation, so that we have not only the ugliness of a brake of Laurel, or Privet, or Pontic Rhododendron to survey, but often the fact that these shrubs have overrun and killed far more precious things. And this nursery rubbish having eaten up every good thing begins to eat up itself, and hence we see so many shrubberies worn out. Every lover of the garden could do something to check this fatal tendency to monotony by taking up some plant or family of plants for himself which perhaps he is unable to find in the nursery gardens near at hand. It is not only many beautiful species of plants which are excluded from the ordinary nurseries, but even special nurseries, as for Roses, will often exclude good things from their collections. It is not only the introduction of new plants or species we have to think of, but the raising of new forms (hybrids or varieties), the fine cultivation of neglected groups, as the beautiful forms of our native Primrose by Miss Jekyll ; the making more artistic use of old and well-known plants ; the skilful adaptation of plants and trees to the soil so as to get the highest beauty of which it is capable without excessive care or cost, and without the mourning and death that is visible in many places after hard winters. It is necessary to form true ideas of trade limitations, as nothing can be more regrettable than the slight knowledge of hardy vegetation which is often found among the trade, while many people think that the nearest nursery- SOME SOURCES OF WASTE. 243 man represents all the known art of gardening, and has all known plants, whereas he probably is in a very narrow groove. Therefore those who seek to vary the monotony of gardens must be prepared to face some little trouble, and not take the least notice of what is considered right in the neighbourhood, or what can be obtained from the nearest nursery garden, or even some of the larger nursery gardens. The further afield they look, probably the better in the end it will be for them if they would escape from the trammels of monotony. At the same time, if local men have good things they ought to be encouraged. It is a misfortune for gardens that there are not more local nurseries of an interesting character, because they would be the very best basis on which to judge what local conditions will admit of. SIMPLER FLOWER GARDEN PLANS AND BEDS. The greatest waste of all is owing to frivolous and thoughtless "design " as to plan and shapes of the beds in the flower-garden. What a vision opens out to any one who really considers the design of the flower garden when he thinks of the curiosities and vexations in the forms of beds in almost every land where a flower garden exists ! The gardener is the heir to his great misfortune-of much useless complexity and frivolous design, born of applying conventional designs to the ground. These designs come to us from a remote epoch, and the designing of gardens being from very early times in the hands of "artist " decorators of all sorts, the garden was subjected to their will, and in our own days we have many times seen gardens laid out from the point of view of the " decorator," ie. beds without the slightest relation to garden use, difficult to plant, and very costly to form and to keep in order. At South Kensington the elaborate tracery of sand and gravel, etc., was attractive to some when first set out, but it soon turned to dust and ashes. It was, indeed, to a great extent formed of broken brickdust, in a vain attempt to get rid of the gardener and his flowers. The colours were supplied from the building sheds, where one saw boys pounding up bricks and slates, and little beds were made of silver sand, so that no gardener could disfigure them. The Box edgings of beds a foot wide or smaller soon got out of order, and after a few years the whole thing was painful to see. Good gardeners were losing their time trying to plant paltry beds in almost every frivolous device known to the art of conventional design. Even where such extravagances were never attempted we see the evil of the same ideas, and in villa gardens the idea of adapting the beds to the ground never occurs to the designer, but a design has been R 2 SIDE ENTRANCE PHOLLY HOLLY הסדר . AZALEAS : PAEONIES SHRUBS RHODODENDRONS . ROSE & ROSES CHINAWITHPOPPIES CELAND LAVENDERS CARNATIONS FLOWERS BELL YUCCAS dH ROSES : ERYNGIUMS ARAUCARIA TEA ROSES ARNAT BEDUME CAPELAB BULOS LUMBINES dH TIONS Terrace Walk Verandah TALL Conservator ELMS TALL THORN GardenKitchen To Road Gardens Kitchen Yard & Offices AST COTONE Entrance Carriage Hill .Garden atGolder's shoeminotheerrorofuppvingMarnock )showswing fine view ovr distant country .This plan (byR.Flowers toleft ofhouse and towards margin lwn , ΤΟ Scale ofFeet . 102345067 80 SOME SOURCES OF WASTE. 245 taken out of some old book. If the ground does not suit the plan, so much the worse for the ground and all who have to work on it. The insipid and ridiculous results of this style of forming beds the cottage gardens escaped from, the space being small and the cottage gardener generally content with the necessary paths about his door. To some people this objection on my part to conventional design is mistaken for an objection to formality altogether. Certainly there are bold spirits who do not mind putting their houses among rocks with the heather on them, but, generally speaking, we must cultivate a flower garden, and simplicity as to form of the beds should be the rule in it. There are many ways of growing flowers and all sorts of situations fit for them, but the flower garden itself near the house must often be laid out with formal beds, or else we cannot cultivate the flowers with convenience or get about the ground with ease, and it is a question of right and wrong formality. The beds only in my own work are, as will be seen by the plans here given, as formal as any, but simpler and larger, and are made on the ground and to the ground. Our object should be to see the flowers and not the beds, so that while we have all the advantage of mass and depth of soil, and all the good a bed can give for convenience of working or excellence of growth, we take little pride in its form, and plant it so that we may see the picturesque effects of the plants and flowers, and forget the form of the bed in the picture. The relation of the beds to each other is worth considering, because, generally, it is much too complex and close, and there is little freedom . Designs that were well enough for furniture or walls or panels when applied to the garden gave us a new set of difficulties. Carried out in wood or in the carpet they answer their purpose, if we like them ; but a flower bed is a thing for continual work, both in cultivating and in arranging and keeping it , and therefore it is best to see that we are not bothered by needless complexities in dealing with the ground. In good plans there is no difficulty of access, no small points to be cut in Grass or other material, no vexatious interruption to the workmen, but beds as airy and simple as possible and giving us much more room for flowers than beds of the ordinary type. The three plans herewith given are those of wholly different kinds of gardens. The first, at Hampstead, is, perhaps, the best and most interesting example of a London garden one could find for its disposition as regards beauty, airiness, perfect repose, and fine distant view in which one can scarcely see a house, a result which it is novel to find so near London. This plan is also instructive in various other ways- showing that where it is desirable to keep a lawn open and quiet for view, play, or any other like reason, it is often easy to 246 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. 32 feet y Gaillardias do this without interfering with the necessary flower-gardening or any other charm of the place. The lawn is so open and airy, that any number of people may assemble on it without inconvenience or injury to anything. The lawn falls gently from the house, so that Antihrinums 8 16 24 Gardener's House and Offices Stocks Iberis Corifolia Polyanthus Stocks Saxifraga Day Lily Centaurea Montana Campanula TeophyllaAlba Thrift Rosemary paniculata Polyanthusin variety Aubrietia Graeca Double Zinneas Wallft10 high covered with Roses, Jessamine& variegated Ivies. Crown Imperial Delphiniums Phlox various Michaelmas various Daisies White Everlasting l'es Coreopsis Perennial Bocconia Briars Sweet Slatice Latifolia Christmas Roses Erigeron Gaillardia White Lilium Pansies Daisies Primroses Aubrietias Auricula, Gypsophylls PaniculataCrimson Phlox VariegatedBush Ivy Phlox White Helenium Heuchera Fraxinella Dictamnus Lavender Anemone Crimson Japonica Prony Carnations Salvia Pateas Carnations Lychnis Viscaria Splendens Spicata Liatris Intermediate Stocks Japonica Anemone Geum Coccineum Achillea Ptarmica Alpina Arabis Polyanthus Montbretia Pottsii Iris various Double Zinneas PIO Fuchsia Alstromeria Gentians Double Primroses Cistu Campanula Latifolia Lychnis C. Palla C.Alba Polemonium Dwarf Asters DOUBLE PYRETHRUMS White Daisies Double Whit Rocket Helichrysums Aster Standard Roses Persicifolia Campania Parony Crimson Phloxes& Michaelmas various Daisies Wistaria Lilium Candidur Wallft 10. high covered with Wistaria Hepaticas Old White Pinks STANDARD ROSES Pink Pinks Austrian Br Anemone Pulsatilla AquilegiasMontbretia Pentstemons Spireas Iria Rudbeckia Standard Roses Astr Chapmani Spirea Ulmaria Aruncus Lupia Iris Phlox Lysimachia Echinops Rutheineus Chrysanthemums Japoni Carnations STANDARD ROSES Verbascum Phoeniceum Sedums & Sempervivums Prony Day Lily Sweet Peas Pyrethrum Uliginosum in variety Sheltered little garden in front of gardener's house at Uffington House, Stamford, with simple beds of Roses and hardy flowers. The space enclosed in walls. any walled terracing was needless, and, excepting a few steps for the convenience of level, little has been done in that direction. The plan also well disproves the thoughtless assertion of certain writers that Spirea Filipendula Perennial Asters Aconitum Autumnale SOME SOURCES OF WASTE. 247 landscape gardeners always twist their walks about. It is seen here that nothing of the kind is done in this most picturesque garden. The flower beds are rather few and bold, and made large for the sake of ease of cultivation and breadth of effect. The next plan is that of the gardener's house at Uffington, near Stamford, which I had the pleasure of seeing last autumn ; it is an example of the older- fashioned garden not uncommon before nearly all gardens were cleared for the sake of the Perilla and its few companions. At one end of the little garden is the gardener's house, and high walls surround the rest of the garden, so that there is shelter and every comfort for the plants. The garden is sensibly laid out to suit the ground, the plants-Roses and hardy flowers in great variety, a plan which admits of delightful effect in such walled gardens. Picturesque masses of Wistaria covered one side of the wall and part of the house, and the whole was a picture in the best sense. In garden enclosures it would be difficult to find anything more delightful during more than half the year. The main drawback in gardens of this sort in the old days was the absence of grouping or any attempt to hold " things together " -a fault which is easily got over. It is easy to avoid scattering things one likes all over the beds at equal distances, and, without "squaring " them in any stupid way, to keep them rather more together in natural groups and colonies, where they are many times more effective to the eye, and in winter it is much easier to remember where they are. In this way, too, it is easy to give a somewhat distinct look to each part of the garden. Box edgings may be used in such a garden, and where they thrive and are well kept they are very pretty in effect, but always distinctly inferior to a stone. edging because more troublesome, and also because the plants cannot fall over them as they can over a rough edging of natural stone-the best of all edgings. The third example consists of two flower gardens close to a Tudor house, with a garden door from the house into each. One being small 'that on the south), it was thought better to devote it all to flowers and the necessary walks, all being done with a view to simplicity of culture and good effect of the plants. In the other garden, there being more space, the lawn is left open in the centre, while all round and convenient to the walk are simple, bold beds easy to deal with, and also spaced in a free and open way for people to get among them or about the lawn. The little south garden being much frequented in all weathers, and the paths among the beds rather small, it was thought best to pave them with old flagstones, and that has proved very satisfactory, because rolling and much weeding are thereby avoided and the walks are pleasant to walk or work on at all seasons. does Hall d'Or Reve Rising slope hgrou ith group . Gloire Lyonnais L'Ideal Edith Gifford ' Stonecrops Augustine Pliniunoiseau Pes Everlasting WhiteViscountess FolkestoneAdamAnniOliviavid Lambarl Home nand Nábon Paul odlie to atose Carnations Robinson Fontaines De Ariel Celia Luxemb Suisse Dijon de Gloire Roses of Fence Roses of border SlopingSouvenir amoens . edging Stone Rockfulls Phlox 1 SubulataTuftel Pansies nder Jules Fiager Ardwell Pansy Gera lade falmaison Gentians ew -not me Gloire de Dijon Stone sert Clematis orientalis Clematis campaniflora R Trellis ofbarked ok branches . Clematis.- Virgin's Bower Climbing Roses & Rockfong ,Stonecrops &Speedwells .Sloping border ofTea Roses carpeted with d'Or Bouquet Dr.Grill Path &Mermet The Bride with Stone edging Flowers Alpine . Marie Nardy d'Orleans Jules Finger MmeBerard T U shrub Vare &Clematis aRoses d'orWater Reve Forget Duchsse not me-d'Xuerstadt hedge Yew St. Bernard's Lily Alpine Indian Primrose Roses of Fence Forget me-not Emilie Alice- Hohard Pink Carnations White & Countess ofParis RoseGifford Edith Innocente Pirola Vaseo Vasco RoseDr.Grill Vipheto arnationeRoses Charles Mme Carpation Roses Rose Sofier Elise Carnation Rosp Comte de & Pansies Melbourne Vardon Carnations Phlox amona . covered Old wall Erinus with Fumitory alpinus &. Lilium speciosum &Hellebores , CarnationsAubrotias Rose L'Ideal UT Carnations Rose Koses HOUS E M.Saxifrage &Pansies avender , Lilies & Roses Carnations Aprica Carnations bedge YewRoses Roses Carnations arnations Carnations Pansies Bindweel Blue Sternbergia Roses & Pensies Tea Roses TeaRoses TeaRoses Roses WALK LONG out .flowers ,asonelternative to"bedding planted with choicest hardy esy cultivation and good effect ,Garden inSussex deigned tosecure Pansies Carnations Roses White Panica &Carnations Lansica Vall loses Weronieaineann Caros Roses . Aubretins & Primroses . wall on Roses Pansies l- Tufte Blue Carnations . d'Or Bouquet wall on Roses Phododendrons Dijon de Gloire SOME SOURCES OF WASTE. 249 South of the house and these gardens there is an open, airy meadow lawn, the Grass of which is studded with many bulbs which flower in the spring. The vigorous kinds of spring bulbs are grown in great quantities in this field, and only the choicer and rarer early bulbs are put among the Roses and other flowers in the flower garden proper, which is mainly devoted to the more precious hardy flowers and to Tea Roses. GASPEN доконь

THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN PART II CONTAINING THE FLOWERS, FLOWERING SHRUBS TREES, EVERGREENS, AND HARDY FERNS FOR THE OPEN-AIR FLOWER GARDEN IN THE BRITISH ISLES, WITH THEIR CULTIVATION AND THE POSITIONS MOST SUITABLE FOR THEM IN GARDENS AND “A garden is a beautiful book, writ by the finger of God : every flower and every leaf is a letter. You have only to learn them--and he is a poor dunce that cannot , if he will, do that- -to learn them and join them, and then to go on reading and reading. And you will find yourself carried away from the earth by the beautiful story you are going through. . . . And then there are some flowers that seem to me like overdutiful children tend them but ever so little , and they come up and flourish, and show, as I may say, their bright and happy faces to you. "-Douglas JERROLD. ... THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN Abelia.-Beautiful shrubs, little grown in our country, only in warm districts. The best known is the Rock Abelia (A. rupestris), a Chinese shrub, delicate pale pink in autumn. It is always best to plant it in a raised bank in light soils, as it is then less liable to injury during winter. A. uniflora is of like habit, and also comes from China. The Threeflowered Abelia (A. triflora) comes from N. India, and is less hardy than the Chinese kinds, but it will clothe a wall in a few years. It bears fragrant pink flowers in clusters at the end of summer. A. floribunda is rather too tender for the open air, except in the mildest parts of the country ; it is evergreen, with clusters of rose- purple flowers. Where it can be grown, it makes a good wall shrub. In mild districts in the southern parts of England and Ireland Abelias sometimes do well on the open lawn. Abobra viridiflora, a fragile South American twiner, of little garden value, easily raised from seed. It is graceful, but does not seem to succeed in our climate generally. Abronia ( Sand Verbena).-Small Cali- fornian annuals or perennials of a trailing habit, with showy blossoms in dense Verbena-like clusters. Four kinds are known in gardens, viz. A. arenaria (A. latifolia), a honey- scented perennial having trailing stems and dense clusters of lemon- yellow flowers ; A. umbellata, also an annual with succulent trailing stems and clusters of rosy-purple, slightly fragrant flowers ; A. fragrans, forming large branching tufts from 1 ft. to 2 ft. , and white flowers which expand late in the afternoon, and then emit a delicate vanilla-like perfume ; and A. Crux Malta, a pretty species with white Scented flowers. A. arenaria and A. umbellata should be planted in rather poor, light, and dry soil, on an open, well-drained border or rockwork. A. fragrans is best in friable soil, and is larger than the others. Propagation can only be done by seed, which in favourable seasons may be obtained from A. arenaria and A. umbellata, but A. fragrans does not ripen seed in this country. The seeds often remain dormant some time before vegetating ; those of A. umbellata germinate more readily. Abronias flower in summer and autumn, and are pretty and effective when well planted. Abutilon. -Plants mostly requiring greenhouse temperature in winter, but growing freely out- of-doors in summer, and a graceful aid in the flower garden, at least in the southern counties. A. Darwini and its forms, as well as the varieties related to A. striata, under favourable conditions, grow from 4 ft. to 8 ft. in height. They can be made bushy by stopping, and they flower better than Abutilon, Boule de Neige. they do in pots. They are useful among the taller and more graceful plants for the flower garden, and are easily raised from seed and cuttings. A. vitifolia is a very handsome wall-plant in mild districts. A. Sellowianum marmoratum is a fine variety. Among the best in cultivation are the following, and new varieties are often raised : Admiration, Anna Crozy, Buisson d'Or, Darwini majus, Elegantissima, Grandiflorum, Lemoinei, Lady of the Lake, Leo, Orange Perfection, Boule de Neige, Delicata, Pactole, Darwini tesselatum, Thomsoni variegata, vexil- 254 ACACIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ACANTHOLIMON. larium variegatum, Brilliant, King of Roses, Canarybird, and Scarlet Gem. Acacia, False ( Robinia Rose). Acacia (Albizzia). A. Julibrissin ( Silk Rose) with large and elegant leaves. By confining it to a single stem and using young plants, or those cut down every year, one gets an erect stem covered with leaves as graceful as a Fern, and pretty amidst lowgrowing flowers. The leaves are slightly sensitive on fine sunny days they spread out fully and afford a pleasant shade ; on dull ones the leaflets fall down. Seed of A. Julibrissin-or the Silk Rose, as it is called by the Persians, from its silky stamens is easily obtained. It is much better raised from seed, as we get vigorous young plants which are to the flower garden what an elegant Fern is to the greenhouse. A. lophantha. This Australian plant, though not hardy, grows freely in the open air in summer. The beauty of its leaves and its quick growth in the open air give some graceful verdure among flowers. It may easily be raised from seed sown early in the year to give plants , fit for putting out in early summer. Plants a year old or so, strong and well hardened offfor planting out at the end of May, are best. It would be well to raise seed annually, as it is useful for rooms. Acæna. Though not pretty in their flowers, if we except the crimson spines that give a charm to the little New Zealand A. microphylla, these plants have a neat habit of growth that fits them for very dwarf carpets in the rock garden, and now and then, to cover dry parts of borders and tufts on the margins of borders, they are very useful. A. argentea, with glaucous leaves, is well worth a place among rock- plants. A. microphylla (Rosy-spined Acana). Acæna microphylla. 1 -This spreads into dense tufts no taller than Moss, and in summer and autumn becomes thickly strewn with showy and singular globes of spines. It is easily increased, is hardy, and thrives much in soil of a fine sandy and somewhat moist character. Its home is on bare level parts of the rock garden, and it is also good as a dwarf border plant or even as an edging plant. Occasionally it may be used with good effect to form a carpet beneath larger plants not thickly placed. Syn.-A. Novæ- Zealandiæ. A. millefolia. -It has finely divided pale-green foliage, and is graceful for hanging down a bank. Its defect is its unsightly fruiting spikes, the points of which will adhere to anything they touch. A. pulchella, though never showy, is worth a place, and any soil will suit it. The best position I have seen it in was growing from interstices of stone by the steep side of a rocky path. Its branches, rooting as they went, were covered throughout their entire length with pretty bronzy leaves, and suspended in graceful festoons over the face of the stone, even to the rocky path beneath, often measur- ing as much as 7 ft. or 8 ft. in length, the result of little more than one year's growth. There are other kinds in cultivation, such as A. ovalifolia and A. sar- mentosa, but those mentioned are distinct enough and sufficiently represent the genus. Acantholimon (Prickly Thrift)-- Eastern plants extending from the east of Greece to Western Thibet, and having their headquarters in Persia. The flowers resemble those of the Statice and Armeria, but the habit of the Acantholimon at once distinguishes it from either ofthese. Acantholimons form branching, cushion- like tufts, somewhat after the style of Thrift ; but the leaves, instead of being soft and Grass-like, are rigid and spiny. They are dwarf evergreen rock- garden and choice border plants. We have had the following species for years, but have not been very successful in propagating any except A. glumaceum, which is the freest in growth, the others being very slow. Cuttings taken off in late summer and kept in a cold frame during winter make good plants in two years, but by layering one gets larger plants sooner. All are hardy, and prefer warm, sunny situations in sandy loam. There are only a few kinds in cultivation, such as A. glumaceum, venustum, and androsaceum. A. Kotschyi is handsome, with long spikes ACANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ACHILLEA. 255 rising well above the leaves and white flowers ; A. melananthum has short, dense spikes, the limb of the calyx being bordered with dark violet or black. Acanthus (Bear's- breech).-A long- ❘ neglected group of stately-growing hardy plants, with fine foliage. The various kinds mostly come from the countries round the Mediterranean, and are hardy, though the foliage may suffer now and then. The plants are not so showy for the mixed border as other perennials, but when they flower possess distinct grace, and they are worth growing for their Acanthus. foliage alone, being valuable for planting on the turf, either singly or in groups, but best in graceful groups, dotted about irregularly, and not too close together. On rocky banks, about ruins, or on terrace gardens of the less formal kind, they look well, but will live in shade, yet to flower well should have full sun. The fine form of the leathery leaves has made the Acanthus much admired as a houseplant, as it is easily grown in a window, in which position we have seen it flower. Acanthuses succeed best on warm, deep soil-a free sandy loam, or any deep and open soil, failing on heavy clay. They are not difficult to increase by careful division of the roots in autumn or winter, and may be raised from seed in a gentle hot-bed, or out-of-doors with other perennials. There are several hardy kinds, as A. hispanica, A. longifolius, A. mollis, A. m. latifolius (A. lusitanicus), A. niger, and A. spinossimus, the finest being A. mollis latifolius, which varies in height from 1 ft. to 4 ft. according to the soil. Aceranthus diphyllus. -Synonymous with Epimedium diphyllum, a Japanese species. Aceras (Man Orchis).-Asmall terrestrial Orchid of slight garden value. Achillea ( Milfoil, Yarrow).-A large family of hardy plants spread through Northern Asia, S. Europe, Asia Minor, Turkey, but more in Southern than in Central or Northern Europe. The plants vary in height from 2 in. to 4 ft., their flowers being pale lemon, yellow, and white, but rarely pink or rose. haps twenty kinds of this family are use- ful as border plants. PerAchilleas grow freely, and, with the exception ofthe dwarfer mountain species, increase even too freely in any soil. Some of the large kinds are fine plants for groups, as A. Eupatorium. The alpine types, such as A. tomentosa, are well suited for the rock-garden, while the coarser, very free-growing white kinds, though unfit for the flower garden, are effective in flower when naturalised in rough shrubberies and such places. A. ægyptiaca may be, as the name indicates, an Egyptian plant, but is probably a native of Crete. It has beautifully cut, white silvery leaves, and is of compact growth ; the flowers are bright yellow, raised on stems about 15 in. high. It is a desirable plant, ifonly for its foliage, hardy, and best on a warm border. A. ageratoides. -Originally introduced into the country under the name of Anthemis Aizoon. It is a dwarf, compactgrowing, silvery plant from Greece, the narrow leaves arranged in dense rosettes, with crimped margins. The flowers, on stalks about 6 in. or 8 in. high, are pure white, and large. In many respects the gem ofthe family. A. aurea, a native of the Levant, is somewhat tender and frequently confused with the foregoing kind, but is distinct, its habit of growth being tufted, not creeping. Its leaves are larger, and its flower-stems at least 15 in. high. The flowers are golden yellow, and produced in the autumn as well as the early summer. 256 ACHILLEA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ACONITUM. A. Clavennæ. -A fine old plant with hoary jagged leaves, the growth dwarf and tufted. The flowers are white. It is a native of Carinthia and the Austrian Alps. Under cultivation it loves dry sandy soil, rarely surviving a winter with- out protection in strong loam . A rock- garden or edging plant, and also suited for beds. A. Eupatorium (sometimes called A. Filipendula) is tall and vigorous. Its bright yellow flowers are in flat clusters, on stout stems 3 ft. to 4 ft. high ; they retain their beauty and freshness for at least two months. This is well adapted for a shrubbery border, where its brilliant yellow flowers and its erect habit are handsome amongst the evergreen foliage. It is a native of the shores of the Caspian sea, increased by division, and one of the finest of perennials. It would go well with groups of the nobler hardy foliage or flowering plants. A. Millefolium roseum (Rosy Yarrow) is a lovely plant with rose-coloured, almost crimson flowers. It is a strong grower, 2 ft. high, bloons freely, and should have a place in every border. A. Ptarmica ( Sneezewort) is fairly distributed through Britain as an upland woodland plant, somewhat meagre and scattered in its native habitat, but when introduced into garden culture is showy and vigorous, some 2 ft . in height, with pure white flowers in corymbs. The double variety (A. Ptarmica fl.-pl. ) is one of the loveliest white flowers we possess, very hardy, and useful for cutting. A. rupestris ( Rock Yarrow).-—Among the dwarfer species this is one of the best, forming low tufts covered with pretty pure white flowers. It grows well in poor sandy soil. A. tomentosa scarcely exceeds a height of 9 in. , bearing a wealth of bright yellow in June. Its foliage is much divided, and forms a dense carpet of bright green. Rock-garden and borders ; not in wet places. A. umbellata from Greece is of tufty habit, scarcely exceeding 8 in. in height, the whole surface of leaf and stem being densely covered by short hairs of silvery whiteness ; and this peculiarity has given it a place in the flower garden. flowers are white, but, owing to the silvery character of the plant, inconspicuous. The More than one kind resembles this, as A. mongolica, which bears a profusion of large pure white flowers in early summer, and that double white Achillea, named The Pearl. A. serrata is a distinct kind, 15 in. high, with pure white flowers. There is a double form, not so good, however, as the double Sneezewort. Achlys (Oregon May Apple).—Only one species, A. triphylla, is in cultivation. It is a North American plant, belonging to the Barberry family, and of doubtful value. Achyrachana mollis. - An annual Composite from California ; of little value for the garden. Achyrocline. The only species, A. Saundersoni, is a small shrubby plant of the Composite family, having small leaves covered with a cottony material ; of doubtful hardiness and merit. Acis. Small bulbous plants from South Europe now grouped with Leucojum, but we have retained the familiar name or Acis. The prettiest is A. autumnalis, a slender-leaved little bulb, 3 in. or 4 in. high, bearing two flowers that may be described as delicate pink Snowdrops. They are of a deep red colour round the seed-vessel, and appear in autumn before the leaves. It is a gem for the rockgarden, in a warm soil, sunny position, and sheltered with a few stones, on which it would look very well springing from a carpet of delicate feeble-rooting Sedum or other dwarf plant. The other kinds are A. trichophylla, and hyemalis, all of which will thrive in a fine sandy soil. In the nurseries at Edinburgh, Acis autumnalis used to thrive in the open air in fine sandy soil. Aciphylla. A small and not important group of New Zealand plants, suitable for the rock-garden in sandy soil. They may be raised from seeds or by division. A. Colensoi is quite a bush with bayonet- like spines, the better-known A. Squarrosa being called the Bayonet plant for this reason. Aconite (Aconitum). Aconite, Winter (Eranthis hyemalis). Aconitum (Monkshood). Handsome plants, though dangerous from their poisonous roots. There are too many names-not SO many species, — and, judiciously placed, the best are of much value for our gardens. CULTURE AND POSITION. -Position is important, and few would risk their being planted where the roots could be by any chance dug up by mistake for edible roots, as they are so poisonous. Nevertheless, some of the kinds are so handsome and stately when in bloom, that they are worthy of a place beside the finest hardy plants ; as, for example, the blue and white A. versicolor, which is a beautiful object in the good soil and ACORUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ADAM'S NEEDLE. 257 1 partial shade of many a cottage garden. Almost all the kinds may be easily naturAconitum Napellus (Monk's-hood). alised in copses or shrubberies away from the garden proper, or beside streamlets or in openings in rich bottoms. The best kinds are A. Napellus and its forms, versicolor and others ; A. chinense, A. autumnale, A. japonicum, and A. tauricum ;A. Lycoctonum is a yellow- flowered andvigorous species. All are tall plants, from 3 ft. to 5 ft. high; flowering from Julyto September. A. Fortunei, the old chinense ofgardens, is the best for late blooming. Acorus (Sweet Flag).-Waterside or marsh plants, occasionally cultivated, and of wide distribution. Acorus Calamus (Sweet Flag) is a marsh or waterside plant, now naturalised in most parts of Europe. A variety has gold- striped leaves, and has been called A. japonicus folis aureo-striatis. A. gramineus ( Grass- leaved Acorus) is a species with a slender creeping rhizome covered with numerous Grass-like leaves, from 4 in. to 6 in. in length, a native of China and Japan. There is a variety with white- streaked leaves. This plant is often seen in the little bronze trays of water- plants in Japanese gardens and houses. Acroclinium. -A. roseum, the only species, is a pretty half-hardy annual from Western Australia, growing over I foot high and bears pretty rosy- pink flowers, which, owing to their chaffiness, are used as " everlasting " flowers. Seeds should be sown in frames in March, and the seedlings planted at the end of April or early in May in a warm border ; or the seeds may be sown in the open ground in fine rich soil at the end of April. If the flowers are to be dried as everlastings, it will be well to gather them when fresh and young, -some when scarcely out of the bud state. It does best in a warm sunny border, in good open and well-enriched soil. This annual might be made graceful use of in mixed beds. There is a white variety, and the two look well when mixed. Actæa (Baneberry, Syn. Helipterum).— Vigorous plants 3 ft. to 6 ft. , thriving in free soil ; flower spikes, white and long, with showy berries. The white Baneberry has white berries with red footstalks. The var. rubra of A. spicata has showy fruit ; the plants are best suited for rich bottoms in the wild garden, as the foliage and habit are good, the flowers being shortlived in the ordinary border, and they are somewhat coarse in habit. A. spicata (common Baneberry), A. racemosa ( Black Snakeroot) , A. alba (white Baneberry), having white berries with red stalks, and one or two American forms ofthe common Baneberry are the kinds in cultivation. Actinella. -North American plants of which there are three kinds in gardens, dwarf- growing plants with yellow flowers. The finest is A. grandiflora, a native of Colorado, an alpine plant with flowerheads 3 in. in diameter, and grows from 6 in. to 9 in. high. The other species, A. Brandiger and A. scaposa, are somewhat similar. They are all perennial, and thrive in an open light soil. Actinidia. Climbing summer- leafing shrubs from Japan and China, thriving in warm rich soil. Three species are grown now, A. Kolomikta, polygama, and volubilis. They all have climbing or twining stems and bear waxy white flowers. A Kolomikta should be grown against a wall or against a buttress or tree trunk placed against the wall, on which the stems support themselves. The leaves are brightly tinted in autumn, and the flowers of A. polygama are fragrant. A volubilis is free-growing andhas smallwhite flowers. Actinomeris. -Coarse-growing North American plants allied to the sunflowers. A. squarrosa and A. helianthoides are the kinds known in gardens. Adam's Needle ( Yucca). 258 ADDER'S TONGUE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ADONIS. Adder's Tongue (Ophioglossum). Adder's Tongue, Yellow (Erythronium americanum). Adenophora (Gland Bellflower).- Elegant summer flowering plant of the Bellflower family, not many of which are grown. Mostly from Siberia and Dahuria, and the flowers generally blue in colour. Some of the most distinct species are A. coronopifolia, A. Lamarcki, A. stylosa, and A. pereskiæfolia (A. latifolia). In these occur slight variations in colour and size of flower. The thick fleshy roots of the Adenophora revel in a strong rich loam, and like a moderately damp subsoil ; they are impatient of removal, and should not be increased by division. Unlike the Platycodons, they produce their seeds freely, and the seedlings reproduce as a rule the characteristics of the parent. They vary in height from 18 in. to over 3 ft., and are well suited for the mixed border. Adenostyles. Small-growing plants of little garden interest. Adiantum (Maiden-hair Fern) .- Some of the kinds in this lovely family are quite hardy, and grow best in a rough fibry peat, rather liberally mixed with sand and lumps of broken stone or brick. A peda- tum , the fine American kind, would form a carpet for other shade-loving plants or in the wild garden with the more beautiful wood- flowers, such as Trillium, Hepatica, blue Anemone, and the like, where it is not likely to be disturbed. Like all Adiantums, it is fond of moisture while growing, but provide ample drainage, as stagnant moisture around its roots is fatal. A. Capillus -veneris, the British Maidenhair Fern, is best in a sheltered, warm position, as a little nook at the foot of a shady wall, associated with some hardy plants equally moisture-loving. It would be easy to protect it with some portable covering during severe winters. Its native habitat is among the sheltered rocks of Cornwall, Devon, and Wales, and in various parts of Ireland ; there- fore some idea maybe formed ofthe sort of climate in which it luxuriates. It speedily covers damp, warm walls with verdure. There are several varieties or forms of this Maiden-hair, among which Adiantum Capillus-veneris incisum is a distinct kind, found in Ireland, the pinnules much more divided than those of the type. A. Capillus-veneris rotundatum, found in the Isle of Man, is also a beautiful though variable variety, with narrower and round er fronds than those of the type. A. Capillus-veneris Footi, a large form, which sometimes grows to 1 foot in height, has fronds beautifully cut and divided. The Cornwall variety (cornubiense) is very distinct from the others, but is as yet somewhat rare. A. C.-v. Luddemannianum is a crested variety, and A. C.-v. magnificum fine form with an A. farleyense- like habit of growth. It is important to remember in the formation of ferneries and also the more interesting gardens in which shade-loving flowers and plants may be used, that some of the beautiful Maidenhair Ferns are hardy and give most distinct and graceful effects, and not always in our moist climate do they compel us to put them in the shade provided the soil is moist. Adlumia (Climbing Fumitory).— One species only (A. cirrhosa) is known, a rapid grower, quickly covering the object against which it is placed. Its Maiden- hair Fern-like leaves are borne in profusion on the slender twining stems, and the blossoms, which are white and about Adlumia cirrhosa. in. long, are also abundant. There is a variety with purple flowers (A. cirrhosa purpurea), which if grown with the type forms a pleasing contrast. It is strictly a biennial, but bears seed so profuselythe seed coming up year after year with- out being sown-that it maybe considered perennial. It is a native of North America, and was formerly known under the name of Corydalis fungosa. It requires a warm and good soil, and its place is trailing over a shrub or twiggy branch, placed either against a wall or in the open. Adonis. -Plants belonging to the Ranunculus. They are chiefly natives ADONIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ESCULUS. 259 of cornfields in Southern Europe and Western Asia, are dwarf in stature, with finely divided leaves, and red, yellow, or straw-coloured flowers. There are about Adonis pyrenaica. fifteen or sixteen species, most of which are annuals, and not very striking or ornamental in appearance ; consequently, with the exception of two or three fine kinds, they are seldom seen in gardens. A. autumnalis (Pheasant's-eye).- A British annual which grows I ft. or more in height and blooms at the end of summer or early in autumn. The flowers are of bright scarlet. By themselves the plants are not very effective, as they are rather straggling, but when grown in masses in borders or flower- beds with other autumn- flowering annuals, they are pretty, though the plant is not popular in gardens. May be sown in the open ground in autumn or spring. A. vernalis forms dense tufts 8 in. to 15 in. high of finely divided leaves in whorls along the stems. It flowers in spring, when the tufts are covered with numerous large, brilliant yellow, Ane- mone-like flowers 3 in. in diameter, a single flower being at the end of each stem. Of A. vernalis there are several varieties, the chief being A. v. sibirica, which differs from the type only in having larger flowers. A. apennina is a laterblooming form. A. pyrenaica is a fine and closely allied kind from the Eastern Pyrenees, with large deep yellow flowers resembling those of A. vernalis, but with broader petals. It flowers in April and May, and may be grown on the rockgarden and choice borders in sandy moist loam, if not often disturbed, robbed, or shaded by coarser plants. The rock-garden or a choice border of rock-plants suits the handsome perennial kinds well, and if the soil is poor it may be enriched with leaf-mould or any other decayed manure. Increased by careful division, or by seed sown as soon as gathered. Egilops. A small genus of Grasses allied to Triticum (the Wheat Grasses) ; of little garden value. Ægopodium Podograria (Gout Weed).-A troublesome, indigenous weed, difficult to destroy, and the best way is by constantly digging out the roots. There is a variegated- leaved variety which should be rooted out. A. Esculus (Horse Chestnut, Buckeye).-The Horse Chest- nuts are mostly medium-sized trees, hardy, thriving in nearly everysoil, andexcellent for park and garden. The common Horse Chestnut is an exception as to size, and one of the mostbeautiful offlowering trees. There is at least one handsome variety ofit withvery long spikes. The red Buckeye (A. pavia) is a handsome small tree, with dense and large foliage, together with bright red flowers in large loose clusters in early summer. Sometimes it rises from 15 to 20 ft. high, but often not above shrub height, some of its varieties being only low-spreading or trailing shrubs. humilis, pendula, arguta, and laciniata are forms of A. pavia, and the plants being of low growth are useful for group- ing with taller trees. A. flava (the yellow Buckeye) is common, and sometimes 40 ft. high. It has something ofthe habit of the red Horse Chestnut (A. rubicunda), but smoother leaves. It makes a dense, round-headed tree, and in good soil is of rapid growth. The loose, erect clusters of dull yellow flowers in early summer are not very attractive. A variety called purpurascens (sometimes A. discolor) has much showier flowers, larger, and of a reddish tint. The Esculi, named in gardens and nurseries as A. neglecta, hybrida, pubescens, Lyoni, rosea, and pallida, may be included in one of the foregoing species, and some differ but slightly from them. They are all low S 2 260 ESCULUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ETHIONEMA. trees or large shrubs, coming into leaf early and losing their foliage in early autumn, especially in light or dry soils. A distinct species is the Californian Buck- eye (A. californica), which in this country does not usually rise above shrub height. It has slender- stalked leaves, broad leaflets, and in early summer dense erect flowers. It is little known yet, but has like spikes, terminating the shoots. This tree is not particular as regards soil. We have grouped the Pavias with the Esculus, as there is little difference between them, but in some books they are kept distinct. Ethionema.-A beautiful group ofthe Arabis family, differing from most CruciWhite Agapanthus (African Lily). clusters of white or pinkish fragrant flowers ; a valuable hardy tree. Quite different from the rest is the North America A. parvifolia (dwarf Horse Chestnut), a handsome shrub, 6 ft. to 10 ft. high, and one ofthe few that flower in late summer Its foliage is much like that of other Esculi, and its small white fragrant flowers are in long, erect, plumefers in light elegant habit and wiry stems, and usually glaucous leaves. It is mostly found on the sunny mountains near the Mediterranean, and in gardens forms stronger and more free-flowering tufts than in a wild state. The little plants grow freely in borders of well-drained sandy loam, but their true home is the rock-garden. The tall Æ. grandiflorum AGAPANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. AGAVE. 261 forms a spreading bush about I ft. high, from which spring numerous racemes of pink and lilac flowers. It grows well too in borders in ordinary soil, and, when in flower in summer, is among the loveliest of alpine half-shrubby plants. As the stems are prostrate, a good effect will come from planting them where the roots may descend into deep earth, and the shoots fall over the face of rocks at about the level of the eye. Easily raised from seed, and thrive in sandy loam. There are many species, but few are in gardens. All the cultivated kinds are dwarf, and may be grouped with alpine plants. The best known are A. coridifolium, pulchellum, and grandiflorum. Agapanthus (African Lily).- Beautiful plants from the Cape, with blue or white flowers in umbels on stems 18 in. to 4 ft. but smaller, and one with double flowers (flore- pleno). The variegated-leaved kinds, fol. albo vittatus and fol. aureo vittatus, are likewise desirable for the sake of variety. These are variegated forms of A. umbellatus pallidus. Saundersonianus is a distinct variety with deeper-coloured flowers than the type. The largest of all is A. umbellatus giganteus, the flower- spikes of which attain a height offrom 3 ft. to 4 ft. , with the umbels of flowers very large, bearing from 150 to 200 flowers. The colour is a gentian blue, while the buds are of a deeper hue. A. u. pallidus is a pale porcelain blue, a short-leaved variety. A. u. minor is a dwarf variety. Of A. umbellatus there is a double- flowered variety, a distinct plant. There is, moreover, A. u. atrocœruleus, a dark violet variety. A. u. Agave in Cornwall. high. A. umbellatus, the old kind, is hardy in some mild seashore districts , and a fine plant in rich warm soil, but the better for protection of leaves or cocoa fibre round the root in winter. It is worth growing for the flower garden and vases in summer, but should be protected in winter by storing under stages, in sheds or cellars. The fleshy roots may be so stored without potting. Enjoys plenty of water during out- of- door growth, and is easilyincreased by division. Various new kinds have been introduced, but their out- of-door value has not been so well tested asthe favourite old African Lily. Ofthe best-known kind, A. umbellatus, there are several varieties ; major and maximus are both larger than the type, and of maximus there is a white-flowered variety. There is also another with white flowers , maximus is a form with flower-stalks 4 ft. long, and full heads of flowers, one set opening while a second is rising to fill up the truss as the first crop fades. A. u. Mooreanus is a deciduous and hardy form ; it grows from 12 in. to 18 in. high, has narrow leaves, and comes true from seed. A. u. albiflorus, a pure white kind, also is deciduous, the leaves turning yellow in autumn and dying off. It forms a stout root- crown. Agathæa cœlestis (Blue Daisy).--A tender Daisy-like plant, with blue flowers, useful for the margins of beds. There is also a pretty golden variegated form. It is among the prettiest ofthe half- hardy bedding plants, but is not effective on moist soils, or in moist districts. Cuttings or seed. Agave americana. -This and its 262 AGERATUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. AILANTUS. variegated varieties are useful for placing out-of- doors in summer in vases, or pots plunged in the ground, and also for the conservatory in winter. When the plant flowers, which it does only once, and after several years' growth, it sends up a flowering stem, from 26 ft. to nearly 40 ft. high. The flowers are a yellowish- green, and are very numerous on the ends of the chandelier-like branches. It will grow in winter in any moderately dry greenhouse or conservatory, or even in a large hall ; it may be placed out- of- doors at the end of May, and should be brought in in October. Large plants in tubs have a fine effect out-of-doors in summer. This old plant was thus used long before sub- tropical gardening was known in the land. All the varieties are easily increased from suckers. A. Deserti, utahensis, cœrulescens, and Shawi have lately come into cultivation, and are supposed to be hardy, in which case they will be interesting for the rock- garden. North America. Ageratum. Tender plants, much used for the flower garden, varying in height from 6 in. to 24 in. , with pale-blue, laven- der, or white blossoms. The dwarf Ageratums are among the best summer flower-garden plants, but the tall old kinds are as well deserving of culture as the dwarfs raised from them. They are among the most lasting of summer bedding plants, a point in their favour being that they will withstand a few degrees of frost, and may be planted out earlier than most of the bedding plants. The flowers of all the varieties are not readily injured by rain, and do not fade in colour, but continue the same throughout the long flowering season. There are numerous varieties of varying merit, both as to flowering properties and habit, some in good soil attaining a height of 2 ft. , and others not more than 6 in. The mean between the two heights will befound the best for bedding out, and the variety named Cupid has not yet been excelled. Its average height is 9 in.; it has bluish flowers of great size, well set off with bright green foliage, and flowers till severe frost clears off all bedding plants. Countess of Stair is nearly equally good, but of taller habit, and paler blue colour. Queen is also excellent, distinct in colour-a gray-blue ; it grows about I ft. in height, and is fine for massing, or forboundary lines to scarlet Pelargoniums Swanley Blue is a dwarf kind, about 8 in. high ; the flowers are a dark lavenderblue, and very pleasing when arranged as a belt to variegated Pelargoniums. Other no good kinds are Tapis Blanc, Johannis Pfitzer, and The Zoo. The very dwarf kinds are disappointing ; they flower so freely, and the growth of the plants is so sparse, that they always appear stunted. For back lines in borders, or for grouping in mixed flower borders, there is variety equal to the oldest kind, mexicanum. All the kinds are easily increased from cuttings at any season. They strike best when placed on a gentle bottom- heat, and will winter in any position where there is plenty of light, and the temperature does not go below 40°. -W. W. Agrostemma coronaria (Rose Campion).-A beautiful old flower, hardy and free, most at home in chalky and dry soils. It is a woolly plant, 2 ft. to 3 ft. high, with many rosy-crimson flowers, flowering in summer and autumn, and easily raised from seed. Excellent for borders, beds, and naturalisation on dry banks. It is biennial or often perishes on some soils. There is a white variety and a double red one ; the last is a good plant. The name is sometimes given to the annual Viscarias. A. Githago is a large annual, occasionally grown in botanic gardens. Agrostemma cœli rosea (Queen of Heaven). Agrostis (Cloud Grass).-Alarge family of Grasses, few of which are important in the garden. The best are the annual kinds so useful when dried and for pre- servation with "everlasting " flowers. There are some half-a-dozen annual kinds grown, the best A. nebulosa, which forms delicate tufts about 15 in. high. Valuable for bouquets, vases, baskets, and for rooms. If cut shortly before the seed ripens, and dried in the shade, it will keep for a long time. The seed may be sown either in September or in April or May, and lightly covered. A. Steveni, multi- flora, and plumosa require the same treatment. A. Spicaventi is very graceful, especially if it is grown as it is in the corn-fields, i.e. from self- sown seeds. A. pulchella is also useful for the same pur- pose and very popular, being dwarfer and stiffer than A. nebulosa. Ailantus (Tree of Heaven).-A wellknown Chinese hardy tree, young plants of which cut down every year give a good effect. The Ailantus should be kept when young with a single stem clothed with its fine leaves. This can be done by cutting down annually, taking care to prevent it from breaking into an irregular head. Vigorous young plants and suckers in good soil will produce handsome arching leaves, 5 ft. or more long, not surpassed AIRA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ALETRIS. 263 by those of any stove plant. Cuttings of the roots. best. Young Ailantus tree with Cannas. Aira.-One of the prettiest Grasses is A. pulchella, with many hair-like stems, growing in light tufts 6 in. high. It is useful for forming graceful edgings, amongst plants in borders, or for pots for rooms. Its delicate panicles give a charm to the finest bouquets. Seed may be sown either in September or in April. This comes from South Europe, but the British A. cæspitosa is handsome. A. cespitosa vivipara, with its innumerable panicles of graceful viviparous awns, re- sembles a miniature Pampas Grass. Ajuga (Bugle).-A small family of dwarf plants, flowering in spring and early summer, and having blue flowers. They grow on mountain or lowland pastures, are easily cultivated, and increased by division. A. genevensis (A. alpina and A. rugosa ) is distinguished fromthe Common native Bugle (A. reptans) by the absence of creeping shoots. The flower- stems are erect, from 6 in. to 9 in. high ; the flowers being deep blue, and in a close spike. It is suitable for the front of mixed borders or for the margin of shrubberies, and also for naturalising. There is a white variety of A. reptans, also a form with variegated leaves, and another with purplish ones, this being finer than the type. Akebia. Of this family A. quinata is It is a twining evergreen shrub from China, often grown in greenhouses, but hardy. It is a good plant for a trellis, pergola, wall, or any such place in cold districts, growing 12 ft. or more high. In southern localities it does not need this, but rambles like a Clematis. It is best to let it run over an Evergreen, because then better protected against cold winds, which may injure its flowers. It has long slender shoots, and fragrant claret purple flowers of two kinds- large and small, which are produced in drooping spikes. Alecost = Costmary (Balsamita vulgaris). Aletris (Star Grass).- The only hardy kind, A. farinosa, is an interesting dwarf perennial, forming numerous tufts, from the centre of which spring the flower- stems, 15 in. to 18 in. high. On them are densely arranged pure white, bell-shaped flowers about half an inch in length. A cool and Ajuga genevensis, 264 ALEXANDRIAN. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ALSOPHILA. deep peaty soil, with partial shade, suits it. Alexandrian Laurel ( Ruscus racemosus). Alfredia. -A. cernua is the best-known kind. It is a Thistle-like perennial herb 4 ft. to 7 ft. high, but only suitable for planting among groups of rampant perennials of a Thistle- like and giant character or otherwise in the picturesque garden. In large places a bed or group of such plants fittingly placed in a quiet nook would have a certain charm for those who admire bold form in plants. Division or seeds. Siberia. = Carduus. Alisma (Water Plantain). — Water plants, of which two are fitted for growing with hardy aquatic plants. A. Plantago, a common waterside plant, is rather stately in habit, having tall panicles of pretty pink flowers. When once planted it sows itself freely. As the leaves are poisonous to animals, it should not be recklessly planted. The other kind is A. ranunculoides, a few inches high, in summer bearing many rosy blossoms. Both are adapted for wet ditches, margins of pools, and lakes. A. natans is a small floating pretty British plant. There are one or two Chinese kinds, single and double. Allium. -Not an important garden family, and often with an unpleasant odour when crushed ; but to growers of collections there are some interesting kinds, of which a few like Neapolitanum, Ciliatum , Pedemontanum, Pulchellum, and the American rose- coloured kinds, are rather pleasing. One or two of these are worth growing for their white starry flowers. They are easily grown in ordinary soil, the bulbs increasing rapidly. Some kinds give off little bulblets, which in certain situations make them too numerous ! The following are among the kinds worthy of culture : A. neapolitanum, Paradoxum, Ciliatum, Subhirsutum, Clusianum pulchellum, Triquetrum (all with white flowers), Azureum and Cœruleum (both blue), Pedemontanum (mauve), Moly and Flavum (yellow), Fragrans (sweet scented), Oreophyllum (crimson) , Descendens (deep crimson), Narcissiflorum (purplish), Murrayanum, Acuminatum, and Macnabianum (deep rose) . These mostly grow from 1 ft. to 18 in. high, some 2 ft. or 3 ft. Allosorus crispus ( Parsley Fern).- A beautiful little British Fern found in mountainous districts ; the fronds grow in dense masses, and from their resemblance to Parsley have obtained for it the name of Parsley Fern. It requires abundance of air and light, but should be shaded from the hot sun. In the rock-garden it does well between large stones, with broken stones about its roots, and its fronds just peeping out of the crevice. Allspice (Calycanthus). Aloe. Not of much value in English gardens out-of- doors, but very pretty and effective in temperate countries, where, in addition to their singular and often fine forms, they have the charm of most graceful and pretty blossoms. Alonsoa (Mask-flower).- Mostly annual plants. The best species are A. Warscewiczi, over I ft. high, and has small bright orange-red flowers ; A. lini- folia, 1 ft. to 1 ft. in height, and A. acutifolia a slender-growing herb, 1 ft. to 2 ft. in height ; A. incisifolia, also a pretty kind ; similar to this is A. myrtifolia, 2 ft. to 2 ft. high, and of vigorous growth, with individual flowers far larger than any other kind, and of a more in- tense scarlet than those of A. linifolia ; A. albiflora has pure white flowers, yellow in the centre. All the species are easily grown, both in pots and the open ground. The seeds should be sown in March, and the plants will flower early in July. They may also be propagated by cuttings in the spring. A. Warscewiczi is more perennial and shrubby in growth, but resembles the others in flowers and foliage. As a pot plant it will flower freely from early spring until late autumn if the roots are kept well nourished. It is rather dwarf, and can be propagated at any time from February to September. The treatment given to bedding plants in general during the winter season will suit this plant The Alonsoas may be used as ground plants " among taller things. 66 Alopecurus pratensis fol. var. is a graceful variegated Grass, somewhat pretty as an edging, but not so much so as other variegated forms of native Grasses. Aloysia (Sweet Verbena). Every garden should have a bush ofthe fragrant old Lemon plant (A. citriodora ) . Its pale green foliage goes well with any flower. It is as hardy as most plants from Chili, and may be grown against a sunny wall, where, if protected by a heap of ashes over its roots and a warm straw mat over its branches, it will pass through the winter safely. If uncovered too soon in spring, the young growths get nipped by late frosts. It is increased from cuttings. It is a hardy wall plant in mild seashore districts, but not so common, owing to the cold, in inland districts. = Lippia. Alsophila excelsa. -A tree Fern with ALSTRÖMERIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ALSTRÖMERIA. 265 a crest offine fronds, a native of Norfolk Island, where it attains a height of 40 ft. It stands well in the open air in this country in shady, moist, and thoroughly sheltered places, and should be put out at the end of May, being removed to a warm greenhouse at the end of September. The same remarks apply to A. australis ; and probably others of the family will be found to do in the open air, for which, however, we do not recommend them, as our flower gardens should for the most not light and dry, it should be made so. Dig out the ground to the depth of 3 ft., and spread 6 in. or so of brick rubbish over the bottom of the border. Shake over the drainage a coating of half- rotten leaves or short littery manure, to prevent the soil from running through the inter- stices of the bricks, and stopping up the drainage. Ifthe natural soil be stiff, a portion should be exchanged for an equal quantity of leaf soil, or other light vege- table mould ; and a barrow-load of CARDEN Alströmeria (Peruvian Lily) part be adorned with plants that brave our climate. Alströmeria (Peruvian Lily).-A distinct and fine family, which has not found a home in our gardens to the extent that might be expected. Probably this arose from trying kinds not really hardy. Alströmerias must have a thoroughly well-drained soil, to prevent the tuberous roots from suffering from an excess of moisture. The best place is a south border, or along the front of a wall having a warm aspect, where, if the soil is sand should be well mixed. The plants should be procured in pots, as they rarely succeed from divisions, and, once planted, should never be interfered with. Place them in rows about 18 in. apart, and with 1 ft. from plant to plant. If planted during the winter, they should be placed from 6 in. to 9 in. deep, so as to keep them from frost ; and a few inches of half-rotten leaves shaken over the soil. Should there be any difficulty in obtaining established plants in pots to start with, seed may be had ; and this sowin 266 ALSTRÖMERIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ALTHEA. If pots or in beds where the plants are to remain. The seeds, being as large as Peas, may be sown 2 or 3 in. deep ; with three or four seeds in a patch. well treated, they will begin to bloom at a year old, and if not disturbed will increase in strength and beauty every sea- son. When grown in masses in this way they are very beautiful, as every stem furnishes a large number of flowers, varying much in their colour markings. While growing and blooming they should have occasional watering, otherwise they get too dry, and ripen off prematurely. A good mulching of old Mushroom dung or of leaf soil is a great assistance while in bloom. When going out of flower carefully remove the seed-heads, otherwise the plants are apt to become ex- hausted, as almost every flower sets. In removing the pods, do not shorten the stems or reduce the leaves in any way, as all are needed to ripen the tubers and form fresh crowns for the following year. The stems should therefore not be cut down, but die away naturally. Any one having deep light sandy soil resting on a dry bottom may grow these beautiful flowering plants without preparation ; all that is necessary being to pick out a well- sheltered spot, and to give the surface a slight mulching on the approach of severe weather. No trouble is involved in staking and tying, for the stems are strong enough to support themselves, unless in very exposed situations . They are quite worth cultivating for cut flowers, as they last long when cut. The species in cultivation are The A. aurantiaca (A. aurea), a vigorousgrowing Chilian kind, 2 ft. to 4 ft. high, flowering in summer and autumn. flowers are large, orange yellow, streaked with red, and umbels of from 10 to 15 blooms terminating the stems. A. chilensis. This is a quite hardy kind from Chili, with many varieties that give a wide range of colours from almost white to deep orange and red. A. Pelegrina. Not so tall or robust as the last ; but the flowers are larger, whitish, and beautifully streaked and veined with purple. There are several varieties, including a white one, which requires protection . When well grown it is a fine pot plant, compact, and crowned with almost pure white flowers. It is called the Lily of the Incas. A. peregrina is synonymous. A. psittacina (A. braziliensis).—Grows about 1 ft. high, each stem being ter- minated by an umbel of from seven to nine flowers smaller than either of the preceding, and green and deep red in colour. Other good kinds are the hardy variable-coloured A. versicolor (A. peruviana) and St. Martin's flower (A. pulchra), this, however, requiring protec- tion. Alternanthera. -These plants are of natives of Brazil, tender, and can be used only in the more favoured parts of the country. The varieties range in colour of foliage from deep purple to bright yellow, and all are effective when used in masses, surrounded with plants of con- trasting colours and similar habit growth. The best varieties are A. paronychioides, ofdeepbrown tipped with scarlet : p. major ofthe same colour, but more robust and with broader foliage ; major aurea, with the same habit of plant as the last, but of deep yellow and red foliage, and very fine ; A. amabilis has broad foliage, of deep orange and scarlet. A. versicolor has dark purple and rose- coloured foliage. A. amona and amœna specta- bilis are the brightest- coloured of all, but most tender, and therefore suited for only quite southern districts. In two days the smallest particle will strike root in a bottom-heat of 75. The quickest way to get up a large stock is to make up a hotbed of leaves and stable litter ; and on this place frames, inserting the cuttings firmly in about 4 in. of soil. Well water them in, and keep the frame shaded and close for the first week, afterwards giving air as for other soft-wooded bedding plants. This plan is intended for the spring season, as the plants should in due time be transferred from their cutting beds direct to their summer quarters. For stock plants to stand the winter, the cuttings are best inserted in 6-in. pots, plunged in bottomheat, and, as soon as well rooted, placed on shelves in warm houses, there to remain till March, when they may be planted out on hotbeds, and will quickly produce abundance of cuttings. only Althea (Hollyhock).— Plants of the Mallow family consisting chiefly of coarse-growing plants, some, such as A. rosea, from which the Hollyhock has sprung, showy garden flowers. The other wild species are generally characterised by great vigour, and hence are not very suitable for the choice flower garden. They thrive in almost any situation or soil. Among them A. armenaica, officinalis, narbonnensis, can- nabina, ficifolia, Hildebrandti hirsuta, caribæa, Frolowriana syriacus, Lava- teriæfolia are the best-mostly they are ALTHEA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ALTHEA. 267 natives of S. Europe and the East, flowering in summer and autumn. A. rosea (Hollyhock).-One of the noblest of hardy plants, and there are many positions in almost all gardens where it would add finely to the general effect. For breaking up ugly lines of shrubs or walls, and for forming back- grounds, its tall column-like growth is well fitted. So, too, it is valuable for bold and stately effects among or near flower beds. Cottage beekeepers would do well to grow a few Holly- hocks, for bees fond oftheir flowers. are CULTURE. - Deep cultivation, much manure, frequent waterings in dry weather, with occasional soakings of liquid manure, will secure fine spikes and flowers. Hollyhocks require good garden soil, trenched to the depth of 2 ft. A wet soil is good in summer, but injurious in winter, and to prevent surface wet from injuring old plants left in the open ground remove the mould round their necks, filling up with about 6 in. of white sand. This will pre- serve the crowns ofthe plants. It is best, however, if fine flowers are desired, to plant young plants every year, as one would Dahlias, putting them 3 ft. apart in rows at least 4 ft. apart ; or if grouped in beds, not less than 3 ft apart. In May or June, when the spikes have grown I f. high, thin them out according to the strength of the plant, if well established and strong, leaving four spikes, and if weak two or three. When for exhibition, leave onlyone spike, and to get fine blooms cut off the side shoots, thin the flower buds if crowded together, and remove the top of the spike, according to the height desired, taking into consideration the usual height and Althea rosea (Double- flowered Hollyhock). 桥 habit of the plant. By topping you increase the size of the flower, but at the same time shorten its duration, and perhaps disfigure its appearance. Stake 268 ALTHEA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ALTHEA. them before they get too high, tying them securely, so as to induce them to grow erect. The most robust will not require a stake higher than 4 ft. If the weather is dry, they may be watered with a solution of guano or any other liquid manure poured carefully round the roots, but not too near the stem. But it is in the garden, not the exhibition, one wants the Holly- hock. If shown, it should be in the form of spikes, not single blooms stuck on a green- painted box. To get fine pyramidal plants a good grower of Hollyhocks writes :- "I have been in the habit of cutting out the top while the lower blooms were in perfection. Once the tops were removed before the flowers appeared, and the result was to spoil the main spike, which grew up stunted and closely packed ; but there sprang out of every axil on the main stalk a number of shoots forming elegant and graceful branches, to the number of more than twenty on some of the plants. These were covered with perfect flowers. As these shoots grow uniformly round the stem, the general outline was that of a pyramidal tree with about 100 flowers expanded at once, and one may conceive the fine effect of the various beautiful shades of colour. I would recommend leaving on the stool only one stalk, which can be staked and secured more easily than a great number, and will form a more elegant object than a number crowded together as usual. One of my plants is 7 ft. high, -4 ft. across at the lower part and tapering to the top. The side shoots do not exceed in. in diameter. -W." PROPAGATION. -Effected from eyes, cuttings, seeds, or careful division . Holly- hocks may be propagated by single eyes, put in in July and August, and also by cuttings put in in spring, on a slight hot- bed. Plants raised in summer are best preserved by putting them in October into 4-in. or 5-in. pots in light, rich, sandy earth, and then placing them in a cold frame or greenhouse, giving them plenty of air on all favourable occasions. Thus treated they will grow a little in winter. In March or April turn them out into the open ground, and they will bloom as finely and as early as if planted in autumn. Plants put out even in May will flower the same year. If seeds are sown in autumn in a box or pan in heat, as soon as they are ripe, potted off and grown on in a pot through the winter, and planted out the fol- lowing April, they will flower in the same summerand autumn. Ifallowed to remain in the beds or borders where they have flowered, choice Hollyhocks often perish from damp, or from snow settling round their collars, or penetrating the cavity left by the too close removal of the flowerstems. At the approach of winter, say in October, carefully lift all it is desired to save, and lay them close together in a slanting direction, at an angle of about 45°, in a warm mellow soil at the foot of a wall or hedge, where, in hard weather, shelter can easily be given. But in wet, heavy soils, snow and damp are most deSingle Hollyhock in cottage garden. structive. The ground that is to receive them can then be thoroughly worked in winter, and if a little rotten turf is worked in with them when replanted in March or April, good spikes and large flowers may be expected. Choice and scarce varieties may be either potted up or planted out in a frame. Potting them is the better way, because they can be placed in a greenhouse or vinery, on shelves near the glass. Some of the stools will have numerous ALTHÆA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ALYSSUM. 269 growths starting from them, and unless the plants have a little heat early in the year, many of the cuttings cannot be propagated soon enough to flower the same season. Growers in the south of England have an advantage with these spring- struck cuttings over the northern florists. There is quite three weeks' difference between the time of flowering in the south and in the northern districts of England and in Scotland. Root-grafting gives the propagator a little advantage, and early in the year the plants are propagated more readily in a light frame fixed in a heated propagating house. A hotbed is uncertain, as there is sometimes too much heat, and then not enough. Although the young side shoots of old stocks will root in a gentle bottom-heat in spring, they may also be increased in July, just before the plants come into flower. The side shoots from the flower-spikes, or the smaller flower - spikes, if they can be spared, should be cut up into single joints, and dibbled in thickly in a prepared bed in a frame or pit, where they can be kept close and cared for by shading from bright sunshine, and sprinkling occasionally with water that has been warmed by standing in the sun. Nearly every cutting will then develop a bud from the axil of the leaf, rapidly strike root, and make a good strong plant by the following spring ; as a rule, young plants propagated at this season give the best spikes. When cutting down the flowering stems of Holly- hocks after blooming, they should be left a good length, as they are impatient of damp about their crowns ; in spring the old stems may be removed altogether. INSECT PESTS AND DISEASES. - Red spider and thrips are both very trouble- some, but the first does most injury . It appears on the under sides of the leaves as soon as the hot weather sets in, and is difficult to dislodge. Ifthere is any trace of red spider before planting out, the whole plant, except the roots, should be dipped in a pail of soft soapy water, to which a pint or so of tobacco liquid has been added. It will be well to syringe the under sides of the leaves with the mixture if the plants have been planted out before the pest is perceived. Thrips may be de- stroyed in the same way, and it is well to syringe the plants every day in hot weather. THE HOLLYHOCK FUNGUS (Puccinia malvacearum) is very destructive to the Hollyhock. When once it seizes a collection, probably the best way is to destroy all the plants affected. Those that do not appear to be attacked should be washed with soapy water in which flowers of sulphur has been dissolved. The sulphur Iwill settle at the bottom of the vessel, and must be frequently stirred up when the mixture is being used. Sulphur seems to destroy almost any fungus ; and may destroy this in its very earliest stages, but will not when established. Alum Root (Heuchera). Alyssum (Madwort).-Rockand alpine plants, numerous in rocky and alpine districts, but the species much resemble each other. Alyssum saxatile (the Rock Madwort) is one of the most valuable of yellow spring flowers, hardy in all parts of these islands. The colour of its masses of bloom and its vigour have made it one of the best-known plants. It is often grown in half-shady places ; but like most rock- plants it should be fully exposed. It is well fitted for the spring garden, and the Alyssum montanum. mixed border, and for association with evergreen Candytufts and Aubrietias. In winter it perishes in heavy rich clays when on the level ground. A native of Southern Russia, it flowers with us in April or May. There is a dwarfer variety, distinguished by the name of A. saxatile compactum, but it differs very little from the old plant. Alyssum montanum is a dwarf plant, spreading into compact tufts, 3 in. high. A. spinosum is a silvery little bush with white flowers. Small plants quickly become Liliputian bushes, 3 in. to 6 in. high ; and when fully exposed, are almost as compact as Moss. Among other kinds sometimes grown are A. Wiersbecki and A. olympicum, neither of which equals in habit, bloom, or endurance A. saxatile, which from its showy 270 AMARANTUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. AMBERBOA. bloom in spring has been called Golden Tuft. The alpine and rock kinds are of easy culture in light or dry soil, as indeed are all the species. A. maritimum is the Sweet Alyssum, a small annual with white flowers, useful as a carpet plant. It grows on the tops of walls in the west country, and in sandy places. In these situations it is perennial, but in gardens is grown as an annual, sowing itself freely. There is a variegated form. Amarantus (Prince's Feather, Lovelies-bleeding).- Theold Love-lies- bleeding (A. caudatus), with its dark red pendent Amarantus (Prince's Feather). racemes, is a fine plant when well grown, but A. speciosus and some other varieties are finer. The more vigorous species grow from 2 to 5 ft. high. It is best to give them room to spread, otherwise much of their picturesque effect will be lost ; and to use them in positions where their peculiar habit may be seen to ad- vantage, as, for example, in large vases and edges of bold beds. Easily raised as any annual, they deserve to be well thinned out and put in rich ground, so that they may attain full size. The foliage of some varieties is very rich in its hues, and planted with Canna, Wigandia, Ricinus, Solanum, their effect is good. The varieties of A. tricolor require a light soil and a warmer place. They do well in gardens bythe seaside, and sow the seed in April in a hot-bed, pricking out the seedlings in a hot-bed, and plant out about the end of May. The cultivated kinds embrace bicolor, tricolor, atro-purpureus. A. melan- cholicus ruber, a useful bedding plant with bright crimson leaves, A. Henderi, A. salicifolius, and A. s. Princess ofWales may be used in the summer garden with good effect. Amaryllis. None of the species are quite hardy, but the beautiful Belladonna Lily (A. Belladona) may be grown well in the open air. It is a noble bulbous plant from the Cape of Good Hope, from 1 ft. to 3 ft. high, blooming late in summer, the flowers, as large as the white Lily, and of delicate silvery rose in clusters on stout leafless stems, arising from the large pearshaped bulbs. Choose a place on the south side of a house or wall, take out the whole of the soil to the depth of 3 ft. or so, and place about 6 in. of broken brick in the bottom. Over this put some halfrotten manure to keep the drainage open, and feed the plant. If the natural soil is not good, add some sandy mellow loam, or if stiff, a few barrow-loads of decomposed leaf soil, and one or two of sharp sand should be mixed with it. Having trod this firm, plant the bulbs singly, or, better still, in small groups. Each clump should be about I foot apart, and if the border is of such a width as to take a double row, the plants in the second should be alternate with those in the first. In planting, place a handful or so of sharp sand round the bulbs to keep them from rotting. If planted in autumn, or at any time during the winter, it will be well to protect them from severe weather by half- rotten leaves, cocoa-nut fibre, or fern. The plants begin to push forth their new leaves early in spring, and upon the freedom with which they send forth these during summer the bloom in the autumn depends. During dry weather give an occasional soaking of water, and with liquid manure once or twice. As soon as the foliage ripens off remove it, and clean the border before the blooms begin to come through the soil. A. B. blanda is a variety with larger bulbs, bearing noble umbels of white flowers, turning to pale rose in summer. There are other varieties worthy of cultivation. Amberboa (Centaurea). AMBLYOLEPIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. AMORPHOPHALLUS. 271 Amblyolepis setigera. -A dwarf halfhardyannual from Texas with small heads of orange-yellow sweetly scented flowers. Amelanchier (Snowy Mespilus, June Berry).-There are two kinds of June Berry, the American (A. canadensis) and European (A. vulgaris), while the varieties one sees in gardens may be classed under either. They are small trees, associating well with the Almond, Laburnum, the Cherry, Plum, and other low-growing trees. The American kinds -later in flowering-do not bear so much bloom . Of A. canadensis there are several varieties, -Botryapium, florida, sheltered flower garden. Mr. E. H. Woodall says of it : " I put it on a par (in England) with Melianthus majorgood for those who like a bold and dis- tinct plant in a warm situation in summer, and have means to protect or take it up and pot it in winter. With me it has stood the cold, rain, and gales far better than the variegated Maize and big Solanums. The flower, though bright, is not large enough to be effective." Ammobium (Winged Everlasting).- A. alatum is a handsome Everlasting from New Holland 1 to 3 ft. high, with white chaffy flowers with yellow discs A group of the Belladonna Lily (Amaryllis belladonna). ovalis, alnifolia, and sanguinea. They grow freely in almost any soil, and rather sheltered places, as they bloom very early. Amellus annuus (Kaulfussia amelloides). American Cowslip (Dodecatheon). Amianthium muscætoxicum (Fly Poison). A North American Liliaceous plant, 1 to 2 ft. high, with a dense raceme of unattractive white flowers, which turn green with age, thriving in a moist sandy soil. Amicia zygomeris. A quaint green- house plant occasionally used in the from May till September. In Sandy soil it is perennial, but on heavy and damp soils must be grown as annual or biennial ; and among such plants is worth a place. Seed. The var. grandiflorum is an im- provement on the type, and has much larger flowers.

Amorphophallus. Arum-like plants, of which one or two are used in summer in the open air. The species cultivated are A. Rivieri and A. nivosa, which require a warm house in winter, and put out-of-doors in rich soil at the end of May. Our country is not warm enough for them. 272 ANCHUSA. AMSONIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. Amsonia. Perennials from N. America, 2 to 3 ft. high, with small pale blue or purple flowers in clusters Amelanchier canadensis. in summer. Of little garden value, save for botanic gardens and curious collections. Amygdalus (Almond). The most welcome of early trees. The common sort has abundant pale pink and rather small flowers. This is the Bitter Almond (A. communis amara), and those of the Sweet Almond (var. dulcis) are similar. The double variety (fl.-pl.) lasts longer in bloom than the single sorts, but the finest is the large-fruited Almond (A. macrocarpa), which has flowers larger than the common kind, and is also more erect in growth. The flowers are white, tinged with pink. It should always be planted in company with the others, and should have the preference, if space allows only one Almond, as it sometimes flowers before the end of February. Amygdalus nana (syn., A. Besseriana), with rose- coloured flowers, grows from 2 to 3 ft. high. The dwarf Almond makes a twiggy bush, which freely sends up suckers by which it may be propagated ; but grafted trees quickly perish. Anacharis Alsinastrum (Canadian Water-weed).- An American water-plant troublesome in lakes, rivers, and ponds. Swans eating it down is the best way to get rid of it. Anacyclus Pyrethrum (Pellitory of Spain). - A medicinal plant only, native of Syria and Arabia. Anagallis (Pimpernel). -Those in cultivation are chiefly half-hardy annuals ; and the best-known is the Italian Pimpernel (A. Monelli ), with large blossoms, deep blue, shaded with rose. There are several varieties -rubra grandiflora, Wil- moreana,bright blue purple, yelloweye; lilacina Phillipsi, deep blue, rose-coloured centre ; Breweri, intense blue ; Impératrice Eugénie, bright blue edged with white ; linifolia, fine blue, very dwarf; Napoleon III. , maroon ; and sanguinea, bright ruby. These flower from Julyto September and a packet ofmixed seed gives good variety. The Indian Pimpernel (A. indica) is similar to A. Monelli, but has smallerbright blue flowers. It is ahardy annual, but the Italian Pimpernel should be grown as a half-hardy annual. The seed may be sown any time from March till July, the later sowings to be made in pots and put into a greenhouse orwindow in autumn. Pimpernels grow well in ordinary garden soil, and are used with good effect in broad masses in borders, or edgings to beds, and make good potplants. The pretty little bog Pimpernel (A. tenella) is a native creeping plant, with slender stems and myriads of tiny pink flowers. It is pretty in suspended pots or pans, and may be grown in the bog or a moist corner in the rock- garden. Anchusa (Alkanet). Borageworts, ANDROMEDA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANDROPOGON. 273 Amygdalus Davidiana, some worth growing, amongst the best being A. italica, which is vigorous, 3 to 4 ft. or more high, with beautiful blue blossoms. A. hybrida is similar, about 2 ft. high with flowers of rich violet. It is biennial, and, like A. italica, a native of S. Europe. A. capensis is a pretty plant with large bright blue flowers, rather tender ; should be planted in a sheltered well-drained border. A. incarnata (A. officinalis ) is 2 ft. high. On the whole, the species are not important as garden plants. A. sempervirens is a British plant, 1 to 2 ft. high, with blue flowers, worth a place in the wild garden. Seeds or division. Andromeda. Handsome shrubs, the dwarfest of which are associated with rock- plants and hardy Heaths. Andromeda tetragona is one of the prettiest of tiny alpine shrubs, and seldom grows more than 8 in. high. It is a native of Northern Europe and America, quite hardy, and requires a moist peat or very fine sandy soil. It is a fitting orna- ment for the margins of beds of choice dwarf shrubs planted in sandy peat ; it loves abundance of moisture in summer, and is easily increased by division. If on the rock-garden, it ought to be in a deep bed of soil. A. fastigiata is one of the most rare and beautiful plants we have from the Himalayas. It should have sandy moist peat soil. It is most likely to thrive in moist and elevated districts ; but safely planted on rockwork in deep, moist, but well - drained soil, and carefully guarded against drought during the warm season, it may be grown. A. hypnoides is a minute Mosslike shrub, I in. to 4 in. high, one of the most beautiful of alpine plants, but one of the most difficult to grow, being very rarely seen in a healthy state. Drought is fatal to it. It is a native both of Europe and America, either far north in the coldest regions, or on the summits of high mountains. Carefully peg down the slender main branches, and place a few stones round the "neck " of the plant, so as to prevent evaporation. A. polifolia is easily grown in various soils, and is a good plant for the bog- garden. The dwarf Andromedas are among the plants of which the propagation is best left to nurserymen. The larger kinds, floribunda and japonica, are more easily grown and indispensable. They thrive well in the Matlock and the Edinburgh nurseries. Ericaceæ. Andropogon. -Tall Grasses, suitable for planting singly on lawns or where their fine habit may be seen. A. T 274 ANDROSACE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANDROSACE. halepensis forms large tufts 6 ft. in height. A. strictus, about 4 ft. high, has graceful silky panicles of bloom. A. furcatus and A. scoparius are not so desirable as the others. All the kinds named thrive, provided the situation be not too exposed, or the soil too heavy and damp. They require a deep soil, well enriched and not wet. Our climate is not quite warm enough for them. A few degrees farther south they are among the best ornamental Grasses for gardens, and in the Paris gardens effective use is occasionally made of them, particularly of A. squarrosus. Flowers of Andromeda. Androsace. The most alpine of alpine plants. Other families, like Primroses and Hairbells, do send down representatives to the hill-pastures, the sea- rocks, or the sunny heaths, but these do not. They are more alpine than even the Gentians, which are as handsome in a hill-meadow as on the highest slopes ; and as Androsaces are, among flowering plants, the most confined to the snowy region, so they are the dwarfest of this class. They belong to the Primrose family and re- semble it in their flowers, but even dwarf alpine Primroses are giants to these. Growing at elevations where the snow falls very early in autumn, they flower as soon as it melts. Sometimes, like some other alpine flowers, they frequent high cliffs with a vertical face, or with portions of the face receding here and there into shallow recesses. Here they must endure intense cold-cold which would destroy all shrub or tree life exposed to it. And here in spring they flower. As yet they are far from common in our gardens, but every lover of alpine flowers desires to possess them in good health. This is not difficult where there is a properly formed rock- garden in a pure air. They are almost sure to perish in a smoky atmosphere. Their small evergreen leaves, often downy, retain much more dust and soot than smoother and largerleaved evergreen alpine plants do. The Androsaces enjoy in cultiva- tion small fissures between rocks or stones, firmly packed with pure sandy peat, or very sandy or gritty loam, not less than 15 in. deep. They should be so placed that no wet can gather or lie about them, and they should be so planted in between stones that, once well rooted into the deep earth-all the better if mingled with pieces of broken sand-stonethey could never suffer from drought. It is easy to arrange rocks and soils so that, once the mass below is thoroughly moistened, anordinary drought can have little effect in drying it. A. carnea (Rosecoloured A. )-One of the prettiest alpine flowers from the summits ofthe Alps and Pyrenees ; opening in our gardens in early spring. Known by small- pointed leaves, not in tiny rosettes, but clothing a stem like a small twig of Juniper ; flowers pink, or rose, with yellow eye. It is not difficult to grow in sandy loam and peat-the spot to be exposed, and the soil deep and firm. Like most of the species, it may be raised from seed, sown in pans of sandy soil as soon as gathered ; also by division. A. carnea var. examia is a large variety, likelyto supersede the type, being more robust. A. brigantica resembles the variety of A. carnea, except that its flowers are white. The same sunny position and soil suits it ; that is to say, ANDROSACE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANDROSACE. 275 sandy peat free from lime, well drained, but moist. A. Chamæjasme (Rock Jasmine).- This does not nestle into close Moss- like cushions, like the Helvetian Androsace, but the foliage forms large rosettes of fringed leaves. The blooms are borne on stout little stems frequently not more than I in. high, but varying from that to 5 in. When in good health, it flowers abundantly. It is one of the best alpine plants, and easiest to grow on an open spot, in deep, well-drained light loam, nearly covered with small pieces of broken rock, to prevent evaporation and to protect the plant from injury. It should get abundance of water in summer, be fully exposed, and not be overrun by weeds or eaten down by slugs. Alps of Europe. A. ciliata ( Fringed A.) is a variety. A. cylindrica is another form, bearing white flowers in spring. A. foliosa is the handsomest species, and, though considered a variety of sarmentosa in the Indian Flora, is as distinct from that species as A. lanuginosa. The flowers are borne in large bunches ; rosy-red, and larger than the others. Leaves broad, ovate, and pointed . Easily struck from cuttings. A charming hardy rock-plant. Flowers May and June. Himalayas. A. helvetica (Swiss A.) forms dense cushions, about in. high, of small leaves, tightly packed in little rosettes. Each rosette rests on the summit of a little column of old and dead but hidden and half-dried leaves. A white flower with a yellowish eye rises from every tiny rosette, each flower being almost twice as large as the rosette. Requires care, exposure to sun, and a position well drained, but not dry. A. imbricata (Silvery A. ) differs from the Pyrenean and Swiss Androsaces in having rosettes of silvery white. The pretty white flowers rest so thickly on the rosettes as often to overlap each other. It grows freely in rich loamy soil in narrow well-drained fissures of rock. Pyrenees and Alps, flowering in summer. Seeds and division ( A. argentea). A. Laggeri. This little gem is one of the most distinct of the family, and is easily recognised by its tiny rosettes of sharp-pointed leaves. Pyrenees Alps, flowering as soon as the snow is melted. A lively pink, with the centre lighter. A lanuginosa (Himalayan A.), with spreading and long- trailing shoots, and umbels of flowers of a delicate rose, the leaves covered with silky hairs. When grown well it is a lovely plant . Some parts ofthe country are too cold for it, and warm places near the sea are where it is happiest. The best place for it is on the rock-garden, in sandy loam. Where the soil is free, and not wet in winter, it Flowers of Androsace lanuginosa ( Himalayan Androsace). thrives as a border plant. It forms beautiful tufts on sandy borders in the College Gardens at Dublin. Cuttings. Flowers from June to October. Himalayas. A. obtusifolia (Blunt-leaved A. ).- Allied to A. Chamæjasme, but has larger rosettes of leaves, and from two to five white or rose-coloured flowers with yellow eyes. It is more vigorous than A. Chamæjasme. European Alps. Culture the same as A. Chamæjasme. A. pubescens (Downy A. ).- Allied to the Swiss and Pyrenean Androsaces in its rather large solitary white flowers, with pale yellow eyes, just rising above the densely packed, slightly hoary leaves, covered with star-like hairs. The buds look like pearls set in a tiny cup, and are held on stems barely rising above the dwarf cushion formed by the plant ; flowering in July and August in its native state, and in our gardens in spring or early summer. Grows in sunny fissures in deep sandy peat. Alps. T 2 276 ANDROSACE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANEMONE. A. pyrenaica (Pyrenean A. ) .— Like the Swiss Androsace, but the white flowers with yellowish eyes are not quite so well formed, and the flower, instead of being seated in the rosettes of leaves, rises on a stem a quarter to half an inch high. In fissures between rocks, with deep firm rifts of sandy peat and loam in them. It will also grow on a level exposed spot, but in such a position should be surrounded by half- buried stones. A. sarmentosa. From the Himalayas, and at elevations of over 11,000 ft. The flowers are borne in trusses of ten to twenty, and at first sight resemble rosy white- eyed Verbena. Like many other woolly- leaved alpines, this is difficult to keep alive through our damp winters. A piece of glass in a slanting position, about 6 in. above the plant, preserves it. Care should also be taken to put sandstone broken fine immediately under the rosettes of leaves and over the surface of the soil to keep every part of the plant, except the roots, from contact with the soil. A dry calcareous loam is best. A. villosa ( Shaggy A. ) .-A dwarf kind on many parts of the Alps, with leaves covered with soft white down. It spreads more than any of the nearly allied sorts , as it throws out runners. It should be planted in loam and a mixture of peat, in a fissure between stones, or on level spots with abundant moisture. In our gardens, flowers in May. Seeds. A. Vitaliana ( Yellow Androsace).— Rarely above I in. high, and bears, scarcely above the leaves, rich yellow flowers, very large for so small a plant. It is lovely for association with dwarf Gentians, Primulas, in the rock-garden, and may even be grown on a border in a district not too dry where the soil is open. It should be kept moist during the dry months ; and when tried on the level ground, as a border plant, it should be surrounded by stones, half- plunged in the ground, to prevent evaporation, and to save it from being trampled on. Abundant on the Alps, and increased by careful division, or by seeds. Androsace Heeri, bryoides, Charpentieri, Wulfeni, and Haussmanni are other kinds, and there are one or two annual and biennial kinds not of much value for the garden, except A. coronopi- folia. Androstephium. -N. American bulb- ous plants, about which little is known in this country. A. violaceum is a rare and showy species from Texas, 6 in. to 8 in. high, bearing its violet, slightly fra- grant flowers in umbels. Andryala. Small plants ofthe Dandelion order ; some with woolly leaves. The shrubby A. mogadorensis, forms snowy masses on a little islet on the Morocco coast, and has not been found elsewhere. It bears flowers as large as a half- crown, of a bright yellow, the disc being bright orange. Little is known of its culture and hardiness. A. lanata has woolly silvery leaves, and grows well in any soil not too damp. noble (A. Anemone (Windflower).-A family, to which is due much of the beauty of spring and early summer in northern and temperate countries. In early spring, or what is winter to us in Northern Europe, when the valleys of Southern Europe and sunny sheltered spots all round the great rocky basin of the Mediterranean are beginning to glow with colour, we see the earliest Windflowers in all their loveliness. Those arid mountains that look so barren have on their sunny sides carpets of Anemones in countless variety. These belong to old favourites in our gardens the common Windflower coronaria) and the Peacock Anemone. Later on the Star Anemone (A. stellata) begins, and troops in thousands over the terraces, meadows, and fields of the same regions. Climbing the mountains in April, the Anemone hepatica nestles in nooks all over the bushy parts of the hills, and later on springs from the snow in the Swiss Alps to welcome the early traveller. Farther east, while the common Anemones are aflame along the Riviera valleys and terraces, the blue Greek Anemone (A. blanda) is open on the hills of Greece ; a little later the Apennine Anemone (A. apennina) blossoms Italy. Meanwhile our Wood Anemone adorns the woods and copses throughout the northern world, and often, too, open ground, ascending to high treeless places on the mountains ; and at the same time the open begins to show here and there through the brown Grass the purple of the Pasque- flower (A. Pulsatilla ). The in Grass has grown tall before the graceful Alpine Windflower (A. alpina) flowers in all the natural meadows of the Alps ; as soon as its large flowers are succeeded by long silky heads of fruit, the snow is melting from off the high alpine Wind- flowers, which soon flower and fruit, and are ready to sleep for nine months in the snow. These are but few examples of what is done for the northern and temperate world by these Windflowers. Anemone alpina ( Alpine Windflower). -On nearly every great mountain range in northern climes this is one of the ANEMONE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANEMONE. 277 handsomest plants, 18 in. to 2 ft. high. It grows more slowly in gardens than most ofthe other kinds, and should have deep soil. In its native countries the delicate flowers show as the snow disappears, and in our gardens at the end of April or beginning of May. Plants established may be taken up and divided or raised from seed. A. sulphurea is a form of A. alpina. It is so distinct that it is worth some trouble to get well- established plants. Many fail with it through transplanting in autumn and winter. Seed is the best way to increase it. Sow this in November in a rather moist peaty bed out-of-doors and allow the seedlings to best way to increase it is by seed and division. A. apennina (Apennine Windflower).-- Although figured in most works on British plants, and naturalised in various places, it is not a true native, but our hardiest native plants take not more kindly to our clime. It is one of the sweetest of spring flowers from Italy, and among the many lovely plants that gem the mountain pastures there is not one more worthy of being naturalised. It is welcome in the garden, but it is when scattered among the native Anemones in our woods, or making pictures with Daffodils, or running free among dwarf plants in groves, that CARDENING Anemone blanda (Blue Greek Windflower). remain for two years. When growth commences in spring transplant to where they are to flower. Full exposure, good drainage, and moisture in summer are essential. A. angulosa (Great Hepatica).- Larger than the common Hepatica, with sky- blue flowers as large as a crown- piece, and known by its five-lobed leaves. It is a native of Transylvania, enjoying partial shade. In rock-gardens, or near them, it will succeed in spaces between choice dwarf shrubs in beds, or may be used as an edging to beds of spring flowers , and for open, bare, and unmown spots along the margins of wood walks. The this Italian plant adds a new charm to our spring. It is readily increased by division, and grows about 4 in. to 6 in. in height. A. blanda ( Blue Winter Windflower). -A lovely plant from Greece, worth a place in every garden. It is of a deep sky-blue, like A. apennina, has larger and more finely rayed flowers, dwarfer, harder, and smoother leaves, and blooms in early spring, during mild open winters, and in warm parts coming early. It should be grown in every rock-garden, planted on banks that catch the early sun ; and should also adorn the spring-garden, whilst it may be naturalised in Grassy places. 278 ANEMONE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANEMONE. It is distinguished from A. apennina by carpels topped with a black-pointed style, and by round and bulb-like roots ; increased by division and seed. A. coronaria (Poppy Anemone) .— One of the most admired flowers of our gardens from earliest times. There are many varieties, single and double. The single sorts may be readily grown from seed sown in the open air in April, and, being varied in fine colour, they deserve to be cultivated, even more than many of the doubles. The planting of these double varieties may be made in autumn or in spring, or at intervals all through the winter, to secure a continuity of flowers ; but the best bloom is secured by September or October planting. The Poppy Anemone thrives in rich deep loam, but is not fastidious, and the roots of the more select kinds may be taken up when the leaves die down. They are, however, seldom worth this trouble, as many fine varieties may be grown from seed sown in June. Prick out the plants in autumn : they will flower well in the following spring, so that the plant is as easily raised as an annual. Apart from the old florists' or double Anemones and the single ones, there are certain races of French origin of much value--the Anemones de Caen, for example. These are raised from the same species, but are more vigorous and have larger flowers than the older Dutch kinds. Ofthe Caen Anemones there are both single and double kinds, and the Chrysanthemumflowered is another fine double race, whilst one mayalso note the deep scarlet double form-Chapeau de Cardinal, and the double Nice Anemones. The fine variety of the Poppy Anemones leads to mixed collections being grown. While it is well to plant mixtures now and then, it is better to select and keep true some ofthe finer forms in any desired colour. A fine scarlet, purple, or violet should be grown by itself and for itself, as in that way the Poppy Anemone will be a greater aid to the garden artist. All kinds thrive in garden soils of fair quality, and, like most plants, repay manuring. To The following method will enable any one to raise these in a moist loam. save time, I sow as soon as the seed is ripe, selecting it from the brightest flowers only. Separate the seed thoroughly. Spread a newspaper on the table, pour over it a quart of sand, dry ashes, or fine earth, and sprinkle the seed over this, rubbing it together till its separation is complete. The seed bed need not be larger than 3 ft. by 9 ft. , and choose the sunniest part of the garden. Make the surface fine, tread it down, and give it a good watering. Wait until it is dry enough to scratch with a fine rake ; then sow broadcast, covering the seed with a very thin coat of fine earth, about the thickness of a shilling ; beat flat with a spade, and give a light sprinkling of water. Never let a ray of sunshine reach the bed ; cover it with newspapers, spreading a few Pea sticks or something to retain the covering in its place. Keep the surface of the bed moist. In about twenty days the young plants will begin to appear, and when all seem up, remove the covering ; they will need no further care except watering. If the bed once gets thoroughly dry, the plants are apt, after forming small bulbs about the size of Peas, to stop growing, the foliage to die, and the bulbs to lie dormant for months. If kept, however, well watered through the summer, they will go on growing through the winter, and begin to blossom the following spring. The seedlings may be left to blossom where they are sown, or be transplanted in September October. -J. or Although all the beauty of the Poppy Anemone in its brilliant variety of colour may be enjoyed by simple culture, especially in good or warm soils, it is desirable to describe what is considered the best way of growing the finer and named varieties. Messrs. Vilmorin and Andrieux, writing to me from Paris ( Sept. 1881 ), say that the growth "of the Anemone as a florists' flower in France is of ancient date. The finest were known to come from Caen and Bayeux, nearly 100 years ago, and it is there that the best in France are now cultivated." There is no better soil than a yellow, gritty, and friable loam ; but though there is in most gardens little or no choice, the choicest Anemones may be well grown in ordinary garden soil of fair quality, enriched with decayed leaf- mould or cow manure. In the more loamy soils old hot- bed manure will do, but in some very heavy clayey soils the cultivation of the plant is not successful. The florists of past years had two seasons for this-the middle of October, and the end of January. " The early vegetation of such roots as are left in the ground shows that early autumn is the most natural season. Octoberplanted tubers make stronger plants, throw up more flower-buds, and bloom earlier than those planted in spring. The draw- back is that the blossoms expand before the frosts have ceased, and hence some ANEMONE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANEMONE. 279 protection is necessary. " It was generally held that a bed planted the first week in October would be in bloom about the second week in May ; and as this is often a time of severe frosts, the flowers are injured if not protected. It is important to remember that the best bloom is always from autumn- planted roots ; and the double ones should be planted in September in a sunny situation if possible, even early in the month. It may be best for large growers to plant at several different times, particularly in the case of the single and semi- double kinds, but the glory of the plant is as a brave spring bloomer, and we do not gain by forcing from its natural season. Right planting of the choice kinds is important. A bed of prepared earth should be made ; it matters not where the position is, so long as the subsoil is well drained. A stagnant soil is hurtful to the Anemone, which roots deeply, and the soil should be some 18 in. deep. During planting, the bed should be raked level, and marked in cross rows. Mr. Carey Tyso recommends a bed 3 ft. 4 in. n width, with five roots in a row, so that each may be 6 in. or 7 in. apart. "As the tubers are varied in form and size, the hand or a trowel should be used in making the holes 2 in. deep, and large enough to allow the root to rest evenly on the soil, avoiding much pressure, as the limbs of the tubers are easily broken off. " Tubers vary much in size and shape, according to the variety, and are "formed of irregular fleshy bunches, having a number of small protuberances called crowns. These crowns are obtuse points, often a shade darker in colour than the surrounding skin. They are in clusters near the centre, and sometimes singly at the extremities of the projecting limbs. amateurs have been known to plant the crowns downwards, some attention is needful. The direction to plant the right side upwards seems trite, but is not superfluous." As In the days when the Anemone was more of a " florist's " flower than it is now, it was usual to spread over the bed 2 in. of half-decayed leaves for a protection against frost, as the florist dreaded the effects of frost on his Anemones, Ranunculus, and Tulips. Thinning the flowers was done with advantage when the Anemone was an exhibition plant ; some flowers became blind, or were without the complement of centre petals that give symmetry to the double forms, and such were pinched off to strengthen the rest. Weeding and watering are important. On the rich soil weeds grow with vigour and must be plucked out, keeping the bed stirred and tidy. Water should be given freely in dry weather, a good soaking at a time. When the plants show signs of ripening at the end of July, or in August, dig up the roots with some soil attached to them, and put into boxes in a cool dry place for planting out another season. They should be looked over occasionally during the winter. The old double and single scarlet Anemones are vivid in colour, and there are also the double and single blue. Those who do not care for named varieties can have mixtures-the double and the single forms being kept distinct. The Dutch growers evidently think the double more important than the single varieties, as in their lists the double varieties are much more numerous than the single forms, and each raiser has his own list of named flowers. Lists of these will be found in bulb catalogues. What are termed French Anemones are thought an improvement on the Dutch, with large flowers of brilliant and varied colour; the plants vigorous. Poppy Anemones, double and single, are useful for edgings and for borders either singly or in tufts. They are culti- vated alone in beds or in clumps in borders, and answer well for planting under standard Rose Trees or other light and thinly planted shrubs. Cut the flowers when just open. A. fulgens (The Scarlet Windflower).— A native of the south of France, over a limited area, for the most part in vineyards. Although nearly related to Anemone stellata, there appears some ground for naming it a distinct species, as Gay did when he described it as A. fulgens. The localities of A. fulgens and A. stellata are far apart, and the seedlings of A. fulgens, athough often varying, never revert to A. stellata. On the other hand, it seems certain that A. Pavonina is only the double-flowered form of A. fulgens. Its roots and leaves are identical with those of A. fulgens, and it often comes up among seedlings of fulgens. As A. Pavonina yields no seed, and is increased by roots, it is obvious why it never under cultivation reverts to A. fulgens. The Scarlet Windflower withstands severe frosts in the open border, but stagnant moisture injures it. In good well- drained soils it will thrive, but is best in a rich manured loam in a northern aspect and in a shaded situation. Division is the surest way of increasing it, as it is liable 280 ANEMONE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANEMONE. to sport if raised from seeds. Roots may be transplanted almost all the year round, though the resting time extends only from June to August, and to insure early and good flowers plant the roots as early as possible in the autumn. Alarge bed of well-grown plants in bloom is a brilliant sight. The flowers last indoors for a week or more if cut when just coming into bloom and kept in water in a moder- ately warm room.-H. V. In the experiments made by M. Henri Vilmorin it was found that many of the seedling plants were not of the brilliant colour so striking in the true plant, but of a red with a shade of brick. We have seen many of these plants which were carefully separated from the pure stock. They are singularly alike in hue, and manifest no tendency towards A. stellata . On the other hand, plants of the true colour are raised from seed also, and sometimes fine ones, but seed is not to be depended on for reproducing the plant in its finest form. The Greek form of A. fulgens is larger, and very intense in colour. A fine strain was raised by the late Rev. J. G. Nelson, and called by him A. fulgens major. The A. hepatica (Common Hepatica) .—A beautiful early hardy flower. In sheltered spots on porous soil the foliage will remain through the winter. The Hepatica is a deep rooter-hence it thrives so well upon made banks, and it will do as well as Primroses or Violets in any good garden soil. Where let alone, and not often pulled to pieces , it makes strong tufts. Clumps of the rich- coloured blues and reds when a mass of bloom in March are very beautiful. As few plants are more impatient of frequent removal, the best way is to put young plants in good soil, and let them remain until they become strong clumps-which would give perhaps twenty or more single crowns. Hepatica is a native of many hilly parts of Europe and N. America. Usually found in copses and half-shady positions, which will suit it best in a cultivated state also . The best-known kinds are the double red and single blue, both amongst the hardiest of the section. Then there are the single white ; single red ; double blue, rich in colour ; Barlowi, a rich-coloured sport from the single blue ; splendens, a single red known ; lilacina, a pretty mauve kind ; and some others-every variety being worthy of culture. Where plants and space are to spare, there is little trouble in naturalising this in sandy or barish places, or in a thin shrubbery-anywhere, in fact, where the plant would not be overrun by larger things. Mr. Frank Miles, who was very successful in raising seedlings, thus de- scribes his practice. Sowthe seed as soon as it is ready to fall, in light sandy loam. If it once gets dry before sowing, it does not grow readily. Put slates or bricks flat on the soil, slates for roofing being the best ; the bed will not then require watering or weeding. In October or November the seed will begin to germinate. Remove the slates and put the boxes under glass without any heat. By spring-time every seed will have germinated. During the summer keep the seedlings in a shady place. Some will then make their first leaf and probably bloom the following spring, but it will take three years from the time of sowing for the plants to blossom well. By A. japonica (Japan Anemone).—A tall autunin-blooming kind, 2 ft. to 4 ft. high, with fine foliage and large rose- coloured flowers. The variety named Honorine Jobert, with pure white flowers, is a beautiful plant ; and all good forms of the plant should be cultivated where cut flowers are required in autumn. having some on a north border, and some on a warm one, the bloom may be pro- longed. Various hybrids raised between the Japan Anemone and A. vitifolia ap- pear to have been lost. None that we have seen was so good as the type, or the best of all, the white and pink. Every bit ofthe root grows when divided. "Anemone Honorine Jobert " is not a garden hybrid between A. vitifolia and A. japonica, but originated at Verdun- sur- Meuse in the garden of M. Jobert. From a large tuft of A. japonica a stem arose with pure white flowers. The various forms of the Japan Ane- mone are useful for borders, groups, fringes of shrubbery in rich soil, and here and there in half- shady places by wood walks. One of the best plants for cut flowers. A. nemorosa (Wood Anemone).—In spring this native plant adorns our woods, and also those of nearly all Europe and Asia, but it is so abundant in the British Isles that there is little need to plead for its culture. There are double varieties, and the colour of the flower is occasionally lilac , or reddish, or purplish. A sky-blue variety of the Wood Anemone, A. Robinsoniana, has of recent years been much grown. It is of easy culture and of peculiar beauty, especially if seen when the noon-day sun is on the flowers. It is fitted to grace a ledge of ANEMONE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN ANEMONE. 281 the rock-garden as a colony or a widespreading tuft ; or for the margins of borders, or as a ground plant beneath taller subjects, or for a carpet for beds of choice shrubs, with ample space be- tween, or for small beds beneath standard Roses, or for the wild garden or for dotting through the Grass in the pleasurethis is, to my mind, the undoubted queen. There is a splendour about A. fulgens and Pavonina, and a dazzling beauty in A. stellata and coronaria ; there is much delicate grace about A. bracteata, trifoli- ata, apennina, blanda, sulphurea, alpina, nemorosa, and narcissiflora ; we all admire the purple and silk in which A. White Japan Anemone in shrubbery. ground in spots not mown early. In this case it requires some taste to get the groups or colonies into easy natural outline. After a time the plant will take care of itself. The late Rev. H. Harpur Crewe wrote as follows concerning A. Robinsoniana : "Ofa numerous and very beautiful family, Pulsatilla and vernalis love to clothe themselves, and the golden sheen of A. palmata and ranunculoides ; A. japonica and vitifolia, and their varieties and hybrids, have much pleasant autumnal brightness, --but, to my mind, all fade before the simple and innocent loveliness of A. Robinsoniana. Most botanists 282 ANEMONE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANEMONE. seem to agree that, though in many respects very distinct, it is a variety of the Wood Anemone, A. nemorosa. It is a dwarfer plant, blooms later, and both leaves and flowers possess more strength ; but its distinguishing characteristic is the pure, pale, cærulean blue of the inner surface of its petals. I know of nothing more lovely than a fully expanded patch of this beautiful flower on a bright spring forenoon. It is a rare British wild plant : I know of its occurrence in Norfolk and Essex, and I believe it has also been found in Kent, Sussex, and Oxford. It was unknown till a few years ago, when Anemone Robinsoniana. Mr. Robinson found it growing wild, and, struck with its marvellous beauty, so frequently spoke of its charms that it became a general favourite, and, in compliment to its champion, took the name of A. Robinsoniana. " As the origin of this plant is of some interest, I may state that I first saw it at the foot of a wall in the Botanic Gardens at Oxford. From roots given me by the Curator, Mr. Baxter, all the stock ofthe true plant now in gardens has come. I believe Mr. Baxter told me that it was sent him by a lady from Ireland. It should be noted that the very pretty blue form of our Wood Anemone that I have seen in some abundance wild in Wales is not the same as this.-W. R. A. palmata (Cyclamen-leaved Anemone).-A distinct kind, with leathery leaves and large handsome flowers in May and June, glossy, yellow, only open- ing to the sun. A native of N. Africa and other places on the shores of the Mediterranean, this charming flower should be planted in deep turfy peat, or light fibrous loam with leaf- mould, but not placed on the face of rocks suited for Saxifrages and other plants content with mere crevices, rather on level spots, where it can root deeply and growinto strong tufts. There is a double variety, A. palmata fl.-pl., and a white one, A. palmata alba. This Anemone may be increased by either division or seeds. A. Pulsatilla (Pasqueflower). -Though not cominon in Britain, when it occurs on a bleak chalk down, it is generally freely dotted over the turf. There are few sights more pleasant to the lover of spring flowers than its purple blooms just showing through the dry Grass of a bleak down on an earlyspring day. It is smaller in a wild than in a cultivated state, forming in the garden strong healthy tufts, but it is one of the plants more beauti- ful in a wild state than in a garden. In Normandy with Mr. Burbidge we came upon many plants of it on the grassy hill about Château Gaillard and also in the woods and bythe roads near, and wethought we had never seen so fair a wild flower. There are several varieties, including red, lilac, and white kinds, but they are not common, and there is also a double variety. It prefers well-drained and light but deep soil, and is increased by division or seeds. A. ranunculoides ( Yellow Wood Anemone).-Not unlike the Apennine and the common Wood Anemone in habit, this is very distinct in its yellow flowers in March and April. It is S. European, and usually less free on soils than the Apennine A., but is happy on warm or chalky soil. I have not found it do well on clay. It is charming for association with tufts of the Apennine or the Wood Anemone, the ANEMONE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANEMONE. 283 Pasque- flower, any of the varieties of A. Hepatica, the Aubrietias, and such plants. It is a naturalised plant, and Pasque-flower (Anemone pulsatilla). grows in Herts, Notts, and several other counties, whilst it is increased by division. A. stellata (Star Windflower).-A native of Germany, France, Italy, and Greece, if not as showy as the common Ane- mone, is as beautiful. The star-like flowers, ruby, rosy purple, rosy, or whitish, vary in a charming way, and usually have a large white eye at the base, contrasting with the delicate colouring of the rest of the petals, and the brown violet of the stamens and styles ofthe flower. It is not so vigorous as the Poppy A., and requires a sheltered warm position, a light, sandy, well- drained soil. It is suitable for grouping with the alpine kinds ofAnemone on the rockwork, the mixed border, and the spring garden. As in the case of the finely coloured Poppy Anemones, the best way will be to select and in- crease certain fine forms. Where the soil and district suits the plant, it is well to encourage it. Mr. Ellacombe, of Bitton, speaks highly of the white variety: " At first it is rather stained with purple, but when fully out it is a pure white star, with pale purple under petals. This with the black eye and the pretty foliage make it a striking flower, and a very good addition to spring flowers. " It is increased by division and seeds, and is the same as A. hortensis. A. sylvestris ( Snowdrop Windflower). -A handsome plant, growing on almost any soil, with white flowers in spring as large as a crown-piece and beauti- ful buds. A native of Siberia and Central Europe, it is at home in this country, and should begrown wherever good border flowers are desired. It will associate well with the Alpine Windflower, and plants of like size, about the lower parts of the rock- garden, along wood walks, and in shrubberies. The aspect of the drooping unopened. buds suggested its Eng- lish name--the Snowdrop Anemone. This is from I ft. to 15 in. high, and is increased by division of the root. Anemone sulphurea. A. thalictroides (Thalictrum monoides). aneA. vitifolia (Vine-leaved Anemone).- Like the Japanese Anemone, but more downy, and flowering a fortnight earlier. 284 ANEMONE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANTENNARIA. It is a native of the moist shady valleys of Nepaul. The name A. vitifolia occurs in many catalogues, but we have not often seen under the name any plant that differs from what is known as A. japonica | or one of its forms. A. vitifolia is earlier in bloom, and the flowers are not quite so large, the white having a slight tinge of pale purple ' outside. It is not so fine as the white Japan Anemone. The previously named Anemones are the most beautiful of the family, which, however, contains many other interesting AROHIA Anemone narcissiflora. and useful plants . These, from their rarity, slowness of growth, or from various other causes, are only named here : A. acutipetala, A. alba, A. baldensis, A. collina, A. dichotoma, A. Halleri, A. Hudsoniana, A. montana, A. multifida, A. narcissiflora, A. Nuttalliana, A. obtusi- loba, A. ochotensis, A. patens, A. pennsylvanica, A. Popeana, A. polyanthes, A. pratensis, A. rivularis, A. scaposa, A. sibirica, A. thalictroides, A. trifoliata, A. virginiana, and A. vernalis . There are also tender species not included here ; most of the above are of easy culture, with the exception of the alpine species, like A. vernalis, which are slow and require to be carefully grown in fully exposed spots in moist, gritty soil. Anemonopsis. -A. macrophylla is a beautiful Japanese plant somewhat like the Japanese Windflower, but smaller. The thick shining leaves rise to a height of 12 in.; the slender flower-stems, about 18in . in height, bearing drooping blossoms, about 1 in. across, and pale purple. They differ from those of the Anemone in having two rows of petals, one outside and spreading, the other form- ing a cone in the centre. It thrives in a rich soil in a shaded border well drained. Angelica. Plants of the Celery Order, which would be of some use for their form had we not so many fine hardy plants in the same family. A. archangelica is a well- known plant in most kitchen gardens. Used for conserves as a vegetable in the north, the roots in medicine, and the seeds in making liqueurs. Anigosanthus coccineus.- An Australian plant with numer- ous crimson flowers with green tips, hardy in sheltered spots, but of little value out-of- doors in our climate. Anisodus luridus. -A hardy perennial of the Solanum family from Nepaul. It has greenish- yellow bell- shaped flowers and ample bright green foliage, but is of no garden value. Syn. , Scopolia lurida. Anomatheca cruenta. -A pretty little South African bulb, from 6 to 12 in. high, flowers in. across, carmine crimson, three of the lower segments marked with a dark spot ; in loose clusters on slender stems and Grass-like leaves. Hardy on many soils, but in others it should be planted on warm slopes , in very sandy dry soil or on warm borders ; the bulbs planted rather deep. In many soils it increases rapidly. Antennaria (Cat's-ear).- Mostly hardy alpine or border flowers. A. margaritacea, the Pearly Everlasting, is a North American plant, 2 ft. high, with flowers in clusters, white and chaffy, hence are kept in a dry state, and dyed in various colours. The Mountain Cat's- ears, A. dioica and A. alpina, and such forms as A. minima, are neat little plants with whitish foliage, used as carpeting. All ANTHEMIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANTHERICUM. 285 are of simple culture in ordinary soil in exposed positions. These are good rockgarden plants, and the pretty little rosy soils, such as an artificial bog. A. Lili- ago (the St. Bernard's Lily) is about 2 ft. high, with white flowers in early summer. It is known also as Phalangium Liliago. A. ramosum has flowerstems about 2 ft. high, much branched, and small white flowers ; it has Grasslike leaves, and soon grows into large tufts. It is sometimes called in gardens and nurseries A. graminifolium. A. Liliastrum (St. Bruno's Lily) is a graceful alpine meadow plant in deep free sandy soil, in early summer throwing up spikes of snowy-white Lily-like blossoms. In Anomatheca cruenta. heads of one form of the Mountain Everlasting may often be seen in the cottage gardens of Warwickshire. A. tomentosa has been much used as a dwarf silvery plant in the flower garden. It is hardy and of easy increase and culture in bare spots. Anthemis (Camomile).-Ofthe numer- ous kinds in cultivation few are worth growing. A. Aizoon is a dwarf silvery rock- plant, 2 to 4 in. high, with Daisy- like flowers. Its chief beauty is in the white downy leaves. It should be grown in the rock-garden in exposed places. A. Kitaibeli is pretty in the mixed border, with large, pale, lemon- coloured, Mar- guerite-like flowers. A. tinctoria is similar, and both are excellent for cutting. The double-flowered form of the Corn Camomile (A. arvensis ) is sometimes cultivated among annual plants. Anthericum ( St. Bruno's Lily).-Grace- ful plants of the Lily family, containing few species hardy in this country. These are the European kinds, among the most beautiful of hardy flowers. A. Hookeri Chrysobactron Hookeri) is a distinct New Zealand plant, 15 to 20 in. high, with bright yellow flowers, each in. across, appearing in long spikes in early summer. It grows best in moist deep Anthemis tinctoria. dry soils a covering with rotten manure helps it, and in early spring protects the plants from slugs and caterpillars. It is increased by division of the roots in autumn, which is the best time to plant, or it may be raised from seed. It usually grows about 15 in. high, and is excellent for borders, better still, however, in a colony or group in spaces between dwarf shrubs. Where plentiful, it would be an interesting subject to naturalise in a 286 ANTHOLYZA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANTIRRHINUM. Grassy place. This species is also known under the names of Paradisea and Czackia. The major variety of the St. Bruno's Lily has much larger flowers (2 in. across) coming up from the root. These open before the flowers on the spike, and are larger. It grows 3 ft. high in good soil, and is a fine border plant. Antholyza. -Plants of the Iris family, natives of the Cape of Good Hope, with Iris-like leaves and tall flower- spikes that bear numerous bright red flowers. They are hardy in a warm sheltered well- drained border in rich sandy loam. Lift the plants every autumn, so as to separate the small bulbs, replanting in October and November, or in February. A handful of litter over them during winter would be the best way to insure their safety. Watsonia Meriana and others are known in some gardens as species of Antholyza, but they correctly belong to Watsonia. Offsets and seeds. Anthyllis (Kidney Vetch).-Plants of the Pea family, of which few are worth growing. A. montana, the Mountain Kidney Vetch, is an alpine hardy rockplant 6 in. high, the leaves nearly white with down, and the pinkish flowers in dense heads, rising little above the leaves, forming with the hoary leaves pretty little tufts. This plant thrives on cold and bad soils, resisting cold and moisture. erinacea is a singular spiny, almost leafless shrub, about 1 ft. high, with purplish flowers. A. Vulneraria (Woundwort), a common native plant, is pretty on drybanks. There is a white and a red variety. Anticlea (Zygadenus). A. Antirrhinum ( Snapdragon).-A numerous family of plants mostly hardy and many of them from mountainous regions, but none so popular in gardens as the handsome Snapdragon (A. majus) which like the wallflowers often grows on walls and stony places. Among the many species, some few are seen in cultivation from time to time, but they do not take a large place in gardens. Among the best are A. Asarina and A. rupestre. Of the common Snapdragon, the gar- den varieties are now numerous, and often showy in effect, the best being the pure colours (ie. , not striped). They fall into several " races," according to their height. The varieties are divided into three sections based upon the length ofthe stems : - 1. Tall varieties. 2. Medium varieties. 3. Dwarfvarieties. The large-flowered Snapdragon, even T when wild, varies greatly, the result of situation, and when under cultivation through the efforts of gardeners to produce new varieties, so that it gives us from seed the greatest variety of form. These differences are, however, in the good kinds confined to the colour ofthe flowers and the tints of the foliage. Thus in a single mixed sowing of the SnapAntirrhinum. dragon it is often possible to find from twenty to twenty-five different forms as regards the flowers, although closely resembling each other in habit, height, and foliage. So also with the medium-sized kinds. By saving the seed from such plants and re- sowing MM. Vilmorin of Paris obtained a number true to their form, and in the course of several years' ANTIRRHINUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ANTIRRHINUM. 287 sowings, by getting rid of all but the selected types, obtained the first of the fixed varieties. A more difficult matter was to get rid of certain exceptional colours which sometimes showed themselves in mixed seedlings. The desire to obtain striking varieties is easy to under- stand ; baskets of varicoloured flowers, although pleasing when near, are when seen at a distance not so good in effect. On the other hand, by arranging the different varieties in groups of simple colours alternately we get striking effects and a certain fulness, and it may be repose, but in any case effect is gained . The Snapdragons fall into the three races according to height. TALL VARIETIES. -These plants attain a height of 1 ft . 8 in. to 2 ft. ( sometimes more) when closely planted, and in large beds in French gardens may be planted in groups of 6 ft. or 8 ft. , encircled some- times by corresponding varieties among the dwarf kinds. THE MEDIUM VARIETIES. -These, which grow I ft. 4 in. to 1 ft. 8 in. high, maybe used in the same way, and they lend themselves especially to the filling of beds for which the habit of the large kind is too pronounced, and to the adornment of banks and of dry walls. It is in this that we find the greatest variety of colour. Though the flower-spike is not so long as in the preceding, there is no decrease in the size of the flowers. DWARF VARIETIES. -In the old race of dwarf Snapdragon, or Tom Thumb, the plants for the most part had spikes of Considerable length, and which were sometimes slender. Repeated selection from these has resulted in the production of plants of a peculiar habit and distinct race . The flower-bearing branches attain height of 6 in. to 7 in. , and a breadth of some 10 in. They are composed for a great number of short, thick branches, the foliage being abundant and of a black-green colour. The flower- spikes are thickly set, especially in the rase of the white- flowered and yellowflowered varieties. Where manybranches bloom at the same time the plant presents a mass of closely set flowers, to which the foliage of the outer branches is as a frame. Other varieties are rather less dwarf, and their spikes have the form of enlarged cones, as with the featheryowered variety. The foliage of the race is throughout of a dark colour. TALL VARIETIES. -Among these the best are :-- Pure White.-A superb plant, with pure white flowers, the buds a very pale greenish-white, the swellings of the lower lip of a very clear yellow tint. The stems and foliage are of a handsome clear green. White, with Rosy Streaks. -Thin cherryrose streaks or lines are traced upon the flower on a white- lilac- like ground. Both are very clear varieties, and, like the pure yellow described lower down, very precious for bouquets. Brilliant.-A pretty purple and yellow flower. Crescia. -A superb plant, flowers of a very decided red colour. The tube of the corolla reddish violet. Dalila. —The tube and extremity ofthe lips of this are white. Elegant. Of a decided red or carmine, a verybrilliant colour coming between the clear and the pronounced tints. Pure Yellow. —Flower large and self, a very pure lemon tone. Kermesina Splendens. -Flowers very large and spikes long, of a striking deep red colour, the leaves reddish violet. Nigricans. -The most pronounced colour of all, being a red- brown (almost black) and velvety. Panache.-A mixture of colours , yellow or black ground and variegated, streaked or dotted with cherry-red or violet- red streaks or dots. MEDIUM VARIETIES. Pure White.-This is like the largebranching variety, but smaller. Rosy White.-A pretty, very pale, slightly lilac shade. Constantin Tretiakoff -Purple- red, lip yellow, tube white. Firefly.-Handsome and large carmine flowerwith white tube, and on the swelling of the lower lip a yellow stain. Nigricans. -Corresponds to the same variety among the large-branching kinds. Variegated. -Corresponds to the same variety among the large-branching kinds. Purple. The entire flower red, but the red on the tube duller. DWARF VARIETIES.— White. The spike of this is very short and the blooms very large, whilst the swelling of the lower lip is slightly tinged with pale lemon- yellow. Yellow. Similar to the larger-growing form, the flowers of a very pure sulphuryellow shade. CopperColour. -Rather larger than the two preceding varieties. Flowers copper red on a yellow ground. Variegated. Avariety differing slightly from the race, the spikes being perceptibly longer. The flowers are streaked and dotted on a yellow or white ground. 288 APERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. APONOGETON. CULTIVATION.-Snapdragons are easy of cultivation, light sandy and free soils suiting them. They are sown : ( 1 ) In August in the place where they are to grow, or preferably in seed-beds, in which latter case plant close to a south wall, sheltering from continued frosts with dry leaves or straw, planting out in spring 16 in. to 24 in. apart. (2 ) In June or July in seed-beds in a well- exposed posi- tion, planting out the seedlings in the spring. (3 ) In seed-beds (March to April) at the foot of a south wall. Transplant when the plants are sufficiently developed, and they may also be transplanted to seed-beds and planted out when the flowers commence to show themselves. By means of successive sowings it is possible to obtain an almost uninterrupted bloom from June until frost comes. Snapdragons are also propagated by cuttings made in the spring or summer, and even during the whole of flowering time. With Snapdragons, as with a great number of other plants, the colour of the stems and leaves of the young plants may to a certain point indicate to us what the colour of the flowers will be. Thus, kinds with green or light- coloured stems and leaves will have in nearly all cases white, or mainly white flowers, or of which the colour is undecided ; whilst of the plants which produce flowers of a decided colour the stems and the leaves are of a pronounced green tint, more or less purple or ruddy also. Aperaarundinacea. -Adainty slendergrowing Grass, almost rush-like in growth, bearing long weeping plumes of a glossy purplish-brown colour, and useful where graceful spray is wanted. The plumes dry well, and endure for a long time.-B. Aphanostephus ramosissimus. — A pretty half-hardy annual from Texas, scarcely more than 4 in. in height, much branched, every shoot producing a flower- head about 1 in. across, with a yellow disc, and violet- blue ray florets. It has a close carpet-like growth, and blooms freely throughout the summer. The same treat- ment as other half-hardy annuals. Aphyllanthes monspeliensis. A pretty Rush- like plant from Southern France, forming dense tufts I ft. or more high. Its flowers are deep blue and in. across. It is not important, though a tuft on the rougher slopes of the rock- garden will not be out of place. Apios tuberosa (Ground Nut).—A hardy climbing Pea-flower, with a tuberous root, from N. America. The flowers are a dull brownish-purple, violet scented , coming in summer. It is useful for arbours or for rambling over shrubs. Division of tubers. Aplectrum hyemale ( Adam and Eve). -An interesting hardy Orchid, from the Eastern United States, 6 to 12 in. high. The thick bulb sends up a large oval leaf in late summer, which lasts until the next summer, when the flower-stalk appears with a raceme of large flowers, greenishbrown and speckled with purple. Sandy moist spots in rich leaf-mould. Of little value for the garden. Aplopappus. -North American Composites. A. ciliatus is a robust annual, 3 to 4 ft. high, with bright yellow flower- heads 2 in. across. It blooms in summer and autumn. It may be treated as a biennial, the seed sown about August, or as a half-hardy annual, the seeds being sown under glass in spring. A. Fremonti is from 6 to 12 in. high, with erect stems and flower-heads, of a bright yellow, I in . across. Colorado, in high ground. Apocynum (Dogbane).-North American plants, of which there are four species in cultivation, but of little garden value. A. androsæniifolium ( Flytrap or Spreading Dogbane) is a curious plant from 2 to 3 ft. high, with small rose -coloured blossoms. A. cannabinum, the Indian Hemp, is similar, and so are A. hypericifolium and A. pubescens, probably only varieties of A. cannabinum. Aponogeton (Cape Pond-flower).—A beautiful and fragrant water-plant from the Cape of Good Hope, which, fortunately, is hardy in many parts of these islands. No 66 one has been more successful with it than the late Jas. McNab, of the Botanic Gardens at Edinburgh, who wrote me of it : 'Aponogeton distachyon has been growing in the pond of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Edinburgh for the last 40 years, and now forms many large patches in various parts of it. The pond was at one time a marsh ; when it was made, the bottom was causewayed with stones, placed in. apart, in order to allow the numerous springs, peculiar to that portion of land, freedom to rise between them. The pond varies from 2 to 5 ft. in depth, and the bottom is thickly coated with mud, arising from the tree-leaves which are annually blown into it. In this the Aponogeton thrives, and its seeds grow freely in the muddy bottom, and in consequence of the number of springs, portions of the pond are never coated with ice, even dur- ing the most severe winters. The overflow is very large, and is never found to vary at any time throughout the year, not even during very dry summers. Το these circumstances I attribute the healthy AQUILEGIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. AQUILEGIA. 289 condition of the beautiful Pond Weed, which flowers abundantly, not only during the spring, summer, and autumn, but often during the winter, in mild weather. Plants of it have been sent from this garden to many ponds throughout Great Britain, but in few has it been successful, evidently owing to the want of constant springs bubbling up amongst their roots, which causes a continual change of water. Plants of it have, however, succeeded in several mill-ponds where the water is kept warm by the condensed steam con- stantly thrown into them. " About London during the late severe winters there has been no more interesting sight than the profuse bloom of the fragrant Cape Aponogeton, whilst in the midland and cold districts it is necessary, for the perfect culture of this plant in the open air, to grow it in spring or other water that does not freeze ; but in mild districts and in the south of England this is not needed. It may be flowered in an inverted bell-glass in a room. In Devonshire it is grown to greater perfection than in the home counties or near London. Failures often result from putting it in too shallow water. A. spathaceum is a smaller-growing plant, with flowers tinged with rose. It is a poor form of the Cape Pond-flower. Aquilegia (Columbine). Charming plants, often beautiful in habit, colour, and in form of flower, widely distributed over the northern and mountain regions of Europe, Asia, and America, and their flowering period extends throughout May and June. Among them may be found great variety in colour-white, rose, buff, blue, and purple, and also stripes and intermediate shades even in the same flower, the American kinds having yellow, scarlet, and most delicate shades of blue flowers. The Columbines are frequently taller than most of the plants strictly termed alpine, but are nevertheless true alpine plants, and among the singularly beautiful of the class. The blue, and blue and white alpine kinds, living in the high bushy places in the Alps and Pyrenees, and, indeed, of all European and North Asian mountain chains, are among the fairest ofall flowers. Climbing the sunny hills of the sierras in California, one meets with a large scarlet Columbine (Aquilegia eximia or A. formosa) that has the vigour of a Lily and the grace ofa Fuchsia ; and in the mountains above Salt Lake City, in Utah, and on many others in the Rocky Mountain region, there is the Rocky Mountain Columbine Acoerulea), withits long and slender spurs most and lovely cool tints in its erect flowers. Indeed, there is no family that has a wider share in adorning the mountains. The finer Columbines are to the smaller alpine flowers what the Birches are to the hill shrubs. Some of the alpine species , however, are much smaller than those commonly grown--for example, the Pyre- nean Columbine (A. pyrenaica). Although our cottage gardens are alive with Columbines in much beauty of colour in early summer, there is some difficulty experienced in cultivating the rarer alpine varieties. Hence such highly valued kinds as the Altaian Columbine (A. glandulosa) and the Alpine Columbine (A. alpina) are rarely seen flowering well in gardens, and frequently perish. They require to be carefully planted in sandy or gritty though moist ground, and in well-drained ledges in the rock- garden, in half- shady positions or northern ex- posures. Most rare Columbines, however, fail to form enduring tufts in our gardens, and they must be raised from seed as frequently as good seed can be got. It is the alpine character of the home of many of the Columbines which makes the culture of some of the lovely kinds so uncertain, and which causes them to thrive so well in the north of Scotland while they fail in our ordinary dry garden borders. No plants are more capricious ; take, for instance, the charming A. glandulosa, grown like a weed at Forres, in Scotland, and so short- lived in most gardens. Nor is this an exception ; it is characteristic of all the mountain kinds, the best soil for them being deep, well-drained, rich alluvial loam. Mr. J. C. Niven suggests that all the Columbines, except the common one, should be looked upon as biennials rather than good persistent perennials. seeds should be sown early in spring, and the young plants pricked out into pans or into an old garden frame as soon as they are fit to handle, removing them early in August to the borders ; select a cloudy day for the work, and give them a little shading for a few days Carry out the same process year after year, the old plants being discarded after flowering. Few who have never grown these and other similar hardy plants in pots can realise how fresh and beautiful they are in spring in a cool house. They may be raised from seed ; the seedlings mayvary a little in colour and habit, but that scarcely detracts from their value. Sow thinly in light sandy soil, place the seed pots or pans in a close frame, prick off when large enough, and, finally, pot into U The 290 AQUILEGIA. AQUILEGIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. single pots and shift on during the summer into 6-in. pots, standing the pots on a coal-ash bed-or, better still, plunging them in the ashes to save watering. At the approach of cold weather, move them into a cold frame, and if the frost is very severe lay some litter over the glass to prevent the pots getting broken. A. alpina ( Alpine Columbine).—This plant, widely distributed over the higher parts ofthe Alps of Europe, is from I ft. to 2 ft. high, and has showy blue flowers. There is a lovely variety with a white centre to the flower, and many will say they have not got the "true" plant if they possess only the variety with blue flowers. It should be planted in the rock- garden in a rather moist and sheltered, but not shady, spot in deep sandy loam or peat. Increased by seed or division. In moist districts, and in free soil, it is a good border plant. A. californica (Californian Columbine). -One of the finest of the American species. The tendency of the plant is to produce one bold woody stem, 3 ft. high. The spurs are long and a bright orange ; and to appreciate the full beauty of the flower it must be turned up from its naturally pendent position, as then the beautiful shell- like arrangement of the petals becomes visible, the bright yellow marginal line gradually shading off into deep orange. The seeds should be carefully looked after, as having once blossomed the old plant may perish. This plant thrives best on a deep sandy loam and moist. Syn. , A. eximia, A. truncata, and A. formosa. A. canadensis (Canadian Columbine). -This was once our only New World Columbine. It was introduced from Virginia, and may be taken as the type of the scarlet-orange and yellow group. The flowers are smaller than the Western American kinds ; but this is compensated for bythe brilliancy of the scarlet colour of the sepals and of the erect spurs, and by the bright yellow of the petals. The true A. canadensis is a slender grower, I ft. in height. The flower seen in cultivation is often a cross, with vigour of growth and brilliancy of colour, and easily raised from seed. There is a yellow form. It is a plant for borders, for placing here and there among dwarf shrubs and plants in the rougher parts of the rock-garden, but is not among the best species. Writing of it from Long Island, Mr. Falconer says : "You should see this among the rocks. The Canada Columbine grows in abundance in North American woods, and always in rocky places ; there from it springs the narrowest chink, a little bush of leaves and flowers ; or may be in an earthy mat upon a rock you find a colony of Columbines, Virginian Saxifrages, and pale Corydalis ; they usually grow together." A. chrysantha (Golden Columbine).- This tall and beautiful species is as last- ing as a perennial on many soils where the other kinds perish. Like A. cœrulea it has a long slender spur, often over 2 in. in length. It is quite hardy, and thrives even on the stiff clay soils north of Lon- don, though it is no less free in more happy situations. It comes true from seed, which is most safely raised under glass, and the plant grows 4 ft. in height in good soil. Flower of Rocky Mountain Columbine. AI A. cœrulea (Rocky Mountain Columbine).- This is very beautiful, the green-tipped spurs of the flower being as slender as a thread, and have a tendency to twist round each other. But it is in the blue and white erect flower that the beauty lies, the effect being even better than in the blue and white form of the alpine Columbine. It is hardy, flowering early in summer, and from 12 in. to 15 in. high, being worthy of the best position on the rock-garden, and in choice mixed borders, where the soil is free and deep. Unlike the Golden Columbine, it is not perennial on many soils, though longer-lived in cool hill-gardens. To get healthy plants that AQUILEGIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. AQUILEGIA. 291 will flower freely, seeds should be sown annually, as the plant rarely does well after the second year, in many cases dying before that time. This should have a little bed to itself, from which its lovely flowers could be gathered for cutting and plants obtained when wanted. A coating of 2 in. of half-rotten leaves in summer would assist the bloom. As soon as the seed is ripe, it should be sown in cool frames near the glass, or in rough boxes in cool frames. With abundance offresh seed and beds offine soil there will be no difficulty in raising it in the open air, if it is protected from birds and slugs. M.," writing from Utah, says : " Some plants of this species seen in Utah seem to belong to a distinct variety ; their colour is not blue, or blue and white, but white or yellowish-white. They were flowering in great numbers 10,000 ft. above the sea wherever any tiny stream trickled down the mountain slopes ; and the flowers at a little distance reminded one more ofthose of Eucharis amazonica than anything else. The plant grows in handsome tufts 2 to 3 ft. high, the flowers large, and the spurs very long, with a rounded knob at the top. " seen. There is a variety A. atropurpurea. The sepals are green, but the petals are deep chocolate, whilst the plant is vigorous. It is suitable for a quiet corner in a bed A. glandulosa ( Altaian Columbine).— Abeautiful plant of tufted habit. Flowers in early summer-a fine blue, with tips of petals creamy-white, the spur curved backwards towards the stalk, the sepals dark blue, large, and nearly oval, with a long footstalk. It is a native of the Altai Mountains, and one of the most precious flowers for the rock-garden or the select border, in deep sandy soil. Increased by seed and careful division of the fleshyroots, when the plant is in full leaf. If divided when at rest, the roots are almost certain to perish, at least on cold soils. A. g. jucunda is less robust and tall than the type. A. Skinneri (Skinner's Columbine).— A distinct plant, the flowers produced later on slender pedicels, the sepals greenish, the petals small and yellow; the spurs are 2 in. long and bright orangered. Though from Guatemala, it comes from mountain districts, and is nearly hardy. It should be more often seen in gardens. Crossing with other kinds mars its beauty. While the name is often seen, the true plant is rare. A viridiflora. As a rule green flowers are not much admired, but this Siberian Columbine is charming ; the sage-green of the flower and the delicate tint of the leaf offering a singular contrast to other Columbines. In the border it may not be noticed, but if a spray or two are in a glass its beauty of form and colour is soon Siberian Columbine. THOUGH SC of shrubs or for any place among quietcoloured plants, and for nursery beds of hardy flowers. It has a delicate fragrance, and is raised from seed. A. vulgaris (Common Columbine).— One of the commonest of cottage garden plants. There are many forms in various colours, and double kinds, flowering from May till towards the end of summer. Mr. Niven states that at Broughton Woods, in North Lincolnshire, this Columbine raises its stately stems to a height of 3 ft. ; and in the month of May, when the Lily- of- theValley, which grows there by acres, adds its delicious perfume, a walk is charming, especially after a gentle shower. however valuable for the wild garden, the manyforms of the common Columbine are most useful for flower gardens, and it is occasionally worth while to raise them from fresh seed ofa good strain. It would also be well to select and fix varieties of distinct colours. One may often see a variety of the common Columbine nearly But, U 2 292 AQUILEGIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ARALIA. as handsome as any of the finest alpine species. A. Vervæneana is a form with yellowish mottled leaves, and A. v. alba has pure white flowers. The varieties of our common Columbine and some hybrid forms are so free and hardy that they may well be used in the wilder and more picturesque parts of large pleasuregrounds, by streams, in copses, or among Foxgloves, Geraniums, or long Grasses. The ground should be well dug if the vegetation is dense, and the seed sown on the spot. Where bare places occur, and White Columbine. seedlings have a chance of coming up without being strangled by other plants, seed may be scattered as soon as ripe. A. Witmanniana. -This is quite distinct from A. glandulosa, but often passing for it. It is one of the most vigorous and free- flowering of all the Columbines. The flowers have dark purple sepals and a white corolla, but are far inferior to those ofA. glandulosa ; it is, in fact, less pleas- ing than many seedling varieties of A. vulgaris which I have raised, but which, unfortunately, I can neither divide nor reproduce true from their own seed.-B. Arabis ( Rock Cress).-Alarge family of hill-plants, few of which are grown, though some are worth a place. A. albida (White Rock Cress) is a popular plant in gardens, and in the barrow of every London flower- hawker in spring. It will grow in any soil, in our cities as well as in the open country, where its sheets ofsnowy bloom may open in early spring. It is as easily increased as a weed, by seed, or cuttings, and is useful for the mixed border, the spring garden, and for naturalising in wild and bare rocky spots. In the rock-garden it is useful for ledges, and may also be used as an edging to beds of shrubs, though it is better to associate it in such positions with groups of plants like the Aubrietias, the rock Alyssum, and other easily grown alpine flowers that bloom early in the year. It is closely allied to the alpine Rock Cress ( A. alpina) so widely distributed on the Alps, but is distinct, and by far the best kind. The variegated variety, Arabis albida varie- gata, is useful for edging. It is the dwarfest and whitest of the variegated Rock Cresses. A. blepharophylla ( Rosy Rock Cress) is not unlike the white Arabis, but the flowers are rosy purple. It varies a good deal, but there is no difficulty in selecting a strain ofthe deepest rose, its healthy tufts being effective in April. In mild districts and on light soils it should be tried out every winter, but does not appear to have answered well after many trials, and its annual and tender character is against it as a rockplant. N. America. Propagated by seed. A. procurrens -a dwarf spreading kind, with shining leaves and whitish flowers- is not worth growing. There is, however, a fine variegated form (A. variegata). The prettiest ofthe variegated Rock Cresses is A. lucida variegata, thriving best and is easiest to increase by division in open and sandy yet moist soil ; the best time to divide it is in early autumn, in April, or early in May. The flowers should be removed when they appear. The green form (A. lucida) is a useful edging plant. A. arenosa, from the south of Europe, is a pretty annual in the spring garden or naturalised on old ruins or dry bare banks. A. petræa is a neat sturdy little plant, with pure white flowers ; it is a native of some ofthe higher Scottish mountains, rare but very pretty when well grown on a moist well- exposed spot on the rock-garden. A. stelleri, a Chinese species, is a much freer flowering plant than A. blepharophylla ripening seed freely and easily grown in the rock- garden. Aralia. Plants of diverse aspects, but few of them fitted for open air, except A. canescens and A. spinosa, which thrive in our gardens, and which in size and beauty of leaf are far before many " fine- foliaged ARALIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ARALIA. 293 plants " carefully grown in hothouses. These and even the tender kinds may find a place in the flower garden, and the vigorous herbaceous ones in the wood- land. By cutting the shrubby species down occasionally they may be kept in the condition of fine-leaved plants, like the Ailantus treated in like manner. The Aralias described are now placed under Fatsia, but we retain the older name asbetter known in gardens. A. papyrifera (Chinese Rice-paper plant), though a native of the hot island of Formosa, is useful for the greenhouse in winter and the flower garden in summer. It is handsome in leaf, and, like all the large-leaved plants, must be protected from cutting They should then be removed to a colder temperature, and thence to a frame to harden off. In the south of England this plant is almost hardy, and may be wintered in a cold frame, but kept dry." A. Sieboldi. -A shrubby species, with fine green leaves, usually grown as a greenhouse plant, but nearly hardy, and at handsome bush on dry soils. It grows well in rooms ; and, in fact, it is one of the few plants of like character that will carry leaves there in winter. It may be used in the flower garden or the pleasureground, for isolated specimens on the turf, or for association with fine-leaved plants ; but it soon turns yellow and unhappylooking if exposed to full midday sunshine Aralia Sieboldi. winds. Dwarf stocky plants are best when planting it in early summer in rich deep soil. Give plenty of water during the hot summer months. In the north it is not so useful in the open air as in the South and about London. "J." writes : " Its stem, being nearly all pith, does not strike readily ; but if the roots near it are examined they will be found to be fleshy. When the plant is taken up, cut each root into pieces about 1 in. long ; insert them in light soil, cover the whole, and place them on a shelf near the glass in a temperature of 80°. They will throw out shoots, which should be left until 3 in. in length, when they may be potted, leaving them in heat, say, of 70°, until established. It is also hardier in the shade, its foliage browning badly if caught too suddenly by the sun after hard frosty nights . Seeing how distinct and handsome this Aralia is when fresh and happy out-of- doors in mild districts near the sea, one wonders that it is so rarely seen, especially in those shady and sheltered town gardens whose appearance would be benefited by plants of this kind. For contrasting with Japanese Bamboos, Aucubas, cut- leaved Maples, and Ivies of various kinds, there are but few plants that can rival that now illustrated, grown either in the form of single specimens or grouped naturally together in a bold mass with feathery Bamboos for contrast, or such noble- 294 ARBUTUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ARBUTUS. habited plants as Rodgersia podophylla, Polygonum sachalinense, or the hardy Fan Palm ( Chamærops Fortunei). Syn. , Fatsia japonica. A. spinosa (Angelica Tree) is useful among sub-tropical plants from the beauty of its foliage. Like many hardy things, it should not be placed where it would be necessary to remove it, or associated with tender plants requiringfrequent removal Its small white flowers appear in tiful evergreen A. Unedo is chiefly met with in warm and coast districts, where it grows 20 ft. high or more. Inland it is cut down in severe winters. There are varieties of it, one of the best being A. Croomei, which has longer and broader leaves than the common kind. The variety rubra has almost bright scarlet flowers in autumn. One variety has double flowers, while others differ from the oriAralia spinosa. From a photograph sent by Mr. C. L. Mayor, Paignton, Devon. autumn. In most cases it has a single erect stem, and should be kept to this, the stem being clad with fierce spines. This fine shrub has often been put in exposed places, but is better where its great leaves will not be torn, and in every size from that downto a plant with a stem not more than 18 in. high may be used in the flower garden. Cuttings of the roots. N. America. Arbutus (StrawberryTree).- The beauginal in the size and form of leaves. Thus there are the Oak-leaved (quercifolia), Myrtle-leaved (myrtifolia or microphylla), Willow, or narrow-leaved (salicifolia), and the crimpled-leaved form ( crispa) , all of which are interesting, but not so beautiful as the common sort, or as Croomei and rubra. S. Europe. Also wild in the south of Ireland. The other species are not so important as flowering trees, though ARCTOMECON. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ARCTOTIS. 295 they are invaluable Evergreens. They are more tree- like than A. Unedo. A. Andrachne, with smooth ruddy-tinged bark, is hardy everywhere in the south and coast districts. About London it reaches a height of over 15 ft. It grows Flowers of Arbutus Unedo (Strawberry tree). wild in Greece, and is a very old tree in gardens. A. hybrida, said to be a hybrid between A. Unedo and A. Andrachne, is hardy, and in growth resembles both its parents ; its flower-clusters are larger than those ofA. Unedo, and smaller than those ofA. Andrachne. A. Milleri is handsome, its flowers pink and its leaves large. A. procera (also called A. Menziesi), from N.-W. America, is not common, and resembles A. Andrachne, but is less hardy. Other kinds named in catalogues -photinæfolia, magnifica, Rollissoni, serratifolia, laurifolia, or andrachnoides-are either identical with the foregoing or varieties ofthem. Arctomecon californicum. -A American plant of the Poppy family, of which little is known. N. Arctostaphylos. Of this group A. alpina is useful for rocky banks, edging bog-beds, or even in bogs. A. Úva-ursi ( Bear-berry) is a dwarf evergreen moun- tain shrub, I ft. high-often less -some- times grown with rock- plants. It has small rose flowers in early summer and red berries in autumn. Abundant in hilly places in Europe and N. America. Grows in any soil, but prefers a moist border or ledge, and may be increased by division. Arctotis. -These Cape plants number between forty and fifty species. They are little known. Although many have been cultivated, it would be difficult to find more than half a dozen distinct kinds in collections. They require similar treatment to Calceolarias. The bright colours of many of the species are more intense with the light and exposure of the open air than when the plants are cramped in pots in a greenhouse. Dry sunny banks often devoid of plant life might be beautifully clothed with them. Although true sun-loving plants, they may be used as a groundwork in spots where, unmindful of the shade if not too dense, they flower almost as freely as when fully exposed to the sun. A. acaulis is apparently a very variable species. The flowers are large, attractive, and of a deep rich orange. A. acaulis does not ripen seed freely, but is easily propagated from side shoots. A. aspera is a half-shrubby species, with deeply cut and wrinkled leaves and creamy flowers, purplish outside. It may be used in vases and hanging baskets, the exquisite pink buds being pretty. Cuttings strike readily in heat. A. aureola is known in gardens as A. grandiflora. It is of shrubby habit, I to 2 ft. in height, and bears its hand- some orange flowers towards the end of the branches. Cuttings taken offtowards CARDEN Arctotis arborescens. the end of July and August root freely in a cold frame. 296 ARENARIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ARISEMA. Other kinds are A. Leichtliniana, known in gardens as A. speciosa. In habit it is similar to A. aureola, but more straggling, and the golden-yellow flowers are not quite so large. A. leptorhiza is one ofthe most showy annuals we grow, with abun- dance of rich orange flowers. The seeds may be sown in the open air, the plant being treated as a hardy annual. A sunny spot should be chosen, and the seedlings well thinned. -K. Arenaria ( Sandwort).-A very numerous family, of vast distribution over northern and alpine ranges, and in temperate countries. Few kinds ofthe great number known are in gardens, and these kinds are dwarf plants, easy to grow, and well suited for the rock-garden. A. balearica (Balearic Sandwort).-A pretty little plant, which coats rocks and stones with verdure, and scatters overthe green mantle countless white starry flowers. Plant firmly in any common soil near the stones or rocks it is to cover, and it will soon begin to clothe them. Flowers in spring, is readily increased by division, and is quite easy to grow. On cold soils it perishes in winter, but its home is the rock-garden. I first used it for carpets beneath tea roses at Gravetye, and also for low rough stone walls against banks, over which it spreads in myriads. Corsica. A. montana (Mountain Sandwort).-- A pretty rock- plant, having the habit of a Mountain Sandwort (Arenaria montana). Cerastium, and fine large white flowers. It is the best of the large Sandworts, and should be in every collection of rockplants, being hardy and free, and is there- fore best to go with the more vigorous rock-plants. France. Seed or division. A. norwegica is one of the best kinds, | forming dense cushions about 6 in. in diameter, and covered with large white flowers throughout the summer. A fine alpine plant. Norway. A. purpurascens (Purplish Sandwort). -An interesting kind with purplish flowers, on a dwarftufted mass of smooth pointed leaves. It is plentiful over the Pyrenean mountains, hardy, and, like the other kinds, increased by seed or division. It should be associated in the rock-garden with the smallest plants. Among other Sandworts in cultivation, the best are A. ciliata, a rare British plant ; A. verna, A. triflora, A. laricifolia, A. graminifolia, and A. tetraquetra. These, however, are scarcely worth growing, except in botanical collections. Arethusa bulbosa. -Abeautiful American hardy Orchid, which grows in wet meadows or bog- land, blossoming in May and June. Each plant bears a bright rose- purple flower that shows well on its bed of Sphagnum, Cranberry, and Sedge. The little bulbs grow in a mossy mat formed bythe roots and decaying herbage of plants and moss. In cultivation it requires the same soil, and get the leafas well matured as possible. A shady moist spot with a northern exposure is best, and the soil should be a mixture ofwell-rotted manure and Sphagnum. During winter, protect the bed with some cover, for it is not so hardy in gardens as in its bog home. Aretia Vitaliana (Androsace). Argemone (Prickly Poppy).-Handsome Poppy-like plants, said to be perennial, but perishing on moist soils after the first year. As they come from the warmer parts of Cali- fornia and Mexico, and even there grow on dry hill-sides and in warm valleys, their perishing here may be understood. Usually about 2 ft. high, having large white flowers 4 in. across with a bunch of yellow_sta- mens in the centre. They should have a warm loam, and go with the choicest annual flowers. The kinds mostly grown are A. mexicana, A. grandiflora, and A. hispida, which are so much alike in habit as not to need separate description. Seed in a warm frame. Arisæma (Indian Turnip).- N. Ameri- ARISTOLOCHIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ARNICA. 297 can plants of the Arum Order, and though curious are of little merit for the ordinary garden. In A. triphylla the spathe is curiously marked with purple and white stripes, and is called "Jack in the Pul- pit in America. Some of the Arisæmas are hardy and grow easily on the margins ofbeds of shrubs. Aristolochia Sipho ( Dutchman's Pipe). -This well- known large-leafed plant is generallyused as awall-plant, but is far finer for covering bowers, or any such structure, or for clambering up trees or over stumps. A. tomentosa is smaller, but distinct in its tone of green, and is well worthy to be employed in like manner, both plants coming from N. America. They grow with freedom in ordinary garden soil. The hardy shrubby kinds are not impor- tant. The family is a large one, mainly tropical, but some ofthe forms go intothe northern countries. Propagate by cuttings. Armeria ( Thrift, Sea Pink).- Pretty plants ofthe Statice Order, most of which are worth growing. The best known is the common A. vulgaris ( Thrift) . This native of our shores, and of the tops of the Scottish mountains, is very pretty with its flowers of soft lilac or white, springing from cushions of Grass-like leaves ; but it is the deep rosy form, rarely seen wild, that best deserves cultivation. It is like the common Thrift, save that the flowers are of a showy rose. It is useful for the spring garden, for banks or borders in shrubberies, for edgings, and for the rockgarden, and is easily increased by division. As old plants do not bloom so long as young ones, occasional replanting is desirable. In addition to the white variety and the old dark red one, there are Crimson Gem and laucheana, the flowers intense pink. A. cæspitosa, a rosecoloured kind from the south of Europe, 5000 to 8000 ft . above the sea- level. Its flower-heads, each from in. to I in. in diameter, are borne on slender stems I to 2 in. high, from June to September. The leaves are in dense tufts, with a branching woody root-stock. A rock-garden plant, thriving in any well-drained, rather poor, sandy loam. In wet weather apt to damp off at the neck in rich soil. It is increased by seeds. A. cephalotes (Great Thrift), one of the best hardy flowers from South Europe and South Africa, and should be in every good border and rock-garden among the taller plants. Hardy on free and well- drained soils, it now and then perishes in hard winters, especially on cold soils. It should therefore have good dry and sandy loam . It is known as Armeria formosa, A. latifolia, A. mauritanica, A. Pseudo1 Armeria, Statice lusitanica, and Statice Pseudo-Armeria. It varies a little from seed which is easily raised, but all the forms are worth growing. It is not, however, so readily got from division. The Great Thrift (Armeria cephalotes). This species and its forms have flowers much larger than the common Thrift. A. setacea, an alpine species, its little globose heads of pink flowers being so numerous as almost to conceal the plant. Flower-stems from 1 to 3 in. high. This and A. juncea are found in the S. of France on barren stony mounds and on elevated tablelands. They are hardy, of easy culture, growing freely in stony earth, either in the open border, on rocks, or in pots. It Arnebia echioides (Prophet-flower).-- These Borage- worts are among the hand- somest of border flowers. A. echioides is 1 ft. to 18 in. high. The flowers, of a bright primrose-yellow, have. five black spots on the corolla, which gradually fade to a lighter shade, and finally disappear. is hardy, succeeds either on the rock- garden or in a well-drained border, and prefers partial shade. It is a native of the Caucasus and Northern Persia, and though long introduced is still among the rarest of hardy flowers, although it has got commoner lately. Young plants bloom long, which adds to their charms. Seeds are not freely produced, but it may be increased by cuttings. A. Griffithi is a tender annual, and though pretty not so valuable as A. echioides. Arnica. One or two at a time are sometimes cultivated, but are of slight value 298 ARONICUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ARUM. considering the great number of good plants of the same family there are in gardens. A. montana, with orange- yellow flowers, is occasionally grown in botanical collections. Aronicum. -A small and unimportant family. A. glaciale ( Glacier A. ) , 6 to 9 in. high, has large yellow flowers, one to a stem. A. scorpioides ( Mountain A. ) , I ft. high, has large orange flowers, also one to a stem, and is the same as Arnica scorpioides. Alps of Europe ; propagated by seed and division. Arrow-head (Sagittaria sagittifolia). Artemisia ( Wormwood).—Herbs and low bushes occupying a large part of the surface of northern and arid regions. Though often poor weeds, some have a use in gardens, though rarely for their flowers. A. anethifolia is one ofthe most graceful herbaceous perennials, 5 ft. in height. A. annua IS a graceful plant with tall stems 5 or 6 ft. high, the foliage fine, and the flowers, though inconspicuous, arranged in elegant panicles. The hue is a fresh and pleasing green, and the plant is a graceful centre of a flower-bed or group. A. gracilis is graceful, 3 or 4 ft. high, with leaves cut into hair-like segments, having some resemblance to Fennel. Other kinds, like A. alpina and A. frigida, belong to an alpine group which is at home in the rock- garden, while there are many taller herbaceous and half- woody plants of a silvery hue, such as A. Stelleriana, A. cana, A. mari- tima, and some with handsome Fern-like foliage like A. tanacetifolia. Other species are for the most part less ornamental than the common Wormwood and Southernwood. There is, however, what is called an Indian form of the common A. vulgaris which grows about 8 ft. Mostly raised from seed, but also from cuttings. The taller and more graceful kinds are effective among groups of plants of fine habit or graceful foliage. In districts too cold for half-hardy plants some of them might be ofgood service. Artichoke, Globe ( Cynara Scolymus). Arum, Bog (Calla palustris). Arum Lily (Calla aethiopica). Arum (Cuckoo Pint).- Plants mostly from warmer countries than ours. Some from South Europe are hardy, and of interest in our gardens ; for example, the Italian Arum (A. italicum ), the foliage of which is handsome in winter and spring. The old Dragon's Arum (A. Dracunculus) is curious, and A. crinitum is still more so. They thrive best in warm borders and about the sunny side of garden walls, the Italian Arum thriving more cut freely. Some nine or ten kinds are found in South Europe, two coming as far north as our own country. Often growing with the Primroses, we find peer- ing through the Moss or Ivy- clad bank the shining green leaves of our native Wild Arum, familiarly known as " Lords and Ladies " and " Cuckoo Pint. " Closely related to it is A. Arisarum of the South of Europe and A. azoricum of the Azores. A. crinitum (Dragon's Mouth).—This plant when in flower is very grotesque, from the singular shape of its broad speckled spathe. The leaves are into deep segments, and the leaf- stalks, overlapping each other, form a sort of spurious stem I ft. or 14 in. high, marbled and spotted with purplish-black. The treatment is similar to that for A. Dracunculus, but is rather more tender. Warm borders, fringes of shrubberies, or beds of the smaller sub-tropical plants suit it best. The appearance of the flower is rather repulsive. In this species the carrion-like smell known in other kinds is strongly developed, and doubtless gave rise to Linnæus's name of A. muscivorum, as it attracts the larger flies in quest of a suitable place for their eggs. Division of tubers. A. Dracontium ( Green Dragon Arum) is abundant in the moist and swampy districts of Virginia and New England. The graceful curving of the veins adds a special charm to the plant ; the spathe is greenish. A. triphyllum, A. gramineum, A. spirale, A. corsicum, A. tenuifolium , and other species are in cultivation. A. Dracunculus (Dragons, Snake Plant), from South Europe, generally attains a height, when growing vigorously, of 2 to 3 ft.; the leaves large ; the stalks and stem of a fleshy colour, deeply mottled with black, reminding one of the skin of a snake, whence its popular name of Snake Plant, and the large spathe is deep chocolate. At certain stages a disagreeable odour is given off by the flower, reminding one of decomposing animal matter. It loves best a corner to itself in sandy loam at the foot of a south wall. Many would not care for a plant having such an odour. Division. A. italicum (Italian Arum) is larger than our native Arum ; the veins blotched with yellow. As they come very early in the season, they are attractive in the flower border. In the autumn, when they have died away, the clusters of scarlet berries, on foot- stalks 10 in. or 12 in. long, are showy. The true use for it is as a naturalised plant, or in the shrubbery, where its handsome leaves will come up ARUNDINARIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ARUNDO. 299 bravely in spring. Although hardy, and thriving anywhere in moist soil and a shady place, it prefers sheltered positions along the sunny margins of shrubberies, amid low-spreading evergreens, and in cosy spots about ferneries, so as to prevent its handsome foliage from being disfigured it reaches a height of nearly 12 ft., and is worth a place, even where it does not grow very well. It flowers before the Pampas Grass, and is a forerunner of that magnificent plant, making a noble specimen for the lawn. It commences blooming in July, lasting until the CARDENING Arum crinitum (Dragon's Mouth). by wintry winds. Shade the roots for increase in the end of summer. Arundinaria (Bambusa). Arundo (Great Reed).-An important family of Grasses, some of great value. A. conspicua (New Zealand Reed).- A companion for the Pampas Grass, especially in the western counties and on good soils. In some fine deep loams " end of October, but the Pampas rarely comes out in full flower before November. Grown in tubs in a cool greenhouse or winter garden it is very handsome, and its silky plumes last in perfection much longer than in the open air. It likes strong, fibrous, loamy soil, plenty of water nearly all the year round, and may be in- creased by seeds or division. It requires 300 ARUNDO. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ASCLEPIAS. careful planting, and generally several years' growth after transplanting before flowering. A. Donax (Great Reed). This great Reed of the south of Europe is a noble plant on good soils. In the south of England it makes canes 10 ft. high, and has a striking aspect. It will grow even higher in a rich deep soil in a warm garden, but in our country prefers deep sandy soil to heavy ones, and loves shelter. It has suffered much in recent severe winters, perishing in some southern gardens where it developed most strongly. But, fine as it is for effect and distinctness, its variegated variety is of more value for the flower garden proper. A. d. Versicolor is nearly hardy in the southern counties, and north of London may be saved by a little mound of cocoa-fibre, sifted coal-ashes, or like material. It is best suited to warm, free, and good soils, and dislikes clay. As the centre of a circular bed nothing is better in the summer flower garden, while other charming uses may be made of it. Not the least happy of these would be a group on the turf, in a warm spot. It is better to leave it in the ground than to take it up annually, protecting the roots in the winter, whether in the middle of a flower-bed or alone on the Grass. It is increased by placing a shoot or a stem in a tank of water, when little plants with roots will soon start from every joint. These should be cut off, potted, and placed in frames, where they will soon be strong enough for planting out. A. mauritanica . -This is a fine Grass, a native of the southern shores of the Mediterranean, hardy in the neighbourhood of Paris, where it reaches a height of about 4 ft. It might be grown with a collection of aquatics or Grasses. A. Phragmites (Common Reed).—A native marsh or water-plant, 6 ft. or more high, bearing when in flower a large, handsome, spreading, purplish panicle. Useful for the margins of artificial waters, to which it may be brought from its wild haunts. It should, however, if possible, be kept in one spot and not allowed to spread too much. Where it grows wild there is usually no scarcity of it, and it is an excellent cover for ducks. Asarum (Asarabacca).—Curious little plants resembling Cyclamens in their leaves, but of little value except as curiosities, and occasionally as wood or shrubbery plants. A. canadense is the Canadian Snake-root, which bears in spring curious brownish-purple flowers, the roots being strongly aromatic, like Ginger. A. virginicum is the Heart Snake-root. Leaves thick and leathery, withthe upper surface mottled with white. Sometimes used as a spice ; hence the common name Wild Ginger. The plants are more or less used in medicine. A. caudatum is from Oregon, and much like the others in habit, but the divisions of the flower have long tail- like appendages. A. europæum is the Asarabacca, the flowers being greenish, about in. long, and produced close to the ground. Asclepias (Milk- weed, Silk-weed).—A large group confined to the New World, and, with but few exceptions, to the northern part of it. Almost all are hardy, though not showy. The following are a few of the most distinct :-- A. Cornuti ( The Common Milk-weed). —Avigorous plant, 4 ft . in height, bearing nodding umbels of deep purple fragrant flowers, of which bees seem fond. It is quite hardy, easily increased ; and blooming a considerable time, it should prove a valuable bee-flower. Syn. , A. syriaca. A. incarnata (Swamp Milk- weea) . Three ft. in height, with long leaves and leafy stems, and umbels of rosy purple flowers in pairs. The variety called pulchra has broader foliage than that of the type. A good waterside plant. A. purpurascens (Purple Milk-weed). --A distinct species, the stems slender, from 2 to 3 ft. high, with umbels of bright purple blossoms. A. quadrifolia (Four-leaved Milkweed).-A fragrant flower, and the earliest to blossom-coming into bloom in early summer ; I to 2 ft. high, with one or two whorls of four leaves about the middle of the stem ; but the other leaves -lower and upper-are in pairs, and the terminal heads of lilac-tinged white flowers are sweet and pretty. -W. F. A. rubra (Red Milk- weed).---A distinct kind with long bright green foliage, and stems 3 to 4 ft. in height ; umbels large, and from two to five deep purplish-red flowers. Syn. , A. acuminata. A. Sullivanti. -Similar to A. Cornuti, but the fragrant flowers are larger, and deeper in colour. A. tuberosa ( The Butterfly Weed).— One of the most beautiful of autumnal flowers. It is a hardy perennial, having a thick root, and erect leafy stems about 2 ft. in height, crowned with corymbs of bright orange-red flowers. It loves sandy soil, and, when well established, is very pretty. During hot autumns it bears seeds from which good flowering plants may be obtained in three years ; but it ASCLEPIAS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ASPHODELINE. 301 is mostly increased by division of tubers. A good border plant, but only on warm soils. A. variegata (Variegated Milk- weed). -Stems spotted and downy, 2 to 3 ft. high ; the flowers white, with a reddish centre, in large umbels. One of the showiest of the family. A. verticillata ( Whorled Milk- weed). -Distinct in its slender habit, narrow leaves, and delicate, small white flowers, which are abundant in summer. soil nearly 2 ft. high. In poor Ascyrum ( St. Peter's Wort).-A small genus of sub- shrubby plants of little garden value. The best-known, A. Crux Andreæ ( St. Andrew's Cross), is a small yellow-flowered kind, often classed with the St. John's Wort ( Hypericum). Asimina(Virginian Papaw).-A North American shrub, interesting to those who like curious plants. A. triloba, with leaves like the Chimonanthus, forms a small tree, with dull purple flowers, about 2 in. A climbing Asparagus. Миров across. It bears fruits eaten by the in- habitants of the Southern States ; hence the name. Sometimes grown against a wall in this country, but hardy as a standard, at least about London. Asparagus. Some species are interI esting from their elegant leaves or bold habit. The vigorous and tall A. Broussoneti is quite hardy, and so are A. tenuifolius and others. The common Asparagus is as good as any, and a tuft or group of it is graceful in a border of flowers or a bed of fine- leaved plants. Asperula odorata ( Woodruff).-This little wood- plant, abundant in many parts of Britain, is worthy of the garden or shrubbery, especially in places where it does not occur wild. Many would like to preserve its stems and leaves for the fragrant hay- like odour they give off when dried ; and in May the small white flowers, profusely dotted over the tufts of whorled leaves, are pretty. It will cover the earth in a shrubbery where the barbarous practice of annually digging up the borders is not resorted to. It is sometimes used as an edging to beds in cottage gardens, but it is, however, as a wood or shrubbery plant-as a companion to the Wood Hyacinth and the Wood Anemone that it will be at home. It is largely used in Germany for flavouring summer drinks. It mixes charmingly with Ivy where that clothes the ground. A. azurea setosa (A. orientalis) is a pretty hardy blue annual, flowering in April and May. Sow seed in the previous autumn. A. cynanchica is a rosy-red perennial, and a good bank or rough rock- plant. Asphodel (Asphodelus). The name is also applied to Narcissus poeticus in some parts of the country. Asphodelus (Asphodel). Liliaceous plants, not long in bloom, and not of the first order of beauty. There are some half a dozen kinds in cultivation. The best-known is the bold A. ramosus ( tall Asphodel), a South European species, familiar in most old herbaceous plant borders, but better fitted for the shrubbery or the wild garden. The stems grow from 3 to 5 ft. high, and bear numerous white flowers, whilst forms of it are albus, cerasiferus, and microcarpus, similar to the type in general aspect. Other kinds are A. fistulosus and tenuifolius, with white flowers, the plant growing from 1 to 3 ft. high in any border or position. The last-named kind has delicate feathery foliage, and is a contrast to bold foliage plants. A. acaulis (the stemless Asphodel) is only an inch or so high, and bearing its flowers in a dense cluster, surrounded by a tuft of narrow Grass- like foliage. A. luteus is synonymous with Asphodeline lutea. Asphodeline. -Plants nearly allied to the preceding, but the stems of Aspho- delus are leafless, while in Asphodeline 302 ASPIDISTRA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ASPLENIUM. the leaves are produced on erect stems. About six kinds are in cultivation , the best-known being A. lutea (tall yellow Asphodel), which grows about 3 ft. high, with yellow flowers in dense clustered spikes. A. taurica has white flowers, on stems I to 2 ft. high. A. liburnica (A. cretica) and A. tenuior have yellow flowers in loose racemes. A. damascena has white blossoms in dense racemes, and A. brevicaulis has yellow flowers in loose racemes. These all thrive in any common garden soil, and may be used in bold masses with good effect among other tall plants. Aspidistra lurida (Parlour Palm).- A native of Japan, 18 to 24 in. high, with long graceful evergreen leaves and dull purple flowers on the surface of the soil. One of the most lasting of fineleaved plants in rooms, for which purpose the variegated form is most used. Both are used with good effect in some gardens, and the plant is hardy in certain districts. The way to increase the plants is by division of the roots, but they are of slow growth. These Aspidium (Shield or Wood Fern).-- | This family now embraces the Polystichum and some species of Lastrea. There are numerous hardy kinds, including some of the finest hardy Ferns, among them the Male Fern (A. Filix-mas) and the Prickly Shield Fern. thrive even in small town gardens and places similarly confined . All they require is plenty of water in hot dry weather. Either alone or in groups they have a fine effect, particularly as an undergrowth to trees in the pleasure- ground or in the shadier parts of the garden, and are evergreen. Their varieties are endless, no fewer than a hundred named sorts of A. aculeatum and fifty of A. Filix-mas being enumerated in trade lists . The larger varieties have a fine effect in shady spots, but the smaller and more delicate kinds require more care. aculeatum succeeds best in rich loam, with sand and leaf-mould, well drained, and so does the Male Fern. A. A. dilatatum (Broad Buckler Fern) is a pretty Fern, of which there are some handsome varieties, especially the crested sorts. It requires a fibrous peat loam and sand and a moist situation. A. cristatum (Crested Shield Fern) is hand- some and easily grown. A. Lonchitis (the Holly Fern) is one of the finest ever- green hardy Ferns. It grows in clefts of rocks, and in gardens should be planted between pieces of grit rock in a mixture of loamy turfy peat and sand. A. munitum is a beautiful North American species, requiring little beyond a peaty soil and a shady situation. Other good ferns are A. rigidum, A. Oreopteris, A. Thelypteris, A. spinulosum, A. cristatum, A. acrostichoides, A. montanum, which succeed in a mixture of loam, turfy peat, and sand, in moist and shady corners. Asplenium (Spleenwort). — The fine dark green colour and free- growing character of most of the Spleenworts give the distinct value. The best soil for them is a well- drained mixture of peat, sand, and loam, in which the finer kinds of flowering shrubs, such as Kalmias and Andromedas, thrive. A. Adiantum-nigrum (the black Spleenwort) would be at home amongst hardy Azaleas, as they lose their foliage in winter, and the Spleenwort would then carpet the surface. The shade, too, of Azaleas in the summer, if not planted too thickly, would suit this Spleenwort, which when wild fringes copses or is found on hedge-banks, where it gets a little pro- tection from the summer sun. There are several distinct forms of this Asplenium, the most remarkable perhaps being grandiceps and microdon, both good kinds. A. filix-foemina is more often known as Athyrium, the lady Fern, and described underthat group. A. fontanum is a lovely alpine Fern, which loves to grow beneath overhanging rocks. It does well in pots, in fibrous loam, with a mixture of calcareous chippings aboutthe size ofWalnuts. A. marinum is one of the most beautiful evergreen Ferns, but is far from being generally hardy. A. imbricatum is a fine variety, with beautifully fringed and crisped fronds. A. germanicum (alternifolium) is a rare kind for a shady spot in the alpine garden. It is hardy, and, although difficult to grow, worth much care. A fine variety is A. g. acutidentatum, with elegant little fronds 2 to 3 in. in length. A. lanceolatum has abundance of dark shining green fronds, frequently 15 in. high. The variety microdon is distinct. A. Ruta- muraria, the Wall Rue, is a pretty little plant for walls , and for the chinks of rocks. Cristatum and crispum are good varieties. A. Trichomanes, the common Maidenhair Spleenwort, is a handsome hardy species, with dark- green fronds. The variety crispum is finely tasselled ; incisum is a handsome variety, with fronds much divided ; and multifidum is distinct, each branchlet ending in a little crest. Like all the Spleenworts, it requires free welldrained soil. A few pieces of stone placed on the soil round the roots are helpful. The stones might be partly buried in the soil. ASPLENIUM. THE ASTER. 303 ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. Our smaller Ferns should be used amongst hardy flowers as carpets to the taller plants in shady parts of the rock-garden. A. Nidus (A. australasicum) is the Bird's- nest Fern, andwherelarge collections of tropical Ferns are grown is a favourite plant. It may be tried in a warm, shady, and perfectly sheltered position. Aster. We are apt to associate the name of Aster with the annuals known as China Asters, and to overlook the rightful owners ofthe name-those hardy flowers, literally stars of the earth, which shine all and of bud and blossom is delightful. For the most part Starworts are regardless of cold or rain. Less showy than the Chrysanthemum, they are more refined in colour and form, and when examined will be found full of exquisite grace. Where not introduced into the flower garden, they should always be grown for cutting, and some kinds would thrive admirably in a copse or hedgerow. The essential point is to get the distinct kinds, of which the following are among the best that flower in early October : Asplenium australasicum (Australian Bird's- nest Fern). the brighter owing to the time when they are in perfection. During the last days of autumn, when our gardens are nearly bare of bright colour, and hardy flowers are mostly at their lowest ebb, Michaelmas Daisies bloom bravely. Nearly all the kinds, of which there are at least two hundred in books, are natives of North America, two beautiful forms (A.Thomsoni and A. diplostephioides) coming from the Himalayas. There is a quiet beauty about the more select Starworts, or Michaelmas Daisies, which is charming in the autumn days. The variety of colour, of form, Aster amellus (bessarabicus), acris, cassubicus, turbinellus, Chapmani, versicolor, pulchellus, cordifolius, Reevesi, discolor, discolor majus, purpuratus, laxus, horizontalis, ericoides, Shorti, multiflorus, dumosus, Curtisi, lævis, longifolius coccineus, longifolius var. Madame Soynuce, sericeus, and fragilis. Every year adds to our autumn-blooming hardy plants, and a choice may best be made by autumn visits to gardens containing collections. As yet gardeners seldom look at general effectsat the whole of things. The flowers are so dear to themthat the garden, as a picture, 304 ASTER. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ASTER. is left to chance, and hence there is so much ugliness and formality in gardens, to those at least who regard the robe as morethan the buttons. Some years ago Starworts were rarely seen except in bundles in botanic gardens. Since the hardy flower revival, they have become more frequent in collections, but as yet they have no important place in gardens generally. As soon as the heavy groundwork near the house allowed the planting of belts and groups of flowering shrubs, I dotted a few of the best Starworts through them, to furnish the bare ground between them, and to flower in due season. The result was charming. Previously the wreaths of Starwort waved in the October winds. The bad effect of staking and bundling was wholly got rid of, the plants were Cambridge, from the Dublin College Gardens, from Munstead, and from the Hall Farm Nurseries. They came with and without names, tall and short, good and bad. Asters vary much, and they have many names ; so that it was well to find out the best, and to give them good English names. The effect of the greater number of plants was very pretty. We had lovely colours showing well through large masses of shrubs and visible in the distance, while the colours were held well together-i.e. naturally massed flowers of one kind. The colour was telling and refined ; absolutely different, it need scarcely be said, from the pattern stuff of the ordinary flower garden. And now for a few words as regards the elements of the picture, for such it was. Aster elegans (Lilac Starwort). supported and relieved by the bushes, and their flowers were massed above them here and there. Those that were dwarfer than the shrubs were not less valuable, as they helped to give light and shade, and helped to avoid the common way of setting plants to a face as if they were so many bricks. This is not the only way ofgrowing these hardiest of northern flowers, but it is a charming one, and it lights up the garden with a new loveliness of refined colour. I Pleased with the results of these in a few small plantings, I obtained from different sources specimens of probably all the Starworts in the British Isles. asked for all, and many were kindly sent me by Mr. G. F. Wilson, by Mr. Woolley Dod, by Mr. Grant, and by various other friends from Kew, from Glasnevin, from BLUE STARWORT (A. acris).- Soft clouds of lovely blue, charming when seen near at hand, and very effective at long distances. Many people love good blue flowers, always far from common in gardens. This Starwort is the prettiest flower of the colour among the flowery host. It is more precious than a Gentian, even if we could grow Gentian as it grows on the alpine fields. A cloud of soft blue, 18 in. to 2 ft. high, and when well placed a very poem of flowers. It is a variable Aster. BLUE MOUNTAIN DAISY (A. alpinus). -A dwarf plant, the single blue flowers of which, scattered over high alpine meadows, look like blue daisies. gardens it grows larger, forming vigor- ous tufts 6 to 10 in. high. The flowers In ASTER. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ASTER. 305 appear early, and measure nearly 2 in. across. There is a white variety, though not common. One sees this pretty moun- tain daisy used as a bedding plant on the Continent. ITALIAN STARWORT (A. amellus).— Earlier than most Starworts, this handsome purple European kind deserves a place in many gardens for its own sake, without even the added charm of natural grouping. Being sturdy and dwarf, and Aster ericoides (Heath-leaved Starwort). with a pretty grayish leaf, it may be grouped with flowers rather than with shrubs, or with such things as Lavender. It is a very old plant in our gardens, though, like many others, long forgotten, till the recent revival of interest in such things. It is like the rest, as hardy as the rush or dock, formning sturdy tufts, bearing, as Gerard says, "faire blewish purple flowers, yellow in their middle, and shaped like marigolds, and almost of the same bignesse, whence some people have called them blew marigolds. " Like many others it is variable, the varieties in gardens being called major, bessarabicus, and amelloides, but there is no more difference between them than might be readily got from a packet of seed. LILAC STARWORT (A. cordifolius ele- gans).- Dense plumes of delicately tinted little stars, that droop and toss gracefully in the wild autumn days. It comes late, regardless ofthe most pitiless rains ofthe fall, and stays long. It is delightful in groups, naturally fringing through American shrubs, which are not jammed close, as such shrubs usually are, but have open spaces here and there for light and shade, and to give a home to flowers like this, which relieve the shrubs, and add a new grace to the beds, and a new charm to autumn's glorious colour. Very beautiful forms of this Aster occur other than elegans, such as Diana, which has the same graceful habit. SPREADING STARWORT (A. diffusus horizontalis).-Red and white blossoms in myriads, and very bushy. This has a peculiar way of branching, all the side shoots coming level from the stem, so that it is always easily recognised. It is a dwarfkind, and pretty almost anywhere. It was in scattered colonies among the evergreen Barberry, and also semi-wild among long Grass and Weeds on the edge of a wood. My first idea was that the best place for it wasin the wild garden -in this case in the woods- where it would produce effects like those seen in American woods in autumn. But our shrubberies are often so monotonous or ugly that it is better to begin with them, and, as the Starworts increase, transfer them to the woods for trial. HIMALAYAN ASTER ( A. diplostephioi- des). This is a giant amongst Asters. The flowers are borne singly on long straggling stems, and each is 4 in. across, rich bright lilac- purple with a golden disc. PINK STARWORT ( A. longifolius roseus) . Apart from other Starworts in colour, this is a good autumn flower ; but it is dwarf, and rather dumpy in habit of growth, so here the scattering and intergrouping through other things relieves its formal habit, and shows well its distinct colour. We planted it all over a bed of dwarftrees in the orchard, and it was very effective for many weeks. NEW ENGLAND STARWORT (A. Nova- Angla).- Tall and vigorous, this is a very old North American flower of English gardens, but owing to the staking in borders seldom seen to advantage. There are two forms-a purple one and X 306 ASTER. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . ASTILBE. a soft red one-both pretty in bold groups among shrubs, say, about the height of a man. The shoots of this have a curious and pleasant piny smell. It is charming among Rhododendrons, and in colonies near them. They, like most of the kinds, are so hardy and free that they can be moved at any time without fear of losing them, even when moved in full bloom , as is necessary when one wants to group them in an artistic way. NEW YORK STARWORT (A. Nova Belga).-Quite different from the England Starwort, and of very high value. Tall, sturdy, with myriads of delicate soft blue purple stars, varying into deeper or lighter colours, some white. A superb autumnal flower, that any one can grow, and which, like many others of the family, is admirable for cutting for the house. In rooms, the Starworts last long and are charmingly decorative, as the phrase is. The " florist " has not as yet made them double, and does not attempt to improve them with his "tweezers " ! Vistas of its lovely hue appeared along a Holly grove and also in wider masses among the Shrubs. It is easy to increase, and we should enjoy plenty of it everywhere. There are no less than between forty and fifty distinct garden varieties of this Starwort, a few of the finer being Robert Parker, a very tall plant, with large light mauve flowers, one of the best of all-Andromeda, Harpur Crewe, Calliope, densus, Flora, &c. LILAC HIMALAYAN ASTER (A. Thomsoni).—This is one of the most beautiful Asters we have. It is very neat and compact, and rarely more than 2 ft. in height, the large pale lilac flowers making a wealth of cheerful colour. The stems are clothed with broad pale-green leaves. It begins to bloom early in August, and continues until October. It is one of the few Asters that cannot be divided. The best way to increase it is from seeds or cuttings of the young shoots in spring. DAISY STARWORT (A. versicolor).- This is called the Daisy Starwort, from its pretty variation in colour, white and pink flowers being borne at the same time. One form is tall and stately, about 5 ft. high, and charmingly effective as it is tossed by the winds, rain and storm having little power to dim its beauty. There is a dwarfer form of the same plant growing about 1 ft. high. These kinds represent well the beauty of the Starworts as at present known. There are many more kinds, such as A. patens, patulus, polyphyllus, turbinellus, paniculatus, ericoides, Lindleyanus, vimineus, lævigatus, and the very dwarfcorym- bosus and nanus. A. Stracheyi is a very dwarf trailing kind readily increased by stolons. There are many other forms of Aster, as A. incisus, formerly called Boltonia incisa, Galatella, and smaller families now grouped with the Asters. Aster Thomsoni. Aster, China (CALLISTEPHUS CHINENSIS). Asteriscus mauritanicus. -A dwarf, half-hardy, perennial Composite, allied to Buphthalmum, with, throughout the summer, abundance of deep yellow flowerheads, about 1 in. in diameter, just the same as A. maritimus. Astilbe. A vigorous group of chiefly tall- branching herbaceous perennials. The robust kinds resemble the Spiraæas of the Aruncus group, but are bolder, and perhaps better suited for the margin of water. There are eight kinds in cultivation, the best-known of which are A. ASTILBE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ASTRAGALUS. 307 japonica and A. rivularis. Moist places in the wild garden are most suitable for A decandra, A. rivularis, A. rubra, and A. Thunbergi, the last being also known as Spiræa. These plants group well, and the handsome foliage makes healthyundergrowth, over which the tall plumes of white or red flowers tower with good effect. Division of the roots, and some by the runners. A chinensis (A. odontohylla) is a dwarf species from China like A. japonica, 1 to 2 f in height. The flower stem is branched ; the flowers, white tinged with rose or purple, closely packed on shortish spikes, flowering in July. A. decandra. -Resembles Spiræa Aruncus, but is a stronger plant, 3 to 5 ft. high. The flowers are white in branched spikes. A handsome fine-leaved plant for shady places. A. japonica is well known under the names of Spiræa and Hoteia japonica. The white flowers appear in early summer, and are effective on dark foliage. It is largely forced, and the plants, instead of being thrown away, should be planted out in groups in the open ground. Failure in the open air is due to dry and poor or cold soils. The variety multiflora has a stiffer habit. The variegated form s pretty, the flowers more closely packed than in the Japan species. A. rivularis is of airy habit ; a useful associate ofother boldfoliaged plants. It grows about 3 ft. in height, and the leaves, of a rusty green, last until late autumn. The flowers, tinged red, are on loose arching panicles. A useful plant for the margins, walks, and shady woods. Mountains of India. Arubra.-A beautiful plant from the Khasia Mountains, with the habit of a Spirea, and flowering throughout late summer and autumn ; the flower-stems, from 4 to 6 ft. high, are covered with brown hairs. The flowers, rose or deep red, numerous, and in dense panicles. America and Japan. A. Thunbergi (Hoteia Thunbergi) is a handsome Spiræa- like species from Japan, 2 to 3 ft. high, with a bold habit, resembling Spiræa Aruncus. A good plant for the mixed border, and better still in rich shady soil.-D. K. Astragalus (Milk Vetch).-A large family, the best being rock-plants, but they grow freely on the level ground in borders. A. monspessulanus ( Montpelier Aster) is valuable for the front of borders. The vigorous shoots are prostrate, so that Astilbe rivularis (Goat's-beard). A.Kunthosa it is seen to greater advantage when its long heads of crimson and rosy flowers droop over rocks. It grows well in any soil. It comes from the South of France, and is raised from seed. There are several varieties. A. onobrychis ( Saintfoin Milk Vetch) is a handsome species from South Europe and Siberia (in some varieties spreading, and in others about 18 in . high), with racemes ofpurplish-crimson flowers in X 2 308 ATHYRIUM. ASTRANTIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. June. It thrives well on any good loam. There are several varieties enumerated : one, major, grows erect, and three, alpinus, moldavicus, and microphyllus, are pros- trate, and probably of use for the rockgarden, particularly the rougher parts, or for positions where a rich effect is sought rather than rare and minute beauty. There are white forms of all the varieties. Othergood kinds are A. vimineus. Our own Purple Milk Vetch (A. hypoglottis), and its white form A. pannosus ( Shaggy Milk Vetch), has luxuriant tufts about a span high, which give the plant some- what the appearance of a silvery Fern. A. dasyglottis is well suited for the rock- garden. Its numerous showy flowerheads, of a clear bright purple, are set off by the fresh green foliage. A. adsurgens is dwarf, with numbers of violet- carmine flowers. A. vaginatus succeeds in an ex- posed position in any ordinary border. The showy deep violet-purple flowers are borne in dense erect clusters for a long time. I Astrantia. -The Astrantias are classed amongst umbelliferous plants, and their nearest allies in Europe are the Sea Hollies and the Sanicle, though in appearance and habit they come nearer to the Scabious, a more distant relation. They consist of not more than four or five true species, all natives of the mountains of Southern Europe. The two most distinct are A. major and A. helleborifolia. A. major has the widest range, extending from the Pyrenees into Western Asia, and is enumerated amongst the native plants of England, being found apparently wild in a wood near Ludlow, and perhaps in one or two other places. As, however, there is a wide gap between these places and its nearest Continental home, it is probably not indigenous to Britain. have noticed it in great abundance in the hayfields of the Pyrenees, near Luchon, flowering in June, in company with the blue Columbine, where the ground has just before been white with the Poet's Narcissus. A. helleborifolia is from the Caucasus, with the largest flower of any, the colour clear pink, but the habit of the plant is straggling, and the flowers smell unpleasantly ofsour milk. Athird species is A. Biebersteini, called by some botan- ists A. intermedia. In some of its characters it is intermediate between the other two, having more pink in the flower than A. major, and a three-lobed leaf like A. helleborifolia. Its habit is good and compact, and it flowers freely. There are two or three smaller species, the com- monest ofwhich is A. minor, often brought from the Alps by collectors. The Astrantias have a quaint beauty of their own ; they are not showy, but not particular about soil or aspect. They are easily Astrantia major. established in woodland walks where the growth of weeds is not too rank.- C. W. D. Atamasco Lily (Zephyranthes). Athamanta ( Spignel) .-Graceful per- ennials ofthe Parsley Order with Fernlike leaves. They are worth a place among fine- leaved plants in borders or groups, in ordinary soil. Division or seed. Athanasia. Plants of the Compositæ, but not of much value. Athyrium (Lady Fern).- Beautiful Ferns, which A. Filix-foemina may be taken to represent. They like a compost of loam, leaf-mould, and peat, mixed in about equal proportions, with the addition of some sharp sand. They require abundance of water during their growing period, but not in winter, because all the varieties are deciduous, the ground at that period being wet enough naturally. Among many fine hardy evergreen herbaceous plants Lady Ferns might be planted with advantage ; they will thrive ATRAGENE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. AUBRIETIA. 309 in a little shade and protection from drying winds, being impatient ofdrought ; therefore plants that afford shelter and Eke moisture should be chosen to intermix with them. This family shows greater variety of form than any other native Ferns, except Scolopendriums. The principal varieties are A. F.-f. plumosum, one of the most lovely hardy Ferns, its fronds reminding one of a plume of feathers in a lovely shade of green. A. F.-f. clarissimum is not crested, but has unusually long and finely cut pinnæ. A. F.-f. Acrocladon is densely crested, the apex of each frond like a tuft ofmoss. A fine Fern with bold fronds is A. F.-f. kalothrix. A. F.-f. corymbiferum is a fine crested variety, and A. F.-f. Victoriæ is the finest of all. There is a pretty and hardy Japanese Athyrium called A. Goringianum pictum. There are many more forms than these, some of the smaller kinds being inuch forked and crested. Atragene. The Atragenes resemble Clematises, but differ from them specially in putting forth leaves and one flower from the same bud contemporaneously in the spring. A. alpina (the alpine Atragene) is a beautiful slender hardy climber, 8 to 12 ft. high, found on mountains in various parts of Europe, especially on calcareous soil in Austria, Piedmont, and the Pyrenees. It is pretty when trailing over a low bush or stump, and thrives on the north as well as the warm side of walls. Syns., Clematis cœrulea, C. alpina, and Atragene austriaca. Atriplex (Purple Orach).-A. hortensis atro-sanguinea is a dark form ofthe common Orach. It is a hardy annual often used for its fine- coloured foliage. Sown in open air in April or May, it does well in almost any soil. It associates well with the Amarantus, annual Wormwood, Persicaria, and the bolder annuals grown for the flower garden. Aubrietia (Purple Rock Cress).- A charming group of alpine plants from the mountains of South Europe. There are many varieties in gardens, but probably all may be reduced to some half- dozen species, whilst all are beautiful. The oldest is called A. purpurea, a pretty flower, but surpassed by newer kinds. Then there is what is called deltoidea, which is like purpurea. We have also grandiflora, similar in colour to purpurea, but twice its size, with a lax habit, which makes it a charming rock-plant. There is a fine variety of it called græca, opening out a full purple, and dying off a lavender colour. Masses of this, with its various shades of colour, are pretty. There is also a fine variegated large- flowered form of it. Then we have A. spathulata, erubescens, and hesperid folia. The rest are Leichtlini, Mooreana, Columnæ, and Campbelli. Mooreana is a little cushionlike plant, smothered with blue flowers in the proper season ; Campbelli and Columnæ appear identical, but, like Purple Rock Cress (Aubrietia purpurea). Mooreana, they are among the loveliest of Aubrietias. The last three are well suited for spring gardening, hardy, and flower from March until June. A very pretty kind is A. Leichtlini, which makes a carpet of rosy flowers. Some find Aubrietias difficult to pro- pagate. A good practice is to pull allthe straggling side shoots off the old plants in June or July, securing as much of the stem as possible, and breaking it off close to the main root. Then dig, in a cool shady border, a piece of ground, into which is worked plenty of rough sand and leaf- mould. Plant the shoots in lines, placing a little sandy soil about the portion put into the ground, and tread all firmly down. The cuttings are occasionally sprinkled and kept shaded from the sun, and few failures occur. One great ad- vantage of getting cuttings put in in June or July is that by the end of the summer the plants become strong and well fitted for planting out. The Aubrietia is excellent as a wallplant. I have seen a wall almost covered with its long wiry tufts, which were firmly rooted, and the effect in spring is very beautiful. Imagine some of our old Fern-covered walls or sunk fences draped with the lovely blue tufts of the " purple Arabis," as they call it in London ! We need only sow the seed in any mossy or 310 AUBRIETIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. AUCUBA. earthy chinks in autumn or spring. Rock- gardens, stony places, and sloping banks will suit Aubrietias perfectly. They make neat edgings, and may be used as such with good effect. Growing in common soil in the open border, or on any exposed spot, they thrive as luxuriantly as if on the rock-garden, and form round spreadbeautiful flowers in spring, and, in the case of young plants in rich soils, almost throughout the year. There are one or two variegated varieties. Aubrietias are easyto naturalise in rocky places, and may be got from seeds, cuttings, or by division. Aucuba. -Evergreen berry-bearing shrubs, which brighten gardens in winter. Azaleas at Coolhurst. ing tufts, whilst on fine days in spring the blue flowers come out in such crowds as to hide the leaves and make hillocks of colour. Aubrietias, as we know them in gardens, are so like each other, that it is hopeless to separate them. They vary much from seed, but agree in carpeting the earth with dense cushions clothed with When the pollen-bearing variety of A. japonica was introduced, it was regarded as a great gain, as the old spotted- leaved berry- bearing form would be clothed not only with bright red berries but green ones as well. Its influence is always most seen on the nearest plants, whose fruit is more plentiful than that of distant plants. AURICULA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. AZARA. 311 The effect ofthe green- leaved kinds is much more striking than that of the variegated, the contrast between the bright fruit and the green foliage being better. Some seedlings have fine leaves, and a few of these may be desirable for the sake of variety, but medium- sized foliage produces a finer effect. The Aucuba is one of the best shrubs for planting under trees, as its strong fleshy roots enable it to live where other shrubs would starve. It may be safely removed at midsummer or midwinter, but requires shelter and shade. To get a good crop of berries, plant males about 30 ft. apart among the ordinary form. The berries do not begin to colour until those of other berry- bearing shrubs are past ; neverthe- less, they add a distinct charm to the shrubbery during the spring. Smoke and dust seem to have no effect upon Aucubas, making them valuable for town gardens. The variegated form is more vigorous and rapid in growth than the green or plain- leaved variety. Plants in pots are useful for balconies, or for plunging in vacant beds in winter. Auricula (Primula Auricula). Avens (Geum). Azalea ( Swamp Honeysuckle).--- These are beautiful upland and bog shrubs from North America, and, ifonly as a relief from the heaviness of Rhododendrons, the graceful growth of Azaleas is precious. There is nothing in the open garden so charming as old Azalea bushes in flower, with their branches in table-like tiers ; but the brilliant tints always seem most effective in the subdued light of a shady wood, and happily few shrubs flower better in partial shade than Azaleas. They like shelter, even from southerly winds, and delight in quiet shaded nooks. A peaty soil suits them best, though they grow well in loam. The hardy Azaleas, called Ghent Azaleas, have sprung chiefly from the wild Azaleas of North America-A. nudiflora, A. calendulacea, and A. viscosa. These and A. pontica have been so hybridised with the wild Azalea of South Europe that we have a race in which the colours of the various species are blended and diversified in a great variety of tints, and they all intercross so freely that it is difficult to single out a variety identical with any of the wild species. Fifty years ago, Latin names were given to every fine variety, but they could soon be numbered bythe hundred from Belgian gardens alone. Now very few sorts are named. Every variation of tint, from the most fiery scarlets to delicate pinks, whites, and dark and pale yellows, is to be had in Ghent Azaleas, a very beautiful one being the pure white Mrs. Anthony Waterer. Of late years there has sprung up a new race with double Hose- in- hose flowers, collectively called the Narcissiflora group, the chief sorts of which number about a score-Graf von Meran, one ofthe first, being still among the best yellows. A Californian species named A. occidentalis is distinct from the deciduous Azaleas, as it flowers after the others are past. It has bunches of fragrant white flowers and broad foliage. A. mollis, a Flowers of Azalea mollis. dwarf deciduous shrub from Japan and China, has given rise to a variety of kinds, yellow, salmon-red, and orangescarlet being the prevailing colours. It is hardy, and being dwarf may be grouped as a foreground to a mass of the tall kinds. The Chinese A. amona, with small magenta flowers, common enough in greenhouses, is quite hardy in mild localities and rich in bold masses. The Chinese A. indica, the ordinary Azalea of greenhouses, is hardy in many places, especially the white variety, which, even in mid- Sussex, thrives in the open air. The Ledum-leaved Azalea (A. ledifolia) is a hardy evergreen shrub, also from China, with white flowers, large and open, like A. indica. It grows from 5 ft. to 6 ft. high, and Loudon states that in Cornwall, on Sir Charles Lemon's estate at Carclew, it was planted in hedges, which flowered magnificently without the slightest pro- tection. Azara. Distinct and graceful shrubs, hardy in favourable soils, unless in very hard winters. As wall-plants, particularly 312 AZOLLA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BAMBUSA. A. if the walls have an east or west aspect, they flower freely ; while in the southern counties, at least, they do well in the open away from walls. Well-drained loam and the partial shade of taller shrubs suit them. Cuttings of the half-ripe wood in sand under a bell-glass. A. Gillesi is probably the most handsome, its toothed leaves resembling in colour and texture those of the Holly, with the branches tinged with red. In its native country it attains a height of 10 ft. Both in the open air and under glass it blooms in the late autumn and the winter, the flowers small, and, from the great number of rich orange- coloured stamens, resemble golden catkins. celastrina has rather smaller leaves, and yellow blossoms. A. integrifolia has drooping spikes of fragrant yellow blossoms, which form a dense bush a few feet in height. A good variegated form originated a few years ago at Kew. A. microphylla is a graceful evergreen shrub, with many small flowers, succeeded in autumn by small orange-red berries. The best place for it is a sheltered position, not too low. For planting against a wall or trellis few shrubs are better. Among other kinds are A. dentata, a quick grower ; and A. serrata, with prettily serrated leaves, and umbels of yellow blossoms. Azolla caroliniana. -A very small and curious water-plant, which floats on water quite free of soil, the tufts of delicate green leaves like tiny emeralds. During summer it will grow out-of-doors, but then becomes bronzed, and perhaps it is prettier when light green, as it is in the green- houses or window. Syn., A. rubra. A. pinnata is a distinct species. Babiana. Charming Iridaceous bulbs from South Africa, allied to Sparaxis and Tritonia, but having broader foliage, often hairy and plaited ; they grow from 6 to 12 in. high, with spikes of sometimes sweetly scented brilliant flowers ranging in colour from blue to crimson- magenta. The bulbs should be planted from September to January, about 4 in. deep and 2 to 4 in. apart, in light loamy soil thoroughly drained, with a due south aspect. The early plantings make foliage in autumn, and require protection ofmats against frost. Those planted in December and January will only require a covering of Fern, which should be removed in spring as the foliage appears. In wet soils surround the bulbs with sand, and raise the beds above the level. Babianas are often grown in mixed varieties, but can be obtained in separate colours. Many varieties are in cultivation , and their names will be found in bulb lists, but in the open air in Britain these plants are too tender, and their growth is only worth attempting in very favoured spots. Bachelor's Buttons. -A term applied to some double hardy flowers, chiefly to double Ranunculus and double Daisies. Bæria chrysostoma, a Californian Composite about I ft. high, with a dense tufted head, covered in early summer with bright yellow flowers. It should be treated as a half-hardy annual. Bahia lanata (Woolly Bahia).—A grayish herb 6 to 15 in . high, and much branched from the base ofthe stem, flowering in summer, one yellow flower on each stalk, and is suited for borders or banks, in light, sandy, well-drained loam, on which it is prettier than when on cold clay. Fitted for groups or beds of silvery or variegated plants. It may be raised from seed, but more readily by division. America. Compositæ. Balm (Melissa). Balm of Gilead ( Cedronella triphylla). Balsam (Impatiens). Balsamita (Costmary) .-A genus of Compositæ, which includes the Costmary, an old herb-garden plant, and B. grandiflora, a showy and free-growing perennial. It is of easy culture, and worth a place among the stouter herbs in borders. Bambusa (Bamboo).- There are some forty or more varieties of these graceful plants which have proved to be hardy in all but the most exposed and coldest parts of our Island . Ofthese, China and Japan furnish the great majority, for though in some more favoured localities Arundinaria falcata and Thamnocalamus Falconeri grow rampantly in our normal winters, they are cut down even in Cork by such exceptional frosts as occurred on the 5th of January, 1894 , and Arundinaria racemosa is the only Himalayan species which is flourishing out of doors at Kew in this bitter winter of 1895. As this beautiful little Arundinaria is not yet in commerce, we must leave it on one side. Arundinaria macrosperma is the one variety which comes to us from the United States of America, and although the Andes and the Himalayas have in all probability many Bamboos which will, when they are introduced, prove perfectly hardy, we have at present to depend upon the Arundinarias and Phyllostachides of China and Japan for the beauty which is to be obtained from these giant Grasses. Nor can we complain. Grace and elegance are the character- istics of the Bamboo, and in no species BAMBUSA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BAMBUSA. 313 are these more conspicuous than in the lovely group of Phyllostachys, while some of the Arundinarias will, if planted in suitable places, grow into dense thickets of almost tropical aspect. There are few gardens in which some sheltered nook, backed by evergreens, might not be beautified by a feathering group of Phyllostachys Henonis or nigra ; while in the wilderness glorious effects may be produced by the grand foliage of Arun- dinaria Métaké or the stately plumes of Arundinaria Simoni. Background is the great secret of getting the best effect out ofplants in which beauty of form is the dominant feature. By the side of a stream, on the banks of a lake, among the rocks cropping out of the hill- side, the Bamboo is thoroughly at home. such a place can be found with rich soil and under the influence of the sea-air, so much the better. Above all let the Bamboos be sheltered from our biting easterly and north- easterly winds. They are more deadly than frost. The softer and moister westerly winds, blow they never so hard, will do but little damage to plants which come from such storm- vexed regions as the coasts of China and the islands of Japan. It is very important that every autumn the plants should be well mulched with cow manure, and this again should be covered with dead leaves. To prevent the latter from blowing away it is expedient to surround the plant or group with wire netting. This has the If additional advantage of keeping out rabbits and hares. The mulching protects the roots from frost in the winter, and prevents evaporation in summer. When the plants are thoroughly established these precautions become un- necessary, and they may be left to shift for themselves. But above all things I would warn my readers against planting out imported Bamboos in their permanent places before they have recovered from the effects of the journey. I have myself lost many fine specimens in this way. Now that a sad experience has taught me how to treat them I rarely lose one. The plants should only travel during the period when they are at rest. They will be received therefore during the late autumn or winter. If they have come from abroad, the balls of earth round the roots should be thoroughly soaked ; they should then be potted and placed in a cool house for the winter ; the leaves should be copiously syringed with rainwater twice a day, but the roots should not be kept too wet. In this way many species will keep their leaves as green and fresh as if they had never been dis- turbed ; but even those that lose their leaves will early in February begin to show little fat buds that will soon develop into branchlets. Early in May begin to harden off the plants, as you would Geraniums for bedding out, and, at the end of May, place them in their permanent homes. When you take the plants out of the pots be careful not to disturb the roots in any way. You must not attempt to comb them out as you would the roots of trees, for they are as brittle as glass place them in the earth as they are, and they will soon find their way about. Ifpossible the newly planted Bam- boos should be well watered during growth. It must be rememberedthat Bamboos will not show their Spray of Arundinaria japonica (Bambusa Métaké). true characteristics for two or three years, or even more. But by taking the above precautions much time will be saved, and manydisappointments avoided. For transplanting Bamboos (from one part of the same garden to another, not for sending 314 BAMBUSA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BAMBUSA. them on a journey), May and June are perhaps the best months, though I have moved them without any ill effects during the whole summer up to the end of September. The worst time is from November to March ; for the plants need to have made some roots in their new homes before they can resist our cold winters and biting spring winds. As re- gards propagation, very little need be said here, for I doubt whether the propagation of hardy Bamboos, except perhaps some of the more rampant Arundinarias, is likely to become a successful industry in the name of Bambusa Siamensis, probably from its habitat a tender species, which germinated freely, but which we did not succeed in rearing beyond the first year. With the same seed Kewfared no better. The seed should be sown sparsely in pans filled with garden soil- the more silicate it contains the betterand well drained with broken potsherds or stones. Cover the seed with fine soil about a quarter of an inch deep or less. If the seed be sown too thickly, the development of the young plant is hindered. Water well with a very fine rose until the whole soil be thoroughly soaked. The pans should be placed in hotbeds and frequently watered, great care being taken to prevent the soil from drying. The frames should be partially shaded from the sun and kept fairly ventilated, more air being admitted as the seedlings gain strength. Assuming the seed to have been sown in the latter end of March or in April, the young plants may bear full ex- posure to air and sun in June. In the following spring the plants should be pricked out into 3-in. pots, which, after generous watering, again should be placed under glass upon a hotbed to help the plants to root in their new abode. At first the outer air should be excluded or very sparingly admitted. By degrees they will bear longer exposure, until in the latter end of May or early June the pots are plunged into open beds, buried a little below the surface, and covered with a mulching ofdead leaves or straw. The beds should be well watered during the summer. In the month of October the pots must be taken upand placed in a cool ortemperate house, or under cold frames, which must be covered up during severe frosts. In the month of May following they maybe planted out in their permanent places. The very slight variations necessary if the seed should not be sown until the summer or autumn will be patent to every gardener. In the latter case germination may possibly not take place until the following spring, and even then it may Arundinaria japonica (Bambusa Métaké) in Wales. this country. There are four methods available in the case ofthe Triglossæ to which our hardy Bamboos belong. ( 1 ) By seed. (2) By division. ( 3 ) By cuttings of the base of the stem with or without the rhizome attached. (4) By cuttings of rhizomes. 1. PROPAGATION BY SEED. -Owing to the rarity of the occurrence of the fruitwhich, indeed, in some species has not yet come under the observation of science this must always be the least- used method. On one occasion indeed we received some seed of a Bamboo under BAMBUSA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BAMBUSA. 315 be advisable to help it by again having recourse to the hotbed. In all cases be it remembered that moisture is the first essential element of success. 2. PROPAGATION BY DIVISION. -The best moment for this operation is, in our climate, the latter end of April or May. The process is very simple. The plants should be divided into clumps of two or three culmis with their rhizome, in order to insure a new growth from the buds on the internodes of the root- stock. If the tufts can be lifted with a ball of earth, so much the better. They should be plant- ed in beds at distances of 2 ft. , carefully watered, and protected by a top- dressing of well-rotted cow manure and dead leaves. With the same care they may be planted at once in their permanent homes. 3. PROPAGATION BY CUTTINGS OF THE BASE OF THE CULM WITH OR WITHOUT THE RHIZOME ATTACHED.- Cut off about a foot's length of rhizome bearing a stem ; cut down the stem to about the same length. Plant at such a depth as will insure the two or three lowest and branchless knots at the base of the culm being covered with earth. This may be effected either in pots or in the open ground. It is essential that the stem should be cut down, otherwise it begins to wither downwards ; a sort of creeping paralysis of the whole plant ensues, ending in death. Reproduction is also possible without the attached rhizome, and this method is specially valuable where, owing to the rarity of the plant or for other reasons, economy is an object. Forthe rhizome being left in its place continues its work of multiplication undisturbed. The lower knots, occurring at short intervals and barren of all ramification, are each furnished with verticillated roots and a reproductive bud ; indeed, the former may often be seen falling downwards to the earth in a little cascade all round the culm , sometimes burying themselves and rooting in the ground, at others remain- ing in an abortive or embryonic con- dition . This reproductive power may be turned to account by cutting the stem with a very sharp instrument as close to the rhizome as possible. The stem is then cut back and the lower nodes buried in a pot, allowing onlythe end of the last branchless internode to protrude. Slight warmth and moisture are all that are required to ensure rooting. The operation should be performed in the spring, and by the end of the year a new plant will have been obtained. 4. PROPAGATION BY CUTTINGS OF RHIZOMES. -This is a very simple process. It takes place in the spring, and consists merely in lifting the rhizomes, cutting them into lengths of from 6 in. to 8 in. , which are planted at a depth of from 4 in to 6 in. in good rich loam and copiously watered during the suminer. Care should be taken to see that each length, which will have three or four knots, should be the growth only of the preceding year, containing living eyes or buds, for the older rhizomes are sterile, those buds which have not shot up into canes having withered still - born. It is therefore only the young rhizome which is reproductive. Ifthe end to be attained be commercial, the third and the fourth of these methods are those which will recommend them- selves to those who desire to propagate Bamboos in this country ; and in that case potting will be substituted for open ground cultivation ; in other respects the procedure will be the same. In this account of the Hardy Bamboos, so far as they are at present known, I have marked with an asterisk those species which, from their beauty and hardiness, are best worth cultivating in this country. NATIVES OF THE HIMALAYAS. 1. Arundinaria falcata. -A beautiful plant, but not really hardy in this country, for, except in the most favoured localities or in mild winters, the stems die down every year, and, though they come up from the base in the following summer, the effect of the plant is lost for many months of the year. Often confounded with Thamnocalamus Falconeri, from which it differs mainly in having greater vigour, larger leaf-blades, and hairy leafsheaths. The stems are yellowish- green, very slender and graceful, round, and with short internodes, the nodes being but slightly raised and of a purplish colour. The ramification is close and thick. The leaves are of a fine green colour, paler on the lower surface, and about in. in length, and striated. Not to be recommended for general planting on account of its tender character. 2. Thamnocalamus Falconeri, even more tender than Arundinaria falcata, is cut down by frost every year in most places. The habit is less vigorous, the leaves smaller, and the stem more slender and of a brighter green. Leaf-sheaths and blades glabrous. Leaves striated. 316 BAMBUSA. BAMBUSA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. The confusion between these two species has been very general. The majority of the plants hitherto cultivated in this country as Arundinaria falcata have proved to be Thamnocalamus Falconeri. Mr. Osborne, gardener to Mr. Smith Barry, at Fota Island, County Cork, informs me that the late General Munro identified the specimens grown there under the former name as true Thamnocalamus Falconeri. The socalled Arundinaria falcata flowered in the gardens ofthe Luxembourg, in the south of France, and at Algiers in 1876. Mr. Smith Barry's plants flowered and seeded at the same time ; it is, therefore, possible that the mistake in nomen- clature was universal, and that all these plants were indeed Thamnocalamus Falconeri. As regards the hardiness of the species, Mr. Osborne writes as follows : "The above- named Bamboo (Thamnocalamus Falconeri) throws up numerous canes here from 20 ft. to 25 ft. I have often wondered at the reports in gardening papers in England of its sending up canes from 6 ft. to 8 ft. high, but, unfortunately, I have learned the reason this season. We had an unprecedented sharp frost in January last (1894) which killed the tops of all the Thamnocalamus, with the result that, instead of throwing up a few monster canes to the height mentioned, they have thrown up numerous small canes about 6 ft. or 8 ft. high around the old stools. It must take several years of very mild winters before they reach their usual strength. Many other Bamboos were not in the least injured, as far as I could judge. The frost registered at Fota was 26° Fahrenheit below freezing point. " From this it is evident that the species is not thoroughly to be depended upon even in the usually warm climate of the west of Ireland. How it fared in Devonshire and Cornwall, where there are, or were, many fine specimens, I have not heard. Messrs. Watson and Bean consider the Bambusa gracilis of the French culti- vators to be identical with Thamnocalamus Falconeri. I can detect no difference between the two. A 3. Arundinaria racemosa. -Here we have, so far as is at present known, the only really hardy Indian Bamboo. low-growing Arundinaria from 2 to 4 ft. high. Stem smooth and round. Internodes about 2 in. apart, leaves 2 to 4 in. in length and narrow, cross veins well defined. Now, in this trying month of Feb- ruary, 1895 , quite green and fresh at Kew Gardens. NATIVE OF NORTH AMERICA. 4. Arundinaria macrosperma. —The solitary species of the United States of North America. This Bamboo appears to vary in height according to its habitat in the Southern States from 10 ft. to 35 ft. high, while in the north it does not exceed 10 ft. It is the Arundinaria described by Michaux. The stems are round (sometimes slightly flattened on one side at the point of branching), slender, and much-branched. The sheaths are purplish in colour, very persistent, and fringed at the top with a few rather coarse hairs, the leaves about 7 in. long by 1 in. broad, the upper surface smooth, the lower downy, having the edges slightly serrated-very partially on one side. Interesting rather from the fact of its being the one representative of the family in the vast area of the United States of North America than from its beauty. Some botanists divide the taller and shorter varieties into two species, but Munro treats them as identical. M. Marliac sends out a Bamboo under the name of Bambusa Neumanni (it is called Hermanni in the botanic gardens at Brest), which appears to be the same plant as Arundinaria macrosperma ; indeed, both M. Marliac and M. Blanchard, the director of the Brest gardens, so regard it, although they do not know from what country their Bamboo was originally received. The shrubby form, Arundinaria macrosperma suffruticosa or tecta, is the variety grown at Kew and here. It is a very active runner, and demands plenty of space. NATIVES OF CHINA AND JAPAN.

ArundinariaFortunei. -Three plants of very doubtful relationship to one

another are at present the bearers of this name, respectively green, silver variegated, and golden variegated . I cannot myself see much similarity in their habit, quite apart from any distinction in colour ; still, as Mr. Bean says, " until these plants flower it is perhaps better to let the old names stand. ”

Arundinaria Fortunei, the green

variety, about 2 ft. to 3 ft . high, looks as if it might in time grow a few inches higher. The stem is round and green, the nodes not much raised, the internodes 3 in. to 3 in. in length. Ramification in threes, and long in proportion to the stem and internodes. Habit erect. Bright ever- BAMBUSA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BAMBUSA. 317 green leaves smooth on both sides, 4 in. long, three-quarters of an inch broad, and tapering to a point. Petiole inconspicuous ; sheaths reddish, hairy at the end and sides, and terminating in a true leaf ; very rampant root- stock. A very pretty plant to form a carpet, or isolated group near rocks. Syn. , Bambusa gra- cilis. A native of Japan.

Arundinaria Fortunei fol. var. -A

silver variegated dwarf Bamboo about 3 ft. high. Stem round, green, and erect, but rather more zigzagged than the green variety. Nodes not very prominent, sometimes hardly perceptible ; internodes about 2 in. , long ramification, mostly in pairs. Leaves about 5 in. long, by half or at most three-quarters of an inch wide ; a bright colour beautifully striated with white in a young state, but the variegation is apt to fade in the older leaves, which become rather spotty. Very short petiole ; sheaths hairy, terminating in a leaf; loses its leaves in winter, but is nevertheless a beautiful plant in summer, and should be cultivated ; a strong runner at the roots. As this is the plant usually sent out as Arundinaria Fortunei, Messrs. Watson and Bean, in spite of its variegation, make it the type in preference to the green species.

Arundinaria Fortunei aurea. A

golden variegated dwarf Bamboo, taller than the two preceding sorts, rather over than under 3 ft. high ; stem round and erect, with a purplish-green colour ; nodes inconspicuous ; internodes about 2 in. Leaves striped with bright yellow, from 5 in. to 7 in. long, by Lin. to it in. broad ; very pubescent, like velvet on the under side, slightly pubescent on the upper surface. Short petiole ; purplish- green sheaths, very hairy at the sides, ending in a leaf. Not such a strong runner as the two preceding kinds, but a beautiful and conspicuous evergreen plant. Arundinaria Maximowiczi ( Marliac). -A golden variegated dwarf Bamboo, probably a synonym of the last species. I can detect no difference between them. The name is sometimes given wrongly to A. Simoni striata. Arundinaria chrysantha. -A dwarf variegated Bamboo, probably a variegated form of the green Arundinaria Fortunei. Differs materially from Arundinaria Fortunei aurea, inasmuch as the lower surface of the leaf is markedly ribbed and lacks the velvety down of the latter species ; on the other hand, the down on the leaf- sheaths is very conspicuous. For beauty it is not to be compared with A. Fortunei aurea ; it is far less brilliant, and the variegation is somewhat muddy and very uncertain, a great portion of the plant being quite green. It is a very free runner, but has little else to recommend it, unless it be for a collection.

Bambusa pumila (Arundinaria ?).—A

very pretty dwarf Bamboo. At first sight this would strike the observer as the green variety of Arundinaria Fortunei under another name. It is, however, I think, certainly a distinct species. It is smallerin habit, the leaves are less broad, shorter, and do not taper so gradually to a point. The teeth of the serrated edges are less conspicuous ; the lower sheaths are hardly so hairy, and the nodes are less well defined and far less downy. The stem is more slender.

Arundinaria Hindsii. -A distinct and

beautiful species sent out by French nursery gardeners under the name of Bambusa erecta. In its first year with me it has grown to a height of 6 ft. 3 in., but will evidently attain a greater stature. It was described by Munro from a fragment of the top of a culm, only 18 in. long. His description is therefore incomplete. The stem is round and very straight ; the internodes are about 6 in. long, but much shorter towards the top ( Munro therefore, having only seen the top, makes them 2 in. to 3 in. ) . The young dark- green stems have a lovely white down on them like the bloom on a Grape. The branches are quasi- verticillate and erect. The sheaths , which are very persistent, are slightly hairy on the top. The leaves are 6 in. long by about five- eighths of an inch across, slightly serrate and hairy, especially on one edge ; they are thicker than in most Bamboos. The colour is a beautiful dark green, fairer underneath ; the veins are more conspicuously and beautifully tessellated than in any Bamboo that I have observed. The Japanese name is Kanzan- Chiku.

Arundinaria Hindsii var. graminea

(the Taimin Chiku of Japanese gardens) . -A smaller plant than the above, with leaves 9 in. long by five- eighths of an inch broad, and yellow stems ; considered by the authorities at Kew to be another form of the same species. The tessella- tion of the veins of the leaves is not quite so strongly marked as in the type. Sent out by French gardeners as Bambusa graminea.

Arundinaria japonica. -A fine and

valuable plant, generally grown in gar- dens under the name of Bambusa Métaké. 318 BAMBUSA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BAMBUSA. The word Métaké, or, more correctly, Médaké, is Japanese for " female Bam- boo," but there is no scientific reason for using the word " female " in connection with this plant any more than there is for our calling the Dendrocalamus strictus of India the " male " Bamboo. Grows to a height of about 11 ft . or 12 ft. The stems are thick, round, and green, very straight until the branches of the second year appear. The hairy sheaths, which completely envelop the stem, are very persistent, but quickly wither, and their dead colour rather detracts from the beauty of the plant. Ramification only takes place when the stem has reached its full height, the upper nodes being the first to show signs of it. The sheaths on being forced away from the parent stem do not fall, but roll themselves round the stems of the branches. The leaves are from 8 in. to 1 ft. in length by about 1 in. , sometimes more, broad. The upper surface is smooth and shining, the lower side paler, rather glaucous and wrinkled ; the edges are finely serrated. The creeping root- stock in well -established plants is very active, so that care must be taken to give the plant plenty of room. It The most effective specimen which I have seen in this country is in Mr. Buxton's garden on the borders of Epping Forest, where, upon a promontory jutting out into a piece of ornamental water, it has quite a tropical appearance. It has been the fashion rather to undervalue the Arundinaria japonica, and certainly in a young state it is somewhat disappoint- ing in time, however, it makes a fine bold feature. Arundinaria japonica (Bambusa Métaké) was first introduced into Europe by Siebold in 1850. flowered and fruited in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris and simultaneously all over France and in Algiers in the year 1867 or 1868. Under the name of Bambusa Ya-daké, the Japanese send out an Arundinaria which they claim to be Phyllostachys bambusoides, which it evidently is not. The name Ya- dakéArrow Bamboo-is due to the straight, round culms being used for making arrows. It appears to be no more than a form of Arundinaria japonica ; indeed, in its present young state there is no differ- ence to be detected. If anything, it appears to run more freely at the roots. Evidently, however, the Japanese gar- deners consider the two to be distinct plants.

Arundinaria Simoni. -This, the tall- est ofourArundinarias, and, withthe exception of Phyllostachys mitis, of our hardy

Bamboos, was introduced into France by M. Simon, French Consul in China, and named after him by Carrière, who described the plant. At Kew oldestablished plants have reached a height of 18 ft. My own specimens in their fourth year have grown to 13 ft. The culms are round and straight- slender in proportion to their height-during growth entirely encased in the sheaths, which are smooth and striated, with the upper part ofthe edges finely haired. The sheaths are at first green, shaded off to dark violet, but they soon wither, and as they are persistent they rather spoil the effect ofthe plant ( as is the case in Arundinaria japonica) . Here, again, ramification does not take place until the stem has reached its full height. The branches in the second year are almost verticillate and the stem presents the appearance of a round plume. The leaves are from 10 in. to ft. long, slightly hairy, lanceolate, longitudinally ribbed, ending in a long narrow point. On the lower face of the leaf there is a distinct difference in colour on the two sides of the midrib, to which Mr. Bean has called attention ; the one half is green, the other half slightly glaucous a very curious feature. So far as experience at present goes, this is the greatest runner ofall the hardy Bamboos. Its young and straggling shoots will appear at a great distance from the parent plant. It should be planted in a perfectly isolated position in the wild garden, where it may wander at pleasure without injury to any neighbour. powerful an invader might easily become a nuisance instead of a beauty. So same Arundinaria Simoni var. striata.- Rather less in stature than the type, from which it differs, moreover, in the fact of young leaves being striped with silver. Is equally running at the roots, and must therefore be planted with the caution. Is sometimes sent out by nur- sery gardeners under the names of Bambusa plicata and Bambusa Maximowiczi. Flowered, but did not seed, in Mr. Smith Barry's garden in Fota Island, County Cork, in the year 1893. The Japanese name, Narihira-daké ( Bambusa Narihira, Marliac), is a synonym of Arun- dinaria Simoni. It was so named after Narihira, the hero of a romance of the eleventh century called the " Isé Monogatari," one ofthe classics of Japan, written in prose, with poetry interspersed. The author is not known. Bambusa Narihira is sent out by certain nursery gardeners as a distinct species, but this distinction cannot be maintained. BAMBUSA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BAMBUSA. 319

Bambusa palmata ( ? Arundinaria).—-

A strikingly beautiful species, conspicuous from the size of its leaves, which are often used by Japanese peasants to wrap upthe bit of salt fish or other condiment which they eat with their rice. With me it is about 5 ft. high, or rather more. The stems are round, but slightly flattened towards the top. The colour is bright green, but the stems are somewhat shrouded by the persistent dead sheaths. Each node, whether on the stem or on the branches, only carries one branch. The branches of the second year often overtop the parent stem. I can detect no hairs on the sheaths. The leaves are the chief beauty of the plant. They are each from 1 ft. to 13 in. long and 3 in. to 3 in. broad, tapering rather suddenly to a very fine point ; the petiole is rather inconspicuous. They are much ribbed, the midrib being very prominent and glab- rous. The colour is an intensely vivid green on the upper surface, glaucous on the lower. Both edges are serrated. The rhizomes are exceedingly active, and travel far. A bold group of this Bamboo, with a background of Hollies and associated with Lady Ferns and such sympathetic compatriots as Ophiopogon japonicum , Funkia Sieboldi, and Anemone japonica, which always seems to grow best under shade, is a most effective and striking object.

Arundinaria Veitchi much resembles

Bambusa palmata in its habit, though on a far humbler scale, the plant being only about 2 ft. high and the leaves smaller and more rounded at the point. It has the same round stem, flattened at the top, and the same single- branched nodes. The leaf- sheaths, however, are somewhat capriciously fringed with coarse hairs. The leaves are about 7 in. long by about 2 in. broad, green above, glaucous below, glabrous and much ribbed. The edges wither in winter, giving the plant a variegated but shabby appearance ; but the thick new foliage of spring is very beautiful, and the plant runs fiercely, soon making a thick carpet and ousting all weeds. Sometimes sent out as A. tessellata, which is wrong, and often called by the Japanese Kumazasa, on account of its withering edges. (See the remarks on Phyllostachys kumasasa or viminalis. ) Some botanists claim this species as belonging to the Bambusæ veræ, or true Bamboos. Bambusa senanensis. -A plant was received last year from Japan under this name. I cannot at present detect any difference between it and Arundinaria 66 Veitchi. However, Mr. Watson, of Kew, tells me that some botanists regard it as a distinct species. The Japanese name for it is Yakibazasa, the sword-edged dwarf bamboo. " There is another Bamboo, a tall species used for making furniture, &c. , which also goes by the name of senanensis, and which the Japanese call Sudzu- daké, the " Reed Bamboo."

Bambusa tessellata.-- Described by

Munro as Bambusa tessellata, but evidently, if it be correct to class the two (? or three) preceding species as Arun- dinarias, this should follow suit. Moreover, Munro says, " I have only seen the dried leaves of this species when sewn together and in the state so largely used by the Chinese in packing their tea." Probably had he had better opportunities he would have referred all three plants to the same genus ; as it is, he gives the genus as doubtful. A very beautiful species, noteworthy as having the largest leaves of any of the hardy Bamboos. The stem is about 24 ft. high, round, slightly flattened at the top, the colour a purplish- green, much hidden by persistent withered sheaths, one branch from each node (in one case only I found two springing from the same node). edges of the sheaths are hairy at their base ; leaves 18 in. and more long, by rather over 4 in. wide, tapering beautifully to a point, bright green above, glaucous beneath ; midrib well defined. Munro notes a tomentose line on the side of the midrib, but this is not visible to the naked eye, and a very strong lens reveals very minute hairs upon the lower surface of the living leaf, which he describes from his dried specimen as glabrous. The Both edges are serrated, short petiole. The tessellation which gives its name to the species may be seen by holding up a leaf to the light, but, as it is to be found in so many Bamboos, the name is not well chosen for purposes of identification. A feature of the plant is the pretty way in which the slender new culms spring from the carpet of arching foliage. Also known as Bambusa, or Arundinaria, Raga- mowski.

Bambusa angustifolia. -A lovely

little Bamboo, probably an Arundinaria, about 9 in. to 1 ft. in height. The stems are round, very slender, and when young ofa purplish colour. It is much branched ; the leaves are about 4 in . in length by three-eighths of an inch in width ; they are serrated on both sides, and somewhat capriciously striped with silver variega- 320 BAMBUSA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BAMBUSA. tion. The leaf- sheaths are slightly hairy. This is the Bambusa Vilmorini of French gardeners. I have named it angustifolia on account of its narrow leaves. I cannot find that it has hitherto been described. Bambusa Nagashima ( Marliac) .—Apparently a dwarf Bamboo, with me only 18 in. high in its second year, but may grow taller. The stems are round and purplish-green in colour ; the leaves, which are from 6 in. to 7 in. long and threequarters of an inch in width, are sharply serrated on both edges ; the leaf- sheaths are hairy. So far this Bamboo has not developed any characteristics of especial merit, and is, perhaps, hardly worth growing, except in a collection.

Bambusa marmorea (the Bambusa

Kan- chiku of Marliac).—I have ventured to rechristen it, as it has not, so far as I know, been hitherto described, and Kanchiku is no name at all, for I cannot find it in any Japanese authority, and, moreover, it is confusing, as there is already a Bam- boo called Kanzan- chiku =Arundinaria Hindsii, q.v. I have chosenthe name "mar- morea on account of the very peculiar appearance ofthe young stems, which are folded in purple sheaths, delicately marbled with a pinkish silver-gray, through which, near the knots, peep glimmers of the bright emerald-green or dark purple of the stem itself. The stems, which in colour are purple, shading off to a brilliant green, are very slender and round, rising at present with me to a height of 3 ft. 3 in. , but promising to grow taller. The branches cluster thickly round the stems in threes, and are much longer than the internodes, which are very short, not more than from I in. to at most 2 in. , so that the dense foliage has all the appearance ofbeingverticillate, and the fully developed culm assumes the shape of a fox's brush. The leaf- sheaths are very distinct ; their colouring is unlike that of any other Bamboo that I have seen they are downy at the top, and have besides round the base a conspicuous little fringe of hairs, which seems at first sight to spring from the node ; the ligule is very tiny. The leaves, which are bright green, are about 4 in. long by three- eighths to five- eighths of an inch broad ; they are serrated on both edges, and have a marked constriction at about half an inch from the very sharp end ; indeed the leaves are so pinched in at their point that they seem to terminate, as it were, in a tongue. The rhizome is very active, new shoots appearing at some distance from the parent plant. This is altogether a unique dwarf Bamboo, as pretty as it is strange.

Bambusa pygmæa. -The best and

the smallest of the dwarf Bamboos, invaluable for making a carpet of soft brilliant green. Grows with extraordinary rapidity, the root-stock travelling great distances and at a considerable depth. Stem about 6 in. to 9 in. , round, much branched, apparently an Arundinaria ; internodes very short ; leaves about 4 in. long by half an inch to three- quarters of an inch broad, edges serrated , both surfaces downy, the lower surface glaucous, leaf- sheaths hairy at top. This wonderful little plant grows so thick and close that no weed has a chance against it, but its rampant habits make it advisable to give it plenty of room. For this reason I should not recommend its adoption for edgings, as has been sometimes advised. Being a confirmed vagrant, it is impossible to keep it within bounds.

Bambusa disticha ( B. nana, Hort. )—

A pretty little dwarf Bamboo, sent out as Bambusa nana by gardeners. The name nana belonging already to a Bamboo described by Roxburgh, its repetition was confusing. Stem about 2 ft. high, round, very slightly zigzagged ; branches and leaves distichous ; leaves hairy, especially at the base, and serrated at the edges, about 1 in. long by three-quarters of an inch broad, tapering to a point ; leaf- sheaths hairy ; rhizome inclined to run, but far less than in Bambusa pygmæa. Avery distinct little plant, most useful for a choice corner in a rock-garden. The origin of this Bamboo is doubtful. Mr. Watson, of Kew, says, " It is most like Chusquea tessellata (Munro, New Grenada) of any of the specimens in the herbarium. ” Bambusa Laydekeri. -Apparently a semi-dwarf Bamboo, not, so far as my experience of it goes, particularly attractive, though it should have a place in a collection. The stems in the third summer are about 3 ft. high, but will probably grow higher ; round, much branched ; apparently, therefore, it is an Arundinaria. The leaves are about 6 in. long, dark green, but rather shabbily mottled on both surfaces, serrated on one edge and slightly so on the other ; leafsheaths hairy at top. The branches, which are long in proportion to the length of the stems, from which they stand out rather markedly, give the plant a con- spicuous habit. Bambusa quadrangularis. -A curious and rare Bamboo, which owes its name to its square culms, like the stems of one of the Labiata, a feature which is conspicuous only when the plant has attained some size. This it has not yet done, so BAMBUSA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BAMBUSA. 321 far as I am aware, in outdoor cultivation in this country. Though it is apparently weather-proof, the growth is by no means rapid, and we shall probably have to wait some time before its value as a hardy plant is established. There is a good specimen in the temperate house at Kew. The stem is much branched and the branches almost verticillate. The leaves, which are of a fine deep-green colour, are about 8 in. by 1 in. wide, serrated on both edges ; leaf- sheaths hairy at top, internodes short, the nodes very markedly prominent. Avery beautiful and peculiar member of the family, which it is much to behoped will thrive with us. Runs freely at the roots. It was supposed at one time that the square shape of the culms was due to some artificial treatment, but the young stems, even in their present de- velopment, have sufficient character to disprove this. Groves of this Bamboo upwards of 30 ft. high are to be seen near Osaka, the Venice of Japan. At

Bambusa heterocycla. -This very strange freak of Nature is called by the Japanese Kiko-chiku, or the "tortoiseshell Bamboo," from the curious arrangement of the alternately and partially suppressed internodes at the base of the

stem, which sheathe it in plate armour like the scales on the tortoise's back. about I ft. or 2 ft. from the ground the nodes are regularly defined, as in other Bamboos. It was thought at one time that this abnormal feature of the stem was due to artifice on the part of the Japanese gardeners, past masters of the art of torturing plants into all sorts of quaint shapes and conceits. But an examination of a section of Bambusa heterocycla, with its very curiously alternated septa corresponding with the outer scales, shows that the grotesque markings are the handiwork of Nature when in a playful mood. The other characteristics of this Bamboo do not differ from those of the Phyllostachides of the mitis and aurea group. The branches are in twos -one longer than the other-the internodes grooved. The leaves are from 3 in. to 4 in. long and about half an inch wide, very minutely serrated on one edge and almost imperceptibly so on the other, bright green on the upper surface, bluer underneath. I believe that the first living plants of this species introduced into England were those received here and at Kew from Japan in 1893, though it was exhibited at the Paris exhibition of 1878, and named heterocycla by Carrière. The imported stems are about 5 in. round, and the plant has the appearance of growing into a large and important Bamboo. Bambusa Marliacea. -A very handsome species-evidently a Phyllostachysat first sight bearing a strong likeness to Phyllostachys Quilioi. The only plant. I possess (it is a rare Bamboo, not easily obtained) has in its third year grown to a height of 8 ft. , but promises to become very tall and vigorous. I should not be surprised to see it rival Quilioi. The stem when freed from the sheaths is very handsome-a dark green shining like enamel ; the internodes at the base are very close together, not more than 1 in. to 2 in. The branches are long and graceful, leaves a very intense green on the upper surface, glaucous below, about 4 in. long by 1 in. wide, more conspicuously serrated on one edge. The young leaf- sheaths are purple, and fur- nished with rather long and coarse purple hairs. The habit of this Bamboo is very graceful, the culms forming the most elegant arches, beautiful both in form and colour. The catalogue of the Yokohama Gardeners' Association gives the native name as Shibo- chiku, the " wrinkled Bam- boo." This probably alludes to the knotted appearance of the base of the stem, which makes it useful for canes and umbrella sticks. Bambusa fastuosa (Marliac).- However difficult it may be to distinguish between some ofthe species ofhardy Bamboos, this very stately and beautiful plant stands out quite conspicuously among its fellows, having marked characteristics which are all its own. The bright-green stems, heavily splashed with purple-brown blotches, are straight, very hollow, the wood being a mere shell, and extremely brittle. The internodes, which are grooved, are short, only from 5 in. to 6 in. long in a stem 15 ft. high ; the lower end of the culm for 2 ft. or 3 ft. is bare of branches. At first they occur in twos and threes, but higher up they become more numerous. I have counted as many as seven or eight distinct branches on one node, and these again are much ramified. The branches being four or five times as long as the internodes and rather erect, the top of the culm wears a false air of verticillation, giving the plant the appearance of an Arundinaria, which, however, the groove in the internodes and the non-persistent character of the leaf-sheaths seem contradict. The leaves are from 5 in. to 7 in. long by three-quarters of an inch to I in. in width, tapering to a sharp point, and markedly constricted at about an inch from the end, which has the Y to 322 BAMBUSA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BAMBUSA. appearance of a little tongue. Their colour is bright green on the upper surface and very glaucous underneath. Both surfaces are smooth, the lower one distinctly ribbed ; both edges are serrated, but, as is frequently the case in Bamboos, the one is more so than the other ; the veins are very closely tessellated . The petiole is long and well defined. The leaf-sheaths are rather thick and hairy, being a shining purple in colour until they wither and drop off. The rhizome, which appears to be very active, is more fistulous than that of any Bamboo which I have observed ; a section which I measured showed an oval hollow in the internode of the root-stock a quarter of an inch long by one-eighth of an inch broad. My imported stems are from 12 ft. to 15 ft. high, and rather more than 3 in. in circum- ference. There is every reason to believe that this Bamboo will prove to be one of the most valuable of the group. Tall, spreading, gracefully plumed with foliage which for richness and beauty of colour is without a rival, it cannot fail to make a striking feature in the wild garden. It was first imported from Japan three years ago by M. Latour- Marliac, of Temple- sur- Lot, and has not hitherto been tried in this country or described. Phyllostachys bambusoides. —The in- numerable claimants to this title have been finally sent out of court as impostors now that the real Simon Pure has been received from Hong Kong ; and now that it has arrived it appears to have all the characteristics of an Arundinaria, but Phyllostachys it has been named by Munro, and Phyllostachys, I suppose, it must remain. The stem, which is said to growto a height of from 10 ft. to 12 ft., is round and much branched, purplish in colour, and slightly zigzagged ; the nodes are thick and smooth, the branches are much knotted, short, and semi-verticillate. The leaves are bright green above, 5 in. long by 1 in. wide, but very variable in size ; they are sharply serrated on both edges. The leaf-sheaths are furnished at the top with conspicuous bristles, which fall off with age. The plant has every appearance of proving a valuable addition to our collection of hardy Bamboos, but the specimens which I have seen are as yet mere babies.

Phyllostachys aurea. -The distinc- tive name aurea is not very happily

chosen, for there is nothing golden about the plant unless it be the yellow stems, and these are not peculiar to the variety named. P. aurea is not a great favourite of mine, as it lacks the grace which is the Last chief ornament of the family. The stems are very straight and erect in this country, growing close round the base of the plant, which gives it the appearance of having cæspitous roots ; whereas it has a true rhizome, which in its native climate runs freely. It is seen at its best when planted in bold masses, as the individual plant by itself has too much of the shape of the birchen rod of an old-fashioned dame's school inthe kingdom of Brobdingnag. A distinguishing feature of this species is the shortness of the internodes at the base of the stem. The leaves vary much in size, some being about 4 in. long by half an inch wide, others from 6 in. to 7 in. long by I in. or even more broad. The petiole is well defined, the insertion of the young leaves very hairy. One edge of the leaf is conspicuously serrated, the other very slightly, the teeth on this edge being placed irregularly and at great distances apart. Both surfaces are glabrous. At Shrubland, in Lord de Saumarez's garden, Phyllostachys aurea is 14 ft. 6 in. high, the canes being 2 in. round. year (1893) a Bamboo was received here and at Kew from Japan under the name of Bambusa sterilis, which the Japanese Gardeners' Association describe as closely allied to Phyllostachys heterocycla. This appeared to me to be undistinguishable from Bambusa aurea, and Messrs. Watson and Bean now share my opinion. Curiously enough, the plants were covered with an undeveloped inflorescence, which proved to be infested with a hitherto undescribed ergot. I may here note the great confusion which has prevailed in the descriptions of several of the Phyllo- stachys tribe. Aurea, mitis, Quilioi, Henonis, viridi-glaucescens, flexuosa have all been jumbled up in the most hopeless tangle. This has been due partly to the fact of plants being sent out by dealers under any and every name, partly to the eagerness of collectors to describe plants before time had enabled them to develop their characteristics. In a young state P. aurea is hardly to be distinguished from P. mitis, but as they grow older each puts forth its distinctive features and asserts its identity. Messrs. Rivière remark that, like as the two plants are in their early stages, mitis never degenerates into aurea, nor does aurea ever rise to the dignity of mitis.

Phyllostachys mitis.- This is the

tallest, and in that respect the noblest, of all the Bamboos capable of being culti- vated in this country. At Shrubland the culms of plants imported seven years ago are 19 ft. 5 in. high and 4 in. in circum- BAMBUSA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BAMBUSA. 323 ference. In China and Japan it grows to 60 ft. high. The stems, some of which spring out of the ground like spears, are, when fully developed, beautifully arched, and have for that reason a grace which is not to be found in P. aurea. The young shoots when they first appear above ground seem to hang fire for a while before taking their upward growth. When once they start they are very rapid, growing in this country as much as 6in. in the twenty- four hours. The utmost growth that I have noticed is 4 in. in the twenty- four hours ; but mine are young plants. Messrs. Rivière have made most interesting experiments on the growth of Bamboos, ofwhich they give tables. The maximum growth of an adult plant of Phyllostachys mitis during twenty-four hours in Algiers was 20 in. They note that P. mitis grows most during the night, whereas the other plants of similar growth, such as viridi -glaucescens, aurea, nigra, &c. , make their chief growth during the day. Bambusa Tulda, in Bengal, is said to grow as much as three centimètres upward of 1 in. ) in an hour. As in The P. aurea, the leaves, which vary much in size, are serrated on one edge, the teeth being almost if not quite absent on the other. The petiole is shorter than in aurea, and the hairy growth at its insertion less conspicuous. The sheaths differ much in colour, but are generally brownish and spotted with purple. As the branches are developed the withered sheaths drop off, leaving a shining deep-green stem which gradually ripens into a bright vellow. The branching begins at the base, and as soon as it is thoroughly active the growth ofthe culm ceases. underground procession of the rhizome is much more marked than in P. aurea, the stems appearing alternately along its course. Although its running powers are in this climate not great, still, whereas in P. aurea there is a cæspitous appearance, in P. mitis the rhizomatous character is well maintained. The young shoots of this Bamboo are eaten in China and Japan. Some gastronomers profess to detect in them the taste of Asparagus ; this, I confess, demands some faith. The consistency is crisp and pleasant, like Celery, but the flavour depends upon the sauce-at least that is my experience. As pickles and sweetmeats they are but poor eating. To its culinary merits, such as they are, the plant owes the synonym edulis, which is at any rate less foolish than mitis.

Phyllostachys sulphurea. A handsome golden- stemmed Bamboo, which in

appearance has great affinity with P. mitis, though Messrs. Rivière see a con- nection between it and P. flexuosa. It is far stiffer and not so free a runner as flexuosa, while the only difference which I can detect between it and mitis is that it is not so tall and has a more brilliantly coloured stem. The other characteristics are the same ; indeed, it would puzzle an expert to tellthem apart. Messrs. Watson and Bean lean to this opinion. It is perfectly hardy and well worth cultivating, but difficult to obtain. At Shrubland it is growing to a height of 13 ft. , with a cir- cumference of 24 in. round the stem.

Phyllostachys Quilioi. -A very dis- tinct Bamboo, introduced from the north of

Japan by the French Admiral Du Quilio in 1866. Some writers see a great likeness between this and P. mitis, P. aurea, and P. viridi-glaucescens. To me it appears to have a character altogether its own. In the first place it has a far looser habit, the branches are longer in proportion to the culm , the leaves are larger, serrated on both edges, and often marked with purple spots on a deeper green ground than is found in the foliage of either of the others ; the hairs at the insertion of the leaves are deep purple. The sheaths are most peculiar ; they are of a pinkishbrown colour, deeply mottled with purple spots, and, as they fall, reveal a brilliantly polished dark- green stem . The culms are more upright than those of P. viridiglaucescens, less compact and more arch- ing than those of P. mitis and P. aurea ; the root- stock is far more active than in either of the two latter species ( in this country), while it does not seem to run so much as that of P. viridi-glaucescens. I may be in a minority, but I see in P. Quilioi a Bamboo to be recognised amonga thousand ; and the many eminent botanists and gardeners to whom I have shown it have without exception come round to my opinion. I cannot help suspecting that those who have described it hitherto have not had the true plant before them. I know that this is the case in one instance, where P. Quilioi was actually described from a plant of P. mitis. Altogether a notable Bamboo, growing at Shrubland to a height of 18 ft. 6 in. , the canes having a circumference of 33 in. Syn. , Phyllostachys Mazeli.

Phyllostachys viridi-glaucescens. -

A most elegant and graceful Bamboo, to which many cultivators give the palm of loveliness. It grows to a great heightnearly 18 ft. at Shrubland, 14 ft. at Kew -while the slender, tapering culms are not more than 2 in. round The rootY 2 324 BAMBUSA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BAMBUSA. stock is very active, the plant being a great runner, while many of the culms come almost horizontally out ofthe ground, giving the plant a very wide spread. The leaves are generally about 3 in. or 4 in. long and about three-quarters of an inch across ; one edge is serrated, the other only partially so towards the point of the leaf. The petiole is well defined, and short brown hairs encircle the insertion of the leaf. The leaves are of a bright green, in pretty contrast with violet stems, which turn to a yellowish green. The stem is much zigzagged. Once established, this is a perfectly hardy Bamboo, but it is not safe to plant out specimens which have travelled. I have lost a large percentage in this way. It is better to pot newly arrived plants and let them remain in a cool house until they have recovered from the effects of their journey.

Phyllostachys flexuosa. Sometimes considered to be identical with

P. viridi-glaucescens. On the other hand, Messrs. Rivière, who recognise the similarity, say, "We have not remarked in the spathiform sheaths of this Bamboo the toothed membranous expansions which we have met with in many other species of the same group, notably in P. viridiglaucescens." There is, moreover, the fact that P. flexuosa flowered and fruited all over France and in Algiers in 1876, while P. viridi-glaucescens did not, and this would seem to indicate a different plant. It is certainly not easy to detect any outward and visible sign of difference between the two. P. flexuosa, which must not be confounded with the prickly species described under that name by Munro, was introduced into France from the north of China in 1864.

Phyllostachys violescens. -This is

now reckoned to be a variety of P. viridiglaucescens. It is somewhat more tender, the leaves being apt to be cut by frost, which gives the plant an ugly appearance in winter, but with the spring the culms are clothed with new foliage, and after all it is only those shoots which come into existence in the late autumn which suffer. The foliage is rather darker and larger than in the type, and the plant more straggling, the rhizomes running rampantly. But the most distinctive feature is the deep purple colour of the young stems during their first year. This is lost in the two-year-old stems, which change to a greenish yellow or brown. The plants at Shrubland are 15 ft. high, and the culms 2 in. in circumference. A beautiful plant in its early growth, but on account of the defects mentioned above hardly to be reckoned one of the best of the hardy Bamboos.

Phyllostachys Henonis. To my taste this is the loveliest of all our

Bamboos ; indeed, it would need the inspiration of a poet to do justice to its beauty. Nor is that its only merit, for it is perfectly hardy, and bears up bravely against our rudest and coldest weather. Of all the plants that I imported not one has gone amiss, though they were subjected to hardships to which, now that I know better how to manage, I should not dream of exposing them, and which proved fatal to a good many of their travelling companions. The Shrubland plants are now 14 ft. high, the stems 13 in. in circumference. The tapering leaves are about 4 in. long and about half an inch across. They are verv smooth on the upper surface and ribbed on the lower, serrated on one edge and very slightly on the other. The colour is a pale green, and less glaucous on the lower surface than most of the leaves of Phyllostachys, the midrib prominent, the petiole well defined. The slender tall stems are green at first, growing yellower with age, slightly zigzagged. The root- stock runs rather freely. But it is to its habit that this Bamboo owes its surpassing loveliness. The two- year-old culms, borne down bythe weight of their own foliage, bend almost tothe earth in graceful curves, forming a groundwork ofthe most elegant beauty, from which the stems of the year springup, arching andwavingtheirfeathery fronds, the delicate green leaves seemingto float in the air. I regard P. Henonis as the embodiment of every grace to which plant life is heir. The Japanese synonym is Ha-chiku, the Chinese characters with which it is written signifying the "light or volatile Bamboo. "

Phyllostachys nigra. -This is per- haps the best known, and from its black

stems the most easily recognised of the hardy Bamboos. On the Riviera and in Algiers it grows to a height of about 30 ft. , the stems being nearly 6 in. round. At Shrubland and at Kew it is 10 ft. high and the stems are 2 in. round. At Leonardslee it is 20 ft. high. With me the plant has been a little capricious and difficult to establish, but once it has taken hold of the ground no Bamboo seems hardier. The stems are of an olive-green colour during their first year of growth, changing to shining black the following year. They are slightly zigzagged. The leaves, which are from 3 in. to 4 in. long by three- quarters of an inch broad, are green on BAMBUSA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BAMBUSA. 325 the upper surface and glaucous under- neath. The rhizome runs with some freedom. Messrs. Rivière call attention to some peculiarities in the structure of this Bamboo upon which, as they are more interesting to the botanist than to the gardener, it is unnecessary to dwell here. It is enough to say that in Phyllostachys nigra we have a plant of striking beauty and undoubted hardiness. It is said that it is the rhizome of P. nigra which furnishes the Wanghai cane of commerce.

Phyllostachys nigro-punctata. —A

variety of Phyllostachys nigra, taller, and a looser and more free grower than the type. The stems, green at first, change in their second year to a dull brown speckled with black. There is no other characteristic to differentiate it from P. nigra.

Phyllostachys Boryana. Another

and still larger variety of Phyllostachys nigra, one of the handsomest and most vigorous of the hardy Bamboos, very graceful in its habit, as indeed are both P. nigra and P. nigro-punctata. As in their case, the stems are green during their first year, but change colour the second year to a dull brown splashed with large deep purple or black blotches. This and the preceding variety have proved more easy to establish than the type. I have not lost a single plant of either, though they have been subjected to great hardships ; whereas P. nigra, as I have already said, has been apt to resent rough treatment. One peculiarity of all three varieties is noteworthy. The rhizomes are fond of running very near the surface of the earth, sometimes, indeed, above the surface. When this is detected it is advisable to cover them with a little loose soil, which may be kept down with a light stone. This encourages the verticillate roots to strike downwards. Failing this, I have known the rhizome to be killed back, and the development of the plant to that extent retarded. latter colour remaining in the deep channels left by the pressure of the branches, so that the two colours are alternate all the way up the culm, the hues being intensified with age. As the sheaths of the branchlets are of a very pretty pink, the plant has a tricoloured effect, which is most pleasing ; the branches come in twos and threes. My plants in their second year have grown to about 6 ft. , and have every appearance of attaining a goodly height and proportionate circumference. Twenty-four degrees of frost last January ( 1894 ) did them no harm, but M. Marliac tells me that the foliage is apt to suffer from snow. This, however, can at the worst be only a temporary evil. One of my plants is extremely curious as a varia- tion from the type. Not only is the variegation absent from the leaves, which are bright green, but in the stems its position is exactly reversed, the channels being yellow and the rest of the culms green. The Japanese name is Kimmeichiku, the "golden brilliant Bamboo. "

Phyllostachys kumasasa ( P. viminalis, Marliac).--A pretty little Bamboo,

described by Munro as P. kumasaca, though the Japanese name is bungozasa. The stems are about 18 in. high, purplish green in colour, with brown sheaths, much zigzagged and very slender, distinctly channelled from the pressure of the branches, which spring in twos and threes, sometimes in fours, from the nodes. The leaves are from 2 in. to 4 in . in length, and an inch, more or less, in width ; ovate ; soft hairs very conspicuous on the lower surface, but none on the upper surface or on the insertion of the leaves, which are serrated on both edges. By giving the name kumasaca to this Bamboo Munro has given rise to some difficulty. Sasa ( in composition after a vowel zasa) is a Japanese version of the two Chinese words hsiao chu ( small Bamboo), and is the generic name given by the Japanese to the dwarf Bamboos ; chiku, another Japanese version of the Chinese

Phyllostachys Castillonis. -A most word chu ( Bamboo) , and také, a pure

lovely plant, indeed one of the best of the Japanese word, being the names given to manygood gifts which we owe to Japanese the tall-growing or arborescent Bamboos. gardens. The foliage is larger than it is Kuma signifies an edge or border. in most of the Bamboos, some of the The etymology of the word kumazasa leaves being as much as between 8 in. (barbarously altered by Munro into and 9 in. long by nearly 2 in. broad. kumasaca) would seem to point to the When they first appear they are striped Arundinaria Veitchii, on account of its with bright orange- yellow, which in time leaves withering at the edge in winter, fades to a creamy white. Both edges are and so having an edge or border margin. serrated. The petiole is short, the leaf- It is certainly often used in that sense by sheathdressed with a frill of long brownish natives. Japanese botanists, however, purple hairs. The stem, which is much apply the name to Arundinaria tessellata zigzagged, is bright yellow and green, the or Ragamowski, while Our English 326 BANEBERRY. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BEGONIA. botanists, following Munro, give it to Phyllostachys viminalis, which the Japanese call bungozasa, probably from the province of that name in the southern island. There is thus a triangular duel between science, etymology, and common use, which is most bewildering, and so long as this lasts it would seem wiser to leave the Japanese names alone, contenting ourselves with the European nomen- clature. But when science does find it necessary to adopt words taken from a foreign tongue with which she is unacquainted, she will do well to avoid altering consonants, as Munro did when he made saca out of sasa, or she may get herself into dire trouble. Try it upon a few English monosyllables ! Syn., Phyllostachys viminalis. A. B. FREEMAN- MITFORD. Baneberry (Actæa). Baptisia (False Indigo).--A hardy and vigorous Lupine-like group of plants, perennials from North America, forming strong bushy tufts 3 to 5 ft. high, with sea-green leaves ; the flowers, mostly of a delicate blue, in long spikes. B. australis, exaltata, and alba are the bestknown kinds, and are best placed in the mixed border. The Barbarea. In the natural state few of these plants are pretty, but two varieties of B. vulgaris, an indigenous species, are worth growing. The finest is the double yellow rocket ( B. vulgaris fl.-pl. ) , which is a beautiful and curious plant. process of doubling is, according to Mr. Sutherland, " very peculiar in the flowers ; I am not aware of any parallel to it in other double flowers. There appears to be no attempt to form either stamens or pistils. But the axis of the flower has the power of extending itself and producing numerous whorls of petals as it grows in length. A lengthened suc- cession of flower is thus kept up. It is about 18 in. high, flowers bright yellow, from June till late summer, and often till autumn. " It succeeds in almost any soil, preferring a rich light loam ; and is increased by division of the root - stock. There is a variegated form of the single plant called the Blotch- leaved Winter Cress. It is said to come true from seed. Barbary Ragwort (Othonna cheirifolia). Barberry (Berberis). Barnardia ( Scilla). Barren-wort (Epimedium). Bartonia aurea. A showy golden- flowered hardy annual, I to 2 ft. high. Should be sown in April in groups or patches where it is to remain in light soil and warm situations, the plants being thinned to about 1 ft. apart. As the seed is very small, care should be taken not to bury it too deep. The Bartonia is seldom used except as a patch in a border, but when well grown it might be used as a bold group, relieved here and there bytall plants. Chili. Loasacea Mentzelia. Bastard Balm (Melittis Melissophyl lum). = Bay, Californian (Oreodaphne cali- fornica). Bear's-breech (Acanthus). Beaucarnea. -Graceful Dracæna-like plants, with swollen stem-bases, growing freely in a cool house, but sometimes placed in the flower garden for a few months in summer. Bed-straw (Galium). Bee Balm (Monarda didyma). Bee Larkspur (Delphinium grandi- florum). Bee Orchis ( Ophrys apifera). Beech Fern (Phegopteris). Begonia. This very large family is widely distributed, being found in both East and West Indies, South America, and other tropical climates. The Tuberous Begonia is the most familiar to flower gardeners, and of late years has played a large part in summer bedding. It has been brought to its present perfection by hybridising, and when the plant was first used in the flower garden not many years ago few thought that the experiments then made would prove so successful. But Tuberous Begonias are now planted in thousands in many gardens, and good effects got by judicious use of the best colours in bold masses. The more recent kinds are dwarf, leafy, and throw their broad handsome flowers well above the foliage. The display made by them is, as a rule, far greater than with Zonal or bedding Pelargoniums. Begonias do not mind rainy weather, rather enjoy it ; even the expanded flowers not greatly suffer- ing. A few rains or a storm injure the Pelargoniums, and when this weather continues for a time too much leafgrowth is made, whilst there is more labour in picking off faded flower- trusses and foliage. There is also nothing stiffor formal about the Begonia. Grouped together in beds, a very fine effect is pro- duced, far more pleasing than that which is obtained by the adoption of stiff lines and the combination of plants that are of quite a distinct character from each other. To suit various tastes as to colours, there should be no difficulty, for beds of one or more distinct colours may be easily obtained. In respect to colours there is a BEGONIA. THE ENGLISH flower gardeN. BEGONIA. 327 great diversity, from the darkest scarlets and crimsons to the various shades of rose and pink ; also white and blush- coloured kinds. The cultivation of the Begonia, both tuberous and shrubby, for bedding out, is not difficult. If pots are scarce, none need be used for the tuberous section from the time of pricking off the seedlings from the pans. From that time onwards boxes may well be used instead ; in fact, are preferable, for the reason that less water is required where there is a greater amount of soil, even though each plant may not have a greater proportion in this respect than when in a pot. Seedlings raised in March will make good plants for planting early in June. One can just prick them off into pans ; from these, when large enough, they are put in shallow boxes, and not disturbed again until planted out, unless getting overcrowded. The beds should be well prepared for them, if the soil is heavy and retentive using plenty ofwell-decomposed leaf-mould, this appearing to be very suit- able, and failing this old Mushroom manure. The soil should be obviously given for seedling plants than for those of one or more years' growth. During the first year those of inferior quality should be discarded when lifted, whilst mark the finest for another year. For the second and after seasons' display start the tubers in a gentle heat in boxes in March, transferring them to a cold frame or pit in May. They should be planted out in this in shallow soil. A north frame is best, the plants make very free growth, and get a good size for planting out the first week in June. The beds require to be surfaced with either a dwarf kind of plant or with Cocoa-nut fibre. Of the former one may use the dwarf hardy Sedums, as S. acre and S. glaucum, also Mesembryanthenium cordifolium variegatum. These all tend to keep the soil cool and moist, therefore more congenial for the Begonias. When, however, they are planted thickly together, use the fibre, which will soon be covered by the foliage. When Begonias, more particularly the tuberous ones, are planted in positions where they are likely to suffer from drought, they will require much water. They should always be kept moist at the root, as they cannot stand drought. Damping the beds overhead as the sun leaves them in the after part of the day when the weather is dry and warm will greatly refresh them. When lifted, the tuberous varieties require careful attention so as to prevent the decaying stems from imparting any ill effects to the tubers. This is easily done if care is not taken. Remove these stems as soon as they can be twisted out without any trouble. Some growers, and large ones too, expose the tubers in a light, dry, and airy house until the stems are quite dried up, which no doubt is a very good plan, but it requires room to do it. Later on the bulbs when quite at rest should be kept in a cool place, neither too dry nor too moist, but where frost cannot reach them, being stored in either Cocoa-nut fibre or silver sand in shallow boxes until again required for starting. It is better to have single than double flowers for bedding out, as the latter are far too heavy. There is no want of colours. The whites are very pure, and one gets some rich orange and buff tints, capable of creating striking yet not garish pictures. A class getting more popular each year, and not unlikely to take, in some measure, the place of the true tuberous kinds, is that called the shrubby set, these being known as forms of B. semperflorens. They are quite different to the others, being neat and shrubby in growth, with an abundance of rather small leaves, varying in shade from quite a bronzy purple. Conspicuous is Vernon's variety, the leaves deep crimson to light green, set off by pinky blossoms. There are many varieties, named, as a rule, according to the colour of the flowers, and as easily and similarly raised as the tuberous kinds. The plants are, when in beauty, a mass of bloom, the small flowers pro- duced in such profusion as to almost hide the leafage. But many of the kinds are very dull in colour, and get shabby to- wards the end of summer. There are many uses for them in gardens-as distinct groups, or as a groundwork to beds filled with other things, as the graceful Acacia lophantha. They are delightful, too, for pots, flowering so freely, and being compact and leafy in habit. Another section consists of varieties of B. multiflora, but these are not much known at present. From what one can see, however, they will get popular, especially as margins to beds, filled with other things, as they are very dwarf, the flowers, like little rosettes, appearing above the leaves. They are a mass of bloom through late summer and autumn. One ofthe best of the bedding Begonias is called Princess Beatrice, and is used as largely as any. The plant is very com- pact and neat in growth, the flowers of a pretty pink shade, and produced abund- antly. 328 BEHRIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . BENTHAMIA . Behria tenuifolia. This is a new bulbous flower, which Prof. Greene places close to the Brodiæa, but which I think will prove to be much nearer to the Mexican family of Bessera. The bulbs are small, exactly like those of Milla biflora, and the plants bear grassy leaves, each about a foot long. The scarlet flowers are tubular, carried in an umbel, with the stamens much exserted . Its season of growth is from May to September, and it comes from Cape St. Lucas, in Southern California. -C. G. V. T. Belladonna Lily ( Amaryllis). Bellevallia (Hyacinthus). Bellflower.-A name for various large kinds of Campanula. Bellis perennis (Daisy).-Daisies are among the most popular of garden flowers, although not used as much as formerly. They need only simple culture, increase rapidly, and in the spring garden are of great service in large clumps or masses. The common double garden Daisy has sprung from the wild Daisy, just as the double Primrose has come from its wild single Parent. Though we have numerous kinds, popular favour has adhered most closely to the old flat- petalled white and the old quilled red, both of which are grown by millions as market plants. Besides these are the flat-petalled Pink Beauty, a charming pink of the quilled class ; a deep rich red or crimson quilled kind, called Rob Roy ; White Globe, with large white quilled petals ; and many others. The yellow-blotched or Aucubaleaved kinds have originated by sporting, and one named aucubæfolia is a pretty kind, but rather tender, though it will do well in winter on a free porous soil, and in summer in a cool shady border, if transplanted there. The giant or crown- flowered Daisies almost form a distinct section, and, though vigorous, are much less free of bloom than the better-known kinds. These produce large and usually mottled red flowers upon long stalks, and are best suited for mixed borders. A very old favourite is the Hen-and- Chickens Daisy. It differs in no respect of habit or foliage from the double kinds, except that when the flowers are at their best they send out small ones from the axils of the scales-hence the designation Hen-and- Chickens. It is worth a place as a curiosity ; its flowers being usually rosy pink, and before starting its progeny very pretty. Propagation is simple, and may be done in spring and autumn. Well- dug soil suits well, and pull the plants to pieces, dibbling them in six inches apart, and if a good mass of bloom is desired they may be put a little closer. Where the soil is good the Daisy increases so rapidly that it may be transplanted twice in the year. Bellium. -Plants closely allied to the Daisy, of which some three or four forms are in cultivation. Although from the south of Europe, they are hardy on the rock-garden, but, like the beautiful Houstonia cœrulea, are apt to exhaust themselves in flowering. B. bellidioides , B. crassifolium, and B. minutum are much alike ; B. minutum being the best. numerous flowers are nearly as large as those of the Daisy, and it is easily grown in light soil. B. rotundifolium cœrulescens ( Blue Daisy) is a native of Morocco, on rich soils on the hills about Tangier, and by the watercourses of the Greater Atlas. It is a pretty rock- plant. Division or by seed. Bellwort (Uvularia). Its Belvedere (Chenopodium Scoparium). Benthamia fragifera ( Strawberry tree). -An Indian tree, beautiful and precious in gardens. Though not hardy enough for the country generally, it is quite hardy in mild southern districts of England and Ireland, and in many other places near the sea, such as in the Vale of Festiniog near Cardigan Bay, North Wales. It is also suited for walls and sheltered banks. Where the climate is favourable, on an ordinary garden wall it sometimes assumes a handsome tree-like shape. There is a Japanese kind. Perhaps the following letter to The Garden, by Mr. J. B. Cockburn of Guernsey, about the fine tree of it here figured, will be interesting :- "This tree is now thirty-five years old. As a small seedling of two years it was planted in the centre of a lawn exposed to the sun from early morning till late in the afternoon, but sheltered from the severe gales common in winter. It was quite two years before it took the ground; after that it shot up rather rapidly to its present height of 24 ft. , beyond which it does not appear inclined to go, but the lower branches have spread out on the ground and are still spreading, the circumference at the base at present being 81 ft. It was some eight years old before it commenced to bloom ; since then not a year has passed without its being covered with flowers, which are like those of a single Anemone, of much the same size, and of a greenish- white colour. The flowers open in May, and do not completely disappear till late in August ; the sight of this mass of white BENTHAMIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BENTHAMIA 329 bloom on so graceful a tree is singularly beautiful, and in the moonlight of the summer nights it has a startling effect. In the centre of every flower is the fruit, ish red, the largest specimens being as large as a Mandarin Orange. At the moment of writing (28th October) a few are quite ripe and dropping from the tree, Fine Strawberry tree at Elm House, Guernsey. and as the petals drop off this enlarges, and somewhat assumes the appearance of a Strawberry. It enlarges slowly, and towards the end of October turns a pinkbut fruit will be on the tree when the flowers open next year, and even now the buds of the future flowers, in the form of a small nodule the size of a Pea, a 330 BERBERIDOPSIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BERBERIS. miniature fruit, thickly stud all the new shoots ; in fact, the tree has always either fruit or flower, and for a long time shows both. " The fruit is unpalatable ; it makes a sort of jam which some people pretend to like. For many years no bird would touch the ripe fruit, but now thrushes, and especially blackbirds, eat it with avidity. The tree sheds many of its leaves in January, and looks its worst in January and February, but it is never completely bare. It will stand any amount of rain, but suffers much from Evergreen Barberry. strong winds, and should be planted in an open space, well protected from prevailing winds. It cannot be propagated by layers or cuttings, but there is no difficulty in rearing seedlings ; so freely does it propagate in this manner, that seedlings are constantly weeded out of the borders in the neighbourhood. " Berberidopsis corallina (Coral Barberry). This is a beautiful evergreen climbing shrub from Chili, hardy enough for open walls in the southern counties. It has large spiny leaves very much like some Barberries, the flowers, bright coralred, hanging in clusters on slender stalks, and borne for several weeks in summer. It is charming for a wall, preferring partial shade, such as that of a wall facing east or west, and does best in peaty or sandy soil. Raised from seed or layers. Berberis (Barberry).-Avaluable group of hardy shrubs, among the most beau- tiful of which is Darwin's Barberry (B. Darwini) . B. stenophylla is a hybrid between B. Darwini and the small B. empetrifolia. B. empetrifolia is an interesting though not showy trailing shrub. Two orthree specimens rising out ofa mass of B. Darwini make an effective evergreen shrub- group on a lawn. B. dulcis is a pretty Barberry, whose slender shoots are hung with tiny yellow flowers. The common Barberry (B. vulgaris) is very pretty when in fruit in autumn, and it has several varieties, some of which differ considerably in habit of growth and colour of the berries. One has berries of deep crimson, others have violet, yellow, and white fruits. A beautiful shrub-group could be formed ofthefruiting Bar- berries alone, using B. vulgaris, B. aristata (which has berries covered with white powder, like Plums), and the small-growing B. Thunbergi, also remark- able for its scarlet berries, which remain on the bush throughout the autumn. B. Wallichiana has handsome flowers and foliage, and is worthyofcultivation in the best collections. Evergreen Barberries. -The Mahonias are now merged in the genus Berberis, but in gardens the name Mahoniais often still retained. As flowering shrubs they are of much value, as is shown bythe beauty of flower and fruit of the common M. Aquifolium and its numerous varieties. Those named rotundifolia and Herveyi, gracilis and intermedia, are among the best, free in bloom and handsome in foliage. M. fascicularis, though not hardy everywhere, is fine when in bloom, its stems being wreathed with golden clusters for some weeks, while M. hybrida is scarcely less ornamental and certainly hardier. Of not so much value as BERGAMOT. THE 331 ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BLECHNUM. flowering shrubs are M. repens, M. glumacea, and M. trifoliata, all beautiful Evergreens. In mild districts there is not a finer flowering shrub in spring than M. nepalensis, with large clusters of yellow bloom and massive foliage. The Japanese M. Japonica, or M. Beali as it is also called, is a good Evergreen in sheltered places, and a fine flowering shrub. Bergamot (Monardafistulosa). Berkheya ( Stobæa). Beta cicla variegata (Chilian Beet).-- A showy plant, the leaves often more than 3 ft. long, vivid in colour, their midribs varying from dark waxy orange to vivid crimson. The splendid hue of the lower part of the leaf- stalks flows towards the point, and spreads in smaller streams through the main veins and ramifications ofthe great soft leaf, which is often 1 ft . and even 15 in. in diameter, if the plant be in rich ground, and the under sides of the leaves are richly coloured. Theplant should be sown in a gently heated frame, and afterwards planted out in rich ground. It varies much from seed, and the most striking individuals should be selected before the plants are put out. Used sparingly, its effect is often perhaps more telling than if in quantity. Betonica (Betony).-Plants of the Sage Order ; not of great garden value. B. grandiflora is one amongst numerous kinds worth a place in a border, thriving best in rich loam not too damp. Itis 12 to 18 in. high. Division. Bidens (Bur Marigold). North American annuals of the Composite family, few worth cultivating. The best are B. ferulæfolia, B. frondosa, and B. tripartita, from 1 to 13 ft. high, with yellow flowers and deeply cut foliage. Treated as half-hardy annuals. B. humilis is a handsome plant, dwarf and flowering all summer, flowers orange-yellow. Biebersteinia orphanides. —A rare plant from South-eastern Europe, belong- ing to the Geranium family, about 1 ft. high, with finely divided leaves and erect spikes of small rose-coloured flowers. Bignonia (Trumpet-flower). hardy species of this large family of climbers are graceful, showy in flower, and vigorous. The B. capreolata, a true Bignonia, is a native of the southern parts of North America, and is hardy in all but the coldest parts of England. It is commonly grown as a greenhouse climber, but it succeeds against a warm wall. It has heart-shaped leaves, ending in curly vine- Fike tendrils ; the flowers, of a true trumpet shape, are large, reddish yellow, and come not in clusters, but singly. In a sheltered spot against a sunny wall it is almost an evergreen. B. grandiflora is a Chinese plant, much more tender than B. radicans, and less common. It is much showier when in bloom, the drooping flowers, of a bright orange- scarlet, coming in large clusters. Its foliage, too, is larger, but the plant rarely grows so vigorously in this country. It is handsome in bloom on a warm sunny wall. B. radicans is a native of the North American States, and is an old garden favourite. Its long wiry stems send out roots like Ivy, and cling to walls or any support. The foliage is graceful, and in late summer the shoots have showy clusters of scarlet and orange blossoms. There is a variety named major, with larger flowers of a paler tint, and more robust foliage. A strong plant will run up and cover a wall 40 ft. high. It is use- ful also for covering arbours and pergolas. Bindweed. The English name various kinds of Convolvulus. Bird Cherry ( Cerasus Padus). Bird-foot Violet ( Viola pedata). Bird's-nest Fern ( Asplenium). Birthwort (Aristolochia). Bitter Almond ( Amygdalus). Bitter Root (Lewisia rediviva). Bitter Vetch ( Orobus). Black Lily (Lilium kamtschatkense). Black Thorn (Prunus). Bladder Fern (Cystopteris). for Blechnum ( Hard Fern).- Several of these evergreen Ferns are hardy and worthy of culture. The common British kind ( B. Spicant) is pretty and has many varieties. Of these, crispum has the lobes of the fronds undulated and curled, and their points finely crested ; cristatum is dwarfer, and the crested fronds are more forked and branched ; imbricatum has lance- shaped fronds of thick texture, and the top of pinna distinctly imbricated ; serratum rigidum is erect with crested fronds, distinct and handsome ; multifurcatum has the fronds much divided and forked ; and trinervium has the lowermost p.nnæ so arranged as to give the fronds a tripinnate appear- ance. The varieties of B. Spicant now number nearly fifty. Among the hardy exotic kinds B. alpinum is most desirable, as it is a rapid grower, and its dense growth soon covers broad spaces on rockwork. The hardy Blechnums may be grown in loam, loam and peat, or a stiff clayey soil, but dislike chalky soils and dry situations. They love shady moist spots and abundance of water in 332 BLEEDING HEART. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BOMAREA. the growing season. Under these conditions they attain a greater size and vigour than when wild. They are suitable for the hardy fernery and shady spots or rock- garden and in borders. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra). Blennosperma californicum. -Adwarf annual from California, belonging to the Composite family, not much known in cultivation. Blessed Thistle (Carduus benedictus). Bletia hyacinthina. A beautiful Chinese Orchid, having ribbed leaves, and slender flower-stems I ft. or more high, bearing about half a dozen showy flowers of a deep rosy pink. It has proved hardy, and thrives well in sheltered and shaded situations in peat borders. In some localities it would be well to cover the roots during severe cold. It is also known as B. japonica, and is very interesting for the bog garden or a bed of hardy Orchids. Blitum capitatum ( Strawberry-blite). -A hardy annual of the Spinach family, 1 to 2 ft. high, the flowers small, followed by high- coloured fruit calyxes resembling small Strawberries. Sow in April in the open air. Bloodroot ( Sanguinaria canadensis). Bloomeria aurea. -An attractive little Californian plant, having umbels of small orange flowers striped with a deeper hue, from 6 to 18 in. high, and quite hardy in light garden soil in sunny positions, but should be protected during severe cold. Syn., Nothoscordum aureum. Bluebell. The English name of various plants, principally Campanula rotundifolia and Scilla nutans. Blue Berry (see Vaccinium). Blue Cupidone (Catananche cærulea). Blue Daisy. -An English name of various chiefly blue flowers-Bellium and Kaulfussia. Blue Spider- wort (Commelina cœlestis). Bluets (Houstonia cœrulea). Blumenbachia coronata. -An interesting annual flower, showy, the foliage elegant, and the growth dwarf, the structure of the flowers singular. The boat-shaped petals and the peculiar small scales between them, together with the brush-like bundles of stamens, make the blossoms very attractive. Its culture is simple, requiring to be treated as a hardy annual, but it is better to sow it in spring than in autumn. It flowers from July to September if grown in warm light soils. The other species in cultivation are B. insignis and B. multifida. The blossoms of B. insignis are pure white, I in. across, with compressed keeled petals, furnished with a large serrated tooth on each side. B. multifida is of much stronger growth, more hispid with stings, and with much larger five-parted leaves, longer two- bracted flower-stalks, and broader obtuse petals. Both are natives of the southern parts of South America. Bobartia aurantiaca. -A pretty Iridaceous bulb from the Cape of Good Hope, about 1 ft. high, and bearing numerous rich yellow blossoms. Being somewhat tender, it should be planted in light warm soil in a border, or in the rock-garden, and protected in winter when necessary. The bulbs should be lifted and separated after flowering, and replanted in autunın. Bocconia cordata (Plume Poppy).- A handsome and distinct plant growing in erect tufts 3 to over 8 ft. high, and admirable if properly placed. The numerous flowers are in very large terminal panicles, the flowers not showy, but the inflorescence, when the plant is well grown, has a fine effect. The plant is best in the shrubbery, and does well in ordinary garden soil. It is excellent in bold groups, the leaves, too, being fine in form. Division . China. B. frutescens. -A vigorous Mexican shrub, 3 to nearly 6 ft. high, with few and very brittle branches, large, sea- green, handsome leaves, and greenish flowers. Very effective on Grass plats, in groups or as isolated specimens. It requires a somewhat warmer climatethan ours to thrive well, though it is sometimes in fair condition in the London parks out- of-doors in summer. It may be placed out from June to the end of September. It is difficult to propagate by cuttings, and easier to raise from seed. Boehmeria nivea. -A stout shrubby perennial of the Nettle family, occasionally grown in botanic gardens, and dis- tinct in habit, and with the under side of the leaves silvery. About London it grows 3 to 4 ft. high. Division. China. Borkhausia (Crepis). B. rubra (Red Hawkweed). Bog Arum (Callapalustris). Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum). Bog Bean (Menyanthes trifoliata).— Known also as Brookbean and Buckbean. Bog Pimpernel (Anagallis tenella). Bog Rhubarb (Petasites vulgaris). Bog Violet (Pinguicula vulgaris). Boltonia. =Aster. Bomarea. Plants allied to Alstræmeria, requiring greenhouse temperature so far as now known. Mr. Archer Hind, BONGARDIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BOWIEA. 333 of Newton Abbot, has B. edulis (syn. , oculata) out-of-doors, and it has flowered well after surviving a temperature of 25° below freezing. If any of the other species should prove hardy in the southern counties, their fine bold twining habit and handsome flowers would be a gain. Bongardia Rauwolfi. -A plant of the Barberry order, though remarkably un- like one, as it has a depressed CyclamenEke stem, from the apex of which spring The Plume Poppy (Bocconia cordata). the leaves, in three to eight pairs of leaf- lets, each of which is again divided, presenting the appearance of being arranged in whorls. These are wedgeshaped, of a pale glaucous green, and each has a conspicuous reddish- purple blotch at the base. The flower stem is much branched, 6 in. high, and bears roundish golden blossoms from to I in. across, which droop gracefully from slender stalks. Though now rare, this beautiful plant was among our earliest garden plants, and is mentioned by all the early writers. Found from the Greek Archipelago to Afghanistan, and hardy on dry soils. Seed. Borago orientalis ( The Cretan Borage) -A vigorous perennial, bearing pale- blue flowers early in spring, and in good soil, having very large leaves through the summer. Easily naturalised in any rough place, but not worth a place in the garden proper, being coarse and taking up much space. The common Borage is very pretty, naturalised in dry places or banks, where it might often be welcome for use as well as beauty. Thereis a whitevariety. B. laxiflora is pretty with suspended blue flowers ; it grows very freely on sandy soils. Borkhausia (Crepis). Botryanthus (Muscari). Botrychium (Moonwort).- Inconspicuous Ferns, of which few are cultivated. The com- mon native Moonwort (B. lunaria) is widely distributed, and generally found in moist sheltered meadows. B. lunarioides, B. virginicum, B. lanceolatum, B. simplex, and B. ternatum are hardy North American species. All the Botrychiums are deciduous, putting forth their fronds about the end of April, and dying down somewhat early in autumn. The fronds are of a beautiful dark green, and the plants produce small panicles of inflorescence. The best soil is a moist well-drained sandy mixture of loam and peat. Boussingaultia basel- loides. A luxuriant trailing plant with shoots 16 to 20 ft. long, and sometimes more. Flowering late in autumn, the flowers small, white, fragrant, and becoming black as they fade. They are disposed in clusters 2 to 4 in. long, spring- ing from the axils of the leaves at the ends of the branches. The fine green leaves are smooth, shining, fleshy, and slightly wavy ; stems twining, tinged with red, growing with extraordinary rapidity, and bearing many tubercles. Suited only for dry banks and chalk-pits, associ- ated with climbing and trailing plants. Tubercles of the stem ; these break with the least shock, but the smallest fragment will vegetate. South America. Bowiea volubilis. -A Cape bulb, 334 BOX. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BREVOORTIA. interesting only from a botanical point. of view, being one of the few climbing Liliacea. It has no leaves, but has numerous fleshy terete branches, several feet high, and rising from a large Turnip- like green bulb, half raised above the surface. The flowers are small and inconspicuous. It is a hardy perennial when planted in a sheltered situation against a wall, especially one with a southern aspect. It should be allowed to ramble over dead branches placed near it. Seeds. Box (Buxus). Box Thorn (Lycium). Brachycome íberidifolia ( Swan River Daisy). A pretty annual of simple culture, about 8 to 12 in. high. As it is somewhat straggling, it is particularly suited for grouping in masses. The flowers are about 1 in. across, in loose terminal clusters, and are bright blue, with a paler centre, resembling those ofthe Cineraria. There are other sorts, with flowers of various shades of blue and purple, and one of pure white. Sow in cool house in September as soon as ready, prick off four or five in a 4- in. pot, keep in cold pits during winter, and guard against damp. Pot on again in March singly into 4- in . pots, and finally at end of April plant out into open borders ; or sow on slight hotbed in March, prick out into pits for transplanting into open in May ; or sow in open in April and May. Bracken (or Brake).-Applied to large Ferns generally, more particularly to Pteris aquilina. Bramble (Rubus). Brasenia ( Water Shield).- A North American water-plant, the flowers dull purple, coming to the surface but making little show. Brassica.-- Some forms of the Cabbage, particularly the variegated Kales, are used in the flower garden for winter effect. The secret in cultivating them is poor soil. This brings out their colours and keeps the plants dwarf and compact. Seed should be sown in May, and when fit to handle the plants should be pricked out wide apart into a very sunny spot, and finally bedded out in October, after the summer stuff is cut down by frost ; and on clear days a clump, varied in colour and well planted, will have a charming effect on a lawn. In planting, the stems should be sunk in the ground up to the lower leaves, and care should be taken that they are of equal height. The dwarf curled variegated kind has the finest effect in beds. Its colours vary from pure white to deep purple, pass through cream, pink, pale and dark green. Plants of it have variously coloured veins and laced edges. The Ragged Jack stands next ; when closely inspected the beautifully cut leaves give an additional charm. The seed must be of a good strain or selection, as the want of the finer laced and fringed light- coloured varieties quite spoils a good bed, the commoner colours being sombre dark greens with purple veins. The Carnationstriped Red Cabbage makes a showy bed, but is not so hardy as the Kales. B. oleracea crispa is a handsome plant nearly 4 ft. high, with elegantly cut arching leaves, the divisions of which are finely curled. It may be used in the winter garden, the leaves being at their best during autumn and winter. Still more striking is B. o. palmifolia, 6 ft. high, with leaves near the top of the stem, which have a palm-like appearance in the end of summer and in autumn. Bravoa geminiflora (Scarlet Twinflower).-A pretty Mexican bulbous plant of the Amaryllis order. From 1 to 2 ft. high, the flower-stems stout and erect, bearing on the upper part numerous pairs of nodding tubular flowers ofa rich scarlet outside, but inclined to yellow within. It succeeds well in warm sheltered situations in borders of light and well- drained soil, but requires some protection over the bulbs in winter. It flowers in autumn, and remains a long time in bloom. Brevoortia coccinea ( Crimson Satinflower).--The name now applied to Brodiæa coccinea, one of the prettiest Californian plants. The drooping umbels of flowers grow on stems, 1 to 2 ft. high, the flowers tubular and of a deep crimsonred, the lips a vivid green. It succeeds best in friable loam. It is not well to delay planting after October, and the roots may remain undisturbed for several years. Offsets are given off, and the plant may also be increased by seed, which vegetates pretty freely after some weeks, the bulbils flowering in three or four years. Not less than three plants should be grouped together, and a dozen will produce a still better effect; an Osier rod in their midst will support the fragile stems. In soils of a sandy character, the foliage may partially wither by the time the flowers are in perfection. This may partly be remedied by sowing a few seeds of some neat dwarf annual to carpet the soil round the stem, and bloom after its removal, or, in the case of the early-flowering annuals, such as Limnanthes and Leptosiphon, simultaneously with the bulbs themselves. BREXIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BRODIÆA. 335 Brexia madagascariensis. -A hand- some shrub with a slender erect stem clothed with long leathery leaves. It is one of the tropical stove-plants that may be placed in the open air from June to early in October, requiring ordinary stove- culture during winter and spring. It should only be placed out after making a strong growth, which has been hardened off. Madagascar. Briar, Green (Smilax). Briar, Sweet (Rosa). Briza (Quaking Grass).—A graceful family of Grasses, American and European. B. maxima is one of the handsomest, growing 12 to 18 in. high ; may be sown in the open in March, is quite hardy and exceedingly graceful while growing, and most useful for decoration either green or dried. B. media (Common Quaking Grass) is smaller, 9 to 15 in. high. Borders, raised from seed. Brodiæa. Acharming family of North American liliaceous plants. The late Professor Sereno Watson recognises fifteen species in his Revision of the North American Liliacea, to which he adds about half a dozen more in sub- sequent notes, and I think it will be best to follow his nomenclature. The Genera Plantarum admits the same genera as proposed by Watson, but it also includes under Brodiæa the Triteleia group, of which Triteleia uniflora is the best-known example. Though, perhaps, not distinct from Brodiæa in a strictly botanical sense, the Triteleia group is perhaps best kept separate from the true Brodiæas, which are all inhabitants of North America, whilst the Triteleias, united with Milla by some authors, are all natives of the southern parts of the American con- tinent. The first of the species described by Professor Sereno Watson in his re- vision above cited isB. grandiflora. -This is an old and widely spread plant, the scape is about 5 in. high, and the deep purplish-blue flowers are produced in a loose umbel in July. At the time of flowering the foliage is generally more or less withered, and to hide the nakedness of the stems it is sometimes best to plant the bulb among some other low-growing plants. B. minor, admitted by Watson as a species, but probably not more than a variety, of the foregoing, is very pretty ; dwarf, and resembles Chionodoxagigantea. The scape is not more than an inch high, about fifteen flowers in the umbel ; the colour purplish blue, with a lighter centre. B. congesta has the stems long and wiry, the flowers in a dense umbel ; purplish blue in colour, and very lasting. B. alba is a pretty white-flowered variety. B. capitata much resembles this kind, and in cultivation it is usually dwarfer and flowers about a week earlier than B. congesta. There is also a white- flowered variety. B. laxa is a very old garden plant, also called Triteleia laxa. There are several varieties, not only varying in colour of the flowers, which in the type is of a deep purplish-blue, but also in the size of the individual flowers and the umbels. B. peduncularis is a pretty whiteflowered species, with large umbel of porcelain-white blossoms, the flowers re- sembling those of Triteleia uniflora. B. gracilis is not very ornamental, the flowers being small, yellow in colour with a brown stripe. B. ixioides is another yellow- flowered species. This was figured by Lindley in the Botanical Register as Calliprora lutea ; the scape is about a foot high, carrying a good- sized umbel of yellow flowers, slightly striped with brown. B. lactea has a small umbel of whitish flowers of no particular beauty. The following are newer species de- scribed by Watson and other authors with which I have been able to get acquainted. Of these I would place B. Howelli in the first rank. This pretty species has flowers in a fine umbel, bell- shaped and milky white. A beautiful variety of it ( Lilacina) has delicate bluish flowers, retaining its fine deep- green foliage at the time of flowering, and throwing up sturdy stems about 2 ft. high, crowned by large flat umbels of well- shaped flowers of a delicate milky- white and light lilac- blue. They are very lasting, and when cut and placed in water they will remain good for at least a fortnight. It first flowered at Gravetye, and the plate in The Garden was from a drawing made there by Mr. Moon. It flowers about the end of May, and a clump of it remains in good condition for at least three weeks. Other newly introduced species are B. Hendersoni, with large umbels of yellow flowers ; B. filifolia, very narrow- leaved, with small umbels of lavender- coloured flowers ; B. Lemmonæ, ы. Palmeri, B. Orcutti, B. terrestris, and a few others of which I have not as yet any intimate knowledge. Turning from the true Brodiæas, we have the closely related groups Stropholirion, Brevoortia, and Bloomeria, all of which no doubt belong to the former family, though they are kept separate by several authors. Of the first-named of these the Stropholirion-there is only one species-viz. S. californicum , better known as Brodiæa volubilis. The flower- 336 BROMELIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BRUGMANSIA. stems of this singular plant are twining, and if they get a support will grow 4 to 5 ft. high, with a total stem length of often double that. The flowers are delicate rosy pink. The Brevoortia is also a mono-typic genus, and the B. coccinea or Brodiæa coccinea is now a well-known plant, with fine umbels of pendulous flowers, individually about. 2 in. long and rich crimson red, with pea-green rim. The flowers last in good form for a very long time. I have seen cut specimens kept dry and out of water retain their freshness and bright colour for over a week. There is also a rare lilac- coloured variety. The Bloomerias, of which the B. aurea and B. Clevelandi are the best known, are much like Brodiæa ixioides, having umbels of rich yellow flowers. The cultivation of all the above bulbs is simplicity itself. They may be planted from October until December, and in mild localities will pass the winter in the open unprotected. Here, in Holland, where our winters are often very severe, they are covered with reeds or straw at the approach of the cold season. This covering will not only keep the cold off, but it also serves to keep the soil open and to ward off the exciting effects of an often treacherous winter sun.-C. G. V. T. Bromelia sphacelata (Hardy B. )—A rough curious Chilian plant, forming tufts of harsh, rigid, spiny leaves, 1 to 2 ft. high. Flowers in summer ; purple, sessile, crowded and overlapping each other, in axillary spikes. Leaves numerous, erect, sword-shaped, long- pointed, fringed with stiff spines pointing upwards. It is suit- able for the rock-garden and warm borders in light perfectly drained soil. Bromus. At least one of this large genus of Grasses is very graceful and worthy of culture-that is B. brizæformis, a hardy biennial about 2 ft. high, with large graceful and drooping heads. It is more valuable for cutting and drying than any of the Quaking Grasses (Briza). We have grown it as an annual sown out- of- doors in spring and in pots, but probably autumnal- sown plants would give the best results. It is worth a place for the sake of cutting for preservation alone. Broom (Cytisus). Broom Rape ( Orobanche) . Broom, Spanish ( Spartium junceum). Browallia. An interesting family, chiefly Peruvian. B. elata has usually been regarded only as a beautiful pot- plant in summer and autumn, but it does well in the open air, either in a bed by itself or in large patches with other things. It supplies a shade of colour difficult to obtain, and is useful to cut from, the flowers being light and elegant. Sow the seed in March, prick off the young plants when large enough to handle, grow them on till they are strong, and plant out in May. There is a white variety equally useful. B. grandiflora, a fine form of the old B. elata, is useful for conservatory and indoor decoration, and comes true from seed, the flowers being of a beautiful shade of blue. It also succeeds out- ofdoors. B. Roezli is a dense compact bush, 16 to 20 in. high, with shining green leaves. The flowers are of a delicate azure blue, or are white with a yellow tube, and are unusually large for the genus. They come in uninterrupted succession from spring till autumn. Rocky Mountains. Brugmansia ( Trumpetflower - ).-- Plants of fine form and large and beautiful flowers, more useful in warmer countries, but good for summer use in warm and sheltered gardens in the southern and milder districts. They are of easy cultivation, and soon make large plants. The best way of growing is as standards, so that their long drooping flowers may be better seen. In the flower garden a sheltered but sunny position should be chosen. The plants may be safely put out about the end of May in good warm soil. It would be best to pot them into large pots or tubs, and turn them out of these, as thus treated they would not die back so far in the winter, and when planting time again came round the growth would be stronger. When in a house either in tubs or in the border, an annual pruning should be given early in the spring, and they should be kept within bounds. Under glass the chief enemy is green-fly, but fumigation soon disposes of this. For the open border of a large house a few standards with stems 8 ft. or so in height make a grand show. Their propagation is simple, the young shoots being merely taken off in spring and struck in a gentle heat, one cutting in a small pot. Grow them on as fast as possible, keeping them to the one stem until of good height. They will yield a few flowers the first autumn when planted out, but as they get older they flower more profusely, the growth being less luxuriant. When planted out in the open ground, Brugmansias are best as centre plants to fairly large beds, with a carpet of dwarf things under them. They should not be smothered up, the example of Knighti in the illustration being an BRUGMANSIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BRUGMANSIA. 337 instance of good effect when not over- crowded. This is one of the best varieties, with manylarge handsome double flowers. It is more robust and compact in growth than other kinds, its leaves too of a darker green. B. suaveolens, another good white variety, is a profuse bloomer, its flowers being perhaps larger than Brugmansias are usually placed with the Daturas. Some years ago, at Nuneham Park, Oxford, B. suaveolens was used with good effect in the flower garden during summer and autumn. Mr. Stewart, the gardener, used to raise plants annually by striking cuttings in autumn in bottom heat. They Brugmansia Knighti in the flower garden. those of B. Knighti, but single. B. sanguinea has flowers of a deep orangeyellow tinged with green towards the base ; it does not flower quite so freely as the white kinds, but should be grown for its distinct character. There is also a double yellow variety of B. chlorantha, which is free-flowering and well worth growing, being pleasing in pots. The were potted as soon as rooted, and kept growing gently in a warm greenhouse all through the winter. About the end of February they were placed in an atmosphere of about 55°, when they were encouraged to grow freely. As soon as the roots appeared above the surface, liquid manure and sometimes a top- dressing of old cow manure were given. They were Ꮓ 338 BRYANTHUS . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . BUTTERCUP . " kept growing on in this way until the middle of May, when they were 2 ft. high, after which they were gradually hardened off, and during a dull time taken out- of-doors, placed in a sheltered corner, and screened from the sun before being planted out. Out - of- doors the plants flowered freely, and gave off a sweet perfume during the evenings in July and August. They continued to bloom until early autumn frosts came, and then were dug up and the roots trimmed, so that the plants would go into 12-in. pots. Instead of being potted they were stored under a stage in one of the greenhouses. In Bryanthus erectus (Hybrid B. )—A dwarf evergreen bush, from 8 in. to 1 ft. high, bearing pretty pinkish flowers. It is said to be a hybrid, and is in appear- ance intermediate between Rhododendron Chamæcistus and Kalmia glauca. very fine sandy soil or in that usually prepared for American plants, it grows well, and is suitable for the rock-garden or in collections of very dwarf alpine shrubs, whether planted in the rockgarden or in neat beds. Bryonia dioica (Bryony).-The modest merit of this wild British climber is seen in German gardens, where it is chosen for its enduring verdure as well as graceful foliage. It forms many wreaths in Vienna, and is trained up the angles of stone pedestals in the garden of Count Schwarzenberg. So trained, it relieves the mass ofstone, but so commona hedge plant will not often find a place in our gardens. Buckbean (Menyanthes). Buckeye (Pavia). Bugle (Ajuga). the gardens of Bugloss (Anchusa officinalis). Buddleia globosa ( Orange Ball Tree). -Afavourite shrub from Chili, often seen in the southern coast gardens, where it is hardier, and in Ireland, the flowers, balls of bright yellow, are showy in early summer. It is of rapid growth, and if badly cut down during a severe winter generally grows again in the following summer. Other species less satisfactory for open-air culture are B. crispa, Himalayas ; and B. Lindleyana, China. Bulbine. Plants of the Lily Order, of which only one species, B. annua, from South Africa, is grown in the open air- an annual, about 1 ft. high, with narrow leaves and spikes of small yellow flowers, not very showy. Bulbocodium vernum ( Spring Meadow Saffron).- A pretty bulb from 4 to 6 in. high, and one of the best and earliest of spring bulbs, sending up large rosy purple flower-buds, distinct in colour. Earlier than Crocus susianus. The tubular flowers are nearly 4 in. long, and are usually prettiest in the bud state, the colour being a violet-purple, the large buds appearing before the leaves, and the leaves growing large after the flowers are past. Associated with very early flowering plants like the Snowflake, Snowdrop, and Anemone blanda, it is very welcome in the rock-garden or in warm sunny Bulbocodium. borders. Easily increased by dividing the bulbs in July or August, and replanting them from 4 in. to 6 in. apart. There is a variegated- leaved variety. One other species, B. trigynum, is some- times met with in cultivation. Alps ofEurope. Bullrush (Scirpus lacustris).- Erroneously applied to Typha latifolia, the Reed Mace. Buphthalmum ( Telekia). Burning Bush (Dictamnus fraxinella). Butcher's Broom (Ruscus). Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush).—--A handsome native water-plant, often very fine in a rich muddy soil. It should always find a place among waterplants, being hardy and free to flower, easily increased by division. Butter-and- Eggs. -An English name for a double form of Narcissus incomparabilis ; also applied to the commonToadflax. Butterbur (Petasites). Buttercup. -The English name for various native yellow Ranunculi, some of which in their double form are cultivated in gardens. BUTTERFLY ORCHIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CACTUS. 339 Butterfly Orchis (Habenaria bifolia). Butterwort (Pinguicula). Buxus (Box).- This beautiful bush or low tree grows wild on some of our southern chalk hills, and is much cultivated in gardens as an edging and also in shrubberies. The beauty of its habit is seldom seen in gardens, owing to its being grown under other trees or to its being too much crowded, but seen wild and fully exposed on the chalk hills its habit is most graceful, and it might be sel to secure the same beauty of habit by planting in groups upon fully exposed knolls with the common Box, not too thickly set. Almost all the species and varieties have variegated forms, which, though pretty, are not so good as the natural forms. Easily increased from seed sown in the open ground, or from cuttings in the autumn. The following are the kinds :- The Common Box (Buxus sempervrens). From its close bushy habit it is one of the most useful Evergreens for garden hedges. It may be pruned or Capped into any shape ; and when topiary rdening was in fashion, it shared with the Yew in the formation of designs and igures of men and animals. While there are few soils in which it will not thrive, it prefers such as are light, with a warm gravelly subsoil. Of what is regarded as The typical species there are in cultivation manyvarieties, differing more or less in stature, habits, and foliage. Of these arborescens is a handsome form, with a more robust growth, longer branches, and Larger leaves than the common species. Handsworthi has broad deep- green leaves, and is one of the finest varieties. An- estifolia, with narrow leaves and dwarf, is a compact shrub. Japonica, by some writers regarded as a species, is probably a form of the common Box. It is quite hardy, and is a handsome shrub. Pendula has a weeping habit, and when left to itself has a rambling and not very elegant form. Trained, however, to a single stem, or grafted as a standard upon the upright varieties, it forms a specimen for a lawn. Rosmarinifolia is a curious dwarf variety, with narrow leaves, giving it the look of a miniature Rosemary. Nana is the common dwarf Box, used for edgings to garden walks. Myrtifolia is a distinct plant with narrow leaves ; Thymi- folia is a neat dwarf variety, with short tiny branches and very small leaves. The Minorca Box ( B. balearica) is a native of Balearic and other islands in the Mediterranean, as well as Italy and Turkey, where it forms a fine tree of from 60 to 80 ft. in height. The leaves are larger than those of the common Box, and when exposed to the sun are of a lighter green. In our gardens it is often seen as a shrub ; and, though classed among hardy Ever- greens, it only succeeds well in warm wellsheltered situations with a dry soil and a warm subsoil. The Chinese Box ( B. sinensis ) is of a dwarf habit, not exceed- ing in its native habitats 3 ft. in height. The leaves are smaller than those of the common Box, and it is rather tender, but succeeds in sheltered situations, forming a compact bush, useful for small garden shrub beds. Box Edgings. Where Box edgings are cared for, they must be clipped every year, and it is on this operation, and on the time ofyear it is done, that the look of the edging for the rest of the year depends. After trials of clipping at different seasons, we think the end of May or the first week in June is the best time for it, for although the Box is hardy its young growths often suffer from spring frosts during May, and, by clipping at the time named, all irregularities of surface are removed ; the young growth very soon commences, and takes off that hard look that follows the use of the garden- shears. The young growth looks fresh and becomes matured to stand the ensuing winter, which is not the case when clipping is done at the end of summer. Injury is done through salting the walks to destroy weeds, when a heavy fall of rain floats the salt to the edging, and destroys it. The next worst enemy to Box edgings is the foliage of garden crops or flowers overhanging them, and drawing them up weakly, so that they cannot withstand severe weather. Where proper attention is paid to Box edgings they are very charming to many, though they are not nearly so good or pretty as the rough stone or flint edgings spoken of elsewhere in this book. Cacalia Senecio. Caccinia glauca. -A dwarf hardy perennial belonging to the Borage Order, from the highlands of Persia, about 9 in. high, with short racemes of flowers, each about in. in diameter, like a Borage in form, pinkish at first, changing to blue. It is a neat border plant, interesting, but hardly a showy plant.-W. T. Cactus. Various plants belonging to the Cactus Order of plants have proved hardy in England. Opuntia, Echino- cereus, Mammillaria, and Echinopsis are among the hardiest. Pretty effects are shown by some Cacti in the open air Z 2 340 CALADIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALANDRINIA. in Southern England, the plants blooming freely when fully exposed in the sun on a warm rock-garden ; but the want of the sunshine of their native plains is against their being very happy in Britain . When the foliage of a plant, or what answers to it, is perennial, as in Cacti, it is most important to place it so that it may be safe from injuries, apart from climate, and the best places are, as a rule, on well- drained ledges in the rock-garden. Plants of this family should be planted in the rock-garden in open airy situations, free from dripping water, and where the drainage is perfect. Probably hardy alpine species will be found farther south, and we may yet see, in warmer counties, a good collection of bright-flowered Cac- taceous plants on warm rocky borders or banks. Caladium esculentum. -For outdoor decoration this species is the best of a large genus with very fine foliage. It is only in the midland and southern counties that it can be grown, but its fine form, outlines, and aspects make it worthy of a place associated with fine-leaved plants wherever the garden is warm enough. It requires above all other plants a light rich warm soil. May is the best time for planting it out in the open air, and, if groups are formed, the plants should be 2 or 2 ft. apart. The foliage generally attains full size in August and September. At the approach of frosty weather, all the leaves, or all but the central one, should be cut down to within 1 or 2 in. of the crown, and a few days afterwards the tubers should be taken up and left on the ground for a few hours to dry ; they should then be stored on the shelves of a warm greenhouse, or in a cellar or some other place where they will be safe from frost and wet. By placing the tubers in a hotbed in March, plants with well- grown leaves may be obtained for planting out in the open air about the end of May or the beginning of June. It has been used with good effect in London gardens, but owing to cold seasons its culture is to a great extent given up. New Zealand. C. odorum (Colocasia odora).—A handsome plant, with stout stems from 3 to 8 ft. high, the heart-shaped leaves erect, broad, marked with strong nerves, often more than 3 ft . long, the flowers fragrant. It is a fine plant for placing on grass, but it is too tender to thrive except in sunny sheltered dells in the south, and should not be planted out until June. E. Indies. Calamintha. -Glabella is a charming minute plant, growing in neat little tufts 3 in. high, flowering in summer and bearing lilac- purple scented blossoms, numer- ous and large for its size. Should be grown on the rock-garden in sandy loam and among the dwarfest plants. Division. Calampelis (Eccremocarpus). Calandrinia. This genus is large, and many species have been introduced, but few are very effective for gardens, but if well grown and placed they are pretty, and sometimes brilliant border or rock plants. C. discolor.--A beautiful S. American plant, from 1 to 13 ft. high, with fleshy leaves, pale green above and purple beneath, and bright-rose flowers in a long raceme, 1 in. across, their colour forming a pretty contrast to the tuft of golden stamens in the centre. The flowers open only in sunshine in July and August, blooming several weeks in succession. They thrive in a dry soil and on a warm exposure, and may either be sown in the open border or in pots in April, but care must be taken in transplanting them from pots. C. grandiflora. -A handsome annual resembling C. discolor, but larger, with more showy blossoms and leaves of a different shape. It thrives in a warm and good loam, and flowers a little earlier than C. discolor, and blooms throughout the autumn. C. nitida. Closely allied to C. discolor, but dwarfer, forming a tuft 4 to 6 in. across, and bearing on stems 6 to 9 in. high large rose flowers in leafy racemes. The flowers are fully 2 in. across, and open best in bright sunshine, like all the kinds. It is best treated as a half- hardy annual, as it then blooms much earlier, but may be sown in the open air in May. Chili. C. oppositifolia is a distinct plant, and is well marked by its larger, very thick, succulent leaves and delicate white flowers. The root is a thick fleshy tuber, and likes a warm dry spot, where it proves hardy. In habit it is somewhat straggling, but where it can be planted so as to overhang a small ledge it will be found beautiful. It first flowered at Kew, and it ripens seed freely, and it is a native of Oregon and California, on high moun- tains. -K. C. speciosa . A plant with slender stems, much branched and prostrate ; the flowers from to I in. across, purplecrimson ; on sunny mornings they open fully, closing early in the afternoon. flowers and thrives from June to September on dry soil, sows itself often, and is suited for the rock-garden on account of its dwarf habit. California. It CALANDRINIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALCEOLARIA. 341 C. umbellata, a distinct and pretty plant, has reddish much-branched little stems, half-shrubby at the base, 3 or 4 in. high, the flower dazzling magentacrimson. In the evenings and in cloudy weather it closes, and nothing is to be seen but the tips of the flowers. It does very well in any fine sandy peat or in other open earth, and is perennial on dry soils and in chinks in a well-drained rock-garden, readily raised from seed sown in pots or in the open air in fine sandy soil. As it does not transplant compressa, and C. micrantha, but their flowers are not so pretty as those of the kinds just mentioned. Calceolaria. Pretty plants, not so popular in gardens as they have been. In the London district they are employed very much less than they were some years ago, as many of the varieties die from disease, or are short-lived as regards bloom. We used to see masses of the fine old Sultan (crimson ) and Kentish Hero (rich brown) in almost every garden, but we now seldom see the hབཏང Se Calandrinia oppositifolia. well, the best way to grow it for bright beds in the flower garden is to sow a few grains of seed in each small pot in autumn, keep the pots in dry sunny pits or frames in winter, and then without much disturbance of the roots turn the plants out into the beds in the end of April or beginning of May. Young plants flower longer than old ones. may also be treated as an annual sown in frames very early in spring. It There are other kinds, such as C. Lindleyana, C. Burridgi, C. procumbens, C. crimsons and maroons and crimsons with gold caps. The golden yellows, how- ever, still hold their own, and the old variety Gaines's yellow has still perhaps the best constitution of any. C. aureofloribunda is everywhere known, and the handsome C. amplexicaulis, with its bold habit and pure lemon flowers, is always a favourite. We think the main cause of deterioration has been neglect in cultiva- tion and want of generous treatment. Both before and immediately after transplanting they should be kept in a vigorous 342 CALCEOLARIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALCEOLARIA. state in good rich soil through the winter, and near the glass, but as far from fireheat as possible-in cool pits where air is given at all possible times, by entirely uncovering or tilting the lights when the weather will allow ; for the object is to keep the foliage free from curl and insects, to which when fire- heat is applied it is very subject. PROPAGATION. -The shrubby varieties bloom mostly in summer, and there is then scarcely a shoot that does not contain an embryo flower-spike. Such shoots make bad cuttings, and are too soft to strike well. The best time for propagating such varieties is the end of September and October, in a cold wooden or turf frame on a dry basis ; fill it to within 6 in. of the top with sandy loam, and over that spread some clean silver sand. Then select stubby firm side shoots, pick out any flower-spikes that are visible, remove one or two of the base leaves, cut horizontally below a joint with a sharp knife, and dibble them thickly, regularly, and firmly into the frames, giving a sprinkling of water through a fine rose to settle the soil and to prevent their flagging. Keep the frames close and shaded for a day or two, but afterwards remove the shading, and only use it during the succeeding month to counteract the effects of bright sunshine. cuttings take a long time to root, but if the atmosphere of the frame is kept dry, and the plants are kept free from damp by dredgings of wood ashes, dry dust, and old lime rubbish, they will root satisfactorily during winter, and in spring will yield tops for additional cuttings ; whether these are wanted for cuttings or not, they are best pinched off. Such WINTERING. -These frames require no further care beyond protection from frost, by covering the sashes, and banking up the sides, if of wood, with soil. Wooden boxes, seed- pans, or pots might also be used for striking Calceolarias in ; and in them the plants might be wintered in any pit, greenhouse, or conservatory. Whether propagated in frames or boxes, they should be transplanted farther apart than previously, into other frames filled with rich open soil, where they will become fit for planting out by the middle of May, if the shoots have been attentively pinched when necessary. In autumn, too, it is a good plan to draw some earth round the necks of the old plants, so as to induce the emission of roots from that portion of their stems and at lifting time, in November, to separate every rooted branch, and plant

them as independent plants in frames. They will yield abundance of cuttings in spring, and it is from a few old plants, lifted and saved in frames for the purpose, that we get our chief supply of such young-rooted plants. SPRING PROPAGATION is often uncertain, but I once saw a very fine lot which had been struck in February. The cuttings were selected from old plants wintered in frames, fully exposed every fine day by having the sashes drawn completely off them, and consequently they were pretty hard and well seasoned. They had been inserted in cold frames, precisely as advised for autumn cuttings, and a failure could scarcely be found even in four lights of them, and by bedding-out time they had formed very serviceable, well- rooted stocky plants. Spring cuttings, however, are mostly rooted in hotbeds, in boxes, or in pans, and often as many damp off as survive to become plants ; nevertheless, where the stock is deficient, this mode must be resorted to. It is best to strike them after the middle of March in pure sand in a hotbed or propagating pit where there is no stagnant moisture, and, when well rooted, to pot them, or put them in boxes in light sandy soil, still keeping them in warm quarters for a few days. After that, gradually shift them into places in which there is less heat. Powdered charcoal or wood ashes strewed on the soil among the cuttings prevents damp, and the watering- pot should be used judiciously. Species of Calceolaria. -Apart from the varieties, a number of species are of some merit for the flower garden, and some are neglected and unknown. The genus pre- sents a wealth of variety in form and colour, and comprises upwards of 100 distinct species, including annual and per- ennial herbs and dwarf shrubs. In geographical area it almost exactly coincides with the Fuchsia, ranging from Mexico to the southernmost point of S. America, and reappearing in New Zealand ; but, unlike the Fuchsia, it is represented only in the extreme south of the eastern side of S. America. The greater number of the species inhabit mountain valleys, and ascend to an elevation of from 13,000 to 14,000 ft. within the tropics, where they enjoy a temperate climate. Some few occur in the arid districts of Chili ; they find their greatest concentration in Chili, Peru, and Ecuador. Only about four species are known to grow in Central America and Mexico, and two have been discovered in New Zealand. A full CALCEOLARIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALLIRHOE. 343 account of the family is published by Mr. Hemsley in The Garden for 29th March, 1879, with a plate of C. fuchsiafolia. C. amplexicaulis. -A find bold kind with soft green leaves clasping the stem and many lemon-yellow flowers, and one of the handsomest plants we have ; it is very free in habit, and, where the soil suits it, sends up a number of shoots which keep up a constant succession of flowers till late in the autumn, and I have never seen it diseased, a failing to which other kinds are subject, and which makes them so uncertain. Owing to its tall habit it groups well with bold plants, and it is usually handsomer in autumn than any of the other kinds. In Hertfordshire it used to be in great esteem for bedding, for which it is one of the most continuous blooming kinds. In gardens in that county it is planted in small beds on the Grass, where it is tied and trained to sticks brought together at the top, thus forming pyramids. -S. D. C. hyssopifolia is one of the best of the small-growing kinds, bearing loose clusters of lemon-yellow blossoms from early summer till autumn, the foliage resembling that of Hyssop. C. Kellyana. -A curious hardy hybrid, with short downy stems, 6 to 9 in. high, flowers about an inch across, of a deep yellow with numerous small brown dots, and two or three grow together on the top of the stems. The leaves are in a rosette, and are more or less covered on both sides with soft white hairs. It was raised about 1840 by a Mr. Kelly, in the nurseries of Messrs. Dicksons and Son , of Edinburgh. Its foliage resembles that of one of the Mimulus, creeping along the ground, and it is a very interesting dwarf rock- garden plant. C. Pavonia is a noble species, the largest in cultivation. It is from 2 to 4 ft. high, has large light-green, muchwrinkled foliage, from June to September bearing large, pale-yellow, slipper- shaped biossoms. It is a fine object against a warm south wall, but at the approach of winter it should either be lifted or pro- tected with a thick covering. C. violacea is a pretty species, with small helmet-shaped flowers, which are rich purple and spotted ; succeeds well on warm borders or the rock-garden, and, if slightly protected, withstands mild winters in the south. Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold).— An interesting old hardy biennial ; one of the best for autumn and winter flowering in almost every garden ; the petals were formerly used to flavour dishes in old English cookery, hence its name. A variety of kinds is now offered by the seed houses. The plants are among the best biennials for autumn and even winter flowering. For late blooming, seed should be sown in July. The plants usually sow themselves freely, and maybe sown in the open ground either in spring or autumn. Calla Richardia. Calla palustris ( Bog Arum).-—A small hardy trailing Arum, which has pretty little spathes of the same colour as the Ethiopian Lily. Though often grown in water, in a bog or muddy place it will grow larger ; and a bog carpeted with its dark-green leaves gives a very pleasing effect, as its white flowers crop up here and there along each rhizome, just raised above the leaves. For moist spongy spots near the rock-garden, or by the side of a rill, it is one of the best plants, but like many other bog plants it is often starved in cultivation . Its beauty is seen only when it is allowed to ramble over rich muddy soil. Abundant in cold bogs in North America and North Europe. Flowering in summer, and increasing rapidly by its running stems. Callichroa platyglossa. -A showy Californian half-hardy annual ; the seeds may be sown in March in slightly heated frames, or in the later part of April in the open border, in ordinary light soil. The seedlings should be well thinned, or if transplanted should not be less than 6 in. apart, so that each plant may fully develop. Treated thus, C. platyglossa flowers from July to September. It may be also sown in autumn on light warm soil to remain during winter, and flower in spring, but the plants need protection during severe weather. Compositæ. Calliopsis ( see Coreopsis). Calliprora lutea (Brodiaa). Callirhoe. -A small and handsome genus ofNorth American plants, of which some half-dozen kinds are known in our gardens. They are hardy herbaceous perennials, and succeed well in the open border in rich light soil. C. digitata. A distinct- looking glaucous perennial herb, 2 or 3 ft. high, with reddish- purple flowers in summer ; it is not so showy as the other kinds. C. involucrata is a charming dwarf prostrate perennial, with large violetcrimson flowers 2 in. in diameter. It is excellent for the rock- garden, as it bears a continuous crop of showy blossoms from early in summer till late in autumn. It has the best effect when allowed to fall over the ledge of a rock. California. C. macrorhiza alba is a pure white 326 BANEBERRY. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BEGONIA. botanists, following Munro, give it to Phyllostachys viminalis, which the Japanese call bungozasa, probably from the province of that name in the southern island. There is thus a triangular duel between science, etymology, and common use, which is most bewildering, and so long as this lasts it would seem wiser to leave the Japanese names alone, contenting ourselves with the European nomen- clature. But when science does find it necessary to adopt words taken from a foreign tongue with which she is unacquainted, she will do well to avoid altering consonants, as Munro did when he made saca out of sasa, or she may get herself into dire trouble. Try it upon a few English monosyllables ! Syn., Phyllostachys viminalis. A. B. FREEMAN- MITFORD. Baneberry (Actæa). Baptisia (False Indigo).--A hardy and vigorous Lupine-like group of plants, perennials from North America, forming strong bushy tufts 3 to 5 ft. high, with sea-green leaves ; the flowers, mostly of a delicate blue, in long spikes. B. australis, exaltata, and alba are the bestknown kinds, and are best placed in the mixed border. The Barbarea. In the natural state few of these plants are pretty, but two varieties of B. vulgaris, an indigenous species, are worth growing. The finest is the double yellow rocket ( B. vulgaris fl.-pl. ), which is a beautiful and curious plant. process of doubling is, according to Mr. Sutherland, " very peculiar in the flowers ; I am not aware of any parallel to it in other double flowers. There appears to be no attempt to form either stamens or pistils. But the axis of the flower has the power of extending itself and producing numerous whorls of petals as it grows in length. A lengthened suc- cession of flower is thus kept up. It is about 18 in. high, flowers bright yellow, from June till late summer, and often till autumn. " It succeeds in almost any soil, preferring a rich light loam ; and is increased by division of the root- stock. There is a variegated form of the single plant called the Blotch-leaved Winter Cress. It is said to come true from seed. Barbary Ragwort ( Othonna cheirifolia). Barberry (Berberis). Barnardia ( Scilla). Barren- wort (Epimedium). Bartonia aurea. A showy golden- flowered hardy annual, I to 2 ft. high. Should be sown in April in groups or patches where it is to remain in light soil and warm situations, the plants being thinned to about 1 ft. apart. As the seed is very small, care should be taken not to bury it too deep. The Bartonia is seldom used except as a patch in a border, but when well grown it might be used as a bold group, relieved here and there bytall plants. Chili . Loasaceæ Mentzelia. Bastard Balm (Melittis Melissophyllum). = Bay, Californian (Oreodaphne cali- fornica). Bear's-breech ( Acanthus). Beaucarnea. -Graceful Dracæna-like plants, with swollen stem-bases, growing freely in a cool house, but sometimes placed in the flower garden for a few months in summer. Bed- straw (Galium). Bee Balm (Monarda didyma). Bee Larkspur (Delphinium grandiflorum). Bee Orchis ( Ophrys apifera). Beech Fern (Phegopteris). Begonia. This very large family is widely distributed, being found in both East and West Indies, South America, and othertropical climates. The Tuberous Begonia is the most familiar to flower gardeners, and of late years has played a large part in summer bedding. It has been brought to its present perfection_by hybridising, and when the plant was first used in the flower garden not many years ago few thought that the experiments then made would prove so successful. But Tuberous Begonias are now planted in thousands in many gardens, and good effects got by judicious use of the best colours in bold masses. The more recent kinds are dwarf, leafy, and throw their broad handsome flowers well above the foliage. The display made by them is, as a rule, far greater than with Zonal or bedding Pelargoniums. Begonias do not mind rainy weather, rather enjoy it ; even the expanded flowers not greatly suffering. A few rains or a storm injure the Pelargoniums, and when this weather continues for a time too much leafgrowth is made, whilst there is more labour in picking off faded flower- trusses and foliage. There is also nothing stiffor formal about the Begonia. Grouped together in beds, a very fine effect is produced, far more pleasing than that which is obtained by the adoption of stiff lines and the combination of plants that are of quite a distinct character from each other. To suit various tastes as to colours, there should be no difficulty, for beds of one or more distinct colours may be easily obtained. In respect to colours there is a BEGONIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BEGONIA. 327 great diversity, from the darkest scarlets and crimsons to the various shades of rose and pink ; also white and blush- coloured kinds. The cultivation of the Begonia, both tuberous and shrubby, for bedding out, is not difficult. If pots are scarce, none need be used for the tuberous section from the time of pricking off the seedlings from the pans. From that time onwards boxes may well be used instead ; in fact, are preferable, for the reason that less water is required where there is a greater amount of soil, even though each plant may not have a greater proportion in this respect than when in a pot. Seedlings raised in March will make good plants for planting early in June. One can just prick them off into pans ; from these, when large enough, they are put in shallow boxes, and not disturbed again until planted out, unless getting over- crowded. The beds should be well prepared for them, if the soil is heavy and retentive using plenty of well-decomposed leaf-mould, this appearing to be very suit- able, and failing this old Mushroom manure. The soil should be obviously given for seedling plants than for those of one or more years' growth. During the first year those of inferior quality should be discarded when lifted, whilst markthe finest for another year. For the second and after seasons' display start the tubers in a gentle heat in boxes in March, transferring them to a cold frame or pit in May. They should be planted out in this in shallow soil. A north frame is best, the plants make very free growth, and get a good size for planting out the first week in June. The beds require to be surfaced with either a dwarf kind of plant or with Cocoa-nut fibre. Of the former one may use the dwarf hardy Sedums, as S. acre and S. glaucum, also Mesem- bryanthenium cordifolium variegatum. These all tend to keep the soil cool and moist, therefore more congenial for the Begonias. When, however, they are planted thickly together, use the fibre, which will soon be covered by the foliage. When Begonias, more particularly the tuberous ones, are planted in positions where they are likely to suffer from drought, they will require much water. They should always be kept moist at the root, as they cannot stand drought. Damping the beds overhead as the sun leaves them in the after part of the day when the weather is dry and warm will greatly refresh them. When lifted, the tuberous varieties require careful attention so as to prevent the decaying stems from imparting any ill effects to the tubers. This is easily done if care is not taken. Remove these stems as soon as they can be twisted out without any trouble. Some growers, and large ones too, expose the tubers in a light, dry, and airy house until the stems are quite dried up, which no doubt is a very good plan, but it requires room to do it. Later on the bulbs when quite at rest should be kept in a cool place, neither too dry nor too moist, but where frost cannot reach them, being stored in either Cocoa-nut fibre or silver sand in shallow boxes until again required for starting. It is better to have single than double flowers for bedding out, as the latter are far too heavy. There is no want of colours. The whites are very pure, and one gets some rich orange and buff tints, capable of creating striking yet not garish pictures. A class getting more popular each year, and not unlikely to take, in some measure, the place of the true tuberous kinds, is that called the shrubby set, these being known as forms of B. semperflorens. They are quite different to the others, being neat and shrubby in growth, with an abundance of rather small leaves, varying in shade from quite a bronzy purple. Conspicuous is Vernon's variety, the leaves deep crimson to light green, set off by pinky blossoms. There are many varieties, named, as a rule, according to the colour of the flowers, and as easily and similarly raised as the tuberous kinds. The plants are, when in beauty, a mass of bloom, the small flowers pro- duced in such profusion as to almost hide the leafage. But many of the kinds are very dull in colour, and get shabby to- wards the end of summer. There are many uses for them in gardens-as distinct groups, or as a groundwork to beds filled with other things, as the graceful Acacia lophantha. They are de- lightful, too, for pots, flowering so freely, and being compact and leafy in habit. Another section consists of varieties of B. multiflora, but these are not much known at present. From what one can see, however, they will get popular, especially as margins to beds, filled with other things, as they are very dwarf, the flowers, like little rosettes, appearing above the leaves. They are a mass of bloom through late summer and autumn. One of the best of the bedding Begonias is called Princess Beatrice, and is used as largely as any. The plant is very compact and neat in growth, the flowers of a pretty pink shade, and produced abundantly. 328 BEHRIA . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . BENTHAMIA . Behria tenuifolia.-This is a new bulbous flower, which Prof. Greene places close to the Brodiæa, but which I think will prove to be much nearer to the Mexican family of Bessera. The bulbs are small, exactly like those of Milla biflora, and the plants bear grassy leaves, each about a foot long. The scarlet flowers are tubular, carried in an umbel, with the stamens much exserted. season of growth is from May to September, and it comes from Cape St. Lucas, in Southern California. -C. G. V. T. Belladonna Lily (Amaryllis). Bellevallia (Hyacinthus). Its Bellflower. A name for various large kinds of Campanula. Bellis perennis ( Daisy).-Daisies are amongthe most popular of garden flowers, although not used as much as formerly. They need only simple culture, increase rapidly, and in the spring garden are of great service in large clumps or masses. The common double garden Daisy has sprung from the wild Daisy, just as the double Primrose has come from its wild single Parent. Though we have numerous kinds, popular favour has adhered most closely to the old flat- petalled white and the old quilled red, both of which are grown by millions as market plants. Besides these are the flat -petalled Pink Beauty, a charming pink of the quilled class ; a deep rich red or crimson quilled kind, called Rob Roy ; White Globe, with large white quilled petals ; and many others. The yellow-blotched or Aucubaleaved kinds have originated by sporting, and one named aucubæfolia is a pretty kind, but rather tender, though it will do well in winter on a free porous soil , and in summer in a cool shady border, if transplanted there. The giant or crownflowered Daisies almost form a distinct section, and, though vigorous, are much less free of bloom than the better-known kinds. These produce large and usually mottled red flowers upon long stalks , and are best suited for mixed borders. A very old favourite is the Hen-and- Chickens Daisy. It differs in no respect of habit or foliage from the double kinds, except that when the flowers are at their best they send out small ones from the axils of the scales-hence the designation Hen- andChickens. It is worth a place as a curiosity ; its flowers being usually rosy pink, and before starting its progeny very pretty. Propagation is simple, and may be done in spring and autumn. Well-dug soil suits well, and pull the plants to pieces, dibbling them in six inches apart, and if a good mass of bloom is desired they may be put a little closer. Where the soil is good the Daisy increases so rapidly that it may be transplanted twice in the year. Bellium. -Plants closely allied to the Daisy, of which some three or four forms are in cultivation. Although from the south of Europe, they are hardy on the rock-garden, but, like the beautiful Houstonia cœrulea, are apt to exhaust themselves in flowering. B. bellidioides, B. crassifolium, and B. minutum are much alike ; B. minutum being the best. Its numerous flowers are nearly as large as those of the Daisy, and it is easily grown in light soil. B. rotundifolium cœrulescens (Blue Daisy) is a native of Morocco, on rich soils on the hills about Tangier, and by the watercourses of the Greater Atlas. It is a pretty rock- plant. Division or by seed. Bellwort (Uvularia). Belvedere (Chenopodium Scoparium). Benthamia fragifera ( Strawberrytree). -An Indian tree, beautiful and precious in gardens. Though not hardy enough for the country generally, it is quite hardy in mild southern districts of England and Ireland, and in many other places near the sea, such as in the Vale of Festiniog near Cardigan Bay, North Wales. It is also suited for walls and sheltered banks. Where the climate is favourable, on an ordinary garden wall it sometimes assumes a handsome tree-like shape. There is a Japanese kind. Perhaps the following letter to The Garden, by Mr. J. B. Cock- burn of Guernsey, about the fine tree of it here figured, will be interesting :- "This tree is now thirty-five years old. As a small seedling of two years it was planted in the centre of a lawn exposed to the sun from early morning till late in the afternoon, but sheltered from the severe gales common in winter. It was quite two years before it took the ground ; after that it shot up rather rapidly to its present height of 24 ft. , beyond which it does not appear inclined to go, but the lower branches have spread out on the ground and are still spreading, the circumference at the base at present being 81 ft. It was some eight years old before it commenced to bloom ; since then not a year has passed without its being covered with flowers, which are like those of a single Anemone, of much the same size, and of a greenish-white colour. The flowers open in May, and do not completely disappear till late in August ; the sight of this mass of white BENTHAMIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BENTHAMIA 329 bloom on so graceful a tree is singularly beautiful, and in the moonlight of the summer nights it has a startling effect. In the centre of every flower is the fruit, ish red, the largest specimens being as large as a Mandarin Orange. At the moment of writing (28th October) a few are quite ripe and dropping from the tree, Fine Strawberry tree at Elm House, Guernsey. and as the petals drop off this enlarges, and somewhat assumes the appearance of a Strawberry. It enlarges slowly, and towards the end of October turns a pinkbut fruit will be on the tree when the flowers open next year, and even now the buds of the future flowers, in the form of a small nodule the size of a Pea, a 330 BERBERIDOPSIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BERBERIS. miniature fruit, thickly stud all the new shoots ; in fact, the tree has always either fruit or flower, and for a long time shows both. "The fruit is unpalatable ; it makes a sort of jam which some people pretend to like. For many years no bird would touch the ripe fruit, but now thrushes, and especially blackbirds, eat it with avidity. The tree sheds many of its leaves in January, and looks its worst in January and February, but it is never completely bare. It will stand any amount of rain, but suffers much from Evergreen Barberry. strong winds, and should be planted in an open space, well protected from pre- vailing winds. It cannot be propagated by layers or cuttings, but there is no difficulty in rearing seedlings ; so freely does it propagate in this manner, that seedlings are constantly weeded out of the borders in the neighbourhood." Berberidopsis corallina (Coral Barberry). This is a beautiful evergreen climbing shrub from Chili, hardy enough for open walls in the southern counties. It has large spiny leaves very much like some Barberries, the flowers, bright coralred, hanging in clusters on slender stalks , and borne for several weeks in summer. It is charming for a wall, preferring partial shade, such as that of a wall facing east or west, and does best in peaty or sandy soil. Raised from seed or layers. Berberis (Barberry).-A valuable group of hardy shrubs, amongthe most beau- tiful of which is Darwin's Barberry (B. Darwini). B. stenophylla is a hybrid between B. Darwini and the small B. empetrifolia. B. empetrifolia is an interesting though not showy trailing shrub. Two orthree specimens rising out ofa mass of B. Darwini make an effective evergreen shrub- group ona lawn. B. dulcis is a pretty Barberry, whose slender shoots are hung with tiny yellow flowers. The common Barberry (B. vulgaris) is very pretty when in fruit in autumn, and it has several varieties, some of which differ considerably in habit of growth and colour of the berries. One has berries of deep crimson, others have violet, yellow, and white fruits. A beautiful shrub-group could be formed ofthe fruiting Bar- berries alone, using B. vulgaris, B. aristata (which has berries covered with white powder, like Plums), and the small-growing B. Thunbergi, also remark- able for its scarlet berries, which remain on the bush throughout the autumn. B. Wallichiana has handsome flowers and foliage, and is worthyofcultivation in the best collections. Evergreen Barberries. -The Mahonias are now merged in the genus Berberis, but in gardens the name Mahonia is often still retained. As flowering shrubs they are of much value, as is shown bythe beauty offlower and fruit of the common M. Aquifolium and its numerous varieties. Those named rotundifolia and Herveyi, gracilis and intermedia, are among the best, free in bloom and handsome in foliage. M. fascicularis, though not hardy everywhere, is fine when in bloom, its stems being wreathed with golden clusters for some weeks, while M. hybrida is scarcely less ornamental and certainly hardier. Of not so much value as BERGAMOT. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN 331 . BLECHNUM. flowering shrubs are M. repens, M. glumacea, and M. trifoliata, all beautiful Evergreens. In mild districts there is not a finer flowering shrub in spring than M. nepalensis, with large clusters of yellow bloom and massive foliage. The Japanese M. Japonica, or M. Beali as it is also called, is a good Evergreen in sheltered places, and a fine flowering shrub. Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). Berkheya (Stobæa). Beta cicla variegata (Chilian Beet).-- A showy plant, the leaves often more than 3 ft. long, vivid in colour, their midribs varying from dark waxy orange to vivid crinison. The splendid hue of the lower part of the leaf- stalks flows towards the point, and spreads in smaller streams through the main veins and ramifications ofthe great soft leaf, which is often I ft. and even 15 in. in diameter, if the plant be in rich ground, and the under sides of the leaves are richly coloured. The plant should be sown in a gently heated frame, and afterwards planted out in rich ground. It varies much from seed, and the most striking individuals should be selected before the plants are put out. Used sparingly, its effect is often perhaps more telling than if in quantity. Betonica (Betony).- Plants of the Sage Order ; not of great garden value. B. grandiflora is one amongst numerous kinds worth a place in a border, thriving best in rch loam not too damp. It is 12 to 18 in. high. Division. Bidens (Bur Marigold). North American annuals of the Composite family, few worth cultivating. The best are B. ferulæfolia, B. frondosa, and B. tripartita, from 1 to 1 ft. high, with yellow flowers and deeply cut foliage. Treated as half-hardy annuals. B. humilis is a handsome plant, dwarf and flowering all summer, flowers orange-yellow. Biebersteinia orphanides. —A rare plant from South-eastern Europe, belonging to the Geranium family, about 1 ft. high, with finely divided leaves and erect spikes of small rose -coloured flowers. Bignonia (Trumpet-flower). The hardy species of this large family of climbers are graceful, showy in flower, and vigorous. B. capreolata, a true Bignonia, is a native of the southern parts of North America, and is hardy in all but the coldest parts of England. It is commonly grown as a greenhouse climber, but it succeeds against a warm wall. It has heart-shaped leaves, ending in curly vineke tendrils ; the flowers, of a true trumpet shape, are large, reddish yellow, and come not in clusters, but singly. In a sheltered spot against a sunny wall it is almost an evergreen. B. grandiflora is a Chinese plant, much more tender than B. radicans, and less common. It is much showier when in bloom, the drooping flowers, of a bright orange-scarlet, coming in large clusters. Its foliage, too, is larger, but the plant rarely grows so vigorously in this country. It is handsome in bloom on a warm sunny wall. B. radicans is a native of the North American States, and is an old garden favourite. Its long wiry stems send out roots like Ivy, and cling to walls or any support. The foliage is graceful, and in late summer the shoots have showy clusters of scarlet and orange blossoms. There is a variety named major, with larger flowers of a paler tint, and more robust foliage. A strong plant will run up and cover a wall 40 ft. high. It is use- ful also for covering arbours and pergolas. Bindweed. The English name various kinds of Convolvulus. Bird Cherry (Cerasus Padus). Bird-foot Violet ( Viola pedata). Bird's-nest Fern ( Asplenium). Birthwort (Aristolochia). Bitter Almond (Amygdalus). Bitter Root (Lewisia rediviva). Bitter Vetch ( Orobus). Black Lily (Lilium kamtschatkense). Black Thorn (Prunus). Bladder Fern (Cystopteris). for Blechnum (Hard Fern).- Several of these evergreen Ferns are hardy and worthy of culture. The common British kind ( B. Spicant) is pretty and has many varieties. Of these, crispum has the lobes of the fronds undulated and curled, and their points finely crested ; cristatum is dwarfer, and the crested fronds are more forked and branched ; imbricatum has lance- shaped fronds of thick texture, and the top of pinnæ distinctly imbricated ; serratum rigidum is erect with crested fronds, distinct and handsome ; multifurcatum has the fronds much divided and forked ; and trinervium has the lowermost pnnæ so arranged as to give the fronds a tripinnate appear- ance. The varieties of B. Spicant now number nearly fifty. Among the hardy exotic kinds B. alpinum is most desirable, as it is a rapid grower, and its dense growth soon covers broad spaces on rockwork. The hardy Blechnums may be grown in loam, loam and peat, or a stiff clayey soil, but dislike chalky soils and dry situations. They love shady moist spots and abundance of water in 332 BLEEDING HEART. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BOMAREA. the growing season. Under these conditions they attain a greater size and vigour than when wild. They are suitable for the hardy fernery and shady spots or rock-garden and in borders. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra). Blennosperma californicum. -A dwarf annual from California, belonging to the Composite family, not much known in cultivation. Blessed Thistle ( Carduus benedictus). Bletia hyacinthina. A beautiful Chinese Orchid, having ribbed leaves, and slender flower- stems I ft. or more high, bearing about half a dozen showy flowers of a deep rosy pink. It has proved hardy, and thrives well in sheltered and shaded situations in peat borders. In some localities it would be well to cover the roots during severe cold. It is also known as B. japonica, and is very interesting for the bog garden or a bed of hardy Orchids. Blitum capitatum ( Strawberry-blite). -A hardy annual of the Spinach family, 1 to 2 ft. high, the flowers small, followed by high- coloured fruit calyxes resembling small Strawberries. Sow in April in the open air. Bloodroot ( Sanguinaria canadensis). Bloomeria aurea. -An attractive little Californian plant, having umbels of small orange flowers striped with a deeper hue, from 6 to 18 in. high, and quite hardy in light garden soil in sunny positions, but should be protected during severe cold. Syn., Nothoscordum aureum. Bluebell. The English name of various plants, principally Campanula rotundifolia and Scilla nutans. Blue Berry (see Vaccinium). Blue Cupidone ( Catananche cœrulea). Blue Daisy.-An English name of various chiefly blue flowers-Bellium and Kaulfussia. Blue Spider- wort (Commelina cœlestis). Bluets (Houstonia cærulea). Blumenbachia coronata. -An interesting annual flower, showy, the foliage elegant, and the growth dwarf, the structure of the flowers singular. The boat- shaped petals and the peculiar small scales between them, together with the brush-like bundles of stamens, make the blossoms very attractive. Its culture is simple, requiring to be treated as a hardy annual, but it is better to sow it in spring than in autumn. It flowers from July to September if grown in warm light soils. The other species in cultivation are B. insignis and B. multifida. The blossoms of B. insignis are pure white, 1 in. across, with compressed keeled petals, furnished with a large serrated tooth on each side. B. multifida is of much stronger growth, more hispid with stings, and with much larger five-parted leaves, longer two- bracted flower- stalks, and broader obtuse petals. Both are natives of the southern parts of South America. Bobartia aurantiaca. -A pretty Iridaceous bulb from the Cape of Good Hope, about 1 ft. high, and bearing numerous rich yellow blossoms. Being somewhat tender, it should be planted in light warm soil in a border, or in the rock-garden, and protected in winter when necessary. The bulbs should be lifted and separated after flowering, and replanted in autunın. Bocconia cordata (Plume Poppy).- A handsome and distinct plant growing in erect tufts 3 to over 8 ft. high, and admirable if properly placed. The numerous flowers are in very large terminal panicles, the flowers not showy, but the inflorescence, when the plant is well grown, has a fine effect. The plant is best in the shrubbery, and does well in ordinary garden soil. It is excellent in bold groups, the leaves, too, being fine in form. Division. China. B. frutescens. -A vigorous Mexican shrub, 3 to nearly 6 ft. high, with few and very brittle branches, large, sea- green, handsome leaves, and greenish flowers. Very effective on Grass plats, in groups or as isolated specimens. It requires a somewhat warmer climate than ours to thrive well, though it is sometimes in fair condition in the London parks out- of-doors in summer. It may be placed out from June to the end of September. It is difficult to propagate by cuttings, and easier to raise from seed. Boehmeria nivea. -A stout shrubby perennial of the Nettle family, occasionally grown in botanic gardens, and dis- tinct in habit, and with the under side of the leaves silvery. About London it grows 3 to 4 ft. high. Division. China. Borkhausia (Crepis). B. rubra (Red Hawkweed). Bog Arum (Calla palustris). Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum). Bog Bean (Menyanthes trifoliata).- Known also as Brookbean and Buckbean. Bog Pimpernel ( Anagallis tenella). Bog Rhubarb (Petasites vulgaris). Bog Violet (Pinguicula vulgaris). Boltonia. Aster. Bomarea. Plants allied to Alstræmeria, requiring greenhouse temperature so far as now known. Mr. Archer Hind, BONGARDIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BOWIEA. 333 of Newton Abbot, has B. edulis (syn., oculata) out-of- doors, and it has flowered well after surviving a temperature of 25° below freezing. If any of the other species should prove hardy in the southern counties, their fine bold twining habit and handsome flowers would be a gain. Bongardia Rauwolfi.-A plant of the Barberry order, though remarkably unlike one, as it has a depressed Cyclamenlike stem, from the apex of which spring The Plume Poppy (Bocconia cordata). the leaves, in three to eight pairs of leaflets, each of which is again divided, presenting the appearance of being arranged in whorls. These are wedgeshaped, of a pale glaucous green, and each has a conspicuous reddish-purple blotch at the base. The flower stem is much branched, 6 in. high, and bears roundish golden blossoms from 3 to 1 in. across, which droop gracefully from slender stalks. Though now rare, this beautiful plant was among our earliest garden plants, and is mentioned by all the early writers. Found from the Greek Archipelago to Afghanistan, and hardy on dry soils. Seed. Borago orientalis ( The Cretan Borage) -Avigorous perennial, bearing pale- blue flowers early in spring, and in good soil, having very large leaves through the summer. Easily naturalised in any rough place, but not worth a place in the garden proper, being coarse and taking up much space. The common Borage is very pretty, naturalised in dry places or banks, where it might often be welcome for use as well as beauty. There is a whitevariety. B. laxiflora is pretty with suspended blue flowers ; it grows very freely on sandy soils. Borkhausia (Crepis). Botryanthus (Muscari). Botrychium (Moonwort). Inconspicuous Ferns, of which few are cultivated. The common native Moonwort ( B. lunaria) is widely distributed , and generally found in moist sheltered meadows. B. lunarioides, B. virginicum, B. lanceolatum, B. simplex, and B. ternatum are hardy North American species. All the Botrychiums are deciduous, putting forth their fronds about the end of April, and dying down somewhat early in autumn. The fronds are of a beautiful dark green, and the plants produce small panicles of inflorescence. The best soil is a moist well-drained sandy mixture of loam and peat. Boussingaultia basel- loides. A luxuriant trailing plant with shoots 16 to 20 ft. long, and sometimes more. Flowering late in autumn, the flowers small, white, fragrant, and becoming black as they fade. They are disposed in clusters 2 to 4 in. long, springing from the axils of the leaves at the ends of the branches. The fine green leaves are smooth, shining, fleshy, and slightly wavy ; stems twining, tinged with red, growing with extraordinary rapidity, and bearing many tubercles. Suited only for dry banks and chalk-pits , associ- ated with climbing and trailing plants. Tubercles of the stem ; these break with the least shock, but the smallest fragment will vegetate. South America. Bowiea volubilis. -A Cape bulb, 334 BOX. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BREVOORTIA. interesting only from a botanical point of view, being one of the few climbing Liliacea. It has no leaves, but has numerous fleshy terete branches, several feet high, and rising from a large Turnip- like green bulb, half raised above the surface. The flowers are small and inconspicuous. It is a hardy perennial when planted in a sheltered situation against a wall, especially one with a southern aspect. It should be allowed to ramble over dead branches placed near it. Seeds. Box (Buxus). Box Thorn (Lycium). Brachycome iberidifolia ( Swan River Daisy). A pretty annual of simple culture, about 8 to 12 in. high. As it is somewhat straggling, it is particularly suited for grouping in masses. The flowers are about 1 in. across, in loose terminal clusters, and are bright blue, with a paler centre, resembling those ofthe Cineraria. There are other sorts, with flowers of various shades of blue and purple, and one of pure white. Sow in cool house in September as soon as ready, prick off four or five in a 4 - in. pot, keep in cold pits during winter, and guard against damp. Pot on again in March singly into 4 - in. pots, and finally at end of April plant out into open borders ; or sow on slight hotbed in March, prick out into pits for transplant- ing into open in May ; or sow in open in April and May. Bracken (or Brake).-Applied to large Ferns generally, more particularly to Pteris aquilina. Bramble ( Rubus). Brasenia ( Water Shield).-A North American water-plant, the flowers dull purple, coming to the surface but making little show. Brassica. Some forms ofthe Cabbage, particularly the variegated Kales, are used in the flower garden for winter effect. The secret in cultivating them is poor soil. This brings out their colours and keeps the plants dwarf and compact. Seed should be sown in May, and when fit to handle the plants should be pricked out wide apart into a very sunny spot, and finally bedded out in October, after the summer stuff is cut down by frost ; and on clear days a clump, varied in colour and well planted, will have a charming effect on a lawn. In planting, the stems should be sunk in the ground up to the lower leaves, and care should be taken that they are of equal height. The dwarf curled variegated kind has the finest effect in beds. Its colours vary from pure white to deep purple, pass through cream, pink, pale and dark green. Plants of it have variously coloured veins and laced edges. The Ragged Jack stands next ; when closely inspected the beautifully cut leaves give an additional charm. The seed must be of a good strain or selection, as the want of the finer laced and fringed light- coloured varieties quite spoils a good bed, the commoner colours being sombre dark greens with purple veins. The Carnationstriped Red Cabbage makes a showy bed, but is not so hardy as the Kales. B. oleracea crispa is a handsome plant nearly 4 ft. high, with elegantly cut arching leaves, the divisions of which are finely curled. It may be used in the winter garden, the leaves being at their best during autumn and winter. Still more striking is B. o. palmifolia, 6 ft. high, with leaves near the top of the stem, which have a palm-like appearance in the end of summer and in autumn. Bravoa geminiflora (Scarlet Twinflower).-A pretty Mexican bulbous plant of the Amaryllis order. From 1 to 2 ft. high, the flower- stems stout and erect, bearing on the upper part numerous pairs of nodding tubular flowers ofa rich scarlet outside, but inclined to yellow within. succeeds well in warm sheltered situations in borders of light and well-drained soil, but requires some protection over the bulbs in winter. It flowers in autumn, and remains a long time in bloom. It Brevoortia coccinea ( Crimson Satin- flower).- The name now applied to Brodiæa coccinea, one of the prettiest Californian plants. The drooping umbels of flowers grow on stems, 1 to 2 ft. high, the flowers tubular and of a deep crimsonred , the lips a vivid green. It succeeds best in friable loam. It is not well to delay planting after October, and the roots may remain undisturbed for several years. Offsets are given off, and the plant may also beincreased by seed, which vegetates pretty freely after some weeks, the bulbils flowering in three or four years. Not less than three plants should be grouped together, and a dozen will produce a still better effect; an Osier rod in their midst will support the fragile stems. In soils of a sandy character, the foliage maypartially wither by the time the flowers are in perfection. This may partly be remedied by sowing a few seeds of some neat dwarf annual to carpet the soil round the stem, and bloom after its removal, or, in the case of the early- flowering annuals, such as Limnanthes and Leptosiphon, simultaneously with the bulbs themselves. BREXIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BRODIEA. 335 Brexia madagascariensis. —A hand- some shrub with a slender erect stem clothed with long leathery leaves. It is one of the tropical stove-plants that may be placed in the open air from June to early in October, requiring ordinary stove - culture during winter and spring. It should only be placed out after making a strong growth, which has been hardened off. Madagascar. Briar, Green ( Smilax). Briar, Sweet (Rosa). Briza (Quaking Grass).-A graceful family of Grasses, American and Euro- pean . B. maxima is one of the handsomest, growing 12 to 18 in. high ; may be sown in the open in March, is quite hardy and exceedingly graceful while growing, and most useful for decoration either green or dried. B. media ( Common Quaking Grass ) is smaller, 9 to 15 in. high. Borders, raised from seed. Brodiæa. A charming family of North American liliaceous plants. The late Professor Sereno Watson recognises fifteen species in his Revision of the North American Liliacea, to which he adds about half a dozen more in sub- sequent notes, and I think it will be best to follow his nomenclature. The Genera Plantarum admits the same genera as proposed by Watson, but it also includes under Brodiæa the Triteleia group, of which Triteleia uniflora is the best-known example. Though, perhaps, not distinct from Brodiæa in a strictly botanical sense, the Triteleia group is perhaps best kept separate from the true Brodiæas, which are all inhabitants of North America, whilst the Triteleias, united with Milla by some authors, are all natives of the southern parts of the American con- tinent. The first of the species described by Professor Sereno Watson in his re- vision above cited isB. grandiflora. -This is an old and widely spread plant, the scape is about 5 in. high, and the deep purplish-blue flowers are produced in a loose umbel in July. At the time of flowering the foliage is generally more or less withered, and to hide the nakedness of the stems it is sometimes best to plant the bulb among some other low-growing plants. B. minor, admitted by Watson as a species, but probably not more than a variety, of the foregoing, is very pretty ; dwarf, and resembles Chionodoxagigantea. The scape is not more than an inch high, about fifteen flowers in the umbel ; the colour purplish blue, with a lighter centre. B. congesta has the stems long and wiry, the flowers in a dense umbel ; purplish blue in colour, and very lasting. B. alba is a pretty white- flowered variety. B. capitata much resembles this kind, and in cultivation it is usually dwarfer and flowers about a week earlier than B. congesta. There is also a white- flowered variety. B. laxa is a very old garden plant, also called Triteleia laxa. There are several varieties, not only varying in colour of the flowers, which in the type is of a deep purplish-blue, but also in the size of the individual flowers and the umbels. B. peduncularis is a pretty whiteflowered species, with large umbel of porcelain-white blossoms, the flowers re- sembling those of Triteleia uniflora. B. gracilis is not very ornamental, the flowers being small, yellow in colour with a brown stripe. B. ixioides is another yellow-flowered species. This was figured by Lindley in the Botanical Register as Calliprora lutea ; the scape is about a foot high, carrying a good- sized umbel of yellow flowers, slightly striped with brown. B. lactea has a small umbel of whitish flowers of no particular beauty. The following are newer species described by Watson and other authors with which I have been able to get acquainted. Of these I would place B. Howelli in the first rank. This pretty species has flowers in a fine umbel, bell- shaped and milky white. A beautiful variety of it (Lilacina) has delicate bluish flowers, retaining its fine deep- green foliage at the time of flowering, and throwing up sturdy stems about 2 ft. high, crowned by large flat umbels of well- shaped flowers of a delicate milky- white and light lilac- blue. They are very lasting, and when cut and placed in water they will remain good for at least a fortnight. It first flowered at Gravetye, and the plate in The Garden was from a drawing made there by Mr. Moon. flowers about the end of May, and a clump of it remains in good condition for at least three weeks. Other newly introduced species are B. Hendersoni, with large umbels of yellow flowers ; B. filifolia, very narrow-leaved, with small umbels of lavender- coloured flowers ; B. Lemmonæ, ы. Palmeri, B. Orcutti, B. terrestris, and a few others of which I have not as yet any intimate knowledge. It Turning from the true Brodixas, we have the closely related groups Stropholirion, Brevoortia, and Bloomeria, all of which no doubt belong to the former family, though they are kept separate by several authors. Of the first-named of these the Stropholirion-there is only one species - viz. S. californicum, better known as Brodiæa volubilis. The flower- 336 BROMELIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BRUGMANSIA. stems of this singular plant are twining, and if they get a support will grow 4 to 5 ft. high, with a total stem length of often double that. The flowers are delicate rosy pink. The Brevoortia is also a mono-typic genus, and the B. coccinea or Brodiæa coccinea is now a well-known plant, with fine umbels of pendulous flowers, individually about 2 in. long and rich crimson red, with pea-green rim. The flowers last in good form for a very long time. I have seen cut specimens kept dry and out of water retain their freshness and bright colour for over a week. There is also a rare lilac- coloured variety. The Bloomerias, of which the B. aurea and B. Clevelandi are the best known, are much like Brodiæa ixioides, having umbels of rich yellow flowers. The cultivation of all the above bulbs is simplicity itself. They may be planted from October until December, and in mild localities will pass the winter in the open unprotected. Here, in Holland, where our winters are often very severe, they are covered with reeds or straw at the approach of the cold season. This covering will not only keep the cold off, but it also serves to keep the soil open and to ward off the exciting effects of an often treacherous winter sun.-C. G. V. T. Bromelia sphacelata ( Hardy B. )—A rough curious Chilian plant, forming tufts of harsh, rigid, spiny leaves, 1 to 2 ft. high. Flowers in summer ; purple, sessile, crowded and overlapping each other, in axillary spikes. Leaves numerous, erect, sword-shaped, long- pointed, fringed with stiff spines pointing upwards. It is suitable for the rock-garden and warm borders in light perfectly drained soil. Bromus. At least one of this large genus of Grasses is very graceful and worthy of culture-that is B. brizæformis, a hardy biennial about 2 ft. high, with large graceful and drooping heads. It is more valuable for cutting and drying than any of the Quaking Grasses ( Briza). We have grown it as an annual sown outof- doors in spring and in pots, but probably autumnal-sown plants would give the best results . It is worth a place for the sake of cutting for preservation alone. Broom ( Cytisus). Broom Rape ( Órobanche). Broom, Spanish (Spartium junceum). Browallia. An interesting family, chiefly Peruvian. B. elata has usually been regarded only as a beautiful pot-plant in summer and autumn, but it does well in the open air, either in a bed by itself or in large patches with other things. It supplies a shade of colour difficult to obtain, and is useful to cut from, the flowers being light and elegant. Sow the seed in March, prick off the young plants when large enough to handle, grow them on till they are strong, and plant out in May. There is a white variety equally useful. B. grandiflora, a fine form of the old B. elata, is useful for conservatory and indoor decoration, and comes true from seed, the flowers being of a beautiful shade of blue. It also succeeds out-ofdoors. B. Roezli is a dense compact bush, 16 to 20 in. high, with shining green leaves. The flowers are of a delicate azure blue, or are white with a yellow tube, and are unusually large for the genus. They come in uninterrupted succession from spring till autumn. Rocky Mountains. Brugmansia (Trumpet-flower).- Plants of fine form and large and beautiful flowers, more useful in warmer countries, but good for summer use in warm and sheltered gardens in the southern and milder districts. They are of easy cultivation, and soon make large plants. The best way of growing is as standards, so that their long drooping flowers may be better seen. In the flower garden a sheltered but sunny position should be chosen. The plants may be safely put out about the end of May in good warm soil. It would be best to pot them into large pots or tubs, and turn them out of these, as thus treated they would not die back so far in the winter, and when planting time again came round the growth would be stronger. When in a house either in tubs or in the border, an annual pruning should be given early in the spring, and they should be kept within bounds. Under glass the chief enemy is green-fly, but fumigation soon disposes of this. For the open border of a large house a few standards with stems 8 ft. or so in height make a grand show. Their propagation is simple, the young shoots being merely taken off in spring and struck in a gentle heat, one cutting in a small pot. Growthem on as fast as possible, keeping them to the one stem until of good height. They will yield a few flowers the first autumn when planted out, but as they get older they flower more profusely, the growth being less luxuriant. When planted out in the open ground, Brugmansias are best as centre plants to fairly large beds, with a carpet of dwarf things under them. They should not be smothered up, the example of Knight in the illustration being an BRUGMANSIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BRUGMANSIA. 337 instance of good effect when not over- crowded. This is one of the best varieties, with many large handsome double flowers. It is more robust and compact in growth than other kinds, its leaves too of a darker green. B. suaveolens, another good white variety, is a profuse bloomer, its flowers being perhaps larger than Brugmansias are usually placed with the Daturas. Some years ago, at Nuneham Park, Oxford, B. suaveolens was used with good effect in the flower garden during summer and autumn. Mr. Stewart, the gardener, used to raise plants annually by striking cuttings in autumn in bottom heat. They Brugmansia Knighti in the flower garden. those of B. Knighti, but single. B. sanguinea has flowers of a deep orange- yellow tinged with green towards the base ; it does not flower quite so freely as the white kinds, but should be grown for its distinct character. There is also a double yellow variety of B. chlorantha, which is free- flowering and well worth growing, being pleasing in pots. The were potted as soon as rooted, and kept growing gently in a warm greenhouse all through the winter. About the end of February they were placed in an atmosphere of about 55° , when they were encouraged to grow freely. As soon as the roots appeared above the surface, liquid manure and sometimes a top-dressing of old cow manure were given. They were Ꮓ 338 BRYANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . BUTTERCUP. 1 kept growing on in this way until the middle of May, when they were 2 ft. high, after which they were gradually hardened off, and during a dull time taken out-of- doors, placed in a sheltered corner, and screened from the sun before being planted out. Out - of- doors the plants flowered freely, and gave off a sweet perfume during the evenings in July and August. They continued to bloom until early autumn frosts came, and then were dug up and the roots trimmed, so that the plants would go into 12-in. pots. Instead of being potted they were stored under a stage in_one of the greenhouses. Bryanthus erectus (Hybrid B. )—A dwarf evergreen bush, from 8 in. to 1 ft. high, bearing pretty pinkish flowers . It is said to be a hybrid, and is in appearance intermediate between Rhododen- dron Chamæcistus and Kalmia glauca In . very fine sandy soil or in that usually prepared for American plants, it grows well, and is suitable for the rock-garden or in collections of very dwarf alpine shrubs, whether planted in the rockgarden or in neat beds. Bryonia dioica (Bryony).-The modest merit of this wild British climber is seen in German gardens, where it is chosen for its enduring verdure as well as graceful foliage. It forms many wreaths in the gardens of Vienna, and is trained up the angles of stone pedestals in the garden of Count Schwarzenberg. So trained, it relieves the mass ofstone, but so commona hedge plant will not often find a place in our gardens. Buckbean (Menyanthes). Buckeye (Pavia). Bugle (Ajuga). Bugloss (Anchusa officinalis). Buddleia globosa ( Orange Ball Tree). -Afavourite shrub from Chili, often seen in the southern coast gardens, where it is hardier, and in Ireland, the flowers, balls of bright yellow, are showy in early summer. It is of rapid growth, and if badly cut down during a severe winter generally grows again in the following summer. Other species less satisfactory for open-air culture are B. crispa, Himalayas ; and B. Lindleyana, China. Bulbine. Plants of the Lily Order, of which only one species, B. annua, from South Africa, is grown in the open airan annual, about 1 ft. high, with narrow leaves and spikes of small yellow flowers, not very showy. Bulbocodium vernum (Spring Meadow Saffron).-A pretty bulb from 4 to 6 in. high, and one ofthe best and earliest of spring bulbs, sending up large rosy purple flower-buds, distinct in colour. Earlier than Crocus susianus. The tubular flowers are nearly 4 in. long, and are usually prettiest in the bud state, the colour being a violet- purple, the large buds appearing before the leaves, and the leaves growing large after the flowers are past. Associated with very early flowering plants like the Snowflake, Snowdrop, and Anemone blanda, it is very welcome in the rock-garden or in warm sunny Bulbocodium. borders. Easily increased by dividing the bulbs in July or August, and replanting them from 4 in. to 6 in. apart. There is a variegated- leaved variety. One other species, B. trigynum, is some- times met with in cultivation. Alps ofEurope. Bullrush ( Scirpus lacustris).-Erroneously applied to Typha latifolia, the Reed Mace. Buphthalmum ( Telekia). Burning Bush (Dictamnus fraxinella). Butcher's Broom (Ruscus). Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush).--A handsome native water-plant, often very fine in a rich muddy soil. It should always find a place among waterplants, being hardy and free to flower, easily increased by division. Butter-and-Eggs. -An English name for a double form of Narcissus incomparabilis ; also applied to the commonToadflax. Butterbur (Petasites). Buttercup. -The English name for various native yellow Ranunculi, some of which in their double form are cultivated in gardens. BUTTERFLY ORCHIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CACTUS. 339 Butterfly Orchis ( Habenaria bifolia). Butterwort (Pinguicula). Buxus (Box).-This beautiful bush or low tree grows wild on some of our southern chalk hills, and is much cultivated in gardens as an edging and also in shrubberies. The beauty of its habit is seldom seen in gardens, owing to its being grown under other trees or to its being too much crowded, but seen wild and fully exposed on the chalk hills its habit is most graceful, and it might be well to secure the same beauty of habit by planting in groups upon fully exposed knolls with the common Box, not too thickly set. Almost all the species and varieties have variegated forms, which, though pretty, are not so good as the natural forms. Easily increased from seed sown in the open ground, or from cuttings in the autumn. The following are the kinds :- The Common Box ( Buxus semper- virens).—From its close bushy habit is one of the most useful Evergreens for garden hedges. It may be pruned or clipped into any shape ; and when topiary gardening was in fashion, it shared with the Yew in the formation of designs and figures of men and animals. While there are few soils in which it will not thrive, it prefers such as are light, with a warm ravelly subsoil. Of what is regarded as the typical species there are in cultivation many varieties, differing more or less in stature, habits, and foliage. Of these arborescens is a handsome form, with a more robust growth, longer branches, and larger leaves than the common species. Handsworthi has broad deep- green leaves, and is one of the finest varieties. Angustifolia, with narrow leaves and dwarf, >a compact shrub. Japonica, by some writers regarded as a species, is probably a form of the common Box. It is quite hardy, and is a handsome shrub. Pendula has a weeping habit, and when left to itself has a rambling and not very elegant form. Trained, however, to a single stem, or grafted as a standard upon the upright varieties, it forms a specimen for a lawn. Rosmarinifolia is a curious dwarf variety, with narrow leaves, giving it the look of a miniature Rosemary. Nana is the common dwarf Box, used for edgings to garden walks. Myrtifolia is a stinct plant with narrow leaves ; Thymi- fola is a neat dwarf variety, with short tay branches and very small leaves. The Minorca Box ( B. balearica) is a native of Balearic and other islands in the Mediterranean, as well as Italy and Turkey, where it forms a fine tree of from 60 to 80 ft. in height. The leaves are larger than those of the common Box, and when exposed to the sun are of a lighter green. In our gardens it is often seen as a shrub ; and, though classed among hardy Ever- greens, it only succeeds well in warm wellsheltered situations with a dry soil and a warm subsoil. The Chinese Box (B. sinensis ) is of a dwarf habit, not exceeding in its native habitats 3 ft. in height. The leaves are smaller than those of the common Box, and it is rather tender, but succeeds in sheltered situations, forming a compact bush, useful for small garden shrub beds. Box Edgings. Where Box edgings are cared for, they must be clipped every year, and it is on this operation, and on the time ofyear it is done, that the look of the edging for the rest of the year depends. After trials of clipping at different seasons, we think the end of May or the first week in June is the best time for it, for although the Box is hardy its young growths often suffer from spring frosts during May, and, by clipping at the time named, all irregularities of surface are removed ; the young growth very soon commences, and takes off that hard look that follows the use of the garden- shears. The young growth looks fresh and becomes matured to stand the ensuing winter, which is not the case when clipping is done at the end of summer. Injury is done through salting the walks to destroy weeds, when a heavy fall of rain floats the salt to the edging, and destroys it. The next worst enemy to Box edgings is the foliage of garden crops or flowers overhanging them, and drawing them up weakly, so that they cannot withstand severe weather. Where proper attention is paid to Box edgings they are very charming to many, though they are not nearly so good or pretty as the rough stone or flint edgings spoken of elsewhere in this book. Cacalia Senecio. in. Caccinia glauca. -A dwarf hardy perennial belonging to the Borage Order, from the highlands of Persia, about high, with short racemes of flowers, each about in. in diameter, like a Borage in form, pinkish at first, changing to blue. It is a neat border plant, interesting, but hardly a showy plant. - W. T. Cactus. Various plants belonging to the Cactus Order of plants have proved hardy in England. Opuntia, Echinocereus, Mammillaria, and Echinopsis are among the hardiest. Pretty effects are shown by some Cacti in the open air Z 2 340 CALADIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALANDRINIA. in Southern England, the plants blooming freely when fully exposed in the sun on a warm rock-garden ; but the want of the sunshine of their native plains is against their being very happy in Britain. When the foliage of a plant, or what answers to it, is perennial, as in Cacti, it is most important to place it so that it may be safe from injuries, apart from climate, and the best places are, as a rule, on well-drained ledges in the rock-garden. Plants of this family should be planted in the rock-garden in open airy situations, free from dripping water, and where the drainage is perfect. Probably hardy alpine species will be found farther south, and we may yet see, in warmer counties, a good collection of bright- flowered Cac- taceous plants on warm rocky borders or banks. Caladium esculentum. For outdoor decoration this species is the best of a large genus with very fine foliage. It is only in the midland and southern counties that it can be grown, but its fine form, outlines, and aspects make it worthy of a place associated with fine-leaved plants wherever the garden is warm enough. It requires above all other plants a light rich warm soil. May is the best time for planting it out in the open air, and, if groups are formed, the plants should be 2 or 2 ft. apart. The foliage generally attains full size in August and September. At the approach offrosty weather, all the leaves, or all but the central one, should be cut down to within 1 or 2 in. of the crown, and a few days afterwards the tubers should be taken up and left on the ground for a few hours to dry ; they should then be stored on the shelves of a warm greenhouse, or in a cellar or some other place where they will be safe from frost and wet. By placing the tubers in a hotbed in March, plants with well-grown leaves may be obtained for planting out in the open air about the end of May or the beginning of June. It has been used with good effect in London gardens, but owing to cold seasons its culture is to a great extent given up. New Zealand. C. odorum (Colocasia odora).—A handsome plant, with stout stems from 3 to 8 ft. high, the heart- shaped leaves erect, broad, marked with strong nerves, often more than 3 ft. long, the flowers fragrant. It is a fine plant for placing on grass, but it is too tender to thrive except in sunny sheltered dells in the south, and should not be planted out until June. E. Indies. Calamintha. -Glabella is a charming minute plant, growing in neat little tufts 3 in. high, flowering in summer and bearing lilac- purple scented blossoms, numer- ous and large for its size. Should be grown on the rock-garden in sandy loam and among the dwarfest plants. Division. Calampelis (Eceremocarpus). Calandrinia. This genus is large, and many species have been introduced, but few are very effective for gardens, but if well grown and placed they are pretty, and sometimes brilliant border or rock plants. C. discolor.--A beautiful S. American plant, from 1 to 1 ft . high, with fleshy leaves, pale green above and purple beneath, and bright-rose flowers in a long raceme, 1 in. across, their colour forming a pretty contrast to the tuft of golden stamens in the centre. The flowers open only in sunshine in July and August, blooming several weeks in succession. They thrive in a dry soil and on a warm exposure, and may either be sown in the open border or in pots in April, but care must be taken in transplanting them from pots. C. grandiflora. -A handsome annual resembling C. discolor, but larger, with more showy blossoms and leaves of a different shape. It thrives in a warm and good loam, and flowers a little earlier than C. discolor, and blooms throughout the autumn. C. nitida. Closely allied to C. discolor, but dwarfer, forming a tuft 4 to 6 in. across, and bearing on stems 6 to 9 in. high large rose flowers in leafy racemes. The flowers are fully 2 in. across, and open best in bright sunshine, like all the kinds. It is best treated as a half- hardy annual, as it then blooms much earlier, but may be sown in the open air in May. Chili. C. oppositifolia is a distinct plant, and is well marked by its larger, very thick, succulent leaves and delicate white flowers. The root is a thick fleshy tuber, and likes a warm dry spot, where it proves hardy. In habit it is somewhat straggling, but where it can be planted so as to overhang a small ledge it will be found beautiful. It first flowered at Kew, and it ripens seed freely, and it is a native of Oregon and California, on high moun- tains. -K. C. speciosa .-A plant with slender stems, much branched and prostrate ; the flowers from to I in. across, purplecrimson ; on sunny mornings they open fully, closing early in the afternoon. flowers and thrives from June to September on dry soil, sows itself often, and is suited for the rock-garden on account of its dwarf habit. California. It CALANDRINIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALCEOLARIA. 341 C. umbellata, a distinct and pretty plant, has reddish much-branched little stems, half-shrubby at the base, 3 or 4 in. high, the flower dazzling magentacrimson. In the evenings and in cloudy weather it closes, and nothing is to be seen but the tips of the flowers. It does very well in any fine sandy peat or in other open earth, and is perennial on dry soils and in chinks in a well-drained rock-garden, readily raised from seed sown in pots or in the open air in fine sandy soil. As it does not transplant compressa, and C. micrantha, but their flowers are not so pretty as those of the kinds just mentioned. Calceolaria. - Pretty plants SO , not popular in gardens as they have been. In the London district they are employed very much less than they were some years ago, as many of the varieties die from disease, or are short-lived as regards bloom. We used to see masses of the fine old Sultan (crimson ) and Kentish Hero (rich brown) in almost every garden, but we now seldom see the Calandrinia oppositifolia. well, the best way to grow it for bright beds in the flower garden is to sow a few grains of seed in each small pot in autumn, keep the pots in dry sunny pits or frames in winter, and then without much disturbance of the roots turn the plants out into the beds in the end of April or beginning of May. Young plants flower longer than old ones. may also be treated as an annual sown in frames very early in spring. It There are other kinds, such as C. Lindleyana, C. Burridgi, C. procumbens, C. crimsons and maroons and crimsons with gold caps. The golden yellows, how- ever, still hold their own, and the old variety Gaines's yellow has still perhaps the best constitution of any. C. aureofloribunda is everywhere known, and the handsome C. amplexicaulis, with its bold habit and pure lemon flowers, is always a favourite. We think the main cause of deterioration has been neglect in cultiva- tion and want of generous treatment. Both before and immediately after transplanting they should be kept in a vigorous 342 CALCEOLARIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALCEOLARIA. state in good rich soil through the winter, and near the glass, but as far from fireheat as possible-in cool pits where air is given at all possible times, by entirely uncovering or tilting the lights when the weather will allow ; for the object is to keep the foliage free from curl and insects, to which when fire-heat is applied it is very subject. PROPAGATION. -The shrubby varieties bloom mostly in summer, and there is then scarcely a shoot that does not contain an embryo flower-spike. Such shoots make bad cuttings, and are too soft to strike well. The best time for propagating such varieties is the end of September and October, in a cold wooden or turf frame on a dry basis ; fill it to within 6 in. of the top with sandy loam, and over that spread some clean silver sand. Then select stubby firm side shoots, pick out any flower-spikes that are visible, remove one or two of the base leaves, cut horizontally below a joint with a sharp knife, and dibble them thickly, regularly, and firmly into the frames, giving a sprinkling of water through a fine rose to settle the soil and to prevent their flagging. Keep the frames close and shaded for a day or two, but afterwards remove the shading, and only use it during the succeeding month to counter- act the effects of bright sunshine. cuttings take a long time to root, but if the atmosphere of the frame is kept dry, and the plants are kept free from damp by dredgings of wood ashes, dry dust, and old lime rubbish, they will root satisfactorily during winter, and in spring will yield tops for additional cuttings ; whether these are wanted for cuttings or not, they are best pinched off. Such WINTERING. These frames require no further care beyond protection from frost, by covering the sashes, and banking up the sides, if of wood, with soil. Wooden boxes, seed- pans, or pots might also be used for striking Calceolarias in ; and in them the plants might be wintered in any pit, greenhouse, or conservatory. Whether propagated in frames or boxes, they should be transplanted farther apart than previously, into other frames filled with rich open soil, where they will become fit for planting out by the middle of May, if the shoots have been atten- tively pinched when necessary. In autumn, too, it is a good plan to draw some earth round the necks of the old plants, so as to induce the emission of roots from that portion of their stems ; and at lifting time, in November, to separate every rooted branch, and plant them as independent plants in frames. They will yield abundance of cuttings in spring, and it is from a few old plants, lifted and saved in frames for the purpose, that we get our chief supply of such young-rooted plants. SPRING PROPAGATION is often uncertain, but I once saw a very fine lot which had been struck in February. The cuttings were selected from old plants wintered in frames, fully exposed every fine day by having the sashes drawn completely off them, and con- sequently they were pretty hard and well seasoned. They had been inserted in cold frames, precisely as advised for autumn cuttings, and a failure could scarcely be found even in four lights of them, and by bedding- out time they had formed very serviceable, well - rooted stocky plants. Spring cuttings, however, are mostly rooted in hotbeds, in boxes, or in pans, and often as many damp off as survive to become plants ; nevertheless , where the stock is deficient, this mode must be resorted to . It is best to strike them after the middle of March in pure sand in a hotbed or propagating pit where there is no stagnant moisture, and, when well rooted, to pot them, or put them in boxes in light sandy soil, still keeping them in warm quarters for a few days. After that, gradually shift them into places in which there is less heat. Powdered charcoal or wood ashes strewed on the soil among the cuttings prevents damp, and the watering-pot should be used judiciously. In geoSpecies ofCalceolaria. Apart from the varieties, a number of species are of some merit for the flower garden, and some are neglected and unknown. The genus presents a wealth of variety in form and colour, and comprises upwards of 100 distinct species, including annual and per- ennial herbs and dwarf shrubs. graphical area it almost exactly coincides with the Fuchsia, ranging from Mexico to the southernmost point of S. America, and reappearing in New Zealand ; but, unlike the Fuchsia, it is represented only in the extreme south of the eastern side of S. America. The greater number of the species inhabit mountain valleys, and ascend to an elevation of from 13,000 to 14,000 ft. within the tropics, where they enjoy a temperate climate. Some few occur in the arid districts of Chili ; they find their greatest concentration in Chili, Peru, and Ecuador. Only about four species are known to grow in Central America and Mexico, and two have been discovered in New Zealand. A full CALCEOLARIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALLIRHOE. 343 account ofthe family is published by Mr. Hemsley in The Garden for 29th March, 1879, with a plate of C. fuchsiafolia. C. amplexicaulis. -A find bold kind with soft green leaves clasping the stem and many lemon-yellow flowers , and one of the handsomest plants we have ; it is very free in habit, and, where the soil suits it, sends up a number of shoots which keep up a constant succession of flowers till late in the autumn, and I have never seen it diseased, a failing to which other kinds are subject, and which makes them so uncertain. Owing to its tall habit it groups well with bold plants, and it is usually handsomer in autumn than any of the other kinds. In Hertfordshire it used to be in great esteem for bedding, for which it is one of the most continuous blooming kinds. In gardens in that county it is planted in small beds on the Grass, where it is tied and trained to sticks brought together at the top, thus forming pyramids. -S. D. C. hyssopifolia is one of the best of the small- growing kinds, bearing loose clusters of lemon-yellow blossoms from early summer till autumn, the foliage resembling that of Hyssop. C. Kellyana. A curious hardy hybrid, with short downy stems, 6 to 9 in. high, flowers about an inch across, of a deep yellow with numerous small brown dots , and two or three grow together on the top of the stems. The leaves are in a rosette, and are more or less covered on both sides with soft white hairs. It was raised about 1840 by a Mr. Kelly, in the nurseries of Messrs. Dicksons and Son, of Edinburgh. Its foliage resembles that of one ofthe Mimulus, creeping along the ground, and it is a very interesting dwarf rock-garden plant. C. Pavonia is a noble species, the largest in cultivation . It is from 2 to 4 ft. high, has large light-green, muchwrinkled foliage, from June to September bearing large, pale-yellow, slipper-shaped blossoms. It is a fine object against a warm south wall, but at the approach of winter it should either be lifted or protected with a thick covering. C. violacea is a pretty species, with small helmet- shaped flowers, which are rich purple and spotted ; succeeds well on warm borders or the rock-garden, and, if slightly protected, withstands mild winters in the south. Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold).- An interesting old hardy biennial ; one of the best for autumn and winter flowering in almost every garden ; the petals were formerly used to flavour dishes in old English cookery, hence its name. A variety of kinds is now offered by the seed houses. The plants are among the best biennials for autumn and even winter flowering. For late blooming, seed should be sown in July. The plants usually sow themselves freely, and may be sown in the open ground either in spring or autumn. Calla Richardia. Calla palustris ( Bog Arum).—— A small hardy trailing Arum, which has pretty little spathes of the same colour as the Ethiopian Lily. Though often grown in water, in a bog or muddy place it will grow larger ; and a bog carpeted with its dark-green leaves gives a very pleasing effect, as its white flowers crop up here and there along each rhizome, just raised above the leaves. For moist spongy spots near the rock-garden, or by the side of a rill, it is one of the best plants, but like many other bog plants it is often starved in cultivation. Its beauty is seen only when it is allowed to ramble over rich muddy soil. Abundant in cold bogs in North America and North Europe. Flowering in summer, and increasing rapidly by its running stems. Callichroa platyglossa. —A showy Californian half-hardy annual ; the seeds may be sown in March in slightly heated frames, or in the later part of April in the open border, in ordinary light soil. The seedlings should be well thinned, or if transplanted should not be less than 6 in. apart, so that each plant may fully develop. Treated thus, C. platyglossa flowers from July to September. It may be also sown in autumn on light warm soil to remain during winter, and flower in spring, but the plants need protection during severe weather. Compositæ. Calliopsis ( see Coreopsis). Calliprora lutea (Brodica). Callirhoe. A small and handsome genus ofNorth American plants, of which some half-dozen kinds are known in our gardens. They are hardy herbaceous perennials, and succeed well in the open border in rich light soil. C. digitata. A distinct-looking glaucous perennial herb, 2 or 3 ft. high, with reddish- purple flowers in summer ; it is not so showy as the other kinds. C. involucrata is a charming dwarf prostrate perennial, with large violet- crimson flowers 2 in. in diameter. It is excellent for the rock-garden, as it bears a continuous crop ofshowy blossoms from early in summer till late in autumn. It has the best effect when allowed to fall over the ledge of a rock. California. C. macrorhiza alba is a pure white 344 CALLIRHOE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALLISTEPHUS. form of a kind with purplish-carmine flowers, and erect stems, from 1 to 24 ft. high, with a corymbose raceme of flowers. It occurs in several shades of colour, from rosy-purple to pale rose and white, and sown early it will bloom the first year. South-western States of N. America. C. pedata is one ofthe prettiest species. A perennial, with trailing stems bearing lobed foliage, variously incised ; and on long foot- stalks, from the upper axils, very handsome crimson flowers, fully 2 in. in diameter. When sown early the plants bloom the first season, and continue in flower until late in autumn. In dry soils the roots survive our average winters and increase in strength each season. Transplant the seedlings into the open ground by the middle of May, as they have a tap- root and do not succeed in pots. It succeeds best in dry soils. The varieties nana and compacta are pretty dwarfer varieties. Callisace dahurica. -A large umbelliferous plant, 8 to 10 ft. high, bearing white flowers late in summer, in umbels frequently 2 ft. across, the lower leaves about 6 ft. long and 4 ft. wide. It is imposing when isolated on turf or in groups in deep rich loam. Division or seed. Dahuria. Callistephus chinensis (China Aster). --Among the many annuals now in cultivation Asters are among the best, and when well grown and cared for they do, at a small cost, as much to render a garden gay during summer and autumn as any plant. To see them in their beauty, however, they must be grown in masses, and well cultivated-not at any stage left to haphazard or poor culture. The China Aster was introduced towards the end of the last century, and was raised in the Jardin des Plantes ofParis from seeds sent from China. Numerous varieties have resulted. In the wild state the flowers of the type are single-that is to say, only the outer florets are strap-shaped, and usually of a rosy- lilac tint, with yellowish disc florets ; but under cultivation all the florets have become ligulate or quilled, and there has developed a richness and variety of colouring scarcely surpassed in any species, and ranging from pure white to deep carmine, violet, and blue, though the yellow of the disc in the single form has not been reproduced in the double. For the great perfection to which the different races have been brought we are mainly indebted to the French horticulturists, notably Truffaut, Fontaine, and Vilmorin, and in this country to Mr. Betteridge, whose method of cultivation is described below. The different varieties are so far fixed that they will come true from carefully selected and well- ripened seed. VARIETIES. -Asters may be classed according to height, habit, character of flower, suitability for exhibition, for pot culture, or for bedding. Tall Asters comprise the fine Pæony-flowered, the tall Chrysanthemum, the Emperor, the tall Victoria, the Quilled, and a few others. Kinds of medium height are the dwarfer forms ofthe Victoria, the fine Cocardeau, the Rose, and the Porcupine. The dwarf forms comprise the short Chrysanthemum, the dwarf pyramidal, and specially the dwarfbouquet, which is one of the most beautiful for pot culture. The best bedding kinds are the medium-growing Victoria, the Rose, and the dwarf Chrysanthemum, as these vary from 9 to 12 in. in height, and form good bunches of bloom on each plant, and fine masses of colour collectively. The dwarf bouquet kinds, whilst specially good for pot culture, are valuable as edgings to beds of taller kinds. pot culture for exhibition the best are the medium-growing Victorias, as these, if of a good strain, possess quality, and hand- some even heads of bloom. For As to culture, Mr. J. Betteridge writes : " SOWING THE SEED. For several years after I commenced the culture of quilled Asters I always sowed the seed in bottom-heat ; but during the last decade I have sowed it, between 26th March and 26th April, in a cold frame, under glass, in drills 6 in. apart, and not too thick in the drills. A few days suffice to bring the plants above the soil, when a liberal supply of air must be given, or they will be weak. When large enough, prick them out into another cold frame, slightly shaded, where they will soon be established, and after they are strong enough to handle plant them out in wellmanured soil, and be careful not to break the tender fibres of the roots. Let the rows be I ft. apart, and plant the strongest plants 1 ft. from each other, in showery weather, and they will soon get established. If the weather be hot and drying, give them a little watering till rooted : afterwards keep them clear of weeds by hoeing amongthem. About the first week in August top-dress with rotten manure from an old hotbed, giving a good soaking all over if the weather continues dry. After this, if the blooms are required for exhibition, tie the plants out to small stakes. As soon as it can be determined which buds will produce the best blooms, thin out or disbud, leaving about five or six blooms on each plant. Exhibition CALLISTEPHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALOCHORTUS. 345 blooms should be large, with full high centre, and deep distinct colour, with solid petals. To secure these qualifica- tions in England, shading of some kind is necessary. For this purpose I have tried many kinds ; one of the most useful of these during a stormy season is a tin shade,' about 12 in. in diameter, with a spring socket to slide up a square stake. “ SOIL. -Asters like a deep rich soil, and, should dry weather set in, it is only in such soil that really fine flowers can be obtained and the plants induced to hold out. Planted in the ordinary way, they are weeds in comparison with those that are well fed and can get their roots down deep in search of moisture ; and when they can do this, the hotter the weather the better. Confined to the top shallow crust of earth, they soon dry up and starve ; and this is why we frequently see poor puny plants in borders, where, instead of being able to grow and develop, they can only struggle on for existence. The best way to manage them is to dig and cast off the top spit to one side, handy to be returned to its place again, and then to trench and break up the soil below, working in with it plenty of short manure, thoroughly decomposed, which will attract the roots and afford them ample assistance just as they most require it, when expanding and perfecting the bloom. Trenching, as usually done, brings the crude earth to the surface, and buries that which has been exposed to the ameliorating influ- ences of the atmosphere-a fact that should be borne in mind, as it takes years to get it into the condition in which plants will lay hold of it and start freely. In very light soils a few barrow- loads of clay, chopped fine and mixed well in, will do more than any other to help to produce fine Asters. The thing to aim at is to keep the bottom cool and moist ; then, if the weather be favourable, the plants will take care of themselves. When grown in groups of three in a border, similar preparations must be made, or neighbouring plants already in possession are sure to rob them and cut short their beauty long before the autumn sets in. " SAVING SEED. -If the autumn be fairly genial, there is no difficulty in saving Aster seed. Allow a plant to carry only three or four of the finest blooms. If heavy rain render a covering needful, it should permit a free circulation of air among the flower-heads. Gather when ripe, and clean through a wire sieve. Carefully selected seed usually produces as good blooms as those from which it was saved. The best kinds, and especially all the new forms and colours, are grown in beds, over which temporary lights are fixed, by means of which we are enabled to cut blooms of the purest shade or colour. "POT CULTURE. -Many have written about the kinds best suited for pots ; but my practice is to sow in the open in May, keeping the varieties separate, and then to lift them about the middle of September (when the buds have partially expanded) . I put three plants into an 8-in. pot, pressing the soil firmly (shading for a few days), and then place them in a cold greenhouse, where they will bloom late on through the autumn. They have a splendid effect among the small kinds of foliage plants in a conservatory, the only plants equal to them in point of colour being Chrysanthemums. If for exhibition purposes, the incurved and reflexed varieties are most effective ; but among the other sections there are few better than, or equal to, the best quilled Asters. " Calluna (Erica vulgaris). Calochortus (Mariposa Lily).—Alovely family of bulbous plants from Western North America, and belonging to the Lily Order. There are about thirty- six species known at the present time, including the section Cyclobothra. As a whole they form one of the most charming groups ofhardy bulbous plants, the colours being so varied and delicately blended, and could the fallacy regarding their cultivation be removed they would be more popular. Excepting the Mexican species, which are, fortunately, few, Calochorti are hardy. A warm border facing south will suit them. The soil should be light and rich, and at a good angle, so as to drain off superfluous moisture. The bulbs should be planted early in autumn after having been dried, and if possible lifted annually as soon as ripe, keeping them out of the ground for a few weeks and again replanting. C. albus. A charming species of the Cyclobothra section, and more easily grown than most species. It resembles C. pulchellus but the flowers of C. albus are larger, the petals both longer and broader, the nodding flowers of a whitish colour, with a purplish base, and marked towards the centre with a shallow pit, covered with hairs. This may be planted in the open border without much fear of failure, unless the soil be very stiff. It is a native of California, and increases fairly rapidly by offsets and seeds, which ripen freely and produce good flowering bulbs in three years. These require careful handling and light, rich soil during the 346 CALOCHORTUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALOCHORTUS. first two years, after which they may be planted in the general collection. C. Benthami. -A somewhat rare but pretty dwarf species from California. It is the Cyclobothra elegans var. lutea of Bentham. It grows from 4 in. to 8 in. high, the leaves long and narrow ; the flowers, of a rich citron-yellow, often deep brown at the base, and densely covered with yellow hairs, are erect, from three to six in an umbel, and produced in June and July. C. cœruleus. A dwarf species, rarely exceeding 6 in. in height, producing in Calochortus flavus. July umbels of three to five large flowers of a bright lilac, dotted and lined with dark blue, the gland at the base being covered with a pretty fringed scale. The leaves are very narrow, rarely more than one to each bulb. Native of California. This is believed to be the C. glaucus of Regel. C. elegans. A fine dwarf species which seems to be extremely variable. In the valleys, David Douglas, the collector, tells us, it ranged in height from 4 in. to 8 in. while on the mountains, near the verge of perpetual snow, it did not exceed I in., or 2 in. Its stem bears in June three to five drooping flowers, white or greeenish-white with a pur lish base, bearded, but not ciliate. The gland is covered by a fringed scale. The narrow leafis longer than the flower- stem, smooth, and nerved. C. flavus. It represents a form of the genus Calochortus, in which the flowers are upright, and the petals have an out- ward curve instead of an inward curve. It is in consequence of this more nearly allied to Fritillaria than most ofthe other members of the family. It is, perhaps, not quite so hardy as most of the Calochorti, but it will be found to do well at the base of a south wall. It is also known as C. pallidus and C. luteus. C. Greeni. A fine bold species growing a foot or more in height, and blooming in early June, three to five large, clear, lilac flowers, barred below with yellow and purple, and often loosely covered with long hairs. The leaves are broad, glaucous green, and pointed. California . C. Gunnisoni somewhat resembles C. Nuttalli, but has larger flowers of a bright lilac, yellowish-green below the middle, where they are banded and lined with purple. This kind is one of the most effective in small groups, the flower- stems being sturdy. A native of the Rocky Mountains from Wyoming to New Mexico, flowering with us in July. C. Kennedyi. -This is the most brilliant of the Mariposa Lilies known to us, and the flowers are dazzling scarlet in colour. It has proved perfectly hardy, and grows about 18 in. high. It was found in Kern County, California. Although increasing slowly by offsets, it is likely to produce seed freely. C. lilacinus. -This is of very distinct habit, and has curious, hairy flowers, which are borne from four to ten on a stem, from 6 in. to 8 in. high, and they are pale lilac in colour. It is a native of the hillsides about San Francisco, and northward of the Geysers. C. luteus. A handsome and variable species, growing from 1 ft. to 2 ft. in height ; but, unfortunately, the flower- stems are so weak that a support is necessary, even in the most sheltered gardens. The narrow- pointed leaves are rich glaucous green in colour, and the flowers vary from one to six to a stem, the colour varying from yellow to deep, rich orange, and lined with brownish- yellow below the middle. It may possibly be a form of C. venustus. In the variety citrinus the whole flower is rich lemonyellow, with a central circular brown or purple blotch ; and in the variety oculatus it varies from white and lilac to yellow, with a dark-brown spot. CALOCHORTUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALOCHORTUS. 347 C. macrocarpus. -A tall large- flowered species, found on the undulating barren grounds around the great falls of the Columbia River. It grows from 1 ft. to 2 ft. in height, rarely bearing more than one flower to each stem. The flowers, each 3 in. to 4 in. in diameter, are purplish-lilac, somewhat paler at the base and with greenish mid-vein. A showy plant well deserving a place. It is quite as hardy as C. albus, which is considered to be one of the most easily managed of the family. C. madrensis. A pretty little species with bright orange- yellow flowers in August and September, and a tuft of deep-orange hairs at the base of each segment. It rarely exceeds a span in height, the stems bearing several flowers in a loose head. A native of the Pine plains of Mexico. C. Maweanus. -This is the C. elegans ofthe Botanical Magazine, but this name appears to have been previously adopted byPursh for a different plant. It is a low, usually much- branched plant, varying from 5 in. to 9 in. in height, and bearing from four to six bell- shaped flowers in July, each 1 in. to 2 in. in diameter. The petals are white, tinged with bright purple at the base, and densely clothed with purple hairs ; the gland is covered by a semicircular scale. California, from San Francisco to Humboldt County. C. pulchellus. -A perfectly hardybulbous plant, requiring no particular care ; the bulbs, left in the open border, flower with regularity and in the greatest profusion. It grows about a foot high, much- branched, each branch terminating in an umbel of three to four fragrant, bright orange-yellow pendulous flowers. The petals are bearded with glandular-tipped hairs, the gland being also covered with stiff- reflexed hairs. It is a native of California. C. splendens. -A pretty species like C. macrocarpus, but rather less branched and with shorter leaves. The flowers, not quite so large, are of a paler lilac, and have a dark blotch at the base of each of the petals. It flowers in June, and is a native of California. C. venustus. One ofthe prettiest and most variable of the Mariposa Lilies, thriving at the base of a warm wall where the ground is never disturbed. It grows from I ft. to 2 ft. high, the flowers very large, white or pale lilac, with a promi- nent red blotch at the top of each petal, the centre brownish-yellow, the base brown. It is most nearly allied to C. luteus, and flowers in July. The variety purpurascens has the flowers deep purplish or lilac, with markings similar to those of the type. California from Alameda County southwards. C. Weedi. A handsome and remarkable species in having the bulbs fibrouscoated. The stem grows about a foot in height, one to three flowered, large, deep yellow, dotted and frequently margined with purple. It is the C. citrinus of Botanical Magazine. California. In addition to the above, some of which are in cultivation, may be noted C. obispoensis, Catalina, Ghiesbreghti, spatulatus, fuscus, Bonplandianus, Hartwegi, longibarbatus, Nuttalli, Palmeri, flexuosus, aureus, clavatus, nitidus, uniflorus, nudus, Leichtlini, which is a form of Nuttalli, &c. One of the most experienced growers of the Calochorti, Dr. Wallace, of Colchester, writes ofthe family thus : " A large raised bed was formed in November for the Calochorti, and, sloping to the south, was composed of leaf- mould and road grit in equal parts, with a smaller portion of sharp sand. The bulbs were planted 3 in. deep, and the whole bed was covered with reeds to throw off the heavy rains and keep the soil open. Many young growths appeared early in January, and by the end of February nearly all were showing above ground. The Reeds were then removed. "C. Benthami and C. coeruleus were the first to flower early in May. - They were quickly followed bythe Cyclobothras. C. amoenus, a splendid addition, with rosypink flowers, and C. Howelli, new, flowered for the first time. Other dwarf forms among the Star Tulips lasted well up to the end of June, when the beautiful Mariposa Lilies continued the display with their tall spikes, some 2 ft. to 3 ft. high, carrying from ten to fifteen flowers, opening in succession. The venustus forms were particularly large and finely marked. C. luteus var. concolor will be a grand addition with its strong habit and large clear yellow flowers. C. Kennedyi, when well grown, will, I think, astonish most people. The last to bloom (the end of July) was C. Plummeræ, a very strong grower, with large flowers of a soft lilac, studded with long golden hairs. Thus from the commencement of May to the end of July this beautiful family, treated in the way I have described above, will, I think, afford the greatest possible interest to all lovers of bulbous plants. The bulbs were lifted mostly in August, some earlier, and in nearly every case larger than when planted, some like small Tulips, and many 348 CALOPOGON . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . CAMASSIA . of them had formed small bulbs at the base of the flower- stems. " In my opinion a good many failures to grow Calochorti may be attributed to late planting. The main points in the culture of Calochorti are early planting, a light porous soil, sunny position, protection from heavy winter rains (but no coddling), plenty of water whilst in full growth, and thorough ripening of the bulbs in August, either by taking them up or placing lights over them." Calopogon pulchellus. A beautiful hardy Orchid suitable for boggy ground, the flowers pink, I in. in diameter, in clusters of two to six upon a stem, beautifully bearded with white, yellow, and purple hairs. Plant in the rockgarden, bog, or in an open spot in the hardy fernery in moist peaty soil, as it is a native of wet spots at the edges of Pine woods and in the Moss in Cranberry swamps, but is also found in wet Grassy marshes, and occasionally seen on solid ground, in low, wet, woody situations in N. America. 66 Caltha (Marsh Marigold).—The Marsh Marigold (C. palustris), that in early spring shines like fire in swamps and hollows gray," and is one of our good hardy plants, though it is so frequent in a wild state that there is little need to give it a place, except on the margin of water. Its double varieties, however, are worth a place in a moist rich border, or, like the single form, bythe water- side . There is a double variety of the smaller creeping C. radicans, about half the size of the common plant. In addition to the common species, C. palustris, and the rarer variety, C. radi- cans, there are double- flowered forms, C. monstrosa, bearing beautiful golden rosettes, and C. minor fl.-pl. , a small kind, a free flowerer, and highly desirable. There are also C. leptosepala, a Californian,kind, and C. purpurascens, distinct and hand- some, about I ft. high, with purplish stems, and bright-orange flowers, the outside of the petals flushed with a purplish tinge. The various forms of the Marsh Marigold are handsome in their golden blossoms, and in groups or bold masses are effective ; and they are easily grown, and increase freely. Calycanthus (Allspice Tree).- North American shrubs with handsome flowers of pleasant fragrance. C. occidentalis is from 6 to 8 ft. high, with large marooncrimson flowers of fine fragrance, and is worthy of cultivation. C. floridus is smaller and not so dense, with purplishred flowers, strongly scented. The names in catalogues, such as C. glaucus, lævigatus, oblongifolius, macrophyllus, represent forms or varieties of either the eastern or the western species. The two described are hardy, the Carolina species having been grown since 1757, while the Californian has been cultivated over fifty years. Their place is near a moist and shady walk, not in the open shrubbery, as they flourish best when somewhat shaded by other trees and where the ground is damp. They grow wild near streams and wet places. The Winter- Sweet, Chimonanthus, is sometimes included among these shrubs in Continental lists. Calypso borealis. -A prettylittle hardy Orchid, with rosy- purple sepals and petals , and a white lip, heavily blotched with cinnamon brown, from the cold regions of N. America. It succeeds in half- shady spots on the margin of the rock-garden or bog, or in a select spot among choice shrubs in light, moist vegetable soil, covered with Cocoa fibre or like material to keep the surface open. Calystegia (see Convolvulus) . Camassia (Quamash).— North Americanplants ofthe Lily Order, hardy and valuable for cutting. There are three species in cultivation, but with regard to two, C. Fraseri and C. Leichtlini, some botanists place the former with Scillas and the latter with the Chlorogalum. C. esculenta (Quamash) is a native of meadows and marshes from Middle California to Washington Territory and northward, where it grows from 1 to 3 ft. high. Its stalks bear a loose raceme of from ten to twenty flowers about 2 in . across, the colour from deep to pale blue, the deepest-coloured being Browni and atro- cærulea. C. esculenta thrives best in a moist situation, in a deep light soil. bold group in flower has a fine effect in July, and it is excellent in the cut state, as the buds of the spike open in the house, and it is a valuable summer flower for borders or beds. The bulbs are used by the Indians as food. A C. Fraseri (Eastern Quamash). -- A native of the States east ofthe Mississippi, its flowers are rather smaller than those of the western species ; about 1 ft. high, the scape bearing a raceme of ten to thirty pale-blue flowers, each about 1 in. across. Smaller than those ofC. esculenta. It is , however, later in flowering than other Camassias, thriving in a light rich soil. All Camassias may be propagated by dividing the bulbs or by seeds. C. Leichtlini ( White Camassia).—-This often grows on sandy ridge-tops, and is found in dry spots in ravines ; its bulbs • CAMELLIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CAMPANULA. 349 are generally deep in some stiff soil. The flower- spike is large, being 9 in. long by 4 in diameter, while in rich deep soils it is sometimes compound, and contains several hundred florets, creamy white and about 1 in. in diameter. The stem often 3 or 4 ft. high. Vigorous, but not so handsome Columbia. as the Quamash. British Camellia. Those who live in inland and northern districts may well be surprised to see this shrub healthy out - of- doors, even if it does not flower well ; but in the Isle of Wight and the southern coasts of England and Ireland it is often as beautiful, and laden with as many flowers, as it is in Madeira. Most people who have Camellias in the open air find that they flower well five out of every six years, and that the plants are hardy -indeed, hardier than many shrubs that make their new growth early in the year. Rhododendrons, Laurels, and other shrubs often have their young shoots cut back by late spring frosts, but this does not happen to Camellias, because their young growth is made later. Theirgreatest enemy is fierce winds, which beat them about. Any one planting them out for the first time will do well to plant first some of the commoner kinds, and in sheltered spots ; then, when these thrive, to continue with more valuable ones. The best aspect for Camellias is a south or south-west one, sheltered by a bank or wall, but in some districts they do best on a north wall. Planting from pots may take place at any period, but about July is the best time, as the wood is then well ripened . Duke of Devonshire, Halfida, Chandleri, Florida, imbricata, elegans, Alberti, Double White, Donkelaari, Countess of Orkney, Mathotiana, and Lady Hume's Blush are good varieties for outdoor culture. The late Robert Marnock, the landscape gardener, who was a keen observer of all garden things, wrote as follows to The Garden about Camellias out-of-doors : " Permit me to remind those who, like myself, have an affection for the great beauty of the Camellia, when in vigorous health in the open air, that although it is true that the plant will bear a greater degree of cold than the Common Laurel, and other evergreen shrubs which by common consent have long been regarded as hardy, yet the main stems and stouter branches of the Camellia are, nevertheless, liable to injury from severe frost. Now, all that is necessary to protect the plant at this weak point is to closely wrap the stem with straw or hay bands ; and if a little Fern or other loose material be laid over the roots, so much the better. The portions of the stems near the ground are the most liable to suffer, while the leaves and branches, if not exposed to fierce gales, will bear much frost, provided the stems are protected. On the question of culture there is very little to be said. Give the Camellia the shade of a north wall protected from the wind, with a well- drained border, and almost any common garden earth will suit it-let the earth be fairly dry when the plants are put in, let them be firmly rammed round the roots in planting, and then carefully watered for a time. No pot culture, however skilful, will compare with the beauty of the plants thus grown in the free soil of the open border." The advice of Mr. Marnock as to soil is sound enough if the climate be favourable ; no doubt in some cases the moisture of peat and fibrous loam would help, but it is not easy to get such dainties for outdoor shrubs, and not always necessary. will be best to try young healthy plants and not old pot-bound ones. It would be well also to try seedling plants in the open air. Camomile ( see Anthemis) . It Campanula (Hairbell, Bellflower). A large, beautiful, and most important family for the flower garden. The alpine species are charming for rock- gardens, being as a rule not difficult to cultivate. Some are very easy and free. A group of kinds somewhat larger than the high alpines adorn rocks and old walls on themountains, and maybe used for these in our gardens. Some are pretty windowplants, thriving in dry rooms ; numbers are good border and edging plants of easy culture ; the tall and straggling kinds admirable forthe wild garden, or rough woody places or hedgerows. Some ofthe annual kinds, if well grown, are showy ; and cer- tain groups, such as the finer forms of the Peach- leaved Bellflower, deserve good culture in the flower garden proper, and flower freely in early summer. The Canterbury Bell is one of the finest of bien- nials, the tall chimney Campanula a very handsome and precious plant. C. alliariæfolia is a strong and handsome plant with large heart- shaped leaves, covered with short hairs ; the stems erect, and leafy ; the flowers white, drooping, and generally disposed on one side of the stem ; about 4 ft. high, flowering in July and August. Ripens seed freely, and may be readily increased by this means. Caucasus. C. Allioni, an alpine kind forming an 350 CAMPANULA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CAMPANULA. underground network of succulent roots, surmounted by stemless rosettes ofleaves, about an inch long, from which arise stalkless erect flowers, like those of the Canterbury Bell in early spring. Succeeds in exposed positions in the rock-garden in a moist, free, and sandy loam, but dislikes limestone. Division. Alps. C. alpina ( Alpine Hairbell).-Covered with stiff down, giving it a slightly gray appearance, 5 to 10 in. high ; flowers of fine dark blue, scattered in a pyramidal manner along the stems. Valuable for front margins of mixed border, as well as The Tufted Campanula. the rock-garden. Division or seeds. Carpathians. C. barbata (Bearded Hairbell).--One of the sweet blue flowers that abound in the rich meadows of alpine France, Switzerland, and Italy, and marked by the long beard at the mouth of its pretty pale sky-blue flowers, nearly 1 in. long, nodding gracefully fromthe stems, bearing two to five or more flowers. In high mountains in its native land it is sometimes only about 6 in. high, but in the valleys in Piedmont it is much taller. There is a white form worthy of culture, thriving freely in well-drained loam on the rock-garden or in the mixed border. Seed or division. C. Barrelieri, allied to C. fragilis, has prostrate one- flowered stems and roundish heart-shaped leaves. Blue and large flowers. On rocks by the seaside about Naples ; a good trailing rock-plant, which thrives also in baskets or pots in windows. C. cæspitosa (Tufted Hairbell).—A charming and vigorous little plant, of which C. pumila is a dwarf variety. Its roots ramble very much, and it soon forms large patches in any garden soil. Its flowering stems rise from a mass of leaves to a height of 6 in. , bearing abundantly five or six pendent light-blue flowers in July and August. A charming plant for edgings and rocks, the angles of steps in rockgardens, and where flagstones are used to form paths it is one of the plants that run about among the stones with very pretty effect. C. pumila, dwarfer, scarcely exceeding 3 or 4 in. in height, usually flowers in pairs on a stem. There is also a white form as pretty as the blue. This variety is also known as C. pusilla-a distinct species. Alps. Division. C. carpatica (Carpathian Hairbell). Acharming plant of free- flowering habit, the light- blue flowers large and cupshaped, borne on foot- stalks 12 to 15 in. high in July and August in succession. Readily increased by seeds, which are abundant. Pallida, a very pale blue, and alba, a pure white, are good varieties ; these, however, must be propagated by spring cuttings or root division, as the variation does not come true itself from seed. There is also a dark-blue sort named Bowoodiana, and a blue-andwhite variety, which is excellent and showy, but scarcely so free in blooming as the species. C. celtidifolia. -A perennial, the branches bearing many light -blue flowers in June and July, and 3 to 4 ft., but requires three years to assume its true character. Siberia. Division. C. cenisia (Mont Cenis Hairbell).-A high alpine plant growing among Saxifraga biflora on the sides of glaciers, making little show above ground but vigorous below, sending a great number of runners underthe soil, and here and there it sends up a compact rosette of light-green leaves. The blue flowers are solitary, and somewhat funnel-shaped, and cut nearly to the CAMPANULA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CAMPANULA. 351 base into five lobes. It should have a sandy or gritty and moist soil, and be near the eye on the rock-garden. Alps. Division. C. collina (Sage-leaved Hairbell) is a species with a creeping root, stems 12 or 15 in. high, each bearing a few narrow leaves ; the flowers blue, in May and June, somewhat sparsely ; border plant. Caucasus. Division. C. fragilis (Brittle Hairbell) is a glabrous plant, except that the young ! branches are coated with soft down ; the flowering branches prostrate, 12 or 15 in. long ; the flowers i in. or more in diameter, delicate blue. Of all the kinds this is the best for a suspended basket, and it does admirably in a cottage window. It is rather tender, coming from the south of Italy and Sicily. It should be increased by cuttings of the young shoots taken in spring. If planted in the rock-garden, a watchful eye must be kept against snails. Avariety C. hirsuta is covered with stiff down, and looks almost woolly. Division, cuttings, and seeds. C. garganica ( Gargano Hairbell). -A compact and tufty plant. The flowers in branching racemes, pale blue, towards the centre shading off to white in summer, thriving in a rock garden or a border ; but, owing to its pendent flowering branches, a good place for it is against a rocky ledge, over' which its masses of flowers may hang. It maybe readily increased by division or by cuttings taken in early spring. A variety C. floribunda receives its namefrom its free flowering. It is smaller, the corolla is more campanulate, and the racemes are more erect. There is also a pure- white form. The Gargano Hairbell is frequently called C. fragilis, from which, however, it is distinct. C. glomerata (Clustered Bellflower).- A handsome plant about 2 ft. high, the stemsterminated bydense clusters of pretty flowers, intense purple. The pure- white form is somewhat rare. C. glomerata is generallyfound throughout Europe in scattered isolated tufts in nearly all calcareous soils, and flowering in June and July. In the border it is very compact and useful. C. dahurica is larger, and is sometimes cultivated under the specific title of C. speciosa. It was introduced from Siberia by Fischer under the impression that it was a distinct species, but in cultivation it proves to be only a showy variety. One ofthe finest of all the Bellflowers. C. grandiflora (Platycodon). 1 C. grandis. A distinct perennial, with masses of barren shoots so rapidly extending that by the third year a small plant will cover a circle 3 ft . in diameter with a dense leafy carpet, from which a dozen or more flower-stemshave developed to a height of 2 ft. or even more, the flowers densely arranged along the flowering branch, in June and July fully 2 in. in diameter. It is a border plant of somewhat short duration in flower. == C. latiloba. C. hederacea (see Wahlenbergia). C. isophylla (Ligurian Hairbell).-A very pretty Italian species ; the leaves are roundish or heart- shaped, the flowers of a pale but very bright blue, and with whitish centre. A charming ornament for the rock-garden, in sunny positions in wellCampanula hirsuta. drained, rather dry fissures, in sandy loam. Seed and cuttings. C. lactiflora. This plant, of Caucasian origin, is one of the bolder and larger Bellflowers, and is better suited for naturalisation than for the flower garden or border, where its time of flower is short and its habit stiff. The flowers are large, and of a milky-white colour. C. Langsdorffiana.-A plant scarcely exceeding 4 in. in height ; the blue flowers borne singly, and nearly pendent. It is a rather shy grower, and does not increase rapidly at the root ; but, no doubt, cuttings from the early spring growth would strike freely. Russia. C. latifolia (Broad-leaved Bellflower). -A vigorous native kind, 3 to 4 ft. high ; the flowers large, pendent, white or blue in colour, and one of the stateliest of our 352 CAMPANULA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CAMPANULA. wild Bellflowers. Britain, generally found in woods ; abundant throughout Northern and Central Europe. It flowers in June, and is good for woods, copses, and rough places or hedgerows, and for the waterside. Division and seed. C. Loefflingi. A showy dwarf species, rarely exceeding 4 in. in height, with many violet- blue blossoms in. across, thriving on the rock-garden, or in borders. Portugal and Spain. C. Loreyi. An annual from Mount Baldi, in North Italy, 9 in. to 1 ft. high, its blossoms of a blue violet, a pretty border annual ; best seen in masses. Á which gets purple at the edges, and with a huge stigma, wholly distinct from any of the Campanulas in our gardens, and well deserves culture. It is readily recognised by its candelabra habit of growth. A native of Asia Minor, and a fine annual ofeasy culture. C. Medium (Canterbury Bell).-A familiar old biennial too well known to need description, but there are now a host of beautiful varieties bearing flowers with a great diversity of colours. These may be classed in three sections - single flowers, like the old-fashioned single bells ; doubles, like the stout massive Campanula garganica. variety called alba, with blossoms of silvery gray, is also pretty. It is an annual of easy culture sown out- of- doors in spring. C. macrantha. The stems of this handsome plant rise to a height of 5 ft., terminated by clusters of large deep- blue flowers almost as large as Canterbury Bells, but less contracted at the mouth of the tube. It is a free vigorous perennial from Russia, best fitted for naturalisation in woody places. It is probably a variety of C. latifolia, but none the less valuable. C. macrostyla (Candelabra Bellflower). -A singular plant, having large flowers, with blue netted veins on a white ground flowers in which two, three, and even four bells seem to be compressed into the outer one ; and duplex flowers, like the calycanthema forms, in which one bell grows in the other, the two combined resembling a cup standing in a saucer. The single varieties are still to be had, but no one would care to be dependent upon these after having once seen the beautiful products of a fine modern double and semi-double strain, especially if it also bear good single forms; but we dislike the huge cup and saucer kinds. Ifthe flowers are of monstrous size, they lose in beauty. There are many colours, such as white, lavender, mauve, several shades of CAMPANULA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CAMPANULA. 353 purple, pink, rose, salmon, and blue. The duplex strains have hitherto been confined chiefly to white and blue, but other colours are now being introduced. The habit of the plants as a rule is compact, when in bloom, ranging from 18 to Campanula isophylla alba. 24 in. in height, and forming perfect pyramids of flowers. They may be lifted and placed in pots without injury even in full bloom, and invariably flower from the middle of June to the middle of July. If for corridor, house, or conservatory, it would be best to lift the plants early in May and pot them in 6-in. pots to enable them to get well established before blooming. The calycanthema section usually exhibits a taller and a looser growth, and should be planted in borders behind the double and single kinds. March or April is the best time to sow seed in a warm spot in the open ground, but it is much safer to sow some also in shallow pans or boxes placed in a frame or on a shelf in the greenhouse. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into some shady spot, and keep them watered until well rooted. From that time they may be safely left to take care of themselves until September, when they should be transplanted into their permanent places in the flower borders, where they will get well established before the winter and develop blooming crowns for the next year. The following are the principal varieties : rosea, r. plena, cœrulea, c. plena, alba, a. plena, coerulea striata, albo lilacea, a. I. plena, rosea lilacina plena, azurea, a. plena, calycanthema, c. alba, c. lilacina, c. 1. plena. 1 ! C. nobilis (Noble Bellflower).-A largeflowered kind, and in general habit of growth allied to C. punctata, having creeping underground stems. The flowerstems rise to a height of 18 to 20 in. , and have a few narrow leaves, from the axils of which hang large pendent flowers almost 3 in. long. Their colour is light chocolate with a shade of blue ; and there is also a creamy white variety. C. nobilis blossoms in May, and rarely seeds, but may be readily increased by the underground stems. China. Of easy culture in any soil. C. persicifolia (Peach - leaved Bellflower). A beautiful species, the cup- shaped flowers of which are fully 2 in. across. The stems, though wiry, are often weak at the base, owing to the rosettes of the previous year (from which they spring) having lost their vigour dur- ing growth, and having no root-holdhence, when the flowers are in full bloom, the stems, if not provided with some artificial support, lie about in an untidy manner. C. persicifolia is 1 to 3 ft. high, and flowers in July and August-the early re- moval of the flower-stems frequently causing a few scattered autumnal blooms. It is abundant throughout Northern and Central Europe, and appears to thrive best and bloom most freely on calcareous soils. C. p. maxima is a giant form. Besides the double blue and white forms there is an interesting variety named coronata, in which the corolla is doubled. These three varieties are admirable for borders, and should have a place in every selection of herbaceous plants ; the double white variety being particularly desirable not only for the border but for pots. All the varieties well repay good culture. Plants occasionally divided and grown in rich beds give very fine crops of flowers. C. planiflora ( Shining Bellflower).-A rigid plant, as regards stem-leaves, the stem about 10 in. high, in dense rosettes , the flowers deep slaty blue. One of the few species that are natives of North America ; it sometimes goes by the name of C. americana, a species of annual duration only, whereas C. planiflora is a long- lived perennial. There is a pure white and a double form, both desirable varieties. It likes a well-drained sunny corner of the rockery, being rather liable to damp off in the winter. Increased by division of the rosettes at the base of the flowering stem. = C. nitida. C. Portenschlagiana (WallHairbell).- Adensetufted - evergreen species, with small bright-green leaves, irregularly notched, so dense as to obscure the foot- stalks , I in. or A A 354 CAMPANULA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CAMPANULA. more in length, by which they are supported. The flowers pale blue in August or September. It spreads slowly by the development of underground stems, and contour it is distinct, as the stem rises erect and unbranched to a height of 2 ft. from a mass of broad leaves, corrugated and serrated, resembling those ofa coarse G-F Campanula persicifolia alba (Peach-leaved Bellflower). succeeds in crevices of the rock- garden. Dalmatia. = C. muralis. C. primulæfolia ( Primrose-leaved Bellflower). Like the Canterbury Bell, this is little better than a biennial. In general Polyanthus ; the flowers are wide, of a slaty blue, and gradually shade to white at the base ofthe corolla. Portugal. Flowers in July and August. Seeds, which it produces freely. C. peregrina. CAMPANULA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CAMPANULA. 355 C. pulla (Austrian Hairbell).- This, when well grown, is one of the most charming of Hairbells. It is a native of the Austrian Alps, on high mountain pastures ; if planted in the rock-garden, therefore, it should have to itself a shelf of soil in which a little peat and sand have been mixed. It may be rapidly increased in spring by taking off young shoots and placing them in a gentle bottom- heat. They will strike as freely as those of a Lobelia, and often make good autumnal flowering plants. After blooming the foliage disappears and the plant goes to rest. An excellent rock-garden plant. C. pumila ( = C. cæspitosa). C. punctata (Spotted Bellflower).-- Like many creeping plants it is difficult to establish, but when once established it is difficult to keep within bounds. Its leaves are rough ; the flower- stems rise from the mass of foliage to a height of 8 or 9 in., each stem bearing in July two or three pendent milk-white flowers, 2 in. long, the spotted character ofwhich, though slightly shown externally, is well seen inside. Siberia. Its creeping roots afford a means of increase. C. pusilla. Smaller than C. cæspitosa, rarely exceeding 4 in. in height, the shining green leaves heart-shaped and toothed, the flowers pale blue, in racemes, in June and July. Switzerland. Very gritty moist loam in the rock-garden is best for it. = C. modesta. C. pyramidalis ( Steeple Bellflower).- A vigorous plant, with thick and fleshy flower-stems, rising to a height of 4 to 6 ! ft. , with numerous broad ovate leaves ; the flowers, close to the stem, giving the inflorescence a steeple-like form. The flowers are blue or white ; coming in succession, over a considerable time, in July, August, and September. Though not quite a biennial, it is better in general cultivation to treat it as such, as from seedling plants, well grown on during the first year, the finest stems arise. A border flower of the highest merit in favourable soils ; so important, indeed, that occasional batches of seed should be sown to keep up a vigorous supply. Carolina. C. Raineri (Rainer's Bellflower). -- A dwarf, compact, sturdy plant, varying in height from 3 to 6 in. , each branch bearing a large dark-blue flower. It thrives best in sunny positions in loam freely intermingled with pieces of stone, and well watered in dry weather, and is a gem for the rock-garden. Alps of N. Italy. C. Rapunculus ( Rampion Bellflower). -A biennial about 2 ft. high, with thick fleshy roots, once much cultivated for cooking, and still grown for that purpose in France. I have seen this plant naturalised on walls in the west ofEngland. It is a native of Britain, and extends across the whole of Central and Southern Campanula pyramidalis. Europe, where it is generally found in hedgerows and open country districts . Flowers in May or June, purplish blue, and may be naturalised in hedgerows or copses. C. rotundifolia (English Hairbell).— A A 2 356 CAMPANULA . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . CAMPANULA . In this pretty wild plant we have a true type of the Hairbell. So well known is the plant that it is needless to describe it. There is a white variety, generallydwarfer, and there are several forms all beautiful, and of easy culture in any soil. C. Hostii is a variety. These are all excellent border flowers, and also good for the rougher parts of the rock-garden, and I love to see the wild plant growing in Grass on rough slopes or places not mown till autumn. C. r. soldanellaflora (Double fringed Hairbell). A double variety reminding one of the fringed flowers of the Soldanella. When growing freely, it attains a height of 15 in. , or more. The upper portion of each stem bears many pendent dark-blue flowers, on a branching raceme. All the leaves are linear, even those which spring from the root. It is a good border flower. C. sarmatica (Sarmatian Bellflower). -A free perennial, with flower- stems about 2 ft. high, and bearing flowers almost throughout their entire length ; the lower blooms singly on longish foot- stalks, the upper ones almost stalkless. Owing to the weight of its masses of flowers, it requires staking. It flowers in July and August, colour a light blue, and increases readily from seed. Rocky sub-alpine regions of the Caucasus. = C. gummifera. C. Thomasiniana. A handsome dwarf species nearly related to C. Waldsteiniana, but better as a garden plant, forming a dense tuft, and the flowers, six to twelve in number, tubular and about an inch long, borne on the points, weighing down the stalk, and giving the plant a drooping habit. July to September. A pretty plant for the rock-garden, and loving a shady_position, not too damp. Istria. C. Trachelium (Rough Bellflower). -A sturdy, compact herbaceous plant, with erect flower-stems, 2 ft. or more high ; the flowers are in twos or threes ; they are large and blue ; but there are white and double varieties ; it blooms in July. Britain. C. turbinata ( Turban Bellflower) is a dwarf plant with grayish-green leaves, the flowers borne singly on stems about 6 in. long, deep blue, and 1 in. across. The flowering extends over June and July in succession ; and if the plant be cut back, a second blooming frequently follows. Mountains of Transylvania ; a charming plant for border or rock culture. C. t. elegans is a hybrid between this species and C. carpatica, and it is superior to both as a summer flowerer. The variety pelviformis bears saucer-shaped flowers very freely. C. urticæfolia (Nettle-leaved Bell- flower) has much of the aspect of C. Campanula turbinata var. Trachelium, but is smaller ; the flowers are blue or white, and there are double forms of each. It loves the partial shade of woods. The double white variety is particularly desirable, on account of its dis- tinctness and chaste beauty. Germany. C. Van Houttei is a handsome plant of garden origin. It is strong, its flower- stems attaining a height of 1 to 2 ft. ; its large pendent leaden-blue flowers are like those of C. nobilis. C. Waldsteiniana (Waldstein's Hairbell). A charming little free- flowering species, of compact habit, with wiry stems from 3 to 6 in. high, bearing pale- blue flowers. Hungary. It appears to be free in growth, and is readily increased by cuttings taken from the early spring growth and placed in a gentle bottom-heat. It thrives in limestone soil in a sunny position. C. Zoysi. A dense tufty plant allied to C. cenisia, but more compact ; with flower-stems 2 or 3 in. high, terminating in one perfect bloom, large in proportion to the size of the plant, and of azure blue. Styria. Thrives in sandy loam in exposed parts of the rock- garden. The following are mentioned in catalogues, but they are not much known, or are too much like others to be of value : C. aggregata, azurea, altaica, americana, attica, carnica, Cervicaria, divergens, CAMPERNELLE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CANNA. 357 Elatines, laciniata, linifolia, macrorrhiza, peregrina, retrorsa, speciosa, strigosa, Scheuchzeri, tenella, Tenori, thyrsoidea, Vidali. Campernelle (Narcissus odorus). Campion (Lychnis). Camptosorus rhizophyllus ( Walking Leaf -A curious N. American Fern, remarkable for its narrow fronds, which taper into slender prolongations, and take root at the tips like runners, giving rise to young plants. Thrives in gritty loamy soil in a somewhat shaded position in the rock-garden or hardy fernery. Canary Creeper ( Tropæoleum). Candytuft (Iberis). Canna (Indian Shot). Handsome tropical plants with fine foliage, which make good growth out- of- doors in warm positions in our gardens. The larger kinds make rich masses of foliage, yet all may be intimately associated with flowering plants-an advantage not possessed by free-growing things like the Castor- oil plant. The tendency of most of our flower-garden plants is to flatness, and the special quality of the Cannas for counteracting this makes them valuable. Another good quality is their power of withstanding the cold and storms of autumn. They do so as well as some of our hardy shrubs, so that we may see them waving graceful and verdant when the last leaves have been blown from the Lime and the Dahlia, and the Heliotrope has been hurt by frost. Sheltered situations, places near warm walls, and sheltered dells are the best places for them . They are generally used about Paris and London in huge ugly masses, but to see their true beauty we must place them here and there among the flowering plants. A bed or two solely devoted to them will occasionally prove very effective ; but enormous flat masses, containing hundreds of plants of one variety, are very bad. As to culture and propagation, nothing can be more simple ; they may be stored in winter under shelves in the houses, in the root- room-in fact, anywhere, if covered up to protect them from frost. In spring nothing is easier than pulling the roots in pieces and potting them separately. Afterwards it is usual to bring them on in heat, and finally to harden them off previous to planting out in the middle of May. A modification of this practice is desirable, as some kinds are remarkably hardy, and make a beautiful growth if put out without a leaf on them . The soil should be deep, rich, and Eight. Cannas, protected by a coating of litter, have been left out in Battersea Park through severe winters, and during the unfavourable summer of 1867 attained a height of nearly 12 ft. Where it is desired to change the arrangements every year, it may be no advantage to leave them in the ground, and they may be taken up with the bedding-plants and stored as easily as Carrots. Wherever they are grown as isolated tufts, in small groups, or in small beds, it will be best not to take them up oftener than every second or third year, if the ground be warm and well drained. These noble plants would also adorn the conservatory, which is often as devoid of graceful vegetation as the unhappy flower gardens all over the country. Few subjects would be more effective, and none more easily obtained. The only really hardy species is C. Achiras, a rather handsome plant, but less desirable than the more tender. Those available for massing or mixed planting are numerous. In the first place, the wild forms described amount to nearly 100, whilst the garden hybrids and varieties are numerous. Foremost among the raisers of new varieties may be named M. Année, a French amateur. He commenced many years ago, and several varieties bear his name, as C. Annei rosea, C. Annei floribunda. The Iris- flowered Canna is a lovely kind which is not seen out- of- doors in England ; it has flowered out- of- doors in Paris gardens, but it requires a warm moist house to develop its full size and beauty. LARGE- FLOWERED CANNAS. -This is a comparatively new race of Cannas, for which we are mainly indebted to M. Crozy, of Lyons, France, who crossed the Iris-flowered Canna with the older kind. Here, however, they are more valuable for the greenhouse than the open air. Cannas are not a great success in the open in England. Our summers are too short and our autumns too uncertain to get that profusion of flower one sees in warmer climates, although the Canna is welcome for its bold, handsome leafage. The plants as a rule are much dwarfer than the old type of Canna, which attains many feet in height, the result being that in heavy winds the leaves get much torn. The newer French varieties range between 1 ft. to 4 ft. in height, the leafage displaying many shades of colour. some varieties it is quite chocolate, in others intense green without any other shade. When grown in pots, the soil for the Canna should consist of good loam with a liberal admixture of well-decayed manure, leaf-mould, and rough sand, in order to keep the soil open. The size of In 358 CANNA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CANNA. the pot used will, of course, depend upon the vigour of the specimen, but fine- flowering examples may be obtained in pots from 8 in. to 12 in. in diameter. Whatever size of pot is used, do not fill it too near the rim with soil, as when the plant gets pot- bound the roots coil around Кон Cannabis sativa (Hemp Plant). seen perhaps at their best during June, July, and August, while even in September the majority will be still in flower, and in the warmest part ofthe greenhouse, or in a temperature slightly higher, some of them will bloom till late in the autumn or well on into the winter. The individual blooms do not remain long in perfection, but a succession is kept up for a considerable period from the same panicle, as the laterals develop after the expansion of the earlier blossoms, and shoots sufficiently strong to flower are continually being pushed up throughout the growing season. Being gross feeders, these Cannas are helped by an occasional dose of liquid manure as the pots get filled with roots. If the flowers are fertilised, seed is readily produced, which does not take long to ripen, and though some prefer to keep it till the spring before sowing, it is better to sow it at once, as then it quickly germin- ates, especially if soaked in some warm water for twenty-four hours previous to sowing ; whereas, if kept till the spring, the seeds often lie in the ground much longer, even if subjected to the same treatment. If potted off as soon as large enough and kept in a cool part of the stove, the seed- lings will continue to grow throughout the winter, and on the return of spring may be shifted into larger pots. In commencing the cultivation of these Cannas, by far the best time to get them is during the winter (say soon after Christmas), when the rhizomes, then in a dormant and well-ripened state, can be sent by post at little expense. The list of varieties is now a considerable one, so that a careful selection is absolutely necessary, otherwise some of them will be found to greatly resemble each other. few of the finer ones are Paul Bert, with large, handsome, darkcoloured foliage and massive flowers of a distinct reddishthe base of the ball and lift it slightly, so that unless this has been considered in the potting, the plant is apt to obtain an insufficient supply of water, from the effects of which it will soon suffer. The flowering season of these Cannas extends over a lengthened period, but they are A ambertint ; Louise Chretien, deep yellow, spotted red ; Geoffrey SaintHilaire, bright orange-red ; Capricieux, red, edged yellow ; Revol Massot, green foliage and very bright crimson- coloured flowers ; Lutea splendens, clear soft yellow, slightly spotted ; Ulrich Brunner, deep-coloured foliage and very bright CANNABIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CARLUDOVICA. 359 crimson flowers ; François Crozy, bright salmon-red, margined with yellow; Antonin Crozy, crimson ; Admiral Cour- bet, yellow, spotted with red ; Félix Crousse, orange-red ; Francisque Morel, carmine ; and Antoine Chantin, a distinct golden-salmon flower. There are many more varieties, but these are amongst the finest. Cannabis sativa (Hemp Plant).—A well-known annual, a native of India and Persia, and largely cultivated in Europe for its fibre. In our country it is 4 to 10 ft. high, but in Italy sometimes 20 ft. high. In plants growing singly, the stem is much branched, but in masses it is generally simple. It is useful where the tender sub-tropical plants cannot be easily grown, well- grown plants looking graceful and distinct, and are useful at the backs ofborders and in mixed groups ; and a few look well as a separate group. It should be sown in the open ground early in April, and to get larger plants it would be best to raise it in frames. It loves a warm sandy loam, and is one of the few plants that thrive in small London gardens. There are several varieties mentioned in seed catalogues, but not differing much in habit-at least in our climate. Canterbury Bell ( Campanula Medium). Cape Honey flower (Melianthus major). · Cape Pond-flower ( Aponogeton). Caragana. Hardy but not showy pea- flowered shrubs, interesting in collec- tions of hardy shrubs, but of less value from a flower-garden point of view. Cardamine (Cuckoo flower - or Lady's Smock).-Plants of the Wallflower Order, few ofwhich are cultivated, the best being the native Cuckoo-flower in its double form. This will grow well almost anywhere, although, like the wild plant, that colours the meadows with its soft-hued flowers, it delights in swampy ground. The single kind is too common to need cultivation ; the double kind is a pretty subject for the spring garden and for borders. Division. C. trifolia is a pretty species, with white flowers, from Switzerland ; 9 to 12 in. high ; a border or rough rock-plant. C. latifolia, C. asarifolia, and C. rotundifolia are pretty dwarf plants when in flower, but not popular in gardens. Cardinal-flower (Lobelia cardinalis). Carduus. -Thistle-like plants, of which flower-heads large, purplish red, and sur- rounded on the under side by a dense white cottony web. Few plants are more distinct, and it is suitable for borders, or groups of hardy fine-leaved plants, grow- ing well in common soil. It is a native of the limestone districts of the south of England and elsewhere. An interesting plant to naturalise. C. altissimus and acanthoides are also met with in botani- cal collections. Carex ( Sedge).- Plants well known in all northern and temperate countries, but few have a place in the garden. C. paniculata is a very large Sedge, something like a dwarf Tree Fern, with strong thick stems and luxuriant masses of drooping leaves, the roots forming dense tufts, I to 3 ft. high, flowers in a large and spreading panicle. A few tufts are very effective on the margins of water near groups of picturesque plants. The finer specimens are of great age, and are seen best in the bogs where the plant is wild. C. pendula. -A very graceful British plant, growing in large tufts, with numerous flowering stems and shoots from 3 to 6 ft. high, the leaves 2 ft. or more in length. When in flower the graceful pendent spikes, from 4 to 7 in. long, are pretty, and the plant is very suitable for the margin of water or for boggy or moist spots. Some of the Sedges are variegated, as C. riparia, and there are some striking forms, such as C. Fraseriana, but compared with the above these are mainly of botanical interest. Carlina acaulis.--A dwarf Thistlelike perennial, interesting from its foliage, which grows in a broad handsome rosette very close to the ground, its single yellow- ish flower, 3 in. or more across , on a very short erect stalk in the centre of the rosette. Although too dwarf for association with more imposing plants, it is worthy of a bank or slope or the margins of low beds or groups, where its distinct habit will be seen to great advantage. It thrives best in dry, stony, calcareous soil, and is easily multiplied by seeds. Central Europe. Carludovica palmata. A palm- like plant, 4 to 7 ft. high, with dark-green leaves 2 to 3 ft. broad, divided into four lobes, each of which is again divided at the apex into narrow segments. In warm the finest is C. eriophorus, the Woolly- gardens this interesting plant will endure headed Thistle, a handsome native plant, the open air from early June till October, with a much-branched hairy stem 3 to 5 but requires warm house treatment in ft. high ; and very deeply cut and spiny winter, with plenty of water at all times. leaves, the lower ones often 2 ft . long, the | Seed. Peru and New Granada. 358 CANNA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . CANNA. the pot used will, of course, depend upon the vigour of the specimen, but fine- flowering examples may be obtained in pots from 8 in. to 12 in. in diameter. Whatever size of pot is used, do not fill it too near the rim with soil, as when the plant gets pot-bound the roots coil around Кон 4 Cannabis sativa (Hemp Plant). seen perhaps at their best during June, July, and August, while even in September the majority will be still in flower, and in the warmest part of the greenhouse, or in a temperature slightly higher, some of them will bloom till late in the autumn or well on into the winter. The individual the base of the ball and lift it slightly, so that unless this has been considered in the potting, the plant is apt to obtain an insufficient supply of water, from the effects of which it will soon suffer. The flowering season of these Cannas extends over a lengthened period, but they are blooms do not remain long in perfection, but a succession is kept up for a considerable period from the same panicle, as the laterals develop after the expan- sion of the earlier blossoms, and shoots sufficiently strong to flower are continually being pushed up throughout the growing season. Being gross feeders, these Cannas are helped by an occasional dose of liquid manure as the pots get filled with roots. If the flowers are fertilised, seed is readily pro- duced, which does not take long to ripen, and though some prefer to keep it till the spring before sowing, it is better to sow it at once, as then it quickly germin- ates, especially if soaked in some warm water for twenty-four hours previous to sowing ; whereas, if kept till the spring, the seeds often lie in the ground much longer, even if subjected to the same treatment. If potted off as soon as large enough and kept in a cool part of the stove, the seed- lings will continue to grow throughout the winter, and on the return of spring may be shifted into larger pots. In commencing the cultivation of these Cannas, by far the best time to get them is during the winter (say soon after Christmas), when the rhizomes, then in a dormant and well-ripened state, can be sent by post at little expense. The list of varieties is now a considerable one, so that a careful selection is absolutely necessary, otherwise some of them will be found to greatly resemble each other. A few of the finer ones are Paul Bert, with large, handsome, darkcoloured foliage and massive flowers of a distinct reddishamber tint ; Louise Chretien, deep yellow, spotted red ; Geoffrey Saint- Hilaire, bright orange-red ; Capricieux, red, edged yellow ; Revol Massot, green foliage and very bright crimson- coloured flowers ; Lutea splendens, clear soft yellow, slightly spotted ; Ulrich Brunner, deep- coloured foliage and very bright CANNABIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CARLUDOVICA. 359 crimson flowers ; François Crozy, bright salmon- red, margined with yellow ; Antonin Crozy, crimson ; Admiral Cour- bet, yellow, spotted with red ; Félix Crousse, orange- red ; Francisque Morel, carmine ; and Antoine Chantin, a distinct golden-salmon flower. There are many more varieties, but these are amongst the finest. Cannabis sativa (Hemp Plant).- A well-known annual, a native of India and Persia, and largely cultivated in Europe for its fibre. In our country it is 4 to 10 ft. high, but in Italy sometimes 20 ft. high. In plants growing singly, the stem is much branched, but in masses it is generally simple. It is useful where the tender sub-tropical plants cannot be easily grown, well- grown plants looking graceful and distinct, and are useful at the backs ofborders and in mixed groups ; and a few look well as a separate group. It should be sown in the open ground early in April, and to get larger plants it would be best to raise it in frames. It loves a warm sandy loam, and is one of the few plants that thrive in small London gardens. There are several varieties mentioned in seed catalogues, but not differing much in habit-at least in our climate. Canterbury Bell ( Campanula Medium). Cape Honey flower (Melianthus major). Cape Pond-flower (Aponogeton). Caragana. Hardy but not showy pea- flowered shrubs, interesting in collec- tions of hardy shrubs, but of less value from a flower-garden point of view. Cardamine (Cuckoo-flower or Lady's Smock).—Plants ofthe Wallflower Order, few of which are cultivated, the best being the native Cuckoo- flower in its double form. This will grow well almost anywhere, although, like the wild plant, that colours the meadows with its soft-hued flowers, it delights in swampy ground. The single kind is too common to need cultivation ; the double kind is a pretty subject for the spring garden and for borders. Division. C. trifolia is a pretty species, with white flowers, from Switzerland ; 9 to 12 in. high ; a border or rough rock- plant. C. latifolia, C. asarifolia, and C. rotundifolia are pretty dwarf plants when in flower, but not popular in gardens. Cardinal-flower (Lobelia cardinalis). Carduus. -Thistle-like plants, ofwhich the finest is C. eriophorus, the Woollyheaded Thistle, a handsome native plant, with a much-branched hairy stem 3 to 5 ft. high ; and very deeply cut and spiny leaves, the lower ones often 2 ft. long, the flower-heads large, purplish red, and surrounded on the under side by a dense white cottony web. Few plants are more distinct, and it is suitable for borders, or groups of hardy fine- leaved plants, grow- ing well in common soil. It is a native of the limestone districts of the south of England and elsewhere. An interesting plant to naturalise. C. altissimus and acanthoides are also met with in botanical collections. Carex (Sedge).-Plants well known in all northern and temperate countries, but few have a place in the garden. C. paniculata is a very large Sedge, something like a dwarf Tree Fern, with strong thick stems and luxuriant masses of drooping leaves, the roots forming dense tufts, I to 3 ft. high, flowers in a large and spreading panicle. A few tufts are very effective on the margins of water near groups of picturesque plants. The finer specimens are of great age, and are seen best in the bogs where the plant is wild. C. pendula. A very graceful British plant, growing in large tufts, with numerous flowering stems and shoots from 3 to 6 ft. high, the leaves 2 ft. or more in length. When in flower the graceful pendent spikes, from 4 to 7 in. long, are pretty, and the plant is very suitable for the margin of water or for boggy or moist spots. Some of the Sedges are variegated, as C. riparia, and there are some striking forms, such as C. Fraseriana, but compared with the above these are mainly of botanical interest. Carlina acaulis.--A dwarf Thistlelike perennial, interesting from its foliage, which grows in a broad handsome rosette very close to the ground, its single yellowish flower, 3 in. or more across, on a very short erect stalk in the centre of the rosette. Although too dwarf for association with more imposing plants, it is worthy of a bank or slope or the margins of low beds or groups, where its distinct habit will be seen to great advantage. It thrives best in dry, stony, calcareous soil, and is easily multiplied by seeds. Central Europe. Carludovica palmata. A palm - like plant, 4 to 7 ft. high, with dark-green leaves 2 to 3 ft. broad, divided into four lobes, each of which is again divided at the apex into narrow segments. In warm gardens this interesting plant will endure the open air from early June till October, but requires warm house treatment in winter, with plenty of water at all times. Seed. Peru and New Granada. 358 CANNA . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . CANNA . the pot used will, of course, depend upon the vigour of the specimen, but fine- flowering examples may be obtained in pots from 8 in. to 12 in. in diameter. Whatever size of pot is used, do not fill it too near the rim with soil, as when the plant gets pot-bound the roots coil around Cannabis sativa (Hemp Plant). the base ofthe ball and lift it slightly, so that unless this has been considered in the potting, the plant is apt to obtain an insufficient supply of water, from the effects of which it will soon suffer. The flowering season of these Cannas extends over a lengthened period, but they are seen perhaps at their best during June, July, and August, while even in September the majority will be still in flower, and in the warmest part of the greenhouse, or in a temperature slightly higher, some of them will bloom till late in the autumn or well on into the winter. The individual blooms do not remain long in perfection, but a succession is kept up for a considerable period from the same panicle, as the laterals develop after the expan- sion of the earlier blossoms, and shoots sufficiently strong to flower are continually being pushed up throughout the growing season. Being gross feeders, these Cannas are helped by an occasional dose of liquid manure as the pots get filled with roots. If the flowers are fertilised, seed is readily pro- duced, which does not take long to ripen, and though some prefer to keep it till the spring before sowing, it is better to sow it at once, as then it quickly germin- ates, especially if soaked in some warm water for twenty-four hours previous to sowing ; whereas, if kept till the spring, the seeds often lie in the ground much longer, even if subjected to the same treatment. If potted off as soon as large enough and kept in a cool part of the stove, the seed- lings will continue to grow throughout the winter, and on the return of spring may be shifted into larger pots. In commencing the cultivation of these Cannas, by far the best time to get them is during the winter ( say soon after Christmas) , when the rhizomes, then in a dormant and well-ripened state, can be sent by post at little expense. The list of varieties is now a considerable one, so that a careful selection is absolutely necessary, otherwise some of them will be found to greatly resemble each other. A few of the finer ones are Paul Bert, with large, handsome, darkcoloured foliage and massive flowers of a distinct reddishamber tint ; Louise Chretien, deep yellow, spotted red ; Geoffrey SaintHilaire, bright orange-red ; Capricieux, red, edged yellow ; Revol Massot, green foliage and very bright crimson- coloured flowers ; Lutea splendens, clear soft yellow, slightly spotted ; Ulrich Brunner, deep-coloured foliage and very bright CANNABIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CARLUDOVICA. 359 crimson flowers ; François Crozy, bright salmon- red, margined with yellow ; Antonin Crozy, crimson ; Admiral Courbet, yellow, spotted with red ; Félix Crousse, orange-red ; Francisque Morel, carmine ; and Antoine Chantin, a distinct golden- salmon flower. There are many more varieties, but these are amongst the finest. Cannabis sativa (Hemp Plant).-A well-known annual, a native of India and Persia, and largely cultivated in Europe for its fibre. In our country it is 4 to 10 ft. high, but in Italy sometimes 20 ft. high. In plants growing singly, the stem is much branched, but in masses it is generally simple. It is useful where the tender sub-tropical plants cannot be easily grown, well-grown plants looking graceful and distinct, and are useful at the backs ofborders and in mixed groups ; and a few look well as a separate group. It should be sown in the open ground early in April, and to get larger plants it would be best to raise it in frames. It loves a warm sandy loam, and is one of the few plants that thrive in small London gardens. There are several varieties mentioned in seed catalogues, but not differing much in habit-at least in our climate. Canterbury Bell ( Campanula Medium). Cape Honey - flower (Melianthus major). Cape Pond-flower (Aponogeton). Caragana. Hardy but not showy pea- flowered shrubs, interesting in collec- tions of hardy shrubs, but of less value from a flower-garden point of view. Cardamine (Cuckoo-flower or Lady's Smock).-Plants of the Wallflower Order, few of which are cultivated, the best being the native Cuckoo-flower in its double form. This will grow well almost anywhere, although, like the wild plant, that colours the meadows with its soft-hued fowers, it delights in swampy ground. The single kind is too common to need cultivation ; the double kind is a pretty subject for the spring garden and for borders. Division. C. trifolia is a pretty species, with white flowers, from Switzerland ; 9 to 12 in. high ; a border or rough rock-plant. C. latifolia, C. asarifolia, and C. rotundifolia are pretty dwarf plants when in flower, but not popular in gardens. Cardinal-flower (Lobelia cardinalis). Carduus. -Thistle-like plants , of which the finest is C. eriophorus, the Woollyheaded Thistle, a handsome native plant, with a much-branched hairy stem 3 to 5 ft. high ; and very deeply cut and spiny leaves , the lower ones often 2 ft. long, the flower- heads large, purplish red, and sur- rounded on the under side by a dense white cottony web. Few plants are more distinct, and it is suitable for borders, or groups ofhardy fine-leaved plants, grow- ing well in common soil. It is a native of the limestone districts of the south of England and elsewhere. An interesting plant to naturalise. C. altissimus and acanthoides are also met with in botani- cal collections. Carex (Sedge).- Plants well known in all northern and temperate countries, but few have a place in the garden. C. paniculata is a very large Sedge, something like a dwarf Tree Fern, with strong thick stems and luxuriant masses of drooping leaves, the roots forming dense tufts, I to 3 ft. high, flowers in a large and spreading panicle. Afew tufts are very effective on the margins of water near groups of picturesque plants. The finer specimens are of great age, and are seen best in the bogs where the plant is wild. C. pendula. —A very graceful British plant, growing in large tufts, with numer- ous flowering stems and shoots from 3 to 6 ft. high, the leaves 2 ft. or more in length. When in flower the graceful pendent spikes, from 4 to 7 in. long, are pretty, and the plant is very suitable for the margin of water or for boggy or moist spots. Some of the Sedges are variegated, as C. riparia, and there are some striking forms, such as C. Fraseriana, but compared with the above these are mainly of botanical interest. Carlina acaulis.--A dwarf Thistlelike perennial, interesting from its foliage, which grows in a broad handsome rosette very close to the ground, its single yellow- ish flower, 3 in. or more across, on a very short erect stalk in the centre of the rosette. Although too dwarf for association with more imposing plants , it is worthy of a bank or slope or the margins of low beds or groups, where its distinct habit will be seen to great advantage. It thrives best in dry, stony, calcareous soil, and is easily multiplied by seeds. Central Europe. Carludovica palmata. A palm - like plant, 4 to 7 ft. high, with dark- green leaves 2 to 3 ft. broad, divided into four lobes, each of which is again divided at the apex into narrow segments. In warm gardens this interesting plant will endure the open air from early June till October, but requires warm house treatment in winter, with plenty of water at all times. Seed. Peru and New Granada. 358 CANNA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CANNA. the pot used will, of course, depend upon the vigour of the specimen, but fine- flowering examples may be obtained in pots from 8 in. to 12 in. in diameter. Whatever size of pot is used, do not fill it too near the rim with soil, as when the plant gets pot-bound the roots coil around Кон Cannabis sativa (Hemp Plant). seen perhaps at their best during June, July, and August, while even in September the majority will be still in flower, and in the warmest part of the greenhouse, or in a temperature slightly higher, some of them will bloom till late in the autumn or well on into the winter. The individual the base of the ball and lift it slightly, so that unless this has been considered in the potting, the plant is apt to obtain an insufficient supply of water, from the effects of which it will soon suffer. The flowering season of these Cannas extends over a lengthened period, but they are blooms do not remain long in perfection, but a succession is kept up for a considerable period from the same panicle, as the laterals develop after the expan- sion of the earlier blossoms, and shoots sufficiently strong to flower are continually being pushed up throughout the growing season. Being gross feeders, these Cannas are helped by an occasional dose of liquid manure as the pots get filled with roots. If the flowers are fertilised, seed is readily produced, which does not take long to ripen, and though some prefer to keep it till the spring before sowing, it is better to sow it at once, as then it quickly germin- ates, especially if soaked in some warm water for twenty-four hours previous to sowing ; whereas, if kept till the spring, the seeds often lie in the ground much longer, even if subjected to the same treatment. If potted off as soon as large enough and kept in a cool part of the stove, the seed- lings will continue to grow throughout the winter, and on the return of spring may be shifted into larger pots. In commencing the cultivation of these Cannas, by far the best time to get them is during the winter ( say soon after Christmas) , when the rhizomes, then in a dormant and well-ripened state, can be sent by post at little expense. The list of varieties is now a considerable one, so that a careful selection is absolutely necessary, otherwise some of them will be found to greatly resemble each other. A few of the finer ones are Paul Bert, with large, handsome, darkcoloured foliage and massive flowers of a distinct reddishamber tint ; Louise Chretien, deep yellow, spotted red ; Geoffrey SaintHilaire, bright orange-red ; Capricieux, red, edged yellow ; Revol Massot, green foliage and very bright crimson- coloured flowers ; Lutea splendens, clear soft yellow, slightly spotted ; Ulrich Brunner, deep-coloured foliage and very bright CANNABIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CARLUDOVICA. 359 crimson flowers ; François Crozy, bright salmon-red, margined with yellow ; Antonin Crozy, crimson ; Admiral Courbet, yellow, spotted with red ; Félix Crousse, orange-red ; Francisque Morel, carmine ; and Antoine Chantin, a distinct golden-salmon flower. There are many more varieties , but these are amongst the finest. Cannabis sativa (Hemp Plant) .—A well-known annual, a native of India and Persia, and largely cultivated in Europe for its fibre. In our country it is 4 to 10 ft. high, but in Italy sometimes 20 ft. high. In plants growing singly, the stem is much branched, but in masses it is generally simple. It is useful where the tender sub-tropical plants cannot be easily grown, well-grown plants looking graceful and distinct, and are useful at the backs ofborders and in mixed groups ; and a few look well as a separate group. It should be sown in the open ground early in April, and to get larger plants it would be best to raise it in frames. It loves a warm sandy loam, and is one of the few plants that thrive in small London gardens. There are several varieties mentioned in seed catalogues, but not differing much in habit-at least in our climate. Canterbury Bell (Campanula Medium). Cape Honey - flower (Melianthus major). Cape Pond- flower ( Aponogeton). Caragana. Hardy but not showy pea- flowered shrubs, interesting in collec- tions of hardy shrubs, but of less value from a flower- garden point of view. Cardamine (Cuckoo -flower or Lady's Smock) -Plants of the Wallflower Order, few of which are cultivated, the best being the native Cuckoo- flower in its double form. This will grow well almost anywhere, although, like the wild plant, that colours the meadows with its soft-hued flowers, it delights in swampy ground. The single kind is too common to need cultivation ; the double kind is a pretty subject for the spring garden and for borders. Division. C. trifolia is a pretty species, with white flowers, from Switzerland ; 9 to 12 in. high ; a border or rough rock-plant. C. latifolia, C. asarifolia, and C. rotundifolia are pretty dwarf plants when in flower, but not popular in gardens. Cardinal- flower (Lobelia cardinalis). Carduus. —Thistle- like plants, of which the finest is C. eriophorus, the Woollyheaded Thistle, a handsome native plant, with a much-branched hairy stem 3 to 5 ft. high ; and very deeply cut and spiny leaves, the lower ones often 2 ft. long, the flower-heads large, purplish red, and sur- rounded on the under side by a dense white cottony web. Few plants are more distinct, and it is suitable for borders, or groups of hardy fine-leaved plants, grow- ing well in common soil. It is a native of the limestone districts of the south of England and elsewhere. An interesting plant to naturalise. C. altissimus and acanthoides are also met with in botani- cal collections. Carex (Sedge).-Plants well known in all northern and temperate countries, but few have a place in the garden. C. paniculata is a very large Sedge, something like a dwarf Tree Fern, with strong thick stems and luxuriant masses of drooping leaves, the roots forming dense tufts, I to 3 ft. high, flowers in a large and spreading panicle. A few tufts are very effective on the margins of water near groups of picturesque plants. The finer specimens are of great age, and are seen best in the bogs where the plant is wild. C. pendula. -A very graceful British plant, growing in large tufts, with numerous flowering stems and shoots from 3 to 6 ft. high, the leaves 2 ft. or more in length. When in flower the graceful pendent spikes, from 4 to 7 in. long, are pretty, and the plant is very suitable for the margin of water or for boggy or moist spots. Some of the Sedges are variegated , as C. riparia, and there are some striking forms, such as C. Fraseriana, but compared with the above these are mainly of botanical interest. Carlina acaulis.--A dwarf Thistlelike perennial, interesting from its foliage, which grows in a broad handsome rosette very close to the ground, its single yellow- ish flower, 3 in. or more across, on a very short erect stalk in the centre of the rosette. Although too dwarf for association with more imposing plants, it is worthy of a bank or slope or the margins of low beds or groups, where its distinct habit will be seen to great advantage. It thrives best in dry, stony, calcareous soil, and is easily multiplied by seeds. Central Europe. Carludovica palmata. A palm- like plant, 4 to 7 ft. high, with dark-green leaves 2 to 3 ft. broad, divided into four lobes, each of which is again divided at the apex into narrow segments. In warm gardens this interesting plant will endure the open air from early June till October, but requires warm house treatment in winter, with plenty of water at all times. Seed. Peru and New Granada. 358 CANNA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . CANNA. the pot used will, of course, depend upon the vigour of the specimen, but fine- flowering examples may be obtained in pots from 8 in. to 12 in. in diameter. Whatever size of pot is used, do not fill it too near the rim with soil, as when the plant gets pot-bound the roots coil around Кон Cannabis sativa (Hemp Plant). seen perhaps at their best during June, July, and August, while even in September the majority will be still in flower, and in the warmest part of the greenhouse, or in a temperature slightly higher, some of them will bloom till late in the autumn or well on into the winter. The individual blooms do not remain long in perfection, but a succession is kept up for a considerable period from the same panicle, as the laterals develop after the expansion of the earlier blossoms, and shoots sufficiently strong to flower are continually being pushed up throughout the growing season. Being gross feeders, these Cannas are helped by an occasional dose of liquid manure as the pots get filled with roots. If the flowers are fertilised, seed is readily produced, which does not take long to ripen, and though some prefer to keep it till the spring before sowing, it is better to sow it at once, as then it quickly germinates, especially if soaked in some warm water for twenty-four hours previous to sowing ; whereas, if kept till the spring, the seeds often lie in the ground much longer, even if subjected to the same treatment. If potted off as soon as large enough and kept in a cool part of the stove, the seed- lings will continue to grow throughout the winter, and on the return of spring may be shifted into larger pots. In commencing the cultivation of these Cannas, by far the best time to get them is during the winter (say soon after Christmas), when the rhizomes, then in a dormant and well-ripened state, can be sent by post at little expense. The list of varieties is now a considerable one, so that a careful selection is absolutely necessary, otherwise some of them will be found to greatly resemble each other. A few of the finer ones are Paul Bert, with large, handsome, darkcoloured foliage and massive flowers of a distinct reddishthe base of the ball and lift it slightly, so that unless this has been considered in the potting, the plant is apt to obtain an insufficient supply of water, from the effects of which it will soon suffer. The flowering season ofthese Cannas extends over a lengthened period, but they are ambertint ; Louise Chretien, deep yellow, spotted red ; Geoffrey Saint- Hilaire, bright orange- red ; Capricieux, red, edged yellow ; Revol Massot, green foliage and very bright crimson- coloured flowers ; Lutea splendens, clear soft yellow, slightly spotted ; Ulrich Brunner, deep-coloured foliage and very bright CANNABIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CARLUDOVICA. 359 crimson flowers ; François Crozy, bright salmon-red, margined with yellow ; Antonin Crozy, crimson ; Admiral Courbet, yellow, spotted with red ; Félix Crousse, orange-red ; Francisque Morel, carmine ; and Antoine Chantin, a distinct golden- salmon flower. There are many more varieties, but these are amongst the finest. Cannabis sativa (Hemp Plant).-A well -known annual, a native of India and Persia, and largely cultivated in Europe for its fibre. In our country it is 4 to 10 ft. high, but in Italy sometimes 20 ft. high. In plants growing singly, the stem is much branched, but in masses it is generally simple. It is useful where the tender sub-tropical plants cannot be easily grown, well-grown plants looking graceful and distinct, and are useful at the backs ofborders and in mixed groups ; and a few look well as a separate group. It should be sown in the open ground early in April, and to get larger plants it would be best to raise it in frames. It loves a warm sandy loam, and is one of the few plants that thrive in small London gardens. There are several varieties mentioned in seed catalogues, but not differing much in habit at least in our climate. Canterbury Bell ( Campanula Medium). Cape Honey flower (Melianthus major). Cape Pond-flower (Aponogeton). Caragana. Hardy but not showy pea- flowered shrubs, interesting in collec- tions of hardy shrubs, but of less value from a flower-garden point of view. Cardamine (Cuckoo-flower or Lady's Smock).-Plants of the Wallflower Order, few of which are cultivated, the best being the native Cuckoo- flower in its double form. This will grow well almost anywhere, although, like the wild plant, that colours the meadows with its soft-hued flowers, it delights in swampy ground. The single kind is too common to need cultivation ; the double kind is a pretty subject for the spring garden and for borders. Division. C. trifolia is a pretty species, with white flowers, from Switzerland ; 9 to 12 in. high ; a border or rough rock-plant. C. latifolia, C. asarifolia, and C. rotundifolia are pretty dwarf plants when in flower, but not popular in gardens. Cardinal-flower (Lobelia cardinalis). Carduus. Thistle-like plants, ofwhich the finest is C. eriophorus, the Woollyheaded Thistle, a handsome native plant, with a much-branched hairy stem 3 to 5 ft. high ; and very deeply cut and spiny leaves, the lower ones often 2 ft. long, the flower-heads large, purplish red, and surrounded on the under side by a dense white cottony web. Few plants are more distinct, and it is suitable for borders, or groups of hardy fine-leaved plants, grow- ing well in common soil. It is a native of the limestone districts of the south of England and elsewhere. An interesting plant to naturalise. C. altissimus and acanthoides are also met with in botani- cal collections. Carex ( Sedge).- Plants well known in all northern and temperate countries, but few have a place in the garden. C. paniculata is a very large Sedge, something like a dwarf Tree Fern, with strong thick stems and luxuriant masses of drooping leaves, the roots forming dense tufts, I to 3 ft. high, flowers in a large and spreading panicle. Afew tufts are very effective on the margins of water near groups of picturesque plants. The finer specimens are of great age, and are seen best in the bogs where the plant is wild. C. pendula. A very graceful British plant, growing in large tufts, with numerous flowering stems and shoots from 3 to 6 ft. high, the leaves 2 ft. or more in length. When in flower the graceful pendent spikes, from 4 to 7 in. long, are pretty, and the plant is very suitable for the margin of water or for boggy or moist spots. Some of the Sedges are variegated, as C. riparia, and there are some striking forms, such as C. Fraseriana, but compared with the above these are mainly of botanical interest. Carlina acaulis.--A dwarf Thistlelike perennial, interesting from its foliage, which grows in a broad handsome rosette very close to the ground, its single yellow- ish flower, 3 in. or more across, on a very short erect stalk in the centre of the rosette. Although too dwarf for association with more imposing plants , it is worthy of a bank or slope or the margins of low beds or groups, where its distinct habit will be seen to great advantage. It thrives best in dry, stony, calcareous soil , and is easily multiplied by seeds. Central Europe. Carludovica palmata. -A palm-like plant, 4 to 7 ft. high, with dark- green leaves 2 to 3 ft. broad, divided into four lobes, each of which is again divided at the apex into narrow segments. In warm gardens this interesting plant will endure the open air from early June till October, but requires warm house treatment in winter, with plenty of water at all times. Seed. Peru and New Granada. 358 CANNA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . CANNA. the pot used will, of course, depend upon the vigour of the specimen, but fineflowering examples may be obtained in pots from 8 in. to 12 in. in diameter. Whatever size of pot is used, do not fill it too near the rim with soil, as when the plant gets pot-bound the roots coil around Конц Cannabis sativa (Hemp Plant). seen perhaps at their best during June, July, and August, while even in September the majority will be still in flower, and in the warmest part of the greenhouse, or in a temperature slightly higher, some of them will bloom till late in the autumn or well on into the winter. The individual the base of the ball and lift it slightly, so that unless this has been considered in the potting, the plant is apt to obtain an insufficient supply of water, from the effects of which it will soon suffer. The flowering season of these Cannas extends over a lengthened period, but they are blooms do not remain long in perfection, but a succession is kept up for a considerable period from the same panicle, as the laterals develop after the expansion of the earlier blossoms, and shoots sufficiently strong to flower are continually being pushed up throughout the growing season. Being gross feeders, these Cannas are helped by an occasional dose of liquid manure as the pots get filled with roots. If the flowers are fertilised, seed is readily produced, which does not take long to ripen, and though some prefer to keep it till the spring before sowing, it is better to sow it at once, as then it quickly germin- ates, especially if soaked in some warm water for twenty-four hours previous to sowing ; whereas, if kept till the spring, the seeds often lie in the ground much longer, even if subjected to the same treatment. If potted off as soon as large enough and kept in a cool part of the stove, the seed- lings will continue to grow throughout the winter, and on the return of spring may be shifted into larger pots. In commencing the cultivation of these Cannas, by far the best time to get them is during the winter (say soon after Christmas), when the rhizomes, then in a dormant and well-ripened state, can be sent by post at little expense. The list of varieties is now a considerable one, so that a careful selection is absolutely necessary, otherwise some of them will be found to greatly resemble each other. A few of the finer ones are Paul Bert, with large, handsome, dark- coloured foliage and massive flowers of a distinct reddishambertint ; Louise Chretien, deep yellow, spotted red ; Geoffrey Saint- Hilaire, bright orange-red ; Capricieux, red, edged yellow ; Revol Massot, green foliage and very bright crimson- coloured flowers ; Lutea splendens, clear soft yellow, slightly spotted ; Ulrich Brunner, deep-coloured foliage and very bright CANNABIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CARLUDOVICA. 359 crimson flowers ; François Crozy, bright salmon-red, margined with yellow ; Antonin Crozy, crimson ; Admiral Courbet, yellow, spotted with red ; Félix Crousse, orange-red ; Francisque Morel, carmine ; and Antoine Chantin, a distinct golden- salmon flower. There are many more varieties, but these are amongst the finest. Cannabis sativa (Hemp Plant).-A well-known annual, a native of India and Persia, and largely cultivated in Europe for its fibre. In our country it is 4 to 10 ft. high, but in Italy sometimes 20 ft. high. In plants growing singly, the stem is much branched, but in masses it is generally simple. It is useful where the tender sub-tropical plants cannot be easily grown, well -grown plants looking graceful and distinct, and are useful at the backs ofborders and in mixed groups ; and a few look well as a separate group. It should be sown in the open ground early in April, and to get larger plants it would be best to raise it in frames. It loves a warm sandy loam, and is one of the few plants that thrive in small London gardens. There are several varieties mentioned in seed catalogues, but not differing much in habit at least in our climate. Canterbury Bell ( Campanula Medium). Cape Honey flower (Melianthus major). · Cape Pond-flower ( Aponogeton). Caragana. -Hardy but not showy pea- flowered shrubs, interesting in collections of hardy shrubs, but of less value from a flower-garden point of view. Cardamine (Cuckoo -flower or Lady's Smock).-Plants of the Wallflower Order, few of which are cultivated, the best being the native Cuckoo- flower in its double form. This will grow well almost anywhere, although, like the wild plant, that colours the meadows with its soft- hued flowers, it delights in swampy ground. The single kind is too common to need cultivation ; the double kind is a pretty subject for the spring garden and for borders. Division. C. trifolia is a pretty species, with white flowers, from Switzer- land ; 9 to 12 in. high ; a border or rough rock-plant. C. latifolia, C. asarifolia, and C. rotundifolia are pretty dwarf plants when in flower, but not popular in gardens. Cardinal-flower (Lobelia cardinalis). Carduus. -Thistle-like plants, ofwhich the finest is C. eriophorus, the Woolly- headed Thistle, a handsome native plant, with a much-branched hairy stem 3 to 5 ft. high ; and very deeply cut and spiny leaves, the lower ones often 2 ft. long, the flower-heads large, purplish red, and surrounded on the under side by a dense white cottony web. Few plants are more distinct, and it is suitable for borders, or groups of hardy fine-leaved plants, grow- ing well in common soil. It is a native of the limestone districts of the south of England and elsewhere. An interesting plant to naturalise. C. altissimus and acanthoides are also met with in botanical collections. Carex (Sedge).- Plants well known in all northern and temperate countries, but few have a place in the garden. C. paniculata is a very large Sedge, something like a dwarf Tree Fern, with strong thick stems and luxuriant masses of drooping leaves, the roots forming dense tufts, I to 3 ft. high, flowers in a large and spreading panicle. A few tufts are very effective on the margins of water near groups of picturesque plants. The finer specimens are of great age, and are seen best in the bogs where the plant is wild. C. pendula. A very graceful British plant, growing in large tufts, with numerous flowering stems and shoots from 3 to 6 ft. high, the leaves 2 ft. or more in length. When in flower the graceful pendent spikes, from 4 to 7 in. long, are pretty, and the plant is very suitable for the margin of water or for boggy or moist spots. Some of the Sedges are variegated, as C. riparia, and there are some striking forms, such as C. Fraseriana, but compared with the above these are mainly of botanical interest. Carlina acaulis.--A dwarf Thistlelike perennial, interesting from its foliage, which grows in a broad handsome rosette very close to the ground, its single yellowish flower, 3 in. or more across, on a very short erect stalk in the centre of the rosette. Although too dwarf for association with more imposing plants, it is worthy of a bank or slope or the margins of low beds or groups, where its distinct habit will be seen to great advantage. It thrives best in dry, stony, calcareous soil, and is easily multiplied by seeds. Central Europe. Carludovica palmata. -A palm-like plant, 4 to 7 ft. high, with dark- green leaves 2 to 3 ft. broad, divided into four lobes, each of which is again divided at the apex into narrow segments. In warm gardens this interesting plant will endure the open air from early June till October, but requires warm house treatment in winter, with plenty of water at all times. Seed. Peru and New Granada. 360 CARNATION. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CASTOR OIL. Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). Carpenteria californica. -A lovely and distinct shrub which lives out- ofdoors against walls in favoured situations . A few years ago it was not perfectly known even to American botanists , for no flowers (only fruits) had been seen upon the specimens then collected. It is 6 to 10 ft. high, having slender branches with long narrow pale-green leaves, and great clusters of large white fragrant flowers. It comes from the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, particularly about the head waters of the San Joaquin River. It crept into English gardens without the Carpenteria californica in a Sussex garden. flourish that usually heralds the advent of a beautiful new plant. The first account of it in England was from Mr. Saul, of Washington, who sent dried specimens of it to The Garden in 1880, and from these pressed flowers and leaves the first drawing of the plant in this country was made. It is nearly related to the Mock Oranges ( Philadelphus), which it some- what resembles, but is handsomer, thriving in light warm soil, and increased from suckers, cuttings, or seeds. Carthamus tinctorius ( Safflower - ).- An annual of the Composite family, of little ornamental value, the yellow flowers yielding Saf-flower, largely used as a dye. Easily grown as an annual. Caryota. Elegant East Indian Palms, generally small in this country ; and though they endure the open air in sheltered gardens in summer, they can never be important for our open- air gardening. Cassandra calyculata ( Leather Leaf). -A modest little evergreen shrub, bearing in spring tiny waxy white flowers, like those of some of the Andromedas, and doing best in moist peat soil. Cassia marilandica ( American Senna). --A hardy graceful perennial, 3 to 5 ft. high, with pinnate leaves, resembling those of the Acacia, and slender stems bearing yellow flowers in numerous small clusters in autumn. It is somewhat late in growth in our climate, but grows with great rapidity, thriving in a south aspect, and may be multiplied either by division in spring or by seed. It should be planted in a warm, deep, sandy loam, and is suitable for borders or groups. Recent experience seems to showthat our climate is not always warm enough to bloom it well. N. America. C. corymbosa is a pretty free-flowering greenhouse variety often used with good effect in the flower garden in summer, and for that purpose requiring to be stored in the greenhouse in winter. Cassiope fastigiata. -This is a small ericaceous family, generally grown in gardens under the name of Andromeda, but now separated from that group, which contains only one species (A. polifolia), a native ofour own moors. They are tiny bushes, and require peaty soil well drained, as they are all impatient of stagnant moisture about their roots, whilst absolute shade from the midday sun is also necessary. The best plan is to raise small banks of peat, and plant them on the top, taking care that they do not want for water both at the roots and overhead. They are increased by division, rooting freely when pegged down. As an alpine species C. fastigiata ranks amongst the best plants we possess ; it may be grown without much trouble with the more common C. tetragona, a much inferior species, though oftener met with. Both are pretty for the rock or bog garden. Castilleja. Curious and showy Cali- fornian herbs which will not bear cultivation in the open air for any length of time. I brought home seeds which grew, and the plants flowered, but they soon disappeared. Seed imported yearly seems the only way of increasing them. Castor-oil plant (Ricinus communis). CATALPA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CATCHFLY. 361 Catalpa. Valuable trees flowering in August when other trees are flowerless. The commonest is the North American C. bignonioides (also called C. syringaefolia). C. speciosa, a newly discovered species also a native of North America, is said to be much hardier, and bears larger flowers earlier in the year. The goldenAll the Catalpas thrive best in good ground and in sheltered positions, the common kind often thriving by the margin of water, though it is more liable to be injured in severe winters in such places. Catananche coerulea (Blue Cupidone). -An old border plant, about 2 ft. high, Cassiope fastigiata. leaved variety of C. bignonioides is effective if kept dwarfby annual pruning. It is then suitable for associating with other fine-leaved plants of sub- tropical aspect. C. Kæmpferi and C. Bungei, natives of Japan and China, are a good deal like C. bignonioides in growth, but being less hardy are of less importance. flowering in summer ; fine blue, and growing freely in borders and margins of shrubberies. There is a white variety as common as the blue, and a bicolor It is easily grown in any soil, and quickly raised from seed. Compositæ. Italy and S. France. Catchfly (Silene). one. 362 CATERPILLAR. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CEANOTHUS. Caterpillar plant ( Scorpiurus subvil- losus). Cathcartia villosa.--A beautiful perennial Poppy from the eastern Himalayas, Catananche cœrulea. somewhat resembling the Welsh Poppy (Meconopsis cambrica) . It has densely hairy and lobed leaves in flat dwarf tufts, and slender flower-stalks from 6 to 12 in. high, bearing drooping cup-shaped blossoms of a golden yellow. It is quite hardy in a well-drained rock-garden, thriving in shady damp spots not exposed. Cat-mint (Nepeta). Cat-Thyme ( Teucrium Marum). Caulophyllum thalictroides.--An interesting perennial of the Barberry family, of dwarf habit, with finely cut foliage and small white flowers, succeeded by deep blue berries, thrives in partially shaded borders in peaty soil. N. America. Ceanothus (Mountain Sweet).-Though these beautiful shrubs are not quite hardy, they are so pretty that they are often planted by those who are fond of flower- ing shrubs. Some, however, of the varieties of the C. azureus race are hardy enough on light soils in sunny places to withstand our climate, even if fully exposed as bush plants. The majorityform most beautiful wall shrubs, and, from their free growth and profusion of bloom, give pretty effects. In all the species the flowers are small, but this is compensated for by their abundance, as they come out in succession during the greater part of the summer. As wall shrubs it is necessary to prune them in April, or as soon as danger from frost is over ; and as all the sorts flower on the shoots of the current year's growth, from one to three eyes of the preceding year's wood should be left, reserving, or at most only topping, such shoots as are required for filling up the open spaces on the wall. All the species are of free growth in good garden soil, if it is dry, and they will ripen their wood best and flower most freely in warm sunny exposures. As they are often natives of a charming climate--the Pacific slope of N. America-no one should attempt their culture except in warm soil. The following are distinct and pretty :- C. AZUREUS. From the temperate regions of Mexico, where it grows as a straggling bush about 10 ft. high. It is one of our prettiest wall shrubs, flowering abundantly, in dry sunny situations, the flowers bright blue, from June till September, and in mild autumns till November. C. pallidus is a handsome variety, with pale- blue flowers. It has been the means of obtaining a very beautiful race of hardy Ceanothuses by inter- crossing it with the hardier C. americanus. The result may be seen in such lovely shrubs as C. Gloire des Versailles, Arnoldii, Lucie Simon, Theodore Froebel, Bertinii, President Reveil, Lucie Moser, and others, all of which have flowers in large plumy clusters, some white, others rose, but mostly of some shade of blue. C. AMERICANUS (New Jersey Tea).- Though one of the hardiest, this thrives best against a wall, and in a dry porous soil ; the flowers, which come in succession from about the middle of June till August, are white, and numerous. It is found in abundance over a wide area in Canada and the United States as a dwarf deciduous bush 3 to 4 ft. high. C. RIGIDUS is a sub-evergreen, or in sheltered places an evergreen, rarely exceeding 6 ft. in height, the branches stiff and wiry; the flowers, in clusters on the sides of the young shoots, are deep purple, in April and May. C. PAPILLOSUS is a pretty species from the mountains of California, where it is a densely branched straggling bush 6 to 10 ft. high. The panicles of pale-blue flowers are borne on long foot- stalks from the sides of the young shoots. Like the other kinds, it loves the protection of a wall, on which it blooms in summer. C. DIVARICATUS grows as a dense broad evergreen bush of about 10 ft. high. It is a free- growing handsome wall plant, flowering from May to autumn, the flowers a bright blue. C. DENTATUS is an elegant little evergreen shrub, rarely higher than about 3 ft. The flowers, which appear in May or June, are deep blue, and continue the greater part ofthe season. C. VERRUCOSUS forms a thickly branched evergreen bush about 6 ft. high. As a wall CEDRONELLA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CELOSIA. 363 plant it is offree growth, and has a good effect , the flowers coming in May and during the summer months, borne in corymbs along the whole length of the young branches, often so profusely as to hide the foliage. C. VEITCHIANUS is one of the best kinds, the flowers of a rich deep blue, in dense clusters at the ends of leafy branches. C. in- tegerrimus and velutinus Fontanesianus are in cultivation, but those described include the best for general cultivation. -G. Cedronella triphylla (Balm ofGilead). -A distinct half-bushy herb, the leaves with a pungent but grateful odour, in our country 2 to 4 ft. high, varying much according to soil, and not quite hardy, but living out- of-doors most winters if in dry free soil and planted against walls. A few plants against a wall are worth having where curious plants are cared for, but the flowers are not showy. There are other species, but not of high garden value, the most interesting being C. cana. Canary Islands. Easily raised from seed. Cedrus (Cedar).--Noble trees of the mountains of Asia Minor and India, some hardy and often planted on lawns and within sight of the flowers. The India Cedar ( Deodar) is really a tender tree, and though it may seem to promise well in sea-shore and favoured districts, planters should not forget that it is to the Cedars of the northern mountains they must look. Look at the beautiful Cedars that endure -the Lebanon and Atlas Cedars, which have been proved so hardy, and so well fitted for our country. No finer things can bewithin view ofthe flower garden, but they should never be planted near the house, or their great branches will darken it, and in small flower gardens they are sure to be in the way. Plant or group them within sight, but not where they can over- shadow flowers or windows. Young healthy seedling plants, 5 or 6 ft. high, are the best to plant, and in this state people, not imagining how quickly they will grow, often put them in the wrong place ; while the most experienced planter can hardly avoid placing them too thickly. The late Mr. Robert Marnock, the landscape gardener, who planted many thousand Cedars of Lebanon in his lifetime, wrote me as follows about them : “ During a daily occupation amongst trees extending over a period of more than forty years, I have felt quite a growing affection for this noble gift of nature. The grand old Cedars at Upper Gatton and Warwick Castle are examples of what the Cedar becomes under favourable circumstances. Similar examples in various localities could be easily given, and notably those at Pains Hill, Surrey. During all these years I have, as often as opportunity offered, felt it an obligation laid upon me to influence all whom I could persuade to plant Cedars, and I look back with satis- faction at what I have been permitted to do in this way. "With ample evidence to the contrary, it is marvellous to find so many persons clinging to the fallacy that the Cedar is a tree of slow growth. It is quite true that a Cedar or any other tree will grow slowly, planted, as they very often are, in exposed and draughty situations on open lawns a treatment to which many Cedars have been cruelly subjected. If Cedars are planted like other ordinary trees, with the usual shelter of common plantations, and the latter properly attended to and duly thinned, they will soon surpass both in height and bulk of growth the ordinary evergreen trees with which they are surrounded. "The Cedar is thoroughly hardy, and free from any capricious preference as to the soil in which it grows, provided it is fairly good of its kind. There are two localities within 30 or 40 miles of London where many Cedars had been heedlessly planted along with the common mixed trees of the ordinary plantations, one of these extending over an area of about 40 and the other 25 or 30 acres. In both cases these plantations may have been made fifty or sixty years ago. In one case the soil is a mixture of gravel and clay, and the other a thin covering of heavy loam on a subsoil of chalk. both cases the Cedars are the larger trees." Celandine ( Chelidonium). Celandine, Lesser (Ficaria). In Celastrus scandens ( Staff Vine).-A shrubby climber, a native of North America- valuable for its rapid twining growth, which is excellent for trailing over trellis-work and arbours. It is also beautiful when allowed to spread on a lawn or to run over other shrubs and trees to a height of 12 or 15 ft. The flowers are inconspicuous, and the fruits orange-red, like those of the Spindle Tree. Celosia (Cockscomb).—Indian annuals of the Amaranth family. They are generally too tender for the open air, though we have occasionally seen the dwarf and tall varieties used with effect in bold groups. For this purpose they should be sown in pans in March and kept near the glass to prevent the seedlings being drawn, and as soon as they are large enough to handle they should be pricked off into 364 CELSIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CENTAUREA. small pots, grown on fast in gentle heat until the crowns are formed, planted out in June in rich soil, and liberally watered, they continue in good condition for a long time. Celsia cretica. -A now popular and Celsia cretica (Cretan Mullein). pretty plant, once seldom seen outside a botanic gardens ; it is handsome, with rich yellow flowers and polished buds may be treated as an annual, well grown in good soil, it is distinct and effective. Candia, N. Africa. Cenia turbinata. -Low-growing half- hardy annuals of the Composite Order, from the Cape. The white and yellow varieties are sometimes grown, but are scarcely pretty. Centaurea (Knapweed).- A very large genus, a great number inhabiting Southern and Middle Europe, some being good garden plants, most ofthem hardy. Some of the southern species require the greenhouse in winter, but, making free growth out-of-doors in summer, are freely used for their silvery foliage. As to flowers, the prettiest are those of the cornflower (C. Cyanus). C. argentea has elegant silvery Fernlike leaves, and when planted out or plunged in pots has a good effect either as a bedding- plant or in the greenhouse ; for bedding it must be plunged and partly starved to bring out its whiteness. Plumosa is a good variety. C. babylonica. -A distinct and remarkable perennial, tall and with silvery leaves, hardy, and when in good ground its strong shoots with yellow flowers reach a height of 10 or 12 ft. The bloom, which continues from July to September, is less attractive than the leaves, but the plant is at all times picturesque. In groups of fine-leaved and tall hardy plants it has a striking effect. A free sandy loam suits it best. Seed. Levant. C. Clementei. A silver-gray- leaved plant of fine form. Small plants from seed are useful for edging bold beds, and when too large for that purpose they may be transferred to borders, or planted out singly on Grass. The blossoms are best picked off, as they detract from the beauty of the plant. C. Cyanus (Biue Cornflower). - A beautiful native flower, an annual of easy culture, often sowing itself. The young plants stand our hardest winters, and flower better grown thus than if sown in spring. The spring plants are weaker and shorter than the autumn or summer-raised ones. It is best sown in September, either where it is to flower, or in beds to be transplanted. Self- sown plants too may be transplanted, or allowed to remain where they come up, as they are often the finest plants. In Prussia this plant is called Kaiser Blume, and is a great favourite. The typical colour is a beautiful blue, but there are white and purplish forms. The many garden varieties range through white, rose, sky-blue, striped, to dark purple, the delicate tints of which are most attractive. They are favourites in the flower market, but the greatest favourite, and we think by far the most beauti- ful, is the true wild blue kind. There are also a number of double kinds, dwarfer CENTAUREA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CENTAUREA. 365 than the wild plant and lasting long in water, but none so pretty as the wild form. The Cornflower will flourish in almost any soil or position, but best, perhaps, in strong soil. C. dealbata. -A hardy perennial, with graceful and somewhat silvery leaves, 15 to 18 in. high, flowering in summer ; rose- coloured. Caucasus. Borders. Division. C. gymnocarpa. -A half-shrubby plant from the south of Europe, nearly 2 ft. high, with hard, branching, bushy Mountain Knapweed. stems, and elegantly cut leaves, covered with short whitish-satiny down. Avariety (C. plumosa) has leaves much more divided and not so white. This plant is somewhat hardier than C. ragusina, but both require greenhouse treatment in winter, same soil, positions, and treatment as C. ragusina. Useful as it is for edging or bedding, it is when grown in fine single specimens that its beauty is most seen. C. macrocephala ( Great Golden Knap- weed).-A strong plant from 4 to 5 ft. high, with a great golden head of bloom. In the back part of a herbaceous border, in semi-wild nooks and corners, or where herbaceous plants must compete with the roots of trees and shrubs, this robust plant deserves a place. In deep rich soils it forms an effective mass, and when cut the flower-heads are very effective with other flowers, or even with their own leaves. C. montana (Mountain Knapweed).- A handsome border plant, I to 2 ft. high, with slightly cottony leaves, and flowers resembling those of the Corn- flower. There is a white and a red variety, all thriving in borders, margins of shrubberies, or the wild garden in any soil. This kind is somewhat coarse in borders, and scarcely worth a place there- in, but grows anywhere, and, when cut, its flowers are pretty. They are grown by market-gardeners for their flowers, which are larger than those of the Blue Corn- flower. Division. C. moschata ( Sweet Sultan).-A fragrant annual, well deserving a place ifonly for cut flowers. There are two shadesdelicate purple and creamy white, the first giving the finest flowers ; but both are valuable during summer and winter. They are somewhat " miffy" in growth until well established, and are fastidious as to soil. Aphides are very partial to the young seedlings, and unless the pests are quickly cleared off the plants soon dwindle away.. The first essential is a calcareous soil, and any soil deficient in lime should have lime rubble worked into it. The best time to sow is about the middle of April, in an open and sunny place, sowing the seed where the plants are to remain, as they do not move well. After the seedlings are up they should be thinned early, leaving three plants in each patch, about a foot apart. The plants grow over a foot high. Persia. Syn. , Amberboa. -J. R. On C. ragusina. A showy silvery- leaved plant, tender, but of rapid growth out- of- doors in summer, now much grown for market, and valued much for summer-bedding. Solitary plants look well in the centres of small circles and surrounded by any bright colour. large groundworks of scarlet, purple, or blue, an elevated plant placed here and there breaks up the surface, and enhances the effect of the colours. Wherever any vivid or intense colour appears th s plant should never be far away, and isolated plants dotted on lawns of bright- green Grass and amongst dwarf dusky- leaved shrubs have also a good effect. Centaurea ragusina is never injured by wet, as it is of robust habit. It thrives in the coldest situation throughout the summer. When taking cuttings, they should not be cut away, but pulled off with a " heel " so as to have a firm base ; small firm shoots should be preferred ; in taking them the knife should be used very little, and each cutting put singly into a small 2 - in . pot filled with a mixture of loam, leaf- mould, 366 CENTAUREA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CENTRANTHUS. and sand, and placed in a cold frame. One good watering is sufficient until they are rooted ; and if the weather is damp, the lights may be drawn over Sweet Sultan. them, and tilted up back and front ; otherwise they may remain exposed. Treated in this manner I have rooted a batch of 2,000 without losing twenty. Autumn is the best time to propagate them. They will fill their pots with roots in three weeks, and, if there is plenty of house room, they will make all the better plants by being shifted into 4 -in. pots, where they will grow a little in autumn, and be strong for planting out the following season. A cold frame from which frost can be excluded is their best winter quarters ; the leaves should be kept dry, as they are rather liable to damp during the short days, and every opportunity should be taken for giving them air. They also winter well in an airy vinery or greenhouse. Old plants are sometimes lifted and kept over the winter ; where very large plants are required this is a sure means of obtaining them ; but for ordinary use autumn-struck cuttings are the best. Syn., C. candidissima. C. ragusina compacta is more compact in habit and shorter in leaf than C. ragusina. It is not so easily increased from cuttings, but produces seeds much more freely, and although the seedlings from them are not all of the same habit, they are easily classified as to size.-J. M. C. rutæfolia. -A hardy perennial 2 ft. high, with branching stems clothed with deeply cut foliage, the entire plant being covered with a dense white tomentum, as 1 ! 1 in C. ragusina. It is, however, of freer growth than that kind, increasing in size through the summer till checked by the cold The flower-heads are pure white, . about one-half the size of those of C. ragusina, but much more abundant. The plant is pretty from the whiteness of its foliage, which suffers little from rain. It succeeds in any soil, but its growth is more com- pact in rather dry soils or in the rock-garden. -W. T. C. suaveolens ( Yellow Sweet Sultan)-Syn. , Amberboa odorata. A pretty citron- yellow hardy annual and favourite border flower, thriving best in light dry soil ; should be sown and treated like C. moschata. Sow in beds in April with flowers grown for cutting, raising one batch in frames, and sowing another in the open air in light rich earth where it is to remain. C. uniflora. -The flowerheads ofthis, previous to opening, look like withered balls, for each of the scales is terminated by a dark- brown feather-like point ; and as these develop, they lie down close upon the head, and appear to enclose it in a net. The stems are 6 to 15 in. high, each bearing a solitary flower of lilac-rose, 2 in. or more across. A distinct and curious plant, growing freely in well-drained and sandy soil, in the rock-garden or in borders. Centauridium Drummondi. -A showy half-hardy annual from Texas, from 2 to 3 ft. high, and flowering from July to September. It should be sown in a frame on slight heat in April, and planted out in May. It has large citron- yellow flowers, much resembling those of Centaurea. Compositæ. Centaury (Erythraa). Centranthus macrosiphon is a hardy annual with pretty rose-coloured flowers, is useful for the rock-garden or flower border. It may be sown in September and pricked off into pots for winter for transplanting in spring, or again in the open ground in March and April, the seedlings being thinned out about I ft. apart. There are several varietieswhite, red, and two-coloured, besides a dwarf variety (pygmæus). C. ruber (Red Valerian).-A handsome hardy border plant, and an old inhabitant ofgardens, often also naturalised. It belongs to the Valerian family, and comes from the Mediterranean. There are two CEPHALARIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CERASUS. 367 or three varieties-white, purple, and red or crimson. It has stout stems, woody at the base, and bold clusters of flowers, blooming in June and through the summer. It requires only ordinary garden soil, and occasional lifting and cutting in, without which it is apt to become weak and to die out after a few years. It grows well on the crumbling walls of an old ruin, and on rocky or stony banks or walls. Seeds, division, and cuttings. Cephalaria. -Plants of the Scabious order oflarge coarse growth, and suitable for the wild garden. Their large flowers are, however, good for cutting, and for this purpose plants might have a place in the rougher parts of the garden. The best species are C. tatarica and C. pro- cera, with white or yellowish flowers like a Scabious, and of easy culture. Cerastium (Mouse- ear Chickweed).— A numerous group, but containingfewgarden plants of value in proportion to its number. C. alpinum. An interesting British plant, found on the Scottish mountains, and more sparsely on those of England and Wales. It is dwarf, seldom more than 2 in. high, with leaves clothed with a silky down, imparting a singularly shaggy appearance. It bears large white flowers in early summer and is at all times a pretty and distinct-looking object on those parts of the rock-garden that come near the eye. It is not, like the common garden kind, fitted for forming edgings. Division, cuttings, or seeds. C. Biebersteini . -A very silveryspecies, useful for the same purposes, and propagated and cultivated with the same facility, as C. tomentosun , with which it is closely allied. Mountains ofTauria, flowering in early summer. C. grandiflorum. -Less downy and silvery than the following, producing in early summer pure-white flowers in abundance. A fine plant for the front margin of a mixed border, or for the rougher parts of the rock- garden, but only to be associated with other strong and fast-growing things, as it spreads so quickly as to overrun and injure delicate and tiny plants if placed near them. A native of Hungary on dry hills. C. tomentosum (Snow in Summer).- Avery free-growing plant, used in almost every garden for forming compact silvery edgings to flower beds and borders. It is also useful for borders, and for rootwork or the rough rock-garden, but is too common for a place on a small or choice rockgarden that might be devoted to some ofthe many beautiful alpine plants which 1 are rarely seen. South of Europe. Divi- sion. Cerasus (Cherry).- Our lawns and shrubberies owe so much of their early summer beauty to the Cherries, that these must be ranked among the best flowering trees we have. The most beautiful for lawns and shrubberies are the doubleflowered Cherries, as they endure longer in flower than the single forms. The finest is C. serrulata, a Chinese kind recognised at a glance by its long rigid branches, which invariably spread in an ascending direction, and rarely have a Cherry flowers (Cerasus Watereri). central leader. The flowers are double, like rosettes, white, and suffused with a delicate pink, and produced in clusters completely wreathing the branches. C. Sieboldi is synonymous with this species, and that known as Waterer's doubleflowered Cherry is similar to if not identical with it. C. Juliana is another beautiful double- flowered Cherry, with large rosette like delicate blush-pinkflowers. It is known as St. Julian's Cherry. The double forms ofthe common Cherry, C. Caproniana and C. Avium, are handsome, and both known under the name multiplex. In both 368 CERCIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CETERACH. varieties the flowers are double and pure white. The earliest to bloom is C. Avium multiplex, and this is quickly followed by C. Caproniana multiplex, which is known also as ranunculiflora. The names of the various double Cherries are so much confused that one can never be sure of obtaining the correct sort by asking for it under a particular name. The best way is to choose it when in flower. The single- flowered Cherries are not so numerous in nurseries, as the demand for them is not great. An indispensable tree, because of its graceful habit of growth, is C. Mahaleb, and in May the profusion of its white flower- clusters makes it highly attractive. The weeping variety (pendula) is one of the most elegant of deciduous trees, and is preferable to the original. The All Saints' Cherry is a graceful lawn tree, and interesting because it flowers from spring to autumn, and carries blossom and ripe fruit at the same time. In some years it flowers again in autumn. Thegraceful natural growth of the dwarf C. Chamacerasus and C. depressa renders them useful for the margins of shrub groups or for associating with bold rocks. The Bird Cherries, of which our native C. Padus is the type, are valuable ornamental trees of large growth. Where the Bird Cherry does not grow naturally, it is quite handsome enough for a lawn tree, or for shrubberies. Still finer are the North American Bird Cherries, C. virginiana and C. serotina, both large deciduous trees, of regular form and with dense heads. Their flowers are in long clusters, like those of our own Bird Cherry, but are produced later and last longer, especially those of C. serotina, which is the finer of the two kinds, being hardier and more vigorous. The common evergreen Laurel ( C. Laurocerasus) and the Portugal Laurel ( C. lusitanica ) cannot be strictly called flowering shrubs, though beautiful when in flower and fruit. Cercis (Judas Tree). Of the three different kinds of Judas Tree in gardens, the commonest and most beautiful is C. siliquastrum from South Europe, which for nearly 300 years has been a favourite in English gardens. It is of low stature, usually about 15 ft. in height, and when old makes a picturesque head. It prefers a light deep loam soil. There are several varieties, differing chiefly in the colour of the flowers. There are a white (alba) , a deep pink (carnea), and a form with variegated leaves (variegata) , but this is not recommended. It is of slow growth, and though young specimens flower profusely, only very old ones show the picturesque growth of the tree. Flower of Judas Tree. Cerinthe (Honeywort).-A small group of the Borage family, of which there are two or three interesting plants. C. aspera, probably the best species, produces abundance of yellow flowers, the tube of which is black at the base. In general habit it closely agrees with the other, but the seed is somewhat larger C. minor is curved and branching, and the flower-stems arch over considerably, so that at the apex ofthe stem the delicate yellow tube-shaped bloom is hidden by the long and closely imbricated pale-green leaves with which the stem is furnished. C. retorta is by far the best and most beautiful kind. Cerinthes are half-hardy annuals, requiring to be sown in early spring and in frames, and afterwards to be planted out in good soil. They are, however, not likely to be much in favour, owing to their quiet colours, and are natives of Greece, but pretty general in Italy and other countries of Southern Europe. Ceterach officinarum.--This is now placed with the Aspleniums, but is known so well under its present name that we retain it. It is a distinct and beautiful little native Fern, admirably suited for rock or alpine gardens, as it thrives best when planted between the chinks of rocks or stone walls. It dislikes a confined damp position ; hence it can be planted in the most exposed places with good CHÆNOSTOMA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHEIRANTHUS. 369 effect, and, with a little careful attention to its simple requirements at the outset, with almost certain success. The chinks and crevices should be filled with a mixture of sandy peat and pounded limestone. It might be associated with some of the little flowering Sedums, and various other plants for walls and stony places. Chænostoma. -A small group of the Figwort family, natives of the Cape. They are naturally perennial, but in the open air must be treated as half- hardy annuals. C. fastigiata is the prettiest. It grows 6 to 9 in. high, forming a dense compact tuft, and produces an abundance of small pinkish, and sometimes white, flowers. The seeds should be sown in warm frames in spring or in August, when the seedlings require to be wintered in a pit, and flowers are borne from June to November. Chamabatia foliolosa ( Tarweed).-A little shrubby plant of the Rose family, remarkable for the Fern-like beauty of its leaves. The flowers are white and something like those of a Bramble. It grows about 1 ft. high, forming a dense spreading tuft, and covering the ground in California, its native country. It has not proved hardy in our climate, but I have seen it growing in mountain districts often covered with snow, and believe it to be worth trial on the rock-garden in the milder part of the country. Chamaedorea. -Graceful Mexican palms, with slender stems, resembling Bamboos, seldom more than 15 to 20 ft. high, and 1 or 2 in. thick, surmounted by tufts of eight or nine graceful leaves, nearly 8 ft. long. Among the best are C. elatior, C. elegans, and C. ErnestiAugusti. These handsome palms maybe placed in the open air in early summer, in sunny sheltered nooks, and taken in at the end of September. Their elegant heads fit them for placing here and there among groups of fine- leaved plants, or to associate with Cannas, but their openair use must be very limited. Chamæpeuce (Fish-bone Thistle).— Spiny-leaved plants allied to the Thistle, valuable for the flower garden, as their foliage is distinct and handsome. There are two kinds in cultivation-C. diacantha and Cassabonæ. C. diacantha has foliage of shining green, marking with silvery lines, and the spines are ivory white. C. Cassabonæ has deep-green white- veined leaves with brown spines. Both kinds grow in compact rosette-like masses about 9 in. high, till the second year, when they produce their Thistle-like flowers, and the flower-stems grow 2 to 3 ft. high. They require light well- drained soil and a warm position, and should seldom be watered. As flowers are not produced until the second year, the plants during the first year may be used for edgings, or the margins of groups, for which their light- green silver-veined leaves are very suitable, or they may fill a vacant place in the mixed border. Seed sown in February and carefullyattended to will furnish good plants by May, but the best for immediate effect are those sown in a border in the open ground in September, potted up carefully, and given greenhouse treatment during winter. Chamærops. -Handsome palms, quite hardy, and capable of good and distinct effects in the garden. C. Fortunei ( The Chusan Palm).-A most valuable Palm, often confounded with C. excelsa. It is stouter and has a more profuse matted network of fibres round the bases of the leaves and crown ; the segments of the leaves are much broader, and the leaf- stalks shorter and stouter, being from 1 to 2 ft. long, and quite unarmed. It grows 12 ft. or more high, and has a handsome spreading head of fan-like leaves, slit into segments about half- way down, and is perfectly hardy. A plant in the garden at Osborne has stood out for many winters, also at Kew, though protected in winter. On the water- side of the high mound in the Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, it is in even better health than at Kew, though it has had no protec- tion ; and severe frosts have not hurt it. If small plants are procured, grow them on freely for a year or two in the greenhouse, and then turn them out in April, spreading the roots a little and giving them a deep loamy soil. Plant in a sheltered place, so that the leaves may not be injured bywinds when they get large. Agentle hollow, or among shrubs on the sides of some sheltered glade, is the best place . C. hu- milis is also hardy-at least on sandy soil. Chaste Tree (Vitex Agnus- castus). Cheddar Pink (Dianthus cæsius). Cheiranthus ( Wallflower).— Beautiful cruciferous plants made familiar by the favourite Wallflower (C. Cheiri) , which is almost the only species much grown in gardens, as other well-known plants that bear the name of Cheiranthus belong to the genus Erysimum. The Wallflower is a native of Southern Europe, growing on old walls, in quarries, and on sea- cliffs. It loves a wall better than any garden ; it grows coarsely in garden soil, but forms a dwarf enduring bush on an old wall if planted in mortar, and grows even on walls quite new. No variety is unworthy of cultivation ; but the choice old garden • B B 370 CHEIRANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHEIRANTHUS. kinds the double yellow, double purple, double orange, dark, &c. -are worthy of a place among the finest border plants. These are the varieties most worthy of a place on dry stony banks near the rock- garden, and also on old ruins, on which the common kind is likely to find a home for itself. The fine mixed " German " The Golden Yellow-or, as it has been mis- named, Tom Thumb Yellow-is as robust and tall asthe crimson kinds, and produces in great abundance masses of rich orangeyellow bloom. In country districts the common single Wallflower is usually a com- poundofall these, and therefore deficient in that rich and effective colouring so peculiai Chamærops Fortunei in a Surrey garden. kinds- so easily raised from seed-are also worthy of ruins and stony places. The superb dark crimson-marked kinds grown around London need no description, and can be bought in the seed trade under the designations of Harbinger and Covent Garden Blood-red and Golden Yellow, all good strains. The Belvoir Castle Yellow is a close compact kind, with bright yellow flowers, and suitable for spring bedding. to good pure strains of the single Wallflower. The double biennials are remarkable for the variety of their colours and stout habit. The double perennials familiar to us are the yellow, dark crimson, red, and dwarf yellow. The yellow is most common, and a beautiful clear- coloured kind it is, a great favourite with cottagers, who propagate it by putting in slips about CHEIRANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHELIDONIUM. 371 the time the plants are in flower. It can be propagated freely by means of slips put in under hand-lights in sharp sandy soil, and the plants will flower the next spring. The old dark crimson is now almost extinct ; in colour the flowers are almost black, and very striking ; the dwarf yellow has flowers of a dull, almost buff tint ; the Raby Castle variety is valuable and sturdy. INCREASE AND CULTURE. Many persons sow seed too late-in June and July instead of April and May. If dry weather follows close on the sowing, or after the plants have grown 2 or 3 in. , they receive a check, and, instead of being dwarf, vigorous, and bushy, they are thin and poor. The winter will some- times injure the Wallflower severely, especially when very severe frost follows close on heavy rains, and the stronger and better rooted the plants are, the more likely are they to stand the weather. The plants used for filling beds should have been once transplanted at least, because the moving induces them to throw out fibry roots near the surface, and they can be lifted with soil adhering to them. When the Wallflower is allowed to grow where it is sown, a strong tap- root is formed, which strikes deep into the soil, and but few surface roots are put forth. In transplanting from the seed-beds, it is well to pinch off the tap- root, and thereby induce fibry roots. The great advantage of fibry roots is that the plants can be transplanted at any time during the winter when the weather is open. Mr. Ingram, of Belvoir Castle gardens, used to take precautions to induce fibry roots previous to transplantation, and would transplant into trenches and lines in soil, with slates or bricks buried a little in the soil to prevent the formation of the tap-roots, as he found that plants with tap-roots and with little fibre stood badly. In London market-gardens, where the Wallflower is well cultivated, seed is sown in the open ground early in February ; the young plants are put out into their permanent quarters in May, and by Christmas, if the winter be mild, they produce bloom, and are so large that they could not be covered by a bushel basket. For spring bedding they should be sown early and planted out about 12 in. apart in some spare ground. These plants will lift with good balls of earth early in winter, and in spring will pro- duce superb masses of bloom. Some market-growers sow seed late in summer, allow the young plants to remain in the seed-bed all the winter, plant out in March, and, if the season be favourable, reap a good crop of flowers all through the next winter. Save seeds from plants with the best branching habit and the darkest blossoms. When the plants are in flower, place a stake by each possessing those qualities, so as to mark it. Allow the plants to remain undisturbed until the seed is ripe ; they may then be pulled up, roots and all, and housed in a dry place until a convenient season for threshing out the seed. Cuttings of the double kinds may be put in as soon as they can be got after the plants go out of bloom. Put them in firm sandy soil under a hand-light, and, when struck, plant them out. Cuttings put in in August, September, or October strike freely without any protection, in a shady border, or in pots or boxes of sandy soil. Besides the Wallflower there are several perennial species of doubtful hardiness, such as C. arbuscula and mutabilis, natives of a warmer climate, which therefore, though pretty pot plants, cannot be recommended for general open- air culture. Besides these there are various hybrids, such as C. Sermoneri, Delahaynus, Bocconi, and Marshalli, the last the finest of the hybrid kinds said to have been raised between C. Cheiri and Erysimum ochroleucum. It is compact, from 9 in. to 1 ft. high, has many bright orange-scented blossoms, and is a brilliant border plant, and good for massing in spring ; few plants indeed, so hardy and easy to cultivate, equal it in showy beauty from April till July. All these perennials prefer dry soil during winter, but plenty of moisture in summer. Propagation is necessarily by cuttings, but top dressing with fine soil often induces the summer wood to root freely, and by autumn a good stock can be had. Cuttings should be taken off just as the plants are passing out of flower, put in under a hand- light, and treated as Pink pipings until rooted. C. alpinus, ochroleucus, and others belong to Erysimum, which see. Chelidonium ( Celandine). -— The best species ofthese Poppyworts is the native C. majus, a showy plant with yellow flowers found in lanes and rough places. The variety laciniatum , with deeply cut Fern- like foliage, is elegant, and there is another variety with double flowers, and another with variegated foliage. The Japanese Celandine ( Stylophorum diphyllum) is known as C. japonicum. The native kinds are of easy culture, but not suited for a place in the garden proper. BB 2 372 CHELONE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHIONODOXA. Chelone ( Turtle-head).—North American plants nearly allied to Pentstemon. The two species in cultivation are handsome border plants, flowering in late summer and in autumn. C. Lyoni grows from 2 to 3 ft. high, forms a dense mass of stems, with deep-green foliage, from July to September bearing dense clusters of showy pink blossoms. C. obliqua is taller and more slender, but the colour of the typical form is a richer pink, and there is a white-flowered variety. C. obliqua generally flowers earlier than C. Lyoni, and continues till the autumn. Both are of easy culture, thriving in open borders of good deep soil, and increased by seeds, cuttings, or division of the roots. These plants, though bearing pretty flowers, and free in growth, are not of high garden value. The graceful Pentstemon barbatus is also known as C. barbata. --Few of Chenopodium (Goosefoot). these are of garden value, except C. Atriplicis, a vigorous Chinese annual, with erect reddish stem, slightly branched, over 3 ft. in height, and with its young shoots and leaves covered with a rosyviolet powder, pretty in foliage. C. scoparium (Belvedere) is a curious and graceful annual plant, like a miniature Cypress in form, and worth a place among curious annual plants. Cherry (Cerasus). Cherry-pie ( Heliotropium). - Chimaphila (Pipsissewa). - Small shrubby plants, natives of the dry woods of N. America. There are in cultivation two species somewhat difficult to cultivate. C. maculata ( Spotted Winter- green) has small leathery leaves variegated with white, 3 to 6 in. high, and is pretty for a half- shady and mossy, but not wet, place in the rock- garden, with such plants as the dwarf Andromeda and the Pyrola, and succeeds best in very sandy leaf- soil. C. umbellata, with glossy unspotted leaves and somewhat larger reddish flowers, is also suited for such positions. Both are rare in cultivation, and very seldom well grown. They flower in summer, and are increased by careful division . We believe the difficulty lies chiefly in the fact that a good patch is rarely if ever imported, or if imported it becomes divided to such an extent that its life is endangered, and it has no strength for vigorous growth. - N. Chimonanthus Fragrans (WinterSweet) is a lovely shrub, which in our country enjoys a wall, flowering in December and January ; beautiful, and of delicious fragrance, the flowers coming upon young wood after the leaves have fallen, brownish-yellow, marked with purple inside ; and precious for gathering for the house. The best variety is grandiflora, its flowers being longer and more open. This shrub does best on a wall with a southern or western aspect. The blossoms coming on the previous season's growth, pruning should be performed when the flowering is over ; then the shoots that have blossomed should be cut back to the main branches, and when growth recommences, abundance of young shoots will flower the following season, and these afterwards should be pruned away in the same manner. few twigs with blooms upon them placed in a room last a long time, and diffuse their pleasant fragrance, and little harm need be done by cutting these twigs, as in the ordinary course they would be pruned away after their flowers have faded. Layers and seed. Japan. A Chionanthus (Fringe Tree).-A beau- tiful small tree ; in some old English gardens there are fine specimens, but it is rarely met with in modern gardens. Fully grown in this country, it is generally a dense bush about 10 ft. high, but in its native country it is said to make quite a tree. In early summer it bears long clusters of white flowers, with petals long and narrow like a fringe. A newer species is the Chinese C. retusus, which is not so pretty, though its flowers are white and fringy. N. America. Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow).- Although rather a new family, the Chiono- doxas are now very popular. They are certainly amongthemost beautiful and useful of our early spring- flowering bulbs, and canbegrownin Englishgardens more easily thanwas thought possible. In everygarden where they have been established for a few years they have become quite weeds, self- sown seedlings coming up everywhere even yards away from the original clump. They should be naturalised in the wood- land and in the wild garden. Theirgreat hardiness, exceeding beauty, and the rapidity with which they increase are all in favour of their establishment on grassy slopes. Every one at little expense may have masses of the Glory of the Snow, and no more beautiful, natural, or better way can be suggested. Any good garden soil suits these plants. C. Luciliæ is by far the most popular species. Its value will be increased when we see it in bold breadths in our woodlands and grassy slopes, much in the way Snowdrops and Daffodils have been used in our own gardens. C. Lucilia was CHIONODOXA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHLOROGALUM. 373 first introduced by Mr. Maw, who, in de- scribing the circumstances under which he found it, says that at the lower level it was out of flower, but near the summit of the mountain a mass was met with in full splendour, forming one of the most charming displays of floral beauty he ever beheld a mass of blue and white, resembling Nemophila insignis in colour, but more intense. It is an extremely variable species in size as well as in the form and colour of its flowers, and there can be no mistake about the improvement, which is evident after a couple of years' cultivation in good rich soil. Newly imported bulbs as a rule produce small and few flowers, but when really well we have seen of it, is the same as C. L. grandiflora, and also a charming plant. Sardensis is a charming variety. The flowers, though more numerous, are smaller than those of any mentioned above, but of a brilliant true Gentian blue, and altogether distinct from those of C. Lucilia. The bulbs were found close to the ruins of the ancient town of Sardis, at 4000 to 5000 ft. above sea level. It is hardy and a useful bulb for forcing. Tmolusi is, like C. Forbesi, a stronger, larger- flowered form. Č. nana is a dwarf, numerous- flowered species from Crete. The flowers are very small, white or lilac. It is of little value compared with any of the above. C. Chionodoxa sardensis. established size and number are almost doubled. It is one of the hardiest bulbs we possess, and will stand any frost without injury. It flowers during March and April. There is also a white- flowered form, but it is rare. Forbesi is apparently nothing more than a large, fewer- flowered form of the above. Grandiflora was first introduced to our notice in 1889 underthe name of C. gigantea. The whole plant is more robust than Luciliæ, the flowers larger and more numerous and of a distinct soft violet-blue with a small white centre. It has not, sofar as we are aware, shown the slightest signs of reversion, and may be taken as a really distinct and constant form. It is also a native of Asia Minor. The new C. Alleni, from what cretica may be taken as a larger-flowered form of C. nana, with blue and white flowers. Both are natives of Crete. Chlora perfoliata ( Yellow-wort).— A pretty slender native plant abundant in some places by the seaside, about 1 ft. high, with grayish-green leaves and yellow flowers ; there is a large- flowered variety called Grandiflora which is less common. C. perfoliata delights in stiff rich soil ; it is biennial, but freely yields seeds, which sow themselves, or may be sown as soon as ripe. Not of high garden value, though beautiful when wild, and it does not readily submit to cultivation. Chlorogalum Pomeridianum (Soap Plant) . A bulbous plant of the Lily Order, a native of California, not by any 374 CHLOROPHYTUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHOISYA. means showy, the flowers small and white on slender branching stems a yard in height. It requires warm dry soil to thrive well in the open border. Bulblets or seeds. Chlorophytum. -An important group, ofwhich C. elatum variegatum is, however, worth notice. It is perhaps better known conservatory. Its flowers, small, white, on a loose panicle, are not of much merit ; indeed, it will be found the better practice to keep them pinched off. The leaves are from 1 to 2 ft. long and I to 1 in. broad, striped and edged with white. Each plant will produce twenty or more leaves, Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange-flower) in Devon garden. in English gardens as Anthericum or Phalangium variegatum. It may be termed a half-hardy ornamental-foliaged plant, and useful out-of-doors in summer. When frosts appear it may be lifted and potted, and after a few weeks in a warm pit or frame taken to the greenhouse or and their gracefully arching habit gives them an almost unique effect. It may be readily increased by division of the roots, and will do nicely in a cool greenhouse. C. Williamsi and C. argenteo- lineare are synonyms. It is a native of South Africa. Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange. CHRISTMAS ROSE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHRYSANTHEMUM. 375 flower). —- A handsome shrub, not thoroughly hardy, yet in the south and west often thriving with the shelter of a wall and a southern or western aspect. It is fast-growing, the flowers a lovely contrast to the deep rich green foliage. The illustration shows it as a garden wall shrub in Devonshire, a county that shows many beautiful things that in more northern districts are known only as glass- house plants. It is not only in the extreme south and west that one may succeed with this fine shrub. It thrives in many Sussex gardens, in Major Gaisford's garden at Offington, near Worthing, flowering twice a year, in spring and autumn. At colder Wakehurst it has reached the top of a wall 6 ft. high, and at Lydhurst there are several thriving bushes both in the open and against a wall. Those who have a bush near the house will know the pleasure of its strong, but not too powerful, Hawthornlike fragrance. Bushes like this can only be expected in mild districts and on dry free soils, and failing these it should always be planted against a wall, not as a bush exposed, and should be protected during winter. Plants with well- ripened wood never get cut back in the same way as those in a " green " condition. Mexico, where it grows freely on the hillsides, forming a delightful picture during the flowering season. Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger). Chrysanthemum.-An extensive genus ofperennials and annuals, some of which are valuable garden plants. Besides those mentioned below, there are in culti- vation several kinds, such as Chrysanthe- mum absinthifolium, which have little claim for general culture. C. arcticum. -A good plant for the rock-garden about a foot high, flowering all the summer, white tinged with lilac or rose. C. Zawardskii of Continental gardens is very nearly allied. C. carinatum ( Tricolor Chrysanthe- mum).-Ashowy annual from N. Africa, which varies much in cultivation, and is valuable if only for its yield of flowers for cutting. There are double white and yellow forms ; and the showy ones known as C. Burridgeanum, raised from seeds by Mr. Burridge, a seed-grower in Suffolk. C. Burridgeanum is compact, and bears large golden- yellow flowers, with a dark purplish-brown zone, a purple eye or disc, and bright and well-defined colours. Dunnett's varieties of the same plant are also good. C. carinatum is propagated from seeds sown in April or early in May in open beds or borders where the plants are to flower ; or they may be sown earlier in pans or boxes of light rich earth in a pit or frame, from which they can be transplanted after all danger from frost is over. Planted singly in rich soil in an open and sunny position, C. carin- atum forms one of the most beautiful of composite-flowered annuals, and well deserves culture. It generally blooms in August, and lasts in beauty several months, or until cut down by frost. C. coronarium (Crown Daisy).—Abold and handsome annual 2 to 3 ft. high in its wild form in N. Africa, and, in cultivation, breaking into a number of forms, few of them so pretty as the single wild flower, pale yellow or buff, treated as a halfhardy annual, and sown in good ground in April or early in May. In warm soil with mild winters one might hope to have autumn-sown plants survive, in which case there would be a stronger bloom. C. frutescens (Paris Daisy, Marguerite).-A vigorous half-hardy plant ; in one season forming, when planted out, bushes 3 ft. in height and as much in diameter. It is much branched, and symmetrical in habit ; the foliage is pinnate, and glaucous ; the flowers are large, pure white, with a yellow centre, and produced in great profusion from June until cut down by frost. Extensively grown on the Continent for summer bedding and for pots. It is a fine Daisy- like plant, and several forms or allies are also valuable, such as the yellow Etoile d'Or, Comtesse de Chambord, and C. frutescens aureum. These are of easy culture and propagation, being for the outdoor garden best treated as bedding plants and put out in May, though in certain sea- shore and favoured districts they survive the winter. C. indicum. -The numerous beautiful varieties of the Chrysanthemum, so popular as pot plants in autumn, deserve to be more extensively grown in the open air, as many varieties are well suited to the purpose, and add a wealth of beauty to the open-air garden in October and November. The varieties for openair culture require to be well selected, and then their culture is simple. CULTURE. The Chrysanthemum is quite hardy, and will grow in almost any soil or situation, and therefore it is needless to lay down any general rule for its culti- vation. The varieties, however, vary a good deal, and the treatment necessary for one is often unsuitable for another. Even in spite of such obstacles as smoke and fog, some of the finest flowers exhibited at the autumn shows are grown in - 376 CHRYSANTHEMUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHRYSANTHEMUM. the small gardens and yards of densely populated cities. Much, however, depends upon soil ; the Chrysanthemum is such a voraciousfeeder that where vigorousfoliage and fine flowers are desired it cannot well be made too good. If practicable, it should consist of equal parts of fresh loam, rotten manure, leaf-mould, and sand. These, well mixed in autumn, and allowed to remain in ridges during the winter, will be in good condition to receive the plants in March or April. Many prefer autumn-made cuttings, and if in- tended for pot culture they are best, but for open-air culture strong suckers, if they can be procured, should be selected. They receive no check when planted, and in order to allow a free circulation of air able to several small ones, except where a quantity is required for cutting. VARIETIES. -The following sections are well adapted for the open air. The early-flowering Japanese varieties have been so much improved during the last five years that they are most deserving of attention, either for supplying cut flowers in quantity or for the decoration of the border ; indeed, this type is the most deserving of all for outdoor culture. Insert stout cuttings in the early part of February in sandy soil where the stock is limited ; otherwise, lift the roots from the open ground early in November, lay them in sandy soil in a cold frame, and early in March pull them to pieces. Many more plants can be made from a limited numParis Daisy (C. frutescens). the plants should stand at least 3 ft. apart. The same roots left undisturbed for two seasons in succession never produce fine flowers. They should, therefore, be replanted every year towards the end of May. Strong stakes should be placed to each plant, and the main stem should be firmly secured thereto during the growing season, the laterals being neatly tied into their proper places--but not too stiffly. The beauty of the foliage and size of the flowers may be increased bythe application of liquid manure during the summer months. Early in October disbudding should be commenced. The centre or crown bud, if perfect, should be left, and all the others carefully removed. One fine flower on each branch is preferber of roots than by any other method. Plant portions of roots in ordinary cuttingboxes, and keep them close for a week or so until new growth has fairly com- menced, when they should be grown on sturdily until the time arrives for finally planting them out. If for supplying cutbloom simply, any open piece ofthe garden will suffice. The soil need not be made very rich, but should be dug deeply some time before planting. Put the plants in rows 3 ft. wide, with 2 ft. between each plant. The following varieties will make a capital display: LadyFitzwygram(white), Mdme. C. Desgrange ( white, creamcentre) G. Wermig ( pale yellow), Comtesse Fouchier de Careil (orange-yellow), Le Vierge (pure white), Gustave Grunerwald (pink, CHRYSANTHEMUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHRYSANTHEMUM. 377 passing to blush-white) , Roi des Précocés Montague (purple-crimson), Mdme. Eulalie (crimson), Ryecroft Glory (yellow, shaded Morel (deep cerise, gold shade in centre), Chrysanthemum Mdme. Desgrange, grown in the open air. bronze) , Vicomtesse d'Avene (rose), Maria (mauve), Mrs. Gifford (silvery white), Florrie Parsons (mauve), Strathmeath (bright magenta), Arthur Crepey (prim- 378 CHRYSANTHEMUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHRYSANTHEMUM. rose, changing to cream-white ) , Carrie Denny ( pale bronze), Mdlle. Rénée Cohn (pale flesh-pink), October Yellow (bright creamy yellow). Wall Chrysanthemums. In many well-kept town gardens the eye is of fended by unsightly brick walls, and the question is often asked, What can be done to hide them ? The answer is, Train Chrysanthemums upon them ; if well nailed in they take up but little room, and afford a pleasing background to the other occupants of the borders. Strong cuttings or suckers, or, what is better still, the old roots or stools that flowered in pots the previous season, planted at the foot ofthe wall 3 ft. apart early in March, in soil similar to that just recommended, will make remarkably rapid growth, and, if kept neatly nailed in and all the side- shoots removed as they appear, will soon cover a wall of ordinary height. Liquid manure from time to time will strengthen the plants and improve the foliage, and if carefully disbudded in September a grand show of large flowers will be the result. If these are not wished for, allow the plants to grow uninterruptedly, and develop all buds that appear on the point of each shoot. Should it be desirable to protect the blossoms from wind and weather it can be effectually done by nailing a 12-in. board on the top of the wall, so as to form a coping. This, supported by a few poles in front, is all that is required, and, if practicable, a canvas covering fastened in front when the nights are cold will generally prove sufficient protection ; with these simple precautions the duration of the flowers will be greatly prolonged. The varieties named below are best for wall culture. Many early- flowering Japanese and re- flexed kinds are included, as they are more suitable than the incurved section, the natural form of the petals being less likely to hold water from night dews and rains. White. -Eynsford White, Lady Selborne, Mdlle. Lacroix, Elaine, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Mrs. Forsyth, Felicity, Ava- lanche, and Mrs. Rundle. Yellow and Orange. -G. Glenny, Jardin des Plantes, Sunflower, Buttercup, Mrs. Horril, Mr. C. E. Shea, President Hyde, and Phoebus. BlushandRose. -Bouquet Fait, Princess of Teck, Venus, Maiden's Blush, Peach Christine, Christine, Etoile de Lyon, Annie Clibran, and Viviand Morel. Crimson.-E. Molyneux, Cullingfordi, W. Holmes, King of Crimsons, M. Mou- sillac, M. Henri Jacotot, and Progne. Red and Brown.-Triomphe du Nord, Gloire du Rocher, Val d'Andorre, Félix Cassagneau, Wm. Robinson, Julie La- gravère, and Source d'Or. Purple and Amaranth. -Dr. Sharpe, M. Bernard, Alberic Lunden, and Mrs. Nisbet. Pompons.-These are useful for wall covering ; they grow compact and flower freely. The following is a good selection : White.-Sœur Mélanie, Mdlle. Marthe, La Pureté, White Perfection, Snowdrop, Bijou de Horticulture. Yellow -Golden Circle, St. Michael, Primrose League, William Westlake, Nelly Dainford. Red and Brown.--Black Douglas, Prince of Orange, Tiber, Vulcan, Victorine, Prince Victor, James Forsyth, Fremy, Eleonore. Purple.-President, Comte de Morny, and Pygmalion. Single-flowered Varieties are very useful for covering walls. The best are- White. -White Perfection, Miss H. H. Bates, The Virgin, Exquisite. Yellow. -Yellow Jane, Golden Star, Admiral Sir S. T. Symonds, Prince of Yellows, Canariense, and Charming. Blush and Pink.-Florence, Mary Anderson, America, and Crushed Strawberry. Red -Lady Churchill, Souv. de Londres, Scarlet Gem, David Windsor, and Effie. Pompons. These require the same treatment as the large- flowering varieties. They may be advantageously planted, either in front of tall -growing kinds or in beds by themselves. If for the latter purpose, they should be planted in April. Each root should be set about 12 in. apart, and the head or leader should be taken off when about 4 in. high, and all lateral branches encouraged in growth. These when sufficiently developed should be secured to stakes to keep them upright and prevent the branches growing crooked. Allow all shoots that grow to develop as many blooms as form at the point of the shoots. Liquid-manure may be given them occasionally. As to effect that greatly depends upon a judicious arrangement of the colours. The following are all good free-flowering kinds :- White. -Mdlle. Marthe, Miss Talfourd, White Trevenna, Cedo Nulli, Mdme. Domage, Sœur Mélanie, La Pureté, Snowdrop, Maid of Kent. Blush and Rose. -Adonis, Andromeda, Hélène, Rose Trevenna, Trophée, Rose d'Amour, Rosinante. CHRYSANTHEMUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHRYSANTHEMUM. 379 Red and Brown. -Bob, Brilliant, Miss Julia, Mustapha, Aureole, Victorine, Vul- can, Adèle, Prisette. Yellow and Orange. -Aigle d'Or, DrinDrin, General Canrobert, Golden Cedo Nulli, Aurore Boréale, La Vogue, St. ing a number of beautiful varieties that are valuable for cutting from, and they enliven the borders when other hardy flowers are on the wane. Some are very dwarfand of various shades of colour, and for the open air are of much value. They are invaluable Chrysanthemum " Cottage Pink. ' Michael, Golden Circle, Nelly Rainford, Charles Dickens. Crimson.-Salomon, Duruflet, President Decaisne, Miranda, Crimson Perfection, Black Douglas, Miss Wheeler, Prince Victor, Fremy. Summer and Early Autumn Flowering Kinds.-This is an importantclass, furnishmixed with herbaceous plants or in ribbon borders. Their free habit and profusion of brightly coloured flowers render them very attractive. The following are worth a place in every garden : — EarlyPompons. -Nanum(white), Mdme. Dufoy (white), Souvenir d'un Ami ( white), St. Mary (white), Chromatella (yellow), 380 CHRYSANTHEMUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CINERARIA. Hendersoni (yellow), Le Luxembourg (yellow), Mdme. Piccol (Rose), Adrastus (rose) , Frederick Pele (deep crimson- red), Scarlet Gem (red), Alice Butcher ( red, shaded orange) , St. Crout's (light pink), Blushing Bride (rose-lilac, fading to blush), Fiberta (canary-yellow), Wm. Cullingford (blush-white, fading to white), Mignon (yellow), Précocité (bright yellow), Flora (yellow), J. B. Duvoir (white, shaded lilac-rose), Piercy's Seedling (bronze, passing to yellow) , Mdme. Jolivart (white, tinted pink), Miss Davis (soft pink), Lyon (deep rosy-purple) . The Japanese varieties are too late for open-air culture. -A. S. C. lacustre (Marsh Ox-eye Daisy) resembles the large Ox-eye Daisy of our pastures, but is much larger in every way. It is about 2 ft. high, and thus may be distinguished at a glance from Pyrethrum serotinum, a plant with flowers strikingly similar, but which is much taller, growing in a good soil from 6 to 8 ft. high. The Marsh Ox-eye Daisy is a stout perennial, and fit for a large collec- tion, but somewhat coarse for choice positions. Some may give it a place for its yield of cut flowers, and there are several new varieties with prettier flowers -valuable for cutting, all of easy culture, and I find them excellent to naturalise among strong weedy plants-in the roughest places. C. segetum(CornMarigold).-Ashowy yellow native plant, as worthy of cultivation as many an exotic, and in certain cases worth growing for cutting. Treat as a hardy annual, preferring autumn sowing. Chrysobactron Hookeri (Anthericum). Chrysocoma. -A small genus belong- ing to the Composite family ; of little garden value. Chrysopsis (Golden Aster). - North American plants of the Composite family, suitable mainly for botanical collections. C. Mariana is, however, worth cultivation. Chrysurus (Lamarckia). CichoriumIntybus (Chicory).-Apretty native plant, from 2 to 5 ft. high, bearing in summer and autumn handsome blue flowers. It is worth introducing as a wild plant into localities where it is not com- mon. It is a rampant grower, and will take care of itself under almost any con- ditions. The seed may be sown on rubbish heaps and in stony places, old quarries, and by roadsides. Cimicifuga (Bugbane).--A genus of the Crowfoot Order, nearly allied to the Baneberry (Actæa). They are all tall herbaceous plants ; one at least is handsome-C. racemosa ( Black Snakeroot), 3 to 8 ft. high, with feathery racemes of white blossoms 1 to 3 ft. long, which, being slender, droop gracefully. C. Serpentaria, a variety of the preceding, is also a handsome plant. Both are of easy culture in good garden soil, and effective for the mixed shrubbery border, or as Cimicifuga racemosa. groups in the wild garden. Being strong and vigorous, they are well fitted for naturalising by woodland walks. Some have an odour which is not pleasant. Division. North America. Cineraria maritima. -A very handsome bushy perennial with finely cut leaves, covered on the under side with silvery down. It bears in summer numerous heads of bright yellow flowers. If the effect of its foliage only is desired, the flowering stems should be pinched off on their first appearance, the plant then becoming more leafy and branching. On the margins of shrubberies, isolated on banks or on the turf of the pleasureground, it would form an agreeable variety among the dark-green subjects recommended for groups. It is also used with good effect for edgings to flower CINQUEFOIL. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CISTUS. 381 beds. The best way to increase it is from cuttings in spring, choosing the twiggy side shoots ; but the quickest way to obtain plants is to sow seed in heat in February and transplant in the open in May. Cinquefoil (Potentilla). Cirsium. Thistle-like plants, few of which are fit for the garden, and now included with Cnicus. Cistus (Rock Rose).-The Rock Roses are amongst the most beautiful of flowering shrubs, but in our country it is only on the lightest and warmest soils and on All would soon attain a considerable size, and flower freely the same year. the Cistuses are Old World plants, most of them being natives of South- western Europe ; some extend to North Africa and Asia Minor, and one to the Canary Islands. According to different authors, the number of species is made to vary considerably. Nyman, in his " Conspectus Floræ Europæ," enumerates fourteen ; Willkomm, in his " Monograph of the Cistus Family," makes twenty- four ; and Loudon, in the "Arboretum et Fruticetum Britannicum," describes thirty. Many of Cistus florentinus. walls that they may be trusted to survive our winters. Most of the species have been at one time or another in cultivation in this country, and with but little trouble they could be easily kept in spite of the recurring severe winters which kill unprotected plants of so many of the kinds. They strike readily from cuttings, and a pot of each wintered in a cold frame would take up little room, and insure the species from being lost in case a very unfavourable winter proved de- structive to the parent plants. The wintered stock planted out in spring the species vary a good deal in colour, size of leaves, and not a few appear to hybridise freely. In spite of the fuga- cious character of the flowers (they do not last more than one day), their bright colours and the profusion in which a succession is kept up for a considerable time render the Cistuses amongst the most welcome of garden shrubs during the summer months. They prefer a dry sandy soil, and, although some growfreely enough in almost any garden soil, they are much more likely to suffer during winter in rich ground. い 382 CISTUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CISTUS. C. albidus. This is now and then met with under the name of C. pulverulentus, and there are several hybrids intermediate in general character between their parents. The best known of these are C. crispoalbidus and C. albido-monspeliensis. The specific name of this is owing not to the colour of the flowers, for these are a fine rose, but to the whitish tomentum which clothes the leaves and young shoots. It forms a compact bush 2 to 4 ft. high ; the old branches are covered with a brownish or almost blood- coloured bark. The rosecoloured flowers are nearly 2 in. across, and the style is longer than the tuft of golden-yellow stamens. Southern France, Portugal, Italy, and Corsica. grown in pots for cool house decoration, it is charming. In some gardens it is met with under the names of C. fastigiatus and C. rosmarinifolius. C. crispus. This forms a compact bush 1 to 2 ft. high, with procumbent, tortuous, often interlacing branches, the deep rose-coloured flowers nearly 1 in. across, the style overtopping the golden stamens. There are some hybrids between this species and C. albidus which are nearer the seed- bearing parent than they are to C. albidus. Unfortunately, too, one of these has been named C. crispo-albidus, a name which has been also applied to another hybrid of the same parentage, which is mentioned under C. albidus. A. HOHL EC Cistus formosus. C. Bourgæanus is a native of the Pine woods of Southern Spain and Portugal, where it flowers in the month of April, grows a foot in height, and has somewhat prostrate branches, covered with Rosemary-like dark-green leaves. The white flowers are about an inch across, and it is a charming plant for pot cultivation in a cold frame, or for a sunny spot in the rock garden. C. Clusii in general aspect comes near C. Bourgæanus, and is a native of Southern Spain, Portugal, and Sicily. In habit it is more erect than the last- named, but the flowers are the same colour and size, as are also the leaves. As a rock- plant, or C. florentinus. -This plant is, according to Nyman, a hybrid of C. monspeli- ensis. It is a dwarf free-blooming plant, one of the best for a sunny spot in a dry border. Nyman enumerates as identical with C. florentinus, C. olbiensis, C. porquerollensis, and C. valentinus, with others. C. formosus. -Much-branched, bushy shrub, with leaves greenish when old, but with a whitish tomentum when young, and large bright yellow flowers with a deep purplish-brown blotch near the base of each petal. The plant thrives well in any rich, dry soil, but is apt to succumb in severe English winters. It is, however, CISTUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CISTUS. 383 such a beautiful plant that it is well worth the trouble of putting in a pot of cuttings each autumn in a cold frame, planting these out in the open the following spring. If raised from seeds, which in ordinary seasons ripen in abundance, a consider- able range of variation in the depth of the yellow colour and in the size and a yellow blotch at the base of each petal, and the very short style is much exceeded by the stamens. Southern France. = C. Ledon. C. hirsutus is a shrub from 1 to 3 ft. in height, the young shoots and flower-stalks are hairy, as are the leaves on both surfaces, the flowers whitish, smaller than Cistus ladaniferus. intensity of the purplish blotch is ob- tained. C. glaucus. -A much-branched bush I to 2 ft. in height, with reddish- brown bark ; the upper surface of the leaves is dull green, glossy, and glabrous, the lower strongly veined and clothed with a hoary down. The flowers are large, white with those of C. glaucus, and the style is shorter than the stamens. South- western Europe. C. ladaniferus. -This is one of the most beautiful of all the Cistuses ; the leaves, smooth and glossy above, clothed with a dense white wool beneath. The very large flowers are white, in the more 384 CLADIUM. CISTUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. handsome forms with a large dark vinousred blotch towards the base of each petal ; in others without blotch. It also varies in the size of the leaves, the extreme forms having narrow, almost linear leaves. It is a native of Spain, Portugal, and Southern France. The specific name was probably given under the belief that it was this species which furnished labdanum, a resin at one time largely used in medicine. C. laurifolius is probably the hardiest Rock Rose in cultivation. In some southern shrubberies large plants exist, which have withstood (without suffering much) many winters. The flowers are less than those of C. ladaniferus, are white with a small citron-yellow blotch at the base of each petal. Loudon speaks of this as follows : "A very robust species, with large green Laurel-like leaves. It pro- duces an abundance of flowers, which, with their light-red bracts , are very ornamental before they expand, resembling at a distance the bursting buds of Roses. It requires no protection, and may be raised from seeds, which ripen in abundance, and also by cuttings, which, however, do not strike so freely as in some of the other species. " This attains a height of about 6 ft.; it is a native of South-western Europe. C. longifolius. -A native of Southern France and Eastern Spain ; said to be a hybrid between C. populifolius and C. monspeliensis. A shrub 2 to 4 ft. high, with slender, twiggy, glandular, viscid, hairy branches with red bark. The flowers are white with a small yellow blotch near the base of each petal ; in size they measure about an inch and a half across. It is a pretty shrub for a warm corner. C. monspeliensis, a species widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean region, is very variable in size of its leaves and also in stature of plant ; in some spots it hardly grows more than 6 in. in height ; in others it attains a height of about 6 ft. The flowers are white, about an inch in diameter, each petal bearing a yellow blotch at the base. C. parviflorus, a South- eastern European Rock Rose, forms a compact bush a couple of feet high ; the old branches are covered with an ashy-coloured bark, the younger shoots and the peduncles being clothed with a whitish tomentum. The rose -coloured yellow - centred flowers, which measure rather more than an inch in diameter, are borne in a close cyme. C. populifolius is a robust- growing kind, with large rugose, stalked, Poplarlike leaves and medium-sized white flowers, tinged with yellow at the base of the petals. Varieties of C. salvifolius are often misnamed C. populifolius in nur- series and gardens. Amongst the numerous garden forms of this species may be mentioned C. narbonnensis, with shorter flower-stalks, smaller leaves-altogether a smaller plant than the type-- and C. lati- folius, another with broader leaves. C. populifolius is found in Southern France, in Spain, and Portugal. It is an erectbranched shrub, 3 or 4 ft. high. C. salvifolius. —This is a distinct kind, very variable, and of slender habit, with Sage- like leaves and long- stalked, white, yellow-blotched flowers. In a wild state it is found all along the Mediterranean, and a number of slightly varying fornis have received distinctive names ; but as these do not appear to have been introduced to British gardens, it is not worth while to enumerate them here. C. vaginatus is the largest of the redfloweredsection; robust, with large- stalked, hairy leaves and large deep rose- coloured yellow-centred flowers. The stamens are more numerous in this than in, perhaps, any other Cistus, and form a dense brushlike tuft, overtopped by the long style. It is a native of the Canary Islands. For many years a fine plant flowered freely against the wall of the herbaceous ground at Kew, but the severe winters of several years ago proved too much for it, and the plant is perhaps now lost to cultiva- tion. C. villosus, a widely distributed Mediterranean kind, is a very variable plant, an erect bush with firm -textured leaves. The flowers of all the forms are rosecoloured, with long styles. C. undulatus is a variety with wavy-margined leaves. C. incanus represents what may be re- garded as the common typical form. C. creticus is another with deeper rose-red flowers than those already mentioned. From this and some other Cistuses is obtained the labdanum, a resin which is exuded from the leaves and branches, and which is collected by whipping the plants with long thongs attached to a rake-like frame, the resin adhering to the straps ; during the prevalence of the plague labdanum was largely used as a remedial agent. -G. Cladium Mariscus. -A vigorous native fen plant, 2 to 6 ft. high, in flower crowned with dense, close chestnut- coloured panicles, sometimes 3 ft. in length, the leaves glaucous, rigid, and often 4 ft. long. Worthy of a place on the margin of water. CLADRASTIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CLEMATIS. 385 Cladrastis. -This name strictly includes the beautiful North American Yellow-wood Tree (C. tinctoria), but as the accepted name in gardens for that tree is Virgilia lutea, it will be noticed under Virgilia. The only other Cladrastis in cultivation is C. amurensis, a shrub introduced a few years ago from the Amoor Valley, and known also under the name Maackia amurensis. Its leaves resenible those of the Yellow-wood, but are of thicker texture, not so large, and of a duller green. In late summer it produces a plentiful crop of flowers, even when only a few feet high. Thespikes are dense, the blossoms white, and inclined to yellow, and endure a long time. Small bushes flower freely. It is hardy. Clarkia. -These Californian plants are among the prettiest of hardy annuals, robust, of easy culture, and flower for a long time. There are two species from which the numerous varieties now in cultivation have been obtained. C. Clarkia alba. elegans grows 2 ft. high, erect, much branched, and bears long leafy racemes offlowers with undivided petals, varying from purple to pale red or a salmon colour. The principal varieties of this species have double flowers, and twoPurple King (deep purple) and Salmon Queen (salmon- pink)-have flowers produced freely on strong branching plants, and are very effective border flowers. The other species, C. pulchella, may be 1 readily distinguished from the preceding by deeply cut petals. It varies in height from about 1 ft. in the Tom Thumb sorts to 2 ft. It has magenta flowers normally, but there is every variation between deep purple and pure white. There are also several very pretty double- flowered forms of C. pulchella. There is also a very distinct variety called integripetala, from which have been obtained some beautiful varieties, notably limbata and marginata, the former dark rose and white, the other pale rose and white. Altogether about a score of varieties are mentioned in seed lists, most or which are distinct from each other, and well worth growing. CULTURE. All the varieties are suitable for borders ; the dwarfer kinds, by their habit of growth, being well suited for sunny spots in the rock-garden or on the ridge of sloping banks. Their growth is much affected by the nature ofthe soil. Like all other hardy annuals, they may be sown either in autumn or spring. By sowing in the beginning of September the seedlings gain strength before the winter, and flower well in early spring. The first spring sowing should take place in the middle of March, when the plants would flower in July. Until about the middle of June other sowings may be made for flowering in September and October. The best soil is ordinary garden mould, not too rich or dry.-G. Clary (Salvia Sclarea). Claytonia. A small group of the Pur- slane Order, of which three species are pretty garden plants. C. caroliniana is a spreading dwarf species bearing in spring loose racemes of pretty rose flowers, and C. virginica ( Spring Beauty) is a slender erect plant, with pink blossoms. Both are suitable for warm spots in the rock-garden in loamy soil, but C. sibirica, also a dwarf species with pink flowers, requires a damp peaty soil like an artificial bog. C. perfoliata and C. alsinoides are weeds in many locali- ties. Clematis ( Virgin's Bower) .- Although with few exceptions these are shrubby climbing plants, yet their use in the flower garden, often in a dwarf or frequently cut- down condition, is so frequent and important that they cannot be omitted. There are over a hundred species, mostly from cold or temperate climates. They are widespread, in Europe from Russia to Portugal and the Balearic Isles ; in Asia from the Ural range to India and Java, and even to China and Japan. They show themC C 386 CLEMATIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CLEMATIS. selves in both Americas, in several Poly- nesian islands, and even in New Zealand. Thus they extend from pole to pole, from the sea-shores to the slopes of the highest mountains. So graceful is their habit, so bold and showy their flowers, that scarcely a species is without beauty. The earliestflowering hardy species commence unfolding their blossoms in April, and are succeeded by other species and varieties throughout the summer and autumn, some of them continuing in bloom up to Christare useful, as they trail or creep quite as well as they climb, and are also admirably suited for festooning. The original largeflowered Japanese kinds are more or less tender, and in severe winters are often cut to the ground ; but many of the hybrids— Jackmani for example-will bear severe frosts. However, whether cut down by frost or knife, they will grow again in spring, and flower perhaps even more profusely. They never form very thick stems, and are not suitable for perTraveller's Joy (Clematis vitalba). mas in mild localities. In colour they present almost every shade and combination of red and blue, while pure scarlets and crimsons are not wanting. The lilac, pale-blue, purple, mauve, claret, and violetpurple varieties are connected by every intermediate shade. There are also yellow species and varieties, and many pure white-flowered ones, the flowers varying from less than 1 to 8 or 9 in. in diameter. It is not only as climbers on trees or for covering walls , trellises, that Clematises manently covering large spaces, particu- larly where the height is considerable. To obtain their flowers in perfection the plants must be freely pruned. On the other hand, such species as C. Flammula, montana, and vitalba, especially the last two, grow quickly to a great height or length. A few, such as C. erecta, tubulosa, and integrifolia, are herbaceous. The sections into which this family may be grouped for garden use are well treated of in Moore and Jackman's CLEMATIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CLEMATIS. 387 "Clematis as a Garden Flower," which we quote. THE MONTANA, PATENS, AND FLORIDA TYPES. -These sections include the earliest or spring- flowering divisions ofthe family. The majority of the species and varieties of which they consist come into blossom naturally about May ; but some few of them, such as C. calycina and its allies, blossomfrom the commencement of the year onwards. These latter are best suited for planting against walls, in warm sheltered situations, where their opening flowers may in some degree be protected against inclement weather. The varieties of C. patens and C. florida (represented by C. Sieboldi, one of the same type) are perfectly suited for planting against walls or in corridors ; and some of them make elegant early-blooming beds, especially where their blossoms are thoroughly sheltered either naturally or artificially from severe spring frosts, which occasionally, though rarely, somewhat injure them. C. montana, also a spring or May bloomer, is vigorous and hardy, and specially suited for covering walls, trellises, or arbours, or, in fact, for any position where rapidity of growth is desired. These plants, especially those of the montana type, are not particular as to soil, but will grow in any good garden earth fairly enriched, efficiently drained, and maintained in a healthy state. Where it can be provided, a rich soil of a light loamy texture is the best for all these plants, especially if mixed with chalk or lime. Mulching, which consists in covering the surface of the soil for some little distance round the plants with half-rotten manure, is very beneficial. When growth commences in the spring the young shoots must be attended to, and trained around or against the supports provided for them. The weaker shoots may, if necessary to prevent entanglement, be cut away during the summer ; but all the vigorous shoots for which there is space should be trained in, since it is these, when thoroughly developed and matured, which furnish the flowers for the ensuing year. The strong montana is a good verandah plant, and suited for rapidly covering bare spaces ; but the less robust plants of the florida and patens types are better suited for training on walls or for furnishing corridors, or for any similar positions where their blossoms may be brought more closely into view. The pruning should take place in February or March, after the severe frosts of winter. THE GRAVEOLENS TYPE. -This small group comprises a series of hardy fastgrowing species, which require scarcely any cultivation. They grow freely enough in any ordinary garden earth of sound texture and fairly drained, though many, probably most of them, prefer calcareous soil. They will scramble over trellises or thickets, or clamber up snaggy poles, or among the boughs of trees, and therefore may be employed in any position where a summer screen is wanted ; but being deciduous they are not suited for winter screens. As to training, they make holdfasts of their leaf-stalks, and take care of themselves ; and the natural growth thus made and thus disposed would, in most cases, be of a more picturesque character than would result from artificial training. When, however, they are planted near large trees, or at all within their influence, it is desirable, in order to promote vigorous and rapid growth, to mulch the soil during winter, forking in the manure about March. In such situations, too, drought may overtake the roots, since the trees will suck up much moisture, and in a greater or less degree keep off the rain. In dry weather, therefore, and especially until the plants become tolerably well established, watering should not be forgotten. THE LANUGINOSATYPE. -These plants are hardy and tolerably vigorous, and have enormous blossoms, so that liberal cultivation is an absolute necessity. They will, indeed, succeed in any good, sound, well- drained garden soil which is freely and annually manured, but would no doubt prefer a light mellow loam, and therefore in very light soils it would be a material benefit, in trenching up and preparing the ground before setting them out, to resort to the admixture of the best loam available. The more fertile the soil the less the manuring necessary, and vice versa ; but in any case a really wellenriched soil, either natural or artificial, should be secured if the full beauty of this race of the Clematis is to be developed. C. lanuginosa and its varieties are well suited for conservatory walls or trelliswork, whether the latter be put up in the form of a screen or a verandah, and also for poles or pyramids. In the case of poles and pyramids especially, they should be annually pruned down to about 3 ft. from the ground, to prevent their becoming lanky and bare of new shoots near the base, the tendency of the new growth being to develop itself with excessive vigour at the extremities. When thus cut rather low, so as to secure a supply of foliage near to the base, the beauty of the CC 2 388 CLEMATIS . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . CLEMATIS . plants is much enhanced. The same remarks apply to those on walls and trellises, if they are required to cover a space ; but it frequently happens that the lower part can be filled out by less aspir- ing subjects, and then it is as well to utilise the more vigorous growth towards the top. In any case the successional summer growths should be trained in so as to secure the later crops of blossoms, the habit in this race being to throw out or length, and of this the unripened extremities, together with the weak superfluous shoots and the dead wood, are the only parts to be removed. This pruning is best done in February, after the severe winter frosts, and before the plants burst out into new growth. We have said that these plants are hardy, and for all practical purposes they may be so regarded. They are, however, less robust than some of the allied groups, and Clematis lanuginosa alba growing through Azara. The a sprinkling of flowers at intervals till the frost comes to arrest further growth. PRUNING.--From what has been said it will be evident that comparatively slight pruning is here required. type itself and those varieties nearest to it in habit, indeed, die back almost sufficiently to render pruning unnecessary ; but where a mixture of blood has led to a more extended growth it will be necessary to remove the weak and ill- ripened por- tions of the year- old wood. Under favourable conditions the plants will make an annual growth of 8 to 10 ft. in hence, in their case, the mulching which has been recommended as an advantage to all may be looked upon as being rather more of necessity, provided they are where it is at all admissible. The annual feeding, by working in some half- decayed manure during the early spring, should on no account be omitted, as the size and succession ofthe blossoms depend entirely upon the vigour kept up in the plants ; but where mulching would be unsightly, a covering of some other material, such as the refuse of the fibre ofthe cocoa- nut, would be a good substitute. CLEMATIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CLEMATIS. 389 THE VITICELLA AND JACKMANI TYPES. -These groups represent some of the hardiest as well as some of the noblest ofthe whole family. The severest winters do not materially injure them, and, from their wonderful fertility of flowers, the plants, in the late summer and the autumn, literally become masses of blossoms, which are successively and continuously renewed. In regard to soil, the same free, welldrained, deep, and wellenriched staple which has been noted as suitable for the preceding groups will be found equally suited for these. Afriable loam is the best they can have ; if the soil is less suitable in quality, it should at least be deep, so that the roots may penetrate freely. A loamy soil is the best, because the plants must have manure liberally supplied to them to keep up their strength ; and, in a loamy staple, the fertilising properties of the manure are not liable to be dissipated, as in one which is poor and porous. When, however, the soil approaches this latter description, it is all the more necessary that manure should be abundantly applied. In the case oflight soils, a good proportion of loam-made friable by frosts if at all heavy or clayey should be incorporated to render it more holding ; deep trenching should also be resorted to for the same purpose. Heavy soils should be ameliorated by the free intermixture of friable soil or of any sharp gritty material, the drainage being made efficient, and the soil well aërated before planting. When the ground has been prepared, the plants may be put out in any open weather between the middle of September and the end of April. After planting, it is beneficial, though not absolutely necessary, to apply a mulching of a few inches ofpartially rotten manure ; this will protect the newly disturbed roots and fertilise the ground. The varieties of these types of Clematis are essentially outdoor or border plants requiring abundance of root-space ; they may, indeed, be grown for exhibition, but, even then, they require liberal root-accommodation and high feeding. To sum up, the Viticella Clematis Duchess of Edinburgh. A.KOH and Jackmani types require to be grown in rich deep soil, to be manured freely every season, and to be planted out in the open ground, that their roots may have free pasturage. These forms of Clematis flower on the vigorous summer shoots, and form dense 390 CLEMATIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CLEMATIS. masses of blossom. The object in pruning, therefore, should be to favour to the utmost the development of these vigorous young shoots, by cutting the summer growth back to within about 6 in. of the soil, early in the season as soon as the frosts have disfigured the plants, say about November. The mulching, which is then to be applied with a liberal hand, serves to prevent the soil from becoming severely frost- bound, and about the middle or end of February should be neatly forked in, along with an additional supply of rotten manure in some cases, the latter being regulated by the manurial qualities of the original mulching and by the natural strength of the land. Thus treated, the plants will commence flowering about the first week in July, and will go on yielding flowers as long as their strength will enable them to throw out lateral growths. To obtain a later bloom some of the plants should be left over at the November pruning, and should not be cut back till the end of April, after they have commenced to grow. The uses of these types of Clematis are exceedingly various. They may be trained either singly or several together, up snaggy poles, to form pillar plants, or be allowed to scramble over masses of rock-garden or over rootwork. They may be festooned, trained over verandahs, fastened to walls or trellis - work, or led over ornamental iron supports as single standard specimens for lawns. In every way they are thoroughly effective flowering plants, many of them indeed, and especially those of the true Jackmani type, producing a startling impression in consequence of the gorgeous masses of their rich Tyrian hues. One of the most useful purposes to which these varieties could be put would be to drape a mural ruin or to cover an unsightly bank or slope. They grow in almost any situation, ifthe soil is not absolutely destitute of food, or if the roots of other plants do not rob them of nutriment ; and they require nothing but a few tree roots or rough branches for them to scramble over. Thus planted, a layer of manure worked in annually with the fork, and a supply of water in very dry weather, would secure a good result. Again, they rank among the noblest of ornaments for low walls, trellises, &c. , to which they must be nailed or tied ; but, once firmly fixed, they should be allowed to fall down in rich picturesque masses. Probably, however, their simplest and grandest use would be to plant them on large masses of the rock-garden, giving them a good depth of rich, light, and sandy earth, and allowing their shoots to fall over the face of the rocks without any training or pruning. We shall find among the varieties of the Viticella and Jackmani types those kinds especially suited for bedding out for summer and autumn flowering. NON-CLIMBING TYPES. — The nonclimbing species and varieties of Clematis consist of two small but distinct groups, the one herbaceous, the other subshrubby. The herbaceous species thrive best in good, rich, deep, loamy soil, and, when well established, they form somewhat striking plants for the mixed border, though scarcely any of them stand in the front rank of herbaceous perennials. The single and double-flowered varieties of C. erecta and C. maritima are most ornamental, and are well worth introducing even into a select collection. These herbaceous species grow freely enough in any tolerably fertile garden soil, but it should be of good depth, as the roots are strong and strike downwards. Afree application of manure is beneficial, especially if the soil is not naturally fertile. The sub-shrubby varieties of the non- climbing group include some exceedingly ornamental plants. They are especially suited for the back rows in mixed flower borders where plants 5 to 6 ft. high would not be obtrusive ; for prominent positions in the front parts of shrubbery borders ; or for dwarf standards or iron trainers in beds, whether of Clematis or of other plants. They require a good preparation of the soil, which should be deep and rich, exactly as recommended for the varieties of the Jackmani and lanuginosa groups. In spring, before growth recom- mences, the plants should be pruned back to the well-ripened wood 1 to 2 ft. from the ground, and a firm stake or support provided for each. To this support, as they grow, the young shoots must be tied. When the branches begin to ramify, which they do at a height of 3 or 4 ft. , they may be allowed to fall down on all sides, and in this way they will ultimately form a mass of flowers like a huge bouquet. C. coerulea odorata is a most desirable plant of this group, for its abundant well-contrasted blossoms, and for their fine scent. The various forms and allies of the erect Clematis ( C. erecta ) are very fra- grant and hardy ; they are from 3 to 4 ft. high, and bear large umbel- like clusters of white blossoms, with an agreeable per- fume. They are admirably suited for CLEMATIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CLEMATIS. 391 the sides of frequented walks, &c. , but delight in full exposure. The principal varieties are the double-flowered kind, with many small button-like blossoms, lasting longer than the single blossoms ; pumila, much dwarfer than the type ; and pauciflora, producing smaller flowers in less dense clusters. C. erecta inhabits various parts in South Central Europe. THE CLEMATIS AS A BEDDING PLANT. Iwould also be beneficial. If on the contrary the soil be light and dry, it should be strengthened by the admixture of good and rather heavy loam. Deep trenching and liberal manuring should be resorted to before planting ; and a thorough dressing of good sound manure should be forked in every November, when the summer growth may usually be cut back. White Clematis on fence. -As a bedding plant the Clematis should be permanently planted out, so that the roots may not be disturbed. The soil should be rich, open, and deep, and if possible of a calcareous, loamy character. If it be heavy, it must be well drained and ameliorated by the admixture, in moderate quantities, of gritty matter, such as road-scrapings, the sand washed up by the roadside, burnt clay, or even ashes ; an admixture of half-rotten leaf- mould The young plants, when planted out, should be set about 2 ft. apart, so that they may cover the surface quickly. When they become strong and well established some of them may be removed, as the more vigorous growth of established plants will branch more freely and spread more quickly. The growing shoots should be looked to at least once a week, and pegged down or trained where they are required to 392 CLEMATIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CLEMATIS. cover the surface most. Their clasping leaf-stalks cling together so firmly that this should always be done before they get entangled, for the young shoots would suffer from disentanglement. The plants should be raised so as to give a convex surface to the bed, and the better to display their flowers. This may be done by raising the surface of the bed, by pegging down a layer of twiggy branches, such as pea-sticks, for the plants to grow over, by fixing a common hooped trellis of rods to which the shoots should at the first be tied, or by arranging, on the surface of the beds, root-masses of a suitable bulk for the plants to scramble over ; which last would be the best plan of all in many Clematis Davidiana. situations, but would be scarcely ad- missible in a dressed parterre. Whatever plan be adopted, the plants must be trained as already recommended till they have furnished the space to be covered, when they may be allowed to grow more at random. As they do not throw up flowers from the lower portion of their stems, it is desirable that the points of one series should be arranged so as to overlap the portions of the adjoining ones which remain bare. This should , be borne in mind until the whole surface is evenly covered with flowering wood. Continuity of flowering is dependent upon continuity of growth. This at once suggests summer feeding. Thus, in dry I weather, manure water should be given alternately with pure water, the water not being applied over the leaves and flowers but beneath them. If the summer is at all dry, it is well to have the beds thoroughly saturated with pure water just as the buds begin to acquire size ; if done thoroughly, this will increase the size of the flowers, and will carry the plants on for a considerable period. If the season is such as to require it, one or two such thorough waterings may be given subsequently, applying at least one dose of liquid manure when the plants have been flowering for a considerable period. No other attention is required till the frosts of November, after which the plants may be pruned hard back. THE CLEMATIS AS A WALL PLANT.- When grown on walls the plants of the early-flowering section are not liable to injuryfrom frost, being hardy, and flourishing even in exposed situations. Their chief risk arises from the incidence of the morning sun upon them when a sharp late spring frost has caught the expanded flowers. In moderately sheltered posi- tions, however, this risk is slight, and the plants will grow freely and flower satisfactorily, coming into blossom about the middle or end of May, and continuing to flower up to the end of June or beginning of July, more or less abundantly, according to situation. In very sheltered situations, some of the varie- ties of the montana group, notably C. calycina, may be had still earlier ; while as a Maybloomer, vigorous, hardy, and most prolific of flower, C. montana-with its variety is strongly to be recommended as a distinct type. The summer and autumnal flowering . groups are gorgeous wall plants, and include not only the nobler forms bred from C. lanuginosa, but the descendants of C. Viticella. They bloom in July, and continue till October or November. The lanuginosa breed is specially effective when grown on walls, on account of the immense size of the blossoms of many of the varieties. These varieties require, in such positions, the most liberal feeding and moderate pruning, the summer growths being carefully trained in to secure the successional flowers they produce. The Viticella and Jackmani varieties CLEMATIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CLEMATIS. 393 attract rather by the profusion than by the size of their flowers. These plants, while fed to the utmost, to meet the demand upon their powers, should be pruned hard back every autumn (unless a considerable space is intended to be covered), and in the early part of the summer the young shoots should be trained up to their full extent, until flowers begin to appear, when, as all the lateral growths develop flowers, it maybe better to let them fall in graceful wreaths of pendent spray. Very good results have been obtained for a time by not pruning back. PILLARS, ROCK- GARDEN, AND ROOTWORK. For pillars we recommend the varieties of the C. Jackmani type-hardy, free-flowering, and continuous-blooming. Such pillars of purple are amongst the most beautiful objects which can be dotted about a garden. Deep soil and thorough drainage greatly conduce to success. The plants, being perfectly hardy, may be planted out during any open weather between September and April, and will be all the better if mulched. Mulching will afford shelter to the newly embedded roots, and will, by continuous infiltration, furnish, as the rains descend, a supply of congenial food. This may result in free rapid growth. Before starting, the plants should be cut back to within a few buds of their base-say within from 4 to 6 in. of the ground-and then all is ready for the spring growth. At some convenient time after planting, and before the necessity for training has arisen, poles should be placed about the plants. A single snaggy pole, well provided with short lateral branches, may be inserted, and the plant trained about it ; or three or four poles may form a pyramid ; but the plan best suited to the character of the plants is to set three or four poles a little distance apart, much as Hop poles are set up, and to train the plants over and about them. While the plants are at home in dressed ground, as bedding plants, pillar plants, or umbrella. plants, in single specimens or in masses, they are as much at home in wilderness scenery, about ruins or rock- gardens, or among those grotesque arrangements of old tree stumps to which the term rootery is commonly applied. In fact, the bed, the pillar, the wall, the rock, or whatever it may be, is merely the skeleton or foundation on whichthe glorious blossoins of the Clematis may be displayed. Adeep rich soil must be provided, and this will, in the present case, be facilitated by throwing up irregular mounds, on which to arrange, as taste may direct, the stumps or stony masses which are to give nanie to the spot. In both cases there will exist the same necessity for ample feeding. The same general rule as to close pruning must also be followed, unless the rootery requires more filling up, when it may be desirable to leave the whole of the matured bine of the previous season until the plants are sufficiently extended to entirely cover the prescribed space with their annual growth. In regard to training, all usually required is to lead the Clematis Lady Caroline Nevill. young shoots, during their spring and early summer growth, as evenly as possible over the masses of roots- or rocks if planted in a rock- garden-leaving them to fill out the picture in their own natural way. The result, unshackled by formality, will certainly not be the least pleasing of those in the several depart- ments ofthe garden to which the Clematis may be introduced. Catalogues abound with the names of the newer and finer 394 CLEMATIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN CLERODENDRON. hybrid forms. The following selections for outdoor work are given by Messrs. Moore and Jackman :- FOR PLANTING AGAINST CONSERVATORY WALLS AND IN CORRIDORS.- Spring-flowering sorts (for S. , W., or N.-W. aspects only) .- C. Albert Victor, barbellata, calycina, Countess of Lovelace, Edith Jackman, Fair Rosamond, George Cubitt, Lady Londesborough, Lord Derby, Lord Londesborough, Lord CF Clematis Lucy Lemoine. Mayo, Maiden's Blush, Miss Bateman, monstrosa, montana (any aspect) , mon- tana grandiflora, patens floribunda, Sophia plena, Standishi, Stella, The Queen, Vesta. Late summer-flowering and autumnflowering sorts. -C. Alexandra, cœrulea odorata, Flammula, Gem, Gloire de St. Julien, Henryi, Jackmani, Jeanne d'Arc, Lady Bovill, Lady Caroline Nevill, Lady Maria Meade, lanuginosa, lanuginosa candida, lanuginosa nivea, Lawsoniana, Madame Van Houtte, magnifica, marmorata, Mrs. James Bateman, Otto Froebel, perfecta, Prince of Wales, pur- purea hybrida, reginæ, Renaulti coerulea grandiflora, rubella, rubro violacea, Sensation, splendida, Star of India, Thomas Moore, tunbridgensis, velutina purpurea, Victoria, Viticella rubra grandiflora, Viticella venosa. FOR PERMANENT BEDDING- OUT. -C. Helena patens, Sophia, Standishi, Alexandra, Jackmani, magnifica, Prince of Wales, rubella, rubro-violacea, Star of India, tunbridgensis, velutina purpurea. FOR GROWING ON PILLARS AND POLES. -C. Alexandra, Beauty of Surrey, Excelsior, Flammula, Gem, Gloire de St. Julien, Henryi, Jackmani, Jeanne d'Arc, Lady Bovill, Lady Caroline Nevill, Lady Maria Meade, lanuginosa, lanuginosa candida, lanuginosa nivea, Lawsoniana, Madame Van Houtte, magnifica, Marie Lefebvre, marmorata, Mrs. James Bateman, Otto Froebel, Prince of Wales, reginæ, rubella, Sensation, Sir Robert Napier, Star of India, Thomas Moore, tunbridgensis, velutina purpurea, Victoria, Viticella rubra grandiflora, Viticella venosa. FOR PLANTING ON ROOTERIES. -C. Alexandra, Flammula, graveolens, Hendersoni, Jackmani, Lady Bovill, magnifica, marmorata, modesta, Mrs. James Bateman, orientalis, Prince of Wales, purpurea hybrida, Renaulti cœrulea grandiflora, rubella, rubro-violacea, splendida, Star of India, Thomas Moore, tunbridgensis, velutina purpurea, Viticella atrorubens, Viticella major, Viticella purpurea plena, Viticella rubra grandi- flora, Viticella venosa. A remarkable novelty recently added to the genus is C. coccinea, a red- flowered kind, very distinct, which is charming for the flower garden, for walls or railings, thriving in warm soils in the southern and eastern counties at least. Cleome (Spider-flower).-A genus of the Caper family, several species of which are often enumerated in seed catalogues ; but though vigorous and distinct they are not likely to take any useful place in the flower garden. They are mostly annuals doing best under the treatment of halfhardy annuals. Clerodendron. -Only two species in this beautiful genus, for the main part tropical, have any claim to hardiness, but both are worth growing. They are C. fœtidum, a native of China, and C. trichotomum, a Japanese plant. C. fœtidum is an old garden plant usually CLETHRA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. COLCHICUM. 395 seen in greenhouses, but hardy enough for open- air culture in all southern and warm parts. In southern gardens, especially near the sea, it grows 5 ft. high, and is handsome for the several weeks it is in bloom. The other species, C. trichotomum, is less common, and is a free- growing shrub, 6 ft. high or more, bearing large loose clusters of flowers, the corollas white, the calyces a deep brownish- red, blooming in September. Clethra ( Sweet Pepper Bush).- Shrubs and small trees, the hardy species natives of North America. The Alder-leaved Clethra (C. alnifolia) in the wet copses of Virginia reaches a height of 10 ft. or more. With us it grows from 3 to 5 ft. , makes a dense bush, bearing in summer white sweet- scented flowers in feathery spikes. C. acuminata has more pointed leaves, and it also has spikes ofwhite scented flowers, not erect like those of C. alnifolia, but drooping. It is inclined to grow taller ; and, in fact, it is quite a small tree in the woods of the Alleghanies. Both are valuable shrubs for moist peaty places ; their place is by the lake, pond, or stream, or in any low-lying position. Clianthus (Glory Pea).-Brilliant plants seldom seen out-of- doors in the London district or home counties, but one kind is quite free as a wall plant in Irish and west-country gardens, and should be more frequently planted in sea- shore and warm places. It is C. puniceus-as handsome a shrub when in bloom as one could wish to see. Its splendid crimson blooms appear in large bunches during summer. It is easily increased by cuttings of the young shoots. Winter protection about the root is desirable except in the most favoured districts. Climbing Fern (Lygodium). Clintonia. The pretty annual species of this duplicate genus are now referred to Downingia, which see. Clintonia. A small group of the Lily family, natives of N. America. C. borealis is unattractive, with greenishyellow flowers, but C. Andrewsiana is pretty, with a tuft of ample bright-green leaves about I ft. long and about 4 in. wide, from which arises a stout flowerstem some 6 in. high, terminated by a dense umbel of deep- rose blossoms, from April to June ; thrives well in a peaty soil in a partially shaded position, in such a place as suits the Mocasson flower. It is yet scarce in cultivation, not having been introduced long. Cloudberry (Rubus). Cloud Grass (Agrostis). Clove Carnation (Dianthus). Cnicus benedictus (Blessed Thistle).- A handsome biennial, having bold deep- green leaves, blotched and marbled with silvery white. It is useful for associating with plants of fine foliage, but must have good deep soil and plenty of space. It grows freely and luxuriantly in a thin shrubbery, or on any bank of rubbish. Cobæa scandens. In favourable localities in the southern and western counties this well-known greenhouse plant thrives against an outside wall, and will cover a considerable space of trellis- work during summer. It should be planted in light rich soil, and if watered liberally during the growing season will soon cover a large space and flower freely. With some protection it will survive an ordinary winter. Plants may easily be raised from seeds, which should be sown during spring in a frame or hand-light. Cuttings also strike readily in a brisk heat in spring. The variegated form must be raised from cuttings. a Cocculus carolinus. -Like the Moonseed (Menispermum canadense), this is twining shrub with inconspicuous flowers. It is useful as a trailer for arbours, pergolas, and the like, but of no great value. Cockscomb (Celosia). Codonopsis. Interesting and some- times pretty plants of the Bellflower Order, easy to cultivate in light and warm soils, C. ovata (known as Glossocomia ovata) being a fine bushy plant. They are suited for warm borders. Some are annuals, but most are hardy perennial flowers from the mountains of India. 66 Colchicum (Meadow Saffron).—Hardy bulbs, which are often erroneously termed autumn Crocuses," and which flower in the autumn just when the summer-blooming plants have lost their freshness. Un- like many bulbs, their presence early in spring, when the borders are being pre- pared for summer- flowering plants, is not likely to be overlooked, for their leaves, bearing with them the seed- pod, are amongst the earliest harbingers of spring. The individual flowers do not, as a rule, last long, but, as they are produced in succession, there is a long season of bloom. The flowers are often destroyed through being grown in unsuitable positions, viz. in bare beds of soil, where the splashing of the blooms during heavy rainfalls impairs their beauty. A good way is to plant them in grassy places near shrubberies, where the soil is well drained and rich. In the rock-garden, too, among dwarf Sedums and similar subjects, Col- chicums thrive, and make a pretty show 396 COLCHICUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. COLEUS. in autumn, when rock-gardens are often flowerless. They look better in grassy places or in the wild garden than in any formal bed or border. Their naked flowers want the relief and grace ofGrass and foliage. There are about thirty kinds, though only about half of them are in cultivation. Among these there are some whose differences are so slight as to be scarcely worth growing, except in a very full collection. The plants have a rather wide range, some species extending to the Himalayas ; others are found in North Africa ; but the majority are natives of Central and Southern Europe. Though there are so many names to be found in catalogues, the distinct kinds are few, and there is such a striking similarity nale, are natives of Europe, and from a garden standpoint are identical. C. Parkinsoni. -Adistinct andbeautiful plant, readily distinguished from any of the foregoing by the peculiar chequered markings of its violet- purple flowers. It produces its flowers in autumn and its leaves in spring. Other similar kinds are Bivona, variegatum, Agrippinum, chionense, tessellatum, all of which have the flowers chequered with dark purple on a white ground. C. speciosum, from the Caucasus, is large and beautiful, and valuable for the garden in autumn, when its large rosy- purple flowers appear nearly 1 ft. above the ground. Like the rest ofthe Meadow Saffrons, C. speciosum is as well suited Colchicum in Grass. among these that they may be con- veniently classed in groups. The best known is C. autumnale, commonly called the autumn Crocus. The flowers appear before the leaves, rosy purple, in clusters of about six, 2 or 3 in. above the surface, flowering from September to November. There are several varieties, the chief being the double purple, white and striped ; roseum, rose-lilac ; striatum, rose-lilac, striped with white ; pallidum, pale rose ; album, pure white ; and atropurpureum, deep purple. Similar to C. autumnale are C. arenarium, byzantinum , montanum, crociflorum , lætum, lusitanicum , neapolitanum , alpinum, hymetticum ; all, like autumfor the rock-garden as the border, thriving in any soil ; but to have it in perfection, choose a situation exposed to the sun, with sandy soil--in fact, a spot likely to dry up during summer ; here the plants will luxuriate, and enjoy the autumn, winter, and early spring rains. Coleus. A few kinds of these prettyleaved plants succeed in the open air in summer, and, when used judiciously, give a fine effect. In some of the London parks they are arranged by themselves in large masses, generally of one kind only. Though there is a host of varieties, few succeed in the open air. Mr. Wildsmith, of Heckfield, writes : " We have tried at least a score of varieties for bedding- out, with the result that the first kind recom- COLLETIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. COLLOMIA. 397 mended (Verschaffelti) is still the only one that succeeds well. The culture of all the varieties is of the simplest nature ; cuttings strike freely in any sandy soil, in Colchicum Parkinsoni. a moist heat of 70°. As soon as struck, pot them in light loam, containing a tenth part of well-rotted manure ; grow them on in a moist heat of from 65° to 70°, not allowing them to get pot-bound till they have attained the size desired, and at all times well exposing them to the light, to bring out their colour. For bedding- out they should be struck in March, grown on in warmth till about the middle of May, and then gradually inured to full exposure in readiness for planting out the first week in June." Colletia. -Shrubs from Chili, some species of which are hardy enough for the open air in all but the coldest parts ofthe country. Theyhave spiny branches with a few minute leaves. C. cruciata is the commonest ; its stems are armed with stout flattened spines, its flowers white and small, making a bush about 4 ft. high. C bictoniensis is the same as C. cruciata. C. spinosa has its spines round or awl-shaped, and, when in bloom, is prettier than C. cruciata, as the white flowers, though small, are very numerous in summer. Underfavourable conditions, C. spinosa grows much taller than C. cruciata, and against a wall will attain a height of 10 ft. It makes a formidable hedge in the southern counties, where it flourishes. C. serratifolia is less common than the others, but is pretty when in bloom, the whole bush being a mass of tiny white blooms. It grows tall and slender, either planted in the open or against a wall. Collinsia. A charming family of N. American annuals, and very dressy and pretty in spring where well grown. If sown in autumn, they will, on many soils, survive the winter, and flower much better than spring- sown plants, the flowers coming early. They are of the easiest culture if sown in the open air. Plants from seed sown in spring flower in twelve weeks. There are from nine to a dozen species or varieties in cultivation and enumerated in the catalogues, the only one requiring special treatment being C. verna, which must be sown in autumn. " The seeds of this kind (says Mr. W. Thompson) must be sown about the end of August, or from that time to the middle of September, in pans of light vegetable soil kept thoroughly damp. In a fortnight the seedlings will show themselves, and when they have made their first pair of leaves (besides the seed- lobes) theyshould be pricked out singly in pans, boxes, or pots ; in pots if they are intended for blooming under glass . From this moment it is important to keep them cool and damp, and as near the glass as practicable, so that their growth may not be forced. If intended to bloom in the open ground, they may be planted out in light rich soil, in partially shaded situa- tions, or on a north or north- west aspect, and they will require no attention but slight protection during severe weather. Thus treated they will, in ordinary seasons, commence blooming early in April, and continue in flower six or eight weeks." Notwithstanding its charming colour, C. verna has never become so wellknown as C. bicolor, grandiflora, violacea, heterophylla, and the otherforms. The prettiest use for these plants is for the spring - garden in beds, or occasionally as a broad edging. Collomia coccinea.-A bright annual, I ft. to 18 in. high, flowering in summer and autumn. Sow it in April in open ground ; or else in a frame in autumn and protect it during winter, if good plants are desired either for pots or plant- ing out. On warm soils it grows best and sows itself every year, surviving the winter, and, consequently, growing much stronger and taller. 398 CONVALLARIA . COLT'S- FOOT. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . Colt's-foot ( Tussilago). Columbine (Aquilegia). Colutea(Bladder Senna).- The Bladder Sennas cannot be called choice flowering shrubs, but they are very useful for poor hungry soils, particularly for dry sunny banks where few other plants can exist. Like the Gorse and a few other shrubs of the Pea family, they delight in a dry sandy soil, and when in flower, which is during several weeks in late summer and in autumn, they have a pretty appearance, their foliage being light and elegant. They have numerous names, but there are only one or two distinct kinds. The commonest is C. arborescens, which, under favourable conditions, grows 6 or 8 ft. high, has large flowers, varying in different varieties from yellow to a deep reddishyellow. C. cruenta, C. haleppica, and C. media are smaller, and have bright yellow flowers ; but all have much the same aspect. Comfrey (Symphytum). Commelina cœlestis ( Blue Commelisse). A charming old garden plant with flowers of a very fine blue. There is a white variety, C. c. alba, about 2 ft. high, covered with blossoms from early summer till autumn. C. cœlestis delights in light, well-drained soils. The roots are fleshy, and suffer from severe frosts ; and in some districts it is advisable to cover them with coal-ashes on the approach of winter. In cold wet districts the roots may be lifted, and stored in dry leaf- mould, or the plant may be treated as a half-hardy annual ; the seed being sown in heat, the seedlings being pricked off into small pots as soon as they are fit to handle, and planted out about the end of May. The roots, if lifted and stored in winter, will be the better for a start in slight heat in spring, and may be increased by division. On some warm or stony soils, and in districts near the sea where light soil prevails, C. cœlestis grows like a weed. It is so fine in colour that a group or small bed is always welcome. Mexico. Compass-plant ( Silphium laciniatum). Comptonia asplenifolia ( Sweet Fern). --A quaint little shrub 2 to 3 ft. high, Fern-like in leaf, the leaves long and cut into rounded lobes, somewhat like those ofthe Ceterach, and aromatic. It spreads freely in sandy soils, and may be increased by layers, suckers, or seeds. A pretty plant in the sandy woods of New Jersey, and many other parts of N. America, and it would be happy in like places in this country if we had it plentiful enough to naturalise. In gardens its place is among small shrubs and on the margins of peat beds. Conandron ramondioides. -A small Japanese plant allied to Ramondia, having thick wrinkled leaves, in flat tufts, from which arise erect flower- stems some 6 in. high, bearing numerous lilac- purple and white blossoms. Though said to be quite hardy, it requires a sheltered position, such as is afforded by snug nooks in the rock- garden. Plants placed between blocks of stone thrive if there is a good depth of soil in the chink and the soil is moist. Convallaria majalis (Lily- of-the- Valley). This universal favourite delights in partial shade and moisture, and in a rich light soil that can be readily penetrated by its fibrous roots. It is found in mountain copses sheltered by shrubs, and in the forest under trees. The best situation for it is partial shelter and shade from wall, fence, or trees. It is well to have a plantation of Lilies-of-the-Valley upon a south aspect, for the sake of earliness and of producing them in succession, for by this means flowers may be gathered a fortnight or three weeks earlier than otherwise. The best places are those under shady walls. Give liberal surface- dressings of rotten manure, and an abundant supply of moisture throughout active growth. The chief point to guard against is frost, this being destructive to the blooms, which appear with the leaves. A few Spruce or other evergreen branches placed sparsely over the beds are an efficient protection, and afford a beneficial shelter, encouraging growth. Preference should be given to a soft loamy soil well enriched with rotten manure, though fine Lilies may be grown in rather heavy loam. In preparing soft loam it will be best to give a liberal admixture of leaf- soil and sharp sand. Whatever the soil, it should be moderately firm before planting. The best time to plant is early in autumn, immediately after the foliage decays, selecting the crowns singly and dividing them. For beds likely to remain undisturbed for several years, the crowns maybe planted 2 or even 3 in. apart, as they do not become crowded so soon as to require thinning out. Cover the surface after planting with 1 or 2 in. of rotten manure, thorough maturity being only insured by repeated applications of water-weak manure- water being the most effective . Treated thus, with annual surfacedressings of manure, the beds will keep in good condition for years, and bear fine blossoms in abundance. Whenthe plants become crowded with shoots they should be thinned out, or, better still, lifted and CONVOLVULUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CONVOLVULUS. 399 replanted, for weakly, abortive crowns tend to retard vigorous development. C. majalis is now largely forced into flower early, the roots being usually imported from the Continent, where they are grown and prepared for the purpose. It may be naturalised, too, on any place sufficiently moist and shaded, and soon spreads into broad masses. There is a variety with gold-striped foliage, and another with double flowers, but this is not pretty. The finest form is called Fontin's, which is much more robust than the common kind, having larger flowers. Convolvulus (Bindweed).--Handsome soil, and, like its relation the Bindweed, is readily increased by division of the roots, which creep. Caucasus. C. major ( Ipomaa). C. mauritanicus (Blue Rock Bindweed). A beautiful prostrate twining plant, with slender stems. Flowers blue, I in. across, with a white throat and yellow anthers. The rock-garden, and raised borders ; supposed to require sunny positions, in sandy, well- drained soil, but I find it very fine on stiffish cool soils, and a plant well repaying attention. Division or cuttings. C. minor (see C. tricolor). Convallaria majalis (Lily- of-the- Valley). climbing herbs ; very hardy, and where properly used effective. C. althæoides (Riviera Bindweed).— This pretty Bindweed grows in many places around the basin of the Mediterranean, but is happy in an English garden. It is cheery in the colour of its rosy- pink cups, and graceful in growth, hardy, and good for a border or a bank, or for the rough rock-garden. C. dahuricus (Dahurian C. )-Ashowy twining perennial, bearing in summer rosy-purple flowers. Excellent for covering bowers, railings, stumps, cottages, &c., and also for naturalisation in hedgerows and copses. It grows in almost any C. pubescens fl. -pl. (Double Bindweed). -Very handsome and useful for clothing trellises, stumps, porches, and rustic- work. It grows rapidly to the height of 6 ft. The flowers are large, double, and of a pale rose. They appear in June and onward, continuing for some months. The Double Bindweed likes a light rich soil and a warm aspect. It may be grown in large pots, tubs, or boxes, and prettily used for forming small bowers on balconies, to hide low fences, or to climb round posts. Division. China. C. Scammonia ( Scammony) is a beautiful slender plant, having, throughout the summer, a profusion of large white 400 CONVOLVULUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. COPTIS. blossoms. It grows well in any position or soil, and is a capital plant for rambling over roots, low shrubs, and such objects. There are in gardens other species such as C. Cneorum, lineatus, Cantabrica, dorycnoides, and erubescens, but they are either too tender or too inconspicuous for general cultivation. C. sepium ( The Greater Bindweed).- This, although generally a great pest, may be a most useful and beautiful auxiliary in certain spots where it would not be a nuisance ; but it is surpassed by the larger white C. sylvaticus. C. Soldanella ( Sea Bindweed).-A distinct trailing species with fleshy leaves ; flowering in summer ; with pale red flowers, large and handsome. The rockgarden, if planted so that its shoots droop - white (albus), striped violet and white (striatus), and rich purple ( splendens). Others again differ in habit of growth, like unicaulis, which has flowers crowded at the tips of the branches. The forms monstrosus, undulatus, quadricolor, and kermesinus are desirable ; in fact, every variety is worth growing. C. tricolor being perfectly hardy, may be sown in the open ground in September for flowering in spring, or sown in February, in a heated frame, for transplanting in May for mid- summer flowering, and in the open ground from April to the end of May for flower- ing in late summer and autumn. C. tricolor likes good warm soil , not too dry or too wet, especially for the autumn- sown plants, which have to stand the winter. (= C. minor. ) Convolvulus sylvaticus. over the brows of rocks. for borders, in ordinary soil. Europe and Britain. Also suited Division. C. sylvaticus. -No plant forms more beautiful and delicate curtains of foliage and flowers than this, which grows vigorously in any soil. The wild garden is the place where it is most at home, and where its vigorous roots may ramble without doing injury to other plants. Among bushes or hedges, over railings, or on rough banks, it is charming, and takes care of itself. C. tricolor. One of the most beautiful of hardy annuals, too well known to need description. There are now in cultivation numerous varieties, varying more or less in colour of flowers or in habit of growth. The flowers of the type are blue, yellow, and white, but there are varieties entirely Cooperia. A small group of bulbs of the Amaryllis family. There are in culti- vation two kinds-C. Drummondi and C. pedunculata. C. Drummondi has small bulbs, narrow leaves, and flower- stalks produced late in summer. These stalks are terminated by single flowers, the long tubular blossoms pure white, and fragrant like a Primrose. C. pedunculata is somewhat similar, but is a night- flowering plant. They are both natives of Texas, and are not perfectly hardy. They thrive, however, in the warmer parts of England, in sunny sheltered borders of light soil, but it is advisable to give them frame-protection in winter. They are lovely plants, growing well in pots and in frames. Coprosma Baueriana variegata is a tender shrubby plant, with shining green leaves broadly banded with creamyyellow. It is useful for margins of large beds or borders. It is easily increased by cuttings put in in spring or early in summer, on a gentle bottom-heat under bell- glasses, and not allowed to get too dry. It is often used in the flower garden with good effect, and should be taken up and housed in autumn to keep it from severe frosts. New Zealand. Coptis trifoliata (Gold Thread).-A little evergreen bog plant 3 or 4 in. high, COPTIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CORDYLINE. 401 with trifoliate shining leaves, deriving its common name from its long bright yellow roots. It is occasionally grown in moist peat or very moist sandy soil. Division. Coral Root (Dentaria bulbifera). Cordyline australis, Bosachan, Cornwall. in botanic gardens. Northern parts of America, Asia, and Europe, flowering in summer ; flowers white. Easily grown Cordyline. Although common in greenhouses, and also frequently in sub- tropical gardening, it is only in the mildest parts of England and Ireland that Cordyline can be grown well in the open air. In the neighbourhood of London it has occasionally been tried , but, although it may survive a mild winter, it succumbs to hard frost. In the Isle of Wight, and from thence along the shores of Devonshire and Cornwall to the Scilly Isles, it succeeds well, forming a fine feature even in cottage gardens, whilst in some larger gardens D D 402 CORDYLINE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. COREOPSIS. whole avenues of it are planted . But, in far less favoured places, it is often seen thriving for years in the open air, though it is not worth trying in cold, high, and inland places, especially on clay soils. The true C. indivisa is distinct, and a large number of plants have at different times been in cultivation ; owing, however, to their being treated as tropical plants, they usually proved short-lived, and C. indivisa is now a rare plant. One of the finest specimens in the country is in Mr. Rashleigh's garden at Menabilly, Cornwall. Its habit is rather remarkable, being of so very dwarf a growth that plants old enough to have become numerously branched have not attained a height of more than 3 or 4 ft. , but form low- spreading bushes. Even in the greenhouse it displays the same stunted appearance. The leaves are 6 to 9 in. long, pointed, and dark green, forming a compact, rounded head, that may be compared with the stiff- leaved variety of C. australis in miniature. C. indivisa is also a native of New Zealand, and there are many forms. C. i . lineata is a fine variety, with leaves much broader than those of the type. They are sometimes 4 in. across, and are coloured with reddish pink at the sheathing base. Other good forms are C. i. atro-purpurea, with the base of the leaf and the midrib on the under side of a dark purple colour ; and C. i . Veitchi, in which the habit and size of the leaf are the same as in the species, but with a sheathing base in addition, and with the midrib on the under side of a beautiful deep red. Where it does well in the garden or pleasure-ground in the southern western counties it surpasses any Yucca in distinctness and grace. At Knockmaroon Lodge, near Dublin, a plant, 16 ft. high, with a stem some 6 in. in diameter, annually flowered and bore an abundance of seeds, from which seedlings were easily raised in a cold frame. În the Scilly Islands the plant becomes a great tree, luxuriating in the mildness and moisture from the Gulf Stream. The fact that in Dublin young plants annually flower and ripen seed is sufficient proof of its hardiness and of its prospects of success in many districts. It is readily increased also from pieces of the stem and offsets. If a plant is cut down close to the ground, there soon spring up a number of young shoots, which can be taken off as cuttings, and which strike with freedom. Recent severe winters may have hurt it in many places ; but after so many years' success no one in a or likely district will give up its culture.- B.The following notes relative to the specimen here figured have been kindly sent us by Mr. A. P. Vivian, in whose garden the plant is growing : -- "The Cordyline figured was planted out from a small pot in 1878, and has now attained a height of 16 ft. The stem, which, at the ground-line, measures 2 ft. 7 in. in circumference, runs up straight and clean to about 10 ft. The head, which is much divided, measures II ft. through, and this season produced twenty-one beautiful flower-spikes, varying from 5 to 6 ft. long, and thickly studded with white bell- shaped flowers. This plant is also interesting while the seed is passing through the various stages of ripeness, from white, pale pink, to dark brown, and the fertility of it is proved by the many fine specimens to be found here that have been raised from it within the last few years. It also throws up suckers, which, if carefully divided, do very well. As a pot plant for house or table decoration it has few equals, and, with a little attention, it will last in beauty for many weeks. " A Coreopsis (Tickseed).-This family of North American Composites, which now includes Calliopsis, contains several important garden plants—the annuals being showy summer flowers, and the peren- nials valuable late-blooming plants. One ofthe best ofthe perennials is C. auriculata, about 2 ft. high, with a spreading growth, and bearing, in autumn, abundance of rich yellow blossoms on slender stalks. useful plant for cutting from ; grows well in any ordinary soil, and freely propagated by seed or division. Nearly allied and similar to it is C. lanceolata, an equally showy plant, also delighting in a rich damp soil. C. tenuifolia is a pretty plant, with elegant feathery foliage and rich golden-yellow blossoms from summer till autumn. C. verticillata is similar to it, and is also a showy border plant. Neither of these is so robust as the taller kinds, and they therefore require more select spots, such as the front rows of a mixed border in the rougher parts of the rock-garden. Other perennials in cultivation are C. palmata, maritima, tripteris, and delphinifolia, but they are not of great value. The annuals are among the showiest summer flowers ; being hardy, they make a fine display in spring from seeds sown in September ; while an almost continuous bloom may be had from July to October by sowing successively from early March till the COREOPSIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. COREOPSIS. 403 middle of June in ordinary garden soilthat of a moist description being preferable for the spring sowings. The following are the principal annuals : C. aristosa, 2to 3 ft. high, with large golden-yellow blossoms ; C. Atkinsoniana, I to 3 ft. high, flowers orange-yellow spotted with brown showy plant. It fully deserves its name, as its flowers are very much larger than those of any other Coreopsis grown in gardens, whether annual or perennial. When first introduced it was said, on the authority of Dr. Gray, that its blooms were about the same size as those of C. lanceoКон Coreopsis tinctoria. in centre ; C. coronata, orange- yellow, with a circle of brownish crimson in centre ; C. Drummondi, 1 to 1 ft. high, golden-yellow ; C. tinctoria, 1 to 3 ft. high, flowers crimson-brown tipped with orangeyellow. Coreopsis grandiflora is a very fine lata, but it was not long in cultivation before it produced flowers that altogether surpassed in size and beauty even the best forms of the older C. lanceolata. The first group that I grew bloomed from early summer till early winter, but not one plant survived. In two smaller DD 2 404 COREOPSIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CORNUS. groups of plants raised last year some plants at the present time have strong side shoots that will certainly grow again another year, whilst those that flowered most freely are very weak and in all probability will die. Some may think this discouraging, but the plant ripens an abundance of seed even whilst flowering, and it is advisable if prolonged blooming | is desired to keep the faded flower-heads picked off, except such as are wanted for quarters in autumn. The leaves of this species are quite distinct from those of C. lanceolata, being large, pinnate, and like those of the old C. auriculata. Its handsome flowers are borne on strong stems 12 to 18 in. in length. In the garden the flowers are brilliant and long- lasting, and they are also valuable for cutting. -A. H. Coris monspeliensis (Montpelier C.)- A pretty dwarf plant, about 6 in. high, usually biennial in our gardens, thriving on dry sunny parts of the rockgarden, in sandy soil, and among dwarf plants. South of France. Seed. Cornflower (Centaurea Cyanus). Cornish Heath (Erica vagans). Cornish Moneywort (SibCoreopsis Drummondi. seed. In raising it from seed, slight variations occur as regards the size of flowers, and it will be wise therefore to encourage and save seed from the finest. Even if we eventually come to treat it entirely as an annual, this will not detract from its value, for it is a graceful flower and worthy of special care. Raising a batch of seedlings once a year is easily done. The seed may be sown at any time in spring, and strong plants be ready to put out into their flowering thorpia). Corn Marigold (Chrysantheтит). Cornus (Dogwood : Cornel). -Most ofthe Dogwoods known in cultivation are shrubs or small trees, distributed throughout Europe, Asia, and temperate America ; a few occur in Mexico and the Himalayan region, and one in Peru. All are readily raised from seeds, and nearly all can be propagated freely from cuttings. Those which do not strike easily are increased by means of layering. The very dwarf species (Cornus cana- densis and C. suecica) like a damp bottom, and their slender underground stems run freely in a peaty soil or in a light rich ground, and they are easily divided at the root. Many of the Cornels are pretty shrubs, and useful in the park and pleasuregarden, or along watercourses, and in wild unkept spots. The shoots of C. alba and C. alba sibirica give fine colour ; indeed, the younger growths of the variety sibirica are a beautiful red, deeper and brighter than that of the growths of any shrub which is hardy in Britain. Cornus alba, the white-fruited Dogwood, is a native of Siberia and Northern Asia, growing to a height of from 5 to 10 ft. , with slender branches clothed with bright-red bark, giving a charming effect all through the year, either in a mass or as a specimen plant on a lawn or in the shrubbery. The flowers, white or cream- coloured, are in crowded cymes, followed CORNUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CORNUS. 405 by white fruits. The variety Spathi is one of the finest in our climate, at anyrateof shrubs with coloured leaves. In spring the leaves are bronzy, in summer deeply and irregularly margined with gold. The habit of the plant is vigorous, the variegation constant, and the foliage does not scorch in bright sunlight, as is the case in not a few plants with golden variegated leaves. C. alba sibirica is dwarfer in habit than typical C. alba, but has still brighter- coloured bark. Nothing is definitely known of the origin of this charming shrub. Apparently the first mention ofit is in Loddiges' catalogue for 1836. There is aform of this variety with variegated leaves, but it is not so desirable as the type. C. alternifolia is found wild in rich woods and along borders of streams and swamps from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and south along the Alleghanies to North Alabama. It forms a shrub or tree from 5 to 25 ft. high, with deep- green bark with pale-yellow flowers in clusters followed by deep-blue berries borne on bright-red stalks. The species owes its name to the fact that the branchlets and leaves, instead of being opposite to each other, as in most of the other species of the genus, are alternate. Full-grown plants make handsome pyramids with branches arranged in flat horizontally spreading tiers. C. asperifolia. -A native of the Eastern United States from Ontario and Iowa southward to Carolina ; a tall , erect-growing, distinct species, with reddish- brown branchlets, roughly hairy narrow leaves and small flowers, followed by showy white berries in red-stalked clusters. This species grows naturally in dry or sandy soils. C. Baileyi. This extends from the region of the Great Lakes into Canada, and is distinguished from C. stolonifera by its erect habit, by its not being stoloniferous, by the duller and browner bark, the pearly white fruit, and the white woolliness of the lower leaf surfaces. It grows on the sand-dunes about the lakes, "often in the loosest, shifting white sands," as Professor Bailey writes, and flowers continuously all summer from June to September. C. canadensis (the dwarf Cornel or Bunchberry) is a pretty little herbaceous plant with creeping underground rhizomes and upright simple stems from 4 to 8 in. high, the leaves in a whorl of four orsix near the summit of the stems ; the true flowers are minute, but the four rather large white or cream-coloured bracts conspicuous. The berries are red and show well above the short stems : in taste they are sweet and palatable. This species grows in Japan and Mandschuria, and across the continent of N. America, extending as far north as the Fir forests, and is one of the prettiest plants for the bog garden or the cool parts ofthe rock-garden. C. capitata. Perhaps this plant is more widely known under the name of Benthamia fragifera. C. circinata. This is conspicuous by reason of its large round leaves, which are 4 or 5 in. long and 3 in. or more wide, and its clusters of bright- blue fruits, each individual being about the size of a Pea. It is 3 ft. or more-rarely reaching 10 ft. -in height, and has rather rigid erect stems covered with warted bark, which is at first pale green, and later becomes light brown or purple. The flowers are small, yellowish white in colour. A native of the Eastern United States. C. florida ( the Flowering Dogwood) is very showy in flower, scarcely less so in fruit, and very beautiful in autumn when the leaves change colour before falling. Unfortunately, we do not obtain sufficient summer heat to thoroughly ripen the wood, and so the flowering of this species in Britain is a rare occurrence, although it was one of the earliest amongst North American shrubs to find its way to British gardens. Are there flowering specimens of this in Britain now, and, if so, where ? I saw it in fine flower many years ago in Northern France, and ever since then have longed to see it bloom in this country, but in vain. Perhaps if grown against a wall in a sunny spot the wood might get sufficiently ripened to produce flowers. C. Kousa is a native of Japan, and was exhibited in fine condition by Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons at one of the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society in 1892. It is quite hardy, but needs to be thorough- ly well established and several years old before it really shows to advantage. The white flowers appear in May and June. C. macrophylla. -This occurs from North India to Japan, and is a handsome shrub or small tree of vigorous habit, and when old, with large showy clusters of small cream-coloured flowers. C. brachypoda is united with this now by botanists who have studied the genus, and the following names also represent plants we have seen in gardens and cannot distinguish from C. macrophylla : C. glauca, C. Religiana (perhaps Regeliana is meant), C. Theleriana. There is also a variegated form, of no particular merit as an orna- mental plant. C. mas (the Cornelian Cherry or Jew's Cherry) . Although the individual flowers 406 CORNUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CORONILLA. of this species are small, they are borne so freely by old trees that, perhaps with the exception of the Witch Hazels and Jasminum nudiflorum, there are no large shrubs flowering in February or March which can vie with it, the clusters of bright- yellow flowers being very conspicuous on the leafless twigs. Old trees fruit freely, and bear fruit half an inch long or more, bright red and individually as handsome as a Cherry or small Plum. On the Continent in many places selected varieties are grown for the sake ofthe fruit, which is excellent for preserving. Amongst the forms are some with yellow, bright blood- red, and violet- coloured fruits, and an- other with fruit much larger than that of the wild plant. Koch recommends C. mas as a hedge plant, and no doubt it would make an effective and pretty fence. The Cornelian Cherry is a native of Central and Southern Europe, and sometimes attains 20 ft. in height. There are many fine- leaved varieties ; the best are C. mas variegata, a pretty shrub with white variegated leaves, and C. mas elegantissima, with gold and green leaves often suffused with red. C. Nuttalli is the western representative of the eastern C. florida, and is even a more beautiful tree, in its native habitats 50 or 60 ft. high. Generally it has six large, broad white bracts 2 in. or 3 in. long, so that the so- called flower measures 4 in. or 6 in. across . It is one of the most beautiful trees in the forests in many parts of California and Oregon. C. Nuttalli has been recently introduced to European gardens, and no difficulty is experienced in its cultivation. Perhaps when a few years older it will succeed better-as far as flowering is concerned-in our climate than C. florida. In some parts of the Eastern United States it does not live more than a year or two ; seeds germinate there freely, but the seedlings die before they get a foot high. C. officinalis takes the place in Corea and Japan of our Cornelian Cherry, which it resembles in general aspect. It may, however, be readily distinguished from C. mas by the tufts of rusty-coloured hairs in the axils of the principal veins of the leaf. It is quite hardy in England. C. paniculata has flowers whiter than most of the other N. American species, in panicled clusters in great abundance, and followed by showy fruits varying from white to pale blue in colour. Sometimes it attains tree-like dimensions ( 20 ft . ). It has smooth gray bark, narrow, pointed, pale leaves, green on both surfaces, and likes moist soil. C. pubescens. -This occurs from Southern California to Vancouver Island and British Columbia, forming a shrub from 4 to 12 ft. high, and has smooth purplish branches, with more or less hairy branchlets and oval leaves, whitish and silky beneath. The white flowers are borne in compact cymes, and are followed bywhite fruit. C. sanguinea. Our native Dogwood is not so ornamental as most of the species already mentioned, and its dark dull-red bark is not nearly so bright and effective as that of C. alba and its varieties. C. sanguinea candidissima has light yellowish- green bark, and is a curious and interesting form . The variety latifolia has much broader, larger leaves than the type. A variegated form is not worth a place in the shrubbery, as the colouring is not decided and by no means constant. C. sericea has yellow rather than white flowers, borne in rather small clusters , and in such abundance as to make the plant very attractive when in bloom. The habit, too, is excellent ; the long graceful branches spread over the ground and form fine masses of foliage. The bark is dull purple in colour, and the fruit is a pale blue. This kind likes wet ground, growing from 3 to 10 ft. in height, and is a native of the Eastern United States. C. stolonifera, the red Osier Dogwood, is widely distributed throughout the North- ern United States. It spreads and multiplies freely by prostrate or subterranean shoots, and grows 6 or 8 ft. high ; the leaves light green above and paler beneath ; fruit varying from white to lead colour. In winter the growths, especially those ofthe previous season, are of a bright red- purple colour. In its native habitats it affects wet places, but in Britain I have seen it do well in dry ground. C. suecica is a native of Northern and Arctic Europe, Asia, and America, in Britain occurring on high moorlands from Yorkshire northwards, and ascends to 3000 ft. It is a charming little plant, flowering in July and August, with conspicuous, rather large white bracts, fol- lowed by red drupes. This species, like C. canadensis, grows but a few inches high and with unbranched stems from slender creeping root- stocks. It should be grown in light soil or in peat in partial shade in the bog garden. - N. Coronilla, a small genus of the Pea family, consisting chiefly of shrubs, but containing at least two really good herbaceous plants, which are valuable for the rock-garden and the mixed border. They are C. iberica and C. varia. CORONILLA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CORYLOPSIS. 407 C. Emerus (Scorpion Senna).—An elegant loose bush, 3 to 6 ft. high, with small pinnate leaves, which, in mild seasons, remain green through the winter. The flowers are reddish when first ex- panded, but become quite yellow. It blooms freely in early summer, and flowers again in autumn. This is the only bushy Coronilla that can be satisfactorily grown in the open air generally, but in mild districts C. glauca, a beautiful shrub with glaucous foliage and yellow flowers, usually grown in greenhouses, may be grown out- of- doors. C. iberica is about 1 ft. high, and has a dense tuft of slender stems that trail on the ground or fall gracefully over the ledge of a rock. It makes a pretty show in early summer with its bright-yellow blossoms, resting on deep-green foliage. Its place is the rock-garden, where it delights to send its roots down the side of a big stone, to plenty of good soil, not less than 18 in. deep. Groups of three or four will, in a year or two, result in masses of colour that will compare with any alpine flower. It also does well on the margins of borders, but not so well as on a bank or in the rock-garden. Cuttings, inserted in early spring. C. varia. A handsome, free, and graceful plant, with pretty rose- coloured flowers ; found in stony places and on many railway banks in France and Northern Italy, forming low dense tufts, sheeted with rosy pink, their beauty marking them among the weeds. It ought to be in every garden as a border flower, or naturalised. Perhaps, however, the most graceful use for it would be to plant it on some tall bare rock, and allow its vigorous shoots and bright little coronets to form a curtain to the stone. It is also admirable for chalky banks, or for running among low-trailing shrubs. There is a deep rose- coloured variety named Hauskneckti well worthy of culture, and another called compacta. species in cultivation are montana, lib- anotica, minima, valentina, ramosissima, and vaginalis. Seeds. Other Cortusa (Alpine Sanicle).- Plants resembling Primroses of the cortusoides type, but which have become less impor- tant since the introduction of finer forms of primroses. C. Matthioli is a Piedmontese plant, about 1 ft. high, and thrives in peat, in shady or half- shady spots. C. pubens, more recently introduced, requires the same treatment. Corydalis (Fumitory).-A numerous family, not many of the species worth cultivation, though some are important. C. Ledebouriana (Ledebour's Fumitory).—Distinct on account of its peculiar glaucous leaves, arranged in a whorl about half-way up the stem, 9 to 12 in. high. Flowers are a deep vinous purple, with pinkish spurs. It is early and hardy. C. lutea (Yellow Fumitory).--This well-known plant is not so much esteemed as it deserves, for its graceful masses of delicate pale- green leaves are dotted with spurred yellow flowers. It is pretty in borders, and grows to perfection on walls, and the tufts, when emerging from some chink in a fortress wall where rain never falls upon them, are often as full of flower as when planted in fertile soil. It is well suited for the rougher rock and root work. A naturalised plant in England, and widely spread over Continental Europe. Division or seeds. In any stony position it spreads about with weed-like rapidity. C. nobilis (Noble Fumitory).—A dis- tinct and handsome plant, 10 in. or I ft. high ; the flower- stems are stout and leafy to the top, and in summer bear a massive head of rich golden- yellow flowers with a small reddish- chocolate protuberance in the centre of each. It is easy of culture in light borders, but is rather slow of increase. Where it does not thrive as a border plant, it should be placed in deep, light, rich soil on the lower flanks of the rock-garden, and associated with plants of the vigour and stature of the Vernal Adonis, the American Cowslip, and the Rocky Mountain Columbine. Siberia. Division. C. solida (Bulbous Fumitory).-A compact tuberous- rooted kind, 4 in. to 6 or 7 in. high, with dull purplish flowers in April, and a solid bulbous root, quite hardy, and of easy culture in almost any soil. A pretty little plant for borders, for naturalising in open spots in woods, and also for the spring garden. It is naturalised in several parts of England, but its home is in the warmer parts of Europe. ( Syn., Fumaria solida. ) ´ Very like it in appearance is C. tuberosa ( = C. cava), with the small floral leaves entire ; and this has a good white variety, C. tuberosa albiflora. Division. The preceding are the most distinct and useful species. C. aurea, C. bracteata, C. pallida, C. Marschalli, and C. Semenowi are also cultivated. Corylopsis. A small and little- known group of hardy shrubs, allied to the Witch Hazel ( Hamamelis) , from China, Japan, and N. India. They are thin and dwarf, have ribbed leaves resembling the Hazel, and bear flowers in drooping racemes. The oldest and best known 408 CORYPHA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. COTONEASTER. is the Japanese C. spicata, 3 or 4 ft. high, with cowslip- coloured and cowslip- scented flowers, in spikes produced before the leaves in spring, like those of the Witch Hazel. It is quite hardy, though, being rare, it is generally grown against a wall. C. pauciflora, also a native of Japan, is similar to C. spicata. C. Himalayana is a fine type from the Khasya hill region, with yellow and white flowers, and is rare. As these are early spring- flowering shrubs, they should be planted in spots sheltered from cold winds, but the most satisfactory way is against a wall. Coryphaaustralis. -AnobleAustralian palm, over 30 ft. high in its native country, and effective for the sub-tropical garden in summer, from June till October. Its leaves are nearly circular, often more than 5 ft. broad, on spiny leaf- stalks, from 6 to nearly 10 ft. long. It requires abundance of water, and should have a warm, sunny, and sheltered position. Few places, however, can have tropical subjects of this character in the open, except where there are large conservatories. It Cosmos. -Mexican plants of the Composite family. One species, C. bipinnatus, is a handsome annual, 3 ft. to 5 ft. high, having finely divided feathery foliage, and large Dahlia-like bright-red- purple blossoms, with yellow centres. requires to be treated as a tender annual, sowing the seeds in February or March in a heated frame, and the seedlings transplanted in May in good, rich, moist soil, with a warm exposure. It flowers from August to October. Good for grouping with bold and graceful annuals, and better than many more popular ones. C. atropurpurea, called the " Black Dahlia," is a handsome perennial, with nearly black Dahlia-like flowers--does well in ordinary soil. Costmary (Balsamita vulgaris). Cotoneaster (Rockspray). - Valuable rock-shrubs and low trees of much variety. Some of the rock-trailing kinds are common, but the bright-berried low trees from the mountains of India are little used. These might give good effects if grouped here and there on rough banks, and they are very hardy and easy to grow. The trailing kinds are excellent rock and wall plants of very easy culture and propagation. One (C. horizontalis), lately come from India, is a beautiful rock-shrub. C. frigida.--A low tree reaching 20 ft. or more. During mild winters some of the leaves will be retained throughout the year, while if the weather is very sharp it will become quite bare, the showy fruits being of a bright crimson. If untouched by birds, the berries retain their beauty a long time ; but, if the weather be severe, they soon disappear. Mountains of India. C. affinis is allied to the preceding, from which it differs in the leaves being larger, the branches stouter, while the habit is more tree- like. C. bacillaris, another low tree, is freeflowering. The berries that succeed them are brown when ripe, and they are, therefore, not so conspicuous in autumn. C. acuminata is rather an upright, straggling shrub, with pointed leaves and bright-red berries. It is deciduous. This Cotoneaster bears a certain resemblance to the better-known C. Simonsi, but it is altogether more vigorous and straggling in habit, and far from common. C. Simonsi. This is less graceful than many of the others, perhaps, its style of growth being rather thin and straggling, but in planting this can at least be modified by association with other subjects. The berries of this Cotoneaster are when ripe of an orange- scarlet tint, and the long shoots are in many cases crowded with them for some distance. It is useful for grouping here and there, its main value, however, being from the beauty of its berries. - C. horizontalis. -In this the branches are frond like and almost horizontal, while the small leaves are regularly disposed along the thick sturdy branches. A charm of this species is the manner in which the leaves die off in the autumn : frequently the leaves will be of a glowing red colour, with the exception of those on the tips of the shoots. The berries are very showy, bright vermilion, and the flowers large and pretty. C. C. microphylla, an evergreen thickly clothed with tiny deep-green leaves, in the spring crowded with whitish blossoms, the berries crimson, and, if untouched, remaining on the plants for a long time. There are some well-marked varieties of C. microphylla, one of which-thymifolia -is smaller in all its parts, while congesta is even more of a procumbent habit. microphylla is useful for sloping banks or like positions, while it will cover a wall with such a dense mass that nothing else can be seen. Again, in the larger parts ofthe rock-garden a place may be found for it ; while its variety, congesta, is more at home when draping a large stone than in any other way. On the lawn the spreading shoots dispose themselves in a very pretty way when planted as a small group. C. buxifolia, a free-growing bush that COTONEASTER. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.. CRATEGUS. 409 at times attains the height of 6 ft., form- ing a rather wide-spreading bush, the branches clothed with deep-green boxlike leaves ; the crimson berries, nestling in profusion among the leaves, are pretty in autumn. C. rotundifolia is like the preceding, but with thicker branches and rounder leaves. The berries are of a brighter tint. Both these species may, where a group ofthe larger Cotoneasters is planted, be used for the outskirts ofthe clump. Cotton Grass (Eriophorum). Cotton Thistle ( Carduus eriophorus). | kind, has white flowers and muchbranched stems, the ramifications of which are elegant, but it is not so valuable as C. cordifolia. Cranberry, American ( Vaccinium macrocarpum). Cranesbill ( Geranium). Crassula alpestris. -A pretty rockplant, with creeping and slightly branched stems, which are of a bright reddish tint. The flowers are white with orange- red- tipped stamens, wax-like, and in terminal clusters. Though it is a native of the Cape, from whence we have so many May, Hawthorn. Cotyledon Umbilicus (Wall Navelwort).-A native of Britain, Ireland, and many parts of Western Europe, and common on walls. Of little importance for cultivation, except perhaps now and then in a hardy fernery or a bog. Cowslip (Primula veris). Crambe cordifolia. -One of the finest of hardy and large- leaved herbaceous plants, as easily grown as the common Seakale, and in rich ground having many stout leaves and dense sprays of small white flowers. C. cordifolia may be planted wherever a bold type of vege- tation is desired. C. juncea, a dwarf tender types of Crassula, it proved at Kew quite hardy enough to live unprotected in this climate. It thrives well in the rockgarden, in a thoroughly drained and open position, and continues to flower through- out the summer. Crataegus (Thorns).--Beautiful hardy flowering trees, of which some of the most beautiful kinds are seldom seen outside botanical gardens : many are charming for their flowers, others for their pretty fruits, while in a few the habit is picturesque. Perhaps the most beautiful of all is C. Oxyacantha, the Hawthorn or Whitethorn, and its varieties have every 410 CRATEGUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CRINUM . gradation of tint from deep crimson, through pinks, to the snowy whiteness of the double sort. Paul's Double Scarlet, the double pink, double white, the single scarlet (Punicea), rose ( Carminata or Rosea), and various others are precious for the garden. Some varieties, like the graceful Pendula, are remarkable for their habit, others have distinct foliage, and a few differ as regards fruit, there being white and yellow-berried varieties. Other species deserving of a place in gardens are many. A selection ofthe best includes : The Cockspur Thorn (C. Crusgalli), from North America, usually about 10 ft. high, is remarkable for peculiar growth, especially the variety pyracanthi- folia. In this the branches spread out like a table, and the older the tree be- comes the more pronounced thetable- like growth. Other distinct sorts of the Cockspur Thorn are nana, linearis, ovalifolia, Crinum Moorei album. and prunifolia. The Scarlet-fruited Thorn, also North American, is beautiful both when covered with white bloom in early summer or with scarlet fruits in autumn. The Tansy- leaved Thorn (C. tanacetifolia) is distinct in foliage, with cut leaves of a whitish hue, and it is one of the latest Thorns to flower. C. Azarolus, Aronia, and orientalis are all natives of the Levant, and they are so beautiful in autumn, with fine- coloured fruits as big as Hazel nuts, that they deserve a place. One specimen of any of these on a lawn would be sufficient in a small garden, as they are spreading, and in good soils 15 or 20 ft. high. The Washington Thorn (C. cordata) flowers when all the others are past ; hence its value. C. glandulosa, also known as C. flava, has yellow fruits. C. Douglasi has dark-purple haws, and C. melanocarpa and C. nigra have black haws. The Pyracantha (C. Pyracantha), so common as a wall climber, is a favourite because of its orange- scarlet berries and evergreen foliage. It is suitable for planting in the open, and some beautiful effects may be made by making its spreading and trailing growth serve as a margin to groups of taller Thorns, or other small trees. The variety Lælandi fruits more freely than the common Pyracantha when planted as a bush. The hardy Thorns grow on nearly all kinds of soils with equal vigour. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia Nummu- laria). Creeping Vervain (Zapania nodiflora). Creeping Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens). Crepis (Hawk's-beard).-Of this genus of Compositæ few, save B. rubra, the Red Hawk's-beard, are worthy of culture. It is a hardy Italian annual, bearing pretty pink flowers about the size and form of the Dandelion, and should be sown in spring or autumn like other hardy annuals in any ordinary garden soil. It flowers from June to September, and is suitable for borders or beds of annual flowers. There is also a variety with white flowers. C. aurea is a perennial, 6 to 12 in. high, with small orange blossoms, but seldom more than one to each slender stem. C. incisa is a good species for border, owing to its compact habit and large showy light-purple flowers, as also indica, a dwarf species, free-flowering and pretty. Division and seed. is Crinum. A few South African species of these are hardy, and very beautiful. One of the best-known and the hardiest is C. capense, a handsome bulbous plant, 2 to 3 ft. high, flowering late in summer, the large funnel- shaped pink blossoms in umbels of ten or fifteen blooms on a stout stem. There are several varieties ; album, pure white ; riparium, deep purple ; fortuitum, white ; and striatum, striped pink and white ; and fine hybrids have also been raised-all useful in tufts or small beds, with groups of hardy plants, especially those that flower in late summer and early autumn ; or for grouping and massing near the margin of water. Few plants repay better for a sheltered and warm position, and deep rich soil, with abundance of water in summer, and in very cold situations a little pile of leaves CROCOSMA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CROCUS. 411 may be placed over the roots in winter ; by planting the top of the bulbs 6 in. deep there need be no fear of the weather. Division and seed. C. campanulatum is also hardy, but as it scarcely ever flowers it is not worth growing in the open. C. Moorei and ornatum are in warm districts hardy, and certain hybrids of recent origin may prove hardy. Crocosma aurea (Tritonia). Crocus. Ofa genus of nearly seventy species, it is surprising that only three or four are generally used for garden decora- tion ; and these-C. aureus and C. vernus and their varieties, and perhaps one or two other species--have been in culti- vation at least three hundred years. Crocuses flower at a time when every flower is of value ; and we do not doubt that ere long species recently introduced will add largely to our means of garden decoration during the dull months from late autumn to early spring. CULTURAL DIRECTIONS seem almost superfluous ; but there are a few points to which it may be convenient to refer. The genus must be viewed as in succes- sion, from the beginning of August till April ; but of these only the earlier autumnal, or the distinctly vernal, species can be relied upon for open-air decoration. Although all are hardy, those that flower in November, December, and January are so liable to injury by frost and rain that they are practically worthless. Crocuses are easily multiplied by seed, which should be sown in July as soon as ripe, though germination will not take place till the natural growing period of the species. Seedlings take from two to three years to arrive at maturity, and should be left for the first two years undisturbed in the seed-bed, and then taken up and replanted. Holland, with its rich light alluvial soil, and Lincolnshire, with its " Trent warp," have for many generations been the sources from which the English market has been supplied with the varieties of the three or four species grown in English gardens. The last five or six years have put us in possession of nearly the whole of the known species, and we must commend them to the Dutch and Lincolnshire bulbgrowers. The For the less robust and less floriferous species a brick pit is necessary. bottom of this should be well below the level of the ground, and it should be filled up with about 1 ft. in depth of fine river silt or sandy loam, the surface of which should be a little below the level of the adjacent ground. Proper drainage is essential, but Crocuses delight in a uni- formly moist subsoil during their period of growth. It is convenient to separate the different species by strips of slate or tiles, buried below the surface, the corms being planted about 3 in. deep. A mulching of rotted Cocoa-nut fibre or finely sifted peat keeps the surface moist, and prevents the loam from clogging or caking on the surface. At the time of the maturity of the foliage, generally about the end of May, water should be withheld and the bed covered up and allowed to get quite dry till the end of July, when a copious watering may be given, or the pit may be exposed to rain. Of the earlier autumnal species suit- able for the open border the following may be enumerated for successional flowering :- C. Scharojani, orange ; early in August. 99 vallicola, straw- coloured ; late in 29 99 "" 99 29 "" 39 August and early in September. nudiflorus, blue ; September. pulchellus, lilac ; Sept. and Oct. speciosus, blue ; Sept. and Oct. iridiflorus, blue ; Sept. and Oct. Salzmanni lilac or blue ; October Clusi and November. cancellatus Cambessidesi in the early autumn. hadriaticus These are succeeded by a long series of late autumnal, winter, and early vernal species, which are grown to best advantage in a brick pit. Of the vernal species suitable for the border, the earliest is C. Imperati, flowering in February, followed by C. susianus, or Cloth of Gold, in Feb- ruary. C. biflorus "" etruscus 99 suaveolens 99 versicolor 22 vernus Tommasinianus dalmaticus banaticus Flowering from the end of Feb99 Sieberi and var. versicolor ruary to 99 chrysanthus 99 aureus 99 sulphureus vars. pallidus and striatus stellaris Olivieri minimus the first week in April. Ofthe croci recently introduced, many vernal species will probably be suitable for the spring garden, but, as they are rare and scarcely procurable, we give Crocus biflorus pusillus Crocus balansae Crocus Leucorhynchus Crocus reticulatus Crocus etruscus CROCUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CROCUS. 413 those more generally known and easy to a large portion of Italy. The segments obtain. C. alatavicus. -The flowers of this new Asiatic species are white, yellow towards the throat, the outer surface of the outer segments being freckled with rich purple. It is a free- flowering species, but from its early-flowering time, January and February, it can only be grown to advantage under a cold frame. A white variety without external purple freckling is not uncommon. The leaves are produced at the flowering time in early spring. C. aureus. -A handsome plant. The Banat, Transylvania, European Turkey, Greece, and Western Bithynia, generally at low elevations, flowering in February. It was one of the first introduced to cultivation, and is the parent of our yellow garden or Dutch yellow Crocus, and ofa number of old varieties-lacteus, sulphureus, pallidus, striatus, &c. , the history of which is unknown ; they are not found wild, and are sterile. The wild plant varies con- siderably, from unstriped orange to varieties striped with gray lines, like those in the Dutch yellow Crocus. The stigmata are short, un- branched, pale yellow, and much shorter than the anthers ; in the Transylvanian plant the stigmata are occasionally orange. The anthers arewedge-shaped, tapering towards the point, and notably divergent. The unstriped form readily produces seed when in cultivation, but the striped Dutch yellow is sterile, though effete capsules are occasionallyformed. C. Olivieri resembles C. aureus, but is smaller. C. banaticus.-Common in the Banat, Hungary, and Transylvania, where it takes the place of C. vernus, to which it is allied. It is highly ornamental ; the flowers are a deep rich purple, occasionally varied with white, with a darker purple blotch near the end of the segments. The throat is glabrous, which easily distinguishes it from C. vernus. It is cultivated in several Continental and English gardens under the name of C. veluchensis-a distinct species. Flowers in February and March. C. biflorus.--The Scotch, or Cloth of Silver, Crocus is a large variety of the typical form, and is abundant throughout vary from white to a pale lavender, the outer surface of the outer segments being distinctly feathered with purple markings In var. estriatus, from Florence , the flowers are a uniform pale lavender, orange towards the base. Invar. Weldeni, from Trieste and Dalmatia, the outer segments are externally freckled with bright purple. In C. nubigenus, a very small variety from Asia Minor, the outer segments are suffused and freckled with brown ; C. Pestalozzæ is an albino of this variety. In C. Adami, from the Caucasus, the segments are pale purple, either selfcoloured or externally feathered with dark purple. C. biflorus is an early-flowering spring species, and is highly ornamental for border decoration. Crocus Imperati. C. Boryi. -Flowers white, but bright orange at the throat. Abundant at Corfu and in the neighbourhood of Patras, flowers in October, but it does not bloom freely in cultivation, and requires the protection of glass for the development of its flowers. C. byzantinus (see C. iridiflorus). C. cancellatus. -A beautiful autumnal species, varying from white to pale bluishpurple. The flowers are generally veined or feathered towards the base of the segments. They appear without the leaves, which come in spring. The flowering time is from the end of October to December. A robust species, easy of culture, but, like many late autumnal species, is seen to best advantage under a cold frame. It is known as C. Schimperi, C. Spruneri, C. cilicicus, and C. 414 CROCUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CROCUS. damascenus. The western forms are nearly white, and the eastern are either blue or purple ; but the differences of colour are not sufficient to distinguish them as species. C. chrysanthus. -A vernal Crocus, flowering from January to March according to elevation, which varies from a little above the sea-level to a height of three or four thousand feet. The flowers are smaller than those of C. aureus, and are usually of bright orange, but occasionally bronzed and feathered externally. A white variety is also found in Bithynia and on Mount Olympus above Broussa ; this species also varies with pale sulphur-coloured flowers, occasionally suffused with blue towards the ends of the segments, dying out towards the orange throat. There are four varieties of this Crocus, distinct in colouring ; they are fusco-tinctus, fusco-lineatus, albidus, and cœrulescens. C. Imperati. -One of the earliest vernal species, abundant south of Naples, and said to extend to Calabria. Lilac. Very variable in colour and markings. Two varieties occur near Ravello-a self- coloured white and a clear rose. The outer surface of the outer segments is coated with rich buff, suffused with purple featherings. Its robust habit and early flowering make it one of the most valuable species for spring gardening. It flowers a fortnight and three weeks before C. vernus. Similar to it is C. ' minimus, abundant on the west coast of Corsica, the neighbouring islets, and in parts of Sardinia ; it flowers from the end of January to March. The flowers resemble those of C. Imperati in miniature, but are of a darker purple and heavily suffused with external brown featherings. Although perfectly hardy, it is not robust enough for gardens. C. suaveolens is also closely allied to C. Imperati, and flowers in February. The flowers are somewhat smaller and the segments more acute than in C. Imperati. It is hardy and free-flowering, and under bright sunshine is a good ornament to the early spring garden. C. iridiflorus. -The Banat and Transylvania. Bears in September and October bright-purple flowers before the leaves. Remarkable for purple stigmata and the marked difference between the size of the inner and the outer segments of the perianth. This beautiful plant should be secured if possible. It is often sold as C. byzantinus. C. lævigatus. -A pretty species from the mountains of Greece and the Cyclades. The flowers vary from white to lilac, being It distinctly feathered with purple markings. Its usual flowering time is from the end of October to Christmas, but through the winter to March under cultivation. does not flower freely in cultivation, and, like the allied species, it is seen to best advantage under a cold frame. C. longiflorus.--Abundant in the south of Italy, Sicily, and Malta ; flowers in October. The flowers are light purple, yellow at the throat. In general aspect it somewhat resembles C. sativus, especially in the stigmata, which are usually bright scarlet and entire, but occasionally broken up into fine capillary divisions. In Sicily the stigmata are collected from the wild plant for saffron. It is free-flowering, and very ornamental. C. medius. -A beautiful purple autumnflowering species, limited to the Riviera and the adjacent spurs of the Maritime Alps. The flowers are produced in October before the leaves, which appear in the following spring, and rarely exceed two or three to a corm ; the blossoms are bright purple, veined at the base ; the stigmata bright scarlet and much branched. Its C. nudiflorus . -A pretty and wellknown species. Pyrenees and North of Spain. Naturalised at Nottingham and elsewhere in the midland counties. large bluish-purple flowers are produced in September and October before the leaves. Where established it is difficult to eradicate ; the corms produce long stolon-like shoots, which form inde- pendent corms on the death of the parent, and the plant soon spreads to considerable distances. C. ochroleucus bears many creamywhite flowers, with orange throat, from the end of October to the end of December. It well deserves a cold frame, to preserve its showy flowers from frost and rain. C. pulchellus. An autumnal species, invaluable for the garden. The pale lavender flowers, with bright yellow throat, are freely produced from the middle of September to early in December. Seed. C. serotinus. -S. of Spain. Flowers in November. The blossoms are more or less distinctly feathered with darker purple. C. Salzmanni is closely allied to C. serotinus, but is of larger stature, flowering with the leaves in October and November. It is robust and readily multiplied. As the flowers are liable to injury by frost and snow, it is seen to best advantage under a cold frame. C. Clusi closely resembles C. serotinus, and flowers with the leaves in October. CROCUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CUCURBITA. 415 C. Sieberi. -A vernal species common in the Greek Archipelago and the moun- tains of Greece. The flower is usually bright lilac, orange at the base, but the form found in Crete and the Cyclades presents a great variety of colour, from white to purple, and these colours are mottled, intermixed, and striped in endless variety, contrasting with the bright orange throat. The Cretan variety is of exceptional beauty. It flowers in cultivation from the end of February to the middle of March. C. speciosus. -Among the handsomest autumn Crocuses. Flowers at the end of September and early in October. Ranges from North Persia, through Georgia, the Caucasus, and the Crimea, to Hungary. The perianth segments, 2 in. high, are rich bluish-purple, suffused with darker purple veins, with which the bright orange much-divided stigmata form a beautiful contrast. It has been long in cultivation, and readily multiplies by small bulbels at the base of the corm. C. susianus. -The well-known Cloth of Gold Crocus, an early importation from the Crimea. Both the orange and bronzed susianus are among the earliest vernal Crocuses, flowering in the open border in February. C. stellaris is an old garden plant somewhat resembling C. susianus. The flower is orange, distinctly feathered with bronze on the outer coat of the outer segments. It is sterile, and never produces seed. It flowers early in March. C. vernus (Spring Crocus).— One of the earliest cultivated species. Alps, Pyrenees, Tyrol, Carpathians, Italy, and Dalmatia. Naturalised in several parts of England. Remarkable for its range of colour, from pure white to deep purple, endless varieties being generally inter- mixed in its native habitats, and corresponding with the horticultural varieties of our gardens. Flowers early in March at low elevations, and as late as June and July in the higher Alps. The parent of nearly all the purple, white, and striped Crocuses grown in Holland. C. versicolor. -This well-known spe- cies has long been in cultivation. The flowers present a great variety of colouring, from purple to white, and are variously striped and feathered. It differs from the two preceding species in having the whole of the perianth segments similarly coloured, and the external buff coating of C. Imperati and C. suaveolens is absent. Its flowering time is March. C. zonatus. -Mountains of Cilicia. Bright vinous-lilac flowers, golden at the t base, abundant about the middle of September. It is highly ornamental and free- flowering, and easy of culture. The flowers come before the leaves, which do not appear till spring. It has been in cultivation about fourteen years. This account of the genus is condensed from an article in The Garden of28th January 1882 , by Mr. Geo. Maw, of Benthall Hall, near Broseley. The article contains a full account of the family with descriptions of species not in cultivation, giving botanical authorities, and fuller technical descriptions. Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum). Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperi- alis). Crucianella stylosa (Fatid C.)--A pretty dwarf herb, with leaves in whorls 9 to 12 in. high, flowering in summer ; pale rose. Thrives on borders, or bare banks, in sandy or calcareous soil, but in certain states of the atmosphere its foxlike odour is offensive, and hence it does not deserve a place in the choice garden. Division. Persia. Cuckoo-flower (Cardamine pratensis). Cuckoo-pint (Arum). Cucumis. Certain of the hardier species-for example, the Gooseberry Gourd (C. grossularoides ) —are interesting, but they have no essential place in flower gardens. Cucurbita (Gourd).-There is no Order more wonderful in the variety and shape of its fruit than that to which the Melon and Cucumber belong. From the writhing Snake Cucumber, which hangs down 4 or 5 ft. long from its stem, tothe enormous round Giant Pumpkin or Gourd, the variation in colour, shape, and size is marvellous. There are some pretty little Gourds which do not weigh more than oz. ; while, on the other hand, there are kinds as large as a barrel. Eggs, bottles, gooseberries, clubs, caskets, folded umbrellas, balls, vases, urns, balloons, all have their likenesses in the family. Those who have seen a good collection will understand Nathaniel Hawthorne's enthusiasm when he says : " A hundred Gourds in my garden were worthy, in my eyes at least, ofbeing rendered indestructible in marble. If ever Providence (but I know it never will) should assign me a superfluity of gold, part of it should be expended for a service of plate, or most delicate porcelain, to be wrought into the shape of Gourds gathered in my garden. As dishes for containing vegetables they would be peculiarly appropriate. Gazing at them, I felt that by my agency something worth living for had been done. A new sub- 416 CUCURBITA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CUCURBITA. stance was born into the world. They were real and tangible existences which the mind could seize hold of and rejoice in." They may be readily grown in this country, and there are many ways in which they may be grown with great advantage-on low trellises ; depending from the edges of raised beds ; the smaller and medium-sized trained over arches or singular, graceful, and gigantic of fruits from the roof. A bold and effective use may now and then be made of them on walls and on the roofs of sheds or outhouses, as the roofs " carry" the large leaves and showy fruit so well. A SELECTION OF GOURDS.--Amongst the most beautiful are the Turk's- cap varieties, such as Grand Mogul, Pasha of Gourds in a Surrey garden. arched trellis- work, covering banks, or growing on the level earth. Isolated, too, some kinds would look very effective ; in fact, there is hardly any limit to their use. They cover arches, and the large leaves make a perfect summer roof. A cool tent might be made with free- growing Gourds, and it would have the additional merit of suspending some of the most Egypt, Viceroy, Empress, Bishop's Hat, &c.; the Serpent Gourd, Gooseberry Gourd, Hercules' Club, Gorilla, St. Aig- nan, M. Fould, Siphon, Half- moon, Giant's Punchbowl, and the Mammoth, weighing from 170 lbs. to upwards of 200 lbs. ; while amongst the miniature varieties the Fig, Cricket-ball, Thumb, Cherry, Striped Custard, Hen's- egg, Pear, Bottle, Orange, CUP-FLOWER. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CYCLAMEN. 417 Plover's- egg, &c. , are very pretty examples, and very serviceable for ornament. All these are well suited to our climate, and there are many others equally suitable. Mr. W. Young, indeed, exhibited a collection of 500 varieties, all English- grown, the greater number of which had been sown where grown, and had come to maturity without protection. The ground being manured and dug one spit deep, the seed was sown the second week in May. Many of the plants had no water through the season, but others had it in various quantities, and the more the water the larger, freer, and better the produce. Sowing in a frame at the end of April, and exposing the plants to the air during the day to prevent their being drawn, and then removing the frame altogether to harden them off before planting out, is the best way to secure an early growth. Sow- ing in the open ground under hand- lights would do, but not so well. Where there are waste heaps of rubbish or manure it is a good plan to cover them with Gourds. Although they grow under the conditions described above, they do best with plenty of manure, and should be mulched or well watered if the soil be not deep and rich. Cup-flower (Scyphanthus elegans). C. Cuphea. Pretty plants, of which C. platycentra ( Cigar- plant) is useful for the summer flower garden. It is a dwarf plant, about 12 in. high, with vermilion tube-shaped blossoms. Easily propagated by cuttings taken in September or April, and put in slight heat, and also raised from seed sown in heat in spring . strigulosa is a pretty variety, useful for planting out as single plants in the mixed border for cutting from, but chiefly used as a pot plant for the autumn greenhouse. C.Zimapani is a most useful annual, growing about 1 ft. high, with flowers of a rich deep purple bordered with a lighter hue, resembling those of a Sweet Pea, and of about the same size. They are well fitted for cutting, as the branches lengthen and the flowers expand a long time in water. Other kinds are C. eminens, Galeottiana, miniata, ocymoides, purpurea, Roezli, and silenoides, all of less importance for the flower garden than those before named. Cupressus (Cypress).- Graceful low trees, often seen in the garden landscape, and forming charming backgrounds. Not many, however, are really hardy, save in sea-shore and in warm southern districts, and even there they often perish in hard winters. They are often beautiful in Ireland and the western coasts, but there we have seen the Californian Cypress, C. macrocarpa, perish after looking happy for years. The beautiful Eastern Cypress, so marked a feature in the Italian garden and landscape, is worth planting under the best conditions ; but so distinct and fine a tree would, if hardy, have been everywhere planted long ago. We have seen very fine specimens of it here and there, as at White Knights. The graceful Cypress of Goa is charming in some seashore gardens. Currant, Flowering (Ribes). Cushion Pink ( Silene acaulis). Cyananthus lobatus (Lobed C. )-A pretty Himalayan rock-plant, about 4 in. high, flowering in August and September ; purplish-blue flower, with a whitish centre, and thriving in sunny chinks in the rock- garden. It grows best in a mixture of sandy peat and leaf-mould, with plenty of moisture during growth, and is increased by cuttings. The seed requires a dry season ; in wet weather the large, erect calyx becomes filled with water, which rots the seed- vessel. Polemoniaceæ. C. incanus. This flowers more freely than C. lobatus ; like that species, it should be planted in a dry, sunny, welldrained position, as, if the situation be too damp, the fleshy root- stock is liable to rot. It is even a good plan to place something over the plant during the resting season. The flowers are not so large as those of the other species, but are more charming in colour, their beauty enhanced by the white tuft of silky hairs in the throat of the corolla. Campanulacee. Cyathea dealbata (Silver Tree-fern). -This very handsome Fern, known in N. Zealand as the Silver Tree-fern, has a slender, almost black stem, 4 to 8 ft. high, ending in a fine crown of fronds, dark-green above and milk-white below. It may be placed in the open air, in the southern and milder districts, from the end of May till the end of September. Cycas revoluta. -A tropical plant, with a stout stem, sometimes 6 to 10 ft. high, from the top of which issues a beautiful crown of superb dark- green leaves 2 to 6 ft. long. It is one of the most valuable greenhouse plants, that may be placed out from the end of May till October, and is particularly graceful in the centre of a bed of flowering plants, or isolated with the pot or tub plunged to the rim in the turf, always in a warm position. It is increased by seeds, or separation of suckers, which are occa- sionally thrown up. Cyclamen (Sowbread) . - Except the E E 418 CYCLAMEN. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CYCLAMEN. Persian, Cyclamens are as hardy as Primroses ; but they love the shelter and shade of low bushes or hill copses, where they may nestle and bloom in security. In the places they naturally inhabit there is usually the friendly shelter of Grasses or branchlets about them, so that their large leaves are not torn to pieces by wind or hail. The Ivy-leaved Cyclamen is in full leaf through winter and early spring, and for the sake of the beauty of the leaves alone it is desirable to place it so that it may be safe from injury. It is easy to naturalise the hardier Cyclamens with plenty of well- decayed vegetable matter in it. They are well suited for the rock-garden, and enjoy warm nooks, partial shade, and shelter from dry, cutting winds. They may be grown on any aspect if the conditions above men- tioned be secured, but an eastern or southeastern one is best. We have seen them under trees among Grass, where they flowered profusely every year without attention. They are best propagated by seed sown, as soon as it is ripe, in well -drained pots of light soil. Cover the soil after sowing GARDEN Head of Cycas revoluta. in many parts of the country. Good drainage is necessary to their open-air culture, as they grow naturally among broken rocks and stones mixed with vegetable soil, grit, &c. , where they are not surrounded by stagnant water. Mr. Atkins, of Painswick, who paid much attention to their culture, thought that the tuber should be buried, and not exposed like the Persian Cyclamen in pots. His chief reason was that in some species the roots issue from the upper surface of the tuber only. They enjoy plenty of moisture at the root at all seasons, and thrive best in a rich, friable, open soil, Акен with a little Moss, to insure uniform dampness, and place them in shelter out- of- doors. As soon as they begin to appear, which may be in a month or six weeks, gradually remove the Moss. When the first leaf is fairly developed, they should be transplanted about 1 in. apart in seed pans of rich light earth, and encouraged to grow as long as possible, being sheltered in a cold frame, but always allowed abundance of air. the leaves have perished in the following summer, the tubers may be planted out or potted, according to their strength. When There appears to have always been CYCLAMEN. THE ENGLISH Flower GARDEN. CYCLAMEN. 419 great difficulty in defining the species of Cyclamen, from the great variation in shape and colour of the leaves both above and below. Too much dependence on these characteristics has caused confusion and an undue multiplication of species. Some of the varieties become so fixed, and reproduce themselves so truly from seed, as to be regarded as species by some cultivators. The following are the more important species and varieties. C. Atkinsi. -A hybrid variety of the Coum section. The flowers are larger than in the type, varying in colour from deep red to pure white, and are plentiful in winter. C. Coum (Round-leaved Cyclamen).— This, like the others of the same section, is perfectly hardy, and frequently in bloom in the open ground before the Snowdrop ; yet, to preserve the flowers from unfavourable weather, the plants will be better for slight protection, or a pit or frame in which to plant them out. Grown in this wayduring the early spring, from January to the middle of March, they are one sheet of bloom. When so cultivated, take out the soil, say 1 to 2 ft. deep, place at the bottom a layer of rough stones 9 to 12 in. deep, and cover them with inverted turf to keep the soil from washing down and injuring the drainage ; then fill up with soil composed of about one-third of good free loam, one-third of well- decayed leaf- mould, and one-third of thoroughly decomposed cow manure. Plant 1 to 2 in. deep ; and, every year, soon after the leaves die down, take off the surface as far as the tops of the tubers, and fresh surface them with the same compost, or in alternate years give them only a surface dressing of well-decayed leaves or cow manure. During summer, or indeed after April, the glass should be removed, and they ought to be slightly shaded with Larch Fir boughs (cut before the leaves expand) laid over them, to shelter from the extreme heat of the sun. As soon as they begin to appear in the autumn, gradually take these off. Do not use the glass until severe weather sets in-at all times, both day and night, admitting air at back and front-and in fine weather draw the lights off, remembering that the plants are hardy, and are soon injured if kept too close. They do not like frequent removal. There is a pretty white variety of C. Coum. (= C. hyemale. ) C. cyprium. —This well-defined species has rather small heart- shaped leaves of dark green, marbled on the upper surface with bluish gray and of a deep purple beneath. The flowers, which are pure white, tinted with soft lilac (the restricted mouth being spotted with carmine- purple) , are well elevated above the foliage. This distinguishes it from most of its allies, except C. persicum, and its foliage distinguishes it from that at a glance. It is one of the most chaste and beautiful of the hardy kinds. Cyprus and other places in South Europe. It is found on shaded rocks in mountainous districts. ( = C. neapolitanum. ) C. europæum (European Cyclamen).— The leaves of this species appear before and with the flowers, and remain during the greater part of the year. Flowers from June to November, or, with slight protection, until the end of the year. The flowers are a reddish purple. Some of the southern varieties, by attention to cultivation under glass, may even assume a perpetual flowering character. C. Clusi, littorale, and Peakeanum are varieties of this section. The flowers are much longer, and of a more delicate colour, often approaching peach colour, and are almost the size of those of C. persicum ; pure white are rare, but pale ones are not uncommon they are very fragrant. C. europæum thrives freely in various parts of the country in light, loamy, well- drained soil, as a choice border and rock- garden plant. Where it does badly in ordinary soil it should be tried in a deep bed of light loam, mingled with pieces of broken stone. In all cases it is best to cover the ground with Cocoa fibre. It is very desirable on account of its fragrance and long succession of flowers. It luxuriates in the débris of old walls and on the mountain side, with a very sparing quantity of vegetable earth to grow in. The bulb varies considerably in size and shape ; sometimes it is elongated and irregular, and the plant is then the C. anemonoides of old authors. ( = C. odoratum, C. æstivum. ) C. hederæfolium (Ivy-leaved Cyclamen) . Switzerland, South Europe, and the north coast of Africa. Tuber not unfrequently I ft. in diameter, and covered with a brownish rough rind, which cracks irregularly so as to form little scales. The root-fibres emerge from the whole of the upper surface of the tuber, but principally from the rim ; few or none issue from the lower surface. The leaves and flowers generally spring direct from the tuber without any stem (there is sometimes, however, a small stem, especi- ally if the tuber be planted deep) ; at first they spread horizontally, but ultimately become erect. The leaves are variously marked ; the greater portion appear after EE 2 420 CYCLAMEN. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CYPERUS. the flowers, and continue in great beauty the whole winter and early spring, when, if well grown, they are one of the greatest ornaments of borders and rock-gardens. Often these leaves are 6 in. long, 5 in diameter, and 100 to 150 spring from one tuber. They are admirable for table decoration during winter. The flowers continue from the end of August until October, and are purplish red, frequently with a stripe of lighter colour. There is a pure-white variety, and also a white one with pink base or mouth of corolla ; these reproduce themselves tolerably true from seed. Strong tubers will produce 200 to 300 flowers. Some are delightfully fragrant. They are quite hardy, but are worthy of a little protection to preserve the late blooms, which often continue to spring up till the end of the year. This species is so perfectly hardy as to make it very desirable for the rock-garden and the open borders. It will grow in almost any soil and situation, though best in a well-drained rich border or rock-garden, which it well deserves. It does not like frequent removal. It has been naturalised on the mossy floor of a thin wood, on very sandy poor soil, and may be naturalised almost everywhere. It would be peculi- arly attractive in a semi-wild state in pleasure-grounds and by wood walks. C. græcum is a very near ally, if more than avariety, and requires the same treatment. The foliage is more like C. persicum, or the southern form of C. europæum. C. africanum (algeriense macrophyllum) is hardy in warm sheltered situations. It is much larger in all parts than C. hederæfolium, but otherwise is very nearly allied. C. ibericum (Iberian Cyclamen).- Belongs to the Coum section. There is some obscurity respecting the authority for the species and its native country. The leaves are very various. It flowers in spring, the flowers varying from deep red-purple to rose, lilac, and white, with intensely dark mouth ; and are more abundant than those of C. Coum. C. vernum (Spring Cyclamen).—The leaves rise before the flowers in spring ; they are generally more or less white on the upper surface, and are often purplish beneath. Though one of the most interesting species, and perfectly hardy, it is seldom cultivated successfully in the open border or rock-garden ; it is impatient of excessive wet about the tubers, and likes a light soil , in a rather shady nook sheltered from winds, its fleshy leaves being soon injured . The tubers should be planted deep, say not less than 2 to 2 in. below the surface. C. vernum of Sweet is considered by many as only a variety of Coum, and it is known as C. Coum var. zonale. It is also known as C. repandum. There is a white-flowered variety. Cyclobothra (Calochortus). Cydonia (Quince).—There is perhaps not a commoner flowering shrub in English gardens than the Japanese Quince (C. japonica), which, introduced only about half a century ago, adorns the walls alike of the cottage and mansion. The old sort is beautiful, with brilliant crimson flowers, but the newer varieties are pretty in colour, the finest being cardinalis, deep rich crimson ; nivalis, snow-white ; alba, white, slightly tinged with pink ; rosea, delicate rose-pink ; and princeps, deep scarlet. These are all distinct in colour, and would make a beautiful lawn group, with their low rounded outline broken by a taller plant, such as Pyrus floribunda. When soil and climate favour the Japanese Quince, it forms a wide- spreading bush 6 or 8 feet high. I have used this plant a good deal in hedgerows. C. Maulei is less vigorous than C. japonica, has slenderer branches, sinaller foliage, and flowers on every young twig ; orangescarlet, yellow fruits of spicy fragrance, and about the size of small Pippins, succeed the flowers in autumn, and remain on the bushes a long time. It is perfectly hardy, and makes a capital hedge on account of its spiny branches. chinensis, the Chinese Quince, is somewhat similar to C. japonica, but less beautiful, and is rarely seen beyond botanical gardens. The common Quince, familiar as it is, is beautiful, particularly in old age, and well deserves a place on a lawn in company with the Medlar, Mulberry, Apple, and Pear. C. Cynara Scolymus (French Artichoke). —This plant, much grown for cooking, has as a foliage- plant much beauty ; its long silvery deeply divided leaves, height (4 to 5 ft. ), purplish flower-heads, and habit render it very suitable for the rougher parts of pleasure grounds, grass, &c. , which are often occupied by fine plants far less handsome. Cyperus longus ( Galingale).—A water plant of fine form from 2 to 3 ft. high, crowned by a handsome, loose, umbellate panicle of chestnut- coloured flower- spikes, at the base of which there are three or more leaves, often 1 or 2 ft. long, the lower ones of a bright shining green arching gracefully. The root- stock is thick and aromatic, and was formerly much used as a tonic. A rare native plant, suitable for the margin of water. CYPRIPEDIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CYPRIPEDIUM. 421 Cypripedium (Lady's Slipper).- Hand- some Orchids, embracing several beautiful perfectly hardy species, of which the Mocasson-flower (C. spectabile) is the finest cultivated hardy kind. The follow- ing are a few of the cultivated kinds. C. acaule ( Stemless Lady's Slipper).- A dwarf species with a naked downy flower-stalk, 8 to 12 in. high, bearing a green bract at the top, flowers early in summer, large, solitary purplish with a rosy-purple (rarely white) lip, nearly 2 in. in length. North Europe, and occasionally in the northern counties of England, where, however, it is now almost exterminated. Very ornamental for the rockgarden, where it should be planted in sunny sheltered nooks of calcareous soil, or in narrow fissures of limestone rock, in well-drained, rich, fibrous loam, in an east aspect. C. guttatum (Spotted Lady's Slipper). -A handsome kind, seldom seen in gardens, 6 to 9 in. high, flowers in summer, Mocasson-flower (Cypripedium spectabile). long, which has a singular closed fissure down its whole length in front. Northern States of North America in woods and bogs. Thriving in moist peaty or sandy soil or leaf-mould. C. Calceolus ( English Lady's Slipper). -The only British species and the largest flowered of our native Orchids, I to 1 ft. high, flowers in summer, solitary (sometimes two) large flowers of a dark- brown colour, with an inflated clear yellow lip netted with darker veins, and about 1 in. solitary, rather small, beautiful, white, heavily blotched, or spotted with deep rosy purple. Found in Canada, N. Europe (near Moscow), and N. Asia, in dense forests amongst the roots of trees in moist, black vegetable mould. Requires a half- shady position in leaf-mould, moss, and sand, and should be kept rather dry in winter. C. japonicum (Japanese Lady's Slipper).-About I ft. high, and its hairy stems, which are as thick as one's little finger, bear two plicate fan- shaped leaves 422 CYSTOPTERIS. THE ENGLish flowER GARDEN. DACTYLIS. of bright green, rather jagged round the margins. The flowers are solitary, the sepals being of an apple- green tint ; the petals, too, are of the same colour, but are dotted with purplish crimson at the base ; the lip large, and curiously folded in front, as in the better-known C. acaule, to which it seems most nearly allied ; the colour of the lip is a soft creamy yellow, with bold purple dots and lines. C. macranthum (Large Lady's Slipper). This bears a considerable resem- blance to C. ventricosum, but has lightercoloured flowers, large, of a uniform purplish rose with deeper- coloured veins ; early in June. Lip globose, inflated, and finely marked with deep purple reticulations. This handsome and at present rare plant grows best in pure loam of a heavy nature. Siberia. C. pubescens. A dwarf species with a pubescent stem, seldom more than 2 ft. high, flowers early in summer, on each stem one to three flowers ; scentless, greenish yellow, spotted with brown, with a pale-yellow lip from 1 to 2 in. long, and flattened at the sides. America, found in bogs andlow woods, from Pennsylvania to Carolina. Does well on dry sunny banks, among loam, stones, and grit . C. spectabile (Mocasson flower - ).—The most beautiful of this group ; 15 in. to 2 ft. high, flowers in summer, one or two on each stem (rarely three), large, with inflated, rounded lip, about 1 in. long, white, with a large blotch of bright rosy carmine in front. A variety (C. s. album) has the lip entirely white. In America it grows in open boggy woods, moist meadows, and also in peaty bogs in the Northern States. Good native specimens produce from fifty to seventy flowers on a single tuft, 3 ft. across, formed on a thick mat of fleshy roots. The plant is hardy, and succeeds if planted out in a deep, rich peaty soil, with a few nodules of sandstone or rough sandstone grit mixed with the soil. It also thrives in turfy loam on a moist bottom ; in any case, however, deep planting is necessary, as the roots are then cool and moist during the hot weather, and do not suffer from frost in the winter. Cystopteris (Bladder Fern).--The cul- tivated kinds of this native group are small elegant Ferns of delicate fragile texture. They grow on rocks and walls, chiefly in mountainous districts. The best-known are : C. fragilis , which has finely cut fronds about 6 in. high. It is of easy culture, succeeding in an ordinary border, though seen to best advantage on shady parts of the rockgarden in a well- drained soil. There are two or three varieties, Dickieana being the best. C. alpina is much smaller, and when once established not difficult to cultivate or increase, but more affected by excessive moisture than C. fragilis. A sheltered situation in a well- drained part of the rock- garden suits it. C. montana is another elegant plant requiring the same treatment as C. fragilis. It Cytisus (Broom).-The few kinds of hardy Cytisus are all valuable ornamental shrubs. Common as the British Broom ( C. Scoparius) is, it should certainly be in gardens in places where it does not grow wild ; and in company with Heath and Furze it is most useful for dry sandy banks where other shrubs would fail. is easily raised from seed. C. Andreanus is + a handsome form of the common Broom well worth growing, and coming fairly true from seed. The White Portuguese Broom (C. albus) is well known as one of the finest of all early-flowering shrubs. A strong bush, particularly in light soils, and frequently 10 ft. high. Towards the end of May every slender twig is wreathed with small white flowers. The Spanish Broom is a handsome and distinct shrub, often flowering a long time on dry banks. C. nigricans is also a beautiful shrub. The purple Broom is naturally a long trailing shrub with purplish flowers, but is generally seen grafted mop fashion on Laburnum stems. It is really an alpine shrub, and its place is among rocks and boulders, where its wiry branches can fall over and make dense cushion-like tufts. The foregoing are the most important kinds. Others, suitable for a fuller collection, are C. austriacus, biflorus, sessilifolius, capitatus, and C. Ardoini. The last is a pretty alpine shrub a few inches high, and suitable for the rock-garden ; its tufted growth is covered in summer with yellow flowers. Dabocia polifolia ( St. Dabeoc's Heath). -A beautiful heath-like shrub 12 to 24 in. high, the stems bearing crimson-purple blooms in drooping racemes. There is a white variety much less common and no less beautiful, and also a pretty variety, with purple and white flowers, called bicolor, flowering in summer and admirable for grouping with hardy heaths in peat beds. Abundant in some parts of Ireland, hence called Irish Heath. Dactylis (Cocksfoot).-The variegated forms of this native Grass are attractive to those concerned much with bedding out, D. glomerata variegata being one of the most useful of edging plants, and DAFFODIL. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DAHLIA. 423 easily increased by division in autumn or spring, thriving in almost any soil, but if the soil be too poor the plant is apt to look rusty in dry autumns. There are several other variegated forms graceful as edgings to beds, as carpets or mixtures, or as tufts in borders. The graceful leaves should not be clipped. Daffodil (Narcissus). Dahlia. The Dahlia group is not a large one, so far as wild plants go, and every species is a native of Mexico. It is valued chiefly for the many beautiful varieties that have been raised from seed, the garden varieties being separated in various classes. When well placed in the garden the Dahlia is superb, its pro- fusion of bloom creating fine masses of colour in the late summer and autumn months, especially when the best forms of the Cactus section are used. Distinct beds of Dahlias present a fine aspect, if the colours are well contrasted, and many otherwise good effects are spoilt by mixing up tall and dwarf bushy kinds indiscriminately. A mass of one colour looks well, especially if backed by dark- leaved shrubs, whilst distinct beds are a welcome feature in the flower garden, being gay far into the autumn when the weather is not frosty. CLASSES.-The recognised classifica- tion of Dahlias is convenient, but not very distinct. A few years ago the two leading classes were the Show and Fancy Dahlias distinctions confusing to some, as a White or Yellow Dahlia, edged or tipped with a dark colour, was classed as an edged, tipped, or laced Dahlia, and included among the show flowers ; but if the disposition of colour was reversed, and dark- coloured flowerets were tipped with a light colour, the plant was classed as a Fancy Dahlia. All the kinds with Carnation- like stripe were Fancy Dahlias. The catalogues abound with names of varieties, and the grower can make his own selection, especially as new forms are often raised. Varieties that do not conform to the stiff ideal of the hard- shell florist sometimes please the artist or the gardener best. SHOW AND FANCY DAHLIAS. -These are not so much grown in gardens as formerly, but are still seen at the ex- hibition, Dahlias being shown in a far freer way than was usual a generation ago, and the Cactus and Single classes have, to some extent, overshadowed the formal Show and Fancy varieties . The reason why these are less valuable than many other kinds of Dahlia in the garden is because of the weight of the flowers. There is little graceful beauty about them, the stems being bent with the burden of a too heavy blossom, hence the greater popularity of the many lovely Cactus varieties. Show Dahlias. -Agnes, Alexander Cramond, Bendigo, Colonist, Crimson Globe, Canary, Eclipse, Ethel Britton, George Gordon, George Rawlings, Glowworm, J. T. West, John Walker, Harry Keith, John Wyatt, Mr. Harris, Mrs. W. E. Gladstone, Mrs. S. Hibberd, Nellie Cramond, Queen of the Belgians, Richard Dean, R. T. Rawlings, Shirley Hibberd, J. T. Saltmarsh, W. H. Williams, W. Garratt, Wm. Keith, Wm. Rawlings. Fancy Dahlias. -Buffalo Bill, Charles Wyatt, Comedian, Duchess of Albany, Frank Pearce, Gaiety, General Gordon, H. Eckford, H. Glasscock, Fanny Sturt, Mrs. Ocock, Mrs. Saunders, Peacock, Rebecca, Rev. J. B. M. Camm, Sunset, T. W. Girdlestone. POMPON OR BOUQUET DAHLIAS are not so popular as either the Cactus or single forms. They seem to have gone out of cultivation to some extent, though they are useful for cutting. The tendency of recent raisers has been to increase the size of the flowers, but they should be quite small, as the name Pompon sug- gests, not like a Show or Fancy Dahlia. Although many additions have been made to this section, the pure-white variety, White Aster, still retains its popularity, and it is grown largely for cutting, and also for its effect. The Pompon Dahlias are very free- blooming, throwing their charming flowers well above the leaves. Pompon Dahlias. -Admiration, Arthur West, Countess von Sternberg, Coquette, Crimson Beauty, Cupid, Darkness, Dove, E. F. Jungker, Eurydice, Eva, Fairy Tales, Gem, German Favourite, Glowworm, Golden Gem, Hedwig Pollwig, Juno, Lilian, Little Bobby, Little Ethel, Marion, Midget, Pure Love, Tommy Keith, Vivid, White Aster. SINGLE DAHLIAS. -D. Coccinea (D. Mercki), D. variabilis, and others formed the foundation, so to say, of this group. The value of Single Dahlias as beautiful garden flowers was not considered until a reaction set in against the show blooms, and then the elegant single kinds became popular. It is so easy to cross them and raise seedlings that the earlier varieties were quickly improved upon in colour and habit of growth, until we have now a delightful group of garden plants, free, and making a continuous display through the late summer and early autumn months. In the best kinds the flowers. 424 DAHLIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DAHLIA. are carried erect above the foliage, the growth bushy, and the flowers abundant. No summer flower gives a greater variety of brilliant colours, rich selfs and delicate hues of mauve and rose to pure white. to judge of its merits. The striped kinds are also sportive, like striped Carnations, and depend in a large measure for their peculiar colour upon the weather. This class must not be confounded with those Dahlia imperialis. With all this choice, one, unfortunately, sees much of the striped kinds, too often praised, for the reason perhaps that they are well shown at some exhibition, but a new Dahlia should be seen in the garden that have flowers boldly margined with colour. As the round-flowered form of Single Dahlia is declining in popularity one sees less of the big saucer- shaped blooms, so large that it was necessary to DAHLIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DAHLIA. 425 These support them when gathered. flabby varieties won few friends, and the more recent kinds are far smaller and better. Single Dahlias. -Annie Hughes, But- terfly, Chilwell Beauty, Conspicua, Duke ofYork, Duchess of Westminster, Eclipse, Evelyn, Gulielma, Jack, James Scobie, Miss Glasscock, Midget Improved, Mikado, Magpie, Nellie Ware, Paragon, Rose Queen, Yellow Boy, Yellow Satin. " CACTUS" DAHLIAS. -These origin- ated from D. Juarezi, which was introduced from Mexico about 1879, and they retain the characteristic shape of that species, the petals twisted, so to say, and reminding one of those of some of the Cacti. The earlier Cactus Dahlias had one fault-hiding the flowers amongst the leaves ; but this is to a large extent changed, so that we have now a beautiful race of garden plants for summer and autumn, with flowers of bold form and charming and varied colours. Anew group is formed bythe single Cactus kinds. The flowers are quite single, about as large as those of a good single Dahlia of the ordinary type, and with twisted petals. Cactus Dahlias. -Beauty of Eynsford, Bertha Mawley, Cannell's Own, Countess of Gosford, Countess of Radnor, Delicata, Ernest Cannell, Juarezi , Kentish Invicta, Kynenth, Lady Penzance, Match- less, Mrs. Francis Fell, May Pictor, Professor Baldwin, Robert Cannell. TOM THUMB DAHLIAS. -This is a very dwarf race, the plants forming little bushes, but they are not satisfactory, as they appear not to bloom with great freedom, whilst the growth does not retain its true dwarf character. When true, the habit is compact, dense, and the single flowers borne well above the mass of leaves. Fortunately the colours of the flowers are for the most part simple, and raisers should steer clear of the ugly striped kinds. Dwarfing any flower naturally tall and graceful is a doubtful practice. BEDDING DAHLIAS. -This is the name given to a small list of dwarf varieties, which are used for massing, blooming profusely. One kind named Rising Sun has the flowers brilliant scarlet, and used with good effect in the London parks. SPECIES. Amongst these we may note the following :- D. coccinea, a tall plant with bright- scarlet flowers that rarely vary. Nearly related to it, and differing only in some slight points, is D. Cervantesi, also with showy scarlet flowers. D. glabrata is a beautiful plant of dwarf spreading growth, more slender than any of the other species. The flowers are smaller than those of other kinds, and vary from pure white to deep purple. It is hardier than any other Dahlia, and plants left in the ground are generally uninjured throughout the winter. Its dwarf growth adapts it for positions unsuitable for the latter kinds, and it has a good effect in masses, its colour being unlike that of any other Dahlia. It is known also as D. Mercki, repens, and Decaisneana. D. gracilis is a distinct and graceful plant, with slender stems and finely divided foliage, which gives it a freer habit than any other Dahlia. The bright- scarlet flowers are of the ordinary size. D. imperialis has large and graceful much- divided leaves, and flowers, of a beautiful French white, thrown up in a great cone-like mass. It rarely flowers in the open air, but it is of service both in the flower garden and conservatory. Planted in rich soil, and placed in a warm, sheltered position in the open air at the end of May, it grows well in summer, and its large and graceful leaves make it an ornament worthy of being used as a “ fine - foliaged " plant. Similar to this, but not so fine, is D. Maximiliana. D. Juarezi is now well known. It is the more desirable because of its easy culture, as it requires no different treat- ment from ordinary Dahlias. It is not quite double, but is very fine in form and brilliant in colour, though it flowers some- what sparsely. D. variabilis is the supposed parent of all the garden varieties. The wild plant has scarlet flowers like coccinea, and is of similar growth. A packet of seed, however, will yield plants with flowers of all shades, from crimson to white and yellow. CULTURE. To get a good result it is essential to have rich, deep, and moist soil, and to put out strong plants as early as may be safe, so as to secure a good growth for autumn bloom. Where weak plants are put a little too late they may only give a few poor blooms before the frost comes. If planted in May and frost is feared, protect the young plants at night by turning a garden pot over them. If the soil is not deep, rich, and moist, manure-water should be used. Watering is usually necessary in early growth, afterwards it is not so in moist districts where the plant is well treated as regards depth and quality of soil. In dry places water is essential in most seasons. Staking and tying out the 426 DAHLIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DAHLIA. shoots must be attended to, as the stems are brittle and break under little windpressure. Earwigs are great enemies to Dahlias, but can be trapped in small round troughs which may be got from any pottery. They may also be caught on pieces of Hemlock stem, 6 in. long, by leaving a joint at one end, and sticking the pieces here and there through the Dahlias. Small pots, with a little bit of cuttings every two or three days. These may be taken off even as early as March, close to the crown, without however injuring it, as others will come up at the base of those removed. The cuttings must not be too long before they are taken from the tubers, as then they flag. When the crowns have supplied all the cuttings that can be got from them they may be divided, and therefore Cactus Dahlia " Juarezi." dry Sphagnum Moss inside, inverted on the tops of stakes, also form good traps. INCREASE. The usual practice is to take up the roots and store them in a dry frost-proof cellar in winter. Dahlias may be propagated by cuttings, root-division, and seed, the last way being used only where new kinds are sought. Cuttings are the best means of propagating Dahlias, though division of the roots is usually practised. If started in February or March in a temperature of 60° to 70° F., each crown will produce three or four nothing is lost. Cuttings may be successfully struck during the summer months ; but this is unusual except in the case of choice varieties. Three-inch pots are best for putting the cuttings into, six cuttings being put in each pot. They should be plunged in a brisk bottom -heat, covered with hand-glasses, and shaded from bright sunshine. In less than a fortnight they will be all rooted, and may be potted off singly into large 3-in. pots. Harden them off gradually until planted out in May. DAHLIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DAPHNE. 427 If To raise seedlings sow the seed in heat in February, and treat the young plants in the same way as cuttings. To propagate from layers the lowest branches of the plant should be pegged down. the soil be sandy they will root freely, but in the absence of sandy soil a quantity of leaf-mould with a mixture of sand may be laid down for them to root into. Pure white sand alone is best suited for striking them in, and a mixture of leafmould and sand is very good to start the crowns in. WINTERING. As long as the weather keeps mild Dahlia roots are best in the soil, and need not be taken up till the end of November ; but should sharp frosts be followed by heavy rain they should be promptly removed from the ground. Lift the roots on a dry day, and cut off the stems to within 2 or 3 in. of the crown. Remove the greater portion of the soil from the tubers and lay the latter out in the sun to dry before storing. The floor of a greenhouse where frost can be excluded, or a dry cellar, is a good place to store the roots in. A little ventilation is necessary to keep them from getting mouldy ; but a hot dry atmosphere must also be avoided, as the tubers might shrivel in it. By lifting the roots with some soil adhering to them, they are kept plump during the winter, which is best when they are required for early forcing. They will generally keep well on the floor of a greenhouse, as it is light and airy, and during mid- winter much water should not, as a rule, be given. The tubers of some sorts are more difficult of preservation than others, and choice varieties are frequently bad keepers. The species of Dahlia are natives of Mexico and adjacent regions : 1 , arborea ; 2, astrantiæ- fora ; 3, coccinea ; 4, excelsa ; 5, gracilis ; 6, imperialis ; 7, Maximiliana ; 8 , Mercki ; 9, platylepis ; 10, pubescens ; II , scapigera ; 12, variabilis ; 13, Juarezi. D. Zimapani (Cosmos). Daisy, Blue.Applied to various plants-Agathæa, Kaulfussia, and Bellis. Daisy (Bellis perennis). Daisy, Bush (Olearia). Daisy, Crown (Chrysanthemum coro- narium). Daisy, Marsh Ox-eye (Chrysanthemum lacustre). Daisy, triloba). New Holland (Vittadenia Daisy, Ox-eye (Chrysanthemum leu- canthemum). Daisy, Paris (Chrysanthemum frutescens). Daisy, Tree ( Olearia). Dames' Rocket (Hesperis). Danes' Blood (Sambucus Ebulus), also called Dane Weed and Dane Wort. Daphne. Most of the hardy Daphnes are beautiful flowering shrubs, besides being among the finest of Evergreens. There is a group of small-growing species among them that claims a place in the rock- garden. The best-known and the most popular Daphne is the old Mezereon (D. Mezereum) , whose leafless branches are often wreathed with fragrant blossoms before winter is past. The common sort has reddish-purple blooms, but there are pink and white, single and double- flowered forms. It is indispensable for every garden, and should always be planted Garland- flower (Daphne Cneorum). where its beauty can be enjoyed in early spring, and it does best in an open sunny place in almost any soil. In some seasons it flowers from the end of January until April. The pretty D. Cneorum (the Garland-flower) is a favourite little shrub, 6 to 12 in. high, more suited for the rockgarden than the shrubbery. The deeppink flowers are deliciously fragrant, and appear in dense clusters at the tips of the shoots, the unopened buds being crimson. It flowers in April and September, often twice a year, the fragrant flowers being borne in dense terminal umbels. It is a native of most ofthe great mountain chains of Europe, and is suitable for the rockgarden, for the front margin of the mixed border, or as an edging to beds of choice low shrubs, being of trailing growth, and forming dense cushion-like masses ofevergreen leaves a few inches high, thriving 428 DAPHNE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . DASYLIRION. best in an open situation in sandy peaty soil. Increased by layers. D. rupestris (Rock Daphne) is a neat little shrub, with erect shoots forming dense, com- pact tufts, 2 in. high and I ft. or more across, which are covered with bloom which sometimes almost eclipses the plant. Its colour is a soft- shaded pink or rose, and its flowers are larger and more waxy than those of D. Cneorum, but form clustered heads in the same way. It is essentially a rock-plant, growing wild in fissures of limestone in peaty loam. In cultivation it is of slow growth, and it takes some years to form a moderate- sized tuft, but the plant is a gem worth waiting for. It seems thrive in very stony and peaty earth with abundance of white sand, and should be planted in a well- drained but not in a dry position. D. Blagayana is a beautiful dwarf alpine shrub, 3 to 6 in. high, also suitable for the rock-garden. It is of straggling growth, the leaves forming rosette- like tufts at the tips ofthe branches, and encircling dense clusters of fragrant white flowers. It blooms in spring for several weeks, and is of easy culture, thriving in the rock- garden in well- drained spots surrounded by stones for its wiry roots to ramble among. It is hardy, and in open spots thrives in any good soil ; increased by layers pegged down in spring and separated from the plants as soon as roots are emitted. Another Daphne is the Japanese D. Genkwa, introduced about twenty years ago, but still uncommon. In spring, before the leaves appear, it bears freely large lilac fragrant flowers. D. Fortunei, from China, is similar to it. The foregoing are the best hardy Daphnes ; others in cultivation are : D. alpina, a dwarf deciduous shrub, about 2 ft. high, with clusters of fragrant white flowers ; D. collina, from South Europe, a dwarf evergreen form, 2 or 3 ft. high, bearing clusters of fragrant pink blossoms during the first half of the year ; D. neapolitana, from Italy, similar to this, and probably only a variety of it ; D. altaica, with neat growth, like that of D. Mezereum, has white scentless flowers ; D. pontica and Laureola are good Evergreens, although not remarkable for blossom ; while the pretty D. odora and its variety Mazeli are scarcely hardy enough for open-air culture. Such a beautiful family deserves the best attention. The following is a list of the species, to which some beautiful things, it is hoped, will be added from the often little-known lands some of the species inhabit. DAPHNE. -alpina, S. Europe and Himalayas. altaica, Sibiria. aurea, Orient. Blagayana, Car- niolia. cannabina, Himal. caucasica, Caucas. Championi, China. Cneorum , S. Europe. decandra, Java. Genkwa, China. glomerata, Caucasus. gnidioides, Asia Minor. Gnidium , S. Europe. involucrata, India. jasminea, Greece. Jezoënsis , Japan. Kuisiana, Japan. Laureola, Europe. linearifolia, Syria. Mazeli, Japan. Mezereum, Europe and N. Asia. odora, Japan. oleoides, S. Eur. Asia Minor. pendula, Burma. petræa, Tyrol. pontica, Asia Minor. pseudo- mezereum, Japan. Rodriguezi, Minora. Roumea, China. sericea, S. Eur. and Asia Minor. Sophia, Asia. striata, S. Europe. tangutica, China. flora, Ins. Timor. triflora, China. tenuia Darlingtonia californica (Californian Pitcher-plant).-A most singular plant, resembling the Sarracenias, but very distinct the leaves, which rise to height of 2 ft. or more, are hollow, and form a curiously shaped hood, from which hang two ribbon-like appendages, the hood often a crimson-red, and the flowers are almost as curious. This remarkable plant is found to grow in our climate if care be taken with it ; and it would be difficult to name a more interesting plant for a sheltered bog garden. It is less trouble out- of- doors than under glass ; indeed, it only requires a moderately wet bog in a light spongy soil of fibrous peat and chopped Sphagnum Moss. A place should be selected by the side of a stream, in an artificial bog or in any moist place, and the plants should be fully exposed to direct sunlight, but sheltered from the cold winds of early spring when they are throwing up their young leaves. They require frequent watering in dry seasons, unless they are in a naturally wet spot. When they become large they develop side shoots, which, if taken off and potted, soon make good plants. The plant is also raised from seed, but this requires several years. Dasylirion. Remarkable plants, better fitted for a temperate climate than for our own, but useful in places where many plants have to be turned out of greenhouses for the summer. They are related to the Yuccas and Beaucarneas, forming with these a well-marked group ofthe great Lily Order, all of them North American plants. Dasylirions are found only in Mexico and the Southern States, where they grow to a large size, forming stout woody stems and large heads of elegant leaves. They are slow growers, which is an advantage where space is limited and where they must be kept indoors. But there is no reason for treating Dasylirions as semi-tropical plants ; they are as hardy as Agave ameri- cana, and they may be used for outdoor effect in summer in the same way as the Agaves are employed. Along the Riviera DASYLIRION. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DASYLIRION. 429 there are fine specimens of Dasylirion and Beaucarnea. In the winter garden at Kew there is a plant of D. acrotrichum, which has been in its present position two years, and is in the best of health. The species at Kew have trunks 5 ft. high, and they flower now and again. The flowering spikes are erect, about 10 ft. long, the flowers in a narrow panicle. The male flowers are very small and KOH Dasylirion acrotrichum. temperature of this house sinks as low as 35° in severe weather, and it never gets as warm in summer as the air outside. This fact is important, as showing that the Dasylirion may certainly be placed outside in summer. Some of the plants of this crowded with pollen, the female ones bear- ing small triangular brown nut- like ovaries.. Male and female flowers are borne by different plants. D. graminifolium has a short trunk and a large head of leaves, which are similar to those of D. acrotri- 428 DAPHNE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . DASYLIRION . best in an open situation in sandy peaty soil. Increased by layers. D. rupestris (Rock Daphne) is a neat little shrub, with erect shoots forming dense, com- pact tufts, 2 in. high and 1 ft. or more across, which are covered with bloom which sometimes almost eclipses the plant. Its colour is a soft- shaded pink or rose, and its flowers are larger and more waxy than those of D. Cneorum, but form clustered heads in the same way. It is essentially a rock- plant, growing wild in fissures of limestone in peaty loam. In cultivation it is of slow growth, and it takes some years to form a moderate- sized tuft, but the plant is a gem worth waiting for. It seems to thrive in very stony and peaty earth with abundance of white sand, and should be planted in a well- drained but not in a dry position. D. Blagayana is a beauti- ful dwarf alpine shrub, 3 to 6 in. high, also suitable for the rock-garden. It is of straggling growth, the leaves forming rosette- like tufts at the tips ofthe branches, and encircling dense clusters of fragrant white flowers. It blooms in spring for several weeks, and is of easy culture, thriving in the rock-garden in welldrained spots surrounded by stones for its wiry roots to ramble among. It is hardy, and in open spots thrives in any good soil ; increased by layers pegged down in spring and separated from the plants as soon as roots are emitted. Another Daphne is the Japanese D. Genkwa, introduced about twenty years ago, but still uncommon. In spring, before the leaves appear, it bears freely large lilac fragrant flowers. D. Fortunei, from China, is similar to it. The foregoing are the best hardy Daphnes ; others in cultivation are : D. alpina, a dwarf deciduous shrub, about 2 ft. high, with clusters of fragrant white flowers ; D. collina, from South Europe, a dwarf evergreen form, 2 or 3 ft. high, bearing clusters of fragrant pink blossoms during the first half ofthe year ; D. neapolitana, from Italy, similar to this, and probably only a variety of it ; D. altaica, with neat growth, like that of D. Mezereum, has white scentless flowers ; D. pontica and Laureola are good Evergreens, although not remarkable for blossom ; while the pretty D. odora and its variety Mazeli are scarcely hardy enough for open- air culture. Such a beautiful family deserves the best attention. The following is a list of the species, to which some beautiful things, it is hoped, will be added from the often little-known lands some of the species inhabit. DAPHNE. -alpina, S. Europe and Himalayas. altaica, Sibiria. aurea, Orient. Blagayana, Čar- niolia. cannabina, Himal. caucasica, Caucas. Cham- pioni, China. Cneorum, S. Europe. decandra, Java. Genkwa, China. glomerata, Caucasus. gnidioides, Asia Minor. Gnidium, S. Europe. involucrata, India. jasminea, Greece. Jezoensis, Japan. Kuisiana, Japan. Laureola, Europe. linearifolia, Syria. Mazeli, Japan. Mesereum, Europe and N. Asia. edora, Japan. oleoides, S. Eur. Asia Minor. pendula, Burma. petræa, Tyrol. pontica, Asia Minor. pseudo- mezereum, Japan. Rodriguezi, Minora. Roumea, China. sericea, S. Eur. and Asia Minor. Sophia, Asia. striata, S. Europe. tangutica, China. flora, Ins. Timor. triflora, China. tenuiDarlingtonia californica (Californian Pitcher-plant).-A most singular plant, resembling the Sarracenias, but very distinct the leaves, which rise to a height of 2 ft. or more, are hollow, and form a curiously shaped hood, from which hang two ribbon-like appendages, the hood often a crimson- red, and the flowers are almost as curious. This remarkable plant is found to grow in our climate if care be taken with it ; and it would be difficult to name a more interesting plant for a sheltered bog garden. It is less trouble out- of- doors than under glass ; indeed, it only requires a moderately wet bog in a light spongy soil of fibrous peat and chopped Sphagnum Moss. A place should be selected by the side of a stream, in an artificial bog or in any moist place, and the plants should be fully exposed to direct sunlight, but sheltered from the cold winds of early spring when they are throwing up their young leaves. They require frequent watering in dry seasons, unless they are in a naturally wet spot. When they become large they develop side shoots, which, if taken off and potted, soon make good plants. The plant is also raised from seed, but this requires several years. Dasylirion. Remarkable plants, better fitted for a temperate climate than for our own, but useful in places where many plants have to be turned out of greenhouses for the summer. They are related to the Yuccas and Beaucarneas, forming with these a well- marked group ofthe great Lily Order, all of them North American plants. Dasylirions are found only in Mexico and the Southern States, where they grow to a large size, forming stout woody stems and large heads of elegant leaves. They are slow growers, which is an advantage where space is limited and where they must be kept indoors. But there is no reason for treating Dasylirions as semi-tropical plants ; they are as hardy as Agave ameri- cana, and they may be used for outdoor effect in summer in the same way as the Agaves are employed. Along the Riviera DASYLIRION. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DASYLIRION. 429 there are fine specimens of Dasylirion and Beaucarnea. In the winter garden at Kewthere is a plant of D. acrotrichum, which has been in its present position two years, and is in the best of health. The species at Kew have trunks 5 ft. high, and they flower now and again. The flowering spikes are erect, about 10 ft. long, the flowers in a narrow panicle. The male flowers are very small and АКанг Dasylirion acrotrichum. temperature of this house sinks as low as 35°in severe weather, and it never gets as warm in summer as the air outside. This fact is important, as showing that the Dasylirion may certainly be placed outside in summer. Some of the plants of this crowded with pollen, the female ones bearing small triangular brown nut- like ovaries. Male and female flowers are borne by different plants. D. graminifolium has a short trunk and a large head of leaves, which are similar to those of D. acrotri- 430 DATE PALM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DATURA. chum, except that they have not the tuft onthe end. D. glaucophyllum, sometimes called D. glaucum, has stiffer, broader | leaves than the preceding, almost silvery. D. serratifolium is similar, but shorter in the leaf. D. quadrangulatum is sometimes met with under the name of Xanthorrhoea hastilis, the leaves resembling those of Xanthorrhoea in being narrow and rushlike. D. quadrangulatum is a fine plant, the leaves, from 3 to 4 ft. long, forming a large head, the lower ones recurved and elegant. D. Hookeri has a bole-like stem, not unlike that of Testudinaria, with tufts of glaucous leaves springing from the upper part, and elegant in a young state. These plants like plenty of water in summer, little or none in winter, and they do not require much root-room. roots will soon defy the most protracted drought. Datura ( Thorn Apple) .- Plants of the Nightshade family, including several handsome garden plants that well deserve cultivation. Being natives of Mexico and similar countries, none are hardy, but owing to rapid growth some succeed well if treated as half-hardy annuals, and make effective plants in a short season. The best are : D. ceratocaula, from 2 to 3 ft. high, with large, scented, trumpet- like flowers, often 6 in. in length, and 4 or 5 in. across, white, tinged with violet- purple, expanding in the afternoon and closing on the following morning. D. fastuosa is a handsome species, having white blossoms smaller than the preceding; there is a fine variety of it with the tube Date Palm (Phænix). Datura meteloides. Datisca cannabina. -A tall and graceful herbaceous perennial from 4 to 7 ft. high, the long stems clothed with large pinnate leaves, yellowish-green flowers appearing towards the end of summer. The male plant is very strong and graceful in habit the female remains green much longer than the male ; when it is laden with fruit, each shoot droops gracefully, and the plant should be included in any selection of hardy plants of good form. Seed will be found the best way to increase it, and would secure plants of both sexes. The border is not its place ; it is, above most other plants, suited for the grassy margin of an irregular shrubbery, and will be all the more effective if planted on a grassy slope, where its deep- seeking of the flower violet and the inside white. The most striking forms of this species bear "double" flowers, the primary corolla having a second and sometimes a third corolla arising from its tube, all being perfectly regular in form, and often being particoloured, as in the single variety with violet flowers. D. fastuosa Huberiana of the seed catalogues, and several varieties of it that are offered, are reputed to be hybrids of this species with the dwarf D. chlorantha flore-pleno or D. humilis flava of the gardens ; but although they offer a greater variety of colour, they are less hardy than the older forms just described, and appear to require a warmer climate for their complete development. D. meteloides is a handsome Mexican plant, called in gardens Wright's DAY LILY. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DELPHINIUM. 431 Datura. Isolated specimens of it have a fine aspect in sunny but sheltered nooks. It is from 3 to 4 ft. high, has wide- spreading branches, and blooms from the middle of July till frost sets in, the flowers white, tinged with mauve ; from 4 to 6 in. across, showy and sweet, but the leaves emit a disagreeable odour. Besides these there are other kinds in cultivation, such as D. ferox and quercifolia, but those described are the finest. Fresh seeds are readily raised, in an ordinary hotbed ; the young plants while small should be pricked out singly in pots, and finally planted out where they are to stand. They need ample space for their full growth, and should be grown in light warm soils. (See also Brugmansia. ) The plants hitherto known as Brugmansia are now considered to belong to Datura, and the following are the accepted species. DATURA. -arborea, S. America. ceratocaula, tropical America. chlorantha. cornigera, Mexico. discolor, Mexico. dubia. erin- acea, Brazil. fastuosa ferox, China. floribunda, S. America. inermis, Abyssinia. Leichhardti, Australia. Metel, tropi- cal countries. meteloides, W. America. microcarpa. nigra, Malaya. præcox. quercifolia, Mexico. sanguinea, S. America. scandens, Brazil. Stramonium, common everywhere. suaveolens, Mexico. trapezia, India. are Day Lily (Hemerocallis). Decumaria. -Two species of this interesting genus are in cultivation ; both hardy, and useful climbers for walls and buildings. D. barbara, a native of Carolina, where it is found in shady places along the margins of swamps, is a very elegant plant. The branches cling to the wall by small rootlets, as in the Ivy, and when allowed to ramble at will are very grotesque, ascending trees or walls to a considerable height, and requir- ing no nailing and little attention. The flowers are in large bunches in May and June, pure white and fragrant, resembling Hydrangea. D. sinensis is a native of Central China, and a beautiful hardy 1 species. It is a climber, and was found by Dr. Henry covering the cliffs of the Ichang Gorge with clusters of fragrant white flowers. Delphinium (Larkspur).- Few plants contribute so much to the beauty of the garden as these fine plants of the Crowfoot Order. There are in cultivation many species, both annual and perennial, Delphinium. but the most important are the tall hybrid perennials, of which there are many varieties with a wonderful range of lovely colour. They are very valuable for their great variety in height, from 1 to 10 ft. ; for their greater variety in shades of colour, which range from almost scarlet to pure white, from the palest and most chaste lavender up through every con- 432 DELPHINIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DELPHINIUM. ceivable shade of blue to deep indigo ; and for the variety of size and form of their individual blooms, some of which are single, some semi-double, and some perfectly double, and all set on spikes ranging from 1 to 6 ft. in length. About a dozen species have given rise to the cultivated varieties, the chief species being D. grandiflorum, formosum , lasio- stachyum, cheilanthum, elatum, and peregrinum. CULTURE AND POSITION. -The combinations in which they can be placed are numerous. They are splendid objects in various positions, and may be used in various ways-in the mixed border, in masses or groups in one or several colours, or associated with other flowering plants or with shrubs. Perennial Larkspurs thrive in almost any situation or soil ; they are easily increased, and are quite hardy. A deep friable loam, enriched with rotten manure, is a good soil for them, but they will grow well in a hot sandy soil if it be heavily manured and watered. Every three or four years they should be replanted and divided, and this is best done in spring, just as they are starting into growth, or in summer ; if it is done in summer, cut down the plants intended for division, and let them remain for a week or ten days until they start afresh ; then carefully divide and replant them, shading and watering until they are established. Late autumn division is not advisable. Delphiniums can be made to bloom for several months by continually cutting off the spikes immediately after they have done flowering. If the central spike be removed, the side shoots will flower, and by thus cutting off the old flowers before they form seeds we cause fresh shoots to issue from the base, and to keep up a succession of bloom. Another plan is to let the shoots remain intact until all have nearly done flowering, and then to cut the entire plant to the ground, when in about three weeks there will be a fresh bloom. In this case, however, to keep the plants from becoming exhausted, they must have a heavy dressing of manure or manure-water. Top- dressings keep the soil cool and moist, give the plants a healthier growth, increase the number and improve the quality of the flowers. The following is a selection of the good kinds : Single Varieties.-Belladonna, Hendersoni, Cambridge, Granville, Gloire de St. Mande, Barlowi, versicolor, Coronet, magnificum, Lavender, pul- chrum, formosum, lilacinum, Celestial, Madame Hock, mesoleucum superbum, Defiance, and Attraction. The grower should consult his own taste, and raise seedlings of his own, taking care to have a good stock of the standard varieties he likes best. Double Varieties. -Madame E. Geny, Madame Henri Jacotot, Madame Richalet, Pompon Brilliant, Roi Léopold, Hermann Stenger, Claire Courant, George Taylor, Roncevaux, Le XIXe. Siècle, Keteleeri, Prince of Wales, General Ulrich, Arc en Ciel, Sphere, Michael Angelo, Delight, Glynn, Barlowi vittatum , Star, Perfectum novum, Triomphe de Pontoise, Pompon de Tirlemont, Victor Lemoine, Trophée, Madame Henri Galotat, Louis Figuier, Azureum plenum, and Madame Ravillana. The beautiful old D. grandiflorum fl.-pl. , another double variety, is one of the most charming of border plants. The best of the numerous perennial species distinct from the hybrids are-D. cashmerianum, with flowers nearly as large as those of D. formosum, and with stems about 15 in. in height. The flowers are I in. in diameter, and are usually of a light blue-purple, but they vary in shade to mauve and dark blue, and are produced in terminal corymbs of six or more. D. cashmerianum is well suited for the border or for a large rockery ; in either case perfect drainage is essential, and this is best attained in rock-garden culture. Its branches have a prostrate habit, apparently adapting it to such con- ditions. It is best increased from seed. D. cardinale is a beautiful species of tall growth, having bright- scarlet flowers, like those of D. nudicaule. It blossoms later in summer, and continues longer in flower than D. nudicaule, owing in part to its slower development. It is a most desirable plant, and as hardy as D. nudicaule. Seedlings will probably not flower till the second season. In very damp soil it would be prudent in winter to protect the root with a hand-light or inverted pot. D. chinense is distinct from other Lark spurs, and is neat and rather dwarf in growth, having finely cut feathery foliage, and freely producing spikes of large blossoms, usually of a rich blue- purple, but sometimes white. It is a good perennial, is easily raised from seed, and continues to flower throughout the summer till late in autumn. It is suited for borders and beds. D. nudicaule has scarlet blossoms, a dwarf, compact, branching growth, a hardy constitution, and a free blooming habit, 1 to 3 ft. high. The flowers are in loose spikes, each blossom being about 1 in. in length ; the colour varies from light scarlet to a shade verging DELPHINIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DELPHINIUM. 433 closely on crimson, and when seen in the open air, especially in sunshine, dazzles the eye by its brilliancy. D. nudicaule is perfectly hardy, and commences growth so early that it may almost be termed a spring flower, but it may be had in bloom during several of the summer months, and is handsome for warm borders. Although somewhat apt to damp off on level ground, it is a perennial on raised ground, and keeps up a succession of bloom. It is as easy to raise from seed as other Larkspurs. A tall variety of nudicaule is called elatius. of the Rocket Larkspur may be arranged in three great groups : I. D. Ajacis majus (large Larkspur).-The stem of this is single, and varies in height, from 3 to 4 ft. 6 in.; the flowers double, in a long, single, and compact spike, generally rounded off at the extremity. This kind has given the following varieties -white, flesh- coloured, rose, mauve or pucecoloured, pale violet, violet, ash- coloured, claret, and brown. 2. D. Ajacis minus (dwarf Larkspur).--The stem of this is from 20 to 24 in. in height, and is even shorter when the plant is sown thickly or Delphinium grandiflorum. THE ANNUAL LARKSPURS. -In these hardy annuals there is also a wealth of beauty for the summer garden, and we have a host of beautiful sorts with a wide range of colour. There is great diversity too in the habit of growth, some being as dwarf as a Hyacinth, others 3 or 4 ft. high, others with a branching habit re- sembling a candelabrum. The species which have given rise to these varieties are D. Ajacis ( Rocket Larkspur) and D. Consolida. D. Ajacis has the flowers in long loose spikes forming an erect and spreading panicle, the stem vigorous with open spreading branches. All the varieties in dry or poor soils . The flowers are very double, and in a single well-furnished spike, usually cylindrical, and rounded off at the extremity, but rarely tapering. The principal varieties are-white, mother- of-pearl, flesh colour, rose, mauve, pale mauve, peach blossom, light violet, violet, blue-violet, pale blue, ash-gray, brown, light brown, white striped with rose, white striped with gray, rose and white, and flax-coloured and white. 3. D. Ajacis hyacinthiflorum (dwarf Hyacinth- flowered Larkspur).--The varieties of this group have been raised in Belgium and Germany. They do not differ from F F 434 DELPHINIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DELPHINIUM. other kinds in form of flower, but only in the spike on which the flowers are set, being more tapering, and the flowers Portion of a group of Delphiniums in the garden at The Grange, Knutsford, Cheshire. farther apart than those of the two previously mentioned groups. There is a strain called the tall Hyacinth Larkspur. Other strains mentioned in catalogues are the Ranunculus-flowered (ranunculi- florum) and the Stock-flowered, both of which are worth cultivating. D. Consolida (Branched Larkspur).— This species has branching stems and beautiful violet-blue flowers hung on slender stalks, and coming later than those of D. Ajacis. It embraces several varieties, both single and double, all of which may be reproduced from seed. The principal sorts are white, flesh colour, red, lilac, violet, flaxen, and variegated. The varieties especially worthy of cultiva- tion are candelabrum, bearing pyramidal spikes of flowers of various colours ; and the Emperor varieties, of symmetrical bushy habit, which form compact and well- proportioned specimens, 1 ft. high by 3 ft. in circumference, doubleness of flowers possessing great constancy. There are three colours-viz. dark blue, tri- colored, and red- striped . In D. tricolor elegans the flowers are rose- coloured, streaked with blue or purple, and about 3 ft. high. CULTURE. -Annual Larkspurs should be sown where they are to remain at any time after February when the weather permits-usually in March and April. They may also be sown in September and October, and even later when the ground is not frozen, but the produce of winter sowing is liable to be devoured by slugs and grubs. The sowing may be made either broadcast or in rows 4 in. to 8 in. apart, and the plants should stand 4 in. or 5 in. asunder. The branching varieties may be sown in reserve beds, and in March when about 12 in. or 16 in. high should be transferred to the flower beds, lifted carefully with balls of earth round the roots, so that they may not suffer. These branching varieties are well suited for the garden, either in masses of one colour or of various colours. They may be planted in borders or among shrubs thinly planted. One great advantage of this class is that it flowers earlier and longer than the dwarf Larkspur-that is to say, it flowers throughout the summer, and, according to the period of sowing, from the end of June or July to September, and even to Octoberifthe flower- stems that have shed their blossoms be cut off. They succeed, moreover, in the driest calcareous soils, and even upon the declivities of hills. By pinching, dwarf plants useful under certain circumstances may be obtained. Seed should be taken only from flowers perfectly double ; and for this purpose single-flowered plants should be carefully DENDROMECON. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DEUTZIA. 435 weeded out. Larkspurs are at their best in June and July ; they bloom almost anywhere, especially in dry localities, and do not require much attention. They look well whether they are all of one colour, or of all the colours mixed, and, by separately using varieties possessing different colours, striking contrasts may be pro- duced. Other annual Larkspurs, such as D. orientale and D. cardiopetalum, are scarcely worth cultivating, now that we have so many beautiful varieties. Those who are fond of Delphiniums will find in the Index Kewensis, recently published, a list of the accepted species. Dendromecon rigidum (Shrubby Poppy). A rare shrubby poppy from the summits of mountains near St. Barbara, North America, where it was first found by Nuttall. It flowers in June, and should be planted in a sandy loam in a warm corner. Dentaria (Toothwort). — Interesting spring- flowering plants of the Crucifer Order, of which there are in cultivation some half a dozen species all worth growing in half- shaded positions in peat beds, among shrubs, on the margins of borders, or in the cool shrubbery. They grow best in a light sandy or peaty soil en- riched by decayed leaf-mould. Their flowers are welcome in early spring, and remain some time in beauty, and they are easily increased from the small tuber- like roots. Some, like D. bulbifera, bear bulblets on the stem, and from these the plant may be increased. None of them ripen seed freely. The species are-D. bulbifera, 1 to 2 ft. high, flowering in spring ; purple, sometimes nearly white, rather large, and borne in a raceme at the top of the stem. D. digitata, a handsome dwarf kind, about 12 in. high, flowers in April ; rich purple, in flat racemes at the top of the stem. A native of Europe. D. diphylla is a pretty plant, from 6 to 12 in. high, bearing but two leaves, the flowers purple (some- times white) and yellowish. N. America. D. enneaphylla is about 1 ft. high ; has in April and June clusters of creamy- white flowers, and is a pretty plant for a shady border. Mountain woods in Central Europe. D. maxima is the largest of the species, being 2 ft. high, with many pale-purple flowers, and is a native of N. America. D. pinnata is a stout species at once distinguished by its pinnate leaves ; it is from 14 to 20 in. high, flowering from April to June, bearing large pale- purple, lilac, or white flowers, in a cluster. is a native of mountain and sub- alpine woods in Switzerland. D. polyphylla, It similar to D. enneaphylla, is about 1 ft. high, with cream- coloured flowers in clusters . It is a handsome plant ; from woods in Hungary. -Cardamine. Deodar (Cedrus Deodara). Deptford Pink (Dianthus armeria). Desfontainea spinosa. -In favoured gardens along the southern coast and in other mild parts this very beautiful evergreen shrub from Chili can be grown and flowered out- of-doors. It is of moderate growth, having foliage very much like the Holly, the handsome flowers in the form of a tube of bright scarlet tipped with yellow. It usually flowers about the end of summer, and in some parts of Devon- shire it blooms profusely, thriving in a light loamy soil. Desmodium ( Tick Trefoil).- A few of the North American species are cultivated, but their weedy appearance prevents their general culture. These are D. canadense, marilandicum, and Dilleni, all from 2 to 4 ft. high, with slender stems, terminated by dense racemes of small purplish flowers. D. penduliflorum is a really pretty shrub, and hardy if the stems are annually cut down, with graceful shoots, bearing along their upper portions numerous rich violet-purple blossoms in September. D. penduliflorum is the name by which the beautiful Lespedeza bicolor is generally known. It is a slender shrub, graceful when in flower 6 ft. or more in height, bearing drooping racemes of small Pea- shaped flowers of a carmine- purple colour. It is a native of China and Japan, and hardy enough for open-air culture except in cold districts. It makes a good wall shrub. Deutzia. The best of the few species in cultivation are D. gracilis and D. crenata, both common and well- known shrubs, the first generally seen in greenhouses, the second in almost every shrubbery. D. gracilis, so often grown in pots, is quite hardy, and, under good conditions , makes a dense bush about 2 ft. high, in a free soil flowering as freely as when in pots. D. crenata (commonly called D. scabra) is a much larger bush 6 to 8 ft. high, its leaves large and rough, and, when in flower, its slender stems are wreathed with racemes and panicles of pure-white blossoms. There are two distinct and beautiful varieties of it-viz. flore-pleno, with double flowers, tinged with purple, and candidissima, with an abundance of double snow-white flowers. This is one of the finest hardy flowering shrubs, and is called the Pride of Rochester. Deutzias growin any good soil , best in slight shade ; if too much exposed FF 2 436 DEVIL-IN-A- BUSH. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIANTHUS. they are liable to suffer during drought. They should be pruned annually, the old wood being cut away, and the young growths thinned. The species are D. gracilis, Japan. grandiflora, China. macrantha, Himal. mexicana, Mexico. parviflora, China. scabra, Japan. Sieboldiana, Japan. sta- minea, Mountains of India. Devil-in-a-bush (Nigella). Dew-Berry (Rubus). Dianthera americana ( Water Willow). of the heath, dry meadow, or maritime Alps ; or shore plants, such as the Fringed Pink ( D. superbus) ; and, so far as our climate is concerned, they are almost at home in lowland gardens. On the other hand, some are among the very highest alpine plants, like the Glacier Pink and the Alpine Pink. The following is a selection of the best species for gardens. D. alpinus (Alpine Pink).-A beautiful and distinct plant, distinguished at a Deutzia parviflora. --A perennial herb, from 2 to 3 ft. high, with erect slender stems and small purplish flowers growing in streams and ponds in North America, and being quite hardy is suitable for such places here. Acanthaceæ. Dianthus (Pink).- Plants ofthe highest garden value, containing several of our finest families ofhardy flowers-the Carnation, Pink, and Sweet William-besides numerous alpine and rock plants that are among the most charming of mountain plants. Many of the species are plants glance from any other cultivated Pink by blunt-pointed shining green leaves. The stems bear in summer solitary circular flowers, ofdeep rose spotted with crimson, and when the plant is in good health they are so numerous as to hide the leaves. In poor, moist, and very sandy loam this Pink thrives and forms a dwarf carpet, though the flower- stems are little more than I in. in height ; but both leaves and stems are much more vigorous and tall in deep, moist peaty soil . Wire-worms cause its death more frequently than unsuitable DIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIANTHUS. 437 soil. It should be placed in a fully exposed spot, and carefully guarded against drought, especially when recently planted. It is not difficult to increase from seed, and it comes true ; and it may be also increased by division. Alps of Austria. D. barbatus ( Sweet William).- One of the most admired of garden flowers, hardy and vigorous ; bearing a profusion of bright flowers which form sheets of bloom, the colours being vivid and pretty, and the flowers often finely and distinctly marked. What makes the Sweet William of such high value for small gardens is that its culture is so easy, and it may be raised from seed without the aid of glass. The Sweet William has been greatly improved of late years, and the old varieties are surpassed. The points the "florist " improver aims at are a circular flower, with no indentation where the petals meet, thick in petal, and with all the petals marked alike, the colours meeting each other in clearly defined lines without any feathering or flushing into each other ; but in this, as in otherflowers, the more variety the better. In the Sweet William colours vary, and they may be classed under two heads- dark and light kinds. Of the latter there is a strain known as the Auricula- eyed, the blooms of which have a clear white eye in a setting of red or purple or some other rich dark colour. Smooth-edged flowers, such as Hunt's strain, have their admirers. Fine, evenly rounded trusses are always present in a good strain, but size is generally allied to high culture. Except for shows, however, very large trusses are not the best, as they usually need support. The finest strain is usually found where year after year care has been exercised in selecting only the finest flowers, with the largest trusses and most varied mark- ings. The only self-coloured flowers are those of pure white, pink, or crimson ; all the others are parti-coloured or variously marked, some very prettily mottled, others more or less edged with white or pale pink. CULTURE. This is very simple ; sow the seed in April, in a well-prepared bed in a sunny spot, thinning out the young plants when they are large enough, or, if a large stock is required, planting them out about 6 in. apart in good soil. About the end of September transplant them to their permanent quarters, and in the following summerthey will bloom. When, however, any particular strain is to be rapidly increased the following plan is a good one : Sow in pots, and allow the seedlings to become a little drawn and lanky before planting out. Plant out in light loam, dressed only with a little leafniould or loam from rotted turfs, placing the seedlings so that a few of the lower joints are under the soil. When the blooming stems are well above the foliage, prick in a dressing of guano all round the plants, give plenty of water in dry Dianthus alpinus (Alpine Pink). weather, and a further slight dressing of guano just before the flowers begin to open. The result will be vigorous stocky shoots from the buried joints, all rooted and ready to plant out as soon as the bloom is over. Sweet Williams may also be propagated by cuttings taken off in early summer ; for the main stems, which should rise for bloom, creep along the ground, and throw up from every joint shoots suitable for cuttings ; and a little sheaf of cuttings may be taken from the tips of the main stems, so that each plant would furnish over a hundred cuttings. Double-flowered kinds, as a rule, are not desirable except the double dwarf 438 DIANTHUS . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . DIANTHUS . magnificus, the deep velvety crimson flowers of which are the finest among the double kinds : the large heads of flower are numerous, the colour is rich and effective, it is a dwarf, vigorous grower, and soon forms a strong tuft. D. Caryophyllus (Carnation).--This beautiful flower, so much loved in all countries where it can be grown both under glass and in the open air, in all its forms, is derived from a wild Dianthus of Western Europe and the Alps, which as regards our own country is wild on Norman castles such as Rochester. From very early days it seems to have been a favourite flower, as in Dutch pictures nearly 200 years old the Carnation, mostly in its striped forms, is shown in perfection. Clearly at this early date the tendency of the flowers to vary in colour and markings was greatly admired. At a very early date the Carnation was divided into four classes -viz. Flakes, Bizarres , Picotees, and Painted Ladies. The Flakes had two colours only, the stripes going the whole length of the petals. Bizarres (from the French, meaning odd or irregular) were spotted or striped with three distinct colours. Picotees (from the French, piquotée) had a white ground with additional colours in spots, giving the flowers the appearance of being dusted with colour. Painted Ladies had the under side of the petals white and the upper side red or purple, so laid on as to appear as if really painted. Unfortunately this class has so entirely disappeared that many growers are not aware that it ever existed. The first two classes still remain unchanged ; but the Picotee, instead of being spotted, has the colours confined to the edge of the petals, and any spot on the ground colour ( which may be either white or yellow) would detract from the merits of the flower as an exhibition flower. Another class, too long neglected, con- sists of self- coloured kinds. A familiar type is the old crimson Clove, a sweet and lovely thing, which may be had also in several different shades of self- colour. The florists of the old school did not pay much attention to self- coloured Carnations, and till recently there was a scarcity of fine varieties . We may now have them in all shades of colour. They combine hardiness and vigour with free blooming and great effect. For the flower garden they are the most important. They should be grown in bold groups or simple masses associated with Roses or choice hardy flowers. The Tree Carnation is very valuable as a pot plant ; or, if planted out in a greenhouse border, it produces flowers in winter and spring, when none can be had out-of-doors. The most popular of this class is Souvenir de la Malmaison, with large cream-coloured blossoms and delightful fragrance, and from this have been obtained sports of different colours ; so that, with these and other varieties, there is now no difficulty in obtaining all colours, from pure white to bright scarlet. As a rule, the choice- named varieties of Picotees and Carnations for show are grown in pots, but we confine our remarks to their culture in the garden, also treating of it, shortly, from the exhibiting florist's point of view. A great number of people still think Carnations are tender, and they coddle them up in frames throughout the winter. The florists, too, continue much in their old ways, which do not tend to the advancement of Carnation culture in gardens where we should see and grow fine selfs of brilliancy and beauty. As garden flowers Carnations have been badly treated, and yet there is no brighter and sweeter flower for the garden throughout summer and autumn. This fact is dawning on English raisers , but we have had the greatest success with fine French- raised selfs that combine hardiness with good form and colour, and, what is more precious, a perpetual blooming habit. Nothing could be better than Countess of Paris, Carolus Duran, Colin de Harleville, M. Roland, Murillo, Madame Lafausse, Mdlle. Rouselle, Veronica, Jenny Lind, Comte de Melbourne, and Flora. Of English kinds the only one we have had to equal the preceding is Alice, a white self of perfect form and a perpetual bloomer. Some standard kinds of the present are : Ketton Rose, Purple Emperor, Mrs. Muir, Germania, Rose Celestial, Emma Lakin, Hebe, Mary Morris, Mrs. Reynolds Hole, Aline Newman, Celia, and Joe Willett. SOILS. The soil has a marked influence upon Carnations. In very light hot soils as in Surrey they cannot be grown well at all. They want a loamy soil, but as this varies in texture and richness so the plants vary in growth. In very rich soils they are so luxuriant that it is necessary to make new plantations, annually destroying the old plants. In some soils however they make a harder growth, and stand two or more years, spreading into great tufts and bushes. CULTURE FOR BORDERS AND BEDS.-- First, then, of the wants of the general DIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIANTHUS. 439 grower, who rightly esteems a good crimson or white Clove as it grows in the open garden as much as the most exact staged flower. And rightly so, because, in the opinion of those who have thought and studied most about it, the superiority in form is wholly with the bold, free, undressed flower. What applies to the individual flower applies with greater force to its culture in the garden. It does not appear at its best in lines, or circles, or dotted here and there as in pattern gardening ; but good kinds planted in groups of from twelve to fifty, according to room, will give us when in flower the truest idea of the value of fine Carnations for ornamenting the garden. then enjoy all that is gained from planting groupsthickly, and suffer no inconvenience. We shall also have plenty of flowers, and can cut great numbers without missing them. Varied colour is the distinctive charm ofthe florist varieties. Fewofthem are likely to produce bold effects like the selfs, but they may be grown in special beds and borders in a less prominent spot. Some nurserymen are beginning to see the mistake of neglecting a noble flower like this, and are trying to raise bold, free, and varied border flowers easily grown in every garden. They will succeed, and our gardens will be all the better for it. In specially cultivating the better kinds in beds, it is usual to cover Bed of Carnations at Bulwick. These groups should be renewed annually, or fresh ones should be made elsewhere, a stock of plants having been raised from layers. Only in a few cases are Carnations likely to spread and make healthy tufts, able to stand for two or three years. It is generally advisable to destroy the old plants after flowering, and, if we do not, the frost often does. Young strong layers, planted during September about 9 in. apart, will produce an effect hardly to be surpassed. Layering has to be performed when the plants are in full flower, and as it is undesirable to interfere with the groups in flower, the best plan is to have a fewplants of each kind grown in nursery quarters solely for layering. We can the surface with 1 in. or more of fine rotten manure passed through a sieve, and in dry weather to give plenty of water ; but as many will not pay more attention than is necessary, it may be stated that neither water nor top- dressing is usually required in good garden soil, and, without either, the result will be quite as valuable from an ornamental point of view. But when a good collection is grown in special little beds in a warm border of the kitchen garden, a top- dressing of one barrow of mould to three of decayed manure could be given in a very short time, and if the weather or soil were very dry an occasional heavy watering would improve matters. Varieties are 438 DIANTHUS. DIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . magnificus, the deep velvety crimson flowers of which are the finest among the double kinds : the large heads of flower are numerous, the colour is rich and effective, it is a dwarf, vigorous grower, and soon forms a strong tuft. D. Caryophyllus (Carnation).--This beautiful flower, so much loved in all countries where it can be grown both under glass and in the open air, in all its forms, is derived from a wild Dianthus of Western Europe and the Alps, which as regards our own country is wild on Norman castles such as Rochester. From very early days it seems to have been a favourite flower, as in Dutch pictures nearly 200 years old the Carnation, mostly in its striped forms, is shown in perfection. Clearly at this early date the tendency of the flowers to vary in colour and markings was greatly admired. At a very early date the Carnation was divided into four classes -viz. Flakes, Bizarres , Picotees, and Painted Ladies. The Flakes had two colours only, the stripes going the whole length of the petals. Bizarres ( from the French, meaning odd or irregular) were spotted or striped with three distinct colours. Picotees (from the French, piquotée) had a white ground with additional colours in spots, giving the flowers the appearance of being dusted with colour. Painted Ladies had the under side of the petals white and the upper side red or purple, so laid on as to appear as if really painted. Unfortunately this class has so entirely disappeared that many growers are not aware that it ever existed. The first two classes still remain unchanged ; but the Picotee, instead of being spotted, has the colours confined to the edge of the petals, and any spot on the ground colour ( which may be either white or yellow) would detract from the merits of the flower as an exhibition flower. Another class, too long neglected, con- sists of self- coloured kinds. A familiar type is the old crimson Clove, a sweet and lovely thing, which may be had also in several different shades of self-colour. The florists of the old school did not pay much attention to self-coloured Carnations, and till recently there was a scarcity of fine varieties. We may now have them in all shades of colour. They combine hardiness and vigour with free blooming and great effect. For the flower garden they are the most important. They should be grown in bold groups or simple masses associated with Roses or choice hardy flowers. The Tree Carnation is very valuable as a pot plant ; or, if planted out in a greenhouse border, it produces flowers in winter and spring, when none can be had out-of-doors. The most popular of this class is Souvenir de la Malmaison, with large cream- coloured blossoms and delightful fragrance, and from this have been obtained sports of different colours ; so that, with these and other varieties, there is now no difficulty in obtaining all colours, from pure white to bright scarlet. As a rule, the choice-named varieties of Picotees and Carnations for show are grown in pots, but we confine our remarks to their culture in the garden, also treating of it, shortly, from the exhibiting florist's point of view. A great number of people still think Carnations are tender, and they coddle them up in frames throughout the winter. The florists, too, continue much in their old ways, which do not tend to the advancement of Carnation culture in gardens where we should see and grow fine selfs of brilliancy and beauty. As garden flowers Carnations have been badly treated, and yet there is no brighter and sweeter flower for the garden throughout summer and autumn. This fact is dawning on English raisers, but we have had the greatest success with fine French-raised selfs that combine hardiness with good form and colour, and, what is more precious, a perpetual blooming habit. Nothing could be better than Countess of Paris, Carolus Duran, Colin de Harleville, M. Roland, Murillo, Madame Lafausse, Mdlle. Rouselle, Veronica, Jenny Lind, Comte de Mel- bourne, and Flora. Of English kinds the only one we have had to equal the pre- ceding is Alice, a white self of perfect form and a perpetual bloomer. Some standard kinds of the present are : Ketton Rose, Purple Emperor, Mrs. Muir, Ger- mania, Rose Celestial, Emma Lakin, Hebe, Mary Morris, Mrs. Reynolds Hole, Aline Newman, Celia, and Joe Willett. SOILS. The soil has a marked influence upon Carnations. In very light hot soils as in Surrey they cannot be grown well at all. They want a loamy soil, but as this varies in texture and richness so the plants vary in growth. In very rich soils they are so luxuriant that it is necessary to make new plantations, annually destroying the old plants. In some soils however they make a harder growth, and stand two or more years, spreading into great tufts and bushes. CULTURE FOR Borders aND BEDS.— First, then, of the wants of the general DIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIANTHUS. 439 grower, who rightly esteems a good crimson or white Clove as it grows in the open garden as much as the most exact staged flower. And rightly so, because, in the opinion of those who have thought and studied most about it, the superiority in form is wholly with the bold, free, undressed flower. What applies to the individual flower applies with greater force to its culture in the garden. It does not appear at its best in lines, or circles, or dotted here and there as in pattern gardening ; but good kinds planted in groups of from twelve to fifty, according to room, will give us when in flower the truest idea of the value of fine Carnations for ornamenting the garden. then enjoy all that is gained from planting groups thickly, and sufferno inconvenience. We shall also have plenty of flowers, and can cut great numbers without missing them. Varied colour is the distinctive charm of the florist varieties . Few ofthem are likely to produce bold effects like the selfs, but they may be grown in special beds and borders in a less prominent spot. Some nurserymen are beginning to see the mistake of neglecting a noble flower like this, and are trying to raise bold, free, and varied border flowers easily grown in every garden. They will succeed, and our gardens will be all the better for it. In specially cultivating the better kinds in beds, it is usual to cover Bed of Carnations at Bulwick. These groups should be renewed annually, or fresh ones should be made elsewhere, a stock of plants having been raised from layers. Only in a few cases are Carnations likely to spread and make healthy tufts, able to stand for two or three years. It is generally advisable to destroy the old plants after flowering, and, if we do not, the frost often does. Young strong layers, planted during September about 9 in. apart, will produce an effect hardly to be surpassed. Layering has to be performed when the plants are in full flower, and as it is undesirable to interfere with the groups in flower, the best plan is to have a fewplants of each kind grown in nursery quarters solely for layering. We can the surface with 1 in. or more of fine rotten manure passed through a sieve, and in dry weather to give plenty of water ; but as many will not pay more attention than is necessary, it may be stated that neither water nor top- dressing is usually required in good garden soil, and, without either, the result will be quite as valuable from an ornamental point of view. But when a good collection is grown in special little beds in a warm border of the kitchen garden, a top-dress- ing of one barrow of mould to three of decayed manure could be given in a very short time, and if the weather or soil were very dry an occasional heavy watering would improve matters. Varieties are 440 DIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIANTHUS. endless ; and as English, Continental, and American florists are busy raising seedlings, these varieties are likely to be much added to, though enough attention has not as yet been paid to the raising of vigorous border and flower garden kinds with a great range of colour, form, continuity of bloom, and fragrance. It would be well for raisers to discard the kinds which GARDENING Carnation. burst their flowers. This is a great defect, an unnatural habit too long condoned, and its evils are most manifest in the flower garden. In ordering, the public should distinctly make known their wishes as to colour, form, and fragrance. The Carnation does not depend for its beauty on elaborate instructions, which only the special grower for exhibition cares to master. CARNATIONS IN POTS AND VASES.- It is a common practice to have pots and vases of flowers in the garden, but the Carnation is rarely seen in them. It is a grand flower for the purpose if naturally grown, allowing its flower spikes to droop where they will. The flowers on these last longer in bad weather, as they protect themselves from wet. Wherever pots can be stood they look admirable, but are seen to special ad- vantage if above the line of sight. In window boxes they would make a pretty picture. The essential thing to do them well is to pot up some good strong layers in autumn and keep in a frame all the winter. In spring they should be potted into their flowering pots or vases. There should be no tying or training. PERPETUAL CARNATIONS IN THE OPEN AIR. -These, if from a good strain of French seed, are very satisfactory plants, and useful for cutting. Their drawback is the habit of flowering in winter, but this can be obviated by sowing early, so as to get them to a good size by autumn, when they will flower in the spring and continue to bloom all the summer. Pipings struck in the spring and planted out in the autumn will behave in the same way. Old plants are difficult to manage in the open air, but survive the winter if well thinned out ; the only danger is damp cold, which rots them at the surface of the ground. They grow very well in light rich soil on chalk. Their free-rooting habit makes them unsuitable for pots. Many of my plants filled almost 3 ft. of soil with their roots ; it is manifest waste to cram such freegrowing plants in pots.-J. D. GARDEN CULTURE FOR EXHIBITION. --About the end of July cover the bed intended to be devoted to Carnations, &c. , about 2 in. with good rotten manure, and if the soil be sandy add to this 2 in. of good mellow loam, or, if it be stiff, add the same quantity of sand. Then, when- ever time can be spared, fork in the dressing well and dig it over. Then put the plants in firmly, putting all of the same sort in a row with a good legible label at the end. Being perfectly hardy, they will need no attention till next spring. At the same time take up and put in in the same way any seedlings sown in the spring, which will now be fine strong plants. The next spring, when the severe cold has ceased (about March or April), hoe the beds over carefully between the rows, and in fine weather water them if they are dry. Whenthe flower- stems begin to rise, place a stick about 30 in. long to each DIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIANTHUS. 441 plant. These sticks should be painted a light whitish green. The flower-stems must be kept well tied up as they grow, but they must be tied quite loosely, for if they are tied tightly they will knee and ' bend, and finally break. About 20th June (or later), when the buds appear, take off all but three on each shoot, so as to leave each bud a little footstalk to itself when it grows (what is lost by this in quantity will be regained twenty-fold in quality). From this time until the buds are near handle of a knife used for layering. Un- less it is intended to save seed, cut off dead blooms as soon as they wither, and the flower- stems as soon as all the buds have come out, which will be about the end of August or beginning of September. Not later than the last week in July see to layering. As soon as the layers are rooted, which will be early in September, take them off and lay them in by the heels for a time, while taking up and throwing away the old stools, top- dress Redbraes Picotee. showing colour, give occasionally a little weak manure-water-a handful of wellrotted stable manure to a large pot of water. As soon as they show colour at the top, tie them round with a little strip of bass about half-way down. This should be done every morning in July, as it saves much trouble as well as the unsightly peculiarity termed a "split pod. " If in spite of this the pods split on one side, carefully open the bud all round at the other segments, using the flat wedge and fork over the bed with 2 in. of wellrotted stable litter or cow-house sweepings, replace the layers, and they will be in the same condition as at the beginning. PROPAGATION BY SEED. -The proper time to sow is about April or May. Pre- pare a compost of equal parts of loam, leaf- mould, and silver sand, sift it fine, and fill a number of 3 -in. pots ( as many as you have sorts of seed) to within 1 in. of the rim. Sprinkle each pot with a fine rose, flatten the surface, and with the 442 DIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIANTHUS. point of a knife put down the seeds separately about in. apart. Coverthem very lightly with finely sifted compost, and put them in a cold frame or house out of danger of frost. When they show three pairs of leaves, prick them out about 2 in. apart round the edges of 5 -in. pots filled with the same compost, and keep them still in the cool house till there is no fear of frost. When they are about 3 in. high, prick them out into beds, keeping them about 4 in. apart. The beds may be enriched with a little sand and manure. In the autumn they will be nice little plants, and may be planted where they are to flower, which will be the next year. Keep and name any really good kind, discarding all singles, and using the rest for borders or beds for cutting from . BY PIPINGS. -When the plants throw up shoots too numerous to layer, or when the root is attacked by disease, the shoots may be taken off as follows : Take the shoot just above the fourth or fifth joint from the top, and with a sharp pull draw it out from the socket formed by the next joint, which it will pull away with it . Just through the joint make a little upward slit in the cutting, and thrust it firmly into a pot filled to within 1 in. of the top with the compost described, and the rest with silver sand. Water the pot and plunge it in fibre under a hand- light for three or four weeks, when the pipings will be rooted. They may then be potted off singly or bedded like layers, and will flower the next year. Plants thus struck are never so good as those propagated by layers, but this method is a useful ex- pedient to save a good sort or to get up a good stock. BY LAYERS.--This is the best and most generally accepted method of pro- pagating Carnations and Picotees. It should be commenced at latest the last week in July, and finished by the second week in August. It is performed as follows : Scrape awaythe earth round the plant to the depth of 2 in. , and substitute for the earth removed the compost prescribed. Strip each shoot up to the top three or four joints, going all round the plant before proceeding farther. Then with a fine sharp knife cut half through a shoot, just below a joint, make a slanting cut up through the joint, and bring the knife out just above it ; take a peg with a hook in it, and thrust it into the fresh compost just above the tongue, so that as the peg comes down it will catch thetongue and peg it into the earth. Cover it with a little more compost placed firmly. Proceed thus all round the plant, finally watering carefully with a fine rose waterpot to settle the soil around the layers. In about a month the layers will be rooted. and by the second week in October all the young plants ought to be in their winter . quarters. It SEVERAL DISEASES affect Carnations. Two of the worst are fungoid growths. One of these is a fungus which grows between the membranes of the leaf, and the only method of destroying it is to pick off and burn every infected leaf. appears at first as a small blister which bursts, scattering its spores and leaving a dark-brown scar. Amore familiar disease is that known as spot ; a damp atmosphere or overcrowding of the plants being the causes. It spreads rapidly, but some kinds enjoy a complete immunity from it. Dusting the plants two or three times with a mixture of soot and sulphur has been found effectual. The gout is a swelling ofthe stem close to the surface of the ground, which eventually bursts, supposed to be caused bylittle worms which eat their way into the collar of the plant and lay eggs there which hatch worms that feed upon and eventually kill the plant. Maggot is a small insect with great powers for mischief. It comes in the spring from an egg laid no doubt in the skin or tissues of the leaf, and, eating its way down under the skin of the leaf, it makes a home in the main stem of the plant, eating out the centre and killing it. The only remedy appears to be diligently searching for and hunting it out before it has traversed the leaf. Wire-worm is a pest to be reckoned with, but usually only gives trouble in fresh soil. Spittle fly, which appears when the flower- spikes are growing, must be destroyed, or it will do serious harm. An open situation and a well- drained soil are conditions unfavourable to the spot diseases, whilst rotation in planting keeps the stock free from the worm pests and maggots. The This D. cæsius (Cheddar Pink).- One of the neatest and prettiest of the dwarf Pinks, the fragrant and rosy flowers appearing in spring, on stems 6 in. high, and in good soil sometimes taller. Pink requires peculiar treatment, as in winter it perishes in the ordinary border, while quite happy on an old wall. It is a native of Europe and Britain (the rocks Cheddar, in Somersetshire) . To establish it on the top or any part of an old wall sow the seeds on the wall in a little cushion of Moss, if such exists, or, if not, place a little earth in a chink with the seed, and it may also be grown upon at DIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIANTHUS. 443 the rock-garden, in firm, calcareous, or gritty earth, placed in a chink between two small rocks. D. deltoides (Maiden Pink).--A pretty native plant, with bright pink- spotted or white flowers, on stems from 6 to 12 in. long. It grows almost anywhere, in borders or on rockwork, does not appear to suffer from wire-worm, like most other Pinks, and often flowers several times during the summer. It may be readily raised from seed, and is easily increased by division. The variety glauca has white flowers with a pink eye. It is abundant on Arthur's freely in very sandy loam, either in pots or on the rock-garden, rooting into the sand through the bottom of the pots as freely as any weed, is hardy, easily grown, increased by division and seed. Alps and Pyrenees. Syn., D. glacialis. D. petræus ( Rock Pink).-A charming Pink, forming hard tufts, 1 or 2 in. high, from which spring numerous flower- stems, each bearing a fine rose-coloured flower. It seems to escape the attacks of wireworm. It flowers in summer, and should be planted on the rock-garden in sandy Dianthus neglectus (Glacier Pink). Seat, near Edinburgh, and forms a charming contrast to the crimson kind. D. dentosus (Amoor Pink).- A distinct and pretty dwarf Pink, with violet- lilac flowers, morethan I in. across, the margins toothed, and the base of each petal having a regular dark- violet spot, which forms a dark " eye" nearly in. across in the centre of the flower. The plant flowers from May or June till autumn, and thrives in sandy soil, in borders, or on rockwork ; seed. South Russia. D. neglectus (Glacier Pink). A brilliant alpine plant, forming, very close to the ground, tufts like short wiry grass, from which spring many flowers, 1 in. across, and of bright rose. It grows and rather poor moist loam. Hungary ; seed or division. D. plumarius ( The Common Pink).- This is the parent of our numerous varieties of Pinks, and has single purple flowers, rather deeply cut at the margin, and is naturalised on old walls in various parts of England. The wild plant is rather handsome when grown in healthy tufts, but on the level ground it is apt to perish. The many fragrant double varieties are welcome everywhere, and should be cultivated as rock or bank plants, as they live longer and thrive better when raised above the general level of the ground, though they grow well in ordinary soil. They have for 442 DIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIANTHUS point of a knife put down the seeds separately about in. apart. Coverthem very lightly with finely sifted compost, and put them in a cold frame or house out of danger of frost. When they show three pairs of leaves, prick them out about 2 in. apart round the edges of 5-in. pots filled with the same compost, and keep them still in the cool house till there is no fear of frost. When they are about 3 in. high, prick them out into beds, keeping them about 4 in. apart. The beds may be enriched with a little sand and manure. In the autumn they will be nice little plants, and may be planted where they are to flower, which will be the next year. Keep and name any really good kind, discarding all singles , and using the rest for borders or beds for cutting from. BY PIPINGS. -When the plants throw up shoots too numerous to layer, or when the root is attacked by disease, the shoots may be taken off as follows : Take the shoot just above the fourth or fifth joint from the top, and with a sharp pull draw it out from the socket formed by the next joint, which it will pull away with it. Just through the joint make a little upward slit in the cutting, and thrust it firmly into a pot filled to within I in. of the top with the compost described, and the rest with silver sand. Water the pot and plunge it in fibre under a hand-light for three or four weeks, when the pipings will be rooted. They may then be potted off singly or bedded like layers, and will flower the next year. Plants thus struck are never so good as those propagated by layers, but this method is a useful ex- pedient to save a good sort or to get up a good stock. BY LAYERS.--This is the best and most generally accepted method of pro- pagating Carnations and Picotees. It should be commenced at latest the last week in July, and finished by the second week in August. It is performed as follows : Scrape awaythe earth round the plant to the depth of 2 in. , and substitute for the earth removed the compost prescribed. Strip each shoot up to the top three or four joints, going all round the plant before proceeding farther. Then with a fine sharp knife cut half through a shoot, just below a joint, make a slanting cut up through the joint, and bring the knife out just above it ; take a peg with a hook in it, and thrust it into the fresh compost just above the tongue, so that as the peg comes down it will catch the tongue and peg it into the earth. Cover it with a little more compost placed firmly. Proceed thus all round the plant, finally watering carefully with a fine rose water- pot to settle the soil around the layers. In about a month the layers will be rooted. and bythe second week in October all the young plants ought to be in their winter . quarters. SEVERAL DISEASES affect Carnations. Two of the worst are fungoid growths. One of these is a fungus which grows between the membranes of the leaf, and the only method of destroying it is to pick off and burn every infected leaf. It appears at first as a small blister which bursts, scattering its spores and leaving a dark-brown scar. Amore familiar disease is that known as spot ; a damp atmosphere or overcrowding of the plants being the causes. It spreads rapidly, but some kinds enjoy a complete immunity from it. Dusting the plants two or three times with a mixture of soot and sulphur has been found effectual. The gout is a swelling of the stem close to the surface of the ground, which eventually bursts, supposed to be caused by little worms which eat their way into the collar of the plant and lay eggs there which hatch worms that feed upon and eventually kill the plant. The Maggot is a small insect with great powers for mischief. It comes in the spring from an egg laid no doubt in the skin or tissues of the leaf, and, eating its way down under the skin of the leaf, it makes a home in the main stem of the plant, eating out the centre and killing it. The only remedy appears to be diligently searching for and hunting it out before it has traversed the leaf. Wire-worm is a pest to be reckoned with, but usually only gives trouble in fresh soil. Spittle fly, which appears when the flower- spikes are growing, must be destroyed, or it will do serious harm. An open situation and a well-drained soil are conditions unfavourable to the spot diseases, whilst rotation in planting keeps the stock free from the worm pests and maggots. This D. cæsius (Cheddar Pink).- One of the neatest and prettiest of the dwarf Pinks, the fragrant and rosy flowers appearing in spring, on stems 6 in. high, and in good soil sometimes taller. Pink requires peculiar treatment, as in winter it perishes in the ordinary border, while quite happy on an old wall. It is a native of Europe and Britain (the rocks at Cheddar, in Somersetshire). establish it on the top or any part of an old wall sow the seeds on the wall in a little cushion of Moss, if such exists, or, if not, place a little earth in a chink with the seed, and it may also be grown upon Το DIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIANTHUS. 443 the rock-garden, in firm, calcareous, or gritty earth, placed in a chink between two small rocks. D. deltoides (Maiden Pink).--A pretty native plant, with bright pink- spotted or white flowers, on stems from6to 12 in. long. It grows almost anywhere, in borders or on rockwork, does not appear to suffer from wire-worm, like most other Pinks, and often flowers several times during the summer. It may be readily raised from seed, and is easily increased by division. The variety glauca has white flowers with a pink eye. It is abundant on Arthur's freely in very sandy loam, either in pots or on the rock-garden, rooting into the sand through the bottom of the pots as freely as any weed, is hardy, easily grown, increased by division and seed. Alps and Pyrenees. Syn. , D. glacialis. D. petræus ( Rock Pink).-A charming Pink, forming hard tufts, 1 or 2 in. high, from which spring numerous flower-stems, each bearing a fine rose-coloured flower. It seems to escape the attacks of wireworm. It flowers in summer, and should be planted on the rock-garden in sandy Dianthus neglectus (Glacier Pink). Seat, near Edinburgh, and forms a charming contrast to the crimson kind. D. dentosus (Amoor Pink).-A distinct and pretty dwarf Pink, with violet- lilac flowers, more than I in. across, the margins toothed, and the base of each petal having a regular dark-violet spot, which forms a dark " eye" nearly in. across in the centre of the flower. The plant flowers from May or June till autumn, and thrives in sandy soil, in borders, or on rockwork ; seed. South Russia. D. neglectus - (Glacier Pink). — A brilliant alpine plant, forming, very close to the ground, tufts like short wiry grass, from which spring many flowers, I in. across, and of bright rose. It grows and rather poor moist loam. Hungary ; seed or division. D. plumarius ( The Common Pink).- This is the parent of our numerous varieties of Pinks, and has single purple flowers, rather deeply cut at the margin, and is naturalised on old walls in various parts of England. The wild plant is rather handsome when grown in healthy tufts, but on the level ground it is apt to perish. The many fragrant double varieties are welcome everywhere, and should be cultivated as rock or bank plants, as they live longer and thrive better when raised above the general level of the ground, though they grow well in ordinary soil. They have for 444 DIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIANTHUS. many years been amongst the favourite "florists' " flowers in European countries, and are hardier and dwarfer than the Carnation. In August, Pinks should be planted 9 in. apart, the ground being rich and well prepared. If the winter be very severe, a little litter should be put over them, and in spring the surface of the beds should be stirred a little, and given a top-dressing of fine old manure and a slight dusting of guano. As they push up their flower- spikes these should be staked, and if they are for exhibition the buds should be thinned, as many varieties produce buds too freely. The culture of Pinks, however, either for exhibition or for the garden, is simple, and the outlay small. Get newly struck pipings in August and September--the best months to plant themin a sunny place. In a smoky town a cold frame will be needed ; but if the air be clear, an open bed will do. When the pipings are once planted in the open garden, they require little care till they begin to push up their flower- stems. Spring planting should be commenced as early as the weather permits, and, as soon as the plants begin to grow, the bed should be mulched about 1 in. deep with equal quantities of well- rotted horse manure and leaf- mould. The plants will then fast push on their new growth. INCREASING STOCK. - If the plants have made good growth in July, cut the strongest shoots with a sharp knife, cut off the ends of the grass, and cut the shoot two or three joints below the grass or leaves. Prepare some ground as follows : Scatter a little salt on the surface, then riddle on 2 in. deep of fresh soil, prick in the pipings, and put a light or hand-glass over them ; and they will be rooted in a few weeks. Where seed is wanted, protect the flowers from wet, and as they decay remove the withered petals, which en- courage damp and form a harbour for insects. Seed should be saved only from the finest and most constant varieties of vigorous and hardy growth, and may be sown early in June in pots, or in the open ground. GARDEN OR BORDER PINKS. -The show Pinks may be left to the exhibitor. There are certain kinds both old and new which must be taken care of by the "general lover " of flowers. These are the hardier border kinds, grown for their beauty and fragrance. As in the case of the hardier Carnations, we must encourage these. Some of the best of the hardier kinds are-Anne Boleyn, Ascot (soft pink), Fimbriatus major, Fragrans (pure) , George White, Hercules, Lady Blanche, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Pettifer, Mrs. Sinkins ( Mule Pink), Marie Paré (Mule Pink) , Napoleon III. , Multiflorus, Newmarket, Pluto, Purity, Robustus, Rubens, Thalia, White Queen, Wm. Bruce, High Clére, Multiflorus flore- pleno, Multiflorus roseus, Striatiflorus, Speciosus fl.-pl. , Coc- cineus, Early Blush, Fimbriatus albus ( old white), Lord Lyons, Miss Joliffe, Nellie, White Perpetual, the Clove Pink, Her Majesty. Most DWARF SINGLE AND DOUBLE PINKS. -Messrs. Dicksons, of Edinburgh, have raised some dwarf profuse - blooming Pinks so compact in habit and stiff in stem that they do without stakes. Pinks are better without stakes, especially when their foliage is healthy, and is in such wide tufts as to shield the flowers from splashed earth ; but these new dwarf sorts may be compact enough for the rock-garden. Mr. J. Grieve, who raised them, says : " Both the single and the dwarf double varieties will prove quite a boon to the flower- gardener and for bouquets. To the ordinary eye all florists ' Pinks consist of but one variety ; whereas amongst the single and dwarf sorts there are endless colours, and many of the flowers are so varied in colour as to render them easily mistaken for other plants. Numbers ofthe single sorts look like miniature Petunias. " Carnea Beauty, Delicata, Rosea, Spicata, and Odorata are among the best of these new dwarf Pinks, and the class will no doubt be added to. D. sinensis (Chinese Pink).— This has given rise to a race of beautiful garden flowers. It is an annual, or biennial, according to the way it is sown and grown. If sown early, the plants will flower the first year ; if late, the second. On dry soils, and if the winters be mild, they will live for two or three years. The varieties , both single and double, are now very numerous and beautiful, and may be classed under D. Heddewigi and D. laciniatus. The forms of Heddewigi, the Japanese variety, are dwarf and handsome, while there are double-flowered forms, particularly diadematus, the flowers of which are large and very double. The petals of the laciniated section are very deeply cut into a fine fringe. Of this class there are also double-flowered forms. The colours of both are much varied, and there are striped crimson and white sorts. There is a pretty dwarf class (nanus), about 6 in. high, but it is less useful than the taller varieties for cutting from. Two beautiful and distinct selected sorts, DIANTHUS . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIANTHUS. 445 Crimson Belle and Eastern Queen, are among the best varieties. Sow D. sinensis under glass in February, with very little or no bottom-heat ; give air freely during open weather, and in April plant out in well- cultivated soil, which need not be rich. Place the plants 9 in. to 12 in. apart each way, and they will form compact tufts. Encourage the laterals by pinching off decayed flowers, and the result will be a mass of blossom throughout the summer, and probably till November. Some sow in autumn, and winter the young plants in frames or under hand-glasses, hardening them off by degrees in spring, until they have become fully established. These Pinks are adyear from seed, an abundant stock maybe kept up even where the plant perishes in winter. It comes true from seed, and is often more than I ft. high ; flowering in summer or in early autumn, and is better suited for mixed beds and borders than for the rock-garden. Diapensia lapponica. -A sturdy and dwarf evergreen alpine shrub, often under 2 in. in height, growing in dense rounded tufts, having narrow closely packed leaves and bearing in summer solitary white flowers, about half an inch across. It may be grown well on fully exposed spots on the rock-garden, in deep sandy and stony peat which is kept well moistened during the warm season. It is a native Border of White Pinks. mirable for the flower garden, either in beds by themselves, or mixed ; they may be well used with taller plants of a different character dotted sparsely among them. D. superbus (FringedPink).-Afragrant wild pink, easily known by its petals being cut into strips for more than half their length. It inhabits many parts of Europe from Norwayto the Pyrenees, and is a true perennial, though it perishes so often in gardens that many regard it as a biennial. It is more likely to perish in winter on rich and moist soil than on poor and light soil, and, when it is desired to establish it as a perennial, it should be planted in fibry loam, well mixed with sand or grit. It grows, however, on nearly any soil ; and, by raising it every of N. Europe and N. America, being found on high mountains or in arctic latitudes. Dicentra ( Bleeding Heart)-Graceful plants of the Fumitory Order, including about half a dozen cultivated species, of which the finest areD. chrysantha. -This handsome plant forms a spreading tuft of rigid glaucous foliage, from which arises a stiff leafy stem, 3 to 4 ft . high, with long branching panicles of bright golden-yellow blossoms, about 1 in. long in August and September ; it seems hardy in light rich soil if warm and sheltered. Seed. California. D. cucullaria (Dutchman's-breeches) and D. thalictrifolia are less important and rather belong to the curious garden. 446 DICENTRA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DICTAMNUS. D. eximia combines a Fern- like grace with the flowering qualities of a good hardy perennial. From 1 to 1 ft. high, with numerous reddish-purple blossoms in long drooping racemes. It is useful for the rock-garden and the mixed border, or for naturalising by woodland walks ; thriving in rich sandy soil. Division . N. America. D. formosa is similar to the preceding, having also Fern- like foliage, but is dwarfer in growth, its racemes shorter and more crowded, and its flowers lighter. Suitable for same positions as D. eximia. California. D. spectabilis. -A beautiful plant, too well known to need description, as nearly 66 on the fringes of choice shrubs in peat, as such soil suits it well. There is a white " variety, which is by no means so ornamental, though worth growing for variety's sake. Propagated bydivision in autumn. The species are D. canadensis, N. Amer. chrysantha, Calif. Cucullaria, N. Amer. eximia, do. formosa, do. lachenaliaflora, Siberia. ochroleuca, Calif. pauciflora, Calif. pusilla, Japan. Roylei, Mts. of India. dens, do. spectabilis, Japan. thalictrifolia, Mts. of India. Torulosa, do. uniflora, N. America. scanDicksonia antarctica.-A noble everDictamnus fraxinella. every garden is adorned with its singular flowers, which resemble rosy hearts, and, in strings of a dozen or more, are gracefully borne on slender stalks. It succeeds best in warm, light, rich soils, if in sheltered positions, being liable to be cut down bylate spring frosts. Itis moreover suited for the mixed border, but is of such remarkable beauty and grace that it may be used with the best effect near the lower flanks of rockwork, in bushy places near it, or on low parts where the stone or "rock " is suggested rather than shown. It is worthy of naturalisation on light rich soils by wood walks. It is also excellent for mixed borders, and for snug corners green Tree Fern, with a stout trunk, 30 ft. high or more, the fronds forming a mag- nificent crown, often 20 to 30 ft. across. They are from 6 to 20 ft. long, becoming pendulous with age. It is the hardiest of Tree Ferns, and the most suitable for the open air, in sheltered shady dells . From the end of Mayto October. In favourable localities it may even be left out all the winter. Dictamnus fraxinella (Fraxinella).— A favourite old plant, about 2 ft. high, forming dense tufts, flowers pale purple, and with darker lines (there is a white form) borne in racemes in June and July. This plant does best in a light soil. Itis DIDISCUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIMORPHANTHUS. 447 propagated by seeds sown as soon as they are ripe, or by its fleshy roots, which, if cut into pieces, in spring, will form good plants much quicker than seedlings. It is a slow-growing plant in most gardens, though it is freer in some warm soils, and a very long-lived plant where it likes the soil. It is at home in the sunny mixed border among medium- sized plants. Caucasian Mountains. Didiscus cœruleus. -A native of New Holland, and from 1 to 2 ft. high. Its stems are erect and much branched, each branch terminating in a flat umbel of small flowers, of a pleasing clear blue colour, which are borne freely from August to October. It is a half-hardy annual, and requires rather careful treatment, as it is impatient of excessive moisture, especially in the early stages of its growth. It requires to be raised in a gentle hotbed, and the seedlings should be transplanted in May to a warm friable soil, in which they will flower freely. Those who seek distinct and novel effects might use this plant, as its pretty blue flowers are uncommon in the Parsley Order, which usually has pale flowers. A little bed or groundwork would be charming if only as a change. Syn. , Trachymene cœrulea. Dielytra (Dicentra).-A name erroneously given to Dicentra. Diervilla ( see Weigela). Digitalis (Foxglove) .-The most im- portant plant of this genus is our native Foxglove, and the handsomest of the several species in cultivation . The best of the exotics is D. grandiflora, a tall slender plant, bearing large bell- shaped yellow blossoms in long racemes. other kinds are D. ferruginea, aurea, eriostachys, fulva, lævigata, lanata, lutea, ochroleuca, parviflora, Thapsi tomentosa, but these are suited mainly for botanical collections. The D. purpurea (Foxglove).- Wild Foxgloves seldom differ in colour, but cultivated ones assume a variety of colours, including white, cream, rose, red, deep red, and other shades. The charm of these varieties, however, lies in their pretty throat-markings-spots and blotchings of deep purple and maroon, which make large flowers resemble those of a Gloxinia ; hence the name gloxiniflora is applied to some finely-spotted kinds. The garden plants make grand border flowers ; they are more robust than the wild plant, and have stouter stems and larger flowers. If associated with other tall plants, they look well as a background to mixed borders ; and the improved varieties have a fine effect in the wild garden if planted or sown in bold masses. They are good, too, among Rhododendrons, where these bushes are not too thick, and they charmingly break the masses of foliage. The seed is small, and is best sown in pans or boxes, under glass, early in May. When the young plants are well up they should be placed out of doors to get thoroughly hardened before being finally planted out. In shrubbery borders varied clumps of several plants produce a finer effect than when set singly. The Foxglove frequently blooms two years in succession ; but it is always well to sow a little seed annually ; and if there be any to spare, it may be scattered in woods or copses where it is desired to establish the plants. Those who do not require seed should cut out the centre spike as soon as it gets shabby, and the side shoots will be con- siderably benefited, especially if a good supply of water be given in dry weather. In a good variety a side shoot will supply an abundance of seed.-D. The species are :-D. ambigua, W. Asia. atlantica, Algeria. ciliata, Caucas. cochin- chinensis, Cochinch. dubia, Balearics. eriostachya. ferruginea, S. Europe. Fontanesii. gloxinioides. laciniata, Spain. levigata, Danube and Greece. lanata, do. leucophea, Greece. longibracteata, Austria. lutea, S. Europe. lutescens, France. mariana, Spain. minor, Spain. nervosa, Persia. obscura, Spain. orientalis, As. Min. parviflora, S. Europe. purpurascens, Europe. purpurea, do. sibirica, Siberia. Thapsi, Spain. viridi- flora, Greece. Digraphis ( Ribbon Grass).—Grasses, of which the Ribbon Grass (D. arundinacea variegata) is the most familiar. Being hardy and perennial, it is valuable for good effect in the flower garden. It should be treated liberally, and renewed by young plants every other year. If it be not desired in the flower garden proper, a few tufts by a back shrubbery will suffice . It grows anywhere. Dimorphanthus mandschuricus. —A handsome hardy shrub, with very large much-divided spiny leaves, resembling those of the Angelica tree of North America. In this country it attains a height of from 6 to 10 ft. , and probably much more when well established in favourable positions. It is of the highest importance for the sub-tropical garden. In a well-drained deep loam it thrives with the greatest vigour, and in ordinary garden soil grows well in some sheltered but sunny spot ; it may also be grouped with similar subjects, if space be allowed 448 DIMORPHOTHECA . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . DODECATHEON . for the spread of its great leaves. Although a shrub, we group it here because, like the Ailantus, its fine foliage Dimorphanthus mandschuricus. may be useful in a flower-garden where tender fine-leaved plants will not thrive. Araliaceæ. Dimorphotheca pluvialis (Cape Mari- gold).-A hardy annual from the Cape, 18 in. to 2 ft. high ; with flowers, white and purplish-violet beneath, expanding in fine weather. Plants from spring- sown seed flower from July to September. It is a bold free annual thriving in any good soil and an effective ground plant with the larger flower-garden subjects ; alone, however, it is well worth growing. Compositæ. Dioscorea( Yam).-Climbing plantswith inconspicuous flowers, but with elegant leaves and growth which make them suitable for covering trellises and bowers, D. Batatas, D. villosa, and D. Japonica are the species in cultivation ; and all of these grow in good garden soil. They may occasionally find a place in the curious garden, but we have so many climbers with fair flowers and good foliage, that there is scarcely room for the yams in the select garden Díotis maritima ( Sea Cotton- weed).- A dwarf cottony herb suitable for the rock-garden, and sometimes employed in the flower-garden as an edging plant. It is apt to grow rather straggling, and to prevent this it is kept neatly pegged down and cut in well. It should have deep sandy soil. Increased by cuttings, as it seldoms seeds in gardens. Native of our southern shores. Diphylleia cymosa (Umbrella-leaf).-An interesting perennial of the Barberry family, about 1 ft. high, with pairs of large umbrella- like leaves, and in summer loose clusters of white flowers, succeeded bybluish-black berries. A native of N. America, on the borders of rivulets and on mountains, it thrives in the moister spots of peat borders and fringes of beds of American plants. Hitherto only seen in single weak specimens, this plant, if more plentiful, might be made good use of in a choice garden of American plants and flowers. Division. Diplopappus.-- Perennial plants resembling the Michaelmas Daisy. They are natives of N. America ; but so many fine Asters flower at the same time, that the species of this genus are scarcely worth growing. D. linearifolius is perhaps an exception. It is an erect plant about I ft. high, with stiff narrow foliage and dense heads of violet blossoms. Other cultivated kinds are D. umbellatus, amygdalinus, chrysophyllus, and corni- folius. They grow freely in any soil. Dipsacus (Teasel) .-Coarse - growing plants, annual or biennial, striking in form, in woods and hedgerows, where their fine foliage and habit have a good effect. There are three native species, D. Fullonum, pilosus, and sylvestris ; the boldest kind is D. laciniatus, a European species growing 5 to 8 ft. high, with large deeply-cut foliage. The seed may be sown in woody places and by freshly broken hedge-banks, where the plants will often perpetuate themselves. Dittany of Crete ( Origanum). Dodecatheon (American Cowslip).- Beautiful plants, of the Primrose family, perennials from N. America, where they were called Shooting Stars. They are all hardy, requiring a cool situation and light loamy soil. The nature of the soil is, however, of small importance, as they grow almost as freely in peat or leaf- mould as in loam ; situation is the principal point. In borders where Primulas and Soldanellas DODECATHEON. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DORONICUM. 449 thrive, Dodecatheons will soon establish themselves. All the kinds grow freely in sandy loam, and soon form large tufts, which should be divided every third or fourth year. The best time for transplanting them is the end of January or the beginning of February, when the roots are becoming active ; but care must be taken not to divide them into pieces too small, for fear of losing the plants while they are in a weakly condition. All may be easily raised from seed. D. integrifolium.--A lovely flower ; the petals have a white base, and spring from a yellow and dark orange cup, the flowers deep rosy crimson, on stems from 4 to 6 in. high, in March. It is a native ofthe Rocky Mountains, and a choice plant for the rock-garden, if planted in sandy peat or sandy loam with leaf-mould. It is easily grown in pots placed in the open air in some sheltered and half-shady spot during summer, and kept in shallow cold frames during winter. Strong well- established plants produce abundance of seed, which should be sown soon after it is gathered. Careful division. D. Jeffreyanum. -A stout kind, more than 2 ft. high in good soil, with larger and thicker leaves than D. Meadia, red- dish midribs strong and conspicuous, and the flower somewhat larger and darker. D. Jeffreyanum is a hardy and distinct plant, thriving in light, rich, and deep loam, in a warm and sheltered spot, where its great leaves are not broken by high winds. D. Meadia (American Cowslip), a graceful plant and a favourite among old border flowers, its slender stems from 10 to 16 in. high, bearing umbels of elegantly drooping flowers, the purplish petals springing up vertically from the pointed centre of the flowers, something like those of the greenhouse Cyclamen. It loves a rich light loam, and is one ofthe most suitable plants for the rock-garden, for choice mixed borders, orforthe fringes of beds ofAmerican plants. In many deep light loams it thrives without any preparation, but where a place is prepared for it, it is best to add plenty of leaf- mould and plant in a somewhat shadedand sheltered position, though it often thrives in exposed borders. It is best increased by division when the plants die down in autumn ; but if seed is sown, it should be sown soon after it is gathered. There are numbers of pretty and distinct varieties, differing more or less in height of plant and size and colour of flower. Amongthe best are D. giganteum, elegans, albiflorum, and violaceum. D. californicum, though sometimes thought a species, is probably only a variety of D. Meadia. It is, however, a distinct and pretty plant, and worth growing. Dog Rose ( Rosa canina). Dog's-tooth Violet (Erythronium). Dog Violet (Viola canina). Dogwood (Cornus). Dolomiæa macrocephala. -A bold and curious stemless plant somewhat resembling a Thistle. It has a tuft of deeply- cut leaves, from the centre of which springs a cluster of short- stalked purple flowers, an inch or more across. It is rare in cultivation, and is difficult to grow well, as it is somewhat tender. N. W. India. This and another species, D. lucida, are best in botanical collections. Dondia Epipactis. -A singular and pretty little herb, 3 to 6 in. high, with small heads of greenish- yellow flowers in spring, and suitable for the rock-garden, margins of borders, or banks ; increased bydivision after flowering. Carinthia and Carniola. Syn., Hacquetia Epipactis. Doronicum (Leopard's Bane).- Showy plants of the order Compositæ, of which Doronicum plantagineum excelsum. half-a-dozen species are in gardens, all of vigorous growth, flowering in spring, and thrive in any soil ; they are therefore excellent for rough places, for naturalising, or for dry banks, where little else will thrive. All are readily increased by division of the roots. They range in height from 9 to 12 in. , and have large, bright yellow Daisylike flowers. The best species are D. GG 450 DOWNINGIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DRABA. austriacum and caucasicum, both of which are neater than the rest and produce in early spring a profusion of blossoms that enliven the borders besides being useful for cutting. The other kinds are D. Clusi, carpatanum, Columnæ, Pardalianches, and plantagineum, all natives of Europe. D. plantagineum var. excelsum (syn. , Harpur Crewe) is by far the best.-D. The species are : D. altaicum , Siberia. austriacum, Europe. Bourgaei, Canaries. cacaliafolium, As. Minor. carpetanum , Spain. caucasicum , As. Minor. Clusii, Pyrenees. Columnae, S. Europe and As. Min. corsicum, Corsica. croaticum, S. Europe. dentatum. rarely exceeding 6 in. in height, and is suitable for edging small beds or borders, as when covered with its bright blue flowers it is very pretty. In March and April the seed should be sown in the open ground in a free soil and an open situation, but, if the plants are intended for pot culture, the sowing should be two months earlier. Each plant should be allowed quite 8 in. for development, and in hot weather those from the latest sowing should be well watered. The flowers of the several varieties of D. pulchella differ in colour, the best variety being alba (white) rubra (red), and atropurpurea ( dark purple). Doronicum (Leopard's Bane). Falconeri, Spain. glaciale, do. grandiflorum, Europe. hirsutum, do. hungaricum, S.E. Europe. macrophyllum, Caucas. , Persia. maximum, Armenia. oblongifolium, Caucas. orphanides, Greece. pardalianches, Europe. plantagineum, Europe. Roylei, Mts. of India. scorpioides, Europe. stenoglossum, China. Thirkei, Bithynia. Downingia. -Charming little Californian half- hardy annuals, generally known as Clintonia. There are two species, D. pulchella and elegans, similar to each other, resembling the dwarf annual Lobelias in habit, but more brilliant in colour. D. pulchella is of dwarf habit, Draba (Whitlow Grass).-Minute alpine plants, most ofthem having bright yellow or white flowers, and leaves often in neat rosettes. They are too dwarf to take care of themselves among plants much bigger than Mosses, and therefore there are few positions suitable for them ; but it would be very interesting to try them on mossy walls, ruins, or bits of mountain ground with sparse vegetation. The best-known and showiest is D. aizoides, found on old walls and rocks in the west of England. It forms a dwarf, spreading, cushion-like tuft, which, in spring, is covered with bright yellow DRACENA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DUCKWEED. 451 blossoms. D. aizoon, alpina, ciliaris, cuspidata, lapponica, rupestris, frigida, and helvetica are very dwarf, compact- growing plants. In each the small flowers, white or yellow, are produced abundantly. Rarer kinds are D. Mawi, glacialis, and brunii- folia, all worth growing in a full collection of alpine flowers for a choice rock-garden. Dracæna. See Cordyline. Dracocephalum (Dragon's head).- Plants of the Sage family, among them a few choice perennials suitable for the rock-garden or the mixed border, succeeding in lightgarden soil and increased by division or seed. D. altaiense has bright green leaves, and axillary clusters of large tubular flowers of a dense Gentian-like blue, spotted with red in the throat. D. austriacum has flower- stems nearly I ft. in height, densely covered with rich purple blossoms ; D. Ruyschianum, a handsome species, has narrow Hyssop-like leaves and pur- plish-blue flowers, but its variety japonicum, a new in- troduction fromJapan, is even more showy. D. peregrinum, with pretty blue flowers always produced in pairs, is desirable, and so is D. argunense, which is a variety of D. Ruyschianum. The most beautiful of all is D. grandiflorum, a rock-garden plant, which is the earliest in flower. It is very dwarf, and has large clusters of intenselyblue flowers, which scarcelyovertop the foliage. In D. speciosum, a Himalayan species, the small deep purple flowers are nearlysmothered bythe large green bracts. The hardy annual kinds, such as Moldavicum and D. canescens, are ornamental, and worth a place in a full collection. Dragons (Arum Dracunculus). Dragon's-head (Dracocephalum). Dragon's-mouth ( Arum crinitum). Drimys Winteri ( Winter Bark).—An interesting evergreen shrub from South America, not hardy enough for open- air culture except against a wall. In mild districts its fragrant milk-white flowers appear, but its outdoor culture should not be attempted in cold places. Drop-wort (Spireafilipendula). Drosera (Sundew).- Most interesting little bog- plants, of which all the hardy species but one are natives of Britain. All are characterised by tufts of leaves which have their surfaces covered with dense glandular hairs. When the native kinds are grown artificially the condition of their natural home should be imitated as far as possible. In a bog on a very small scale it is not easy to secure the humid atmosphere they have at home, but they will grow wherever Sphagnum grows. The native kinds are intermedia, longifolia, obovata, and rotundifolia. The North American Thread- leaved Sundew ( D. filiformis ) is a beautiful bog- plant, with very long slender leaves covered Dryas octopetala (Mountain Avens). with glandular hairs, the flowers purplerose colour, half an inch wide, and open- ing only in the sunshine. It is quite hardy, but appears difficult to cultivate. Dryas (Mountain Avens).-- Mountain plants of the Rose family, containing two or three dwarf alpine plants of spreading growth and neat evergreen foliage. They thrive in borders in light soil, though they are seen to best advantage in the rockgarden, where they can spread over the brows and surfaces of limestone rocks , best on an exposed spot, not too dry, though when well established they will flourish under almost any conditions. Division in spring. The kinds are D. Drummondi, a dwarf, hardy, evergreen trailer, with flower- stems 3 to 8 in. high ; its yellow flowers, I in. across, appear in summer. N. America. D. octopetala, a creeping evergreen, forming dense tufts, with pretty white flowers. A very small form of octopetala called minima is useful for covering stones in the rock- garden. It has white flowers with yellow centre, which are I in. or more across, borne on stalks 3 to 8 in. high. A British mountain plant. Duckweed, Fruiting ( Nerteradepressa). GG 2 452 DUSTY MILLER. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ECHINOCEREUS. Dusty Miller (Primula auricula). Dutch Agrimony (Eupatorium). Dutchman's-breeches (Dicentra). Dutchman's-pipe ( Aristolochia Sipho). Dutch-Myrtle ( Myrica Gale). Dyckia rariflora.-An interesting plant of the Bromeliad family, which is for the most part tropical. Though this is a native of Brazil, it is hardy in sheltered localities if planted in sandy loam in dry snug nooks of a well- drained rock-garden. It is about 2 ft. high, with a rosette of spiny leaves and spikes of orange- coloured flowers, which here, however, are but seldom produced in the open air. Dyer's-weed (Genista tinctoria). Eccremocarpus scaber. -A delightful old climber for walls, trellises, and pillars , its orange-red flowers are beautiful, and its rambling shoots graceful. Ifthe roots are protected during winter, they are uninjured, and the plant annually increases in size. Increased freely by seed, and should be raised in this way occasionally. = Calampelis. Echeveria. -Dwarf succulent plants, much used in the flower garden, especially the half-hardy species like secunda. Other species are tenderer and need a green- house to keep them through the winter, and a warm house or frame to propagate them in the spring. E. secunda is well known by its pale green rosette, leaves tipped with red. E. s. major is but a mealy form of the same. E. s. glauca differs only in having leaves rather more pointed and glaucous. E. s . pumila is a smaller form, with narrow leaves of the same colour as E. s. major. E. glauca metallica is intermediate between the well-known E. metallica and E. secunda glauca. Dwarf and massive, the leaves are very solid and fleshy. E. metallica is a noble species, and distinct in the size of its leaves and in their rich metallic hue. The dwarfer kinds are used mostly as edgings or panels. The fine E. metallica is very effective on the margins of beds and groups of the dwarfer foliage plants, or here and there among hardy succulents. It should be planted out about the middle of May. INCREASE. As soon as the seed is ripe prepare to sow it. Fill some 4- in. pots to within in. of the rim with equal proportions of leaf-mould and well - sanded loam. Make the surface very firm, and water the soil so that the whole body of it becomes thoroughly moistened. Having allowed the moisture to drain away, scatter the seed lightly and cover it thinly with silver sand. Place the pot in a hand-light or in a close frame ; cover with a pane of glass and shade. The seed will germinate before the soil can dry, and if it is sown as soon as it is ripe every seed will come up. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out thinly into pans or 6- in. pots ; keep them close until they are fairly established, and then allow them the full benefit of sun and air. After the middle of September give no water, and take care to remove all decay as soon as it is perceived. If planted early in April in well-worked and fairlyenriched soil, these little plants will be strong by the autumn. There is another method of increasing them. With a sharp knife cut out the heart of the plant, so as to induce offshoots. These taken off will speedily make good speci- mens. E. metallica maybe increased in the following manner : Take off the flowerstems which come earlyin the season ; cut off the embryo flowers and place the stems in pots of sandy soil. These stems will strike and will produce little offsets from the axils of the flower- stem leaves. If these are taken off they will readily strike. E. metallica may also be raised from seed in the manner above described. Echinacea (see Rudbeckia). Echinocactus Simpsoni. A beautiful little Cactaceous plant, a native of Colorado, occurring at great elevations, and believed to be hardy. It grows in a globular mass, 3 or 4 in. across, which is covered with white spines. It flowers early in March, bearing large pale purple blossoms which are very beautiful. No one appears to have had any lengthened experience in cultivating it , but, so far, it seems to thrive. Its natural conditions should be imitated as far as may be. In its native habitat it enjoys a dry climate , and, in some seasons at least, is more or less protected from frost by a covering of In this country, however, it has withstood 32° of frost, and therefore in a dry spot may escape and flourish . snow. Echinocereus. -Plants of the Cactus family (from arid regions in N. America), some of which have been said to be hardy. Mr. E. G. Loder, of Weedon, Northamptonshire, grows and flowers them successfully. He thus writes to The Garden: " I have a wall here where the Ivy hangs over in such a way that it keeps a large portion of the winter's snow and rain off the plants growing underneath. In this position I have grown several species of Echinocereus and Opuntia, an Echinocactus, and Mammillaria. Only small plants were tried, yet several flowered in spite of our a ECHINOCHLOA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. EDELWEISS. 453 very severe winters and not favourable summers. We had 41° of frost one winter, but none of these Cacti were in- jured by it. No species of Cactus which I have tried does well in a level border. A narrow rock border, raised about 1 ft. high, against a south wall, would be a capital position, but it is much improved if the wall has a good wide coping. The most attractive is a natural one of Ivy. What success I have in the culture of these plants has amply repaid me for all the trouble and care spent upon them ; but much greater success may reasonably be expected by any one who will under- take their cultivation in a more sunny part of England. All of them are beautiful, and some quite splendid when in flower. E. Fendleri bears some of the brightest coloured flowers that I have ever seen-a rich purple." The species of Echino- cereus that Mr. Loder grows are E. ncphiceus, gonacanthus, Fendleri, viri- diflorus, and paucispinus. We have no doubt that various hardy Cacti of N. America would flower well on raised stony borders and sunny banks in rock-gardens. Give them soil which is well drained and sunny, but exposed, away from all coping or artificial protection, but take great care so to place them in relation to surrounding objects that their stems cannot easily be hurtin clearingor passing. Afew protecting stones and low evergreens can be grouped so as to keep off the digger and also dangerous animals. A close turf of some dwarf clean alpine will prevent earth- splashings and will improve the effect. Echinochloa (Panicum). Echinocystis lobata (Wild Balsam Apple -A tall climbing annual of the Gourd family, having greenish - yellow flowers, succeeded by large oval fruits. Useful for covering arbours, but scarcely worth growing. N. America. Echinops ruthenicus ( Globe Thistle) . -A fine hardy plant from S. Russia, 3 to 5 ft. high, covered with a silvery_down, the flowers blue, in round heads. Thrives in ordinary soil. Easily multiplied by division of the .tufts, or by cuttings of the roots in spring. It is the most ornamental of its distinct family, and is highly suitable for grouping with the bolder her- baceous plants. It would also look well when isolated on the turf. There are other species, mostly from S. Europe and the Levant, among which are E. Ritro and E. banaticus ; but we have never seen any so good as E. ruthenicus, and, as the species are very much alike, it is enough to grow the best. E. sphærocephalus is a fine species, tall and handsome ; giganteus is a garden variety of the above, more robust, and with larger heads. Echinospermum. - Sometimes tioned in seed catalogues, but the species at present introduced are of little value. Echinops ruthenicus (Globe Thistle). menEchium (Viper's Bugloss).- Handsome plants of the Forget-me-not Order, the finer kinds of which, though superb in the open gardens of S. Europe, are too tender for flower gardens. E. plantagineum is one of the handsomest of the annual or biennial species. Its showy flowers, of rich purplish-violet, are in long slender wreaths that rise erect from a tuft of broad leaves. It is handsomer than our indigenous species, E. pustulatum and E. vulgare. E. rubrum is a scarce and handsome species, its habit is similar to those above mentioned, but its colour is a reddish-violet, similar to the attractive E. creticum. The Salamanca Viper's Bugloss ( E. salmanticum) is another fine kind, but difficult to obtain, except from its native locality. These five species are now in cultivation, and are representative of the annual and biennial Echiums. They are all showy and of the simplest culture. The seeds should be sown in ordinary garden soil, either in spring for the current year's flowering, or late in autumn for flowering in early summer. Our native E. vulgare is good in certain positions ; its long racemes of blue flowers are handsomer than those of the Italian Anchusa. Against a hot wall, where nothing else would grow, Dr. Acland, ofthe Grammar School, Colchester, planted some, and they gave a beautiful bloom. It is valuable for such positions, particularly on hot gravelly or chalky soils. Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum). 454 EDRAIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ELEAGNUS. Edraianthus. See Wahlenbergia. Edwardsia tetraptera ( Sophora). Elæagnus ( Oleaster).- Several of the Oleasters are beautiful shrubs, and deserve to be much more widely cultivated than they are now. É. angustifolia, the form which grows wild in South-eastern Europe, is the wild Olive of the old Greek authors, and in some modern books is called Jerusalem Willow. The long silvery- gray fruit is constantly sold in the Constantinople markets under the name of Ighidé agághi, and is sweet and pleasant to the taste, abounding as it does in a dry, mealy, saccharine substance ; it possesses the property of retaining, for a considerable time after being gathered, its usual size and form. The general aspect of this form is much more that of a Willow than an Olive, the long lanceolate leaves being grayish above and silvery-white beneath. Under cultivation I have seen this thrive in a dry, hungry, sandy soil, and attain treelike proportions with a stem as much as afoot in diameter. This deciduous species is capable of being turned to good account by the landscape gardener ; the yellow tubular flowers are produced in profusion. E. argentea, or E. canadensis (the Silver Berry, or Missouri Silver Tree), has very fragrant tubular yellow flowers, followed by an abundance of nearly globular, dry, mealy, edible fruit. This species gives a characteristic feature to the vegetation of the Upper Missouri valley, and in a wild state grows 8 or 10 ft. in height, and throws up an abundance of suckers, a habit which, at any rate in a young state, does not appear to occur so much under cultivation. The oval leaves are silvery-white. In nearly all British and foreign nurseries this species is confused with the Buffalo Berry (Shepherdia argentea) , a genus belonging to the same natural order as the Elæagnus, but altogether different from it. E. hortensis, a somewhat variable plant with a wide geographical dis- tribution, is cultivated in many countries for the sake of its fruit. In Dr. Aitchison's Botany of the Afghan Delimitation Commission it is described as a shrub or tree occurring at an elevation of 3,000 ft. and upwards, near running streams, and cultivated largely in orchards for its fruit. Mr. E. longipes, a thoroughly deciduous Japanese species, is one of the most desirable members of the genus. Sargent thus writes of it in Garden and Forest: "The plant may well be grown for the beauty of its fruit alone, which, moreover, is juicy and edible with a sharp, rather pungent, agreeable flavour. Both the size and the flavour can doubtless be improved by careful selection, and it is quite within the range of possibility that it may become a highly esteemed and popular dessert and culinary fruit. To some persons, even in its present state, the flavour is far preferable to that of the Currant or the Gooseberry. " The fruit, as implied by the specific name, is borne on long stalks ; it is bright red in colour and covered with minute white dots. The branches are covered with rusty brown scales, and the somewhat leathery leaves are dark green above and silvery-white beneath. Pheasants are said to be very fond of the fruit, and I can vouch for the fact that blackbirds and other fruit- eating birds will soon strip a bush unless it be netted. Some French growers make a preserve of the fruit, and this is said to be very similar to that made from the fruit of the Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas) ; a spirit, too, with a taste like kirsch, has also been made from the fruit. E. longipes, known in some gardens under the names of E. edulis, E. odorata edulis, and E. rotundifolia, is apparently as hardy as the first-named species. E. macrophylla, an evergreen species from China and Japan, has large roundish leaves, grayish above and silvery beneath. Old plants are said to produce suckers freely, but the species is a somewhat recent introduction to British gardens, and all the specimens which I have seen up to the present have not shown any tendency to sucker. It is quite distinct in appearance from any other hardy cultivated shrub, and is worthy of much more general employment in the ornamental shrubbery. In its native habitats it is said to sometimes attain tree-like dimensions ; under cultivation I have only seen it as a dense bush. E. pungens, E. glabra, and E. reflexa are beautiful evergreens, which are not very dissimilar in general aspect, and which without long dry scientific descriptions it would be impossible to dis- tinguish. Variegated forms exist of all three, and any of them, as well as the types, are thoroughly well worthy of a place in the garden or pleasure- ground. They are all natives of Japan, &c. , but do not appear to be quite as hardy as the species previously mentioned ; all could be tried, however, with every prospect of success in the southern counties. Some of them in the south of Europe assume a somewhat climbing habit, and round the North Italian lakes, for example, grow up to the tops of high Fir and Pine trees. ELEAGNUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ELYMUS. 455 E. Simoni, said to be a native of China, seems quite hardy, but is the least ornamental of those which have been mentioned in these notes. A variegated form of this, with leaves margined with dark green and with the centres constantlyvariegated with golden-yellow and yellowishgreen, originated in the Belgian nurseries a few years ago ; it is highly spoken ofin some of the Belgian periodicals. E. umbellata is a beautiful bush. The many without protection . In a wild state it occurs from the Himalayas to China and Japan. Elæagnus parvifolia is a name under which this species occurs in some gardens. -G. N. Elymus arenarius (Lyme Grass).- This wild British Grass is strong- rooting and distinct, and often adds a feature to the garden. If planted in deep soil a short distance from the margin of a shrubbery, or on a bank on the Grass, Lyme Grass (Elymus arenarius). leaves are deep green and glabrous on the upper surface ; in a young state earlier in the season they are silvery- gray, and silvery-white beneath. The creamy- white flowers are produced in the greatest pro- fusion in June. In some localities the plant is practically evergreen ; in the neighbourhood of London, however, it is-at any rate during such winters as the two last-to all intents and purposes deciduous. It is probably perfectly hardy throughout Britain, as it withstands the much severer winters of Northern Gerand allowed to have its own way, it makes an effective plant. It is hardy in all parts ofthese islands . In very good soil it will grow 4 ft. high ; and as we should cultivate it for the leaves, there would be no loss if the flowers were removed. It is frequent on our shores, but more abundant in the north than in the south. E. condensatus (Bunch Grass) is a vigorous perennial Grass from British Columbia, forming a dense, compact, column-like growth, and more than 8 ft. high. It is covered from the base almost to the top with long 456 EMBOTHRIUM EPILOBIUM . . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . arching leaves, and in the flowering season is crowned with erect rigid spikes 6 in. long, so that it resembles an elongated ear ofwheat. It is very ornamental, and maybe grown in the same way as the Lyme Grass. Other kinds might be mentioned, but one or two give us the best effect of the race. Embothrium coccineum (Fire Bush). -A very beautiful S. American evergreen shrub of the Protea family, hardy in warm parts of Britain, even without the protection of a wall. At Coombe Royal, in South Devon, it grows quite 20 ft. high, and is a spectacle of won- drous beauty about the end of April or the beginning of May, when every twig carries a cluster of fiery flowers. Even on the favoured Devonshire coast a sharp late frost will sometimes injure the flowers. It is, therefore, only suited for warm gardens on the south coast. Emilia sagittata. -A pretty half-hardy annual, 9 to 18 in. high, with slender flowerstems, terminated bybright orange- scarlet heads nearly 1 in. across. It likes a light rich soil, and flowers from July to September ifthe seed be sown in heat in February and March, the seedlings put out in May. East Indies. Syn. , Cacalia. Compositæ. Emmenanthe penduliflora. A Californian annual, about 1 ft. high, and of neat tufted habit, like a Nemophila ; the pale primrose-yellow flowers are in loose racemes. Succeeds best as a hardy annual on any ordinary soil. Empetrum nigrum (Crowberry).- A small evergreen Heath-like bush, of the easiest culture, which may be associated with the dwarfer rock shrubs. It is a native plant, and the badge of the Scotch clan McLean. good plant for the rock-garden. It can be increased to any extent by division. Epigæa repens (Mayflower).-A small Evergreen found in sandy soil in the shade of Pines in many parts of N. America, with pretty rose-tinted flowers in small clusters, which exhale a rich odour, and appear in spring. Its natural home is under trees, and it would be well to plant some of it in the shade of Pines or shrubs. It was at one time lost to our nurseries and gardens, owing to the habit of planting all things in the same kind Eomecon chionanthus (Cyclamen Poppy).-A very charming hardy peren- nial Poppy intermediate between Stylo- phorum and Sanguinaria. The rootstocks are usually as thick as the finger ; they run freely underground, and increase rapidly ; leaves all from the base, long- stalked, and resembling those of the hardy Cyclamen. The flowers, 2 to 3 in. in diameter, are pure white, with a bunch of yellow anthers in the centre ; several borne on stems about 1 ft. high. It is a native of China, and will be found perfectly hardy out-of-doors ; it has stood the winters of 1890 and 1891 without injury. This Poppy will be found a delightful plant in moist situations in free soil, and fully exposed to the sun. The pure pearly-white Poppy flowers, in a setting of bold yellow-green foliage, make an elegant picture, and as it continues in flower all through the summer, it is a 154 Epigæa repens (Mayflower). of exposed situation. It is a charming plant for the wild garden, in sandy or peaty soil under trees, growing only a few inches high. Caprifoliaceæ. Epilobium (French Willow).- Few of these plants are worthy of cultivation, but some are important, and the best perhaps is the showy crimson native E. angustifolium, of which there is a pure white variety. This plant runs in a border so quickly as to soon become a trouble- some weed, but is fine when allowed to run wild in a rough shrubbery or copse, where it may bloom with the Foxglove. It is a native of Europe and many parts of Britain. Division. Other kinds somewhat less vigorous are E. angustissimum , E. Dodonai, and E. rosmarinifolium. The common native E. hirsutum is stouter than the French Willow, and is only useful by the margins of streams and ponds, associated with the Loosestrife and such plants. There is a variegated form. The Rocky Mountain Willow Herb ( E. obcordatum) is a beautiful rock- EPIMEDIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ERANTHIS. 457 plant. The Willow Herbs of our own latitudes are very tall and vigorous, but on the dreary summits of the Rocky Mountains and the Californian Sierras one species has succeeded in contending against the elements by reason of its very dwarf stature ; it has imitated the Phloxes and Pentstemons of the same region ; though not more than 3 in. high, it has retained the size and beauty of flower of the finest species, the colour being rosycrimson. It is hardy, and thrives in ordinary sandy soil in the rock-garden. Some of the small New Zealand species, such as glabellum nummulariæfolium, and longipes, are very useful for draping stones on rock-gardens. - D. Epimedium (Barren- wort).- Interesting and, when well grown, elegant plants of the Barberry Order, but not shrubby. E. pinnatum is a hardy dwarf perennial from Asia Minor, 8 in. to 2 ft. high, with handsome tufts, and bearing long clusters of yellow flowers. The old leaves remain fine until the new ones appear in the ensuing spring. It is not well to remove them, as they shelter the buds of the new leaves during the winter, and the plants flower better when they are allowed to remain. Cool peaty soil and a slightly shaded position are most suitable. Other species are alpinum, macranthum, Musschianum , purpureum, rubrum, niveum, and violaceum, all loving half- shady spots in peat, or in moist sandy soil. None are so valuable for general culture as the first-mentioned. Known species. -E. alpinum, Europe. con- cinnum, Japan. elatum, Himal. macranthum, Japan. Musschianum, do. Perralderianum, Algeria. pinnatum, Persia. pteroceras, Caucas. pubescens, China. pubigerum, Caucas. rubrum, Japan. sagittatum, do. Epipactis palustris (Marsh E.)--A somewhat showy hardy Orchid, I to 1 ft. high, flowering late in summer, and bearing rather handsome purplish flowers. Anative ofmoist grassy places in all parts oftempe- rate and southern Europe. Agood plantfor the bog-garden, or for moist spots near a rivulet, in soft peat. In moist districts it thrives very well in ordinary moist soil. Equisetum Telmateia (Giant Horsetail).-A tall British plant, of much grace of habit when well developed, and from 3 to 6 ft. high in moist peaty or clay hollows in woods. The stem is furnished from top to bottom with spreading whorls of slender branches, slightly drooping, the whole forming a graceful pyramid. It is fit for the hardy fernery, shady peat borders, near cascades, or among shrubs, and grows best in deep vegetable soil. Division . E. sylvaticum is another native Horse- tail, much dwarfer, but graceful when well Equisetum Telmateia (Giant Horse- tail ). grown, the stem standing 8 to 15 in. high, and being covered with slender branches. E. Eragrostis (Love Grass). - Grasses, some of which are worth cultivating for their elegant feathery panicles. ægyptiaca, with silvery-white plumes maxima, elegans, pilosa, amabilis, pellucida, capillaris , plumosa, are all elegant annuals. They are useful for cutting for the house during summer. Seed may be sown in autumn or spring in the open air, on or in a slightly heated frame. For preserving, the stems should be gathered before the seeds are too ripe. Eranthis hyemalis ( Winter Aconite). -A pretty early plant with yellow flowers surrounded by a whorl of shining green. It is 3 to 8 in. high, and flowers from January to March. It is seen best in a half- wild state, under trees or on banks in woody places, though it is occasionally worthy of a place among the earliest border flowers. It often naturalises itself freely in Grass, and is very beautiful when the little yellow flowers peep out in early spring. When the branches of large trees are allowed to rest on the turf ofthe lawn, a few roots of it scattered beneath will soon form a carpet, glowing in sheets of yellow in winter or spring. We may therefore enjoy it without giving it 456 EMBOTHRIUM . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . EPILOBIUM . arching leaves, and in the flowering season is crowned with erect rigid spikes 6 in. long, so that it resembles an elongated ear ofwheat. It is veryornamental, and maybe grown in the same way as the Lyme Grass. Other kinds might be mentioned, but one or two give us the best effect of the race. Embothrium coccineum (Fire Bush). -A very beautiful S. American evergreen shrub of the Protea family, hardy in warm parts of Britain, even without the protection of a wall. At Coombe Royal, in South Devon, it grows quite 20 ft. high, and is a spectacle of wondrous beauty about the end of April or the beginning of May, when every twig carries a cluster of fiery flowers. Even on the favoured Devonshire coast sharp late frost will sometimes injure the flowers. It is , therefore, only suited for warm gardens on the south coast. a Emilia sagittata. -A pretty half- hardy annual, 9 to 18 in. high, with slender flowerstems, terminated bybright orange- scarlet heads nearly 1 in. across. It likes a light rich soil, and flowers from July to September ifthe seed be sown in heat in February and March, the seedlings put out in May. East Indies. Syn., Cacalia. Compositæ. Emmenanthe penduliflora. -A Cali- fornian annual, about 1 ft. high, and of neat tufted habit, like a Nemophila ; the pale primrose-yellow flowers are in loose racemes. Succeeds best as a hardy annual on any ordinary soil. Empetrum nigrum (Crowberry).-A small evergreen Heath-like bush, of the easiest culture, which may be associated with the dwarfer rock shrubs. It is a native plant, and the badge of the Scotch clan McLean. good plant for the rock-garden. It can be increased to any extent by division. Epigæa repens (Mayflower).-A small Evergreen found in sandy soil in the shade of Pines in many parts of N. America, with pretty rose-tinted flowers in small clusters, which exhale a rich odour, and appear in spring. Its natural home is under trees, and it would be well to plant some of it in the shade of Pines or shrubs. It was at one time lost to our nurseries and gardens, owing to the habit of planting all things in the same kind Eomecon chionanthus (Cyclamen Poppy).-A very charming hardy perennial Poppy intermediate between Stylophorum and Sanguinaria. The rootstocks are usually as thick as the finger ; they run freely underground, and increase rapidly ; leaves all from the base, long- stalked, and resembling those of the hardy Cyclamen. The flowers, 2 to 3 in. in diameter, are pure white, with a bunch of yellow anthers in the centre ; several borne on stems about I ft. high. It is a native of China, and will be found perfectly hardy out- of-doors ; it has stood the winters of 1890 and 1891 without injury. This Poppy will be found a delightful plant in moist situations in free soil, and fully exposed to the sun. The pure pearly-white Poppy flowers, in a setting of bold yellow-green foliage, make an elegant picture, and as it continues in flower all through the summer, it is a 154 Epigæa repens (Mayflower). of exposed situation. It is a charming plant for the wild garden, in sandy or peaty soil under trees, growing only a few inches high. Caprifoliaceæ. Epilobium (French Willow). Few of these plants are worthy of cultivation, but some are important, and the best perhaps is the showy crimson native E. angustifolium, of which there is a pure white variety. This plant runs in a border so quickly as to soon become a troublesome weed, but is fine when allowed to run wild in a rough shrubbery or copse, where it may bloom with the Foxglove. It is a native of Europe and many parts of Britain. Division. Other kinds somewhat less vigorous are E. angustissimum, E. Dodonai, and E. rosmarinifolium. The common native E. hirsutum is stouter than the French Willow, and is only useful by the margins of streams and ponds, associated with the Loosestrife and such plants. There is a variegated form. The Rocky Mountain Willow Herb (E. obcordatum) is a beautiful rock- EPIMEDIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ERANTHIS. 457 plant. The Willow Herbs of our own latitudes are very tall and vigorous, but on the dreary summits of the Rocky Mountains and the Californian Sierras one species has succeeded in contending against the elements by reason of its very dwarf stature ; it has imitated the Phloxes and Pentstemons of the same region ; though not more than 3 in. high, it has retained the size and beauty of flower of the finest species, the colour being rosycrimson. It is hardy, and thrives in ordinary sandy soil in the rock- garden. Some of the small New Zealand species, such as glabellum nummulariæfolium, and longipes, are very useful for draping stones on rock-gardens. - D . Epimedium (Barren-wort).- Interest- ing and, when well grown, elegant plants of the Barberry Order, but not shrubby. E. pinnatum is a hardy dwarf perennial from Asia Minor, 8 in. to 2 ft. high, with handsome tufts, and bearing long clusters of yellow flowers. The old leaves remain fine until the new ones appear in the ensuing spring. It is not well to remove them, as they shelter the buds of the new leaves during the winter, and the plants flower better when they are allowed to remain. Cool peaty soil and a slightly shaded position are most suitable. Other species are alpinum, macranthum, Musschianum, purpureum, rubrum, niveum, and violaceum, all loving half- shady spots in peat, or in moist sandy soil. None are so valuable for general culture as the first-mentioned. Known species. -E. alpinum, Europe. con- cinnum, Japan. elatum, Himal. macranthum, Japan. Musschianum, do. Perralderianum, Algeria. pinnatum, Persia. pteroceras, Caucas. pubescens, China. pubigerum, Caucas. rubrum, Japan. sagittatum, do. Epipactis palustris (Marsh E.)--A somewhat showy hardy Orchid, I to 1 ft. high, flowering late in summer, and bearing ratherhandsome purplish flowers. Anative ofmoist grassy places in all parts oftemperate and southern Europe. Agood plant for the bog-garden, or for moist spots near a rivulet, in soft peat. In moist districts it thrives very well in ordinary moist soil. Equisetum Telmateia (Giant Horsetail).-A tall British plant, of much grace of habit when well developed, and from 3 to 6 ft. high in moist peaty or clay hollows in woods. The stem is furnished from top to bottom with spreading whorls of slender branches, slightly drooping, the whole forming a graceful pyramid. It is fit for the hardy fernery, shady peat borders, near cascades, or among shrubs, and grows best in deep vegetable soil. Division. E. sylvaticum is another native Horse-tail, much dwarfer, but graceful when well Equisetum Telmateia (Giant Horse- tail). grown, the stem standing 8 to 15 in. high, and being covered with slender branches. E. Eragrostis (Love Grass).- Grasses, some of which are worth cultivating for their elegant feathery panicles. ægyptiaca, with silvery-white plumes maxima, elegans, pilosa, amabilis, pellucida, capillaris, plumosa, are all elegant annuals. They are useful for cutting for the house during summer. Seed may be sown in autumn or spring in the open air, on or in a slightly heated frame. For preserving, the stems should be gathered before the seeds are too ripe. Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite). -A pretty early plant with yellow flowers surrounded by a whorl of shining green. It is 3 to 8 in. high, and flowers from January to March. It is seen best in a half- wild state, under trees or on banks in woody places, though it is occasionally worthy of a place among the earliest border flowers. It often naturalises itself freely in Grass, and is very beautiful when the little yellow flowers peep out in early spring. When the branches of large trees are allowed to rest on the turf ofthe lawn, a few roots of it scattered beneath will soon form a carpet, glowing in sheets of yellow in winter or spring. We may therefore enjoy it without giving it 458 EREMOSTACHYS . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . EREMURUS . positions suited for more delicate plants, or taking any trouble about it, but it is more vigorous on chalky or warm soils, and dwindles on some cold soils . Eremurus robustus. Eremostachys.--Perennials ofthe Sage family, suitable only for botanical collections. E. laciniata has deeply- cut leaves, and flower-stems about 4 ft. high, with numerous leafy bracts enclosing large purplish flowers arranged in whorls. E. iberica differs from E. laciniata in having the flowers yellow. Both seem difficult to cultivate, and we have never seen them well grown. Eremurus. Noble bulbous plants from Northern India, Persia, and Central Asia, as yet little seen in our gardens. Of their culture or fitness for our climate generally little can be said with certainty. Most ofthe forms are handsome, and well suited forthe warm sheltered glades of gardens where hardy flowers and plants are grown in a natural and informal way. In such a home they can be associated in bold groups with some of the finest hardy plants, with a background of fine- foliaged subjects and choice shrubs. In planting, however, care should be taken to place the roots where they would not be over-grown or shaded by other plants, so that the crowns should receive the greatest amount of sunshine during the ripening period previous to going to rest. They thrive admirably in deep, rich, sandy loam, such as would suit Lilium auratum, with the addition of some thoroughly decayed cow manure. My own plants were grown in a bed filled in 3 ft. deep with a compost of good fibrous loam, sharp river-sand, peat, decayed cow manure, and charcoal, with a well-drained sheltered situation facing due south. Once well planted, they should never be disturbed, as the roots are extremely brittle and very liable to injury. The surface soil above the roots should be kept clean by hand weeding and enriched by occasional surfacings of old manure, leaf-soil, and a little grit, thoroughly broken up and mixed together. Autumn is the best period for planting, which should take place as soon as the young plants have ripened their growth, the sites being well and deeply prepared some little time beforehand, so as to allow the soil to thoroughly settle before the plants are placed in it. As the whole family dislike stagnant moisture, care should be taken to avoid this at the time of planting, and in any favourable situation this can be managed by spreading out the roots of the young plants upon the prepared surface of the bed and covering them with soil so as to form a mound. This can be afterwards surfaced with Cocoa-nut fibre refuse to EREMURUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. EREMURUS. 459 exclude frost. In any case it is a great advantage to keep the crown of the plant slightly above the soil. I found a plan adopted by Mr. Gumbleton, who is a most successful cultivator of these plants, to be an excellent protection during winter and early spring, especially at the latter period, when the young growth is liable to be injured by frost and the plants to be disfigured for the whole season, if not permanently injured. The shelter, in fact, is very simple and is easily managed -being merely the placing over each plant of a hand- light upon supports. As it takes some of the forms several years to flower, old plants are valuable, but are difficult to move. It is better, therefore, to begin with threeyear-old plants if possible, and care should be taken to obtain the plants from a trustworthy source, or, after waiting patiently, cultivators may find that in- stead of the beautiful E. robustus or E. himalaicus, they have the uninteresting E. spectabilis, or some other species that they do not care for. Owing to losing my garden, I had, unfortunately, to break up my collection in the finest condition, before all the forms I had collected had flowered. I, however, flowered E. robustus, Olgæ, himalaicus, and Bungei, all of which are very beautiful, and amenable to cultivation. These four forms all flowered finely, and throve admirably in a Herefordshire garden. A most interesting account of this family, with a list of the species and varieties known to cultivation, may be found in vol. xxix. ( p. 96) of The Garden, which cannot fail to assist those who contemplate the introduction ofthese beautiful plants into their gardens. -W. J. G. The Rev. F. Page- Roberts writes from Scole Rectory :- With a little trouble Eremuri may be grown successfully by every lover of beautiful flowers. All that is necessary for their well-being is protection from slugs, which soon scent them from afar. I keep a perforated zinc collar round the crown and protect from spring frosts. The plant early forces its way up even through the frost-bound earth, but the tender flower- spike, tender only in infancy, is nipped in the bud if rain fall on it and freeze. Protection also from cutting winds which destroy the foliage is needed. With such precautions and planted in loam, deep, but not too stiff, in a well- drained sunny border, and with an occasional dose of weak liquid manure, they will repay one for all the care given to them . E. Aitchisonii. This is a very fine species, nearly allied to E. robustus. It was introduced a fewyears ago from Karshátal, Afghanistan, where it grows on ridges of the hills nearly 12,000 ft. above sea-level, flowering in June. It is a rather fine species, producing dense spikes of pale reddish flowers. The robust and very striking stems vary from 3 to 5 ft. high. It E. aurantiacus. —A charming dwarf plant somewhat resembling E. Bungei, and perfectly hardy in gardens. flowers in April, the numerous spikes of bright citron-yellow flowers giving quite a character to part of the Hariab district, where it is one of the commonest plants on rough stony ground. It is very interesting as the vegetable proper of the Hariab district, and is said to be the sole vegetable upon which the inhabitants depend for at least two months of the year. The leaves are simply cut from the root- stock, as close to the ground as possible, and cooked. It is extremely palatable, and Dr. Aitchison recommends its growth as an early spring vegetable. E. Bungei. A pretty dwarf species now plentiful in nurseries. The leaves, contemporary with the flowers, are narrow, linear, and about 1 ft. long. Flowerstem somewhat slender, 1 to 3 ft. long. Flowers bright yellow, the segments reflexing from above the base, and having a distinct green keel . The stamens are about twice as long as the perianth. Native of Persia, flowering in July. É. himalaicus is a beautiful whiteflowered species, introduced to cultivation by Mr. Gumbleton, and is one of the most lovely hardy plants in cultivation. In form and height it reminds one of E. robustus, but it starts into growth later, escaping spring frosts. The flowerstems are 4 to 8 ft. high, the dense raceme taking up quite 2 ft . of the upper portion, with flowers as large as a florin. It is one of the hardiest and best of the known species. It flowers in May and June, and is a native of the temperate Himalayas. E. Olga is a comparatively dwarf form, received with E. Bungei from Herr Max Leichtlin, and one of the latest to flower. The flower-stem is nearly 4 ft. high, and is densely set with handsome lilac flowers as large as a five - shilling piece. It is certainly one of the handsomest and most conspicuous flowered species. It was introduced about eight years ago by Dr Regel. A native of Turkestan, flowering in June and July. 460 EREMURUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ERICA. E. robustus, a lovely species, and one of the best known in gardens. It pro- duces a huge flower- stem 6 to 10 ft. high, bearing on its summit a dense raceme of peach- shaded lilac flowers nearly 2 in. in diameter. It is perfectly hardy, and may often be seen forcing its shoots through frozen ground. It is one of the easiest to manage. Native of Turkestan, flowering in June.-D. Known species. -They are Asiatic plants coming chiefly from Asia Minor, Persia, Afghanistan, India, and Turkestan. E. Aitchisoni, Afghan. Alberti, albo- citrinus, altaicus, angustifolius, anisopterus, Aucherionus, bach- tiaricus, bucharicus, Bungei , cappadocicus, Capusi, Griffithii, himalaicus, inderiensis, Kauf- manni, Korolkowi, luteus, Olga, persicus, robustus, spectabilis, stenophyllus, Stocksii, Suworowi, tauricus, turkestanicus. Erianthus Ravennæ. -A fine Grass from S. Europe, somewhat like the Pampas Grass in habit, but smaller in size, having violet-tinged leaves. The flowering stems growfrom 5 to 63 ft. high, but as it only flowers with us in a very warm season, it must be valued for its foliage alone. Its dense tufts are strongest with us in light or warm soil, in positions with a south aspect. It is poor on cold soils, and will probably not grow well north of London. It is fitted for association with such Grasses as Arundo conspicua. Division of the tufts in spring or autumn. E. strictus is another species, but is not so good as E. Ravennæ. Erica (Heath).-- Beautiful shrubs, of which the kinds that are wild in Europe are very precious for gardens. Weshould take more hints from our own wild plants and bring the hardy Heaths of Britain as an artistic element into the flower garden. Why we should have such things as the Alternanthera grown with care and cost in hothouses, and then put out in summer to make our flower gardens ridiculous, while neglecting such lovely hardy things as our own Heaths and their many pretty varieties, is a thing that would require some explaining. But very many people do not know how happy these Heaths are as garden plants, and how delightfully they mark the seasons, and for the most part at a time when people leave town. A singularly pretty Heath garden is that of Sir P. Currie at Hawley. In front of his house he has kept, instead of a lawn, a piece of the Heath land of the district almost in its natural state, save for a little levelling of old pits. In such places the native Heaths of Surrey and Hampshire sow themselves, and nothing can be more beautiful. Where, as in many country places, these Heaths abound, there is no occasion to cultivate them, although we cultivate nothing prettier ; but certain varieties of these Heaths are charming, and deserve a place in the garden or wild garden. In places large enough for bold Heath gardens it would be charming to plant them, but a small place is often large enough for a few beds of hardy Heaths. Once established, they need very little attention. To some it may be necessary to state that most of our hardy Heaths break into delightful forms, white and various coloured. The common Heather has many charming varieties, also the Scotch Heath. These forms are quite as free as the wild sorts, and give delightful variety in a Heath garden , which need not by any means be a rocky or pretentious affair, but quite simple ; for Heaths are best on the nearly level ground. Though they grow best, perhaps, in peat bogs and wastes, it would be a mistake to suppose that only such soils can grow Heaths well, because we see them in Sussex in soils quite unlike those on which they thrive in Hampshire though certainly on heaths they seem to form their own soil by decay of the stems and leaves for many years. If rocky banks or large rock-gardens already exist, choice Heaths form often their very best adornment, but such things are by no means necessary. Some of the best and most successful beds we have seen were on the level ground, as in the late Sir William Beaumont's garden in Surrey. For a list of species and varieties we adopt that of Mr. Fraser's book on trees and shrubs. E. ciliaris, indigenous to Portugal, to the south of England, and to some parts of Ireland, is a neat dwarf Heath 9 to 12 in. high, its pale-red flowers in racemes from June to July. It is one of the best of the dwarf hardy Heaths. E. cinerea. Abundant in many of the northern countries of Europe and all over Britain, about 1 ft. high, its flowers of reddish- purple, changing to blue, begin to expand early in June. Among its varieties are-alba, atro- purpurea, bicolor, coccinea. monstrosa, pallida, purpurea, rosea, and spicata. E. herbacea, indigenous to a wide area in Central Europe and to some localities in North Wales, is one of the prettiest of our hardy Heaths, with lovely pale red blossoms from the beginning of March (and in some seasons much earlier) till the beginning of April ; and as it may be clipped freely, it is valuable as an edging in ERICA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ERIGERON. 461 some flower gardens. It grows about 1 ft. high. The var. carnea, according to botanists, is the same species, differing only in having bright red or flesh- coloured flowers. E. Mackiana. -Indigenous to the Continent, and found in Connemara. It has broad ovate leaves, silvery on the under surface, and is about 1 ft. high. The flowers are pale red, expanding in July and August, and it is remarkably showy. E. mediterranea is so named from being abundant in the countries bordering the Mediterranean, and it is also found in several districts in Ireland ; its flowers pale red, the anthers darker, and the blooms are usually in perfection in April. The vars. are -alba, carnea, glauca, nana, rubra, and stricta. E. tetralix. -This beautiful species is wild in all northern Europe, abundant on the moors and heaths of Britain, and is I to 2 ft. high. It is readily dis- tinguished by ciliated leaves in four whorls round the stem. The flowers, delicate pink, are in ter- minal racemes, and bloom from Julyto August. Among its varieties are-rubra and alba. E. vagans. This species is wild in the south of France, in some parts of Ireland, and is abundant on the moors of Cornwall ; 6 in. to 2 ft. high, and forming a neat bush ; the flowers pale purplish red, borne abundantly along the branches, and are in perfection in August and September. It is exceedingly showy, is invaluable for margins to clumps ofthe larger peat-soil shrubs, and forms a stout edging for flower gardens. The varieties are-alba, alba nana, carnea, and rubra. E. vulgaris (Calluna). - This is the Heather of our moors. Its beautiful varieties should never be overlooked in a collection of hardy Heaths. They are all sports from the species, and have been found from time to time associated with it either wild or in gardens. The varieties are alba, Al- porti, argentea, aurea, coccinea, decumbens, dumosa, flore- pleno, Hammondi, pumila, pygmæa, rigida, Searlei, and tomentosa . Erigeron (Fleabane). —Michaelmas Daisy-like plants of dwarf growth, some- what alike in general appearance, and having pink or purple flowers with yellow centres. They flourish in any garden soil, but one or two are best suited for the rock-garden. Of these, E. alpinum grandiflorum is the finest. It is similar to the alpine Aster, having large heads of purplish flowers in late summer, and remaining in beauty a long time. Suitable for the rock-garden and well- drained borders. Division or seed. E. Roylei, Erigeron speciosus. a Himalayan plant, is another good alpine, of very dwarf, tufted growth, having large blossoms of a bluish-purple, with yellow eye. By far the best of the taller kinds is E. (Stenactis ) speciosus, a vigorous species, with erect stems, that grow about 2 ft. high, and bear during June and July manylarge purplish- lilac Aster-like flowers, with conspicuous orange centres. E. macranthus, another showy species, is of a neat habit, and 462 ERINUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ERODIUM. about 1 ft. high. It bears an abundance of large, purple, yellow-eyed blossoms in summer, and, like E. speciosus, will growin any soil. E. mucronatus, known also as Vittadenia triloba, is a valuable border flower, neat and compact, and for several weeks in summer is a dense rounded mass of bloom about 9 in. high. The flowers are pink when first expanded, and afterwards change to white, and the plant therefore presents every intermediate shade. Other kinds Erigeron multiradiatus. บ in gardens are E. multiradiatus, glabellus, glaucus, bellidifolius, strigosus, and philadelphicus-the last two beingthe prettiest. All are easily increased by division in autumn or spring. The most effective and useful of the genus is E. speciosus, which is excellent for groups or borders. Erinus alpinus ( Wall E. )-A pretty alpine plant, with racemes of violet- purple flowers, abundant on dwarf tufts of leaves in early summer. In winter it perishes on the level ground in most gardens, but it is permanent when allowed to run wild on old walls or ruins, and it is easily established on old ruins by sowing seeds in mossy or earthy chinks. It is well suited for the rock-garden, where it grows in any position, and often flowers bravely on earthless mossy rocks and stones. E. hirsutus is a variety covered with down. There is a white variety. Pyrenees. Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat). - A large-leaved shrub from Japan, but in our country tender, and only suitable for walls. Its large evergreen leaves are handsome at all seasons, and in warm districts it flowers freely, the blossoms being white but it does not fruit in the open air in England. Eriogonum. -North American plants which, on the Rocky Mountains and in the alpine regions of California, are of much beauty, but are never good in cultivation, with the exception perhaps of E. umbellatum. From a dense tuft of leaves E. umbellatum throws up numerous stems, 6to 8 in. high, on which golden- yellow blooms, in umbels 4 in. or more across, form a neat and conspicuous tuft. In light sandy soil of the rock- garden it has never failed to bloom profusely. The variety Sileri is much better than the type. Other species are E. compositum, flavum, racemosum, ursinum. Eriophorum (Cotton Grass).- Sedgelike plants, whose heads of white cottony seeds make them interesting in the boggarden or in wet places in grass. E. poly- stachyon is the best for a garden ; it is plentiful in some marshy districts. Eritrichium nanum (Fairy Forget-menot). An alpine gem, closely allied to the Forget-me-nots, which, however, it far excels in the intensity of the azureblue of its blossoms. Though reputed to be difficult to cultivate, a fair amount of success may be ensured by planting it in broken limestone or sandstone, mixed with a small quantity of rich fibry loam and peat, in a spot in the rock-garden where it will be fully exposed and where the roots will be near masses of half-buried rock, to the sides of which they delight to cling. The chief enemy of this little plant, and indeed of all alpine plants with silky or cottony foliage, is moisture in winter, which soon causes it to damp off. In its native habitat it is covered with dry snow during that period. Some, therefore, recommend an overhanging ledge, but if such protection be not removed during summer, it causes too much shade and dryness. A better plan is to place two pieces of glass in a ridge over the plant, thus keeping it dry and allowing a free access of air, but these should be removed early in spring. Alps, at high elevations.- G. Erodium ( Stork's- bill).- Like the Ger- anium, but usually smaller and more southern in origin than the hardy Ger- anium. Suited for chalkybanks or therock- ERODIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ERYNGIUM. 463 garden ; some are suited for borders, while others may be naturalised in the Grass in warm soil. Among the best species areE. macradenium. -A charming dwarf Pyrenean plant, 6 to 10 in. high, with the blooms of French white delicately tinged with purple, and veined with purplish- rose ; the lower petals are larger than the others ; the two upper ones have each a dark spot, which at once distinguishes them from other Erodiums. This plant should be exposed to the hottest sun. The best position for it is a crevice where it is tightly placed between two rocks, and where the roots can penetrate dry, sandy, or stony soil to the depth of 3 ft. When grown in this way, it is extremely pretty ; the dry- ness ofthe situation keeps the leaves dwarf, they nestle to the rock, and the flowers come in great abundance during the summer months. The plant has an aromatic fragrance. E. Manescavi is a vigorous herbaceous plant, and the most showy of the Erodiums. It grows I to 1 ft. high, and throws up strong flower- stalks above the foliage, each with seven to fifteen showy purplish flowers, I to 1 in. across. It is not fastidious as to soil or situation, but its best place is in dry, hard soil, fully exposed to the sun. If the soil be too rich, the plant bears so many leaves that the flowers are hidden. Seed, or careful division. E. petræum (now Moltkia petræa). -This has three to five purplish- rose flowers on each stalk, which are 4 to 6 in. high. The leaves and flower- stalks are densely clothed with minute hairs. It thrives best among the dwarfer alpine plants, in warm positions, in deep sandy or gravelly soil. E. Reichardi.-A miniature species 2 to 3 in. high when in flower. The small heart-shaped leaves lie close to the ground, and form little tufts from which arise slender stalks, each bearing a solitary white flower, marked with delicate pink veins. It often continues in flower, for many weeks. It should be grown in gritty peat mixed with a small portion of loam, like the Androsaces and Gentians. To the foregoing may be added : E. caruifolium, 6 to 10 in. high ; flowers, red, about in. in diameter, and in umbels of nine or ten blossoms. E. alpinum, which resembles E. Manescavi, but is much dwarfer, growing 6 to 8 in. high, and flowering continuously from spring to autumn. annual with deep azure-blue flowers from India. E. romanum, allied to the British E. cicutarium, but with larger flowers, growing 6 to 9 in. high ; flowers, purplish, appearing in spring and early summer. E. trichomanefolium, a very pretty dwarf kind, 4 to 6 in. high, with leaves so deeply cut as to resemble a Fern ; flowers, fleshcoloured, marked with darker veins. All the preceding, with the exception of E. Manescavi and E. hymenodes, are suited E. strictum is a fine CARPEN The Amethyst Sea Holly (E. amethystinum). for the rock-garden or borders, in light sandy or calcareous loam. E. Manescavi should, perhaps, be confined to the border, as it is somewhat too tall and spreading for the rock-garden. Eryngium (Sea Holly).- Handsome plants ofthe Parsley Order belonging tothe Umbellifers, but are so unlike that class of plants in general appearance as to be often mistaken for Thistles, which, indeed, they very much resemble. Forthe garden, whether the decoration of the border, or rock-garden, or the lawn, few plants 464 ERYNGIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ERYNGIUM. yield a greater charm from the size and colour of involucres and stems. The stems are so singularly beautiful with their vivid steel-blue tints, surmounted with an in- volucre even more brilliant, that the effect ofgood large groups is hardly excelled by that of any plants that live in our climate. The great diversity in the form of the leaves is very interesting, ranging from the great Pandanus-like foliage of E. pandanifolium to the very small thistle- like leaves of E. dichotomum. Those belonging to the Pandanus set, such as E. Lasseauxi, eburneum, bromeliæfolium, and others, are useful among fine- leaved plants ; their leaves being mostly of a thick succulent nature, are not liable to be damaged by the cold nights in early autumn ; indeed, in all but very damp places or heavy soils they continue effecThe common Sea Holly (E. maritimum). tive as regards foliage all through the winter season. E. alpinum, Oliverianum, giganteum, andthefinerherbaceous species are very useful for borders, and all are the more valuable for this purpose owing to the length of time they continue in bloom, and forthe longtime theyretain their handsome blue tints. A good rich and well- drained soil suits most of the species ; damp carries off more ofthe tender species during winter than cold. Protection is not needed, as the Sea Hollies will stand any exposure so long as the drainage is perfect. E. alpinum may be made an exception to the above directions, as in the south of England at any rate it prefers a shady spot in a good stiff soil. Much the same treatment will also answer in the case of E. Oliverianum. The only really safe way to increase these Sea Hollies is by means of seed. Some few sorts may be increased by division or root cuttings, but they take such a long time to recover strength, that a vigorous batch may be raised from seed in about the same time. Sow the seed in pans as soon as gathered, and place in a cold frame. The seeds will germinate in the spring, and if properly managed will be ready to plant out the following year. These plants often "sow themselves," and seedlings come up in all sorts of places. The under-mentioned are a few of the best kinds :- E. alpinum (Alpine Sea Holly) .-This is found in the alpine pastures of Switzerland, and, when well grown, is certainly not surpassed in beauty by any plant in the genus. It does well in shady borders, developing a tint almost equal to that when the plant is fully exposed to sunshine. The involucres, as well as the stems, are of a beautiful blue, and its flower-stems averaging about 2 ft. high, appear during July and August. There is said to be a white variety. E. amethystinum (Amethyst Sea Holly). This has been con- founded with the much more robust E. Oliverianum, although they have little in common. E. amethystinum rarely exceeds 1 ft. to 1 ft. in height, is of a somewhat straggling habit, and has flower- heads and stems of the finest amethyst-blue. Apart from the great beauty of its flower-heads and stems, this plant is chiefly welcome on account of its pretty dwarf habit. It answers well for a first or second row in the border, and on the rock-garden charming little groups. It can be increased by division, and easily raised from seed. It flowers during July and August, and is a native of Dalmatia and Croatia. makes E. giganteum (Giant Sea Holly).- This does well in almost all positions and varieties of soil. The large flower-heads are excellent for winter decoration ; and although not highly coloured like those of many of the others, they make pretty bouquets arranged with Grasses. It is an excellent plant for grouping, and in large masses it forms a very picturesque object, growing from 3 ft. to 4 ft. high, with stout stems and deeply-lobed, spiny, glaucous leaves. The involucre, of eight to nine large, oval, spiny leaves, pale grey or glaucous, is very effective. Caucasian Alps and Armenia. E. maritimum (Common Sea Holly).- ERYNGIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ERYNGIUM. 465 This plant is found growing along the coast in company with the Oyster plant (Mertensia maritima) and is a very pretty kind, requiring no special culture, and does well in a stiff, loamy soil. It is one ofthe most glaucous ofthe species, floweringfrom Julyto October, and grows from 6 inches to 1 feet high. E. Oliverianum ( Oliver's Sea Holly). -This is of easy cultivation, and the abun- dance of its highly coloured flower- heads renders it very attractive in the flower border. It has often been, and is even yet, confounded with the Amethyst Sea Holly. E. Oliverianum grows 2 feet to 3 feet and often 4 feet in height. The ten Eryngium Oliverianum. to twelve bracts composing the involucre are longer than the head of flowers and have about half a dozen teeth on each side. In habit and general appearance it is more nearly allied to E. alpinum than to any of the other kinds It ripens seed freely and in this wayit may be readily in- creased, and is a native of the Levant. Other attractive kinds are E. Bourgati, campestre, cœruleum, planum, of which there is a very beautiful variety, dichotomum, triquetrum, creticum, glaciale, spina-album THE PANDANUS GROUP. -To this group, chiefly natives of Mexico and Brazil, belong some of the extraordinary forms in this highly ornamental genus. Beginning with Serra, we have a large broad-leaved species with curious double spines ; Carrierei, said to be the finest of all, having a compact habit combined with large, beautiful leaves. E. bromeliafolium is a charming plant, striking and distinct in habit and forming elegant Yucca-like tufts, with its graceful leaves surmounted with whitish flower- heads. E. pandanifolium is a noble plant, very effective whengrown as an isolated plant on a lawn. E. Lasseauxi is nearly allied and quite hardy in the open air. E. eburneum, aquaticum, virginianum, Leavenworthi, and others are all worthy of attention for their fine foliage. - D. D. Known species. -E. cymosum, Mexico. Decaisneanum, Brazil. Deppeanum, Mexico. depressum, Chili. dichotomum, Mediterr. diffusum, N. Amer. dilatatum, Mediterr. discolor, Arizona. divaricatum, Argentina. dubium. Duriæanum, Spain. ebracteatum, Brazil. eburneum, do. echinatum, do. elegans, do. eriophorum, do. expansum, Australia. fal- catum, Syria. flaccidum, Argentina. flori- bundum, Brazil. fluminense, do. fætidum, Florida. foliosum, Brazil. galioides, Portugal. Ghiesbreghtii, Mexico. giganteum, Armenia. glaciale, Spain. Glaziovianum , Brazil. glomer- atum, As. Minor. gracile, Mexico. gram- ineum, do. gruinum. Hankei, Mexico. Harknessii, Calif. Heldreichii, Syria. hemi- sphæricum, Brazil. heterophyllum, Mexico. Hookeri, N. America. horminoides, Mexico. humifusum, Chili. humile, Peru. illicifolium, Mediterr. Junceum, Brazil. Kahneanum, do. lacustre, do. leve. Lasseauxi, Argen- tina. Leavenworthi, Mexico. longifolium, do. longirameum, do. luzulafolium, Brazil. macrocalyx, Soongaria. marginatum, Brazil. maritimum, Europe. mauritanicum, Alger. Mettaucri, N. America. microcephalum, Dalmatia. microcephalum, Trop. America. mono- cephalum, Mexico. nasturtiifolium, N. America. Noëanum, Persia. nudicaule, Argentina. nudum, Chili. oligodon, Argen- tina. Oliverianum. palmatum, Servia. Palmito, Greece. pandanifolium, Brazil. paniculatum, Chili. pectinatum, Mexico. pentanthum. petiolatum, N. America. Phy- teuma, Mexico. plantagineum, Australia. planum, N. Asia. Pohlianum, Brazil. poly- rhizum, Chili. poterioides, Argentina. præaltum , N. America. pratense, Chili. Pristis, Brazil. prostratum, N. America. proteaflorum, Mexico. Pseudojunceum, Chili. pul- chellum, do. pusillum, S. Europe. pyrami- dale, Persia. radiciflorum, N. Granat. unculoides, Mexico. Ravenellii, do. rigidum, Europe. rostratum, Australia, Chili. Sanguisorba, Brazil. sarcophyllum, Juan Fer- nandez. scaposum, Mexico." Schiedeanum, Mexico. scirpinum, Brazil. serbicum, Servia. Serra, Brazil. serratum, Mexico. sparganoides, Chili. Spinalba, Europe. stellatum , S. America. stenophyllum, Brazil. subacaule, Mexico. tenue, W. Mediterr. ternatum, H H ran- 464 ERYNGIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ERYNGIUM. yield a greater charm from the size and colour of involucres and stems. The stems are so singularly beautiful with their vivid steel-blue tints, surmounted with an in- volucre even more brilliant, that the effect of good large groups is hardly excelled by that of any plants that live in our climate. The great diversity in the form of the leaves is very interesting, ranging from the great Pandanus- like foliage of E. pandanifolium to the very small thistle- like leaves of E. dichotomum. Those belonging to the Pandanus set, such as E. Lasseauxi, eburneum, bromeliafolium, and others, are useful among fine-leaved plants ; their leaves being mostly of a thick succulent nature, are not liable to be damaged by the cold nights in early autumn ; indeed, in all but very damp places or heavy soils they continue effecThe common Sea Holly (E. maritimum). tive as regards foliage all through the winter season. E. alpinum, Oliverianum , giganteum, andthefinerherbaceous species are very useful for borders, and all are the more valuable for this purpose owing to the length oftime they continue in bloom, and for the longtime they retain their handsome blue tints. A good rich and welldrained soil suits most of the species ; damp carries off more ofthetender species during winter than cold . Protection is not needed, as the Sea Hollies will stand any exposure so long as the drainage is perfect. E. alpinum may be made an exception to the above directions, as in the south of England at any rate it prefers a shady spot in a good stiff soil. Much the same treatment will also answer in the case of E. Oliverianum. The only really safe way to increase these Sea Hollies is by means of seed. Some few sorts may be increased by division or root cuttings, but they take such a long time to recover strength, that a vigorous batch may be raised from seed in about the same time. Sow the seed in pans as soon as gathered, and place in a coldframe. The seeds will germinate in the spring, and if properly managed will be ready to plant out the following year. These plants often " sow themselves," and seedlings come up in all sorts of places. The under-mentioned are a few of the best kinds :- E. alpinum ( Alpine Sea Holly).—This is found in the alpine pastures of Switzer- land, and, when well grown, is certainly not surpassed in beauty by any plant in the genus. It does well in shady borders, developing a tint almost equal to that when the plant is fully exposed to sunshine. The involucres, as well as the stems, are of a beautiful blue, and its flower-stems averaging about 2 ft. high, appear during July and August. There is said to be a white variety. E. amethystinum (Amethyst Sea Holly). This has been con- founded with the much more robust E. Oliverianum, although they have little in co.nmon. E. amethystinum rarely exceeds 1 ft. to i ft. in height, is of a somewhat straggling habit, and has flower- heads and stems of the finest amethyst-blue. Apart from the great beauty of its flower-heads and stems, this plant is chiefly welcome on account of its pretty dwarf habit. It answers well for a first or second row in the border, and makes on the rock-garden charming little groups. It can be increased by division, and easily raised from seed. It flowers during July and August, and is a native of Dalmatia and Croatia. E. giganteum (Giant Sea Holly).- This does well in almost all positions and varieties of soil. The large flower- heads are excellent for winter decoration ; and although not highly coloured like those of many of the others, they make pretty bouquets arranged with Grasses. It is an excellent plant for grouping, and in large masses it forms a very picturesque object, growing from 3 ft. to 4 ft. high, with stout stems and deeply-lobed, spiny, glaucous leaves. The involucre, of eight to nine large, oval, spiny leaves, pale grey or glaucous, is very effective. Caucasian Alps and Armenia. E. maritimum (Common Sea Holly).- ERYNGIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ERYNGIUM. 465 This plant is found growing along the coast in company with the Oyster plant (Mertensia maritima) and is a very pretty kind, requiring no special culture, and does well in a stiff, loamy soil . It is one of the most glaucous of the species, flower- ing from Julyto October, and growsfrom 6 inches to feet high. E. Oliverianum (Oliver's Sea Holly). This is of easy cultivation, and the abundance of its highly coloured flower-heads renders it very attractive in the flower border. It has often been, and is even yet, confounded with the Amethyst Sea Holly. E. Oliverianum grows 2 feet to 3 feet and often 4 feet in height. The ten Eryngium Oliverianum. to twelve bracts composing the involucre are longer than the head of flowers and have about half a dozen teeth on each side. In habit and general appearance it is more nearly allied to E. alpinum than to any of the other kinds It ripens seed freely and in this wayit may be readily in- creased, and is a native of the Levant. Other attractive kinds are E. Bourgati, campestre, cœruleum, planum, of which there is a very beautiful variety, dichotomum, triquetrum, creticum, glaciale, spina-album THE PANDANUS GROUP. -To this group, chiefly natives of Mexico and Brazil, belong some of the extraordinary forms in this highly ornamental genus. Beginning with Serra, we have a large broad-leaved species with curious double spines ; Carrierei, said to be the finest of all, having a compact habit combined with large, beautiful leaves. E. bromeliafolium is a charming plant, striking and distinct in habit and forming elegant Yucca-like tufts, with its graceful leaves surmounted with whitish flower-heads. E. pandanifolium is a noble plant, very effective whengrown as an isolated plant on a lawn. E. Lasseauxi is nearly allied and quite hardy in the open air. E. eburneum, aquaticum, virginianum, Leavenworthi, and others are all worthy of attention for their fine foliage. - D. D. Known species. -E. cymosum, Mexico. Decaisneanum, Brazil. Deppeanum, Mexico. depressum, Chili. dichotomum, Mediterr. diffusum, N. Amer. dilatatum, Mediterr. discolor, Arizona. divaricatum, Argentina. dubium. Duriæanum, Spain. ebracteatum, Brazil. eburneum, do. echinatum, do. elegans, do. eriophorum, do. expansum, Australia. fal- catum, Syria. flaccidum, Argentina. flori- bundum, Brazil. fluminense, do. fœtidum, Florida. foliosum, Brazil. galioides, Portugal. Ghiesbreghtii, Mexico. giganteum, Armenia. glaciale, Spain. Glaziovianum, Brazil. glomer- atum, As. Minor. gracile, Mexico. gram- ineum, do. gruinum. Hænkei, Mexico. Harknessii, Calif. Heldreichii, Syria. hemi- sphæricum, Brazil. heterophyllum, Mexico. Hookeri, N. America. horminoides, Mexico. humifusum, Chili. humile, Peru. illicifolium , Mediterr. Junceum, Brazil. Kahneanum, do. lacustre, do. lave. Lasseauxi, Argen- tina. Leavenworthi, Mexico. longifolium, do. longirameum, do. luzulæfolium, Brazil. macrocalyx, Soongaria. marginatum, Brazil. maritimum, Europe. mauritanicum, Alger. Mettaucri, N. America. microcephalum , Ďal- matia. microcephalum, Trop. America. mono- cephalum, Mexico. nasturtiifolium, N. America. Noëanum, Persia. nudicaule, Argentina. nudum, Chili. oligodon, Argen- tina. Oliverianum. palmatum, Servia. Palmito, Greece. pandanifolium, Brazil. paniculatum, Chili. pectinatum, Mexico. pentanthum. petiolatum, N. America. Phy- teuma, Mexico. plantagineum, Australia. planum, N. Asia. Pohlianum, Brazil. poly- rhizum, Chili. poterioides, Argentina. præ- altum, N. America. pratense, Chili. Pristis, Brazil. prostratum, N. America. protea florum, Mexico. Pseudojunceum, Chili. pul- chellum, do. pusillum, S. Europe. pyrami- dale, Persia. radiciflorum, N. Granat. unculoides, Mexico. Ravenellii, do. rigidum, Europe. rostratum, Australia, Chili. guisorba, Brazil. sarcophyllum, Juan Fer- nandez. scaposum, Mexico. Schiedeanum, Mexico. scirpinum, Brazil. serbicum , Servia. Serra, Brazil. serratum, Mexico. sparganoides, Chili. Spinalba, Europe. stellatum, S. America. stenophyllum, Brazil. subacaule, Mexico. tenue, W. Mediterr. ternatum, ranSanH H 466 ERYSIMUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ERYSIMUM. Crete. thorafolium, As. Minor. thyrsoideum, Persia. tricuspidatum , Mediterr. tripartitum. triquetrum, N. Africa, Sicily. tuberosum , N. America. unifultum, Chili. variifolium, Morocco. vesiculosum, Australia. virgatum, N. America. virginianum, do. viviparum, W. France. Wrightii, Texas. yuccafolium, N. America. Erysimum.--Wall- flower- like perenIt base, and may perish on heavy soils during an unusually severe winter. thrives best when rather frequently divided. Division and cuttings. A capital dwarf border plant on light soils. Alps and Pyrenees. Flowers in spring There are several varieties. = Cheiranthus alpinus. E. pumilum (Fairy Wallflower).-- A nials, biennials, and annuals, mostly of very small plant, rare in cultivation, reEryngium alpinum (Sea Holly). dwarf growth. Of the perennials the following are the finest :- E. ochroleucum ( Alpine Wallflower). --This handsome plant forms, under cultivation, neat rich green tufts, 6 to 12 in. high, and in spring is covered with beautiful sulphur- coloured flowers. The rock-garden is most congenial to it ; but it does very well on good level ground, though it is apt to get naked about the sembling the alpine Wallflower in the size and colour of its flowers, but lacking its vigorous and rich green foliage. It is often only I in. high, and it bears very large flowers for its size. They appear above afew narrow sparsely toothed leaves which barely rise from the ground. High bare places in the Alps and Pyrenees. It requires an exposed spot of very sandy or gritty loam in the rock-garden, where it ERYSIMUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ERYTHRONIUM. 467 must be surrounded by a few small stones to guard it from excessive drought and from accident, and must be associated with the most minute alpine plants. It is nearly related to the alpine Wallflower, E. ochroleucum, but is separated from it by its minuteness, and by its greyish- green leaves. E. rhæticum (Rhætian Wallflower).— A pretty mountain flower which, though rare in cultivation, is a common alpine in Rhætia and the neighbouring districts, where in early summer its broad densetufted masses are aglow with pretty clear yellow blossoms. It is somewhat similar to the Dwarf Alpine Wallflower (E. pumilum) of the Swiss mountains. It also resembles the Lance- leaved Wallflower (E. lanceolatum) , a common European plant with major and minor varieties, which are, however, less desirable than the kind under notice. E. canescens, a South European species with scentless yellow flowers, is also a neat alpine, and so is E. rupestre, which is exceptionally desirable for the rock-garden. All of them are easy to grow, and delight in gritty soil and a well-drained and sunny position on the rockery. Among the biennial and annual kinds the best is E. Perofskianum, 1 to 1 ft. high, with dense racemes of orange-yellow flowers. For early flowering it should be sown in autumn, and again in March and April for later bloom. E. arkansanum and pachycarpum are similar to E. Perofskianum. E. Barbarea (Barbarea vulgaris). Erythræa (Centaury) .-A small genus of rather pretty dwarf biennials belonging to the Gentian family. The native species, E. littoralis, common in some shore districts, is worth cultivating. It is 4 to 6 in. high, and bears an abundance of rich pink flowers, which last a considerable time in beauty, and will withstand full exposure to the sun, though partial shade is beneficial. The very beautiful E. diffusa is a similar species. It is a rapid grower, with a profusion of pink blossoms in summer. It E. Muhlenbergi is another beautiful plant. It is neat and about 8 in. high, putting out many slender branches. bears many flowers, and the blossoms are 3 in. across. They are of a deep pink, with a greenish-white star in the centre. Seeds should be sown in autumn, and grown under liberal treatment till the spring ; the plants will then flower much earlier and produce finer flowers than spring - sown plants. They are excellent for the rock-garden and the margins of a loamy border, but the soil must be moist. On account of their duration or other peculiarities, they are of more botanical than garden importance. The Érythrina. —These beautiful trees or shrubs are pretty general through the tropics. Some attain great dimensions, while others are dwarf bushes with woody root- stocks. Many produce beautiful large Pea flowers, usually of a blood- red or scarlet colour, in terminal racemes. The varieties have proved very hardy and useful in the summer garden, flowering freely and showing considerable beauty of foliage. E. ornata, Marie Belanger, laurifolia, Crista-galli, profusa, Madame Belanger, ruberrima, and Hendersoni, have stood out with slight protection. common old E. Crista-galli will thrive for years against a warm south wall in a light soil, if protected about the roots in winter, and when so grown, it is often very hand- some in the warmer countries. How far E. herbacea will prove an efficient sub- stitute for the older and better known species remains to be seen, but, having resisted a New York winter, it may be assumed to be hardy enough for England, and it deserves a trial. It is rather dwarfer than the old species, and has a woody root- stock, which under favourable conditions throws up in summer stems 2 to 4 ft. high. These stems are of two kinds, one bearing leaves only, the other bearing flowers with few leaves. The flowering stems have a raceme, 1 to 2 ft. long, of narrow flowers about 2 in. in length, the deep scarlet standard, erect in so many genera, being horizontal and folded overthe wings and keel. The seeds are bright scarlet, and should be sown in heat as early as practicable, the seedlings being kept in a frame for the first winter. This species is a native of Texas, and is found as far north as Carolina, and as far west as Sonora. Erythrochate palmatifida ( Senecio japonicus). Erythronium (Dogs-tooth Violet).- Lilaceous bulbs, among the loveliest of Our hardy flowers, though the old favourite Dens- canis is the only one commonly cultivated. The genus contains only about a dozen species and varieties. These belong to N. America, with the exception of E. Dens-canis, a beautiful plant found in various parts of Europe. It has handsome oval leaves, with patches of reddishbrown. The rosy-purple or lilac flowers are borne singly on stems 4 to 6 in. high, and droop gracefully. One variety has HH 2 468 ERYTHRONIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ESCALLONIA. white flowers, one rose - coloured, and one flesh- coloured. E. longifolium has longer and narrower leaves and larger flowers, and the sorts enumerated in catalogues under the name of majus are apparently derived from this variety. E. Dens- canis thrives in moist sandy or peaty soil, when fully exposed to the sun. It is most valuable for the spring or rock- garden, or for a border of choice hardy bulbs, and, where it is sufficiently plentiful, for edgings to American plants in peat soil. The bulbs are white and oblong, resembling a dog's tooth, hence its name. It is increased by dividing the bulbs every two or three years, and replanting rather deeply. Central Europe. The varieties sibiricum, a robust plant from the Altaian Mountains, and japonicum, with violet-purple flowers, are not, so far as we are aware, yet in cultivation. E. americanum (Yellow Adder'stongue) is common in the woods and low copses of the Eastern States of N. America, where it flowers in May. Its pale green leaves are mottled, and commonly dotted with purple and white. Flowers I in. across, pale yellow, and spotted near the base ; they appear on slender stalks 6 to 9 in. high. A variety (E. bracteatum) differs in having a bract developed, as E. grandiflorum sometimes has. It is very pretty, but, being a somewhat shy flowerer, is seldom seen in cultivation. The late Mr. M'Nab was very successful with it in the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, and writes in an early volume of The Garden : "This interesting plant formerly grew in the open border here, but its flowers were rarely seen. Some years ago I put a tuft of the bulbs in one of the stone compartments of the rock-garden, with a southern aspect, the soil being a mixture of peat and loam. As soon as the space became filled with roots, flowers were freely produced, and on the 20th of April it was covered with yellow blooms. In these confined spaces the bulbs are better matured than in open borders, where the ground is generally covered with small green leaves growing from unmatured bulbs, and there are few of the larger spotted leaves which generally accompany the flowers. " The rich soil of our gardens probably develops growth at the expense of flower. poor sandy soil, in copses, or in the wild garden, this little plant may bloom better. In E. giganteum. -This, the noblest of the genus, is considered a variety of E. grandiflorum. Its showy flowers of pure white have a ring of bright orange- red, and measure 3 in. in diameter. It is found in California at an elevation of six to ten thousand feet, and also in Van- couver's Island. It was called E. maximum by Douglas, and E. speciosum by Nuttall. he says, 66 E. grandiflorum. -The only cultivated kind with more than one flower on a stem. It is extremely handsome when well grown. In a peat bed, with Lilies and other peat-loving plants, it is very fine , and produces as many as five flowers on a stem. The late Mr. M'Nab used to grow the larger American kinds as well as the European Dens- canis very successfully in grass. Writing of them in spring, Many Dog's-tooth Violets are in bloom on the northern grassy slopes of the rock-garden ; they were thickly dibbled in, here and there, when the turf was first laid, and, being placed in all exposures, a longer flowering season has been obtained. In such places they do not multiply fast, as only single flowers proceeding from the two or three spotted leaves are produced. On grass banks with a southern aspect the leaves are all ripened off before the first grass cutting, which is not the case on grass slopes with a northern aspect. " I have planted them largely in grass, and find they thrive in every soil in that way, and are very early and pretty both in leaf and flower, scattered in groups and colonies in turf. Little known or rarer kinds are E. revolutum, albidum, purpurascens, propullans, and Hartwegi. Known species. -E. albidum, N. Amer. americanum, do. Dens-canis, Europe, N. Asia. grandiflorum, N. W. Amer. Hartwegi, N. W. Amer. propullans, do. purpurascens, Calif. Escallonia. The Escallonias in cultivation are often beautiful shrubs, unfortunately sometimes perishing in hard winters save in favoured districts. In mild places the common E. macrantha succeeds in the open. but, as a rule, it must be regarded as a wall shrub. Even in the mild districts it is cut down during severe winters, but it usually shoots up again strongly in the returning spring. There is a variety called sanguinea with deeper coloured flowers. Somewhat similar to E. macrantha is E. rubra, but the foliage is less handsome and the flowers are paler. E. Philippiana is very beautiful and hardy, as it may be grown as a bush in the neighbourhood of London. - ESCHSCHOLTZIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. EUCOMIS. 469 It is an Evergreen with small leaves, and bears a profusion oflarge panicles of small white flowers. It is a first- rate shrub, and one of the best of the Escallonias. E. pterocladon is very free-flowering, the small flowers being white and pink, while E. punctata has dark red flowers, some- what similarto those of E. rubra. Another species, E. montevidensis, also known as E. floribunda, bears large loose clusters ofwhite flowers, and there are varietiesusually seedling forms-known under different names, especially in seaside gardens. Among these, that called E. Ingrami is one of the best, being hardier than E. macrantha, hough not so hand- some. Escallonias are mostly natives of S. America, chiefly Chili , Brazil, and Peru. Eschscholtzia (Californian Poppy).- Brilliant annuals, long and favourably known. The beautiful new forms recently seen are acquisitions ; the rich reddishorange of Mandarin and the unique form of double crocea are of real value, and they make, with crocea alba, and the orange aurantiaca, most attractive plants. To have these showy flowers in all their beauty, they should be sown in August and September for early summer bloom. They may be sown even later- and should then be allowed to bloom where they are sown. They get deeply and firmly rooted, and flower much longer than if sown in spring. They are very hardy, and snails and slugs do not molest them. There are some half a dozen kinds, well worth growing, viz. E. californica, orange, very strong ; E. crocea, saffron colour ; E. c. alba, white ; E. c. Mandarin, orange and crimson, very fine ; E. c. fl.-pl. , double ; E. c. rosea, and E. tenui- folia ; and new forms are raised from time to time. Known species. Nearly all natives of Cali- fornia. E. Austin , californica, elegans, glyptosperma, mexicana, minutiflora, Parishii , peninsularis, rhombipetala. Eucalyptus. Large and handsome. Australian trees and shrubs, of which a number of species grow to a great height. The leaves are thick and leathery, and vary much in shape. In the south of England and Ireland a few of the species live in the open air. About London some grow them for their aspect in the open air after a single year's growth, and in that case they should be put out about the middle of May. Some letters in the Times, by persons unaware of the results of planting the tree in this country, in- | duced many to plant the common Gum tree, which perished with the first severe frost. Only in the more favoured districts have these trees any chance, and they never present the graceful and stately port which they show in countries that really suit them, such as parts of Italy and California. What the higher moun- tain species may do remains to be seen, and the common Gum tree is sometimes made fair use of in the London parks among the larger plants put out for summer. Eucharidium. -Pretty hardy annuals ofthe Evening Primrose family, thriving under the same treatment as all annuals from California. They may be sown in autumn for early summer-flowering, or from March to June for late summer and autumn bloom. They flower about eight weeks after sowing, and remain in bloom a long time. Three species are cultivated -E. concinnum, about 9 in. high, with many rosy purple blooms ; E. grandiflorum, larger rosy- purple flowers, streaked with white, which has a white variety (album), and a variety with pink flowers (roseum) ; and E. Breweri, an elegant new annual, more robust, and with red flowers of a deeper, richer colour than E. grandiflorum. These species are of secondary importance in the flower garden, but may occasionally be used as surface plants or in bold masses. many other annuals, they suffer in general estimation through being judged by spring-sown plants, with poor and short- lived bloom. Like Eucnide bartonioides. -A half- hardy annual of the Loasa family, from Mexico. The stems are about 1 ft. high, and bear sulphur- yellow flowers, 1 in. across, showy in August and September when several are expanded. Seeds should be sown in heated frames in early spring, but the seedlings should be very carefully transplanted to the open border in May, as they are then very liable to injury. Microsperma. - Eucomis. Cape bulbs, not very showy, though deserving of cultivation in the outdoor garden, on account of their broad handsome foliage, more or less spotted with purple at the base, from which rise tall cylindrical spikes of blossoms sur- mounted by a crown of leaves. Like many Cape plants, they are hardy on light and dry soils. There are four species, all of which are in cultivation. E. undulata has leaves 18 in. long, wavy at the margins, and profusely marked on the under surface with dark purple blotches which, in the variety striata, assume the 470 EUCRYPHIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. EUONYMUS. form of stripes. The flower spike is 2 to 4 ft. high. On the upper half are densely arranged, in a cylindrical manner, numerous greenish-white blossoms, withpurplish centre, crowned by a tuft of narrow green leaves. E. punctata is the largest kind, having leaves about 3 ft. long. E. regia is dwarfer than either of the preceding. The raceme of flowers is about 1 ft. high, and the tuft of leaves at the top is larger than in other kinds. E. nana is the smallest. The spreading leaves lie horizontally, while in the others they are more erect. They thrive best in light sandy soil, with the roots protected by a covering during winter. The foot of a south wall suits them if they are associated with the larger hardy bulbs, but they are not the most effective or graceful of the Lily family. Eucryphia pinnatifolia ( The Brush Bush) .-A distinct shrub, and probably hardy, though a native of South America. It belongs to the Rose family, but the flowers remind one in size and form of those of St. John's Wort, except that they are white, and the central tuft of stamens is very conspicuous. The flowers, borne plentifully, are very pretty, among foliage resembling that of some of the Roses. It is one of the most beautiful shrubs of recent introduction, and valuable on account of producing its flowers about the end of the summer, when blooming shrubs are getting scarce. It is deciduous, somewhat upright, and has pinnate leaves, and large white flowers about 3 in. in diameter. It is of rather slow growth, but has with- stood severe winters in the neighbourhood of London ; and may therefore fairly be classed as hardy. It can only be satis- factorily propagated by layers, which will, to a certain extent, account for its scarcity. Till more plentiful, it should be placed in warm positions and in good free soil. Chili. There is another species in cultivation, E. cordifolia, but it is rarer. Eulalia gracillima. This Japanese Grass is less vigorous in growth than either of the better known kinds, the leaves being more narrow and more grace- fully recurved. They are bright green in colour, with a comparatively broad stripe of white down the centre of each. pronounced is this white stripe, that this form is sometimes called E. gracillima univittata. Plants of it in pots are pretty. So E. japonica. A hardy and ornamental perennial Grass of robust growth, 6 to 7 ft. high. Established plants form clumps 17 to 18 ft. in circumference. The brownish-violet flower- panicles have at first erect branches, but as the flowers open, these branches curve over gracefully, and resemble a Prince of Wales' Feather. Each of the numerous flowers has at its base a tuft of long silky hairs, which contribute greatly to the feathery lightness of the whole. For isolated positions on lawns it is excellent ; or it might be used in groups, or on the margin of the shrubbery. Even more valuable than the type are the two variegated forms, variegata, with leaves longitudinally striped with white and green ; and zebrina, with distinct cross bars of yellow on the green, which render it singularly attractive . These variegated forms, particularly zebrina, are not quite so hardy as the type. Division or seed. Japan. Euonymus (Spindle Tree).--All these have small flowers, with little beauty, but this defect is compensated for by their foliage, habit, and bright fruit which some of the sorts bear. They grow well in almost every variety of soil, but are most luxuriant in such as are rich in vegetable matter, and, as a rule, they prefer open sunny situations, particularly the evergreen sorts, and all thrive near the sea. The following are among the most distinct of the kinds at present in cultivation :- E. europæus (Common Spindle Tree). This is a native of England, and is a bushy treee, from 10 to 25 ft. high ; the leaves are of a warm green colour, changing as they decay to a reddish tint. Its small greenish-white flowers expand in May, and are followed almost always by an abundant crop of fruit, in bright pink capsules, which, opening up in the autumn, reveal the orange- coloured sac which envelops the seeds, producing a beautiful effect. Of several varieties, the most interesting are the white fruited kind, which differs from the species in producing white instead of pink capsules ; the variety with scarlet leaves ; and nanus or pumilus, a neat little plant, very bushy, and one which never grows higher than about 2 ft. and is admir- ably suited for the rock-garden, any situation where a dwarf plant is desirable. or E. latifolius (Broad-leaved Spindle Tree).- A species wild in the south of France and in some parts of Germany, and a tree of from 10 to 20 ft. high, the leaves shining green, larger than those of the common Euonymus ; the flowers, which expand in June, are of a purplish-white ; EUONYMUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. EUONYMUS. 471 the capsules large, and deep red, contrasting, as they open, most effectively with the bright orange sacs with which the seed is enveloped. It is quite hardy, and forms an ornamental tree, well fitted for a lawn. slender branches covered with a smooth light green bark ; the flowers open in June, succeeded by rough warted brilliant crim- son capsules, which in its native habitats are so showy and abundant that it is named the Burning Bush. In this country Eulalia japonica. E. americanus (American Spindle Tree). This is a small deciduous, or, in mild winters and sheltered situations, sub- evergeen shrub, of about 6 ft. in height, found wild over a wide area in Canada and the United States. It has an erect habit of growth, with numerous long it is generally cultivated as a wall plant, and as such it is ornamental. It succeeds best on the shady side, and prefers a moist rather than a dry porous soil. E. angustifolius ( Narrow-leaved Spindle Tree).-A twiggy or sub-ever- green shrub about 4 ft. in height, with 472 EUONYMUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. EURYA. long wiry branches, abundantly clothed with remarkably narrow oblong leaves, or a deep green colour in summer, changing in autumn to a dull red tint. The flowers are very small, of a greenish-white colour, followed by red fruit capsules. It is a very distinct and interesting shrub for a low wall, and has a pretty effect on raised banks, growing freely in shady sheltered aspects, and in damp heavy soils. E. japonicus Japan Spindle Tree).- An evergreen species 4 to 6 ft. in height, of bushy habit, the branches clothed with numerous leaves of a dark glossy green colour. Though hardy in sheltered dis- tricts, it seldom flowers in this country. Fewevergreens thrive better near the sea ; and either it or some of its varieties are frequently met with on the west and south coasts of England, and west coast of Scotland, forming handsome specimen shrubs on lawns and shrubberies. the inland districts it suffers from frosts, and can only be depended upon on walls or in favoured situations. During recent years a number of varieties have been sent home from Japan ; several of these, and particularly the variegated forms, are favourites. In All the varieties thrive best in warm sunny exposure, and in well-drained soils. The kind called argenteus variegatus has leaves clothed with silver ; aureus variegatus, leaves margined with deep yellow ; latifolius argenteus and latifolius aureus, leaves with white and yellow variegations respectively. E. radicans variegatus is a dwarf creeping variety, its leaves are variegated with white ; it is hardy, and useful for planting as an edging. On rockeries or low walls it has a pretty effect ; and as it forms roots similar to those of the Ivy, it requires little care to keep it to the wall or other support. The Garden. Eupatorium ( Thorough- wort).— Coarse Composite plants, most of which are better suited for the wild garden than for borders, though two or three kinds are worth a place for supplying cut flowers in autumn. The most suitable are E. ageratoides, altissimum, and arom- aticum, which are 3 to 5 ft. high, and bear a profusion of white blossoms in dense flat heads, E. cannabinum (Hemp Agrimony), E. perfoliatum, and E. purpureum (Trumpet-weed), which is a fine object in the rougher parts of a garden, being 12 ft. high, with stems terminated by huge clusters of purple flowers. All grow in any kind of soil. Euphorbia (Spurge).- Plants of the Spurge order include few hardy species of value for the flower garden. The foliage of some, such as E. Cyparissia (Cypress Spurge) is elegant. In spring E. pilosa and amygdaloides are attractive by their yellow flowers when little else is in bloom, but they are scarcely worth growing in a general way. Some of the dwarf kinds, such as E. Myrsinites, portlandica, capitata, and triflora, are neat and distinct in habit and grow in any soil. There are a few variegated forms. The well-known Caper Spurge (E. Lathyris) is often seen in cottage gardens, and in habit is a distinct plant, with a certain beauty of foliage and habit. A few plants of it on a bank or rough place are not amiss. Eurya latifolia variegata. -This fine half- hardy variegated shrub, grown in pots or tubs, is useful and ornamental for outdoor decoration during summer ; it would also be useful intermixed with such things as Agapanthus for the adorn- ment of steps, corridors, etc. It is best increased by means of cuttings. The cuttings should be taken off the plants in the greenhouse in March ; then take well- drained pots-5-in. ones are best-and fill them with a compost of yellow loam and a little peat and leaf-soil, with a good admixture of sand sifted fine and pressed down rather firmly. In this insert the cuttings with a small peg or dibber, tightening them well in. A moderately warm manure bed, in which the pots can be plunged half-way up, is the best place in which to strike them. If the wood is about half-ripe, they generally emit roots in about eight weeks, when they may be potted off, replaced in the bed, and kept close for a few days ; then they may be gradually hardened off to stand in a cold frame. Like most shrubby evergreens, the Eurya will stand hard pruning, and may therefore be kept compact by an annual cutting back, which should be done early in spring, when the buds soon start again and refurnish the plants with new foliage. As to soil, the Eurya will grow freely in either peat or loam, but the variegation comes out best with plants growing in the former, or a mixture of the two if plenty of sand be added, as when growing liquid manure can be given to assist in the full development of leaf. To strike cuttings, the best way is to take them off with a heel, and to put them in early in the autumn, standing them in a cold frame for the winter to callus ; with a little artificial warmth in the spring they root at once, and start rapidly into growth. The plants can be wintered easily in a EURYBIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. FERDINANDA. 473 coolgreenhouse or conservatory, and when planted out in such a structure they are highly ornamental. Eurybia (Olearia). Eustylis (Nemastylus). Eutoca (see Phacelia). Evening Primrose ( Enothera). Everlasting Flower (Helichrysum). Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus). Exochorda grandiflora (Pearl Bush). -One of the loveliest of hardy shrubs allied to the Spiræas, but with larger flowers. It is a graceful shrub, making when full grown a rounded bush of about 10 ft. high and as much through. It flowers about the middle of May, just after the foliage unfolds, and affords a charming contrast between tender green leaves and snow-white flowers as large as florins. It likes shelter, and grows best in warm loam. Exogonium Purga Jalap Plant).— Of autumn- flowering hardy plants there is, perhaps, none more beautiful among climbing plants, and of its hardiness there can be little doubt. It has lived for years at Bitton, Gloucestershire, without any protection, and each year it has flowered well. It has also done well at DraytonBeauchamp, Kew, Fulham, and in the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. Mr. Ellacombe grows it in a sheltered corner, and provides a tall wire trellis with a spread- ing top for it to grow up. It does not flower in the lower parts, but the entire top and the pendent shoots become a mass of lovely bloom. If not checked by late spring frosts at Bitton, it comes into blossom earlyin September, and continues to flower till cut down by frost. Ellacombe states that if he were to plant another, he should place it under a south wall, near a Peach or Apricot tree, and let it wind its way through the branches. Little training would prevent it injuring the tree, and it would probably flower earlier, and perfect its seeds. It has roundish tubers of variable size, those of mature growth being about as large as an orange and ofa dark colour. These are the true Jalap tubers. The plant gets its name from Xalapa, in Mexico, its native region, and is increased by division of tubers. Mr. Fabiana imbricata. -A pretty shrub of the Potato family ( Solanaceæ), but so much resembling a Heath, that it might well be mistaken for one. It is slender, with evergreen leaves, and in early summer every shoot is wreathed with small white trumpet- shaped flowers. A native of Chili, it is not perfectly hardy as a bush except in the southern counties. Fair Maids of France (Ranunculus). Farfugium grande. —A vigorous perennial, with fleshy stems 1 to 2 ft. high, and with broad leaves of light green variously streaked, spotted with yellow in one variety, and having white and rose in another. It does best in a half-shady position in free moist soil. During the heats of summer it requires frequent watering, and at the approach of winter it should be moved to the greenhouse, except in mild districts. In colder parts it is scarcely worth planting out, as it grows slowly ; but where it thrives it is handsome in borders, or on the margins of beds. Multiplied by division in spring ; the offsets being potted and kept in a frame until they are well rooted. Feather Grass ( Stipa pennata). Feather Hyacinth ( Muscari). Felicia tenella. A neat little halfhardy plant of the Starwort family. It has dwarf slender stems, terminated by flower- heads, the flowers being in. across, and of pale violet-blue with yellow centre. It should be raised as a halfhardy annual, but as it becomes shrubby, it may be kept over the winter like halfhardy bedding plants. Flowers in light soil from July to September. form a graceful blue carpet to Gladioli, Tuberoses, standard Fuchsias, or other tall slender plants. Cape of Good Hope. Syn. , Aster tenellus. Would Fenzlia dianthiflora. A charming Californian annual, forming compact tufts, I to 4 in. high. Its many large flowers vary from purple and lilac to nearly white. It is perfectly hardy, and, like several Californian annuals, does best if sown in autumn. It thrives in any ordinary soil, but the warmer and more sheltered the situation the better. A lovely ground or carpet plant, if some slender bulbs or other taller plants are scattered through it. Syn. , Gilia dianthoides. Ferdinanda eminens. One of the finest " sub - tropical " plants, growing well in the southern counties when in rich moist soil. It is the better for shelter. Where the soil is rich, and humid, and the position warm, it is sometimes over 12 ft. high, having pairs of immense opposite leaves, and is a good companion to the Castor-oil plant. It requires to be planted out, when young, about the middle of May; it grows freely from cuttings ; and greenhouse treatment will do in winter. It is better to keep a stock in pots through the summer, for 474 FERN. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. FICUS. cuttings, though the old ones may be used. Fern, Beech (Polypodium phegopteris). Broad Buckler (Asplenium dilatatum). "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" Climbing (Lygodiumpalmatum). Filmy (Hymenophyllum). Hard (Blechnum boreale). Holly (Aspidium Lonchitis). Lady (Athyrium). Maidenhair (Adiantum). Male (Aspidium Filix-mas). Mountain (Aspidium Oreop- teris). Oak (Polypodium Dryopteris). Ostrich (Struthiopteris). Parsley (Allosurus crispus). Royal ( Osmunda regalis). Scaly (Ceterach officinarum). Sensitive ( Onoclea sensibilis). Shield (Aspidium). Ferraria. -Plants of the Iris order from the Cape of Good Hope. F. undulata is the only hardy species. It is a curious plant with flowers like the Tiger- flower (Tigridia) in shape, but small, of a dull plum colour, and wavy- edged. It requires a light sandy soil, on a warm sunny border, and if close to a south wall it is all the better. The bulbs require protection during winter or lifting in autumn, when they may be divided. Ferula (Giant Fennel) .- Among the finest umbelliferous plants that have so long remained unnoticed in our botanic gardens, their charm consisting in large tufts of the freshest green leaves in early spring. The leaf is apt to fade early in autumn, but this maybe retarded by cutting out the flower- shoots the moment they appear, thoughthese are not ugly, but on the contrary the plants are striking when in flower. Ferulas should be well planted at first, and it is only when established that their good effect is seen. Where bold spring flowers are naturalised or planted in colonies, a group of these fine- leaved plants will be valuable, with their fine plumes rising in early spring. They are among the true hardy plants of the northern world, never suffering from cold. Their fine forms in summer or autumn, when they throw up flowering- shoots to a height of 10 ft. or so, are remarkable enough ; but their appearance when break- ing up in spring charms us most. A good way is to place them singly or in small groups, just outside a shrubbery, or isolated on the Grass, so that their verdure may be seen in early spring. Deep free soil should be supplied before planting, if the soil be not good and deep. Ferulas are readily raised from seed, which as soon as gathered should be sown in a nursery bed in the open air. The plants, even when well established, do not bear division well, though with care they may be transplanted. One of the best known and most valuable is F. tingitana, which is elegant and vigorous. It takes several years to form strong plants, and the plants look like massive plumes of large filmy Ferns. F. communis is also a good species, and others , including F. glauca, neapolitana, Ferulago, and persica, may be added where variety is sought, but the first two are not surpassed. The flower- stems developed the second or third year from seed are 6 to 10 ft. high, are branched, and bear numbers of small inconspicuous flowers. S. Europe and N. Africa. Festuca (Fescue Grass).—Annual and perennial Grasses, containing few species for the garden. A variety of Sheep's Fescue (F. ovina) , named glauca, is a pretty dwarf hardy Grass, forming dense tufts of leaves of a glaucous hue or soft blue, and on this account sometimes called " blue " Grass. It makes good edgings, and when it is used for this purpose the flower- spikes should be cut away. F. ovina viridis is also a pretty edging plant, and, being of slow growth, does not require renewal for years. - Feverfew (Pyrethrum Parthenium). Ficaria (Pilewort). Plants of the Crowfoot family, much resembling some kinds of Buttercup : F. ranunculoides (Lesser Celandine ) is a common British plant, 3 to 6 in. high, producing goldenyellow flowers in early spring. It is so common that it would not be mentioned but for its pretty double and white varieties. Moist borders, in any soil. A good plant for growing under trees. Division. F. grandiflora. -A large- flowered kind, about twice the size of our own, the flowers being nearly 2 in. across. It is easily grown and showy, and could be naturalised. Southern Europe and Northern Africa. It Ficus elastica ( India-rubber Plant).— This is not only in fair health in the open air in summer, but sometimes makes a good growth under our northern sun. is best suited for select mixed groups, and in small gardens, for isolating among low-bedding plants. It will best enjoy stove treatment in winter. It should be put out at the end of May. In all cases it is best to use plants with single stems. The trailing F. repens and F. stipulata also thrive in the open air in summer, and FIRE BUSH . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. FRAGARIA. 475 have a pretty effect, trailing up stems of trees in the sub-tropical garden. In mild districts they are hardy against walls or rocks. Cuttings. Fire Bush (Embothrium coccineum). Fire Pink (Silene virginica). Flag, Common Water (Iris pseud- acorus). Flag, Spanish (Iris Xiphium). Flag, Sweet (Acorus). Flame-flower (Kniphofia). Flax (Linum). Flax, New Zealand (Phormium tenax). Floss-flower (Ageratum). Flowering Ash ( Ornus europæa). Flowering Rush (Butomus umbel- latus). Fluggea (Ophiopogon). Fly Orchis (Ophrys muscifera). Foeniculum (Fennel).- The common Fennel is graceful, and were there not many other plants of much grace of foli- age, it would be of value for its leaves. F. dulce is a nearly allied kind, and both grow in any soil or on any waste bank. Forget-me-not (Myosotis palustris). Forget -me- not, Creeping (Ompha- lodes). Forget-me-not, Fairy (Eritrichium). Forsythia (Golden Bell). Very beautiful spring - flowering shrubs, especially F. suspensa, whose long, slender, wand like shoots are studded for a considerable distance with bright golden blossoms. F. suspensa is certainly one of our finest shrubs, and should be found in any garden however small. It is at home under various conditions. Being of a rather loose rambling habit, it is well suited for training on a wall ; indeed, few subjects are superior to it for a sunny spot, where the wood will thoroughly ripen, and a good display of spring bloom will be ensured. F. suspensa should not be employed as a wall plant in a shady position, as the yield of flowers will be meagre ; nor where a close-fitting subject is required, as it is seen to the greatest advantage when the principal branches are secured to the wall till the allotted space is covered, and the shoots are afterwards allowed to grow at will, since by this mode of treatment the long slender branchlets dispose themselves in a very graceful manner, and the upper ones hang down for a long distance. A wall treated in this way is quite a mass of gold. If any pruning is required, it should be done as soon as the flowers are over, so that the young shoots may have as long a growing and ripening season as possible. As a rule, however, they need little pruning beyond the removal of weak or exhausted shoots. When rambling about in a semiwild state, or when hanging over a bank or a cutting, this Forsythia is seen to very great advantage. It also forms a most ornamental specimen in the open if it is secured to a good stout stick when planted, and is afterwards allowed to grow at will ; for the long slender shoots, which are produced in considerable numbers, will dispose themselves in a graceful manner, and in favourable situations many ofthem will root at the points, and will soon form quite a colony around the central plant. A large mass of Forsythia grown in this way is most striking. F. viridissima, another species, is quite a shrub. It needs a spot fully exposed to the sun, so that a good display of bloom may be ensured. A certain Forsythia was sent here from the Continent two or three years since under the name of F. intermedia, and was announced as a hybrid between F. suspensa and F. viri- dissima. Though at first very little disposed in its favour, I have recently seen it in a better light. Its general appearance is about midway between its alleged parents. Forsythias may be flowered under glass in the greenhouse or the conservatory during the early months of the year, and, if so treated, they will bloom in a very satisfactory manner. Owing to the time the blossoms expand when in the open ground, very little forcing is necessary to have them in bloom quite early. Fortunei and Sieboldi are names often used ; but these represent only vigorous forms of F. suspensa. As the shoots of the rambling kinds root from the points almost as readily as a bramble, and cuttings strike freely, there are no obstacles in the way of their rapid propagation. The shrubby F. viridissima also strikes without difficulty from cuttings, though scarcely to the same extent as the others. Fothergilla alnifolia. -A North American dwarf shrub, desirable on account of its flowering early in spring, its feathery tufts of fragrant white flowers appearing before the leaves, which resemble those of the common Alder. Suitable for a moist peat border or the low part of the rock-garden. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). Fragaria (Strawberry) . The Straw- berry is much more useful in the fruit garden than in the flower garden, yet some kinds are pretty in the rock- garden. The common English Strawberry is very pretty on banks, and occasionally most useful on old mossy garden walls where 476 FRAGRANT FLOWERS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. FRANKENIA. it establishes itself. One kind, F. monophylla, is a beautiful rock-garden plant, with large white flowers. The Indian strawberry, F. indica, is a pretty little trailer, bearing many red berries and flowering late. All are of the easiest culture in any not too wet soil, and of facile increase by division. Fragrant Flowers. Some sweetsmelling plants are lavish of fragrance, and give it spontaneously. Of these we have in the shrubbery, Lilacs, Mock Orange, Azaleas, Sweet Briars, double Gorse, various Brooms and Thorns, Acacias, and Honeysuckles ; in the borders, Tulips, Hyacinths, and Daffodils, Triteleias, alpine Auriculas, Musk, double Rockets, Lupines (annual and perennial) , Fraxinella, White Lily, Musk Mallow, Phloxes, Mignonette, and Sweet Peas, with several kinds of Scotch and other Briar Roses ; for wilder parts, common Gorse, Broom, and Hawthorn, wood Hyacinths, Cowslips, Agrimony, Meadow Sweet, and Marsh Marigold. Adelightful fragrance rises from a sunbaked bank of Heather in late summer, and who does not know the sweetness of a Clover field, and of a warm breeze perfumed with Pine trees ? Better still, perhaps less commonly known, is the night- air of April, full ofthe sweet breath of the young Larch. All these are plants and trees that give off their sweetness bountifully, but the fragrance of many others can only be enjoyed by touching, or, at least, by closely approaching them. Of these the most important are Myrtle, Lavender, Rosemary, Balm of Gilead, Southernwood, Escallonia macrantha, Bay, Bog Myrtle and the fern-leaved Gale ( Comptonia asplenifolia), Juniper, Thyme, Marjoram, and other sweet herbs. A good plan would be to plant these in a rough place with narrow walks or spaces of turf between good groups of each, so that one would brush against the living masses ofsweetness, the turf being full of Thyme, and the free-smelling shrubs and trees being beyond. The Gum Cistus in autumn gives off a pungent and agreeable smell, though its flowers have no scent, and in early winter the foliage of Violets and Woodruff and the dying Strawberry leaves are sweet good-byes of the garden year. There are many smaller treasures which we must either stoop to or gather if we are to enjoy their sweetness. Linnæa borealis, whose tinytwin- flowers smell like Almonds, the New Zealand Mayflower (Epigæa repens), Polygala Chamæbuxus, Almond- scented Pyrolas, the sweet- scented Orchis (Gymnadenia conopsea) like white Lilac blossom, and the Butterfly Orchis, fragrant in the evening ; Iris graminea, whose flowers, hiding low among the grassy leaves, have exactly the smell of ripe plums. The Pond Flower (Aponogeton distachyon) is strongly perfumed. The Lily of the Valley need hardly be named. Of other sweet border flowers there are Chinese Pæonies, delicately Tulip-scented ; Grape Hyacinths, the Musk Hyacinth, Snapdragons, Salvias, including the variegated- leaved Yuccas ; the flowers of the white Plantain Lily, as sweet as those of the white Lily and more delicate, smell like those of the Crocus, Water Forget-me-not, and Pansy. The Rose family gives a whole scale of sweet notes. The wild Roses have a scent as tender as their colouring. The Burnet Rose and its descendants, the whole race of Scotch Briars, have a delicate smell quite peculiar among roses. It is distinct again in the Damask Rose and in the sweet old Provence ; while in Hybrid Perpetuals we have at least three distinct types of perfume, and as many in the Teas, the most marked type among the latter being Gloire de Dijon. The scent differs again in China Roses, and again in the clustered climbing kinds. In Moss Roses the very peculiar and delightful smell seems to come mostly from the viscid matter on the mossy calyx and stalk. This is also the case with some of the garden Brambles, notably Rubus speciosus and with Fraxinella and Gum Cistus. Among sweet- smelling plants we must not omit those of a wholesome aromatic character, such as Wormwood Chrysanthemum, Chamomile, Santolina, and Tansy. - G. J. Francoa (Maiden's Wreath).— Chilian plants of the Saxifrage family, somewhat tender, and suitable for dry sheltered positions on warm borders or banks, preferring a light loam. They are good for cutting, as the long branching stems, 18 in. to 2 ft. high, bear numerous white or pink blossoms on stalks. The plants are raised from seed, and in spring furnish flowers for a long time. F. ramosa, bearing white or pink flowers, and having a short stem, differs from F. appendiculata, which is stemless, and has flowers deeper in colour than the others. F. sonchifolia has also a short stem, but its leaves are sessile and not stalked, and its flowers are rose- coloured. They are often grown as window plants, and are best as such where they do not thrive in the open air. Frankenia lævis ( Sea Heath).-Avery small evergreen, with crowded leaves FRAXINELLA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. FRITILLARIA. 477 like a Heath. Common in marshes bythe sea in many parts of Europe and on the east coast of England. Best for the rockgarden, but mainly of botanical interest. Fraxinella ( Dictamnus). Fremontia californica. -A handsome Californian shrub, but scarcely hardy enough for the open air without proFrench Honeysuckle (Hedysarum coronarium). French Willow ( Epilobium). Fringe Tree ( Chionanthus). Fritillaria (Fritillary).-- Bulbs of the Lily family, several of which are valuable, some, such as the Crown Imperial, being stately, others such as F. recurva, being Francoa ramosa (Maiden's Wreath). tection. There are few more beautiful wall shrubs. It has large bright yellow bowl-shaped flowers, 2 in. across, the deep green leaves being lobed. In favourable spots it reaches 10 or 12 ft. in height, and flowers in early summer. It succeeds best against anorth, west, oreast wall, a southern exposure being usually too hot and dry. delicate and pretty, but most have dulltinted curiously interesting flowers. They may be put to many uses : the Crown Imperial is a fine plant for the mixed border or the shrubbery, and, being vigorous, is able to take care of itself in the wild garden. Its early spring growth makes it valuable. The Snake's- head 478 FRITILLARIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . FRITILLARIA. (F. Meleagris) and others, such as F. latifolia, pyrenaica, together with the choicer kinds, are fitted for the bulb border and for grassy places. Only one or two require special treatment ; all the others thrive in ordinary garden soil. They may all be readily increased by offsets from the old bulbs, which should be lifted every three or four years and planted in fresh soil-a process very beneficial to the plants. The lifting should be done in autumn, and the bulbs replanted without delay. The following White Fritillary. are among the most desirable for general cultivation :- F. aurea, one of the prettiest of the genus, is quite hardy, is about 5 in. high, and has a stem of four to six thick, fleshy, deep green leaves, with a nodding flower, which is pale yellow spotted, or chequered with brown. Silesia. F. Burnati, a handsome hardy plant about 9 in. high, with solitary drooping blossoms, 2 in. long, which are of a plum colour chequered with yellowish- green. Alps. Flowers with the Snowdrop, and is as easy to grow. F. imperialis (Crown Imperial).-A showy and stately plant, from 3 to 4 ft. high, with stout bright green shoots, crested by large dense whorls of drooping bell-like flowers and a crown of foliage. There are several varieties, differing chiefly in the colour of the flowers. The principal are-lutea (yellow) , rubra (red), double red and double yellow, rubra maxima (very large red flowers), Aurora (bronzy orange), sulphurine (large sulphur- yellow), Orange Crown (orange- red), Stagzwaard (a fasciated stem form, with very large deep red blossoms), and aurea marginata (gold- striped foliage) ; every lead being margined with a broad golden-yellow band, blending with the rest of the foliage. This plant thrives best in a rich deep loam, especially if the bulbs remain undisturbed foryears. Its best place, perhaps, is in a group on the fringe of the shrubberyor agroup ofAmerican plants. For artistic effects it is not so valuable as the common Snake's-head ; and its odour is against it when gathered. F. Karelini. An interesting kind, 4 to 5 in. high, with two or three broad leaves clasping its stem, and having a terminal raceme of slightly- drooping bell- like flowers. These flowers, about 1 in. across, are of a pale purple, with darker veins, a few darker spots, and a distinct yellowish-green pit at the base of each reflexed segment. It is a native of Central Asia, and, flowering in late autumn or early winter, is valuable for a collection of winter- flowering outdoor plants. According to Dr. Regel it must be kept in dry sand until November, and should not grow or show bloom before spring. Ifplanted in November, growth is retarded, and it does not bloom in spring, which it ought to do ; while those flowering in autumn invariably dwindle away, and do not produce any new bulbs. It should be planted in light soil in well-drained borders with a warm exposure. F. latifolia. A most variable species as regards the colour of the flowers, which are larger than those of our native F. Meleagris. They are borne on stems about 1 ft. high, are pendulous, and vary in colour through various shades of purple, black, lilac, and yellow. The principal named varieties are-Black Knight, Cap- FRITILLARIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. FRITILLARIA. 479 tain Marryat, Caroline Chisholm, Cooper, Dandy, Jerome, Maria Goldsmith, Mari- anne, Mellina, Pharaoh, Rembrandt, Shakespeare, Van Speyk, each represent- ing a different shade of colour. They grow freely in an open situation in any soil, and are excellent for naturalising. Caucasus. F. Meleagris (Snake's - head) is an elegant native species, of which there are numerous varieties. It is 9 to 18 in. high, and in early summer bears a solitary drooping flower, beautifully tesselated with purple or purplish-maroon on a pale ground. The chief varieties are --the or white-flowered variety are among the most graceful plants in cottage gardens. F. Moggridgei (Golden Snake's-head). -A beautiful plant with pendulous blossoms, 2 in. long, which are of fine golden-yellow, chequered with brownish- crimson on the inner surface of the bell. It may be seen on its native Alps, at an elevation of five to seven thousand feet, among the short stunted Grass, accompanied by alpine plants, and giving the slopes the appearance of a sheet of golden bloom. It is hardy, and flowers early in spring. It is a lovely flower for planting SUP Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis). white (alba) , which has scarcely any dark markings ; nigra, a deep purplish-black ; pallida, light purple ; angustifolia, with long narrow leaves ; major, with flowers larger than the type ; præcox, which flowers about a week earlier than the other forms ; flavida, yellowish ; and the rare double variety. All forms of this beautiful plant may be used with excellent effect. It grows freely in grass not mown early, and is therefore admirable for the wild garden ; its various forms are among the most beautiful inhabitants ofthe hardy bulb garden, and tufts of the chequered in the choice bulb portions of the rock- garden, and, when plentiful, for dotting in groups in Grass where it may escape the mower. F. pudica is one of the most charming of hardy bulbs, and takes a place among yellow flowers similar to that of the Snowdrop among white ones. It is a native of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada of California, where it grows in a dry barren soil. It is one of the principal spring ornaments of the flora, being nearly 6 in. high, and having bright golden- yellow flowers, graceful in form and 480 FRITILLARIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. FUCHSIA. drooping like a Snowflake. It thrives in warm sunny borders of loamy soil. F. recurva. The showiest of the Fritillaries, its red colour being as bright as some Lilies, and mixed with bright yellow especially on the inside of the flower. It flowers early in May or towards the end of April. The bulbs consist of a slightly flattened tuberous stock, covered by articulated scales, somewhat widely placed, which at first sight resemble those of Lilium philadelphicum. A tuft of bright green linear leaves ap- pears above the soil, and from this rises a slender purplish stem, 6 in. to 2 ft. high, with several pendent Lily - like flowers. It is not robust, and has succeeded only under careful cultivation, growing best in fibry loam, on a warm sunny border, near a wall. In winter it is advisable to cover the bulbs with some protective material or with a hand- light. California. F. Sewerzowi. -A singular - looking plant, growing from I to 1 ft. high, having broad glaucous leaves and nodding flowers that are greenish outside and vinous-purple within. A native ofthe mountains of Turcomania, quite hardy in our climate. Propagated by bulblets or seed. Many others are in cultivation, but the majority are unattractive, though some are useful for naturalising among Grass in the wild garden ; the most suitable are-F. delphinensis, a robust plant with stems I ft. or more high, bearing brownish- purple flowers, more or less chequered with greenish- yellow ; F. pyrenaica, a similar species, but more robust ; F. liliacea, liliorhiza, lanceolata, lusitanica, pallidiflora, tulipifolia, ruthenica, and tristis, all with dull brownish- purple or greenish flowers. Known species. -F. acmopetala, Syria. alba, N. Amer. armena, Armenia. assyriaca, Greece. atropurpurea, N. W. Amer. biflora, Calif. bithynica, Bithyn. Boissieri, Spain. bucharica, Bokhara. camschatcensis, E. As. cirrhosa, Himal. conica, Greece. cornuta. Cornuti. crassifolia, As. Min. cuprea, Mexico. dagana, Siberia. dasyphylla, Lycea. Eduardi, Bokhara. Ehrharti, Grec. Archip. Elwesii, Lycea. Fleischeriana, As. Min. Forbesii, Lycea. Gardneriana, Himal. gibbosa, Persia, Afghan. graca, Greece. imperialis, Persia, Himal. involucrata, Italy. japonica, Japan. kurdica, Kurdistan. lanceolata, N. W. Amer. latifolia, Caucas. , Persia. libanotica, Syria. liliacea, Calif. lusitanica, Portugal. lutea, Caucas. Meleagris, Europe, Caucas. melea- groides, Siberia. messanensis, Mediterr. minuta, Kurdistan. Munbyi, Algeria. obliqua, Greece. Olivieri, Persia. oranensis, Algeria. oxypetala, Himal. pallidiflora, Siberia. parvi- flora, Calif. persica, Armenia. Pinardi, As. Min. plantaginifolia, East. plurifolia, Calif. pontica, Greece, As. Min. præcox, Europe and Australia. Pryewalskii, E. Asia. pudića, N. W. Amer. pyrenaica, Pyrenees. racemosa, do. recurva, N. W. Amer. Reuteri, Persia. rhodocanakis, Grec. Archip. Roylei, Himal. ruthenica, Caucas. Schliemanni, As. Min. Sewerzowi, Cent . Asia. Sibthorpiana, Greece. tenella, Europe, Caucas. tennella, Europe. tubaformis, Europe, Australia. tulipifolia, Caucas. usuriensis, Amoor. verticillata, Siberia. Walufewi, Turkestan. Frog-bit (Hydrocharis Morsus-rana). Fruiting Duckweed (Nertera). Fuchsia.--This, a most beautiful ornament whenwell grown, is too seldom seen in our flower gardens. All round our coasts, and especially in the southern and western parts, several species are hardy, and are perhaps the most beautiful ob- jects in gardens. In other districts Fuchsias are cut down by frost, but spring up again vigorously and, in fact, live the life of herbaceous plants ; but in mild districts, and near the coast, they frequently escape being cut down for years, and become large and handsome bushes. No plants are more likely to improve the garden. Not showy, in mass of flower they are of the highest beauty ; the drooping shoots of most kinds afford a grace that no garden should be without. Even in dwarf kinds, where this drooping tendency is not seen to such advantage, or, it may be, is seen to a disadvantage, the Fuchsia is very valuable ; but its full beauty is seen when we use plants with rather tall stems or pyramids. In the milder districts, where it is a shrub, we see it to perfection ; in others, the tallstemmed or pyramidal plants have to be placed out in summer. The right way to manage Fuchsias put out for the summer only is to induce them, as far as possible, to produce all their growth in the open air ; for if you start them, nurture them, and make them full of leaves and strong young growth in the spring, they will be disappointing ; but ifyou keep them back. and do not let them burst into leaf until put in the open air in May, they will go on and retain all the strength they gather, suspending graceful blossoms until the leaves desert the trees. They should then be taken up and put in a dry cave, cellar, or shed for the winter, and it would not be difficult to " keep them back " in spring. And even if they seem inclined to push forth before the time to put them in the flower garden there should be no difficulty in placing them in some quiet sheltered FUCHSIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. FUCHSIA. 481 nook, where they may receive more pro- tection than in the flower garden proper, and yet have full opportunity to make growth in the open air-the great point to be attained. In many places refuse plants may be turned to good account in this way. Nothing is simpler than to make of these standards for the flower garden by cutting away the lower and middle side-shoots and leaving the head. All may be freely propagated from cut- tings in spring or autumn. There are about a dozen more or less hardy kinds that succeed in the open air in the south and midland counties, and many more in warm seaside localities ; in fact, there is | not a Fuchsia in cultivation that will not thrive in the open air in summer ; if used judiciously they give an air of grace afforded by no other plants. The follow- ing are among the hardiest kinds :- F. coccinea. A well-known bushy plant, graceful and beautiful in growth and bloom, readily adapting itself to any locality, unless the soil be of the wettest and coldest description, and even then a slight covering of coal ashes after the stems are cut down in autumn will pro- tect the roots in winter. In favourable situations it is often 6 ft. high. From the axils of the leaves, which are a fine green, beautifully tinged or veined with red, the flowers, which before they fully open are not unlike crimson drops, are produced in profusion during the greater part ofthe summer. Chili. F. conica. -A vigorous compact species 3 to 6 ft. high, but not such a free flowerer as some of the others. The flowers have scarlet sepals, and dark purple petals. Chili. F. corallina. -A beautiful plant, taller and more slender than the others, and therefore specially suited for walls and houses. The flowers are large and of a showy red colour, and the plant is a vigorous grower and free bloomer. F. discolor is a dwarf variety with numerous small scarlet flowers. It is the hardiest of all, not being injured by the winters in the milder parts of Scotland if treated as a herbaceous plant. F. pumila is similar, but more slender, and equally desirable. F. globosa. -One of the best of the hardy Fuchsias. The flowers are globose in bud, and retain their shape for some time after they begin to expand, on account of the petals continuing to adhere at the tips. It is a profuse bloomer, and the flowers are richly coloured. It forms a sturdy and often a large shrub in sea- shore districts. There is no reason why it should not be grown in drier districts , even if cut down by frost every year, as it is always handsome. F. gracilis. -A very distinct slender plant, with flowers on remarkably long slender stalks. The young shoots are a purplish - red, the calyx is a brighter scarlet, and the corolla has a greater infusion of red than other hardy kinds. In mild and moist districts it is nearly 7 ft. high, from 12 to 15 ft. in circumference, Fuchsia pumila. and is of rapid growth. In some winters it is not cut down by frost. There is a variety called multiflora, which is very free - flowering, and which has shorter flowers and of darker crimson. F. tenella is a seedling variety of F. gracilis. Chili. F. Riccartoni. -One of the prettiest and hardiest sorts, growing well without protection even in parts of Scotland. It is compact and twiggy, and in summer I I 482 FUMARIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GAGEA. bears many bright red blossoms. A garden hybrid. Besides these, other kinds are in cultivation, such as procumbens -a curious little New Zealand species -serratifolia, magellanica, thymifolia, and microphylla, and nearly all the hybrid kinds do out-ofdoors in summer, and bloom well, though they may be cut down in winter. Among the most distinct and pretty are the dwarfand fragile kinds, such as F. microphylla, F. pumila, and several hardy hybrids of the globosa section, all of which seem to flourish unusually well near the sea, and to grow almost any- where. Mostly S. American plants. Chiefly from Brazil, Bolivia, Chili, Ecuador, Peru, New Grenada, andVenezuela, but some from Mexico, some-viz. Colensoi , Eucliandra , Kirkii, pro- cumbens-from N. Zealand , and one, racemosa, from the Island of San Domingo. The known species are : — macroF. alpestris, ampliata, apetala, arborescens, argovacensis, bacillaris, boliviana, canescens, caracasana, chonotica, coccinea, Colensoi, confertifolia, cordifolia, corymbiflora, curviflora, decussata, denticulata, dependens, Eucliandra, excorticata, fulgens, globosa, Hartwegii, hir- suta, hirtello, insignis, integrifolia intermedia, Kirkii, Lenneana, longiflora, loxensis, ma- crantha, macropetala, macrostemma, stigma, membranacea, microphylla, miniata, minimiflora, minutiflora, mixta, montana, nigricans, Notarisii, ovalis, parviflora, petiolaris, procumbens, pubescens, quinduensis, race- mosa, rosea, salicifolia, scabriuscula, serratifolia, sessilifolia, simplicicaulis, spectabilis, spinosa, splendens, sylvatica, thymifolia, tri- phylla, umbrosa, venusta , verrucosa, virgata. Fumaria (Fumitory) .— Mostly annual plants of a weedy nature. The species of Corydalis are sometimes placed under this genus, especially in Continental gardens and nurseries. Funkia (Plantain Lily). - Valuable Japanese plants of the Lily Order, ofwhich there are about half- a- dozen species and numerous varieties. The different species are free-flowering herbaceous plants , with spikes of bell -shaped flowers , but the chief value is in the foliage. They are noble plants, most useful for many positions in the garden, while few lend such a fine effect as F. Sieboldi when finely developed. They are highly suitable for grouping, and few plants thrive better in open places in shrubberies. The bold striking foliage of some of the strongest plain- leaved section renders them very effective for edging large beds, while the kinds with variegated foliage, such as F. undulata variegata, make good groups, or are suitable for edgings. They are best seen in well-drained deep soil. All are easily multiplied by division in spring or autumn. The best are-- F. Fortunei. —This strong species has smaller and more leathery leaves than F. Sieboldi, and they are of a much more bluish or glaucous tint. The flowers are pure white or pale mauve. F. grandiflora is 12 to 18 in. high, producing in August and September numerous large, handsome, pure white, sweet-scented flowers. In some places it is used for edging, but is best seen in tufts, in beds or borders, in a well-drained sandy loam. About Paris it is grown as a flower-garden plant, but with us it does not flower regularly unless in sunny spots and warm, well- drained, and very sandy loam. The young leaves are a favourite prey of slugs and snails. It is also known as F. subcordata. F. lancifolia is a small species, with tufts of lance-shaped leaves, narrowing from the middle towards both ends. There are some interesting varieties, chief among which are the white- flowered variety (alba or speciosa as it is more commonly called), a beautiful plant, spathulata, and plantaginifolia, with long narrow leaves. There are some very pretty varieties with leaves of different variegation, all well worth growing ; notably albo-marginata, with a narrow white line along the margin of the leaf; undulata variegata, in which the leaves are undulated on the margin and variegated on the greater part of the surface ; and umvittata, with a broad white midrib to the leaf. some. F. ovata has large tufts of broad, deep, shining green leaves . Flower- stems 12 or 18 in. high, terminating in a short raceme of lilac- blue flowers, which appear in late summerand autumn. One of the strongest species, and when in flower is very handThere is a variegated-leaved form. F. Sieboldi is the most ornamental of the species. It is 18 in. to 3 ft. high, and has large glaucous leaves, somewhat heart-shaped, often over 1 ft. across. flowers are in tall one-sided racemes well above the foliage, and are a creamy- lilac. There is an interesting variety with yellow- margined foliage. Admirable in tasteful hands for picturesque groups or massive edgings. Furze, see Ulex. The Gagea. Small plants of the Lily Order, with flowers somewhat like a Star of Bethlehem, but yellow, and not generally admired, but pretty in grassy places in GAILLARDIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN 483 . GAILLARDIA. sandy soil. British. Europe, G. lutea being Gaillardia. Very important plants for the flower garden, including some of the showiest flowers, valuable for their long duration both on the plants and in a cut state. The genus.numbers some half-adozen species from N. America, and many garden varieties. The numerous kinds now in gardens appear to fall under three species, but there is a strong family likeness throughout the series. The kinds are G. aristata, a perennial, I to 1 ft. Its flowers are even smaller than those of G. picta, and are of a deep cinnabar red. On strong plants they are borne plenti- fully towards the close of the summerfor several weeks. G. pulchella is the oldest form cultivated, and was introduced about a century ago. It is 1 to 1 ft. high, and bears bright yellow and purplish- red flowers, 2 in. across. An annual. G. bicolor and pinnatifida are seldom seen in gardens, probably owing to their being somewhat tender. The garden varieties, as has been stated, are numerous, but the most distinct of those named arePlantain Lily (Funkia Sieboldi). high, with narrow leaves, sometimes | deeply cut. The flowers are 1 to 4 in. across, the ray florets having an outer zone of orange- yellow and an inner one of brownish- red, while the centre is deep bluish- purple. It is the commonest kind, and having been raised largely from seed, has many varieties, differing more or less widely from the type, with various names. G. picta somewhat resembles G. aristata, but has smaller flowers, and is a biennial. It is dwarfer, and its flowers are brighter. G. amblyodon is a beautiful Texan annual, introduced a few years ago. G. grandiflora, said to be a hybrid, presumably between G. picta and G. aristata. It is a beautiful and vigorous plant with large brightly-coloured flowers, which are only surpassed by its variety maxima. It is by far the finest of all. G. hybrida is another garden cross, much resembling G. grandiflora ; the variety splendens has brighter flowers. G. Telemachi, Drummondi, Loiselli, and Bosselari appear to be synonymous with some of the preceding, and Richardsoni scarcely differs from them. All thrive in good friable garden soil, G. II 2 484 GAILLARDIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GAILLARDIA. but not on a cold stiff soil or on one that is too light or dry. Where possible they should be grown in bold groups, for they thrive better if so placed than as solitary plants in a parched border, and no plants have a finer effect in a bed by themselves. Where apt to die in winter, they may be used in mixed borders, if treated as half- hardy annuals ; for if sownin a mild hotbed at the end of February or the beginning seen best in bold groups, rather than small clumps here and there in the border. If established plants in pots are obtained in April and put out in the places they are to occupy about 2 ft. apart each way, a good bloom may be expected the same season if the soil is well dug and mixed with well-decayed manure. Mr W. Kelway, of Langport, Somerset, in a note to The Garden on January 27, 1887, mentions A KHZ Gaillardia. It is of March, they may be grown into good plants, and give a full display of their fine flower-heads as early as those that have withstood the winter in the borders. well to note that these in many soils are not nearly so hardy or enduring as many of the perennials we have from N. Amer- ica, and therefore cannot in cold soils be depended on. The culture ofthe perennial Gaillardia is not beset with difficulties, and the plant is that a collection planted in this manner bore the drought of the last five years better than any other herbaceous perennial grown at Langport, and stood the winter so well that not 3 per cent. suffered. Some commendthe Gaillardia for bedding, though it is seldom grown in this way, but a pretty effect is obtained when plants of one distinct variety, or shades of the same colour, are put about I ft. apart with the stems pegged down. The situation , GALACTITES. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GALANTHUS. 485 however, where the Gaillardias remain out winter after winter must be warm, the soil not too heavy, but light and dry. In very cold and wet seasons in midland counties the plants often succumb ; but it is very easy in the autumn to strike cuttings, which may be taken off and treated similarly to the Pelargonium, or seeds raised in March, and the plants hardened off before putting out, will also give a quick return in the shape of flowers. Increased by cuttings in autumn or spring, and division in spring. Known species. -G. acaulis, N. Amer. am- hiyodon, Texas. aristata, N. Amer. arizonica, Arizona. comosa, Mexico. lanceolata, N. Amer. megapotavica, Braz. mexicana, Mex. odorata, N. West Amer. pinnatifida, N. W. Amer. pulchella, N. Amer. Roezli, Calif. simplex, N. W. Amer. spathulata, N. W. Amer. tontalensis , Argent. Galactites tomentosa. -A Composite, from the shores of the Mediterranean, 2 to 3 ft. high, with spiny foliage, blotched with white, and cottony-white on the under surface, the flower- heads lilacpurple. If sown as early as February, it blooms the first season, but stronger plants are got by sowing in autumn. It succeeds best in good loam, and is effective in small masses in the sub-tropical garden. Galanthus ( Snowdrop).-Always loved in English gardens. The old Snowdrop is now known to be only one member of a large family most of which have merits for garden culture. The Snow- drop never looks better than when naturalised amid tender herbage in old orchards and paddocks, on the margins of lawns, or beside woodland walks. Almost any soil suits the Snowdrop, but rich, drained, gravelly- bottomed soils are best, though in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire it grows well on the clay soils of hedge-banks and old orchards. All the Snowdrops are hardy, and may be used in isolated masses on the Grass, or grouped on rock-gardens, or in the wild garden, where they may be associated with Anemone, early Crocuses, Winter Aconites, and early Iris, which bloom in Janu- ary and February in mild winters. As cut flowers, Snowdrops are most attractive, since they may be grouped with sprays of Box or Fern, or associated in bouquets and wreaths with Orchids, Rose- buds, Forget-me-nots, and other cut flowers. To cull the flowers in bud is, however, essential to ensuring perfect beauty, as they can be carried better and open fresher in water than if cut from fully- expanded plants. Buds so gathered will remain beautiful for ten days or longer, while flowers cut after expansion will fade in about a week. There are several species in cultivation, all bearing a strong resemblance. The common native, G. nivalis, has dwarf narrow leaves and small flowers. There aretwo varieties of this species- Scharloki and virescens. G. Scharloki has the outside tips of the outer petals green, and the upper portions white ; it has, moreover, a two-leaved spathe. G. virescens has the tips of the outer petals white, but the whole of the upper portion is suffused with green. The Crimean Snowdrop, G. plicatus, has very broad leaves, with margins curiously turned down or deflected, and flowers larger than those of nivalis. G. Imperati is the most stately of the group, varying from 6 to 12 in. in height, the sepals being about 1 in. long. G. Elwesi, perhaps the finest, has a very globular flower, twice as broad as G. Imperati, and the green base of the inner segments shows between the outer ones. The leaves are also very glaucous, and can be distinguished at a glance from those of any other Snow- drop. G. Redoutei is a most distinct and robust kind, but is rare in gardens like G. latifolius and reflexus. Mr. Melville, of Dunrobin Castle, has raised interesting varieties of Snowdrops, which differ chiefly in time of flowering. They are G. Melvillei, proculiformis, serotinus (a late flowering kind), and præcox, which flowers about Christmas. A variety of G. nivalis, with yellowish flowers, is called lutescens. The present very interesting and grow- ing state of our knowledge of Snowdrops may best be gleaned from a paper read by Mr. Jas. Allen before the Royal Horticultural Society, of which the follow- is an abstract :- Less than twenty years ago there was, practically, but one kind of Snowdrop grown in England, G. nivalis, in its single and double forms. G. plicatus was intro- duced soon after the Crimean war, but it was not often seen unless in botanic gardens. Early in the ' 70's G. Elwesi was introduced, and in 1875 Mr. Barr offered, under the name of G. Imperati, a very fine form which the late Mr. James Atkins, of Painswick, procured, "from somewhere in the kingdom of Naples. " This is much finer than the G. Imperati offered by Messrs. Backhouse and others some two or three years later, and now generally grown under that name. propose that the earlier form be called G. n. Atkinsi. Then G. latifolius (first I 486 GALANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GALANTHUS. offered as G. Redoutei) , a Snowdrop with the leaves of a Scilla, was followed later on by G. caucasicus, and finally by G. Fosteri. We have also discovered that a few forms of G. nivalis , from the mountains of Greece, hurry into flower in September or October instead of January, and some of their little cousins in Corfu try to do the same, but cannot get their wardrobes ready until a few weeks later. In speaking of Snowdrops we must not forget that, besides the division into species and sub-species, we have the arrangements into classes, according to colours and other peculiarities. Consequently we hear of white Snowdrops and yellow Snowdrops, and also green Snowdrops. G. IMPERATI. -I think no botanist would be able to say where nivalis ended and Imperati commenced. In the section to which G. nivalis and G. Imperati belong there are some most lovely Snowdrops, amongst which I would mention first Mr. Melville's Dunrobin form, now known as G. Melvillei major. G. n. Atkinsi is second to none in size, form, quality, and freedom in growth. It is the plant known to some as Imperati of Atkins, or true Imperati. A year or two since I selected from some imported roots of G. Imperati a lovely dwarf very late- flowering form, which I named Afterglow. This is the most beautiful of the late class. G. PLICATUS is very distinct, and its best forms possess great beauty. The foremost place in this section belongs to G. p. maximus, found a few years since in a garden at Chapel, in Berwickshire, by Mr. W. B. Boyd, of Melrose. This wonderful variety, under favourable conditions, gives flowers the petals of which are fully 2 in. long. It is a very late bloomer and a good grower. In the same garden Mr. Boyd found another good variety, which he named G. p. Chapeli. This is not nearly so large, but it has very broad petals and is of fine form, and ranks with the best. G. plicatus usually flowers late, but I have a selected form, G. p. præcox, which flowers with the early varieties of G. nivalis. This is very distinct. Another selected form, G. p. Omega, flowers with the very latest. G. ELWESI. -The best varieties of this are large and handsome, but still it is not a universal favourite. It wants the most sheltered spots in the garden, otherwise the wind is too much for the topheavy flowers, and their purity and beauty are soon gone. I am trying to get a race of finely- shaped flowers, with short sturdy stems to enable them to carry their heads erect. Many find G. Elwesi difficult to manage, but with me it grows very freely, especially in one bed of very light soil, where the seedlings are almost a nuisance. G. LATIFOLIUS. -This is the most distinct of all Snowdrops, with its broad grass-green foliage and small pure white flowers, and it has a delicate beauty all its own, more especially just before the bud expands, when the two leaves curve so lovingly round the flower-stem. I have obtained roots of this species from many quarters, but there seems to be little or no variation in the flowers. G. FOSTERI. - I understand that in the favoured spots of their native country the bulbs of G. Fosteri are as large as those of a good- sized Narcissus. This seems to be the most sportive of all the Galanthi as to size, form, and marking of the flowers. From the few bulbs I have bloomed, I have had flowers with petals of every imaginable shape, some showing points of great beauty, and others quite the reverse. We must be patient and weed out unsparingly, and then in a few years we shall be proud of G. Fosteri The markings on the inner petals are very similar to those of G. Elwesi, but the foliage is quite different, being broad and somewhat blunt, and in shape and colour much like the leaves of Scilla sibirica. M. Max Leichtlin thinks very highly of G. Fosteri, and considers it to be the " king of Snowdrops. " G. ALLENI. Mr. Barker thinks this is probably a hybrid between G. latifolius and G. caucasicus, as it has some of the features of each species. The flower is of much the same character as that of G. latifolius, but nearly twice as large, and the foliage corresponds in size with the blossoms. It is somewhat glaucous and of a much darker green than that of G. latifolius, but of exactly the same elegant form. G. Alleni is very hardy, robust, and free- flowering. AUTUMNAL SNOWDROPS. - In Greece and the adjacent countries several Snow- drops have been found which flower in the autumn or early winter. They seem to belong to the nivalis section. One peculiarity I have noticed in them is that they have a glaucous line running down the centre of each leaf, and by this they can be at once distinguished from the spring- flowering forms of nivalis. So far as I can learn, all these Snowdrops grow on high ground, mostly on mountains. understand that the Snowdrops on the I GALANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GALANTHUS. 487 lower grounds do not flower until early in the year. G. OLGE. This autumnal- flowering Snowdrop was found on Mount Taygetus by Orphanides, the Greek botanist. From the descriptions given of it, G. Olgæ must have been a fine variety, and it is very unfortunate that it is lost to cultivation. M. Tanka, the Hungarian botanist, asserts that this and G. octobrensis are identical, but I do not think so ; and the difference between G. octobrensis and G. Rachelæ confirms my opinion. G. OCTOBRENSIS. -Lord Walsingham, when travelling in Albania about the year 1875, collected some bulbs on one of the mountains and sent them to the late Rev. H. Harpur- Crewe. Amongst these was a bulb which proved to be a Snowdrop flowering in the autumn, usually in October. I am sorry to say that it is somewhat delicate and increases very slowly with me. In Mr. Boyd's garden at Melrose it seems quite at home, a single bulb having given five blooming roots the first year after planting. G. RACHELE. -When travelling in Greece in 1886, Professor Mahaffy collected a quantity of bulbs and tubers on Mount Hymettus, which he sent home to Mr. F. W. Burbidge, who sent me the original bulb. G. Rachelæ is of the same type as G. octobrensis, but the flower is a little larger, and the leaves are quite a third broader, and it seems to have a stronger constitution than that variety. It also differs in being a week or ten days later in flowering. G. CORCYRENSIS. -This usually flowers from the middle to the end of December, according to the mildness of the season. It is evidently a form of G. nivalis, small in size and delicate in constitution . Being the connecting link between the autumn and spring flowering kinds, it is valuable and well worth the extra care required in its cultivation. The late Mr. Harpur- Crewe received it from the English chaplain at Corfu. G. ELSE. -Amongst some roots collected by Dr. Mahaffy on Mount Athos, in Greece, in April 1889 (? ) , were a few bulbs of a Snowdrop which pushed through the soil in October of that year. Mr. Burbidge noticed these, and kindly sent one of them to me. This opened its flower on the 17th December. It is a dwarf variety with small flowers of good form, but I fear it is not very robust or hardy, as the frost of last season injured the leaves, and it has not flowered this spring. THE YELLOW SNOWDROPS form but a small class, two varieties only being known at present. It must not be supposed that the petals of the flower are yellow ; the name is given because of the rich yellow colour of the ovary, and the mark- ings on the inner petals are also of that colour, instead of the usual green, and even the flower- stalks are more yellow than green. G. lutescens was found some fifteen years ago by Mr. Sanders, of Cambridge, in an old-fashioned garden in Northumberland. When Mr. Harpur- Crewe first saw it he thought it was the "long-looked-for G. reflexus, " but further observation convinced him that it was not. This is a very beautiful and unique variety of small size and of delicate constitution, but the reward of success amply repays a little loving care and trouble. G. flavescens was discovered quite recently by Mr. W. B. Boyd, of Melrose, in a cottage garden, also in Northumberland, but in quite a different part ofthe county. This variety is rather larger than G. lutescens, and all the yellow points are brighter in colour with the exception of the flower-stem, which in my two plants seems rather paler. G. flavescens is a very beautiful variety, and will be a great favourite when it becomes known. It also has the recommendation ofgrowing and increasing freely. THE WHITE SNOWDROPS also consist, at present, of two varieties only. G. poculiformis was first brought into notice by Mr. D. Melville, who found it in the grounds at Dunrobin Castle. It has since been found in Wales by Mr. A. D. Webster, and I have also received bulbs of a very similar form from a lady near Ayr, in whose garden it grew with several other peculiar forms. When in character the inner petals are almost the same length as the outer ones, and the green markings are entirely absent, thus giving the flower an elegance and purity not found in any other Snowdrop. Unfortunately, a good many of the flowers come with some of the inner petals reverting more or less to the normal form, and in this state they are not beautiful. G. n. albus is smaller than most of this section, and is very distinct from Snowdrops in general, its peculiarity being that the usual green markings on the inner petals are replaced by small dots, which are scarcely observable at a short distance. The flower is generally of perfect shape, and is then very pretty. An occasional flower sports in the way of poculiformis. It grows freely, but increases slowly. GREEN SNOWDROPS form quite a large 488 GALANTHUS . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . GALANTHUS . class, but none of the blossoms are entirely, or even mostly, green in colour. They come into this class in consequence of having more or less green on the outer petals, somewhat in the style of the Leucojum. G. Scharloki was so named in 1868 by Professor Caspary in honour of its discoverer, Herr Julius Scharlok, who found it in the valley of the Nahe, a tributary of the Rhine. This variety, in addition to large pale-green spots towards the tips of the outer petals, has the peculiarity of a twin or divided spathe, which curves down on the two sides much like a pair of wings. This variety grows and increases very freely. G. virescens is a very singular-looking Snowdrop, reminding one somewhat of an Ornitho- galum. The outer petals are pale green, shading off to pure white at the edges, and especially at the tips ; the inner petals are entirely green. At first I did not care much for this variety, but it has a quiet beauty which grows on me, and I should not now like to lose it. It is very late in flowering, coming in quite at the end of the season. I do not know its history, but I believe M. Max Leichtlin had his bulbs from the Vienna Botanic Gardens. G. Warei has green spots on the outer petals like G. Scharloki, but has not the divided spathe, and the markings on the interior petals are larger. Mr. Boyd, of Melrose, kindly sent me my root of this variety, and he obtained it from Mr. Ware under the name of G. Scharloki, and I imagine it must be a seedling from that kind. Mr. Ware is unable to account for the variation from the type. It is a strong- growing handsome plant. G. Fosteri Leopard is a great curiosity, having flowers of quite unusual shape, and at the tip of each outer petal a large dark-green spot, in the style of Leucojum vernum. M. Max Leichtlin kindly sent me ten collected bulbs of G. Fosteri in January 1890, and one of these flowered as described, and has kept true this season. G. Fosteri Spot is quite distinct from Leopard. It has long outer petals, somewhat pearshaped, and at the tip of each is a small pale-green spot. The spots are not sufficiently prominent to give a decided character to the flower, but it is valuable as a variety. RAISING SNOWDROPS FROM SEED.- The raising of seedling Snowdrops is not at all difficult. After the seed is gathered it should be kept in an airy place for a week or two to thoroughly ripen, and then it should be sown as soon as possible. I have not met with much success from sowings in the open ground, so I now always use boxes, and I find that brandycases are very suitable for the purpose, as they are strongly made of good wood, and are not so deep as most boxes of the size. I bore twenty-five three-quarter inch holes in the bottom, and then nail a 2-inch square strip of red deal about 3 in. from each end. This keeps the boxes off the ground, makes them handy to move, and prevents stagnation. I use ample drainage and free soil with plenty of grit in it to keep it sweet. The seed is sown in drills about a quarter of an inch deep, the drills filled up with silver sand, and then a quarter of an inch ofsifted soil put over the whole. These boxes are placed about 2 ft. from a low north wall, and are never protected in any way. They require but little attention ; of course, the weeds must be kept down, and a little fresh soil added after the second year. The Marchantia and Spergula are the greatest pests in this work. I usually let the seedlings remain in the boxes until some of them begin to flower, which generally occurs the fourth season. Galanthus seed comes up very irregularly, and when seedlings are removed from the boxes they will be found to vary from the size of a wheatcorn to that of blooming bulbs. Seed of G. lutescens does not germinate for several years as a rule. Last spring, in the same box, and from seed sown at the same time, I had G. Imperati in flower and G. lutescens making its first appearance. If Snowdrop seed is kept till the spring, it will not germinate until the following spring. The true quality and size of seedlings cannot be ascertained until the third or fourth year of flowering. SOIL FOR SNOWDROPS. -With me G. nivalis grows freely in all soils and situations . G. plicatus is not very particular, but still some of its varieties require extra care, as they have an un- pleasant way of disappearing. G. Elwesi does not do well in close retentive soil. G. latifolius and G. caucasicus, I believe, prefer gritty loam, and I should say that G. Fosteri would also like it. Mr. A. D. Webster tells me that peat has quite a magical effect on Snowdrops, but I have not tried it. My ideal soil for Snowdrops in general would be half good sweet yellow loam and almost half unsifted rivergrit and a little leaf- mould . The situa- tion I should choose would be a gently sloping bank, more or less shaded by trees whose roots were allowed to wander freely among the Snowdrops. I believe that all bulbs are healthier when planted GALATELLA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GARLAND- FLOWER. 489 amongst active roots than in ordinary beds. When the bulbs are at rest it is very essential that the soil should be kept sweet by the activity of other roots. We too often lose sight of this fact. I think the autumnal- flowering Snowdrops should be treated as alpine plants. All my best Snowdrops are grown under trees, the soil being quite full of their roots. I do not use manure for them. The only drawback to my situation for these spring gems is the soiling of the flowers from the drippings of the trees. I should mention that the climate is so trying that I cannot grow such hardy plants as Primroses, Pinks, Daisies, etc. All these disappear after a season or two. I move most of my Snowdrops when in full flower, and do not find they are injured by it in any way. This is also the best time for moving Leucojum vernum. I have noticed that the more green colour there is in any Snowdrop the more freely it grows and the more rapidly it increases, while the absence of green, or the substitution of yellow for the green, makes the plant delicate and slow of increase. Galatella (Aster). Galax aphylla (Wand Plant).- One of the neatest little plants for the rock- garden ; its white wand-like flowers must have suggested its common name ; its round evergreen leaves are beautifully toothed and tinted, on slender stems 6 or 8 in. high. Of easy culture in moist peat or leaf-soil, in the bog-garden, or on the margins of beds of dwarf shrubs in peat. America. Galega ( Goat's Rue).-Graceful hardy plants of the Pea-flower Order, flourishing in any soil. On account of their free growth they are useful for the wild garden, and are very effective in groups. They are herbaceous perennials, growing from 2 to 5 ft. in height, according to position and soil. All give many flowers of varied hues. Seeds or division. The kinds are -G. officinalis, or Common Goat's Rue, a native of Southern Europe, and 3 to 5 ft. high, in summer bearing dense clusters of Pea-shaped blossoms of a pretty pink. There is a white variety (alba) useful for cut flowers. A variety called africana has longer racemes and blossoms of a purple tinge. G. orientalis is from the Caucasus, 3 to 4 ft. high, with bluish-purple flowers. G. persica is a later-flowering kind, from 2 to 4 ft. high, with white flowers in dense racemes on slender stalks. G. biloba has pretty bluish-lilac flowers, but though an old inhabitant of gardens, is now scarce. Gale, Sweet (Myrica). Galingale (Cyperus longus). Galium (Lady's Bedstraw).-Of this very large family of plants some of our native kinds are of much beauty as we see them on grassy banks. They should be encouraged on banks or in grassy places not mown early. Galtonia candicans (Cape Hyacinth).- A noble bulb from the Cape, with spires of waxy, white bell-like blossoms, 1 in. long, on stems 4 to 6 ft. high, in late summer and autumn. It is of easy culture, hardy in light soils, and valuable for bold groups in the mixed border, in The White Goat's Rue. the flower garden, or between choice shrubs and among hardy Fuchsias. Increased by offsets from the bulbs, or from seeds, which flower about the fourth year. The distinct habit of this plant makes it one of the most valuable. = Hyacinthus candicans. Gardoquia. Most of these plants re- quire greenhouse culture, and G. betonicoides is the best for the open air ; it is 2 to 3 ft. high, has tubular flowers of bright rosy-magenta, and should be treated as a half-hardy annual. Labiatæ. Garland-flower (Daphne Cneorum). 490 GARRYA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GAULTHERIA. Garrya elliptica. A fine Californian Evergreen, and beautiful winter- flowering shrub. In mild winters it begins to flower as early as December, and bears among handsome deep-green leaves gracefullydrooping tufts of pale-green catkins, which if cut with the twigs endure a long time in vases, and are welcome in winter. Though often grown on walls, it is hardy Berry). This neat little shrub is pretty, and the berries give it a charm in winter, when it is one of the brightest plants on the rock-garden. Its drooping white flowers are also pretty. A native of sandy places and cool damp woods from Canada to Virginia, and often found in the shade of evergreens, it does best in moist peat, and forms edgings to Garrya elliptica. and makes a dense bush, 5 to 8 ft. high. In cold districts it is well to give it shelter, but in the south and west it does not require this. There are various other kinds of Garrya in cultivation, but G. elliptica is the best. There are male and female forms, the most elegant being the pollen-bearing or male plant. Gaultheria procumbens (Partridge beds where the soil is of that nature, but it will also grow in loam. Easily increased by division or seeds. Suitable for the rock-garden, for the front margins of borders, and for edgings to beds of dwarf American plants, and it is best where well exposed. G. Shallon is too large for all but the rougher flanks of the rock-garden, being a vigorous shrub. GAURA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GENISTA. 491 Gaura Lindheimeri. -A graceful perennial, 3 to 4 ft. high, flowering in summer and autumn, on long slender spikes bearing numerous white and rose flowers. It thrives in borders, in sandy loam, and plants for the flower garden may be used with the larger bedding plants. Increased by division and seed. N. America. Gazania. Handsome and distinct dwarf plants ; of much value, though only hardy enough for our summers. They are most useful on warm soils, and should always be placed in open sunny spots and among dwarf plants. They strike freely in a cold frame in August, but later require bottom - heat. Unless long deep-green leaves, silvery beneath, and bears flowers 2 in. across, which are of bright orange- yellow, with a dark centre. G. splendens is a fine variety, and there is also one with variegated leaves. The known species (from S. Africa ) are :- G. arctotoides, arminioides, Burchellii, caespi- tosa, canescens, coronopifolia, heterochaeta, Jurineaefolia, Kraussii, Krebsiana, Lichtensteinii, lineariloba, longifolia, longiscapa, mu- cronata, multijuga, nivea, othonnites, oxyloba, Pavonia, pinnata, pygmaea, rigens, serrulata, subbipinnata, subulata, tenuifolia, uniflora, varians. Geissorrhiza. —- Handsome Ixia - like bulbs ; natives of the Cape. G. violacea The White Spanish Broom (Genista (Cytisus) alba). struck very early, spring- struck plants are almost worthless, so that it is best to put in the stock in August and let them stand in cutting- pots till potting-off time in spring. They will then come well into flower when put out in May ; whereas, if they are topped for spring cuttings, both lots will be small and late. Short young tops should be used for cuttings, and may be inserted pretty thickly in the cuttingpots. When established, they must be just protected from frost, and kept in dry airy quarters. If kept warm, they grow too much, and are in spring poor lanky plants that can hardly be handled ; but cool airy treatment keeps them short and sturdy. G. rigens is the best known. It has has flowers of a rich scarlet, on slender stems about I ft. high. G. Hookeri has large white flowers, with purple centre. They require the same culture as Ixias. Genista (Rock Broom).- Many of the Genistas are good garden plants ; they thrive in almost any soil which is not too wet, and are readily raised from seeds. G. ætnensis, a native of Sicily, is one of the best garden plants. In a young state the twigs are sparsely clothed with linear silky leaves, but when old no leaves are developed, and the green slender twigs perform the functions of leaves. An old tree-for this species attains a height of 12 ft. or more-is a beatiful sight in July or August when in full flower. 492 GENISTA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GENISTA. Like many other members of the Legu- minosæ, it does not appear to be longlived, but the plant is so easily raised and grows so quickly that it is well to have a few specimens in the shrubbery. G. alba and G. multiflora are synonyms of Cytisus albus. G. Andreana is a common garden name for Cytisus scoparius Andreanus, a beautiful coloured plate of which appeared in The Garden of August 27, 1892. G. anglica (Needle Furze, or Heather Whin) is a prostrate spiny shrub, sometimes growing to a height of 2 ft . , widely distributed throughout Western Europe, and in Britain occurring on moist moors from Ross southwards. The short leafy racemes of yellow flowers appear in May and June. It is also known under the names of G. minor and G. brutia. G. aspalathoides, a native of South- western Europe, makes a denselybranched, compact, spiny bush from 1 ft. to 2 ft. in height. It flowers in July and August (the yellow blossoms are somewhat smaller than those of G. anglica) , and is a good shrub for the rockgarden. Other names for it are Spartium aspalathoides and S. erinaceoides. G. anxantica, found wild in the neighbourhood of Naples, is very nearly allied to our native Dyer's Greenweed ( G. tinctoria). It is very dwarf in habit, and its racemes of golden-yellow flowers are produced in great profusion in late summer. A beautiful rock- garden plant. G. ephedroides, a native of Sardinia, is a much-branched shrub, 2 ft. in height, bearing yellow flowers from June to August. The aspect of the plant much resembles that of Ephedra distachya. G. germanica, a species widely distributed throughout Europe, makes a bright rock-garden shrub not more than a couple of feet in height. It flowers very freely during the summer and autumn months, and the stems are inclined to arch when I ft. or more high. Sometimes met with under the name of Scorpius spinosus. It G. hispanica, a native of South- western Europe, is a compact undershrub, ever- green from the colour of its shoots . scarcely attains more than 1 ft. or 18 in. in height, and the crowded racemes of yellow flowers are borne at the tips ofthe spiny twigs from May onwards. I have seen this species under the names of G. villosa, Spartium hispanicum, and Ulex nanus (the last name was given to the plant in one of our largest nurseries ). G. monosperma, a native of Spain and Portugal, is a very beautiful white- flowered shrub or small tree. Unfortunately, it is not hardy ( except against a wall) in the neighbourhood of London, and our summers are not hot enough to allow the plant to develop its beauty. Perhaps it might do in sheltered places on the south coast or in the Channel Islands, and the species is so strikingly handsome in a wild state that the experiment is well worth trying in the localities suggested. G. pilosa, a widely distributed European species, is a dense, prostrate bush and a delightful rock-garden plant. In Britain it is rare and local, being confined to gravelly heaths in the south and south- west of England. It grows freely and flowers abundantly in May and June. Like the rest of the British species of the genus, it has bright yellow blossoms. G. præcox is a garden name for Cytisus præcox, a beautiful hybrid between the white Spanish Broom (Cytisus albus ) and C. purgans, a golden- flowered species. G. radiata is a native of Central and Southern Europe, 3 ft. or 4 ft . in height, ever- green from the colour of its much-branched spiny twigs. The terminal heads of bright yellow flowers are produced throughout the summer months. It is quite hardy at any rate in the South of England. In some gardens it passes under the name of Genista hispanica, which rightly belongs to a widely different species, which has been already mentioned. G. ramosissima.--A native of Southern Spain, and one of the best garden plants in the genus, growing about 3 ft. high, the slender twigs laden in July with bright yellow flowers. This also passes under the name of G. cinerea. G. sagittalis is widely distributed throughout Europe. In habit it differs widely from any of the other species here mentioned, the leaves being replaced by a winged-jointed stem. It scarcely grows a foot high, and forms a mass of branches bearing racemes of yellow flowers in May and June. G. tinctoria ( The Dyer's Greenweed). -This species yields a yellow dye, hence the popular name. It is widely distributed throughout Europe, including Britain, and North and West Asia ; it is also naturalised in some parts of North America. Occurring in a wild state in Britain, it rarely exceeds 18 in. in height, and is a spineless shrub bearing a profusion of bright yellow flowers from July until September. A double- flowered variety of this makes a pretty rock-plant. G. tinctoria var. elatior is a tall - growing form from the Caucasus, which under cultivation frequently grows from 4 ft. to 5 ft. high, and bears huge paniculate GENISTA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GENTIANA. 493 inflorescences. It is remarkably well off for names, as I have received plants from various sources named as follows, and have compared them carefully in a living state : G. dumetorum, G. elata, G. frutes- cens, G. italica, G. marginata, G. multibracteata, G. ovata, G. polygalafolia, G. pubescens, G. sibirica, G. thyrsiflora, and G. virgata. G. virgata. A native of Madeira and one of the most beautiful species of the genus. At Kew there are many old plants from6 ft. to 10 ft. high, and as much through, which in July are one mass of colour, every one of the slender branchlets terminating in a raceme of golden- yellow blossoms . These plants must be twenty or thirty years old, and must have passed through winters which injured many of our native shrubs and trees. Sometimes G. virgata flowers a second time in October, but never so profusely as in July. This species should be more generally planted in shrubberies than it now is. Gentiana (Gentian) .-Often charming and in gardens important plants, some of them difficult to cultivate, but others easily grown (on the rock-garden and in borders) . The most precious are the perennial alpine kinds, which are such a beautiful feature on the mountains of Europe, and with care in our gardens spread into healthy tufts and flower as well as on the mountains. Of these plants there are two sections-the first, strong easily-grown kinds, suitable for borders ; and the second, dwarfer kinds, which should be grown in the rock-garden, or in borders or beds of choice dwarf plants. The Willow Gentian, some ofthe American perennials, and those with herbaceous shoots generally grow freely in borders, in good moist soil. So does the Gentianella ( G. acaulis). The dwarfer Gentians are represented most familiarly by the Vernal Gentian (G. verna) . G. acaulis ( Gentianella).-An old inhabitant of English gardens, among the most beautiful of the Gentians, and easily cultivated, except on very dry soils. In some places edgings are made of it, and where it does well it should be used in every garden, as, whenin flower, edgings ofit are ofgreat beauty, and, when not in flower, the masses of little leaves gathered into com- pact rosettes, form a good edging. It is at home on the rock-garden, where there are good masses of moist loam in which it can root. It is also good for forming carpets in the rock-garden or on raised borders. With us the flowers open in spring and in early summer, but on its native hills they open according to position, like the Vernal Gentian. G. alpina is a marked variety with small broad leaves, and there are several other varieties. Their colours vary from the deepest blue to white, and in one white flower the tips of the corolla are a rich blue. In all the forms except the white the throat of the corolla is spotted with blue on a greenish ground, and all have greenish marks onthe outside. Alps and Pyrenees. Gentiana affinis. G. asclepiadea ( Willow Gentian).- A good herbaceous kind ; this gives no trouble, but dies down out of harm's way in winter. Well grown, it will spring up to 2 ft. and freely produce good- sized flowers of a purple-blue along nearly the whole stem in late summer and This Gentian will grow in open woods. It may therefore be naturalised, and its effect among the Grass in a wood There is a white form. is charming. autumn. Division. Europe. G. bavarica (Bavarian Gentian).— In size this resembles the Vernal Gentian, but it has smaller Box-like leaves of 494 GENTIANA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GERANIUM. yellowish-green, and its tiny stems are thickly clothed with dense little tufts of foliage, from which arise flowers of lovely iridescent blue. While G. verna is found on dry ground, or on ground not overflowed by water, G. bavarica is in perfection in boggy spots, by some little rill. We must imitate these conditions if we desire to succeed, and a moist peat orbog bed, and with no coarse plants near, will enable us to grow this lovely plant. Alps. G. septemfida (Crested Gentian).-A lovely plant, bearing on stems 6 to 12 in . high clusters of cylindrical flowers widening towards the mouth, and a beautiful blue-white inside, and greenishbrown outside, having between each of the larger segments one smaller and finely cut. In the variety cordifolia leaves Gentiana verna. are more cordate, but it grows about only half the height of the type, with a much neater habit. The dwarf form, again, seems to sub-divide itself when raised from seed, and I have got plenty of plants with very small leaves flowering at a height of only 3 in.-J. W. One of the most desirable species for the rock- garden, and thriving best in moist sandy peat. Division. Caucasus. G. verna (Vernal Gentian) .-One ofthe most beautiful of alpine flowers, thriving in deep sandyloam, with abundance of water during the warm and dry months, and perfect exposure to the sun. The absence of these conditions is a frequent cause of failure. It thrives wild in cool pastures and uplands, where it is rarely subjected to such drought as it is in a parched border. Grit or broken limestone maybe mingled with the soil ; if there be plenty of sand this is not essential ; a few pieces half buried in the ground will tend to prevent evaporation and guard the plant till it has taken root. It is so dwarf, that if weeds be allowed to grow round it they soon injure it, and tall plants over- shadow or overrun it. In moist districts it maybe grown in a deep sandy loam, on the front edge of a border carefully surrounded by half-plunged stones. Wellrooted plants should be secured to begin with, as failure often occurs from imper- fectly- rooted, half- dead plants. It is abundant in mountain pastures on the Alps, in Asia, and also in Britain. There are other Gentians in cultivation, such as G. caucasica, adscendens pneumo- nanthe, cruciata, affinis, algida, arvernensis, crin- ita, and Andrewsi. Most Gentians may be raised from seed, but it is slow work. Gentianella (Gentiana acaulis). Geranium (Cranesbill). -The hardy Geraniums are usually stout peren- nials and natives of the fields and woods of Europe and Britain, though some are dainty alpine flowers. The handsomest of them is pro- bably G. armenum. It is sometimes 3 ft. in height, flowering in midsummer abundantly, and sometimes till late in autumn to a less degree. Its flowers are large and handsome. It requires only ordinary garden soil, and is well suited for the mixed border, or for grouping with the finer perennials in beds or on the margins of shrubberies. Some other kinds are showy, and the best of these are the dwarf G. sanguineum ; its beautiful Lancashire variety, with rose- coloured blossoms finely marked with dark lines ; G. pratense, a tall kind, with large purple flowers ; and its pure white variety. There is also an intermediate form with white and purple flowers. The Caucasian species, G. gymnocaulon and ibericum, are beautiful, with their rich purple blossoms, 2 in. across, delicately pen- cilled with black. G. platypetalum striatum, ibericum, and Lamberti are suited for shrubbery borders, and most of them are free and vigorous enough GERMAN IVY. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GILLENIA. 495 for naturalisation. G. Endressi, a tall kind with rose- coloured blossoms, is also very attractive. All the above- mentioned Geraniums are hardy, easily cultivated, and grow in ordinary soil. The pretty rock-garden kinds, G. cinereum and G. argenteum, are charming alpine plants, and, unlike stout perennials, they must be associated with very dwarf rock-plants. All the Geraniums are increased by seed, and with the exception perhaps of the G. cinereum, and G. argenteum, all are freely multiplied by division. German Ivy (Mikania scandens). Geum (Avens). G. montanum. -A common European species, is one of the best of the dwarf , yellow-flowered kinds for the rock- garden. It is indeed essentially a rock-plant, and very beautiful when well established in early spring. It has a compact habit, the leaves lying close on the ground, the erect stems of solitary clear yellow flowers being abundant. It likes plenty of moisture. G. reptans is also a pretty rock- plant, differing from G. montanum in its finely cut leaves, large flowers, and in producing stolons, which are absent in G. montanum. There is a variety, however, of the latter, which is by far the most ornamental plant of the European kinds. It is of a very vigorous habit, with large, fine leaves, and bears freely deep yellow flowers on each stem. This form was cultivated in the Liverpool Botanic Garden over twenty years, and is said to be of garden origin, but a plant similar in every detail may be found plentifully near châlets, where it revels in the richer soil made by manure water continually draining from the manure heaps close by. G. chiloense. A double-flowered form of this was figured in The Garden, December 21st, 1878, under the name of G. coccineum fl.-pl., an erroneous name, under which it is known in many gardens. A very large- flowered variety, under the name of G. chiloense grandiflorum, was figured in the Botanical Register, vol. xvi. , t. 1348. This I think is one of the best single-flowered forms inthegenus, and does not seem to have altered much since the above-mentioned plate was drawn. At t. 1088 of the same work another plant is figured as G. coccineum, but this does not at all agree with the original figure in Sibthorp's Flora Græca, t. 485, and may be taken to represent as nearly as possible the typical G. chiloense. A native of Chiloe, introduced to cultivation some- where about 1826. G. chiloense var. grandiflorum ( syn. , coccineum grandiflorum) is a magnificent border plant, its dazzling scarlet flowers and bold habit making it a favourite with all who love brilliant patches in their mixed borders. The double- flowered form of this, however, seems to be a more general favourite, the blooms lasting longer, though I think they lack the elegance of those of the simpler form. They begin to expand soon after May and continue until October. Not unfrequently I have had the flowers in their almost summer brightness in the middle of November. Several forms of this double variety, varying in the size and shade of colour of their flowers, seem to exist. was G. chiloense var. miniatum. -This plant, figured in The Garden in 1890, is said to have originated in the nursery of Robert Parker at Tooting, and named by him G. miniatum. Another plant known as the Altrincham variety, or G. hybridum, was raised about the same time, but unless in the flowers being brighter, I see no difference . But there can be no question as to the value of this plant, its robust constitution standing it in good stead in almost every kind of soil, and enabling it to be propagated with the greatest facility by cutting the tufts in pieces. It flowers from April until the end of July, and when doing well often attains a height of from 2 ft. to 3 ft. G. coccineum is an entirely different plant. Anative of Mount Olympus. I have never seenthis plant in cultivation , norhave I ever heard of its having been so.--D. K Gilia. Hardy annuals, 1 to 2 ft. high and bearing for a long time a succession of blossoms either blue, white, lavender, or rose- coloured . Seed may be sown in autumn for spring-blooming, and in April for summer and autumn blooming. Gilias should be grown in masses and the soil should be light and enriched with decomposed manure ; they are useful for small bouquets or vases, and last for a long time in water. The best are G. achilleæfolia major (blue), G. a. alba (white), G. capitata (lavender), G. tricolor (white and purple), G. rosea splendens (rose), G. nivalis (white), G. liniflora, and G. laciniata. A mixed packet of seed will give a fine variety of colours. They may occasionally be made graceful use of as carpet plants, or used effectively among annuals. Gillenia trifoliata. -A Spiræa- like plant with numerous erect slender stems, about 2. ft. high, and branching in the upper part into a loose panicle of white flowers. Distinct and graceful, is of value for the garden growing in peat or free loamy soil, and may be given a place in 496 GILLENIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GLADIOLUS. the shrubbery, or in the wild garden. North America. Division. G. stipulacea. -This is a rather taller plant and not quite so compact in habit, but it is graceful, and no more charming plant could be introduced to parts of the garden where there chances to be an extra amount of moisture and a little shade from mid-day sun. Mr. J. Wood says : "It makes more distinct offsets, so that in the case of plants a few years old you may take the rooted offsets with a fair amount of fibre, and they make good plants the first year. The Gillenias have a distinct and delicate Gladiolus " Rosy Gem." beauty all their own, and are pre- eminently suited for growing in semi-boggy places interspersed with such subjects as the Bog Lilies, Irises, Bamboos, and other similar strong growers." Gilliflower. A term applied to the Carnation in Shakespeare's time, and belonging originally to that flower, or to one of its groups or races ; but given to stocks in later days. In the West of England it is applied to the Wallflower. Gladiolus.--Beautiful bulbs, for the most part natives of the Cape. Every species introduced is of ornamental value, is easily grown, and is suitable for many garden uses. The chief charm of the Gladiolus is derived from the beautiful hybrid varieties now in cultivation. G. gandavensis and brenchleyensis are the principal kinds from which these hybrids come, and are by far the most important class, though the earlier- flowering kinds. (descendants of G. ramosus, Colvillei, trimaculatus, and others) are valuable for early summer- flowering. The ganda- vensis section suffers from cold autumn rains, and the bulbs must be lifted in autumn. In growing Gladioli it is necessary to prepare soil where they will be most effective. They are happy in clumps between Dahlias, Phloxes, Roses, and sub- jects of a somewhat similar character, and are very effective in clumps alternating with Tritomas, and also when associated with masses of Cannas ; while they are suitable for inter- mixing with American plants, whose dark foliage shows off rich flowers to good advantage. The posi- tion should be marked out in the autumn or winter, and a few spadefuls of manure should be dug in. As a rule, the space of each clump should be 18 in. in diameter, and the soil should be turned up to a depth of 18 to 24 in. March and April are the best months for planting, as Gladioli planted then are at their best during August and the early part of September. A succession ofplanting is desirable to secure a late bloom. Those who desire their gardens to be beautiful late in the autumn should not fail to employ the Gladiolus largely, as it is the handsomest of late-blooming garden plants, and its spikes are seen to great advantage about the time of heavy autumn rains. When spikes of extra fine bloom are required it is necessary to give special treatment, and an open situation is of the utmost importance. A deep loamy soil, not too heavy, is the most suitable for spikes for exhibition, but very satisfactory results even may be obtained by deep digging and liberal manuring in soils of an uncongenial character. Early in autumn the soil should be liberally GLADIOLUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GLADIOLUS. 497 dressed with manure from an old hotbed. After it is spread regularly over the surface, trench the soil up to a depth of 2 ft. , and leave the surface as rough as possible, so as to expose a large body of it to winter frost and rain ; this is of special importance in the case of heavy soils, which should be thoroughly pulverised by the weather. If this is done, the soil will be fit for working in spring, and a pricking over with the fork will reduce it to a fine tilth, and will admit of the bulbs being planted, even in wet seasons, without unnecessary delay. Planting should commence in March, and be continued until June, at intervals of a fortnight. By this means will be obtained a succession of bloom, from the earliest moment at which the show varieties may be had in flower until the end of the season. The beds should be 4 ft. in width, with rows 18 in. apart. They will then admit of a row down the centre, and one on each side, these outside rows being 6 in. from the edge of the bed. As soon as the plants have made sufficient progress to require support, stout stakes should be put to them. The top of the stake must not be higher than the first bloom, and the stem should have one tie only, a strong one ofbast. After staking, the bed should be covered with partly-decayed manure, to a uniform depth of 2 to 3 in. This dressing materially assists during hot weather in keeping the soil cool and moist about the roots. As soon as the plants show bloom, liquid manure promotes full development of the flowers. For exhibition the spikes should be cut when about two thirds of the blooms are expanded, as the lower flowers are generally finer than those towards the top. To ensure a given number of spikes at a particular date, a number of different sorts should be planted. For example, instead of six to twelve bulbs of a sort, it is preferable to plant one to three, and to increase the number of sorts ; and, in purchasing a hundred bulbs, to select fifty to seventy varieties. For decoration it is also better to have a large number of sorts, because of the greater variety of colour they afford. The improvements of the last few years have been so rapid, that many sorts which a few years ago occupied a foremost position are now surpassed, and for exhibition purposes are comparatively worthless. Most large nurseries and seed houses supply the finest exhibition bulbs, as well as bulbs for ordinary planting. EARLY-FLOWERING Gladiolus the Bride. KINDS.-During the past few years these beautiful flowers have rapidly become popular on account of their great value for cutting. They have been obtained by hybridising several South African species, particularly G. ramosus (the branching kinds which are a distinct group), G. trimaculatus, G. bland- us, G. venustus, and G. Colvillei forming what is known as the nanus section. Of G. ramosus a great number of varieties are dwarfer in habit, more graceful in appearance, earlier in flower, than those of G. gandavensis, and almost as variable in colour ; they are, moreover, much hardier, and beds of them may be left unprotected during winter, so as to afford K K 498 GLADIOLUS . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . GLADIOLUS . early flowers for cutting, for, unless the weather is very severe, these beds never require any covering. This remark applies only to bulbs established in the ground, for fresh bulbs are as tender as other Gladioli, and must be protected from frost. Amateurs often make a Hybrid Gladiolus (Lemoine's). mistake in this matter. Many plants are hardy only after they are well established. The nanus section has a great many varieties of almost every shade of colour, 1 to 2 ft. high, and invariably having the three characteristic blotches of G. trimaculatus on the lower segments of the flower. G. Colvillei is one of the prettiest and hardiest of all, and is most valuable for cutting, particularly the white variety, which has many beautiful white flowers in early summer. The time of flowering depends upon the time of planting, but the dwarf sections are the earliest. If the varieties of G. ramosus are planted at the same time as the dwarfs, the dwarfs are in flower a fortnight before the others. These early- flowering kinds are of simple culture, and succeed best in well-drained raised beds of good loamy soil, in a sunny position. Some varieties, such as Colvillei are safe ifundisturbed, but some persons prefer to take the bulbs up andthoroughly dry them, and then to plant them again about November; in which case they will flower early in June. If the bulbs remain in the ground through the winter, care must be taken to protect them in severe cold. Propagation may be effected rapidly by seeds and offsets. By seeds, flowering bulbs are produced the second season, and can be left in the ground during the winter, provided the soil is light and dry and the bulbs are pro- tected from frost. These Gladioli are extremely useful for pot culture, and, by gentle forcing, can be had in flower at mid- winter, and, for securing bloom between the flowering ofthe forced plantsandofthe plants in the open beds, they maybe grown in cold frames. For this purpose a bed of loam, leaf-mould, and sand in nearly equal proportions should be made up in October. It should be about 1 ft. deep and well drained, and in it the bulbs may be planted thickly 4 in. in depth. The lights should then be replaced, and air left on always, except during severe frosts. No water ہوں GLADIOLUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GLOSSOCOMIA. 499 should be given until the leaves appear (which will be about February, or earlier if the season be mild), and then only enough to keep the soil moist. The lights should be removed during mild weather, and altogether in April. During the latter part of May and in June plenty of bloom may be cut for decoration. Besides those named, the following are some ofthe best kinds : The Bride, Grootvoorst, Rubens, Maori Chief, The Fairy, Elvira, Rembrandt, Philip Miller, Beatrice, Baron von Humboldt, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Rose Distinctive. In Another interesting race of hybrids has lately been obtained between G. gandavensis and G. purpureo-auratus, a Cape species, with yellow and purple flowers. These hybrids have large flowers of a creamy-white and a deep purplish-crimson. The named kinds are G. hybridus Fræbeli, G. h. Lemoinei, and Marie Lemoine. Although by no means so showy as many others, they are most graceful and distinct in port, and in the shape and colour of their flowers. deep sandy soil they attain a height of nearly 5 ft. , and the gradual development of the flowers renders them effective for at least five weeks after the first and lowermost blossom. As graceful plants they well deserve culture, being hardier than many home- raised hybrids ; but a warm deep soil and a sheltered position near the foot of a south or west wall are the most congenial to their strong growth. A few of the true species almost equal the hybrids in beauty. One of the finest is G. Saundersi, about 2 ft. high, with large flowers of a brilliant scarlet and a conspicuous pure white centre. It is not often grown, though hardy and of very easy culture, and only requiring a sunny position in a light rich soil. purpureo- auratus is another good species, though not so showy. Its flowers are of a creamy-white, heavily blotched with vinous - purple on the lower division. Also a native of the Cape. G. The European Gladioli are pretty plants for the mixed border. There is a strong similarity among them, all of them being from 1 to 1 ft. high, and bearing rather small rosy- purple flowers. The best-known are G. byzantinus, communis, segetus, illyricus, neglectus, sero- tinus. They like warm dry soil and a sunny situation. They are of particular interest from their free and hardy habit, which makes them as easy to grow as native plants. They are admirable for the wild garden as they thrive in copses, open warm woods, in snug spots in broken hedgerow banks, and on fringes of shrubbery in the garden. A DISEASE. This is frequently, if not always, accompanied by some condition of the fungus known as Copper- web, the Rhizoctonia crocorum of De Candolle, which is known in France under the name of Tacon. The fungus attacks also the Narcissus, the Crocus, Asparagus, Potatoes, and other bulbs, roots, etc. good deal of attention was paid to it in 1876, when Mr. G. W. Smith detected in abundance the curious fungus named by him Urocystis Gladioli. The Urocystis and Rhizoctonia are probably two conditions ofthe same thing, the Rhizoctonia being possibly the spawn and the Urocystis the fruit. The latter Urocystis is capable of remaining in a resting state for a year or more, and is frequently found in the decayed red- brown portions of the diseased corm. No attempts have been made in the direction of a cure, as far as we know. The disease is confined to certain localities and to certain gardens, and is unknown in some districts. Gladwin (Iris fætidissima). Glaucium (Horned Poppy).- Plants of the Poppy family, mostly biennials. G. luteum is quite hardy and has handsome silver foliage, almost as white as the silvery Centaurea. The leaves are much more deeply cut, and, planted close, are effective either in masses or lines. To ensure strong plants for winter borders or beds, seed should be sown about May, as the plant is a biennial. When in bloom it makes a striking border plant the flowers being large and orange- red. G. Fischeri is a handsome plant ; its snow-white woolly foliage is very telling, and its blossom is an unusual flame colour. G. corniculatum is similar, but not so handsome. Both require the same treatment as G. luteum. Glechoma hederacea ( Ground Ivy).— A small British creeper, almost too common to deserve notice here ; but it has one or two finely-variegated varieties worthy of a place on the edges of raised borders or in beds of plants with variegated leaves. Globe Flower ( Trollius). Globe Thistle (Echinops). - Globularia. Interesting and dwarf alpine plants, good on the rock-garden in light and peaty soils. G. Alypum is among the best ; it inhabits dry rocks. Other kinds are G. cordifolia, G. nana, G. nudicaulis, and G. trichosantha. Glossocomia ovata. A rare ittle K K 2 500 GLYCYRRHIZA . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GUNNERA. perennial of the Bell- flower family, with showy blue flowers, rare and difficult to cultivate. North India. Glycyrrhiza (Liquorice) .—Coarseplants of the Pea family, with pinnate leaves and bluish flowers. G. glabra yields the liquorice of commerce, and is an easilygrown perennial. Gnaphalium. -Composites, usually with downy foliage, but of little value, except that G. lanatum, a silvery- foliaged plant, I ft. high, is suitable for edgings. G. lanatum is very easily propagated by division in spring, and is whitest and most compact when on dry poor soils. It bears pegging down, and should never be allowed to bloom. It is somewhat tender, and requires to be propagated annually. (See Antennaria. ) Goat's Rue (Galega). Godetia ( Enothera). Golden Club ( Orontium). Golden Drop ( Onosma tauricum). Golden Rod (Solidago). Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium). Goldfussia isophylla. A correspondent writes : " We always grow a few, not so much for the sake of the pale blue tubular flowers, which are produced in the dull winter months, as because when the plant is put out in summer its leaves become a shining black, and, being narrow and numerous, give it a prettier appearance than Perilla and the usual funereal plants with dark leaves that one sees." Goldilocks (Linosyris vulgaris). Gold Thread (Coptis trifoliata). Goodyera pubescens ( Rattlesnake Plantain) . A beautiful little Orchid, with leaves close to the ground, delicately veined with silver ; hardy, distinct, and charming, though its flowers are not showy. It has long been grown in botanic and choice collections, thriving in a shady position, such as may be found in a good rock-garden, in moist peaty soil, with here and there a soft sandstone for its roots to run among. Eastern United States. G. repens and Menziesi are less desirable and much rarer. - Gordonia (Loblolly Bay). The two Gordonias in cultivation, G. pubescens and G. lasianthus, are beautiful shrubs, old garden plants, introduced during the last century, but too rare in gardens, owing to difficulty of propagation. The genus is allied to the Camellia. G. pubescens is of Camellia-like growth, 6 ft. high, and bears in late summer beautiful flowers, 3 in. across, pure white, with a centre tuft of yellow stamens. G. lasianthus is taller and more robust, and has larger and more fragrant flowers. Both are natives of the swamps near the coast of the southern States of North America, and therefore are not among the hardiest shrubs, but they may do with us in very favoured places. I have only seen them in flower near Phila- delphia. Gourd (Cucurbita). Grammanthes gentianoides. -A pretty half-hardy annual, and a capital plant for the dry parts of a rock-garden about 2 in. high, forming a dense tuft with fleshy leaves about in. long, with many flowers, about in. across : orange when first expanded, with a distinct V-shaped mark at the base of each petal, but finally assuming a deep red. G. gentianoides is sometimes used with good effect in the flower-garden, and succeeds in dry warm soil. Seeds should be sown in heat in February and March, and the seedlings planted out in May. Stonecrop family. Cape of Good Hope. Grape Hyacinth (Muscari). Grass of Parnassus (Parnassia palus- tris). Great Reed ( Arundo Dodax). Grevillea. -Australian shrubs, generally grown in the greenhouse, but a few are quite hardy enough for wall culture ; and G. sulphurea, the hardiest in cultivation, lives against walls about London. Its pale yellow flowers, of curious shape, as in all Grevilleas, come throughout the summer. G. rosmarinifolia is another hardy kind with Rosemary - like leaves and clusters of red flowers. The Grevilleas do best against a warm wall in a sheltered situation. Grindelia. Yellow - flowered, North American Composites of little garden value. G. grandiflora grows 3 or 4 ft. high, and G. squarrosa is dwarfer ; both are hardy, and succeed in any soil, flowering from July till late in autumn. Ground Laurel (Epigaa repens). Ground Nut (Apios tuberosa). Ground Pine (Lycopodium dendroi- deum). South Guernsey Lily (Nerine sarniensis). Gunnera (Prickly Rhubarb). American plants remarkable for large and handsome foliage, somewhat resembling that of gigantic Rhubarb. There are two kinds in cultivation-G. scabra and G. manicata. Both are handsome, especially the former, with leaves some- times 6 ft. across. Both deserve a place in any garden, for no plants in cultivation are so stately as well-grown plants of GUNNERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GUNNERA. 501 these. They are hardy if slightly protected during the severest cold, for instance by a layer of dry leaves placed among the stems, and having their own leaves bent down upon them. In spring these dry leaves should be removed, and the tender growth slightly protected by a piece of canvas- shading or by an ordinary mat. In mild winters this precaution is scarcely necessary, especially in the south and other favoured localities. The Gunnera should be planted apart, and not as a rule in the "flower-garden proper." It cannot have too much sun or warmth, but makes little progress if its huge leaves are torn by storms. Where there is any diversity of surface it will be easy to select a spot well open to the sun and yet sheltered by shrubs and clumps. A large hole, about 6 by 4 ft. deep, should and the secondary spikes are long and flexuose, whereas in G. scabra they are short and stiff. Propagated by seed or division of established plants. G. manicata. -Writing from Trelissick, Truro, Mr. W. Sangwin says : " It never attains the extraordinary dimensions it is capable of, unless planted in deep rich soil with its toes absolutely in the water by the side of a pond or stream. The engraving does not give a good idea of its vast size, for the plant is growing in a pit and in a very difficult position for photo- graphing. It covers a space fully 30 ft. across, and consists offrom twenty-five to thirty leaves, some of them over 9 ft. in diameter, upon clear stems 8 ft. high. The crowns are as large as a man's body, of a delicate pink colour. Flower- spikes are produced freely, which should be cut Gunnera scabra, be dug out, a good layer of drainage material put at the bottom, and the hole filled with a rich compost of loam and manure. In summer the plants ought to have plenty of water, and a ridge of turf should be placed round them, to compel the water to sink down about their roots. They should also have a mulching of well- rotted manure early in every spring. They thrive on the margins of ponds or lakes where their roots can penetrate the moist soil, and if judiciously placed in such a position, they have a fine effect. Though the two kinds G. scabra and G. manicata greatly resemble each other, they have well - marked characteristics. The leaves of G. manicata are more kidney- shaped and attain a much larger size, often measuring 4 to 6 ft. across. The spikes of fruit are also much longer, 1 as soon as seen, or they will check the growth of the leaves. When they die down in autumn, the leaves should be placed loosely over the crowns, with their stems on top to prevent them being blown away by the wind. Protected in this way the plants have stood the winter with a thermometer ranging on several occasions below zero. It grows freely from seed, but it can be divided as easily as Rhu- barb. The individual flowers are very minute, more curious than beautiful, the chiefattraction being in the truly magnifi- cent leaves." Mr. Burbidge, writing from the College gardens at Dublin, says : " It seems to be fairly settled at last that the largest simple-leaved plant in our gardens to-day is G. manicata, which has wrested the palm from the Victorian Water Lily. A 502 GUNNERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. GYMNADENIA. few days ago I saw the gigantic Gunnera -a tuft about 30 ft. in diameter-in the rock-garden at Narrow Water, Co. Down, the largest leaf out of the twenty-five or more which it bears having a blade 9 ft. 6 in. across, and standing fully 10 ft. in height. When well grown, no hardy foliage plant can compare in size of plant or in leaf dimensions with this stately inhabitant of deep valleys and gullies full of rich alluvial earth and decayed leaves in Southern Brazil. G. scabra, a nearly allied species, seems to have a still more southern distribution, being found in Chili and on the outlying islands, including Juan Fernandez, or Robinson Crusoe's Island, while travellers tell us that it "In general appearance these plants remind a careless observer of ordinary Rhubarb much magnified, but the stout prickly petioles, often 6 ft. or even more in height, and the spiky, club-like inflorescences and leaves at once distinguish these plants from all others. "To see these plants at their best they should be grown quite near to the margin of a pond or stream, or in a swampy spot, and in the deepest and richest of soil. Even then their most ample dimensions are only reached after a copious addition of cow manure top-dressings, or by deluging the ground around the leaves with liquid manure.' KOHL Gunnera manicata at Narrow Water Park. Engraved rom a photograph sent by Mr. F. W. Burbidge. CC extends still further south on the mainland into the colder regions of Patagonia. As a genus, Gunnera consists of some ten or twelve species distributed over the SouthAmerican, Malayan, andAustralasian regions. They exist in the more sheltered valleys of the Andes, as far north as the Gulf of Mexico, and some are found as far south as New Zealand, but the finest kinds, so far as at present known, for garden uses are G. manicata and G. scabra. Ofthe latter I grow two distinct forms, the one having spreading leaves with green venation, while the other variety has longer foot- stalks or petioles, with more erect or cupped leaf-blades and bright red veins. The known species are : G. Bertero , Chili. bracteata, do. brephogea, N. Granada. chi- lensis, Chili. commutata, do. cordifolia, Tasman. densiflora, N. Zeal. glabra, J. Fernand. Hamiltoni, N. Zeal. insignis, Chili. lobata, Magellans. macrophylla, Java. magellanica, Magellans. manicata, Brazil. monoica, N. Zeal. peltata, J. Fernand. perpensa, E. Africa. petaloides, Sandwich Isles. prorepens, N. Zeal. strigosa, do. Gymnadenia conopsea. - A sweetscented native Orchid, 6 in. to nearly 2 ft. high. Flowers pale purple, in a dense tapering spike, 1 to 4 in. long in summer. It is suitable for grassy places, and for drier parts of the bogbed ; worth growing for its fragrance GYMNOTHRIX. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HABERLEA. 503 only. Increased by separation of the root knobs. Gymnothrix latifolia. -A fine peren- nial Grass from Monte Video, not hardy enough to show its true character in the open air. Mr. Ellacombe, however, tells us that it is valuable in the West of England on account of its rich green foliage and excellent habit. Mr. Gumbleton, writing from Cork, says it does not do well with him, and does not flower. Gynerium argenteum (Pampas Grass). -This noble Grass, 4 to 14 ft. high, according to soil or district, is most precious for our gardens, but in many districts suffers from our severe winters, and we seldom now see the fine plants of it that were not uncommon soon after its introduction. There is reason to believe that some varieties are better in habit than others, and flower earlier. In such cases it would be better to patiently divide them than to trust to seedlings. There are a number of varieties, some of a delicate rosy colour, one variegated, and several dwarf and neat. It is not enough to place the plant in out- of-the-way spots, but the landscape, so to say, of every garden and pleasure-ground should be influenced by it. It should be planted far more extensively than at present, and given very deep and good soil. The soils of many gardens are insufficient to give it the highest vigour, and no plant better repays a thorough preparation, especially since one preparation suffices for many years. If convenient, give it a somewhat sheltered position in the flower- garden, so as to prevent as much as possible that ceaseless searing away of the foliage which occurs wherever it is much exposed to the breeze ; and because, when backed with shrubs, its bright silvery plumes are less liable to be injured . We rarely see such fine specimens as in quiet nooks where it is sheltered by the surrounding vegetation. It should be planted about the beginning of April, mulched with rotten manure, and watered copiously in hot dry weather. G. jubatum is very well spoken of, but as yet has not been tried much except in favoured spots. The leaves resemble those of G. argenteum, but are of deeper green, and droop elegantly at the extremities. From the centre of the tuft, and exceeding it by 2 or 3 ft., arise numerous stems, each bearing an immense loose panicle of long filamentous silvery flowers, of a rosy tint with silvery sheen. It is a native of Ecuador, and is earlier in bloom than G. argenteum. The sexes are borne on separate plants in all the species, and the plumes of male flowers are neither so handsome nor so durable as the plumes of female flowers. Gypsophila. -Plants of the Stitchwort family, the larger kinds usually very elegant, and bearing myriads of tiny white blossoms on slender spreading panicles. Of these the best 1S G. paniculata, which forms a dense compact bush, 3 ft. or more high, the numerous flowers small white, on thread- like stalks on muchbranched stems, with the light, airy effect of certain Grasses, and very useful for cutting. G. paniculata thrives in any soil, and is suitable for borders and for naturalisation in woods or banks. G. fastigiata, perfoliata, altissima Steveni, are very similar. G. prostrata is a pretty species for the rock- garden or the mixed border. It grows in spreading masses, and from midsummer to September has loose graceful panicles of small white or pink flowers, on slender stems. G. cerastioides is about 2 in. high, and has a spreading habit ; the leaves are about 1 in. long, and small clusters of blossoms, in. across, white with violet streaks . It is from Northern India, and quite unlike any of the group now in our gardens, being dwarfer and having larger flowers. It is a rapid grower, and in good soil and an open position on the rock-garden soon spreads into a broad tuft. Division, seeds, or cuttings in spring. Habenaria (Rein Orchis).—Terrestrial Orchids from N. America, 1 to 2 ft. high, some of which were inconspicuous, while others, including those named below, are pretty and interesting. For out-door culture, a partially- shaded spot should be prepared with about equal parts of leaf- mould or peat and sand, and well mulched with leaves, grass, or other material, to keep it moist, and to protect the roots from the heat of the sun. H. blephariglottis bears in July spikes of white flowers beautifully fringed. H. ciliaris is the handsomest species. The flowers are bright orange-yellow with a conspicuous fringe, and appear from Julyto September. H. fimbriata has a long spike of lilacpurple flowers beautifully fringed. psycodes produces spikes 4 to 10 in. long of very handsome and fragrant purple flowers . They are charming plants for the bog-garden, or for a quiet nook with moist peaty soil. H. Haberlea rhodopensis. —A pretty little rock-plant resembling a Gloxinia in miniature. It forms dense tufts of small rosettes of leaves, which somewhat resemble those of the Pyrenean Ramondia 504 HABLITZIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HAMAMELIS. (R. pyrenaica) , every rosette bearing in spring one to five slender flower- stalks, each with two to four blossoms nearly I in. long, of a bluish- lilac colour with a yellowish throat. Messrs. Froebel, of Zurich, who grow it well, write of it : "We have treated this plant in the same manner as the Pyrenean Ramondia, i.e. we have planted it on the north side of the rock-garden ; so that the sun never directly reaches it. We grow it in fibrous peat, and fix the plants, if possible, in the fissures of the rock- garden, so that its rosettes hang in an oblique position, just as they do in their native country. It succeeds well in this way ; but if no rock- garden be at hand, it may be grown equally well on the north side of a Rhododendron bed. We have it thus situated quite close to a stone edging—a way in which we also grow the Ramondia, -and the Haberlea flowers profusely every year in May and June. The plant is very hardy, having withstood our often veryhard winters, without any protection ." It is a native of the Balkan Mountains, where it is found among moss and leaves on damp, shady, steep declivities at high elevations. Hablitzia tamnoides. —A hardy, climbing, herbaceous plant, producing clusters ofgreenish-yellow flowers in the greatest profusion. When tied to a strong stake or trellis it reaches a height of 8 or 10 ft. , and has a graceful appearance. It continues in flower throughout the summer and the greater part of the autumn, but requires a good soil, plenty of moisture in summer, and freedom from stagnant water in winter. It forms a good subject for open situations in the wild garden, for the rock-garden or root-work, or for clothing the stems of naked trunks of trees. It Habranthus pratensis. -A brilliant bulb of the Amaryllis family, hardy, at least in the southern and eastern parts of the country. It has stout and erect flower- stems, about 1 ft. high, and the brightest scarlet flowers, feathered here and there at the base with yellow. The variety fulgens is the finest form. blooms freely in the open border of the Rev. Mr. Nelson's garden at Aldborough, in Norfolk, flowering at the end of May or beginning of June. It grows very freely in strong loam improved by the addition of a little leaf-mould and sand. Its propagation is too easy, for in many soils it is said to split up into offsets instead of growing to a flowering_size. At Aldborough it made numerous offsets. A choice plant for the select bulb- garden or rock-garden. Chili. H. Andersoni is much inferior. Hairbell. The name applied to the slender Campanulas, principally our native C. rotundifolia. It is also spelled Harebell," and though there seems no authority for either spelling, " Hairbell," appears to us the more appropriate. 66 Halesia (Snowdrop Tree).- Beautiful North American trees, hardy in this country. The commonest is H. tetraptera, one ofthe prettiest of flowering trees. It grows in England from 20 to 30 ft. high has a rounded head, with sharply- toothed leaves, in May bearing many pure white blossoms, in form like the Snowdrop, hence its popular name. It is of moderately rapid growth, and flourishes in any good garden soil, and as it grows naturally by river banks, it enjoys a moist, but not waterlogged soil. In some parts it ripens its seed in abundance. Asimilar species, distinguished in having but two wings tothe seed-vessel (tetraptera having four), is H. diptera, of smaller growth, and not such a suitable tree for this climate ; neither is H. parviflora, which, like the others, has small bell-like flowers. As a lawn tree, or planted near the margin of a lake or stream, H. tetraptera is very beautiful. Halimondendron argenteum. - A small shrub belonging to the Pea family, with elegant leaves, silky and whitish, the flowers purplish in early summer : a native ofAsiatic Russia, it is hardy, and grows from 5 to 6 ft. high, but sometimes is grafted on to the tall stems of the Laburnum. Hamamelis (Witch Hazel).-Hardy shrubs with singular blossoms flowering in winter. They have a peculiar value as ornamental shrubs, and one species at least is worth planting in all good gardens. This is H. arborea, or Tree Witch Hazel, though in this country it does not rise generally above 8 ft. high. In January, and sometimes before, its leafless branches are covered with flowers, which have twisted, bright yellow petals and crimson calyces, so that a well-flowered plant is very pretty. It is a hardy Japanese shrub, and thrives in most kinds of soil, but must have an open situation . Another Japanese species is H. japonica, a smaller and dwarfer plant than H. arborea, and bearing flowers of a lighter yellow colour, while that called H. Zuccariniana is very similar to it. Of less value perhaps is the American Witch Hazel, which has small yellowish flowers in winter, and sometimes in autumn. Though not so showy when in flower as HARD FERN. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HEDERA. 505 the Japanese species, it is a pretty shrub, and, like the others, thrives in any soil. Hard Fern (Blechnum boreale). Hare's-tail Grass (Lagurus ovatus). Harpalium rigidum (Helianthus). Hart's-tongue (Scolopendrium). Hawkweed (Hieracium). Hawthorn (Cratagus). temperate world is a noble garden plant that may be used in many ways. The common Ivy of the woods is familiar to all, but its many beautiful varieties are not so common as this. All are not of the same vigorous habit, as will easily be seen by cultivating a collection ; but the rich self green-leaved kinds are ARSEN Large- leaved Ivy, one of many fine forms. Hawthorn, Japanese ( Rhaphiolepis). Hazel Witch (Hamamelis). Heart's-ease ( Viola tricolor). Heath (Erica). Heath, St. Dabeoc's (Dabacia). Heath, Sea (Frankenia). Hedera Helix (Ivy).-The most beautiful evergreen climber of our northern and usually as free and as hardy as the wild plant. Although there are many varieties, there are only two accepted species -the Australian, that is confined to the continent of Australia ; and Hedera Helix, which is found wild in the British Isles, and spreads over Europe, reaching into N. Africa and Central Asia. It is under 506 HEDERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HEDERA. our English Ivy that the large number of forms in cultivation are classed. Although there are only two species, we can classify the Ivies in several groups, after the variation in the leaves. If we want Ivies in their fullest beauty, it is necessary to pay some attention to position, soil, and training. This applies to all kinds, but especially to the more delicate varieties. Ordinary garden soil will grow the Ivy well, and the strong growers, as Emerald Gem, Rægneriana, algeriensis, canariensis or the Irish Ivy, sagittæfolia, lucida, palmata, gracilis, dentata, digitata, pedata, and angularis, will need no special position ; but in the case of kinds like madeirensis variegata, a showy form, some little care is needed. It is betterto plant these kinds as edgings to a bed of shrubs or permit them to clamber over a root- stump, arbour, or form a pyramid of them, where they will be less exposed to the full force of wind than if they were stiffly trained on walls. Cuttings maybe struck in the latter part of the summer, and quickly root if put in a shady border where the soil is fairly good. It is sometimes well to cut the plants down to the ground after the first year, as often the shoots are very weak ; but this severe pruning induces a stronger growth later on. As regards the best time to plant, the spring months are the most suitable ; but the Ivy may be planted any time if it is in a pot, and during the first summer, if the weather is hot, give plenty of water. In the case of variegated sorts, it is advisable to plant in a poor soil, so as to bring out the variegation. A word should be said for Tree Ivies, which make fine bushes in the garden, and may be associated with other shrubs in beds. Healthy plants make dense rounded heads of foliage, relieved during the blooming season with many flowers. By far the most important Ivies, however, are the green- leaved forms, -many, various, and nearly all beautiful in form. Whatever kinds among these we may prefer, a fuller and more graceful use of the Ivy in or near the flower-garden and its surroundings is desirable. As much more use is made of the Ivy in French flower-gardens than in our own, the following, from the Parks and Gardens of Paris, may be worth quoting here :- "It would be difficult to give any adequate idea of the charms Ivy imparts to many surfaces that would otherwise be hard and bare. In any city or town, where the air is not much polluted by smoke, the same effects may be easily produced. In cold districts , where evergreens are liable to suffer, it is all the more desirable to make good use of the best of all evergreen climbers for northern countries. To rob the monotonous garden-railings of their nakedness, the French use it most extensively, so that even in the dead of winter it is refreshing to walk along by them. Instead of the inmates of the house gazing from the windows into the street swarming with dust, or splashing with mud, a wall of verdure encloses the garden ; privacy is secured ; the effect of any flowers contained in the garden is heightened ; and lastly, the heavier clouds of dust are kept out in summer, for so well are the railings covered byplanting the Ivy rather thickly, and giving it some rich light soil to grow in, that a dense screen is soon formed. Ivy-edgings also make excellent margins to beds on grass-lawns. In this case one would have thought the turf sufficient, and so it is, ifthe subjects fill the bed properly and come flush to the margin ; but, with the bare earth more conspicuous than the bedding-plants, as is so often the case early in the summer, the belt offresh Ivy, rising as it does several inches above the level of the earth, effects great improve- ment. Near at hand this is not evident, but when a little way off, the nakedness of the earth is hidden by the Ivy, and the flowers peep above it. The best kind for this purpose is the Irish Ivy, but where many edgings are made, it would be very desirable to produce some variety by using other healthy green- leaved kinds ; and the variegated ones, too, should be attractive, though no charm of theirs can ever equal the unmatched verdure of the green Ivies in early summer. It should be observed that an Ivy-band of the width of an ordinary edging is not at all so desirable as when its sheet of green is allowed to spread out to a breadth of more than a foot. In nearly every courtyard in Paris the Ivy is tastefully used. Scarlet Pelargoniums are seen to great advantage when grown in boxes placed against a wall densely covered with Ivy, and with it also planted along their front edges so as to hang down and cover the face of the boxes. In the garden of the Paris Exhibition of 1867, a pretty circular bower was shown perfectly covered with Ivy, the whole springing from a large tub . Such a bower could readily be made on a roof, or on a wide balcony. SO "Where there are tall bare walls neara house, they are quickly covered with a close tapestry of Ivy. If the margin of the grass around some clump of shrubs HEDERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HEDERA. 507 or flower-beds looks bare, some young plants of Ivy will soon make a wide and graceful edging which will look well throughout the year with slight attention. When Ivy is planted thickly and kept neatly to a breadth of from 12 to 20 in. , it forms a dense carpet of leaves on the ground. The effect of Ivy-bands outside masses ofgay flowers is excellent, forming as they do a graceful setting for the flower borders. In some geometrical gardens panels are edged with stone. These Ivy-edgings associate well with such stone borderings, while they may be used with advantage in any style of garden. A garden pleases in direct pro- portion to the variety and life that are in it ; and all bands and circles of stone, all unchangeable geometrical patterns, are Ivy by those who wish to grow it in this manner. It may also be allowed freedom on any inferior undergrowing trees that have been overtopped by better ones, of which there are generally too many on nearly every property, particularly where judicious thinning has been neglected until too late to be of any benefit. In natural copses, when not grown for profit, Ivy forms an ornamental feature, espe- cially on the Birch, to whose white bark and brown airy twigs the Ivy offers a charming contrast. Lovers of creeperclad trees should, however, take care not to allow young trees or any fine orna- mental sorts to be taken possession of by Ivy. It is an indisputable fact that when Ivy is permitted to cling to and cover growing young trees, it prevents developIvy in wreaths and sheets on railings of suburban gardens. as much improved by being fringed here and there with Ivy and the like, as are the rocks on a river's bank. "In the Square St. Jacques there is an example of the way in which the smallleaved Ivy may be used for covering the trunks of trees ; the effect being more lace-like than that of the ordinary kinds. It would be well to plant a variety of the green-leaved kinds at the foot of trees. It is not, however, advisable to cover very young trees in this way, as it is apt to interfere with their growth. With regard to growing Ivy on trees, Mr. George Berry of Longleat wrote- " In almost every park, however small, there are some few trees-old trees that are of no value, and that have matured their growth-that may be given up to ment of the stem ; while its tightly-laced and interwoven mass of dense plaits also excludes light, air, and moisture. The foliage, too, gradually diminishes, and when Ivy has established itself on young trees, the result is often premature death.' "Ivy maybe grown and used in a dwelling- house, especially in making living screens for rooms. This is usually done byplanting it in narrow boxes and training it up wirework trellises. The boxes being portable, a screen may be formed in a few minutes in any part of a room. Sometimes, however, it is permanently planted, and it is not unfrequently used to embellish glass partitions between large apartments. "When used as a screen, Ivy may often 508 HEDERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . HEDYCHIUM . be combined with other creepers so as to produce a variety of pretty effects. A happy combination of Wistaria above and Ivy below in the same railing often occurs, and the contrast of colour between the delicate lilac blossoms and light green leaves of the Wistaria and the deep glossy green of the Ivy is charming. Ivy also forms an admirable frame for windows in situations where little else BA root sufficiently, which generally takes place in the following spring, they are transplanted into pots of 4 or 5 in. in diameter. Afterwards stakes are fixed along the rows of pots, and from these are stretched lines of thin galvanised wire ; to this slender but firm trellis of from 3 to 5 ft. high the plants are trained during the growing season. At the end of the second or third year they are strong Pyramid of large- leaved Ivy, 7 ft. high. will. grow. A deep box, filled with rich light soil, suits these Ivies best. "The Ivy used by the City of Paris for ornamenting the flower-beds in the squares, the trunks of trees, etc., is grown at the nurseries in the Bois de Boulogne. Towards the end of the summer the propagation of the Ivy by means of cuttings is carried on. Three or four leaves are left on each cutting, and they are planted very thickly in lines in a halfshady position. When they have taken enough to be employed to cover railings, and for many similar purposes. The nurserymen in the suburbs of Paris generally propagate them by layers, which are often rooted in pots. If a wide belt of Ivy is desired, the young plants may be arranged in two or three rows, as the French do when making the excellent Ivy edgings which are here described. In any case, after the plants are inserted the , shoots must be neatly pegged down all in one direction. " The reason why Ivy edgings when seen in Eng- land look so poor as compared with those in Paris, is that we allow them to grow uncontrolled, and they get overgrown, wild, and entangled, whereas the French keep them down to the desired size by pinching or cutting the little shoots well in, two or even three times every summer, after the edging has once attained size and health. The abundant supply of established plants in small pots obtainable in the markets enables them to lay down these edgings so as to look well almost from the first day." Hedychium Gardner- ianum. This, though usually grown in the greenhouse, will flower out- of- doors, and live through an ordinary winterwithout much protection. It should be planted out in May, so as to make its summer growth where it is to stand, as then its roots penetrate deep and become established before the top dies off in autumn. It thrives best in a loose sandy loam, enriched with manure. While the plant is making its growth a mulching should be given, and in dry weather an occasional watering of HEDYSARUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HELIANTHUS. 509 liquid manure. It is excellent for choice groups in the sub-tropical garden, in warm sheltered spots. A heap of cinders or half-rotten leaves laid over the crowns in winter will ensure their safety ; or the roots may be lifted in autumn and wintered in any dry place with Dahlias and Cannas. It is increased by dividing the roots in spring, but each piece must have a young crown attached. are Hedysarum (French Honeysuckle).— Plants of the Pea order, mostly weedy, only a few perennials being ornamental. H. coronarium, a showy plant, 3 or 4 ft. high, bearing in summer dense spikes of red flowers. It grows in any ordinary soil, but is not a perennial, though it usually sows itself where it is established. There is a white variety. Among the dwarfer kinds the two following desirable : H. obscurum, a brilliant and compact perennial ; 6 to 12 in. high, with racemes of showy purple flowers. It is suitable for the rock-garden, for borders, and for naturalisation amongst vegetation not more than 1 ft. high, chiefly on banks and slopes in sandy loam, and is increased by division or seed. H. Mackenzii is said to be the handsomest of the genus. It grows about 2 ft . high, and has long racemes of from seven to thirty rather large rosy-purple Pea-like flowers . It is perfectly hardy in any situation, and flowers in June and July. It is rather too tall for the rock-garden, and is more suited for the mixed border. Heimia salicifolia. -A pretty halfhardy shrub from Mexico, from 3 to 5 ft. high, and useful for planting against a dwarf wall unsuitable for tall climbers. It has narrow Willow-like leaves, and bears in late summer an abundance of small yellow flowers. Helenium (Sneeze - weed) . — Vigorous Composites from North America, flowering in autumn, and thriving in any soil, and, where rightly used, excellent plants. There are two or three species, the most useful being H. autumnale, about 6 ft. high, bearing yellow flower-heads. The varieties grandiceps and pumilum are very distinct grandiceps being of gigantic growth with a fasciated head of bloom, which makes it very showy ; pumilum being much dwarfer and better than the type. H. atropurpureum grows 3 or 4 ft. high, and has reddish-brown flower-heads. H. Hoopesi is desirable, as it flowers in early summer, but is a rather coarse grower, with large yellow flowers. first-mentioned species and its varieties are excellent border plants, and, though vigorous, remain long in bloom. They The are very useful for cutting, as they remain a long time fresh. Helianthemum (Sun Rose).- Though strictly shrubby plants for the most part, these dwarf evergreens possess so much the aspect of rock-plants, that they can- not well be separated from them. There are few more brilliant sights than masses of them when in full beauty, and they are of the easiest possible culture, dwarf and compact, bearing in great profusion flowers with fine diversity of colour. The common Sun Rose ( H. vulgare) is variable in colour, and from it have sprung the many varieties enumerated in trade lists ; indeed, we need only this species to represent, for garden purposes, the vari- ation in all the dwarf shrubby species of the family. The colours range from white and yellow to deep crimson. There are also double-flowered kinds and one with variegated foliage. Other pretty, dwarf, shrubby species, similar to H. vulgare, are H. rosmarinifolium, pilosum, and croceum. There is also a herbaceous perennial species, H. Tuberaria (Truffle Sun Rose), which in aspect differs com- pletely from the shrubby species, and is second to none in beauty. It grows 6 to 12 in. high, with flowers 2 in. across resembling a single yellow Rose, with dark centre, and drooping when in bud. It is suited for warm ledges on the rock- garden in well-drained sandy or calcareous soil. When sufficiently plentiful it should be used in the mixed border. It is propagated by either seed or division. When a full collection is required there are other species introduced, but the above fairly represent the beauty of the family. Helianthus ( Sunflower) -PERENNIAL SUNFLOWERS. Usually stout, vigorous, and showy plants, typical of the coarse yellow Composites abounding in North America, of which not a few have found their way into English gardens. All the perennials are vigorous growers, and generally attain a great height, being most precious for the autumnal garden when well placed. Sunflowers may be cultivated with the greatest ease ; they are gross feeders, and the richer the soil the better the result. It is true that not a few of this genus are coarse and weedy, unfitted for the flower- garden, but a good many, some of which are not yet in general cultivation, could be utilised with striking effect in the best- kept flowergarden ; and for mixed borders, etc., they are valuable. The Sunflowers, like the Michaelmas Daisies, could ill be spared from the autumn garden, where, when most 510 HELIANTHUS THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HELIANTHUS. other hardy perennials are beginning to showthe sere and yellow leaf, they are generally at their best and in their greatest numbers. Although the flowers are somewhat restricted in their range of colouring, the plants vary considerably in their seasons of blooming, in habit, and also in the positions in which the most may be made of them. From their robust growth, themajorityofthem are essentially suitable for borders where plenty of scope may be had, and where attention may be given to the proper grouping of the different species and varieties. Some few of the species which may not be considered showy handsome groups in open shrubberies, and giganteus, doronicoides, grosseserratus and others might with advantage be relegated to the wood, where, in open exposed positions, they would form interesting groups. They increase so rapidly as a whole that it will be needless to say anything about propagation, which may be done in autumn or spring with good results. Other species not mentioned, but which may be of interest to many, are H. angustifolius, Maximiliani, mollis, and occidentalis, the two last being earlyflowering species rare in gardens. H. DECAPETALUS is one of the most Double Perennial Sunflower. enough for the flower border proper could be planted in the woods, in isolated beds or among shrubs, where their par- ticular and characteristic habits could be seen to advantage. It would hardly be policy to grow the whole genus in any one garden unless shrubberies abound on a large scale. H. multiflorus and its varieties , H. rigidus and its varieties, H. decapetalus, and a few others are essentially border plants, where, when doing well and in full flower, they form a feature of no mean beauty. H. lætiflorus, H. orgyalis, H. lævigatus, and H. divaricatus would make charming species in the whole genus as a background to mixed borders or as a feature in open shrubberies. It forms large, bushy, well-balanced plants 4 to 6 ft. in height, with strong, much- branched stems, rough on the upper half and usually quite smooth on the lower. The leaves are broadly oval, pointed and thin in texture ; flowers 2 to 3 in. in diameter, of a rich sulphur-yellow, pro- duced in great abundance, and very showy. It is found plentifully on the banks of streams in Canada and Georgia. H. GIGANTEUS is a very tall, elegant plant. The stems often exceed 10to 12 ft. HELIANTHUS THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HELIANTHUS. 511 high, the leaves narrow, tapering to both ends ; the flowers deep yellow, 2 to 3 in. in diameter. It is one of the latest to flower, and has been found variable under cultivation, giving rise to several garden names. Moist ground, Canada and Louisiana. H. LÆTIFLORUS is a handsome species, very little known in gardens, although the name was freely used for forms of H. rigidus. It is, as a rule, rather later in flowering than the H. rigidus forms, and unfortunately in cold wet seasons or early winters does not bear good flowers. It is a much taller and stronger plant than H. rigidus, the flowers, 4 to 5 in. across, of a bright yellow with yellow disc. The leaves are thin, entire, or coarsely toothed, and the bracts of the involucre always acute, a very distinctive character in this genus. The roots are somewhat similar to those of H. rigidus, perhaps larger, and they certainly travel further. It is a native of prairies and barrens, Illinois, Wisconsin. H. MULTIFLORUS. -The late Dr. Asa Gray always considered this plant a garden variety ofH. decapetalus. There is strong evidence, however, of its being a hybrid, the parents of which it would be difficult now to ascertain with accuracy. It is so very distinct from all the other species so well known in gardens under its present name, and such a good all- round plant, that it well deserves specific rank. It rarely exceeds 3 to 5 ft. in height, producing numerous large fine rich yellow flowers, remaining a considerable time in good form. The var. maximus has larger flowers with more pointed rays, and the varieties plenus and Soleil d'Or are both very desirable double- flowered forms. All the varieties of H. multiflorus should find a place in collections however small. H. ORGYALIS, though a small- flowered plant, is yet one of the best of the genus for the picturesque garden in southern counties. It is one of the late- flowering species, and is often damaged by early frosts. It grows from 6 to 10 ft. high, having numerous linear leaves and bunches of deep golden yellow flowers. It should be grown in sheltered spots, otherwise it requires a great deal of staking. It is a native of dry plains of Nebraska and Texas. H. RIGIDUS. This distinct, though variable species is perhaps the best known of all the perennial Sunflowers. It is still found labelled Harpalium rigidum in some gardens, and is often confounded with H. missuricus and H. atro- rubens, the latter of which, so far as I know, is not now in cultivation. Typical H. rigidus is figured in the Botanical Register, t. 508, and Botanical Magazine, t. 2668, as H. atro- rubens. H. rigidus grows from 4 to 5 ft. in height, with a rough hispid stem, the upper leaves always alternate, dis- tinctly three- nerved and veined. The lower ones are opposite, broader, thinner, often serrated, and rarely pointed . All the leaves narrow to a winged petiole, and are easily distinguished from those of any other species. The flowers, bright yellow and very showy, are produced very freely. It is a native of the plains and prairies of Georgia and Texas. The varieties ofthis species, most of which have undoubtedly originated in gardens, are superior to the type as garden plants. H. grandiflorus, semi- plenus, elegans, and æstivus are all worth a place in the flower border. All should, however, be grouped by themselves, as they form underground tubers, which spread a con- siderable distance from the parent plant in the course of a year. Some of these varieties have been tried at Kewand elsewhere grouped singly in beds, and are always much admired in the autumn months when the members of this genus are so much in evidence. -D. D. ANNUAL SUNFLOWERS. -All the larger kinds are noble plants, requiring plenty of space, a sheltered position, and a good background. They are all easily raised from seed, which may be sown in pans in early March or in the open air in April where they are intended to flower, and thinned out to from a foot to a yard apart according to the vigour of the plant. The regulation row of Sunflowers along a choice mixed border often ruins its effect, but there are various ways of arranging the annual Sunflowers with excellent effect -among large beds of fine-leaved plants being one of them. H. ANNUUS (Common Sunflower).— Although often regarded only as a cottagers' flower, the annual Sunflower is one of the noblest plants we have, and one of the most effective for various positions. In order to dispense with support, it should be planted in a sheltered place, as among tall shrubs. Here it assumes a dense branching tree - like habit, and often produces flowers each over a foot in diameter. It requires a strong rich soil, to which may be added a quantity of old cow manure just before planting. There are many varieties in gardens, the most notable being one called californicus, a more robust and darker- flowered form. Macrocarpus, lenticularis, and ovatus, are synonyms or slight varieties of the culti- 512 HELIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HELICHRYSUM. vated annual Sunflower ; sulphureus, multiflorus, globosus, grandiflorus, and fistulosus are garden variations. The sulphur-coloured variety is charming, and less strong in growth than the richer yellow forms. North America. H. argo- phyllus, little more than a variety of H. annuus, is a charming plant from Texas, for the back of mixed borders, open borders, and in thin shrubberies. The whole plant is white, being covered with soft and silky wool, the flowers large with off with the almost black disc. Sandy soil in woods from Texas westwards. H. EXILIS. -A very slender species, rarely more than a couple of feet in height, with lance-shaped leaves and yellow flowers about 2 in. in diameter. N. California. H. PETIOLARIS. -A fine kind rarely seen in gardens, though from its neat habit and profusion of flowers it should be a welcome addition to the mixed border. It grows about a yard high, Sunflowers in vases. very broad ray florets. H. Dammanni and H. D. var. sulphureus are said to be garden hybrids between H. argophyllus and H. annuus. H. cucumerifolius, the miniature Sunflower, is a good annual, growing from 2 to 3 ft. high, usually with purple mottling on the stems, the leaves thin, and bright apple-green. The stems are much branched, and when allowed plenty of room the plants form perfect symmetrical specimens. The flowers are yellow, about 3 in. in diameter, nicely set. loosely branched, the stem as well as the leaves being covered with stiff hairs ; flowers yellow, 3 to 4 in. in diameter. The variety canescens is covered with white pubescence. Texas. H. SCABERRIMUS. -A very distinct plant with large deep yellow flowers, stout branching stems, and broad, oval, coarsely-toothed leaves. California. -D. Helichrysum (Everlasting Flower).- Composites, mostly natives of the Cape of Good Hope, of which a few are culivated. HELIOPHILA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HELLEBORUS. 513 The most important garden plants are H. macranthum and H. bracteatum. They are generally treated as annuals, and, unless exceptionally well managed by being sown early under glass, they commence flowering so late that the best period for laying on the brightest colours is lost, and early frosts find them just approaching their best. They are particularly suited for background plants on dry borders. If they are sown in pans or boxes where they can be slightly protected during winter, and are planted out early in April, they have a chance of producing a good crop of flowers for drying. The colours vary from deep crimson to yellow and white. The hardy perennials are not important, and seldom succeed. orientale, which furnishes the Immortelle of the French, flowers poorly except in very hot seasons. None ofthe other hardy kinds are worth growing, except perhaps H. arenarium, which has bright goldenyellow flowers. H. Heliophila. Small and charming Cruciferous annuals. H. araboides is a pretty blue annual, of which occasional use might be made, being dwarf, and free in growth and flower. Another kind is H. pilosa. Heliopsis.--Stout yellow Composites not of essential value considering the good plants ofthe same order now in cultivation. There are several kinds. Heliotrope, Winter ( Tussilago). Heliotropium (Cherry Pie).-A great favourite for flower gardens on account of its delicate fragrance. For the flower garden spring- struck plants are the best. It is a good plan to lift a few plants from the beds in September, winter them in a warm greenhouse, and in spring to put them in a warm place, where they will soon produce plenty of cuttings. These cuttings may be struck on slight heat like Verbenas, potted on, made to grow rapidly, so as to be fit to plant out at the end of May when danger of frost is past. Heliotropes may be raised from seed and flowered the same year-in fact, treated as annuals. Sown early-in February or the beginning of March-they become sturdy little plants before planting time. When bedded out they should be placed in good dry soil. The following are good varieties, and new varieties are raised from time to time : Anna Turrell, General Garfield, Roi des Noirs, Triomphe de Liège, and the old H. peruvianum, which many like from its associations if for no other reason. Heliotropes, though quiet in colour, are charming flower- garden plants, either when grown for their own sakes as simple masses or when associated with tall plants which grow above them, Helipterum Sanfordi. -A dwarf, branched, pretty yellow half-hardy annual Composite, but the short life of the springraised everlasting annuals leads to a poor result in our climate. Helleborus (Christmas Rose).- One of the most valuable classes of hardy perennials we have, as they flower in the open Heliotrope. air when there is little else in bloom. They appear in succession from October till April, beginning with the Christmas Rose ( H. niger), and ending with the handsome crimson kinds. The old white Christmas Rose is well known and much admired, but the handsome kinds with coloured flowers have, hitherto, not been much known. Recently too there have appeared some really beautiful hybrids, which add a great deal of beauty to our winter and spring garden, for their flowers withstand the winter, and their verdure and the vigorous growth of their leaves distinguish them throughout the year. The Hellebores, besides being excellent border flowers, are suited for naturalising. There are a few kinds-those with inconspicuous flowers, but handsome foliagewhose only place is the wild garden, such L L 514 HELLEBORUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HELLEBORUS. as the native H. foetidus, H. lividus, viridus, and H. Bocconi, which have elegant foliage when well developed in a shady place in rich soil, like that usually found in woods. The Hellebores may be classed in three groups, according to the colour of the flowers-those with white flowers, those with red, and those with green, which last will get little place in the singly on stems 6 in. long, are about 3 in. across, and vary from a waxy-white to a delicate blush tint. The variety minor is smaller in every part, and is also known as H. angustifolius. H. altifolius, though sometimes considered a variety of H. niger, is a distinct kind, and much larger than H. niger. It has leaf-stalks over I ft. long, and blossoms 3 to 5 in. across which Christmas Rose. garden. The white- flowered group is the most important, as it contains the beautiful old Christmas Rose. H. niger is a well-known kind, scarcely needing description. It may be recognised at once by its pale green smooth leathery leaves, divided into seven or nine seg- ments, 3 to 6 in. long and 1 to 2 in. broad. The flowers, which are usually borne are borne on branching stems, each stem bearing from two to seven flowers, which have a stronger tendency to assume a rosy hue than the ordinary kind. Another characteristic is that the leaf and flower stems are beautifully mottled with purple and green, while in H. niger they are of a pale green. H. altifolius also flowers much earlier-in some seasons in the HELLEBORUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HELLEBORUS. 515 beginning of October. It has been known a long time under the names of H. niger var. major, maximus, giganteus, and grandiflorus. Other white kinds are H. olympicus-a tall slender species with cup- shaped blossoms that appear in early spring and vary from pure white to greenish- white. H. guttatus is like it, but has the inside of the blossoms spotted with purple. There are several forms ; in some the markings assume the form of small dots, in others of thin streaks. It is one of the parents ofthe many beautiful hybrids. obtained by crossing it with H. guttatus, the result being a form with large spread- ing flowers lighter than in H. colchicus, and profusely marked with dark carmine streaks. Another hybrid between this and H. altifolius resulted in a form with larger flowers of a lighter purple. H. atro- rubens has leaves much thinner and flowers much smaller than H. colchicus, the latter dull purple on the outside and greenish-purple within. It is a native of Hungary, and is common in gardens, but is often confused with H. abchasicus, a taller and more slender plant, the flowerHelleborus orientalis. The finest of the red or crimson kinds is H. colchicus, which is larger than any other, and may be readily recognised by thick dark green leaves, with five to seven broad and coarsely-toothed divisions, the veins of which are raised on the under sides, and are ofa dark purple when young. The blossoms, borne on forked stems rising considerably above the foliage, are dark purple. Under good cultivation the leaves attain the length of 1 and 2 ft. , forming fine specimens, and flowers are produced from the end of January to the end of March. A fine hybrid has been stems of which are longer, and the blossoms nodding and smaller. H. abchasicus is much superior to atro-rubens, the colour of the blossoms-a deep ruby- crimsonmaking them very attractive. Other fine varieties of the red-flowered group are Gretchen Heinemann, James Atkins, and Apotheker Bogren, all worthy of culture. Other reddish kinds, such as H. purpurascens and H. cupreus, are not worth growing. All the kinds will thrive in ordinary garden soil, but for the choicer kinds a prepared soil is preferable. This should LL 2 516 HELLEBORUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HEMEROCALLIS. consist of equal parts of good fibry loam and well-decomposed manure, half fibry peat and half coarse sand. Thorough drainage should always be given, as stagnant moisture is very injurious. A moist and sheltered situation, where they will obtain partial shade, such as the margins of shrubberies, is best, but care should be taken to keep the roots of shrubs from exhausting the border. In the flowering season a thin mulching of moss or similar material should be placed on Yellow Day Lily (Hemerocallis flava). the soil round the plants, as this prevents the blossoms from being spattered by heavy rains, etc. Any one beginning to grow these useful plants should give the soil a good preparation. If well trenched and manured, they will not require replanting for at least seven years ; but a top-dressing of well-decayed manure and a little liquid manure might be given during the growing season when the plants are making their foliage, as upon the size and substance of the leaves will 3 depend the size of the flowers. The common white Christmas Rose is a favourite pot- plant, and if required for pot- ting its foliage should be protected from injury ; when the blooming season is over it should be protected by a frame until genial weather permits it to be plunged in the open air. Hardy subjects like the Christmas Rose frequently suffer when removed from under glass, for although hardy enough to withstand our severest winters when continuously exposed, their growth, when made under more excit- ing circumstances, will not withstand sudden variations of temperature. For this reason it is advisable to keep them in as cool a position as possible when in flower, so that the growth of young foliage may not be excited before its natural season. Propagation may be effected by division or by seeds, which, in favourable seasons, are plentiful ; as soon as thoroughly ripened they should be sown in pans under glass, for they soon lose their vitality. As soon as the seedlings are large enough they should be pricked off thickly into a shady border, in a light rich soil ; the second year they should be transplanted to their per- manent place, and in the third season most of them will bloom. In division the clumps must be well-established, with root- stocks large enough to cut up. The divided plants, if placed in a bed of good light soil, and undisturbed, will be good flowering plants in a couple of years, but four years are required to bring a Christmas Rose to perfection. By July the Hellebore is in its strongest vigour, and lifting and dividing the plants should then be carried out. Helonias bullata. -A distinct and handsome bog perennial, 12 to 16 in. high, having handsome purplish- rose flowers in an oval spike. It is suitable for the bog-garden or for moist ground near a rivulet. In fine sandy and very moist soil it thrives as a border plant. N. America. Syn. , H. latifolia. Hemerocallis (Day Lily).-The Day Lilies, though not numbering many dis- tinct species, are varied both in habit and flower, and are very useful in the mixed border and in groups by the water- side. Few plants surpass a strong well- flowered clump of Hemerocallis fulva, as we have seen it mixed with a group of male Fern near a brook. The leaves of this Day Lily were overhanging the banks of the stream, intermingled with the Fern fronds,while the flower-heads, tall and straight, HEMEROCALLIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HEMEROCALLIS. 517 were towering upwards. If the ground is well broken up and some lasting manure supplied at planting time, they may be left undisturbed for years. The forms of H. disticha, both single and double, are also useful for clumps by water, or inter- mixed with other robust or bold- foliaged plants ; indeed, there seems no reason why all the Day Lilies could not be treated in this picturesque way, the trouble entailed being small, and that chiefly at planting time only. For cut- ting, H. flava, minor, and Dumortieri are useful, the flowers lasting a few days and we have never known it fail to bear freely its charming and fragrant flowers. The blooms are short- lived, but the reserves are so numerous as to keep up the succession for a long time. This Day Lily dwindles in vigour of the plants and size of the flowers if allowed to remain too long in one place. If the plants are examined, the centres will be found to be matted together, the stronger shoots appearing on the outside. If the whole plant is divided and replanted it will amply repay the trouble by increased vigour and flowers. It is closely allied Hemerocallis fulva (Day Lily). the buds opening well in water. The fragrance of these flowers is delightful, they are readily increased by division, and grow with such rapidity that in the course of a few years they may be in- creased to almost any extent. The following are the species as they are now recognised, with the principal varieties :- H. DUMORTIERI (Dumortier's Day Lily). This valuable kind is the first to flower of all the Day Lilies. Coming as it does from Japan and W. Siberia, it proves hardy in the open air. It does not require protection during winter, and to H. minor, also known as H. graminea, but it is a much stronger plant, however, with leaves twice as broad, the flowerstems short, and the divisions of the perianth divided almost or entirely to their base. The leaves are about five or six to a growth, about 18 in. long and half an inch broad, bright green above and pale but not glaucous on the under surface ; flower - stem 1 to 2 ft. in height, bearing a corymb of large orange- yellow flowers. H. rutilans and Sieboldi of gardens belong to the same species. H. FLAVA (the yellow Day Lily) .- Few 518 HEMEROCALLIS . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . HESPERIS . plants can be grown with so little trouble in the border, and give such a valuable return as this one. The flowers large and in such quantities, emitting such an agreeable fragrance, as to earn the name of yellow Tuberose. The length of time the flowers last enhances its value as a border plant. It is hardy, and though not so robust in habit as H. fulva, it increases rapidly, and where the soil is good might be naturalised. On banks the beautiful light green curving leaves hang gracefully, surmounted by bunches of large yellow heads of flower in June and July. Europe and N. Asia. H. Thunbergi and japonica are forms of this species. H. FULVA (Copper- coloured Day Lily) is a much larger plant than H. flava, and more suitable for extensive planting in semi-wild or rough parts of the garden. It is variable under cultivation , and the numerous forms now grown, many with- out names, are all worthy of attention. H. disticha is a well-known garden variety of this species, notable for the fan- like form of its growths. The flower- stem is forked near the summit, and carries two or three heads of flowers, six to eight blooms on each, of a brown- orange colour. There is also a double- flowered variety of this. H. Kwanso is a variety with variegated or striated leaves. It is a handsome plant for edgings or for the rock-garden. Of this there is also a double-flowered form. H. f. var. angustifolia, narrowleaved ; longituba, crocea, natives of China, flowering in July and August, belong to this section. H. MIDDENDORFIANA is from Amurland, in appearance resembling H. Dumortieri ; the leaves are, however, broader, the flowers about the same size, closer, and paler in colour, and with a distinct cylindrical tube half an inch or so long. It is of easy cultivation, and the gracefully - curving bright green leaves and pretty delicate flowers give it a unique place even among its fellows. H. MINOR, also known in many gardens under the highly characteristic name of H. graminea, from its Grass-like foliage, wasformerly classed by the older botanists as a variety of H. flava, though now considered distinct. It is the smallest, though not the least showy, and, like flava, sweetly scented, the flowers lasting two or three days. It makes a handsome plant for a rocky bank, and even when flowers are absent the pretty Grass- like leaves are welcome. It flowers during June and July. It is also known under the names graminifolia and pumila. Siberia. -D. Hemiphragma heterophylla. -A dwarf trailer of the Figwort family, with slender creeping stems of inconspicuous flowers, succeeded by bright red berries about the size of small Peas. It is rather tender, and requires a sheltered and welldrained spot in the rock-garden. Hima- layas. Hemp (Cannabis). Hemp Agrimony ( Eupatorium canna- binum). Hepatica (Anemone). Heracleum ( Giant Parsnip).—Umbelliferous perennials, mostly of gigantic growth, having huge spreading leaves and tall flower- stems, with umbelled clusters of small white flowers 1 ft. or more across. Though well -developed plants of the large kinds have a fine effect when isolated in a position not too obstructive, they are generally suitable only for the rougher parts of pleasure- grounds, the banks of rivers or lakes, and other places where they can grow freely and well, and can show their stately growth to advantage. The finest are H. giganteum, lanatum, sibiricum, eminens, Wilhelmsi, and pubescens, all of which, when in flower, are 5 to 10 ft. high. All are increased by seed, plentifully produced. A plant, group, or colony, on an island or rough spot, is effective, but quite enough. If allowed to seed and increase, the Giant Cow Parsnip becomes a nuisance. Herb Christopher (Actœa). Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia). Herniaria. -Dwarf perennial trailers, forming a dense turfy mass, green through- out the year. There are two or three species, but the most important is H. glabra, which has been largely used as a carpeting plant on account of its dwarf compact growth. It rarely requires clipping, and is always a deep green, even in a hot and dry season. Hesperaloe yuccafolia. A North American Liliaceous plant with Yuccalike leaves, and a flower- spike upwards of 4 ft. in height, furnished thickly on the upper half with orange-red flowers nearly I in. in length. Its hardiness has not been tested, but little is known of its requirements under cultivation. Hesperis matronalis (Rocket). - A popular old garden plant, and among the most desirable of hardy flowers. It bears showy, varied, and fragrant flower- spikes. The original single- flowered kind grows I to 3 ft. high, and has pinkish flowers, but the double kinds are much more valued. There are two distinct forms of the double white Rocket, as well as of the HESPERIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HEUCHERA. 519 One If double purple Rocket in cultivation. is a tall white, turning to a pale flesh colour with age ; the other is the old white variety, of dwarfer growth, with smaller and more compact flowers. It is met with in the north, but is little known in the south, where it does not flourish so well as the common variety. There is the old purple double Rocket and a free- growing dwarf form known as Compactness, which has also larger and darker flowers. Rockets require care in cultivating, and will soon be lost if left to themselves. They should be divided at least every second year and transplanted, for theyseem to tire of the soil and to require more change than most perennials. the young shoots are formed into cuttings when they are about 3 in. long, they strike very freely in the open ground, and the spikes of bloom on the remaining stems are all the finer when some of the others have been removed. When shaded from the sun for about three weeks with a few Laurel branches, the cuttings do better than when covered with a pot or box, as has been advised. They like a rich soil, rather moist, and are all the better for repeated applications of liquid manure if the soil is not as deep and good as it should be. Double Rockets really belong to the garden plants requiring annual attention, and they therefore cannot well be used as true perennials. It is always worth while having a bed of them in the reserve garden in case the plants should be lost or neglected in the borders. We have seen them best grown where there was a yearly transfer of plants from the reserve garden to the mixed border, and the groups look very well. The single Rocket is easily naturalised, and is a showy plant in woods or shrubberies. H. tristis (Night-scented Stock) .- A quaint plant with dull- coloured flowers, sweet -scented at night. It is rather tender, and requires a light warm soil and a sheltered position. Hesperochiron pumilus. A pretty Californian dwarf rock- plant. It is stem- less, with leaves on slender stalks, in a rosulate tuft. The bell- shaped flowers, in. across, are of white, varying to a purplish tinge. It grows in marshy ground, and in damp places in the Rocky Mountains and Northern Utah, and is apparently quite hardy, as it thrives in ordinary soil in well-drained parts of the rock-garden. H. californicus is a species of somewhat the same type. Hesperocordon lacteum. -A Californian bulb, now placed with the Brodiæas. H. lilacinum is a variety. Heuchera (Alum Root).—At first sight obscure if interesting plants, I have found them excellent in effect of new and good colours, when grouped. Some are precious in winter from the pretty claret colour showing well throughout that season. Some are excellent as leaves for cutting to go with cut flowers or fruit instead of vine leaves. I tried them in large groups among shrubs at Gravetye, and found them very useful for covering the ground between newly- set shrubs : quite hardy and of the simplest culture. The Heucheras are nearly all natives of a climate as cold as our own, and therefore they are better able to withstand our worst winters. The more common kinds, such as H. americana and H. Richardsoni, may be used with effect for massing in the wild garden, and for edging evergreen shrubberies few plants will be found more suitable. For the rougher part of rock-gardens, too, they are useful, and grow well in ordinary soil. H. AMERICANA. This is the most common kind. It is very useful for massing under trees or in shady places, to which indeed it may be said to be partial. The leaves are seven-lobed, of a beautiful green colour, which gets deeper towards the winter season. The flower-stems are generally about I ft. high, dividing to- wards the top into loose panicles, on which are borne the dull purplish flowers. June and July. H. MICRANTHA has much the same habit as the above. It is pretty generally distributed under the name of rubescens, from which, however, it is different. It grows from 1 to 2 ft. in height, and the flowers, which are borne in loose panicles and of a bright purplish colour, though small, are numerous and attractive ; the leaves are round, and from 2 to 4 in. in diameter. N. California. H. RICHARDSONI. -As a fine -leaved plant this claims a first place, and on that account it has lately become popular under the name of Satin- leaf. It is a handsome plant for any open place, where it forms graceful masses that are as pretty in winter as in summer. It grows from I ft. to 18 in. high, and the flowers, which are borne in loose panicles and of a pale brownish colour, are large and hairy on both sides. N. America, flowering in June and July. H. MENZIESI. —This is a distinct plant, and a companion for H. americana, being easily distinguished from the others, in- asmuch as it has leafy stems. It grows about 2 ft. high ; leaves large, and deeply serrated ; and the flowers, which are 520 HEUCHERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HIBISCUS. without petals, are curious. It comes from the north-west coast of America, and flowers in July. A variety of it, nearly quite devoid of hairs, is also in cultivation. H. PUBESCENS. -This is a prettyspecies, being covered all over with a soft powdery down ; the flowers, in clustered panicles, are large and of a pale red colour, intermixed with a yellowish tint. of a light green colour and slightly hairy. The anthers are darker than the flowers, which enhances their beauty. It is a native of the Porphey Mountains of Llanos, and flowers in July and August. Division. The only others worth mentioning are H. glabra and longipetala, the latter with white flowers. -D. K. Hibiscus (Rose Mallow).-Shrubby and Venice Mallow (Hibiscus Trionum). It grows about I ft. in height, and flowers from May to July. H. SANGUINEA is perhaps the most beautiful of all. It grows in the ordinary border, without special care. When seen in masses it has a charming effect, having a neat bushy habit, numerous loose and graceful flower - spikes about I ft. in height, and covered with red blossoms. The leaves circular, five to seven- lobed, herbaceous perennials and annuals. They are numerous in hothouses, but few are suited for the flower- garden. The splendid hardy Rose Mallows of the woods and swamps of N. America will live with us, but our climate is not warm enough for them, though it would be well to try tufts of them in warm sunny places in the southern parts of England, in deep, moist soil. They have splendid crimson or rosy HIBISCUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HIERACIUM. 521 flowers, as large as saucers, and are from 4 to 7 ft. high. The finest are H. Moscheutos, H. palustris, H. grandiflorus, and H. coccineus. They seldom bloom in the open air in England, as they flower late in the season. There are two or three annual kinds, the finest being H. Manihot, which forms handsome pyramids 4 to 6 ft. high, the flowers being 3 or 4 in. across, and pale yellow with a dark centre. H. Manihot should be treated as a half-hardy annual, sown in heat in February, and in May planted out in good deep soil. H. africanus is a hardy annual with showy pale yellow flowers that only open in fine weather. In light soil it usually sows itself. H. Trionum appears to be extremely variable, and has long been cultivated in gardens. It is widely scattered over all the warm regions of the Old World, and is usually described as a common sub-tropical weed, found plentifully in cultivated fields in Afghanistan. It is found in several places in China, and is a very common weed in waste garden ground and rich damp soil throughout the Cape Colony, and has given rise to almost innumerable varieties, a few of which are so distinct as to have at one time been considered species. The great objection to the type is the short- lived flowers, which Gerard says open at eight in the morning and close at nine, and which supposed fact gave rise to the curious appellations, " Flower of an hour," "Good night at noon," or " Good night at nine. " In a fine form, figured in The Garden, this objection is quite done away with, the flowers opening in the morning, and, on bright days, remaining so until late in the afternoon. Individual flowers do not last very long, but there is a succession on a well-grown plant, and these are large and beautiful. It is quite as hardy as the one usually grown, seeds as freely, and much more striking, especially in bold clumps. Simply scatter the seeds in the open on the spots where they are intended to grow, thinning, where too close together, to 6 in. or I ft. apart, and leaving the sun, etc., to do the rest. It will even sow itself, the seeds coming up in plenty the following spring if the winter has not been too severe, but sowings should be made at different times to ensure bloom all through the summer and autumn. H. Syriacus (Syrian Mallow, Rose of Sharon).—A beautiful shrub, bearing large showy blossoms in late summer and in autumn, when shrubberies would otherwise be flowerless. It is a very old favourite, and in strong moist soils it rises 6 and even 10 ft. high, and as much through. It is a miserable shrub on poor dry soils, but attains perfection in deep ground fairly rich and always moist. The typical form has bluish- purple flowers with crimson centres, but now there are forms representing every tint from pure white (totus albus) to crimson and purple, while the blooms of one sort (Celeste ) are almost pure blue. There are also double flowers of varied colours. The best kinds, single and double, are Totus albus, Celeste, Violet Clair, Leopoldi, bicolor, roseus plenus, Pompon Rouge, carneoplenus, Duc de Brabant, albus plenus, puniceus plenus, and anemonæflorus. A few bushes nicely grouped on a lawn with one or two taller trees or shrubs make a pretty feature, and under the partial shade of trees the effect of the flowering bushes is more striking in autumn. The old name for this shrub is Althæa frutex, by which it is now also known. Hieracium (Hawkweed).- A very extensive genus of Composites, consisting chiefly of perennial herbs with yellow flowers. The best for the garden is H. aurantiacum, which is distinct among plants of a similar character on account of its deep orange-red colour. It is a vigorous grower, I or 1 ft. high, and soon forms a spreading mass. W. Europe. Some ofthe yellow alpine and other kinds are valuable in botanical collections, and some of them are beautiful, but the prevalence of yellow flowers ofthe same order makes them less important. H. aurantiacum ( Orange Hawkweed). -The flowers are of a deep orange- red, a distinct shade of colour among herbaceous perennials. The plant is of extremely easy culture, and will when once planted take care of itself, spreading freely, and quickly forming dense patches of its hairy leaves. It usually grows from 1 to 2 ft. high under cultivation, and when seen in a large group flowering in full sun is very effective. The flowers are produced in a corymb from eight to ten, the plant keeping up a continuous display for weeks in succession. It is well adapted for naturalising and for high and dry chinks in the rock-garden. When once established in any garden there is little fear of losing it, as it seeds and spreads freely. It is a native from Scandinavia to the Pyrenees, and to some extent naturalised in Scotland and the north of England. H. Pilosella (Mouse-ear Hawkweed). -In this the flower-heads are pale yellow or lemon-coloured, frequently tinged and sometimes striped with either red or 520 HEUCHERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HIBISCUS. without petals, are curious. It comes from the north-west coast of America, and flowers in July. A variety of it, nearly quite devoid of hairs, is also in cultivation. H. PUBESCENS. -This is a pretty species, being covered all over with a soft powdery down ; the flowers, in clustered panicles, are large and of a pale red colour, intermixed with a yellowish tint. of a light green colour and slightly hairy. The anthers are darker than the flowers, which enhances their beauty. It is a native of the Porphey Mountains of Llanos, and flowers in July and August. Division. The only others worth mentioning are H. glabra and longipetala, the latter with white flowers. -D. K. Hibiscus (Rose Mallow).- Shrubby and Venice Mallow (Hibiscus Trionum). It grows about I ft. in height, and flowers from May to July. H. SANGUINEA is perhaps the most beautiful of all. It grows in the ordinary border, without special care. When seen in masses it has a charming effect, having a neat bushy habit, numerous loose and graceful flower - spikes about I ft. in height, and covered with red blossoms. The leaves circular, five to seven-lobed, herbaceous perennials and annuals. They are numerous in hothouses, but few are suited for the flower-garden. The splendid hardy Rose Mallows of the woods and swamps of N. America will live with us, but our climate is not warm enough for them, though it would be well to try tufts of them in warm sunny places in the southern parts of England, in deep, moist soil. They have splendid crimson or rosy HIBISCUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HIERACIUM. 521 flowers, as large as saucers, and are from 4 to 7 ft. high. The finest are H. Moscheutos, H. palustris, H. grandiflorus, and H. coccineus. They seldom bloom in the open air in England, as they flower late in the season. There are two or three annual kinds, the finest being H. Manihot, which forms handsome pyramids 4 to 6 ft. high, the flowers being 3 or 4 in. across, and pale yellow with a dark centre. H. Manihot should be treated as a half-hardy annual, sown in heat in February, and in May planted out in good deep soil. H. africanus is a hardy annual with showy pale yellow flowers that only open in fine weather. In light soil it usually sows itself. H. Trionum appears to be extremely variable, and has long been cultivated in gardens. It is widely scattered over all the warm regions of the Old World, and is usually described as a common sub-tropical weed, found plentifully in cultivated fields in Afghanistan. It is found in several places in China, and is a very common weed in waste garden ground and rich damp soil throughout the Cape Colony, and has given rise to almost innumerable varieties, a few of which are so distinct as to have at one time been considered species. The great objection to the type is the short-lived flowers, which Gerard says open at eight in the morning and close at nine, and which supposed fact gave rise to the curious appellations, " Flower of an hour," "Good night at noon," or Good night at nine. " In a fine form, figured in The Garden, this objection is quite done away with, the flowers opening in the morning, and, on bright days, remaining so until late in the afternoon. Individual flowers do not last very long, but there is a succession on a well-grown plant, and these are large and beautiful. It is quite as hardy as the one usually grown, seeds as freely, and much more striking, especially in bold clumps. Simply scatter the seeds in the open on the spots where they are intended to grow, thinning, where too close together, to 6 in. or 1 ft. apart, and leaving the sun, etc., to do the rest. It will even sow itself, the seeds coming up in plenty the following spring if the winter has not been too severe, but sowings should be made at different times to ensure bloom all through the summer and autumn. H. Syriacus ( Syrian Mallow, Rose of Sharon). Abeautiful shrub, bearing large showy blossoms in late summer and in autumn, when shrubberies would otherwise be flowerless. It is a very old favourite, and in strong moist soils it rises 6 and even 10 ft. high, and as much through. It is a miserable shrub on poor dry soils, but attains perfection in deep ground fairly rich and always moist. The typical form has bluish-purple flowers with crimson centres, but now there are forms representing every tint from pure white (totus albus) to crimson and purple, while the blooms of one sort ( Celeste ) are almost pure blue. There are also double flowers of varied colours. The best kinds, single and double, are Totus albus, Celeste, Violet Clair, Leopoldi, bicolor, roseus plenus, Pompon Rouge, carneoplenus, Duc de Brabant, albus plenus, puniceus plenus, and anemonæflorus. A few bushes nicely grouped on a lawn with one or two taller trees or shrubs make a pretty feature, and under the partial shade of trees the effect of the flowering bushes is more striking in autumn. The old name for this shrub is Althæa frutex, by which it is now also known. Hieracium (Hawkweed).—A very extensive genus of Composites, consisting chiefly of perennial herbs with yellow flowers. The best for the garden is H. aurantiacum, which is distinct among plants of a similar character on account of its deep orange-red colour. It is a vigorous grower, I or 1 ft . high, and soon forms a spreading mass. W. Europe. Some of the yellow alpine and other kinds are valuable in botanical collections, and some of them are beautiful, but the prevalence of yellow flowers ofthe same order makes them less important. H. aurantiacum ( Orange Hawkweed). -The flowers are of a deep orange-red, a distinct shade of colour among herbaceous perennials. The plant is of extremely easy culture, and will when once planted take care of itself, spreading freely, and quickly forming dense patches of its hairy leaves. It usually grows from 1 to 2 ft. high under cultivation, and when seen in a large group flowering in full sun is very effective. The flowers are produced in a corymb from eight to ten, the plant keeping up a continuous display for weeks in succession. It is well adapted for naturalising and for high and dry chinks in the rock-garden. When once established in any garden there is little fear of losing it, as it seeds and spreads freely. It is a native from Scandinavia to the Pyrenees, and to some extent naturalised in Scotland and the north of England. H. Pilosella (Mouse-ear Hawkweed). -In this the flower- heads are pale yellow or lemon-coloured, frequently tinged and sometimes striped with either red or 522 HIERACIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN HOUSE LEEK. purple on the outside. The leaves are entire, oblong, or lanceolate, sometimes stalked, and densely clothed with cottony down beneath. This is well suited for walls and old ruins. Abundant through North and West Asia, and in the British Isles. In H. villosum ( Shaggy Alpine Hawk- weed). This plant appears to be the largest, and certainly the showiest, ofthe yellow-flowered members of this genus. The flowers are large, fully 2 in. across, and of a bright golden-yellow hue. the specimens I have seen the plants were less than 1 ft. high. Withering, however, in his British Botany, vol. iii. , refers thus to this species : " Root- leaves variable in size, the smaller ones on very long leaf- stalks, stem-leaves heart- shaped. The whole plant woolly, and when cultivated rising to the height of 4 ft." The abundant, long, shaggy hairs which cover the plant, and the large, handsome blossoms with which the stems terminate, render this one of the most worthy and distinct of this genus. It is apparently a true mountaineer, having been found among wet rocks on Ben Nevis, in Scotland. The plant is by no means common under cultivation in English gardens, though the reason is not clear, seeing it is readily obtainable from seed.-E. J. Hippocrepis comosa (Horse-shoe Vetch). -Asmall prostrate British evergreen herb about 6 in. high. Its yellow flowers, of which 5 to 8 are borne together in a crown, resemble those of the Common Bird's- foot Trefoil, but are paler and rather smaller. It grows freely in any exposed part of the rock-garden and borders, in any soil. Seed and division. Hippuris (Mare's-tail). · A British water-weed, worth growing with the Equisetums and the like by ponds where the growth near is not too rank. Holbollia latifolia. A beautiful evergreen climbing shrub from the Himalayas, hardy against walls in the southern and the warm districts. The foliage is thick with three or five leaflets of a deep shining green. The flowers are a deliciously fragrant dull purplish green, but it does not bloom so freely out of doors as in a cool conservatory. As it is of tall growth, it must be planted against a high wall, such as that of a house or stable. It is known also as Stauntonia latifolia. The variety angustifolia has smaller and more numerous leaflets. Holcus. -British Grasses, ofwhich one, H. mollis, affords a pretty variegated- leaved form for lines and edgings, retaining its markings very well. Holly (Ilex). Holly Fern (Aspidium Lonchitis). Hollyhock (Althœa). Honesty (Lunaria biennis). Honeysuckle (Lonicera). Honeysuckle, Bush (Weigela). Honeysuckle, French (Hedysarum). Honeywort (Cerinthe). Hoop Petticoat (Narcissus Bulbocodium). Hop (Humulus). Hordeum. Grasses, of which the Barley is the most familiar type, few of ornamental value except H. jubatum (Squirrel- tail Grass), which has long feathery spikes. It grows in any soil in open places, is easily raised as an annual, and is one of the most distinct dwarfer Grasses. Sow in autumn or spring. Horminum pyrenaicum. -A Pyrenean plant, forming dense tufts of foliage, and having spikes about 9 in. high of purplish- blue flowers, which appear in July or August. It is quite hardy and of easy culture, but is not of much character from a garden point of view, though botanically interesting. Labiatæ. Horned Poppy ( Glaucium luteum). Horsetail (Equisetum). Hoteia japonica. -A fine tufted herbaceous plant 1 ft. to 16 in. high, with silvery-white flowers early in summer in a panicled cluster. In a rich soil it is excellent for a shady border. Strong clumps planted in autumn will flower in the following spring. Where there are forced plants to spare they may be planted out when they have done blooming, but will not make much show in the following season. Much used indoors, is seldom good in the open garden, partly because it does badly in heavy and poor soils. Where it thrives and flowers well it would be a graceful aid in the varied flowergarden. Increased by division in autumn. Japan. Syns. , Spiræa japonica, Astilbe barbata. Hottonia palustris (Water Violet).- A pretty British water-plant, which, how- ever, thrives better on soft mud-banks than when submerged. The deep- cut leaves form a dwarf deep-green tuft over the mud, and from this tuft arise stems bearing at intervals whorls of handsome pale lilac or pink flowers. As water and bog may be associated with the rockgarden, this plant may with advantage be grown at its margin in the water or on a bank of wet soil. It grows from 9 in. to 2 ft. high, flowers in early summer, and is abundant in many parts of England. House Leek ( Sempervivum). HOUSTONIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HUNNEMANNIA. 523 Houstonia coerulea (Bluets).-A very pretty little American plant, forming small, dense cushion-like tufts, and from late spring to autumn bearing crowds of tiny slender stems, about 3 in. high. The flowers are pale blue, changing to white. There is also a white variety. It succeeds best in peaty or sandy soil, in sheltered shady nooks on well-drained parts of the Houstonia cœrulea. rock- garden. As it sometimes perishes in winter, it is advisable to keep reserve plants in pots. Propagated by careful division in spring, or by seed. H. serpyl- lifolia is not so good. Houttynia. Remarkable plants allied to Saururus, and the only hardy representatives of the natural order Piperaceæ. They are graceful as well as curious plants, and are suited for the bog-garden, where in a rich peaty soil they thrive. They are hardy in the south. H. CALIFORNICA. -This plant is also known in gardens as Anemiopsis cali- fornica ; it is now, however, placed under Houttynia. It was first found by Nuttall in Upper California, and later by Douglas, who sent specimens home. Itis perennial, on long stalks. The flower- stem very hairy, and bearing numerous small in- conspicuous flowers on oval cone. This is surrounded by six large bracts, the inner three spotted with red, the others white. It is a useful plant for the boggarden, easily managed, and flowers from June to August. H. CORDATA is a perennial, with a creeping root, the stems 1 to 2 ft . high, the bracts resembling a corolla, and formed of four large pure white spreading leaves from the base of the cone of flowers. Thunberg found this curious plant in Japan growing in great abund- ance in ditches by the wayside. It is also found in Nepaul and Cochin China, where Loureiro found it only growing in gardens. H. CHINENSIS, which was first named Gymnotheca chinensis by Decaisne, is a native of China, and appears to be a good plant, but we have not seen it in cultiva- tion.-D. Humea elegans. A very graceful half-hardy biennial, 3 to 8 ft. high, having large leaves with a strong balsamic odour, and forming, when in flower, an elegant feathery pyramid of reddish-brown blos- soms. It is highly ornamental as a back line to a long border, as a single specimen to let into the lawn, as the centre of a bed or vase, or in masses with other elegant foliage plants. Ex- cellent effects may be obtained by combining it in masses or groups with other good plants. For cutting, itslight feathery sprays are useful. The proper time to sow seed is July or August, as plants do not bloom the first year, and, if raised before those months, get too large to winter conveniently, often becoming leafless below, and the nakedness of stem detracts from their beauty. prevent this, they should be well fed during winter with weak liquid manure, and be shifted into larger pots early in spring. Rich soil should be used, as they can only be kept healthy by good feeding. When planting them out in beds, which may be done by the first week in June, put under each a spadeful of rotten manure and mix it up with the soil. As the plants, when large, hold a good deal of wind, they must be securely staked to prevent their being damaged. Compositæ. Australia. Το Humulus Lupulus (Common Hop).- This well-known vigorous twining perennial is admirable for bowers, especially when vegetation that disappears in winter is desired ; and is also valuable when allowed to run wild in almost any soil, among shrubs or hedgerows. A slender plant climbing up an Apple or other fruit tree, near the mixed border, looks well. Division. Hunnemannia fumariæfolia. - An erect perennial, 2 to 3 ft. high, with glau- 524 HUNTSMAN'S-HORN. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HYACINTHUS. cous foliage, like some of the Fumitories. Its flowers are large and showy, of a rich orange, and in form are like Eschscholtzia californica. They continue long in perfection. Being a native of Mexico, it is rather tender, and not satisfactory for open-air culture. Papaveraceæ. Huntsman's-horn ( Sarracenia). Hutchinsia alpina. -A neat little plant, with shining leaves and white flowers, in clusters about 1 in. high, which is quite free in sandy soil, and easily increased by division or seeds. In an open spot, either in the rock-garden or in good free border soil, it becomes a mass ofwhite flowers. Its proper home is the the forced bulbs of preceding years, but even these create a good display in suit- able positions. To have a fine bloom of Hyacinths in the open air, however, it is essential that the bulbs should be good and sound, and due regard paid to assort- ment of colour, as tints massed by them- selves are far more effective than a confusion of various colours. Nowthat bulbs may be obtained cheap there is no difficulty. The hyacinth will grow well in any good garden soil, but a light rich soil suits it best, and the bed should be effectually drained, for though the plant loves moisture, it cannot stand in a bog during the winter. It is advisable to Hyacinth. rock-garden, though in borders of dwarf and choice hardy plants it may be grown with success. Central and S. Europe. Cruciferæ. Hyacinth, Cape (Galtonia). "" "" 99 Feather (Muscari). Grape (Muscari). Musk (Muscari). Hyacinthus (Hyacinth).-The familiar garden Hyacinth is not generally included among hardy plants, though it is perfectly hardy, and, when treated as it should be, is most important. The parent of all the varieties is H. orientalis ; this is as hardy as a Daffodil, and its varieties are scarcely less hardy. Hyacinths in the open air are generally the refuse, as it were, of plant early and deep. If a rich effect is required, the bulbs should be 6 in. apart, but a good effect may be produced by planting them 9 in. or even more apart. The time of blooming mayto some extent be influenced by the time and manner of planting, but no rules can be given to suit particular cases. Late planting and deep planting both tend to defer the bloom, but make no great difference, and as a rule late bloom is to be preferred, being less liable to injury from frost. shallowest planting should ensure a depth of 3 in. of earth above the crown of the bulb, but, generally speaking, they will flower better, be a few days later, and form stronger bulbs after The HYACINTHUS. HYACINTHUS. 525 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. flowering, if there is fully 6 in. of earth over the crowns. No protection is better than dry litter, but a thin coat of half- rotten manure spread over the bed is safer if severe frosts are likely to come at any time before the growth has fairly pushed The bulbs need no further through. attention until the flower-stems are much advanced, unless very severe weather intervenes, when a mat or some oiled calico should be thrown over them. Waterproof calico is also useful in very wet weather, as too much water, especially when iced by February frosts and March winds, is by no means good for Hyacinths, which will thrive all the better for a waterproof covering. Hyacinths in the open air seldom require artificial watering, the natural moisture of the soil and the strength of the manure mixed with it being sufficient. When grown in beds they do not require sticks or ties ; simply proper planting. After blooming, the bulbs, if intended to flower again, must be left undisturbed until the leaves wither or die. bulbs should then be taken up, dried in a stack for a week or two, and finally placed in the sun for a few hours, the dry leaves being pulled off. Offsets should also be removed from the bulbs, and stored in dry sand or earth till the next planting time. Some take up the bulbs every year, but we have seen handsome beds that were not disturbed for several years. Offsets, carefully cultivated in rich light soil for two or three years, will pro- duce many flowering bulbs, but, as a rule, imported ones are stronger. However carefully cultivated in Eng- land, they seldom flower again so well as in the first season, but it is a mistake to throw themaway, as many people do. Selections for bedding in distinct colours of red, yellow, white, blue, or mixed are to be bought cheap. The It is H. AZUREUS. -Amongst the many beau- tiful hardy bulbs of the hyacinth class in cultivation at the present time, none can be compared with Hyacinthus azureus. perfectly hardy and amenable to ordinary culture, and is one of the earliest as well as the most charming of our early spring flowers. Indeed, one of its chief charms lies in the fact ofits producing its numerous dense heads of pretty azure blooms long before we have ceased to expect falls of snow. Many a time have I gone in quest offlowers when the ground was white with its winter covering and have only been able to obtain flowers of this and some Snowdrops and Crocuses. In the case of a dwarf bulb of this kind flowering so early a handlight or bell-glass is simply placed over the clump on the approach of a storm, taking the cover off when all danger is past. The flowers stand any amount of frost without injury, and it is only the chance of their being broken with snow that renders a covering neces- sary. H. azureus is one of those half-way types that one finds so often in the Lily order. It has the habit, appearance, and many ofthe characters of a Muscari, with the campanulate flowers of a Hyacinth. It was first brought to the Vienna Botanic Garden by Kotschy in 1856, and it was some years after before it was in cultivation in England. The bulb is whitish, round, an inch or so in diameter, producHyacinthus amethystinus. ing in great abundance stolons or bulbils from the base ; the leaves, in number from six to eight to a bulb, are broad, strap- shaped, glaucous, and deeply channelled ; the flower-heads dense, conical, upper flowers sky-blue, campanulate, the lower deep azure blue, and larger than those of the ordinary Grape Hyacinth. It is an excellent plant for the rock-garden, and even in situations where it gets densely shaded by overhanging plants ; during the summer and autumn months we have had it in the greatest perfection. H. AMETHYSTINUS, though nearly related to H. azureus, is quite different, and flowers a month later and at a time when there is a dearth of flowers of this description in the hardy bulb-garden. It 526 HYACINTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HYDRANGEA. is one ofthe very old plants, and although cultivated by Miller as early as 1759, it was until recently a scarce plant. The great mistake with a bulb like this is to have two or three or even a dozen in a clump. Instead of the dozen it should be grown by the hundred, and no prettier sight can well be imagined than a large sheet of this graceful Hyacinth, with its loose racemes of vivid amethyst flowers. Its pleasing flowers are produced in May and June, when there is little chance of their being disfigured by frosts . Spain and Italy. -D. K. H. candicans (Galtonia). Hydrangea. -- Handsome flowering shrubs, some well known in gardens, others neglected. In warm districts and on good warm soils it would be well worth while to grow many of the rarer and finer forms of the common Hydrangea, which always flowers best in seashore districts where its shoots are not down by frost or by the knife every winter. cut H. HORTENSIA. -The common Hydrangea ( H. Hortensia), from China, may be grown well out-of- doors, but is not always satisfactory in the midlands and the north, being liable to injury in winter. It likes a sheltered yet sunny spot and good soil. In order to get good heads of bloom, the Hydrangea must be pruned so as to induce the growth of strong shoots. In favoured spots it reaches a height of 6 ft. , and as much through, making a beautiful object on a lawn or in the shrubbery margin. From time to time, and especially in recent years, other forms have been introduced and described, some of them as distinct species. Dr. Maximowicz, who has had opportunities of studying them in European and Japanese gardens, and also in a wild state, arranges the following forms under H. Hortensia :- (a ) H. HORTENSIA ACUMINATA. —A much-branched shrub, 2 to 5 ft. high ; flowers blue. It sports according to locality, and Maximowicz enumerates four such sports, viz.: In open places and in a rich soil it is stouter, with erect thick branches, large, broad, firm leaves, and larger flowers with somewhat fleshy sepals ; under cultivation it becomes more showy, passing into H. Belzonii. woods and on the shady banks of rivers it grows taller with slender stems, pointed leaves, and much smaller flowers. very fertile soil, a stout plant with toothed sepals in the barren flowers, which are commonly of a blue colour. This is the true H. Buergeri of Siebold and Zuccarini's In In a Flora Japonica, and the H. japonica cærulescens of Regel. Sometimes it produces white or rose-coloured flowers, and then it is the H. roseo-alba, as figured in the Flore des Serres. These variations are all beautiful, but perhaps not constant. (b) H. HORTENSIA JAPONICA. -This is the H. japonica of Siebold and Zuccarini's Flora Japonica, and the H. japonica macrosepala of Regel's Gartenflora. It is exactly like acuminata, save that the flowers are tinged with red, and the sepals of the barren flowers are elegantly toothed. (c) H. HORTENSIA BELZONII.-A short stout plant, with beautiful flowers, the inner sterile ones being of an indigoblue, and the enlarged sterile ones white, or only slightly tinged with blue, and having entire sepals. There is a sport of this in which the leaves are elegantly variegated with white. This was raised by Messrs. Rovelli, of Pallanza. (d) H. HORTENSIA OTAKSA.-This has all the flowers sterile and enlarged. Avery handsome variety with rich dark green leaves nearly as broad as long, and large hemispherical heads of pale pink or flesh- coloured flowers, very fine when well grown. (e) H. HORTENSIA COMMUNIS.—This is the old variety with rose-pink flowers, commonly cultivated in European gardens. It differs from the last in being perfectly glabrous in its longer, less - rounded leaves, and in its deeper- coloured flowers. (f) H. HORTENSIA AZISIA. -This is not in cultivation, but it differs remarkably from all of the preceding varieties in the sterile flowers, which have a very long, slender calyx tube. (g) H. HORTENSIA STELLATA. —The chief character of this variety is in the flowers, which are all sterile and double. The variety in cultivation has pink flowers, but they are described as being either pale blue or rose, finally changing to a greenish colour, and distinctly net- veined. The white variety Thomas Hogg is a very fine one, now widely cultivated. Most of the above-named deserve the attention of all who have soil and climate suited to these shrubs. It H. PANICULATA (Plumed Hydrangea). -A shrub or small tree. According to Maximowicz, the only Japanese Hydrangea which becomes a tree. grows as much as 25 ft. high, with a dense rounded head and a straight trunk 6 in. in diameter. But it more commonly forms a shrub a few feet high, HYDRANGEA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HYDRANGEA. 527 bearing enormous panicles of flower. With the exception of H. Hortensia, it is the commonest species in Japan, growing throughout that country both in the mountains and the plains, being more abundant in the northern parts, and it is said to vary very much. It is commonly cultivated by the Japanese. The massive clusters of pure white blossoms, terminatand half as much in diameter, but to get such flowers we must cultivate well and prune the shrubs hard down in winter. H. HIRTA (Nettle-leaved H.)-A dwarf shrub, 3 or 4 ft. high, with slender hairy branches and Nettle-like leaves. The leaves and branches become nearly or quite glabrous with age. This, although GARDEN/ C The Plumed Hydrangea. ing every shoot in autumn, are very beautiful, and there are few finer autumn effects than a well-flowered mass of this shrub. It must have a good soil, and be well mulched with manure in winter. To encourage the new growth the old and useless shoots must be cut away. It is from 3 to 4 ft. high, and spreads its branches gracefully and widely on all sides. The clusters are often I ft. long not a showy species, seems to be a pretty, compact dwarf shrub, with numerous clusters of white flowers. A native of the mountains of Japan. H. VIRENS (Changing H.)- This is a remarkable and elegant shrub, varying in height from 2 to 6 ft. The branches, straight, slender, and polished, bearing small, thin, deeply- toothed leaves, 2 to 3 in. long, yellowish-green above, and 528 HYDRANGEA THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . HYPERICUM. pale beneath, with small clusters of flowers, some of which are sterile. Altogether this is a pretty little shrub, and it is somewhat surprising that it has not been introduced, as it is common in the neighbourhood of Nagasaki, in Japan. H. CHINENSIS (Fortune's H.)- Near the last, but of more robust habit, with leaves 3 to 5 in. long, and with cymes of flowers much larger. It differs from H. virens in the leaves being green on both sides, and in the enlarged sepals being nearly equal in size, much thicker, in fact almost fleshy in substance, and remaining on the branches until the fruit of the fertile flowers is ripe. This species was collected by Mr. Fortune in N. China. H. THUNBERGI. —A small shrub with slender branches, small leaves, and small cymes offlowers. Afew only ofthe outer- most ones are sterile, and these are not more than in. in diameter. According to the Gardeners Chronicle, Messrs. Cripps, of Tunbridge Wells, flowered this species in June 1870. They describe it as hardy, though not so showy as some of the varieties of H. paniculata and H. Hortensia. The sterile flowers are of a delicate Peach-blossom colour. It is a native of the mountains of Sikok and Nippon, Japan. H. QUERCIFOLIA ( Oak- leavedH. -This is a fine distinct kind, and though not showy like the popular kinds, it is an excellent shrub, and one I have noticed growing with fine vigour in sea-shore gardens. The leaves have a good deep colour in the autumn, and the flowers are beautiful, while old plants have a pictur- esque habit. The whole family is in want of look- ing up by some enthusiastic admirers who have good soil and other favourable conditions. Although there is a large range of land in Great Britain in which Hydrangeas seem happy, there are other inland and cold districts in which they make poor growth, or are cut down so frequently that experiments come to little. I made a trial myself on a cool hill- side in Sussex without getting any bloom or a healthy growth ; but on the other hand we see, especially in the South of England and Ireland, beautiful results in warm valleys and on sandy and alluvial soils even from the use of one kind, so that I have often thought that any one who should take up the Hydrangeas in earnest, and growthem and group them well, might have some very interesting results. Hydrocharis Morsus-ranæ (Frog-bit). -A pretty native water- plant, having floating leaves and attractive yellow flowers, and well worth introducing in artificial water. It may often be gathered from ponds or streams in spring, when it floats after being submerged in winter. Hydrocotyle (Pennywort).- Small creepers, usually with round leaves and inconspicuous flowers. There are several kinds grown, but their only use is as a surface growth to the bog- garden. The most desirable are H. moschata and microphylla, two New Zealand species, and nitidula, though all of these are somewhat tender. The common H. vulgaris is rather too rank. Umbelliferæ. Hymenophyllum (Filmy Fern).—Although these Filmy Ferns are hardy and beautiful, yetthe conditions for their success are such that in a general sense they can- not be used with effect in the open air. Still, as two kinds are abundant in certain hilly districts, in moist, shady, or rocky situations, there is no reason why they should not be inmates of the garden, at least in hilly districts or in some places in the west or in the north. Hymenoxys californica. -A hardy annual Composite, about 6 in. high, with a compact tufted habit, and bearing in summer a profusion of bright yellow Daisy-like blossoms. Sow in autumn in light dry soil for early flowering, and in spring for later bloom. - Shortia. Hyoscyamus (Henbane) .- Plants ofthe Nightshade family, of no garden value. (H. physaloides - Nicandra. ) It Hypericum (St. John's Wort).— Often handsome plants, for the most part shrubs and under- shrubs, but including a few herbaceous perennials and annuals. The Rose of Sharon ( H. calycinum) is probably the most familiar, but there are other shrubby species of some beauty. Some of the perennials are good border and rock-garden plants, and the best of these is H. olympicum, one of the largest flowered kinds, though not more than I ft. high. It is known by its very glaucous foliage and erect single stems, with bright yellow flowers about 2 in. across. forms handsome specimens that flower early, and its value as a choice border plant can scarcely be over-rated. It may be propagated easily by cuttings, which should be put in when the shoots are fully ripened, so that the young plants may become well established before winter. H. elodes is a pretty native plant suitable for the banks of pools and lakes. H. nummularium and humifusum, both dwarf trailers, are also desirable for the rock-garden. Owing to their dwarf compact growth, several of the shrubby species are well suited for the rock-garden. HYPOLE PIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IBERIS. 529 Of these, the best are H. ægyptiacum, balearicum, empetrifolium, Coris, patulum, uralum, and oblongifolium. The last three are larger than the others, but as they droop they have a good effect among the boulders of a large rock-garden, or on banks. H. Hookerianum, triflorum, aureum, orientale are among the kinds having some beauty, but the species from warmer countries than ours are apt to disappear after hard winters. H. Moserianum is a handsome hybrid kind raised in France and well worth a place. Hypolepis millefolium (New Zealand Bracken). A very elegant New Zealand Fern, with a stout and wide-spreading rhizome, from which arise erect light green fronds, I to 1 ft. high, very finely cut. There can be no doubt about its hardiness, as it has flourished for two or three years in a Surrey garden, and it is also quite hardy and vigorous in Mr. F. Lubbock's garden in Kent. It requires a sheltered nook and peaty soil. Hypoxis. -Low-growing tender plants, mostly natives of South Africa. They have grassy foliage and yellow flowers, and are sometimes planted out in summer in the light sandy soil of warm borders. Ianthe bugulifolia. An interesting plant resembling a Mullein, having a rosette of leaves, from which springs an erect flower- spike, 8 to 12 in. high, thickly set with curiously- coloured blossoms of chocolate-brown and yellow. It is hardy, but not a true perennial, and it is there- fore advisable to raise seedlings yearly in frames, and afterwards to transfer them to the border or rock-garden. Turkey. Scrophulariacea. = Celsia. Iberidella rotundifolia. - A dwarf evergreen plant, with leathery leaves, olive- green, 3 to 6 in. high, flowering in early summer, the blossoms rosy-lilac, Sweet, and numerous in racemes. Suitable for the rock-garden, succeeding best in gritty loam in deep fissures ; being tap-rooted, it is not readily increased by in small pots in a cold frame. European division, but is easily raised by seed sown Alps Iberis . Cruciferæ. Thlaspi rotundifolium. (Candytuft). — Valuable hardy perennials and annuals, the perennials somewhat shrubby and evergreen, and rock-garden, border, and precious as =

It is probably a small variety of I. sempervirens, but is distinct and true to its character. Easily propagated by seeds or cuttings, and thriving in any soil. Sicily. I. correæfolia is known by its large leaves, its compact heads of large white flowers, by flowering later than other common white kinds, and both the flowers and the corymb are larger and denser than in the other species. It is an invaluable hardy plant, and useful in coming into beauty about the end of May when the other kinds are fading. It is excellent for the rock-garden, the mixed border, and the spring-garden, and is well suited for the margins of choice shrubberies, and may be used as an edging to beds. Said to be a hybrid. Increased by cuttings, not coming true from seed. margining plants :- I. corifolia.-A dwarf kind 3 or 4 in. high, and covered with small white bloomsearly in May. Few alpine plants worthy of general culture either are more in the rockgarden or the mixed borderfor the front of which it is well suited . I. gibraltarica, a beautiful plant, larger in all its parts than the other kinds, with flowers of delicate lilac in low close heads, in spring and early summer. It is a pretty species, but does not rival the best white borderkinds. Its hardiness is doubtful, and it should, therefore, be planted on sunny spots in the rock- garden or on banks in light soil, and wintered in frames. creased by cuttings, as it rarely produces seeds in our climate. Spain. InI. jucunda, distinct, growing about 2 in. high, the leaves small, the flowers, in small clusters, of a pleasing flesh colour and prettily veined with rose in early summer. It does not possess the vigour of the common evergreen Iberises, but it is valuable as a rock- plant, and is fitted for association with dwarf alpine flowers on warm and sunny parts of the rock-garden in well-drained sandy loam, = Æthionema. I. petræa, a pretty alpine species, 3 in. high, with a flat cluster of pure white flowers, relieved in the centre by a tinge of red, thriving among the rock- plants. Many cultivators cannot succeed with it, but it thrives in a well-drained position, with plenty of moisture. I. semperflorens. -A shrubby plant, with large dense corymbs of white flowers, and not suited for border culture, but hardy enough to stand our winters when grown at the foot of a south wall or in a very sunny corner of the rockgarden. Under those favourable conditions it forms a pretty evergreen bush in bloom nearly all the year. Sicily and other Mediterranean islands. I. sempervirens.-The common rock or perennial Candytuft, and as often seen as the yellow Alyssum and the white Arabis. Half- shrubby, dwarf, spreading, evergreen, and perfectly hardy, it escapes M M 530 IBERIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ILEX. where many plants are destroyed by cold ; and in April and May its neat tufts of dark green change into masses of snowy white. Where a very dwarf evergreen edging is required for a shrubbery, orfor beds of shrubs, it is one of the best plants known, as on any soil it quickly forms a spreading mass almost as low as the lawn-grass. Like all its relatives, it should be exposed to the full sun rather than shaded. Readily increased by seeds or cuttings. Its common garden name is I. saxatilis. I. Garrexiana is not sufficiently distinct to be worthy of cul- tivation ; in fact, it and several other Iberises prove, when grown side by side, to be very slight varieties of I. sempereasily raised from seed ; it should be treated as a biennial. S. Italy. I. umbellata ( Annual Candytuft). This and its ally (I. coronaria) are the hardy annual Candytufts. They are varied in colour, and are among the most beautiful of annual flowers. They may be sown at all seasons, but, as in the case of most other hardy annuals, the finest flowers are from autumn- sown plants, which flower from May to July. They like a rich soil and plenty of room to flower freely. There are a great number of varieties, differing both in growth and colour. What are known as the dwarf or nana strain are neat and dwarf in growth, are abundant bloomers Iberis gibraltarica. virens ; it, however, seeds more abundantly, and is less spreading. I. superba, another variety, is of good bushy habit, and bears many large dense heads of pure white flowers. I. Tenoreana is a dwarf species , with white flowers, changing to purple. As the commonly- cultivated kinds are pure white, I. Tenoreana will be more valuable from its purplish tone as well as its neat habit. It has not, however, the perfect hardiness of the white kinds, being very apt to perish on heavy soils in winter ; but on light sandy soils and in well- drained positions on the rock- garden it is pretty. Where no rock-garden exists it should be placed on raised beds or banks, and is and showy. I. umbellata nana rosea and alba are two of the most distinct, being about 9 in. high ; the dark crimson, carmine, lilac, and purple sorts, about I ft. high, are also fine. The Rocket Candytuft ( I. coronaria) in good soil grows 12 to 16 in. high, with pure white flowers in long dense heads, and there is a dwarf variety of it (pumila), 4 to 6 in. high, forming spreading tufts 1 ft. or more across. The Giant Snowflake is also an excellent variety. These Rocket Candytufts require the same treatment as the common varieties. Ice-plant (Mesembryanthemum). Ilex (Holly). - Beautiful evergreen shrubs of northern temperate countries, ILEX. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ILEX. 531 of which the most precious is our own native Holly, Ilex Aquifolium. It would be difficult to exaggerate the value of this plant, whether as an evergreen tree, as the best of all fence-shelters for our fields, or as a lovely ornament of our gardens ; whether grown naturally or clipped as it must be to form fences ; embracing also in its numerous varieties the most enduring of variegated shrubs known, -variegation in most other things being mere disease, whereas in the Holly it is quite consistent with health and beauty. No other shrub known to us may be so often used with good effect near the house and garden, and it will be clear, therefore, how much one should consider the common Holly in all its forms and ways. Valuable as many varieties are, probably none are quite so good as seedlings of the common kind. Good seedling plants are the easiest to transplant and establish. The art of grafting-most delusive as well as most curious of arts should be carefully guarded against as regards Hollies. Hitherto the way has been to graft the many variegated kinds on the common Holly, and although we often see good results in that way, it is by far the safer plan to insist on the variegated and curious kinds being raised from layers or cuttings. Nurserymen are very apt, having large quantities of stocks of common things, to graft indiscriminately ; and though time seems at first to be gained by it, it is dead against the cul- tivator in the end in almost every case. It will perhaps take a long time to recognise the immense superiority of own-root plants, but if purchasers in- quire for and insist upon getting them, it will very much hasten progress. My own experience is that old plants grafted are extremely difficult to move with safety, and, generally, Hollies and other trees are best not moved when old. It is an expensive and troublesome business, and often a failure . Young healthy bushes, seedling or layer, will in a few years beat old grafted trees, that at least is my experience. Very often old specimens from the nursery live for a number of years, but their appearance is deplorable, whereas healthy well- grown young plants, from 3 to 5 ft. high, when transplanted in May, are often beautiful from the first. No doubt healthy seedling plants might be transplanted at various times, but experience has proved that there is a distinct gain in transplanting Hollies in May ; and if we transplant them carefully at that time we shall probably see good healthy growth the same year. As regards the uses of the Holly, they are so many in the garden that it is difficult even to generalise them. As shelter in bold groups, dividing lines, hedges, beautiful effects of fruit in autumn, masses of evergreen foliage, bright glistening colour from variegated kinds ; elegant groups of the most beautiful varieties, -every kind of delightful use may be found for them in gardens. Mr. Shirley Hibberd, who was a verykeen observer of the Holly, wrote as follows concerning it in the Gardeners' Magazine : "The Holly will thrive in any ordinarily good soil that is free from stagnant water. We have found it make a surprisingly strong growth on clay land that had been improved by cultivation ; but the finest Hollies usually occur on deep, fertile, sandy soils, and in districts where the yearly rainfall exceeds 25 in. It is accounted a slow-growing tree, and as compared with many trees that are less beautiful it is so, but its reputed slowness should never be allowed to stand in the way of its adoption where a substantial fence or noble undergrowth is wanted, and a reasonable time can be allowed for the trees to become established . From observations continued through a period of nearly thirty years, we have arrived at the conclusion that the average growth may be reckoned at 6 in. per annum. In a cool showery summer a hedge that has not been cut or interfered with will increase in height as much as 18 in. , but in a dry hot season the increase will be scarcely appreciable, the growth of the most vigorous shoots amounting to only 2 or 3 in. It is certainly the finest tree we possess for a protective fence, whether to give a fine finish to the boundaries of a property or to screen off keen winds or exclude trespassers. " HOLLY HEDGES. -Holly hedges are not only the most compact, impenetrable, and the handsomest of live hedges, but they may be safely employed under the shade of large trees, where Thorn and other hedge trees might not thrive. The best time to plant is about the middle of August, andthence tothe end of September. The months ofApril and May are also suitable. To ensure a rapid formation of a good hedge, plant a double row of strong nursery trees, 3 to 4 ft. high, cutting back any side branches that interfere with close planting. When the planting is finished, spread a mulch of half-rotten manure 2 or 3 in. thick over the roots . They should not be touched with knife or M M 2 532 ILEX. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ILEX. shears for at least three years, for every leaf removed will check the growth. The subsequent management will consist chiefly in cutting to line in the month of April, and the less severely this is done the better, unless severe primness is required, in which case the shears must out any pruning whatever. An instance of this has become familiar to the inhabitants of Hornsey, in the property known as ' Quaker's Folly.' In this case Holly hedges had been planted to prepare the land for building on, and, being formany years entirely neglected, they grew into Holly Hedge at Bagshot. be put into the hands of a man who may be trusted. It is far better, however, to rough prune with the knife. It is right to add, because it might not occur to the owner of a property, that noble Holly hedges may be secured by leaving the trees to grow entirely unchecked and withgigantic and magnificent walls of the richest deep green verdure, solid to the ground line, very regular in general both as to height and breadth, but delightfully varied with undulations and bosses, chequering the surface with alternations oflight and shade. ILLICIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. INDIGOFERA. 533 " SELECTION OF VARIETIES.- In the selection of Hollies it will be well to bear in mind that the variety known as Scotica answers best of any plant near the sea. The variety known as Hodgins's is the most free in growth in a town garden, being less affected by smoke than most others. The most fruitful varieties are catalogued as foemina, glabra, madeirensis, balearica, lutea, and flava. The most distinct and beautiful of the variegated kinds are Golden Queen, Silver Queen, Painted Lady, Broad-leaved Silver, Gold Milkmaid, Watereriana, and Argentea marginata. The following classification of Hollies in relation to their several characters will be useful :- .. MALE- FLOWERING HOLLIES. -Ciliata, Heterophylla, Latispina, Laurifolia, Tortuosa, Gold Tortuosa, Beetii, Cookii, Gold Cookii, Cornuta, Doningtonensis, Ferox, Ferox fol. arg. , Ferox aurea, Foxii, Furcata, Ovata, Picta marginata, Golden Queen, Longifolia aurea, Longifolia argentea, Watereriana, Gold Few- spined, Silver Queen, Shepherdii. FEMALE - FLOWERING HOLLIES.- Angustifolia, Angustifolia aurea pendula, Angustifolia medio picta pendula, Bal- earica, Broad leaf, Dark shoot, Fisherii, Flavo fructo aurea, Foemina, Golden Milkmaid, Glabra, Handsworthiana, Silver Handsworthiana, Heterophylla, Hodginsii, Latifolia argentea, Latifolia aurea, Lutea, Madame Briot, Madeirensis, Madeirensis nigrescens, Madeirensis variegata, Myrtifolia, Milkmaid, red berry ; Milkmaid, yellow berry ; Moonlight, Perry's weeping, Picta aurea, Platyphylla, Scotica, Watereriana, Weeping.

HERMAPHRODITE- FLOWERING HOLLIES. Shepherdii, Smithiana, Silver

Queen, Heterophylla, Hodginsii, Lauri- folia, Handsworthiana, Lutea, Flava, Scotica, Balearica, Rotundifolia. " By far the best of all known Hollies is our native Holly, but there are other Japanese and American kinds worth growing, such as Ilex crenata, and the fine I. latifolia. This, however requires our most temperate districts to thrive. Illicium floridanum. -An interesting half-hardy evergreen shrub from the Southern States of N. America, bearing fragrant flowers of a deep red, like those of the Carolina Allspice. I. religiosum, also known as I. anisatum, from China and Japan, with pale yellow flowers, is also interesting, if not worthy of general culture. It may be grown against walls in warm localities. Immortelle (Helichrysum). Impatiens (Balsam) .-The species of Impatiens that thrive in the open air are all annual and hardy, and sow themselves freely where they get a chance. The best are the common I. glandulifera, which attains a height of 4 to 6 ft. , and bears numerous flowers, varying in colour from white to rose. It will soon take possession ofthe shrubbery if not checked ; and it is seen to advantage in cottage gardens. I. longicornu is beautiful, and has the same habit as glandulifera, but the lower part of its helmet- shaped flowers is bright yellow, marked by tranverse lines of dark brown ; while the upper part is rose colour. L. Roylei is much dwarfer than the preceding, and has blossoms of a deep rose. I. cristata has light rose-coloured blossoms. I. balsamina ( Garden Balsam) may be grown in the open air, and makes a pretty display in warm places. The plants should be raised in a frame and transplanted. Soil which is too rich should be avoided ; but soil manured for a previous crop, and which has been well pulverised by forking, gives the finest flowers and a less sappy growth. Colours and markings in any good and valued strain include the following, and probably a few others, as some sorts sport continually : Pure white, buff- white, rosy-white, lavender-white, pale mauve, peach, pink, carmine, scarlet- cerise, crimson, violet, purple, purple- white blotch, scarlet-white blotch, carmine- white blotch, crimson-white blotch, white- carmine flake, white- purple flake, carmine bizarre, and crimson bizarre. A bed of good Balsams is a pretty change in the flower garden. Imperata sacchariflora. —A from the region of the Amoor, with graceful foliage, forming a tuft, about 3 ft. high, which throws up numerous flowerspikes about 5 ft. high, bearing silvery plumes of flowers. The leaves are of a lively green, with a broad white stripe down the mid-rib, but it is scarcely fitted for the flower garden. Indian Corn (Zea). Indian Cress ( Tropæolum). Indian Pink (Dianthus sinensis). Indian Shot (Canna). Indian Strawberry (Fragaria). Indiarubber-plant (Ficus. ) Grass, Indigofera Gerardiana. -A prettyplant which may be grown as a bush or against a wall, which it clothes gracefully with feathery leaves, towards the close of summer, bearing small Pea-like bright pink blooms. In cold districts it may be well to give it protection in cold winters if not against a wall, and the only attention it requires is close pruning in early winter. The kinds known as I. floribunda I. 534 INULA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IPOMOPSIS. coronillæfolia, and by other names, are either synonymous with I. Gerardiana or varieties of it. I. decora, from China, is sometimes grown against a wall in warm parts, but is much less hardy than I. Gerardiana, which comes from the Himalayas. Inula. Perennial Composites, few of which are important for the garden. I. Helenium (Elecampane), a vigorous British plant, 3 or 4 ft. high, with a stout stem, large leaves, and yellow flowers, is well suited for planting with other largeInula glandulosa. leaved plants, or in isolated specimens on ! rough slopes or wild places, in good soil. I. Oculus Christi grows 1 to 2 ft. high, and bears orange flowers in summer. I. salicina, montana, and glandulosa are similar, the last being the finest. Easily propagated by division or seed. Ionopsidium acaule (Violet Cress).- Acharming little Portuguese annual about 2 in. high, whose dense tufts of violet flowers spring up freely where plants of it have existed the previous season. Its peculiar beauty makes it useful for various purposes. On the rock-garden, associated with even the choicest of alpine plants, it holds its own as regards beauty, and never overruns its neighbours, and it is particularly suitable for sowing near pathways or rugged steps, growing freely in such places ; indeed it would even flourish on a hard gravel walk. It flowers a couple of months after sowing, and often produces a second crop of blossoms inthe autumn. Portugaland Morocco. Cruciferæ. Ipomea (Morning Glory).- Beautiful, slender, twining plants of the Convolvulus T family, for the most part tropical. A few succeed in the open air when treated as half-hardy annuals. The most popular of these isI. purpurea, or Convolvulus major as it is called, which is too well known to need description, as it is one of the oldest cultivated plants. Its varieties are numerous ; there are white, rose, and deep violet varieties, while Burridgei is crimson, Dicksoni deep blue, and tricolor striped with red, white and blue. Amixed packet ofseed would contain most of these. This beautiful though common plant de- serves much attention, as its uses are various. It may be used for the open border, for festooning branches, for covering arbours, trellises, and the like, or for rambling over shrubs, growing freely in any good ordinary garden. soil. Seeds should be sown in heat in early spring, and the seedlings transplanted in May as soon as large enough. In some localities seed may be sown at once in the open border, but as a rule plants raised under glass succeed best. It is known also as Pharbitis hispida. Tropical America and Asia. the I. hederacea (Ivy-leaved Morning Glory) is somewhat similar to common Morning Glory (I. purpurea), but has lobed leaves like Ivy. Its flowers, too, are smaller, of a deep blue striped with red. The varieties grandiflora (lightblue), superba (light-blue, bordered with white), and atroviolacea (dark-violet and white) are all worth cultivating, and so are the Japanese variety, Huberi, and its variegated-leaved form. The Ivy-leaved Morning Glory is somewhat hardier than I. purpurea, and seeds may be sown in the open border in April, in light rich soil, where it will flower from July to September. It is also known as I. Nil.- North America. Other kinds of Ipomeas for open-air culture are I. rubrocœrulea, a half-hardy annual, and I. leptophylla, a hardy perennial from North America, but neither is so pretty as those mentioned above. Ipomopsis. Graceful biennials from California, thriving in light, dry, and warm soils in the milder districts. There are three kinds ; each forms a tuft of finely- IRESINE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. 535 cut feathery foliage, and has slender flower spikes from 2 to 3 ft. high thickly set with flowers that open in succession. In I. elegans the flowers are scarlet and thickly spotted, and in I. superba they are much the same, while in the rosea variety they are a deep pink. The seeds should be sown in spring in pots in the open border in ordinary soil. During the first year the plants make growth, and early the following summer they flower. If planted out to stand the winter it is advisable to give a little protection. Other kinds mentioned in catalogues belong to Gilia, of which Ipomopsis is really a synonym. On light soils early autumn-sowing should be tried. These plants are very seldom well grown. Iresine. -Dwarf half-hardy plants, remarkable for their foliage, and much used in the flower garden with other height. It makes a good edging plant, and requires the same treatment as I. Herbsti. Amarantaceæ. Iris (Flag).-One of the most beautiful of all known flowers, numerous in kind and wonderfully varied in beauty. By some, Irises have been compared to Orchids, and those who delight in singular and beautiful colour, and to whom greenhouses and hothouses are denied, may find a substitute for Orchids in Irises. The genus is represented in our gardens by species for the most part hardy and possessing a considerable diversity of habit and colour, varying in height from a few inches to 6 ft. They may be conveniently divided into two classes -those with bulbous roots, which are now called Xiphions, and those (the greatest number) with creeping stems. In treating of culture it is well to consider these separately tender plants in summer. Ionopsidium acaule. There are two types, from which have sprung several varieties. I. Herbsti grows from 1 to 2 ft. high, and has crimson stems and rich carmine-veined foliage, the brilliancy of which continues until late in autumn, and is more effective in wet than in hot dry seasons. It requires a moist rich soil, and is readily increased by cuttings taken in September and wintered in a green- house. In early spring the plants should be repotted, and grown on in heat, and fresh cuttings taken in March and April will make them fit to put out in May. I. brilliantissima and Wallisi are two varieties possessing more brightness of colour in their foliage. Lindeni is quite distinct from the foregoing, having more pointed leaves, which are of a deep blood- red. It is compact and graceful, and bears pinching back and pegging down to any The bulbous kinds should have a warm and sheltered situation, such as the protection of a south wall, and succeed in almost any light garden soil, but prefer one that is friable, and sandy, not too poor, but enriched with rotten leaf-mould and manure. Sun they must have, and the shelter must be without shade. They need an autumn drought to ripen, and a dry soil in winter to preserve the bulbs and keep them at rest, but in spring, when the leaves are pushing up, they love moderate rain. These observations apply to the Spanish and English Irises as well as the rarer bulbous kinds. The great point is not to meddle with the bulbs as long as the plants are doing well, and, when the soil is exhausted and it is necessary to transplant, the bulbs should not be allowed to become dry or shrivelled. It is advisable to place a thin layer of 536 IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. Cocoa-nut fibre refuse or some similar material for protection during severe weather, and to prevent the flowers from being bespattered by mud during heavy rain. Some kinds produce seeds very freely in some seasons, which should be carefully collected, and when well ripened sown at once. This will be found a ready way of increasing the stock, as they will make strong flowering bulbs in about three years. Most ofthe non-bulbous Irises like rich soil, the coarser and stronger forms relishing even rank manure, but to the more delicate ones this is almost poison ; and all indeed thrive the better if the manure is given in a decayed state. If it is well rotted they can hardly have too much of it. As regards moisture, they vary a good deal. The common I. Pseudacorus and many of the spuria group thrive best in the damp, others, again, hate the damp-- at least in winter--and stand considerable drought in summer. The condition that suits most is comparative dryness in winter and an abundance of water in summer. Unfortunately, this is the reverse of what they generally get, and they also vary a good deal as to the nature of the soil they like best, some preferring a deep, somewhat stiff, but rich loam, and their long thong-like roots reach down an amazing distance, while others prefer a lighter, looser soil, proportionately richer in vegetable matter. Like a good many other plants, the flowering season of the " Flags " is not long enough to please everybody ; but, if cultivated where they are not in the way when out of flower, this is not a drawback. The more vigor- ous kinds are suited for planting among large shrubs, which ought to be wider apart than they generally are in shrubberies ; and may be enjoyed in tufts near water, in isolated groups on the Grass, and also on mixed borders and beds. the smallest gardens, where there is not space to plant them in these various ways, one of the best ways would be to establish healthy tufts in the fringes of the shrubbery. Another good way is to place them here and there in carpets oflowevergreens, above which their flowers would be seen in early summer. Tufts ofthe finest kinds look very beautiful here and there among dwarf Roses. The flowering season of the Iris extends over the greater part of the year. The following selection ofkinds for our gardens is arranged in alphabetical order for convenience of reference. In I. acutiloba. A Cushion or " Oncocyclus " Iris, a native of the Caucasus, still rare in cultivation. The slender, + narrow leaves are curved over, the tip bent to the ground. The flowers probably vary greatly in colour, but are of quaint beauty. I. alata (Scorpion Iris).—A beautiful bulbous kind with fine large blossoms, the ground colour delicate lilac-blue, with showy blotches of bright yellow, copiously spotted with a darker hue. The foliage, which appears with the flowers, much resembles that of a Leek. I. alata generally commences to bloom in October, and, if the weather is not too severe, flowers also about Christmas time. It is easy to grow, requiring a warm, dry, sunny border ; the bulbs should be planted in autumn in ordinarygarden soil. The greatest draw- back to its culture is that the flowers are spoilt by soil- splashings during heavy rains, which may be prevented if the bulbs are planted among Stonecrop, or Mossy Rockfoil, on sheltered banks. The beauty of the flowers may also be much preserved if a hand-light is placed over them during severe cold, snow, or wet. There are several varieties differing either in size or colour of the flower. I. asiatica (Asiatic Flag) .—This has been found in Asia Minor, and spreads from there to Turkestan. The plant does not grow to the size and dimensions which a clump of I. germanica soon attains when left alone for a couple of years, but the handsome flowers are much larger, the lip especially being very long and broad ; its colour is a very fine pale purplish-blue, the standards a little paler than the falls. This class of Irises is not difficult to grow, being sufficiently hardy to withstand any cold, although sometimes when there is any fresh manure around the roots or when the soil is too moist the rhizomes are apt to rot off suddenly. I. atro-purpurea. This Iris may be considered as coming within the iberica group, as the foliage is not unlike that kind, and the stem, though always of some length, never rises very high. The flower is somewhat small, and for the most part of deep purple colouring. The plant varies somewhat, one variety being called "Odysseus. " I. aurea (Golden Flag).- This is a fine Iris, a native ofthe Himalayas, with golden- yellow flowers of great beauty. This kind does best in moist positions, and resembles I. Monnieri, the chief difference being in the plaited or crumpled margins of the falls of the flowers. It is a tall stately kind, hardy in the coldest soils, and one of the best perennial flowers we have. does well among shrubs, and groups of it so placed are very handsome. There is It IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. 537 no uncertainty about its culture, and it is increased easily by division of the root- stock and by seed if need be. I. Bakeriana. -This is one ofthe most beautiful ofthe bulbous early spring flowering Irises. It comes from Armenia, and the flowers which smell like violets remind one strongly of those of the netted Iris ( I. reticulata) . The colouring varies, the yellow streak on the fall, which is conspicuous in some of the forms, being almost entirely absent in others ; the size Iris asiatica. It and number of the violet spots and the breadth of the rich violet edging as well as the size and brilliancy of their tints vary in individual flowers. The varieties do not, however, seem at present to differ enough to warrant special names. blooms quite early in the year, and is delightful in pots. Its near ally is I. reticulata, if it be not a variety of that species, but it differs in colouring, and has no ridge or crest on the fall. I. Barnumæ. This Iris, a native of the hills of Kurdistan, belongs to the iberica group. The flower is smaller than that of that Flag, and both falls and standards are vinous red-purple marked with darker veins, the standard being lighter in colour than the fall and its veins more conspicuous. The horizontal style is of a brownish-yellow colour marked with red-purple spots or splashes, and bears somewhat triangular crests with finely serrated edges. There is a yellow variety described by Prof. Foster as " an exceedingly charming plant," and it has the additional virtue of being deliciously fragrant, the odour not being unlike the Lily of the Valley. I. biflora. A handsome Flag, 9 to 15 in. high, bearing large violet flowers on stout stems. Similar to it are I. subbiflora and I. nudicaulis, which is one of the best of the dwarf Flags, from 4 to 10 in. high ; its flowers large, of a rich violet- blue, four to seven on a stem in early summer. It has the vigour of the German Iris and the dwarfness of the Crimean Iris, but is much sturdier, and is suited for the margin of the herbaceous border and for the rock-garden. I. Bismarckiana. This " Cushion " Iris, found in Lebanon, is little known as yet, but it is described as having a flower as large as I. susiana, with gray falls and sky-blue standards. I. caucasica (Caucasian Iris).—This charming kind is hardy in the open air, producing its pale greenish-white flowers in February and March. It has been confounded with a plant known as I. orchioides, which has golden yellow flowers. - I. chamæiris (Early Blue Flag) is a dwarf Flag, similar to pumila in growth, and with deep blue flowers. This is an excellent kind to mass together, and there are several varieties. I. olbiensis is synonymous. I. cristata (Dwarf-crested Iris) is a charming dwarf Flag, with, as a rule in spring, flowers of a delicate blue and richly marked, but they appear at other seasons, especially in autumn. It is a delicate plant, 4 to 6 in. high, with broad leaves, and throws out long slender rhizomes, wholly above ground. The way to manage it is to plant it among stones, with little or no soil-this a warm sandy loam or peaty earth. I. Danfordiæ. This handsome early bulbous Iris was first described as Xiphion Danfordiæ, then as Iris Danfordiæ ( Boissier), and lastly as I. Bornmülleri, by which it is known in many gardens. It comes from the Cilician 538 IRIS. IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. Taurus, and most nearly resembles I. persica in general habit ; the flowers being bright-orange with brown spots, and the three inner segments are almost entirely absent, taking the form of mere tiny Iris cristata. threads or filaments. The three outer ones are of good size and substance with a faint beard down the claw. In the locality where it occurs, it was found in full flower near to the melting snow. It is perfectly hardy and a charming species for the rockery. I. ensata (Sword-leaved Flag).- A rare species from temperate Asia, with purplish-lilac flowers, the falls enriched with yellow and veined at the base. It blooms in summer, and has several synonyms as I. fragrans, I. longispatha, and I. Pallasi. A variety called oxypetala has blue and lilac flowers. I. filifolia, though closely allied to the Spanish Irises, differs in its funnelshaped flowers, of a reddish- purple, with a large golden blotch on the fall. It was first discovered in sandy calcareous rocks on the Sierra Bermeja. The leaves are very narrow, the flowers one, rarely two to a stalk, of a distinct violet-purple, and each from 2 in. to 3 in. in diameter. I. filifolia var. intermedia, or latifolia, is a Tangerian Iris of great beauty, and of recent introduction, with deep- purple velvety flowers. I. filifolia, which has been largely distributed as I. tingitana, requires protection, and should be grown in a cold frame if possible. In mild winters it will do in the open, but its flowering is uncertain. I. florentina (Florentine Flag).-This species, called white Flower- de-luce, or Flower-de-luce of Florence, by the old writers, is certainly one ofthe finest whiteflowered Flags. Its large delicate flowers last a considerable time for an Iris, and are nearly 6 in. deep, faintly tinged with blue, the falls veined with yellow, and green at the base, with an orange- yellow beard, whilst the broad leaves are rich dark-green. Anative of Southern Europe, flowering during May and June. The variety albicans is almost pure white, with the other characters of the above, and flavescens is nearly allied. I. fœtidissima (Gladwin).-A British plant, 1 to 2 ft. high, with lead- coloured or bluish, and rarely yellow flowers. A variety with variegated leaves forms a pleasing border- plant, and is an excellent house-plant. The common green form is worth growing in semi-wild places as its brilliant coral- red seeds, which are plentifully produced in autumn in gaping capsules, are effective. Seeds, scattered in semi-wild places, will soon spring into plants, and the plant may also be increased by division. It is happiest in groups in the roughest part of the pleasure- grounds. I. Fontanesi.-This is one of the bulbous Irises, a native of Oran, in Western Algiers, with deep lilac- purple flowers. It has not yet, we believe, been introduced to cultivation. I. germanica (Common German Flag). This is common in gardens, and is one of the few plants that succeed well in London. I. nepalensis is a charming form from India, with flowers from 5 in. to 6 in. long, the standards rich dark violetpurple, the falls intense violet, striped white and purple at the base, with yellow and reddish markings. It flowers during May and June, and may be increased quickly. As in the case of I. pallida, there are several garden forms, few, how- ever, of value, unless it be one called De Bergi, which has intense violet- purple (almost black) flowers. The German Flags flourish in ordinary garden, dry gravelly soil, or sandy banks, for which they are well suited. A good selection of varieties of the German Iris, all splendid garden flowers, would be composed of Atro-purpurea, rich purple ; Aurea, goldenyellow ; Bridesmaid, pale-lavender and white ; Calypso, pale-blue, with white and lilac veins Celeste, rich lavender, with IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. 539 orange beard ; Gracchus, very dwarf and free, the standards lemon and falls pale- yellow ; Mme. Chereau, white standards and falls with edging and feathering of violet ; Queen of May, a beautiful variety, the standards rose-lilac, the falls of the same colour, with veins of yellow ; Rigo- lette, golden- yellow, falls deep crimson ; and Victorine, the standards white, with purplish-blue blotches, the falls violet- purple with white reticulation. I. Gatesi. This is a remarkably handsome Flag from Armenia, and very near to susiana, but the rhizome is more compact, and the foliage smaller, shorter, and narrower, and of a darker green than in susiana. The stem is taller, 1 ft. or even 2 ft. , and the flower when well grown larger than that of susiana. The prevailing colour of the specimens so far cultivated is, when the flower is seen at a distance, a soft delicate gray, brought about by very thin clear veins and minute dots or points of purple on a creamy- white ground, the dots being predominant on the fall and the veins on the standard. The ripe capsule is as much as 5 in. in length. I. Histrio. This beautiful bulbous Iris, when peeping through the ground in winter or early spring, reminds one of I. reticulata, but it is rather taller, and its sweetly-scented flowers are broader and more conspicuously spotted or blotched, the colour being rich bluish- purple, flushed towards the base of the petals with rose- pink, whilst the markings are of the deepest purple, relieved by a crest of gold. It succeeds under the same treat- ment as I. reticulata, and though a native of Mount Lebanon, is perfectly hardy, but during severe frosts cover the bulbs with a thin protective material, such as Cocoa- nut fibre refuse. I. Histrioides. -Oneofthe most charming ofthe spring flowering bulbous Irises, requiring the same treatment as I. reticulata, but has a better constitution than this species or any of its varieties. So far, though it has only been in cultivation a few years, it has proved of easy culture. The flowers are larger than those of any of the group, the falls mottled with white and rich lilac both on the claw and on the broad rounded blade. It is a native of Eastern Anatolia, and blooms in early March. I. iberica (Iberian Flag) .-One of the most singular and handsome of the Cushion (Oncocyclus) Irises. The flowers are large, the standards white, pencilled and spotted with purple or violet, while the falls are veined with dark purple or purple- black on a yellowish ground, with a conspicuous dark blotch in the centre. This is the colour of the commonest form, but there are several, and one, ochracea, is very distinct. I. iberica is perfectly hardy and thrives best in a rich fibrous loam, where it can send its long roots deep into the soil. The rhizome does not require to be planted deep, but only just below the surface as in most cases the roots perish when planted deeply, whilst during the winter com- parative dryness is important. Coarse river sand should be used, the rhizome being planted completely in it, and by this means it is kept rather dry during the winter and great assistance is given to the plant in summer, as the young shoots can easily force their way through. This Iris can be easily multiplied by division ofthe Iris foetidissima (Gladwin). rhizome, is admirably suited for the rockgarden, or for the select border, and, when better known, it will find a place in every garden. It flowers in spring, and though the blossoms are of somewhat short duration, their extreme beauty atones for this drawback. I. juncea ( Rush-leaved Flag) is the loveliest ofthe bulbous Irises, graceful in habit and with bright golden- yellow flowers of a delightful fragrance, whilst it can be grown almost as easily as the English Irises. It requires a light, rich deep soil, and will be all the better if planted where it can be kept fairly dry during winter. A native of Spain, North Africa, &c. 540 IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. I. Kæmpferi (Japanese Flag).-The many varieties in cultivation under this name have sprung from I. lævigata and I. setosa, and form a fine race of garden plants, whilst every year many beautiful sorts are added, chiefly from Japan, though many seedlings have been raised in this country. The flowers are variable in size and colour, some measuring as much as 9 and 10 in. across. The varieties of I. setosa differ from those of I. lævigata ally happy when planted by the margin of a lake, pond, or stream. Two-year- old seedling plants ofit bloom in June and July, and amongst them will be found an endless variety of colours from white to the richest plum, the deep blues being very rich. The mottled flowers are objectionable, and unfortunately these are common, but they are poor in effect, nothing like so handsome as the self- coloured kinds, nor do we care about the more double Iris Gatesi. in having broader and less-drooping petals, and the three inner petals are often ofthe same size as the outer, so that the flower is symmetrical. I. Kæmpferi will grow in almost any soil, but is best in a good loam, with peat added to it, though this is not so much for nourishment as to retain moisture during the hot and dry summer months, for this Flag likes moisture, and its numerous roots will often go 2 ft. deep in search of it. It dislikes shade, preferring a warm sunny position, being especivarieties. In these the natural grace and fine outline of the flower are lost. When transplanted this moisture-loving Flag does not bloom well until the second season after planting. Propagated by division or seeds, which should be sown as soon as gathered either in pots or in the open ground; they will vegetate in the following spring. I. Kolpakowskiana. -A close ally of I. reticulata and introduced from Turkestan, is perfectly hardy in the open air, IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. 541 flowering about the same time, and effective in groups. The chief difference from the netted Iris is in the bulb and leaves, which are narrow, linear, deeply channelled on the inner face, with a central band or rib like a Crocus leaf, and pale- green without the glaucous tint usual to this group. The falls are deep violet-purple, with a beardless bright yellow keel from which are purplish branchings, whilst the standards are pale self-lilac with creamy anthers. I. Korolkowi. -This is a native of Central Asia, the root resembling that of the Cushion Iris, but is less fleshy. The leaves are tall, narrow, and upright, the scape, which is about 1 ft. or so high, bearing two large flowers of delicate shades of gray and brown, and beautifully veined. The plant should be grown in the same way as the " Cushion " Irises. I. lacustris (Dwarf Lake Iris).-A dainty, quite hardy Iris, with beautiful sky-blue flowers in spring and again in the autumn. It belongs to the rhizomatose group, is free both in growth and bloom, and succeeds in full sun and in sandy soil. 66 I. Lorteti. -This Iris comes from South Lebanon. In general features it is nearto I. Sari, but its wonderful colouring makes it, perhaps, the most beautiful Iris in the world. " In a plant flowered by myself this summer ( 1893)," writes Prof. Foster, "the falls showed a creamy- yellow ground marked with crimson spots, con- centrated at the centre into a dark crimson signal, while the standards were nearly pure white, marked with very thin violet veins, hardly visible at a distance. I learn that the plants imported by M. Max Leichtlin show considerable variation in colour ; apparently, however, the ' note' of the plant is a peculiarly charming combination ofcrimson spots and blue or violet veins on a white or creamy-yellow ground. "I imagine that, when well grown, the flower will be found on the whole rather smaller than that of a well- grown I. susiana. When the plant is well grown, the foliage seems to be larger, longer, and broader than even that of I. susiana. " I. lupina (Wolf's Ear Iris).- This is from Armenia and Central Asia Minor, and resembles both I. susiana and I. iberica. The rhizome is compact and the foliage, though somewhat variable, is dwarf like that of I. iberica, and 3 in. or so in length. The flower, borne on a stem varying from I in. to 6 in. or even more in length, differs in form from both I. susiana and I. iberica in that the fall is distinctly lance-shaped, whilst the colouring consists of irregular brownish- red veins on a yellow or greenish-yellow ground, the red of the veins often merging into purple. The claw of the standard is furnished with quite numerous hairs. Though the colour is always the result of a contrast between a yellowish ground and a red-brown, more or less purplish veining and mottling, the exact result varies much in different plants. In its native home it is called " Wolf's-ear " to which indeed an opening bud presents no small likeness. Hence Prof. Foster called it I. lupina. I. Mariæ, which belongs to the iberica group, was discovered on the confines of Egypt and Palestine. The rhizome is compact, rather slender, the foliage being not unlike that of iberica, but narrower. The flowers, on a stem of about 6 in. high, are somewhat smaller than I. iberica, ofa Iris iberica. uniform lilac colour, though marked with veins, but the uniformity is broken by a conspicuous "signal " patch ofdeep purple on the fall. The standard is larger and more rounded than the fall, whilst the claw of the latter is beset by numerous deep purple hairs, which, scattered at the sides, are crowded together along the middle line more after the fashion of the beard of an ordinary bearded Flag. I. Meda is a native of Persia, and has a small, slender, and compact rhizome. The leaves are narrower than I. iberica, and for the most part erect, the stembeing about 6 in. in length, more or less, but seems to vary a good deal. The fall, which spreads horizontally, is narrow and pointed, the blade being sharply curled back on itself. The standard is rather larger than the fall, and the style, which 542 IRIS. THE IRIS. ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. lies close down on the claw of the fall, is narrow, ending in two small triangular crests. I. missouriensis (Missouri Flag).- This was found in the Rocky Mountains, and is a good kind, graceful, and with delicate purplish- blue flowers, which are valuable to cut in the month of May. It grows well in a border of good soil, and is not seen as often as one might expect in gardens. I. Monnieri. -A noble Flag, distinct from any other in cultivation, the leaves being dark-green, and the flower-stem nearly 4 ft. high, whilst the outer divisions of the flowers, which are very fragrant, are recurved, and of a rich golden- yellow, margined with white. It is by no means common, and blooms later than most ofthe other species, in most seasons even after the varieties of Kæmpfer's Flag. It is a native of Crete, and succeeds best in rather moist soil, whilst increased easily by division or seed. I. Monspur is a seedling, raised by Prof. Foster, between I. Monnieri and I. spuria, and is a very beautiful plant. The variety Notha differs from I. spuria in being altogether larger, considerably more rigid both in stem and leaves, and with a much longer spathe valve. This plant is said to be found in the salt marshes of Siberia. When grown well, by no means difficult in ordinary garden soil, it is most effective in full flower. Some of the varieties, such as stenogyna, sub- barbata, &c., have been bandied about between I. spuria and the nearly allied I. Gulden- staedtiana, but the simpler way is to call them all varieties of I. spuria. I. neglecta is amongst the commonest Flags in cultivation, and one of the tallest growing species, having given rise to numerous garden varieties. Its flowers rarely measure more than 2 in. across, the standards being of a pale blue, with darker shading, and the much reflexed-falls are of a deep blue, veined with purplishred ; the crest or beard is bright yellow, and very striking. I. ochroleuca ( Yellow-banded Flag).- There are few handsomer or more stately Flags than this. It is an old plant in our gardens, but never seems to have become common. The foliage is slender, about 4 ft. long, and comes up in a most graceful twist. The spikes usually bearfour or five flowers, white or nearly so, with large yellow blotch on the fall, and some reach nearly 6 ft. in height, strong clumps producing four or five. It does not seem particular as to moisture in the soil, and few Flags will thrive better or give more satisfactory results in the ordinary mixed border, where its large flowers and luxuriant foliage present a fine appear- ance. There is a variety called gigantea Iris ochroleuca. which has larger and finer flowers, but differs in no other way. I. Kerneriana differs only in its smaller flowers and much narrower leaves. I. pallida (Great Purple Flag). -This IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. 543 is a variety of the common German Flag and one ofthe stateliest and most beautiful of the genus. When in full vigour, the spikes will reach 4 ft. in height, with a succession of from eight to twelve of its large pale-mauve or purple flowers, scented like the elder. It is known also as the Turkey Flag, and there are forms of it such as the Dalmatian and also Man- draliscæ, which have deep blue flowers. It is a fine border- plant, and charm- ing in large groups. I. paradoxa. This is a singular Cushion or " Oncocyclus " Iris, a native of West Persia and the Caucasus, and fitly called "paradoxical." The fall is reduced to a narrow strap halfan inch or less in width, but the standard is large, erect, and while the small fall is stout andfirm , almost leathery, is delicate and flimsy in texture. The ground colour of the claw is a rich crimson or deep pink, but beneath the claw andfor some little distance in front of it the crimson hue is all but entirely hid by numerous short darkpurple, almost black, hairs, so thickly set as to imitate velvet very closely indeed. This velvet area, at some distance in front ofthe end of the style, comes abruptly and squarely to an end, being marked offby a cross bar of rich crimson devoid of hairs. The small por- tion of the fall in front of this bar is of a creamywhite, traversed by radiating thick dark- purple veins, which are so closely set as to leave little ofthe ground visible. The plant varies much in size and colour, and the total effect of the flower is very striking and beautiful. CARDRY I. persica (Persian Iris).-This is one of the most charming of the early kinds, and deserves a place wherever the soil is warm anddry. Its flowers, produced from a tuft ofbright green leaves that just peep over the soil, are white, suffused with pale Prussian blue, and blotched with velvety purple. It comes from Persia, and is therefore somewhat tender, but in warm sheltered spots, in light sandy soil, succeeds well enough, and flowers in winter and spring, according to the weather. Xiphion persicum. I. Pseud-acorus (Common WaterFlag). -Common as is this Flag, every one who has grown it fairly will admit its beauty. Whoever has in his garden a pond or a ditch, or even a thoroughly damp spot, ought to plant this Flag largely, and few Iris pallida. things are more beautiful than a great clump with its tall leaves starting up from the side of a pool, and clusters of golden flowers gleaming in a midsummer sun Three things it loves--a rich soil, plenty ofwater, and sunlight. It is cruel to place it, as is sometimes done, in some dank, dark hole, where the sun's beams never reach it ; and it is disappointing to plant it in a dry and stony spot, where summeris to it one long thirst. But put it where its roots can run at will in rich black mud, and 544 IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. let its head raise itselfto the full light of a summer sky, and it will be a golden glory throughout the long days of June.¹ I. pumila (Dwarf Flag) .- The best of the dwarfFlags, for to it we owe the many lovely varieties that create such a rich display of bloom in spring. It grows from 4 to 8 in. high, and has deep violet flowers, unusually large for its size. All the varieties flower profusely, but to be appreciated they should be planted in large masses or in broad lines. There are several named varieties, the most attractive being the Iris paradoxa. sky-blue (cœrulea), which in early spring forms sheets of bright colour. I. reticulata (Netted Iris).-One ofthe most beautiful of hardy flowers. While the snowis still on the ground-in January, or even earlier-its leaves begin to shoot, and while these are only afew inches high, the bud opens to the pale wintry sun a beauty of violet and gold. After the flower has faded, the erect narrow leaves grow apace, attaining a height of 1 ft. or more, and, as in the Crocus, the ripened ovaryis in due time thrust upwards from the soil. This little treasure is indeed the Iris companion ofthe Crocus, and those who have seen large clumps of it growing in some shelteredbut sunny spot in the bright and gusty days of February or March, may wellwish that its netted bulbs were as plentiful as Crocus corms. The species come 1 There is a variegated- leaved variety I. p. fol. var. with the foliage broadly margined with yellow. from some parts of the Caucasus and from Palestine, and there are several varieties. Krelagei may be recognised by flowers of a purple or plum colour, with the yellow marking less vivid, and the whole flower is smaller, also less fragrant, in fact is almost whollywithout scent. It is common inthe Caucasus, the Transcaucasus, and Persia. Krelagei however invariably flowers ten or fourteen days earlier. An exquisite gem is I. r. cyanea which is very bright in colour, a slaty blue, and dwarf. Sopho- nensis, with red- purple flowers and a bold crest, is a native of Asia Minor, and blooms in early February. I. r. purpurea, a small variety with deep purple flowers, is pleas- ing. Concerning the culture of I. reticulata very little need be said. It is absolutely hardy, and may be planted wherever the Crocus is found. A sunny sheltered spot is, however, ad- visable, that its tall narrow leaves may, after flowering, be protected from the wind. Sandy soil will do, but it is not particular in this respect. Sometimes, however, it refuses to grow, and in damp places the bulbs rot in summer. Since the flowers come before the leaves grow tall it makes a good pot plant, and a well-grown clump is a charming addition to the Christmas table. Some care, however, is needed to make it bloom more than one year in pots, and those who cannot afford the requisite attention should harden off the pot- plant when it has flowered and plant it in the open, seeking a fresh supply for the next winter from some old clump, or from bought bulbs. Unfortunately I. reticulata refuses to grow at all in some localities through disease. Although this disease may be somewhat retarded by lifting and careful storing it is very difficult to eradi- cate, and in wet seasons carries the bulbs off by the thousand. I. Robinsoniana ( Weddingflower - ).- This is the giant of the whole Iris family. It is found wild only in an island off the east coast of Australia, and is not quite hardy. In 1888, a specimen in the garden of Mr. Dorrien- Smith at Tresco in the Scilly Isles, produced a flower- spike 5 ft. high, bearing about sixty flowers. Avery fine specimen flowered in the Succulent House at Kew in 1891 , and produced altogether 457 flowers. Each flower measures 4 in. across with broad spreading outer segments, the inner ones smaller, all IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. 545 ofthem pure snow-white with a horseshoeshaped blotch of golden- yellow at the base of the three large segments, whilst they are also fragrant. I. Rosenbachiana. This is a charming bulbous Iris, and found on the mountains ofEast Buchara, Turkestan, at an elevation of 6,000 ft. to 7,000 ft. , we are told, in two varieties, both growing together, the flowers ofone form being blue, those of the other of a fine violet, whilst the bulbs of both the varieties are small, with thin tunics, never reticulated, as in the netted Iris. The three to five leaves are pointed, and at the time of flowering are short, but, as the season advances, increase in length. The flowers are on long tubes, EM Iris persica. the falls oval, blunt at the forepart, the inner broader than usual. I ruthenica (Russian Iris).- One of the smallest Irises with flowers, about 2 in. across and of a bright lilac- purple with a white lip, and on stems about 1 in. above the surface, nestling snugly among the bright green slender foliage. It blooms nearly every month, though mostly in the autumn, but the flowers are hidden among the foliage, and ordinary observers are unaware of its being in blossom. It is of easy culture in an open situation. I. sambucina (Elder-scented Flag) is, perhaps, the most distinct of the Ger- manica group, so far as flowers go. It grows from 2 ft. to 3 ft. , rarely more, and bears its rather dull-coloured flowers at the end of May and June. I. Sari. This derives its name from the river Sar, in Cilicia, in the neighbour- hood of which it was found. It comes near to I. susiana, having a compact rhizome, relatively large foliage, a fairly tall (a foot or less in height) stem and large flowers ; indeed the var. lurida, which Prof. Foster mentions as the only one he has seen in cultivation, is often mistaken by a casual observer for I. susiana. On first opening theflower has a general dark gray appearance not unlike I. susiana, but as it grows older the purple hue becomes more predominant, and when the flower begins to wither becomes very marked, at least in the standards. I. setosa (Bristle-pointed Iris) is a rare Iris reminding one of I. sibirica. It comes from Siberia extending into Japan, and has lilac- coloured flowers. I. brachycuspis is a synonym. The I. sibirica ( Siberian Flag).-A slender plant, 2 to 3 ft. high, with narrow grassy leaves and in summer somewhat small showy blue flowers, beautifully veined with white and violet. There are several varieties, the white variety, also called I. flexuosa, being pretty, and so is I. acuta, but the double- flowered form is not. finest variety is I. orientalis, having larger flowers of a deeper colour, with a different veining, andthe falls especially broad and expanding. It derives its name from the bright scarlet or crimson tinge of the spathe sheaths, which gives the bud a remarkable beauty, even before the flower has opened. Melpomene and nigrescens are also beautiful varieties in the way of orientalis, but finer than the species. The Siberian Iris thrives best in rich damp soil, especially orientalis and some of the other large-flowered varieties ; but to flower well must have plenty of sunshine, as it will not show its real beauty in dampness begotten of shade, for when thoroughly established it will bear an amount of drought which would be fatal to it when newly planted. In planting secure good ground to start with, for it has a great objection to being moved, and transplan- tation will in most cases prevent the bloom of the succeeding summer ; more- over its real beauty does not become apparent till it has grown into a good- sized tuft. Place it, then, in thoroughly good soil, with appropriate surroundings, so that its headof flowers maybe seenabove dwarfer plants, and standing out against still taller foliage, then let it alone. It is capital for naturalising, for though most. happy under the conditions indicated, it will grow and thrive in almost any soil, even in poor clays. N N 546 IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. I. sindjarensis.--This is an interesting species with the habit and general character of I. caucasica, but has bluish flowers and a distinct crest. It flowers however at a time when no other Iris except I. reticulata is in bloom, and possesses a certain distinctive charm. I. squalens. This Flag, though not so striking as many of the Germanica group to which it belongs, is still useful as a variety, and thrives well in ordinary soil. The flower-stalks are generally threebranched, each with two or three flowers ; the standards are purplish-red on the upper part and yellow near the base, while the falls are of a deep violet- purple, with a purple beard. Iris reticulata. I. spuria.--Not an attractive plant, though in some forms like spuria major, and also in the Algerian variety known as Reichenbachi, the colouring is bright and handsome, especially in masses ; but the mixture of blue or purple and yellow which they offer is not pleasing, and there is a certain stiffness and want of elegance in their outlines. The smaller flowers of such varieties, as desertorum, with paler flowers, narrow falls, and, in some cases, marked fragrance, and the white Güldenstädti, are pretty. The grass-leaved Flag, ( I. graminea) is of no great value as a border-plant, as the flowers are too much hidden by the overtopping leaves, and are themselves, singly, of no great beauty. Nevertheless, their mixed blue and purple tints render them of value as cut blooms ; and they can then be made to harmonise with other flowers. I. susiana (Mourning Iris).-One of the most singular of all the flowers of temperate and northern climes, from 1 to 2 ft. high ; the flowers, produced in early summer, are very large and denselyspotted and striped with dark purple on a gray ground. It should be grown in sunny nooks in the rock-garden, or on sheltered banks or borders, but always in light, warm, and thoroughly-drained soil. We have seen it flowering well in a border in the Archbishop of Canterbury's garden near Broadstairs. It is perfectly hardyin some parts of the country ; but a dry bottom and a free soil are essential. cold districts or on heavy soil a hand-light would be desirable in winter. Asia Minor and Persia. Division. In I. tectorum ( Wall Flag) is a charming species, its blossoms large and of a bright purple, beautifully mottled with darker shade. Being a native of Japan, it is somewhat tender, but in a sunny warm situation will flower abundantly, and show off the strongly- crested blue and dark-blue blotched flowers to advantage. A rich soil, much sun, and some dampness are the best conditions for it. In Japan it grows on the top of straw- covered house- roofs, feeding on the decomposing straw, and is exposed to sun and weather all the year round. rare. I. tingitana (Tangier Iris), though one of the most beautiful and delicate of our bulbous Irises, is still comparatively It was first discovered long ago in the neighbourhood of Tangiers, but only comparatively recently has it been known in a living state. Besides differing from all the other Irises in its longer tube, the growing bulbs shoot in spring instead of autumn, as do those ofthe Xiphion group, whilst the leaves are shorter and the limb of the flower much larger. I. tingitana is certainly more difficult to keep in good condition than its older and better-known allies, the Spanish and English Irises. It is more susceptible to the baneful effects of our wet winters and seems to require the protection of a cold frame. A good way is to plant the bulbs close to a south wall, but it should not really be planted in the open at all unless it can have the shelter of a coping or some other con- trivance that will answer the same purpose. I. tridentata (Labrador Flag).- The falls of this are large, highly- coloured, and beautiful in form and markings. It blooms IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. 547 freely, is a strong grower, and spreads rapidly. The closely-allied I. setosa from Asia is less beautiful. I. tenax, also a North American form, is a close neighbour of I. sibirica. Allied to tenax is the Californian form I. longipetala ; a showy plant, with long and straggling falls, light violet or lavender colour. North America. I. tuberosa (Snake's-head).—This is an -A beautiful plant, flowering in mid- winter, its flowers hidden in grassy foliage. When mixed with even the most delicate flowers of the stove or Orchid- house, its silky sky-blue fragrant flowers possess a charm and softness equalled by scarcely any other flower of the same colour. Although the plant is hardy, its flowers are so delicate that it should have protecIris susiana. ARDEN interesting if quiet-coloured kind, 12 or 13 in. high, the flowers small, brownish- green marked with yellow, and a purplish- brown tinge on the upper part. There are usually two tubers. It is not showy enough for every garden, but where admired it may be naturalised in light soil. S. Europe. I. unguicularis (Algerian Winter Iris). tion from heavy rains unless the position is well sheltered . It is perhaps best known as I. stylosa. There are several varieties in catalogues, speciosa being one of the best, this having larger flowers of a deep blue colour. Alba has white flowers. They all require very light warm soil on well-drained or raised borders in sheltered gardens. Division. N N 2 548 IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. I. variegata is a handsome Flag ofthe Germanica group, I to 2 ft. high, with large, slightly fragrant flowers, having bright yellow standards and claret- red falls beautifully veined. Similar in aspect is I. aphylla, with deep lilac falls and white standards veined with purple, whilst there are numerous varieties, the colours ofwhich are varied and beautiful. I. lurida and itsvarieties also come underthis group. I. Vartani. This species was introduced by Prof. Foster, of Cambridge, under the impression, we believe, that they were bulbs of I. Histrio. Prof. Foster says it differs from I. Histrio in the bulbs being more pointed and of a longer, more slender oval form, the falls having a very narrow crested claw. There are other minor differences, sufficient to distinguish it from all other bulbous Irises known to us. The standards are narrow, brownishyellow, marked with deeper lines ; falls yellow, and greenish with lilac lines. It flowers early and comes from Palestine. I. verna ( Vernal Iris). This has deep green foliage in the old state, but is of a glaucous green when young. This difference in the foliage is all the more noticeable because it is a truly evergreen species, and when the flowers are pushing, the differing foliage tints add to the effect of the plant. Its habit is dense and rigid, and the stature of the plant not morethan 6 in. when in its greatest vigour. The fine clear blue, sweetly-scented flowers are freely produced, just clearing the sheathing foliage, but showing fairly well at the top ofit. It enjoys a boggy position, but with a clear exposure to sunshine. I. virginica. A vigorous but not a first-rate garden plant, spreading rapidly in somewhat moist rich soil. The flowers vary considerably in colour. More highly coloured is the very closely-allied I. versicolor ; but this lacks elegance. Many seedlings, both of virginica and versicolor, are in cultivation, and they thrive in any moist soil. N. America. I. xiphioides ( English Iris).- This is a beautiful flower, and the many garden varieties are amongst the finest things we have in early summer. The English Iris got its popular name in a rather curious way, being sent from its Pyrenean home, where its distribution is limited, to Bristol traders, thence to Holland. The Dutch, supposing it to be a native of our shores, called it the English Iris, a name so firmly established that one does not want it suppressed in favour possibly of some ugly substitute. This splendid flower was one of the earliest bulbs introduced, and is seen in many gardens ; not so many, however, as one might expect, considering the splendour of the flowers, the rich luxu- riant leafage, and comparatively easy culture of the bulb. The flowers are "The English Iris. " quite distinct in aspect from those of the Spanish Iris and appear a fortnight or so later. The numerous leaves form quite a tuft, the lower ones being channelled, linear, and upwards of a foot long, with proportionate breadth, the flowers rising from this wealth of leafage on sturdy stems from I ft. to 2 ft. high. They are broad and display a delightful diversity of colour, from deepest purple to pure white. One ofthe finest we have seen is Leon Tolstoi, the flowers large and superb in colour, a warm plum shade, each segment like a piece of velvet, and unique arranged in a bold way in a jug or bowl. Another beautiful kind is Mont Blanc, which has white flowers, a fine kind to plant singly to get cut bloom. few more beautiful forms are Grande Celeste, the standards of a soft azure colour and the falls sky-blue ; King of A IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. 549 the Blues, rich purple-violet ; La Char- mante, lavender, blue, and white ; and Vainqueur, lavender, with feathering of violet. There are, of course, many other varieties inwhich one gets flowers splashed and mottled with various colours. These are not so fine as the bold self kinds, and raisers should think less of them, rather giving us self colours, which are always more effective both in the garden and when gathered for the house. There is a curious variety called Thunderbolt, which is of a dusky dull colour. It seems to have been well known to Parkinson in the old days and is said to be a hybrid between the English Iris and I. filifolia, but of this nothing very definite is known. It rarely seeds in cultivation and is grown chiefly out of curiosity. The old idea of cultivating the English and Spanish Irises as we do Squills and Meadow Saffrons has long since exploded. They require frequent lifting, and the better they are stored and drier the greater will be the success. Our summers are too cold and wet to leave such bulbs in the ground, and covering over with glass frames is not nearly so effective as lifting. Another bad practice is early planting ; and they should never be planted before late autumn or even mid-winter. They should be encouraged, however, to make root growth, and this will be greatly facilitated by a covering of leaves or loose Pine branches in hard, frosty weather. Too early planting causes the foliage of the Spanish Iris to brown and wither at flowering time, and this may be to a great extent avoided by planting in the latter end of September or October instead of in August. These Irises are less subject to disease than, for instance, the forms of I. reticulata. Dr. Wallace, of Colchester, writes as follows :-"The English Irises are easily cultivated and well worthy of a place in all gardens. Flowering at the end of June and during July, they come in when most of the other Irises are over, and a bed of their large flowers is beautiful for several weeks, their strong spikes mostly carrying two or more flowers, in all shades of white, blue, and reddish- purple, some splashed and streaked, others with clear decided colours, formidable rivals to the Iris Kæmpferi, which they closely re- semble in shape and pose of flower, but of dwarfer habit. I find them quite hardy here at Colchester planted out in light soil, with plenty of sand round the bulbs. They increase rapidly, and are best taken up and divided about every two years, at the beginning of August when the bulbs are at rest. Starting again into growth early, they should not be planted after the middle of November, otherwise success will be less certain. " I. xiphium ( Spanish Iris).—A very beautiful flower, and an old inhabitant of gardens. This Iris begins growth early, and having attained a few inches in height remains stationary during the winter, re- gardless of even biting frosts, but in the spring the tall narrow leaves grow apace, and late in May or in J une a stalk, almost wholly ensheathed by clasping leaves and spathe valves, bears one or two beautiful flowers. The bulb which produces offsets in great abundance, is much smaller than that of the Pyrenean Iris, and its coat is not nearly so thick and rough. The plant having for many generations been in the hands of the Dutch florists , many seedlings have been raised, and much variety of colouring gained. The prevailing colours are blue, with various shades of purple or violet, yellow, and white. The blue tints of the cultivated seedlings seem to be derived from the typical Spanish plant ; the yellow hues may be traced to the Portugal variety, sometimes known as I. lusitanica. The Portuguese plants are for the most part yellow, and generally have more funnel- shaped flowers, while the Spanish plants are generally blue and have more spreading flowers ; but the distinction is not absolute, and the cultivated varieties are mixed both in colour and form. I. sordida is simply a form ofthe Portuguese variety, in whichthe yellow is blotched with purple or violet. The Spanish Iris must not be waterlogged in autumn and winter, preferring a loose, friable, sandy soil, which, however, should not be too poor, for it repays feeding with thoroughly rotten leaf-mould or manure. Sun it must have, but as its slender stalks suffer from winds it should have shelter without shade. It needs an autumn drought to ripen its bulbs, and a winter dryness to keep it at rest ; but in spring, when it is rapidly pushing its slender leaves and shoots, it loves any rain that is not excessive. The golden rule of not meddling over-much applies distinctly to the Spanish Iris, as the new roots begin to shoot out almost before the old stalk has withered, and the bulb must not be kept out of the ground. Plant, then, the Spanish Iris in clumps on some rich, loose, friable plot, where their bright colour may be shown to advantage, and let them stay there year after year until the dwindling foliage tells you that they have exhausted their soil ; but it will be some time before that comes to pass. 550 IRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IRIS. HYBRID CUSHION ( Oncocyclus) IRISES. -For the several notes on this group and the following particulars about crossing them we are indebted to Prof. Michael Foster, of Shelford, Cambridge, who dealt exhaustively with this interesting class in The Garden, February 18th, 1893. " From the frequent occurrence of seed- pods on imported rhizomes, I am led to infer that in its native home an Oncocyclus Iris goes to seed freely ; and further, from the condition of imported roots, strengthened by the behaviour of the plants cultivated in this country, I am also inclined to say that I am more sure of getting seed from an Oncocyclus Iris than from almost any of the ordinary bearded Irises. They cross readily with each other, and hybrids maybewithoutany great difficultyobtained between them and the ordinary bearded Irises. M. Max Leichtlin, for instance, has produced several hybrids. I myself, too, have reared many hybrids, and possess many in various stages of development. " The two following kinds, I. Ibparad and I. Agatha, were raised by Mr. C. G. van Tubergen, junr. , who says, of the first named that it originated from crossing Spanish Iris (I. xiphium). believe that the life of an individual rhizome is not a very long one, and that the race is largely continued by seeding. Here in this country plants left to themselves do not seed freely. But this is due not to the coldness of our climate, but to the absence of the proper fertilising in- sects. Our bees, accustomed to more sober flowers, appear frightened at the strange aspect of an Oncocyclus Iris ; at least I have never, so far as I remember, seen one ofthese Irises visited by a bee or other insect. On the other hand, if the flower be artificially fertilised, it goes to seed with great readiness. I think I may I. iberica with a beautiful variety of I. paradoxa. In size the flowers are inter- mediate between those of the two parents, but they surpass them both in colour and handsome form. The standards are of a warm vinous lilac-purple, with numerous darkveins,thecentral portion of the lipbeing of a beautiful velvety black, and marked with a reddish stripe. The remaining portion of the lip is gray with stripes of darkbrown. I. Agatha is a beautiful hybrid. The stems attain a height of 2 ft., and it at once shows it parentage to the Korolkowi group by its producing two flowers in succession on each scape. The flowers ISOPYRUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. IXIA. 551 are large, the standards of a very pale lilac colour, covered with a network of purple veins ; the lip 2 in. broad, the body colour of a silvery-gray and the central portion of a dark purplish-maroon, with very conspicuous radiating veins of thesame colour, the whole flower presenting a highly-refined appearance. Isopyrum thalictroides. A graceful little plant allied to the Meadow Rues, but shaped, and of a pale blue, continuing a long time, even till cut off by frosts. If preserved in a frame during winter, after the manner of bedding Lobelias, it is perennial, and may be propagated in spring by cuttings. New Holland. Lobeliacea. Itea virginica. -A little North American shrub, dwart and deciduous. In autumn it produces clusters of small white flowers. Suitable for a damp spot at the .Se Iris Ibparad and I. Agatha. with prettier white flowers, valuable for its Maiden- hair Fern-like foliage. It is well suited for the rock-garden, and for the front edge of the mixed border, is hardy, and easy to grow on any soil. Division or seed. Europe. Ranunculaceæ. Isotoma axillaris. -A showy halfhardy plant, resembling some of the dwarfer Lobelias, its growth dense and compact, the flowers in. across, starfoot of a rocky bank in an alpine garden. Ithuriel's Spear ( Triteleia laxa). Ivy (Hedera). Ivy Hairbell (Wahlenbergia). Ivy Toadflax (Linaria Cymbalaria). Ixia. -Charming South African bulbs, slender and elegant in growth, and brilliant in flower. They are not grown much because some are tender and require glass protection. For culture 552 IXIOLIRION. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. JASIONE. outdoors, choose a light loamy soil, thoroughly drained, and with a due south aspect ; if backed by a wall or a green- house so much the better. Plant from September to January, 3 to 4 in. deep, and 1 to 3 in. apart. As the early plantings make foliage during the autumn, it is necessary to give protection during severe frost, and this may be best accomplished by hooping the beds over and covering when necessary with mats ; or if tiffany is used it may be allowed to remain till the danger of severe frosts has ceased. The December and January plantings require no protection in winter, but as they will flower later in the summer than the early plantings, an aspect where the sun's rays are somewhat broken will prolong the blooming period. On stiff soil , or on soils that lie rather wet in winter, the beds should be raised, and the bulbs should be surrounded with sand, care being taken that they are planted I or 2 in. above the level of the path ; and, where protection cannot conveniently be given, planting should not take place till December or January. A large number of varieties are in cultivation, and the chief species from which they appear to be derived are I. crateroides, patens, maculata, fusco-citrina, ochroleuca, colu- mellaris, speciosa, and viridiflora, which last is of a beautiful sea-green, a colour quite unique among cultivated plants, and in no case to be omitted. A collection of varieties might include the following Achievement, Amanda, aurantiaca, Cleopatra, Conqueror, Duchess of Edinburgh, Gracchus, Hercules, Hypatia, Isabelle, Lady of the Lake, Lesbia, Loela, Miralba, Nosegay, Pallas, Pearl, Princess Alexandra, Sunbeam, Surprise, Titian, and Vulcan. Ixiolirion (Ixia Lily).—Beautiful plants of the Lily Order somewhat resembling each other, and about 1 to 13 ft. high, with grassy foliage, and bearing large trumpet-shaped flowers in a loose elegant manner. I. Pallasi has flowers of the deepest shade, and I. tataricum of the palest, the intermediate shades being I. montanum and I. Ledebouri. Such beautiful hardy plants are deserving of a place in the most select collection, and the flowers last long on the plants. They should be treated like the rarer bulbs, such as Calochorti, Habranthi, and Zephyranthes, for though they may be hardy, it is not advisable to plant out such rare bulbs in ordinary borders. They should be grown in an open and dry position-in a sunny border, for example, which is all the better with a wall at the back, so as to catch all the sun-heat possible in early spring, when the bulbs are pushing up their young leaves. The border should be well drained, and a bed of light, rich loamy soil, about 1 ft. in depth, placed upon the drainage. When the young growth appears, place a common handlight over the plants-even two panes of glass will be beneficial-and if similar protection is afforded at the latter part of summer, it will tend to keep the soil dry and warm, and so ripen the bulbs. Á handful of dry sharp sand placed in a layer under and around the bulbs is conducive to the formation of roots. Western Asia. Jaborosa integrifolia. -An interesting dwarf perennial, allied to the Mandrake, growing 9 to 12 in. high, with broad ample leaves, and large white tubular flowers about 2 in. long, fragrant and handsome. A native of Buenos Ayres, it is somewhat tender, only succeeds in light warm soils in sheltered situations, and is best close to the foot of a south wall in good loamy soil. Here it makes a good plant, sometimes spreading so rapidly as to become a weed. Division of the long creeping stems. Solanaceæ. Jacobea (Senecio elegans). Jacob's-ladder (Polemoniumcæruleum). Jalap-plant (Exogonium). Jamesia americana. -A dwarf shrub from the Rocky Mountains, 2 to 3 ft. high, with deciduous leaves, and in summer many clusters of white flowers, which, with the whitish foliage, give the plant a pretty appearance. It is hardy, of easy culture, and fitted for association with flowering shrubs of a medium size. Japan Pear (Pyrus japonica). Jasione (Sheep's Scabious).—Dwarf perennials and annuals of the Bell - flower family. J. humilis is a creeping tufted plant, about 6 in. high, bearing small heads of pretty blue flowers in July and August. Though a native of the high Pyrenees, it often succumbs to the damp and frosts of our climate, and it therefore requires a dry well-drained part of the rock- garden, and should have a little protection in winter during severe cold and wet. J. perennis is taller, often above 1 ft. high, with dense heads of bright blue flowers, from June to August ; it is a rock-garden plant, stronger than the preceding, thriving in good light loam, and a native of the mountains of Central and South Europe. These perennial kinds may be propagated best from seed as they do not divide well. J. montana JASMINE. JUBÆA. 553 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. is a neat, hardy annual with small, pretty bright blue flower-heads in summer. Seed in autumn or spring. A native plant. Jasmine Jasminum).--Among the most precious of shrubs for the flower garden, the common hardy Jasmines are so well known that little need be said about them, but there are a few others equally important that deserve attention. The bright yellow J. revolutum from India is too little known, it being quite hardy enough for wall culture in all parts ; and it has evergreen foliage, which adds to its value. It flowers profusely, and its golden bloom amidst the deep green foliage is welcome in summer and variegated- leaved kind, not of much importance, and another with golden foliage which is pretty, and there is a rare double-flowered form. J. officinale is an Evergreen, except in cold exposed locali- ties. The winter Jasmine, J. nudiflorum, is another charming shrub for every garden. Though its flowers wreathe the leafless twigs, they are so bright and cheerful in winter that a space should always be found for it against the house walls. Jeffersonia diphylla ( Twin-leaf).-An interesting dwarfplant, allied to the Bloodroot, from 6 to 10 in. high, the flowers white, about 1 in. across, in early spring. It is a good plant for peaty and somewhat shady spots on the rock-garden, and for the margins of beds of dwarf American plants. Seed should be sown in sandy soil as soon as gathered, but careful division of the root in winter Jasminum nudiflorum. autumn. It is a common plant in some tree nurseries, but is seldom sold. Another hardy evergreen shrub, J. fruticans, has yellow flowers, and may be grown as a bush, or supported by a tree- stump. It comes from South Europe, as does J. humile, also with yellow flowers, and is quite hardy. The Chinese J. floriduin, with yellow flowers in summer, is of less value, but worth growing in a collection. The common white J. officinale should be planted in every garden against a wall, or used for trailing over tree- stumps or arbours. It is one of the most important of all climbing shrubs on account of its extreme hardiness and its vigorous and rapid growth in almost any soil or situa- tion. There are several beautiful varieties of it, the best being J. affine, with flowers larger and more numerous than those of the ordinary kind. There is a is the best way to increase the plant. A native of rich shady woods in N. America. Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis). Jessamine (Jasminum). Jew's Mallow (Kerria). Jew's Mallow, White (Rhodotypus). Jonquil (Narcissus Jonquilla). Jubæa spectabilis. A handsome nearly hardy S. American palm, with a smooth stem, which sometimes attains a height of nearly 40 ft. , and spreading pinnate leaves, of a full deep green colour, from 6 to 12 ft. long, the leaflets from I to 1 ft. long, and about 1 in. wide, springing in pairs from nearly the same spot. The leaf-stalks are very thick at the base, where they are enclosed in a dense mass of rough brown fibres, which grow upon their lower edges. This palm exists in the open air throughout the 554 JUDAS TREE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. JUNIPERUS. winter, near London, but not in such a condition as to encourage many to try it in this way. Grown in tubs in the conservatory in winter, and placed in the open air in summer, it will be useful for association with the hardier palms. by division of the tufts. J. zebrinus is apparently a form of the common Rush (J. communis) . The long round leaves are barred with bands of yellow and green, and it is a striking plant, as its rigid habit and singular markings stand out in bold relief. GARDEN Judas Tree (Cercis). Juniperus recurva at Castlewellan. Juncus (Rush) .- Water or marsh plants, generally with long round leaves. J. effusus spiralis is a very singular plant, whose spreading tufts of leaves, instead of growing straight, are twisted in a corkscrew form. It is worth cultivating on the margins of water. It is easily multiplied June Berry (Amelanchier). Juniperus Juniper).-Often graceful members of the great coniferous family, but frequently more shrubby than treelike, and therefore more fitted for the pleasure-ground and as background plants for the flower garden than for woodland or forest planting, though some kinds JUNIPERUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. JUNIPERUS. 555 are trees, as the Red " Cedar " (J. virginiana) . The dwarf Savin, rightly placed and grown, throws a mass of very pretty evergreen growth over banks and places that invite a low growth, or that too rare quality in gardens a little repose ! J. communis ( The Common Juniper) is chiefly found growing in England on sandy or chalky soils or on open downs, while in Scotland, its native home is amongst the granite or trap on hill and mountain sides. It is, with us, usually low and small, seldom much larger than the furze. The Dwarf Juniper is a variety of the common Juniper, seldom found over a foot in height, but more commonly half that size. It is of a low dense habit of growth, and soon spreads to a great width. The Irish Juniper is a distinct variety, and of some value in landscape gardening. The growth is close and erect, as in the Irish Yew, and the foliage of a silvery-gray tint. It succeeds best on rather damp soils. J. recurva (Weeping Indian Juniper) succeeds well in Britain. At Brynmeirig, near the Penrhyn slate quarries, there is a number of these gracefully- drooping plants, which for size are perhaps not excelled in Britain. The soil is loam and peat resting on shaly slate rock. The situation is shady and with a northern aspect, which, by the bye, seems to suit not only this species but the male form J. recurva densa) as well. J. chinensis ( The Winter-flowering Juniper).-This is certainly the most ornamental ; indeed, in this respect it is perhaps not excelled by any evergreen shrub. During winter or in early spring, when covered with its yellow male flowers, this shrub is beautiful ; it is hardy and of the easiest culture, succeeding well on loamy soil, and several varieties are in cultivation. J. thurifera (Frankincense Juniper).— In this we have another distinct tree, in its native country attaining a height of 40 ft. As a lawn specimen it is in- valuable, and from its dense conical shape associates well with trees of the same race, and is very hardy. J. virginiana ( The Red Cedar).—It is of the easiest culture and seems to succeed in almost any situation, though attaining greatest perfection when planted nearthe sea- coast. It is a native of North America, where it becomes a tree, with a bright red aromatic wood, the value of which is well known from its use in cabinet work and the manufacture of pencils. J. argentea, or glauca, is a variety of the Red Cedar, and, from its peculiar whitish-silvery appearance, is useful for contrast. J. drupacea (Plum-fruited Juniper) is a native of Syria and Asia Minor, on the mountains there attaining a height of some 15 ft. It thrives best on good well-drained soil, and is unsuitable for planting on peat. It has a close, narrow conical habit of growth, clothed with sharp-pointed leaves arranged in six distinct rows along the branch, which are of a light grassy-green colour. This Juniper makes a handsome specimen for a lawn. J. suecica ( Swedish Juniper), a native of Denmark, Norway, and other parts of Northern Europe, is very hardy in this country, and makes excellent covert. It has a compact, upright habit of growth, and the branches are well clothed with leaves which are rather longer and of a brighter green colour than those of our native species. J. Sabina ( The Savin).—Few evergreen Shrubs are more beautiful and useful than the common Savin and its forms, but particularly that known popularly as the Tamarix-leaved (J. tamariscifolia). For carpeting the ground, planting on dry banks where little else save the Furze could grow, along the margins of shrubberies, the Savins are amongst the best of dwarf-growing coniferous shrubs. A pretty combination is afforded in the interesting garden at Goddendene, near Bromley, by the free use of the Tamarixleaved Juniper with herbaceous plants, fine broad masses breaking up the beds here and there, an unusual charm to that class of gardening. But to see this same Juniper used as a lawn plant instead of Grass is remarkably strange, and yet that it can be so used, every one who has been privileged to see that velvety lawn has frankly admitted. The plants were inserted when hardly I ft. in spread of shoots, and at about 15 in. apart, the dwarfest in a nursery border being chosen. Great care and attention was necessary for the first three years, so that all upward shoots were either cut off entirely, or, where a bare space occurred near at hand, were pegged firmly down. heavy roller was passed over the ground twice a week, pruning and pegging were regularly attended to, and now the lawn is as level as could well be desired and can be walked across with perfect ease. A Growing alone as a garden or lawn shrub the Savin is a plant of the greatest interest, the fine habit of growth and peculiar blue-gray of the shoots being so 556 JUSSIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. KAULFUSSIA. handsome and the plant so hardy in our severest winters. -A. D. W. Jussiæa natans.-A curious aquatic plant bearing large yellow blossoms a few inches above the water. It is valuable for still water, such as a pool or small lake, and is hardy. Onagraceæ. Kalmia (Mountain Laurel).-The Kalmias are among the most beautiful of North American shrubs, evergreen in foliage and charming in flower. The broad- leaved Kalmia latifolia is the finest, as it is also the commonest in gardens. superior in size of flower and richness of tint. The Myrtle-leaved Kalmia (K. myrtifolia) seems to be only a variety of K. latifolia, with smaller Myrtle- like foliage. The growth is dwarf and compact, and the flowers are almost as large as those of K. latifolia. The other species of Kalmia, though very beautiful, are of less value, because they are smaller, more delicate, and less showy, but in peat-soil gardens they should be grown. K. angustifolia grows about 1 ft. high, and bears in early June dense clusters of rosypink flowers. K. glauca and K. hirsuta Juniperus Sabina (the Savin). Re Like the Rhododendron and Azalea, it must be grown in a moist peaty soil, or one light or sandy. It will not thrive in stiff or chalky soils. Its lovely clusters of pink wax-like flowers open about the end of June, when the bloom of the Rhododendron and Azalea is on the wane, and last for a fortnight or longer. The broad foliage makes it almost as valuable an evergreen shrub as the Rhododendron. There are varieties of the common kind having, in some cases, larger flowers, and in others, flowers of a deeper colour, the finest being maxima, which is much are also pretty shrubs, K. glauca flowering in early summer, and K. hirsuta in August. Kaulfussia amelloides. A pretty dwarf hardy annual, with Daisy-like flowers, of a deep purple, but with white, rose, scarlet, and violet varieties, which are named in catalogues alba, rosea, ker- mesina, and atro-violacea. It forms a compact tuft, suitable for groups or masses, if sown in the open in April, flowering in June, and there is not much advantage in sowing it earlier. It makes a pretty ground or " carpet " plant with taller KERNERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. KNIPHOFIA. 557 plants here and there through it. Cape of Good Hope. Compositæ. Syn., Amellus annuus. Kernera saxatilis. -A neat little plant very like the dwarf Scurvy Grass (Coch- learia), forming a compact tuft of foliage, and in early summer becoming a mass of tiny white blooms. In the rock-garden it grows in any soil in an open position, and is attractive in spring. Seeds. Europe. Cruciferæ. Kerria japonica (Jew's Mallow).- The double variety of this Japanese shrub is an old favourite in cottage gardens, where it is most commonly seen. The large bright yellow rosette flowers are much more showy than those of the single kind, which is rare. Though usually planted against walls, the Kerria is hardy, and may be grown as a bush except in the coldest parts. The variegated- leaved form of the single variety is more delicate than the double form, or the green- leaved single form. Kitaibelia vitifolia. -A coarse plant, 4 to 6 ft. high or more, with vine- like foliage. It bears in summer large white blooms from the upper parts of the stems. The plant is not refined or showy enough for border culture, but is suited for growing among shrubs. Seed or division. Malvaceæ. Hungary. Kleinia repens. -A dwarf succulent plant, with cylindrical leaves of a bluish glaucous gray, used for geometrical beds in summer, but not hardy. Division in early spring in heat, followed by potting and by planting out in light dry soil in May. Knautia (Scabiosa). Kniphofia(TorchLilyorFlameFlower). -Handsome and verydistinct plants which are prevented by severe winters from becoming very popular. The genus, as understood by botanists, is restricted to the mountains of Abyssinia and the Cape, with the exception of one species found by Speke and Grant near the Equator, and one or two kinds indigenous to the mountains of Madagascar. There are twenty or thirty species, and none of the six found in Abyssinia is identical with any sort found at the Cape. The Kniphofias, and especially the forms of K. Uvaria, are among the most striking ofautumn flowers. Large irregular groups in open spots give a brilliant effect in autumn, and they require no attention beyond an occasional top-dressing of rich soil or well- rotted manure. During the late winters many kinds have perished from frost, but these dangers may be averted by a covering of dry leaves or ashes in late autumn. The stemless kinds are easily propagated by division and by seed when produced in favourable seasons ; but not the stemmed or caulescent kinds. However, those who wish to increase their stock of the stemmed kinds need not fear to behead them ; in fact, this is the only way in which K. caulescens can be propagated, as, otherwise, it seldom develops offshoots. When so treated it will throw up a large number of shoots, which, if allowed to re- main until a few roots are produced, may be taken off and kept in a close frame for a time, and then potted in a sandy compost K. sarmentosa is the easiest to increase, as it throws out underground shoots, which may be taken off at any time. K. Quartiniana develops small shoots almost at right angles with the base of the stem, and if these be taken off and treated as cuttings they will strike freely. The following are amongst the best of the kinds in cultivation :- K. aloides (Flame Flower or Torch Lily), or Tritoma Uvaria as it is still called in many gardens, is perhaps the oldest, and is certainly one of the very best of its family. It is the Flame Flower of cottage gardens, and is one of the noblest and most brilliant of Lily-worts : an excellent border- plant, it is suitable for all soils, and while few plants are better for picturesque grouping in the pleasure- ground, in the shrubbery, with a fairly open space and with deep rich soil, it forms handsome groups. It begins to flower in late summer and lasts for many weeks in perfection, and nearly 70 per cent. of the garden varieties are traceable to it. K. pumila is a pretty dwarf form. The variety præcox flowers much earlier than K. aloides, from the middle to the end of May; its leaves are broader than those of the type, and are not glaucous, while the raceme is shorter, the stem being about half as long as the leaves. The variety nobilis, which very much resembles grandis, if indeed it is not the same kind, is a robust and noble plant, its leaves more distinctly serrated than those of grandis, its flowering stem 5 to 8 ft. in height, with flowers varying from scarlet to orange- scarlet ; the anthers are prominent. It blooms throughout August. The variety serotina is interesting from blooming a month or so after all the other Kniphofias are over ; its flowers greenishyellow, occasionally tinged with red. The variety Saundersi has bright green leaves and very rich orange- scarlet flowers ; the variety longiscapa has very long flower- heads, and is a most desirable form ; the variety maxima globosa has globose heads of yellow and red flowers ; and the variety 558 KNIPHOFIA THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. KNIPHOFIA. glaucescens has large flower- spikes, the flowers being vermilion- scarlet shading to orange. It is a free-flowering plant, and is one of the best for heavy rich soil. K. Burchelli, introduced by Mr. Burchell from the Cape, is a distinct and beautiful plant with a purple-spotted stem and bright green leaves, firm in texture, 2 to 3 ft. long, which taper gradually to the apex. It flowers soon after midsummer, and just between præcox and the other forms of K. aloides. The flower-heads are moderately dense, and the flowers are Kniphofia grandis. bright red, excepting those at the lower end ofthe head, which are bright yellow, the style protruding, the stamens being included in the tube. Auseful and distinct plant, suited for dry banks and borders. K. carnosa is a beautiful plant, forming low spreading leaf-rosettes, from the midst ofwhich a number of flower-stalks rise to the height of 1 ft. , with cylindrical flowerspikes about 3 by 1 in.; the smallness of the flowers is compensated for by their glowing apricot colour, enhanced bybright yellow anthers. The flowers open first on the top side in September. Abyssinia. K. caulescens and K. Northiæ differ from all other cultivated kinds in their caulescent habit. K. caulescens differs from all the forms of aloides in being smaller, and in having very glaucous leaves, short heads, and smaller and less curved flowers. The stem, at 5 or 6 in. from the ground, can just be spanned by both hands ; the scape is about 4 ft. high, with a dense head of flower 6 in. in length of a reddish- salmon colour in its earlier stages, but in the fully- expanded flower it gradually becomes white, faintly tinged with greenish-yellow, producing an effective contrast. The glaucous bluegray foliage is pretty. Though less brilliant than most of the species, it is one of the hardiest, and is distinct and robust. It is a very striking plant for the bold rock-garden, and it does well and flowers freely on dry, slopes in light warm soils, and in open sunny positions. It should have a little protection in severe cold. Suckers or offsets taken off in early autumn root freely in sand in a cold frame. K. comosa seems to be closely allied to K. pumila, andhas a peculiar appearance with its long protruding style and anthers. It is much dwarfer than K. aloides, its leaves are much narrower, while its flowers are smaller and its bright green leaves are in dense rosettes, narrow, very pointed, and almost three-cornered. The bright yellow flowers droop in a dense oblong head, the stamen and style being about twice the length of the flower tube. K. comosa is a showy plant, flowering in September, but is rather tender. K. foliosa may be said to be the counterpart of K. caulescens, but it has more distinct stems. It is one of the most robust of all the Kniphofias, and is easily distinguished by its broadish leaves and its protruding stamens. The leaves form a dense tuft on the top of a stem 1 to 3 ft. high and are 3 or 4 in. broad at the base, tapering to a long point : flowers in a dense oblong head nearly 1 ft. long, bright yellow or tinged red, appearing in late autumn. Cape. =K. Quartiniana. K. Leichtlini is a native of Abyssinia, and requires winter protection even in the South of England. Its spreading bright green leaves form a dense tuft ; they are 2 to 4 ft. long, three-cornered, with entire margins, the flower-stems 2 to 4 ft. high, the flower-head about 6 in. long, the drooping flowers of a dull vermilion- red and yellow. The variety disticha, which is quite distinct from the type, is more robust, its leaves broader, and flower-tube shorter; two or three heads of bright deep yellow KNIPHOFIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. KNIPHOFIA. 559 flowers areborneonthe samesteminAugust. Some have suggested that it is a hybrid between K. Leichtlini and K. comosa. K. Macowani. -This differs from most Kniphofias in having the segments of its corolla reflexed, and in being of dwarf habit, 12 to 18 in. high, the narrow grassy leaves 1 to 2 ft. long, the flower- heads small, the flowers of a bright orange- red. It is hardy, andis suitable for rock-gardens. Rigidissima and maroccana are garden synonyms. The variety longiflora has much longer flowers. K. corallina is a robust hybrid. It is exactly intermediate between K. Macowani and K. aloides, and is a very pretty plant. K. Northiæ. -This is most nearly allied to K. caulescens, but its leaves are much broader, are not keeled, and are serrulate on the margins. The dense flower-heads are about 1 ft. long, the flowers being pale yellow, but the upper ones are tinged with red towards the tips. S. Africa. K. Rooperi is nearly allied to K. aloides, but is an early, or summer, flowering plant, while the stamens are included in the tube; the flowers are paler and less curved, and the leaves are broad and very glaucous. K. Rooperi is a native of Caffraria, and requires a little protection during severe winters. It has a fine bold effect when in full flower, the flower-heads, 6 in. to I ft. long, being crowded with bright orangered flowers, which get yellowish with age. The plant usually but wrongly called Rooperi flowers in November and Decem- ber, and is a variety of K. aloides. K. sarmentosa is distinguished from K. aloides by its smaller glaucous leaves, the cylindrical flower-heads from 6 in. to I ft. long, the flowers red in the upper half, and yellow, or yellow tinged red in the lower. It is perfectly hardy. There is a good hybrid between K. sarmentosa and K. aloides. Cape. K. triangularis, at first sight, reminds one of K. Macowani, especially as regards the flower-spike, which is about the same size and of a similar tint. The foliage, however, is broader and longer, and in this respect it resembles K. Uvaria. It is desirable because it is earlier in flower than most varieties, and also because it is a free grower. K. Üvaria ( = K. aloides). Other species not noticed in detail are K. pumila, pallidiflora, pauciflora, natalensis, Kirki, Tysoni, modesta, Granti. D. K. HYBRIDS AND VARIETIES. -As we are getting to know the value of the Flame Flowers, many beautiful hybrids have been raised. We are indebted to Max Leichtlin for quite a group of them. Others have given us beautiful forms such as the varieties John Waterer, Otto Mann, Max Leichtlin, and others, but all these owe their origin to red- flowered species, and do not much depart from the typical forms. Since the introduction, however, of yellow-flowered species, a new field was opened to the hybridiser KOHL Kniphofia Obelisk. The predominating colour in these new hybrids is yellow, in all shades varying through orange to a crimson- scarlet. In habit the plants vary quite as much as in the colour and form of the flower- spikes. Of some, whose parentage to K. Leichtlini must be very near, the foliage is narrow and deciduous, and the spikes not more than 3 ft. high. Other varieties have massive foliage some 3 in. or 4 in. broad, 560 KNOTWEED. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LABURNUM. the spikes attaining a height of 7 ft. The variety Obelisk is robust, with broad leafage and spikes some 5 ft. in height. The colour of the spikes is a pure goldenyellow, and strong spikes often produce two or three additional spikelets. Other beautiful forms are Triumph, a very fine hybrid ; Star of Baden- Baden, straw-yellow, the spikes more than 7 ft. high ; Ophir, orange-yellow, very freeflowering ; Lachesis, very hardy and rapid in growth, the flower deep yellow, turning to straw colour. Turning from the yellow varieties we have Leda, a beautiful and early- flowering form, about 4 ft. high, the flowers coral- red with an orange tinge. Matador seems to have nobilis for one of its parents ; the spikes are large, broad, and the colour a deep red. Van Tubergen, jun. , of Haarlem, finds that in his deeply dug, rich sandy soil where water can never be stagnant, all the above Kniphofias safely pass the winter outside if superfluous water is warded off. This gathers in the central parts of the plants, and may prove dis- astrous when suddenly sharp frosts occur. There are now fifty or sixty varieties of these brilliant Torch Lilies, in place of the few known, say twenty years ago, but had we only the old Kniphofia (Tritoma) Uvaria, it is a plant capable of yielding very fine effects as planted in quantity either alone or grouped along with other suitable vegetation. All the hardy kinds grow well in deep well- drained loam and are readily increased by division or by seeds, which some varieties bear freely in mild localities. Once well planted in bold groups, Kniphofias form the most effective masses of colour, and their effect is visible at long distances, so that they are plants of much value to the landscape gardener who may use them on lawns, or wood margins, on banks, and near water, either alone or along with other vigorous plants, such as Spiræas, Pampas Grass, Arundo, or the Giant Polygonum sachali- nense and P. Sieboldi. A bold group of these flowers backed or partly surrounded by hardy Bamboos, is a sight in October not readily to be forgotten. K. Obelisk is the splendid Kniphofia, of which an illustration is given in the accompanying woodcut. Knotweed (Polygonum). Kochia scoparia. -A curious and seldom-grown annual of the Goose- foot family, forming a neat pointed bush, from 3 to 5 ft. high, the flowers insignificant. The graceful habit of the plant makes it valuable, placed either singly or in groups, especially from July to September, the time of its full development. It should be sown in April, in a hot-bed, and after- wards planted out in beds or borders. S. Europe. Koelreuteria paniculata. A small tree, beautiful when in flower ; the long- divided leaves elegant throughout summer, in autumn die off a rich yellow ; the yellow flowers form large clusters over the spread- ing mass of foliage. The Koelreuteria is picturesque, valuable for groups, is a native of China, hardy, and thrives in any good soil. Koniga (Alyssum). Labrador Tea (Ledum). Laburnum. -There are many named Laburnums, and of these the finest are the following: Waterer's Laburnum with spikes, I ft. or more long, and the colour the brightest yellow, of excellent habit and free-flowering. Parkesi has also Laburnum. very long racemes, and may be identified by flowers of a deeper yellow ; Carlieri and grandiflorum have good flowers, while quercifolium , bullatum, and others have peculiar leaves. The drooping variety (pendulum) is a graceful tree, with weeping branches. L. serotinum comes into bloom later than the ordinary kinds, and autumnale is said to flower in autumn. There are twenty other sorts enumerated in catalogues. As with other very showyflowered trees, considerable taste and judgment are required to plant the Laburnum effectively. Instead of dotting it. about in a meaningless way, distinct groups should be planted in widely- separated spots, or, at least, where from any given point one cannot see the tree LACTUCA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LATHYRUS. 561 repeated more than once. It is best not to plant large specimens, for few trees are so difficult to transplant when large. The Scotch Laburnum, a most valuable kind, usually flowers when the others are past. It may be recognised by its broader and deeper green leaves, and by the rich yellow of the racemes, which are also longer than those of the ordinary sort. There are several named varieties of the Scotch Laburnum, among them being a drooping kind, pendulum, and fragrans. L. Adami has long been a puzzle to botanists, who even now cannot account for its peculiar character. It is supposed that it originated by grafting the purple- flowered Cytisus purpureus upon the common Laburnum, a graft hybrid being the result. The same tree, and even the same branch, bears racemes ofboth yellow and purple flowers, and sometimes the colour is a dull purple, like yellow mixed with purple. Old trees of these are singularly quaint and not without beauty. Lactuca (Lettuce) .-Composite plants, oftener seen in the kitchen than in the flower garden. There are one or two blueflowered perennial kinds, which are not without beauty for quiet coloured borders. Lady Fern (Asplenium Filix-fæmina). Lady's Bedstraw (Galium). Lady's Fingers (Anthyllis). Lady's Slipper(Cypripedium Calceolus). Lagurus ovatus (Hare's-tail Grass).- A pretty annual Grass, about 1 ft. high, with hare's-tail-like plumes, useful for bouquets. It should be sown in pots in August, wintered in frames, and divided and transplanted in spring, or sown in open ground in April. It flowers from July to September, and it is pretty in the flower garden in large patches as a relief to showy- flowering things. Lamarckia aurea. A small hardy annual Grass, with silky plumes, becom- ing golden as they mature. It is suitable for bouquets, and may be dried for winter use. Seeds should be sown in spring or autumn, in the open border in light soil. Syn., Chrysurus cynosuroides. Lamium (Dead Nettle).- In this genus there are a few plants occasionally worth a place in poor dry soils, where little else will grow-- such as are found on dry banks or beneath trees. L. garganicum, from 1 to 14 ft. high, has in summer whorls of purplish blossoms. L. Orvala is taller and has deep red flowers in early summer. L. maculatum, a native plant, has leaves blotched with silvery-white. Of this species the variety aureum is one of the best golden-leaved plants for edgings. It does not withstand the full exposure that suits the yellow Feverfew, but in sandy or moist soils its peculiar tint is unequalled by any other hardy plant, and its blooms are pretty. It does not require to be constantly trimmed like the Feverfew. It is known also as L. striatum aureum. Lantana. -S. American plants, usually grown in greenhouses, and also in the summer garden. The Verbena- like heads of bloom are rich and varied in colour, and range from crimson, through scarlet, orange, and yellow, to white, the colours varying in the same head. They flower freely for about nine months, and are easy to grow, requiring the protection of the greenhouse during winter after being lifted in autumn. Propagated in spring by cuttings or seeds, the plants being grown in rich light soil till planted out in a warm position. There are many sorts grown, and a selection should include Phosphore, Don Calmet, Distinction, Eclat, Victoire, La Neige, Feu Follet, Pluie d'Or, Ver Luisant, Ne Plus Ultra, Eldorado, and Heroine. Like many dwarf half-hardy plants, they have various uses in the flower garden, and maybe trained as standards. The pretty L. Sellowi is a good dwarf plant ; but the odour of the plants is unpleasant, and they are not likely to be much used. West Indies. Verbenaceæ. Lardizabala biternata. -A handsome evergreen climber from Chili, hardy enough for walls in the south and coast districts ; the foliage a deep green, the leaflets thick. Along the south coast it makes a beautiful wall- covering, reaching a height of 20 ft. or more, but its in- conspicuous purple flowers are seldom borne in the open air. It should be planted in light or well-drained soil. Larkspur (Delphinium). Lasthenia glabrata. -A pretty hardy annual, from 9 in. to 1 ft. high, with many rich orange-yellow blossoms. It should be sown in autumn or early summer, or in spring for later bloom. Like other annuals, it looks best in broad tufts, but care must be taken that the plants are properly thinned. The autumn- sown plants come in with the Iberis, Wall- flowers, and early Phloxes. L. californica is a variety. California. Compositæ. Lastrea. -See Aspidium and Nephro- dium. Lathyrus (Everlasting Pea).- Hardy annual and perennial plants, several of them very beautiful for the garden. The perennial kinds of Peas are valuable, as they are of such free growth and last long in bloom. The kinds worth growing are not numreous, yet sufficient to keep up 00 562 LATHYRUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LATHYRUS. an unbroken display from May till October. They have long fleshy roots, which, when once established, will go on for years without giving further trouble or needing attention. Near a low wall or trellis they succeed admirably, and climbing gracefully drape such surfaces with veils of foliage and blossom. Upon banks, raised borders, or on the bold rock-garden few things are prettier, and they never look better than when scrambling over the face of a rock, flowering as they go. The way to spoil them is to attempt to tie and train them in a stiff or formal way. They may be used with good effect in mixed borders, and they are valuable for cutting from. The best varieties are pretty if allowed to grow through beds of medium- sized shrubs, and there are few effects in gardens prettier than that of the best white varieties when allowed to trail and bloom on a grassy place untrained in any way ; a few tufts so placed are charming and live for many years. Most of the species ripen seed freely, and all may be divided either in autumn or spring. L. latifolius ( Everlasting Pea).- One ofthe hardiest and most easily cultivated of plants, thriving almost anywhere, even in courtyards amongst flags. There are good white varieties and some striped with deeper coloured flowers than the old kind. All are peculiarly suited for rough places, and will scramble over bushes. Staking, tying, and training only spoil them. An old tree- stump, or the side of a trellis or summer-house, is where they delight to grow undisturbed, but there are many uses for this fine plant and its forms in the flower-garden, and in rich hedge-banks it would be easyto naturalise. In warm seasons these Peas ripen seed in the south and on warm soil, and advantage should be taken of increasing the stock in this way. Generally, however, little if any seed is borne. L. grandiflorus (Two-flowered Everlasting Pea) is a very handsome plant for the early summer garden, succeeding anywhere, and, as the name implies, is the largest-flowered species, the blooms being as large as those of a Sweet Pea. It is at its best in June and early July, the flowers usually borne in pairs, of a rosypurple colour, the stems in good soil reaching 6 ft. It is one ofthe hardiest of the genus, and from its neat and freeflowering habit a very useful borderplant, common in cottage gardens. It has not so far varied in colour as the Everlasting Pea, but it may do so yet, and varieties ofit would be welcome. L. rotundifolius (Persian Everlasting Pea).-This pretty Everlasting Pea is also known under the name of L. Drummondi, but there is no necessity for this name, as it only leads to confusion. This is a very old species, but it is not so common as the larger kinds, though good from its earliness and freedom of flowering. It grows about 5 ft. high, the leaves are nearly round, the flowers in large clusters, bright rose- pink, The White Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius albus). about an inch in diameter, and open in early June. It is of easy culture, and increased by division. Asia Minor and Persia. L. Sibthorpi ( Early Everlasting Pea). -This is valuable because it is so early, being at its best in May and June. It does not grow very tall, rarely more than 2 or 3 ft., but it bears many fine spikes of delicate flowers of a beautiful purplish- red colour. In Mr. Thompson's garden at Ipswich there is a fine bed of this pretty LATHYRUS THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LATHYRUS. 563 and somewhat rare species. The plants are all in a large nursery bed, and are supported with a few branched stakes, upon which the flowers cluster in rich masses. It has been in cultivation at Oxford Botanic Garden for many years, and is said to have been introduced by Sibthorp. It flowers a month earlier than L. rotundifolius, and may be increased by division or seed, but is not so vigorous in ordinary conditions as the commoner Everlasting Peas, and should until plentiful be planted in warm borders. L. tuberosus ( Tuber Pea) is a pretty low-growing kind, with flowers of a bright dark pink. It is found in many of our cornfields, and is cultivated in Holland for the tuberous roots, which are said to be edible. The tubers are about 2 in. long, broadest at the root end and tapering to the apex. It will be found a useful plant for the flower border, it being a true perennial, of neat habit, and very freeflowering. It climbs like other Peas, but alsogrows inlittletendril- bound heaps without anyfurther effort at going higher, and then the matted herbage soon becomes densely studded over with the rose- coloured flowers in small clusters of five to seven each. It will thus be seen that this free and long- flowering Pea is suited for draping bold rocks. Europe and W. Asia, naturalised in England. L. magellanicus (Lord Anson's Pea) is the most beautiful of blue- flowered Peas. In many gardens a particularly bright form of L. sativus will be found under the name of Lord Anson's Pea, which is a true perennial, almost ever- green, the stem and leaves being covered with a bluish bloom. It grows from 3 to 5 ft. high ; the flowers, many in a bunch, are of medium size, violet- blue with darker veins, opening in June and continuing until the end of July. This species is said to have been originally introduced by the cook of H.M. ship Centurion, commanded by Lord Anson, in 1744, and was cultivated by Philip Miller in the Botanic Garden at Chelsea. In the Fulham Nurseries it stood the winter against a wall. It is a maritime species, and a little salt may help its growth under culti- vation. It ripens seed freely, and may also be increased by division . Straits of Magellan, and probably not quite hardy unless planted near a wall or house. L. maritimus (Beach Pea).—This is a very interesting native plant, inhabiting, the sea-shore, and not so vigorous as the preceding kinds. It is, however, pretty and worth a place on open parts of the rock-garden, in gravelly or gritty soil. The stems are prostrate, 18 in. to 3 ft. long, sea-green in colour ; flowers in summer, purple fading to blue. Europe, America, and Asia. N. L. odoratus (Sweet Pea).- Perhaps the most precious annual plant grown. There are many ways in which it may be prettily used in a garden. A common method is to sow little patches in borders, the seed being generally that of mixed varieties, and, by placing some stakes against them, to secure pillars of flower. Where it can be done, a hedge of Sweet Peas is an attractive sight, and sometimes Sweet Peas can be used to hide an unsightly place during the summer. Many people grow a hedge of Sweet Peas in order to yield a supply of cut flowers, but it is use- less to growthe Sweet Pea except in good soil. Some sow in late autumn ; this is not always satisfactory, though, when it succeeds, the result is good. By sowing indoors in pots or boxes about the middle of February, and gradually hardening off the young plants when they are 1 in. high, Sweet Peas may be made to acquire a sturdiness and toughness which, when they are planted out in good well- manured soil in April, conduces to rapid growth and to immunity from birds and slugs, which would otherwise attack the tender shoots the moment they appeared above the ground. The soil should be well trenched, and plenty ofgood stable manure should be worked in ; and after the plants have been rather thickly dibbled in, supports of hazel stakes or netting should be placed round them. Then, with a little attention during dry weather and the regular removal of incipient pods, they yield abundance of beautiful and fragrant flowers all through the summer and autumn. When getting past their best, they should be cut down level with the tops of the sticks, and the result will be that from the bottom to the top a new growth will spring up, and there will be an abundance of bloom until the end of October. There are now many fine varieties of the Sweet Pea, varying chiefly in colour. Mr. Eckford, of Wem, Salop, now so well known for the many varieties of Sweet Peas he has raised, in writing to me as to their good cultivation, says : "I do not like the Celery-trench fashion. If the ground is in a tolerably good state of cultivation, that is, has been fairly well dug, simply put on a fair coat of stable manure and dig deep, leaving it rough. In the beginning of March when the soil is in good condition, thoroughly break with a fork, which will be sufficient 002 564 LATHYRUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LAURUS. preparation for the seed. To obtain the best results, clumps of two or three plants at 1 yard or 2 yards apart are better than continuous rows. In staking put three or four bushy stakes thus : round the clump, but well away from the plants, which should have a few smaller sticks to lead them up to the taller ones. Round the whole put a string or bit of wire to keep them together, so that when the plants have grown up a sort of cone may be formed. The sticks should be if possible 8 or 10 ft. high, as planted in this way the Peas will, if mulched with halfspent manure or any kind of refuse to protect the roots from hot sun, grow very strong and tall, and if the flowers are cut close every morning, so that no seed can form, they will continue to bloom till the frost puts an end to them. Should the weather prove dry, a soaking of weak manure water two or three times during the season would be beneficial. Should they from excessive growth get untidy, take the hedge- shears and clip them over neatly ; they will in a few days throw out fresh growths and a profusion of flowers. If this way of growing Sweet Peas is adopted, it is a good plan to put the seed singly into small pots, and when the seedlings are strong enough to plant them out ; in doing so make the ground very firm about them-they delight in firm ground. If the weather be dry tread well in." He Sweet Peas do admirably in Scotland. Mr. Brotherston thus writes concerning his mode of treatment at Tynning- hame : Mr. Eckford (the raiser of many charming varieties of Sweet Peas) was here a few weeks ago, and he confessed to be unable to grow them so fine. said that he had never previously seen the flowers of his own Peas grown to so large a size or so fine in colour. Grow the plants singly, allowing each plenty of room. If you are able to get plenty of good loam, allow each plant one and a half barrowfuls, and of leaf- soil half a barrowful, incorporating these with the top spit ofthe garden soil Heavy dressings of manure produce rank growth when the plants are young. I prefer to add manure as a surface dressing ; my favourite manures for this purpose being soot, pigeon manure, superphos- phate of lime and sulphate of ammonia. Peat litter, which has passed through a stable, is also good. Manure water will of course be also beneficial. For training on, nothing is more satisfactory than a dead Spruce Fir for each plant. Pinching is important, as it not only keeps the plant within bounds, but all through the season it causes the formation of young flowering growths. Seeding is so fatal to the production of bloom, and exhausts the energies of the plant so rapidly and immediately, that in hot weather I should not hesitate to remove every flower and opening bud rather than risk leaving them to form seed- pods. Aposition little exposed to continuous sunshine will be advantageous. I would make a late sow- ing about the middle of June, or perhaps even later, always, however, allowing each plant plenty of room. Some sorts are less given to form seed- pods than others. Captain of the Blues and Cardinal produce seed the most freely here. Orange Prince, Countess of Radnor, Mrs. Sankey, and Blanche Burpee are shy to set. OTHER ANNUAL PEAS. -Though none of the other annual kinds of Lathyrus rival the Sweet Pea, there are several pretty ones. Of these the Tangier Pea (L. tingitanus) grows about 3 ft. high, and has small dark red-purple flowers ; the Chickling Vetch (L. sativus) has flowers varying from pure white to deep purple. Thevariety azureus is a remarkably elegant dwarf kind with many clear blue flowers ; L. s. coloratus has flowers, white, purple, and blue ; L. Gorgoni, about 2 ft. high, pale salmon- coloured flowers ; L. articulatus, Clymenum, and calcaratus are other pretty kinds for borders. Laurel, Alexandrian (Ruscus). Common (Cerasus). Ground (Epigæa). "" "" Mountain (Kalmia). Poet's (Laurus nobilis). Laurestinus ( Viburnum). 99 Laurus nobilis (Poet's Laurel).–– Generally known as Sweet Bay, but to which its true name Laurel should be kept, for it is the true Poet's Laurel, the vigorous Cherry Laurel having wrongly taken the name. Perhaps there is no evergreen shrub we oftener see in cottage and other little gardens. In England it is hardy over large areas, if it suffers occasionally, especially on cold soils, where the ripening of the shoots is not completed. Gardeners in the larger places rather neglect it, and seldom plant it in groups and colonies, as they might well do on dry banks. The plant is interesting in every way for its associations as well as for its beauty. There are several slight varieties, in addition to the common form. It requires some care in transplanting or it will be a long time rooting well. Warm and sheltered places are best for it, if possible on sandy or free LAVATERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LEONTICE. 565 soil ; and it might be planted in different aspects with advantage. Lavatera (Tree Mallow).- For the most part vigorous and somewhat coarse annuals, biennials, and perennials, few of great value in the garden. The most useful is L. trimestris, a beautiful South European annual, from 2 to 3 ft. high, bearing in summer large pale rose or white blossoms, thriving in rich and light soil. It may be sown in the open border in autumn or early spring. Among the taller kinds the best is L. arborea, which has the look of a small tree, in the southern counties sometimes 10 ft. high. The stem branches into a broad, compact, roundish, and very leafy head. In rich well-drained beds it would be a worthy companion for the Ricinus and the Cannas. It is most at home on dry soils, but during the summer months it does on all kinds of soil. A biennial, it should be raised from seed annually. L. cashmeriana, unguiculata, thuringiaca, sylvestris, and others of a similar character are not worth growing except in the wild garden, or naturalised. Lavender-Cotton (Santolina). Lavender, Sea (Statice). Lavendula (Lavender).-The common Lavender, one of the most grateful in odour and pretty in effect of all garden plants. It succeeds best in an open sunny position, in light soil. The white- flowered variety is as sweet as the blue, and flowers at the same time. Though a bush, the Lavender has been for centuries associated with our old garden-flowers. For low hedges, as dividing lines in or around ground devoted to nursery beds of hardy flowers, and many other purposes, it is admirable, and for dry banks and warm slopes. L. lanata, dentata, and Stochas may also be seen in botanic gardens. S. Europe. Leavenworthia aurea. A pretty cruciferous annual of very dwarf habit, forming a neat rosette-like tuft, from which arise numerous stalks 4 to 5 in. high, each bearing a single flower about in. across, with white petals stained at the base with deep yellow. Occasionally, when strongly grown, a short stem thrown up, bearing the flowers on long pedicels. It blooms in May and June, and should be treated as a half-hardy annual. Arkansas. 1S Ledum (Labrador Tea).-The best of the few species of Ledum grown in gardens is L. latifolium, which represents the genus well. Its usual height is under 2 ft., but sometimes it reaches 3 ft.; it is 1 dense and compact, and has small leaves, of a rusty brown beneath. During the latter part of May it bears clusters of white flowers. It is a very old garden plant, and was brought from North America more than a century ago. The Canadian form of it (canadense) is found in some gardens, but does not differ materially from the type. Aform called globosum is finer, as the flower- clusters are larger and more globular. L. palustre is commoner than L. latifolium, but being smaller in every part is not so good ; it is Ledum. dwarf and spreading, and its flowers are white. The Ledums thrive best in a peaty soil or sandy loam, and are usually included in a collection of so- called American plants. They are charming grouped in the bog-garden, fully exposed if possible. North Europe and America. Leiophyllum buxifolium (Sand Myrtle). A neat, pretty, and tiny shrub, forming compact bushes 4 to 6 in. high, with evergreen leaves resembling those of the Box. The small white flowers are the borne in dense clusters in early summer, the unopened buds being of a delicate pink hue, and it is suited for grouping with diminutive shrubs, such as Partridge Berry, Daphne Cneorum, the small Andromedas, and with Willows like S. reticulata and serpyllifolia, that rise little above the ground. It is generally planted on the margins of peat beds with other American peat-loving shrubs, and it is also a good plant for the rock-garden. A native of sandy " pine barrens " in New Jersey. There is more than one variety in cultivation. Leontice (Lion's Leaf).- Dwarf peren- nials of the Barberry family, natives of Europe and Asia. There are some three or four species in cultivation, all pretty plants, about 1 ft. high, and bear in spring bright yellow blossoms. L. Leontopetalum, Chrysogonum, vesicaria, and odessana are the kinds grown, and are all perfectly hardy ; but, as they seem to be 566 LEONTOPODIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LEPTOSIPHON. injured by the excessive moisture of our winters, they are generally cultivated in frames or under hand-lights, to shelter them and preserve their flowers from the effects of the weather in spring. A light friable soil is best to plant them in. The large depressed root- stocks, which resemble the corms of a Cyclamen, should not be placed beneath the soil, but fastened by some means, so that only the bases, from which the fibry roots are emitted, should be in contact with the ground. Leontopodium alpinum (Edelweiss).—- A pretty and hoary-leaved alpine plant, the small yellow flowers surrounded by star-like heads of leaves clothed with a Leontopodium alpinum (Edelweiss). dense white woolly substance. The people are so pleased at seeing this plant in cultivation that they send letters to the Times to announce the fact. Its culture is not difficult on sandy soils, or even as a border-plant, but it grows too luxuriantly in moist rich soils. To keep a good stock of flowering plants, the old ones should be divided annually or young ones raised from seeds, which in some seasons ripen plentifully. It succeeds either on exposed spots ofthe rock-garden or in an ordinary border, if not placed too near rank-growing things. Gnaphalium alpinum. Compositæ. = Leonurus Leonitis (Lion's-tail).—A distinct and handsome plant ofthe Salvia Order, allied to Phlomis, about 2 ft high, and bearing in summer whorls of very showy bright scarlet flowers. It is a Cape plant, and is not hardy enough for our climate during the winter, even when protected by a cold frame, though in warm light soils, in the southern parts of the country, it thrives out-of-doors in summer, and where it will not bloom out- of- doors, it is worthy of a place as a cool greenhouse plant. Near Paris, established plants placed out for the summer flower well. Wherever it can be grown in the open air, it would be valuable for association with the finer bedding and subtropical plants. Cuttings strike freely in spring-more freely than in autumn-in a slight bottom- heat. Leopard's Bane (Doronicum). Leptinella scariosa. --Avery dwarfChilian plant, with small deeply- cut foliage, forming a dense carpet, on which account it is employed for flat geometrical bedding, for, though a fast grower, it does not require clipping to keep it down, and grows in any soil. Its flowers are inconspicuous. Division. Compositæ. L. filicaulis and L. dioica, if not the same, are very similar. Leptosiphon. must Pretty Californian annuals. To produce the best results these charming annuals be strongly grown, and robust specimens can only be obtained by thin sowing. In light dry soils early autumn sowing is recommended, sufficiently early to permit the young plants to attain some size before the setting-in of winter. Fair success however may be looked for, especially in good soils, where spring-sowing will often yield excellent results ; while the advantages of autumn- sowing are best seen in light sandy soils. Of the numer- ous kinds in cultivation the best is L. roseus, which is one of the most charming of hardy annuals, forming dense tufts, studded with rosy-carmine flowers. The very pretty L. luteus and its deeper- coloured variety aureus are scarcely inferior to L. roseus, which they resemble in habit, though with smaller flowers. LEPTOSYNE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LEWISIA. 567 The hybrid varieties of these are interesting for the singular variety of shades occurring among them. The largerflowered species, L. densiflorus and L. androsaceus, should be too well known to need description ; both have lilac- purple flowers, and are most attractive annuals, and of both species there are good white varieties deserving of especial recommen- dation. All natives of California. Polemoniacea. Leptosyne. -Californian plants of the Composite family, resembling some of the Coreopsis. L. Douglasi is a pretty halfhardy annual, about 1 ft. high, and having large yellow flowers. L. Stillmanni resembles it, but is smaller. L. maritima, a perennial, is somewhat tender, and should be treated as an annual. It is a showy plant, about 6 in. high, and bears large bright yellow flowers. All these plants thrive best in an open sunny position in a light warm soil. The seeds should be sown early in heat, and the seedlings transplanted in May. Leucanthemum alpinum (Alpine Feverfew).—A very dwarf plant The leaves are small, and the abundant flowers are supported on hoary little stems 1 to 3 in. long, are pure white with yellow centres, and are more than I in. across. It is rather quaint and pretty, and well deserves cultivation in bare level places, on poor sandy or gravelly soil in the rock- garden. It is sometimes known as Chrysanthemum arcticum and Pyrethrum alpinum. It is a native ofthe Alps, and is readily increased by division or seed. For other species of Leucanthe- mum see Chrysanthemum. Leucojum (Snowflake).— Pretty bulbs allied to the Snowdrop, but bolder and easily naturalised in rich valley soils. L. æstivum (Summer Snowflake).— A vigorous plant, flowers white drooping on stalks 1 to 1 ft. high. In clusters of four to eight on a stem, the leaves in shape like those of Daffodils . It blooms early in summer (in many places before the end of spring), and is pretty in mixed borders or on the margins of shrubberies. It thrives in almost any soil, but is strongest in deep alluvial soil, and is multiplied by separation of the bulbs. It is excellent for the wild garden, and increases as rapidly as the common Daffodil. A form of L. æstivum is L. Hernandezi, a native of Majorca and Minorca, growing to about the same height as L. æstivum, but with narrower leaves, flowers only half the size, and usually not more than three flowers on each stem, appearing nearly a month earlier. I L. vernum (Spring Snowflake).—A beautiful early flower about 6 in. high. The fragrant drooping flower resembles a large Snowdrop, the tips of the petals being marked with a greenish spot. It is excellent for the rock-garden or borders, and thrives in a light, rich soil. Imported bulbs make little showfor the first year or two, but when established they flower freely. L. carpaticum is considered a variety, bearing two flowers on the stem, flowering a month later. Other cultivated Snowflakes are L. hyemale and L. roseum ; but these are very rare, and somewhat difficult to cultivate. Leucophyta Brownei. -A New Hollant plant, with slender hoary stems, in a small state largely used for flat geometrical beds in summer. Increased by cuttings in early spring. Compositæ. Leucothoë. Beautiful evergreen shrubs ofthe Heath family, most of them very old garden plants, and common in collections of American plants. There is a family likeness among the kinds, the best-known being L. acuminata, 14 to 24 ft. high, with slender arching stems, in early summer wreathed with white bell- shaped pretty flowers. L. axillaris is similar, and so are L. Catesbæi and L. racemosa, all of which are known under the name Andromeda. They are natives of N. America, hardy, thriving in light soil, preferring peat, and are suitable for the margins of groups of American shrubs, and for low parts of rock-gardens. A newer and very beautiful species is L. Davisiæ, introduced a few years sinces from California, and not so hardy as the others. It makes a neat little evergreen bush 2 or 3 ft. high, and has small leaves on slender stems, in May bearing clusters of small white flowers. It is one of the choicest of evergreen hardy shrubs, and thrives with Rhodo- dendrons and Azaleas in peat soil. Lewisia rediviva (Spatlum) .--A re- markable and beautiful Rocky Mountain plant, allied to Portulaca, very dwarf, 1 in. or so high, with a small tuft of narrow leaves, from the centre of which the flowerstalks arise. The blossoms are large for the size of the plant, being from 1 to 2 in. across, and vary from deep rose to white. The roots are succulent, and can retain life a long time even when dry, and as it sometimes fails to develop leaves annu- ally, is wrongly supposed to be dead. It should be grown in sunshine, for it cannot be flowered in shade, and the crown kept high and dry, though the roots should have moisture. A crevice in the rockgarden is the best situation for it . If 568 LEYCESTERIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LIGULARIA. grown in pots, the plant should be on broken stones, and the roots in light sandy loam with peat. After flowering, it shrivels up and becomes a withered twisted mass, like so many bits of string. Oregon, Utah, and Rocky Mountains. Leycesteria formosa. -A distinct flowering shrub, a native of the Himalayas, nearly hardy throughout these islands, much commoner in Ireland and the west than in the home counties, but it is graceful in flower and form , and reaches 6 ft. high in mild districts ; the flowers white, tinged with purple ; the leafy bracts purple, succeeded in autumn by purple berries, which are eaten by pheasants, and therefore it is planted in some places for squarrosa, cylindracea, elegans, and pumila much resemble the foregoing, and, like them, succeed in any rich light soil, and are best here and there in among peat-loving shrubs or in good borders. Propagated by division in spring or by seed.. Libertia. Beautiful plants of the Iris Order, of which some are hardy enough for the open border. L. formosa is beautiful at all seasons, even in the depth of winter, owing to the colour of its foliage, which is as green as the Holly; and it bears spikes of flowers of snowy whiteness like some delicate Orchid. It is neat, dwarf, and compact, and has flowers twice as large as the other kinds. Libertia formosa. covert. In mild districts it is an evergreen, but generally loses its leaves in late autumn. It thrives in various soils , and under trees. Liatris ( Snakeroot).- North American perennials of some beauty, having the flower-heads arranged in long dense spikes. Some are effective border flowers when well grown, and well repay good cultivation. L. elegans grows about 2 ft. high, and has pale- purple spikes I ft. or more in length. L. pycnostachya, 2 to 4 ft. high, has deep purple flower-spikes from August to October. L. spicata is one of the handsomest and neatest, growing 1 to 2 ft. high, and its violet-purple spikes con- tinue long in beauty. L. scariosa, All They lie close together on the stem, and remind one of the old double white Rocket. L. ixioides, a New Zealand plant, is also a handsome evergreen species, with narrow grassy foliage and small white blossoms. L. magellanica is also pretty when in flower. of these thrive in borders of peaty soil, and in the rougher parts of the rock-garden, but they grow slowly on certain loamy soils, living perhaps, but never showing the freedom and grace which they do on free or peaty soils creased by seed or by careful division in spring. InLigularia. -Large perennials, remarkable for bold foliage, one or two for great size, and strikingly distinct aspect, though LILAC. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LILIUM. 569 not quite beautiful in flower. L. macrophylla is vigorous, with an erect stem nearly 3 ft. high, and very large glaucous leaves, the yellow flowers borne in a long spike. Free, moist, and somewhat peaty soil is the most suitable for this plant, which is multiplied by careful division in autumn or in spring ; it is useful for grouping with fine-leaved herbaceous plants , but will seldom find a place in the select flower garden. Caucasus. L. sibirica, Fischeri, and thyrsoidea are fine-leaved plants, and worth growing with L. macrophylla for their foliage. The Japanese species, L. Kæmpferi and Hodgsoni, are better grown under glass, except in summer, when they may be used among fine-leaved plants in the sub-tropical garden ; but the hardy kinds are most interesting. Lilac (Syringa). The Lilium (Lily).—The Lilies are such beautiful plants that no garden should be without a variety of them, combining as they do stateliness and grace with brilliant and delicately-coloured flowers . many kinds in cultivation afford a rich choice. All are beautiful, but some are better suited for particular localities than others. The habit and general character of the plants being so varied, their uses are likewise varied. Some are suited for the rock-garden, others for the mixed border, many for the shrubberyespecially for the Rhododendron beds -while not a few are so robust that they are at home in the wild garden, holding their own against native plants. Their true place, however, is the garden proper, and, when their uses are understood and expressed, there will be a total change in the aspect of the flower garden. Lilies may be grown in various ways : -- 1. Under glass you may have Lilies in flower all the year round. 2. In the open border you may enjoy their beauty each in its own season. 3. You may take them up when coming into flower in the border, and plunging them roots and all into a sufficiently large pot with suitable soil, shade them for two or three days, and then transfer them to bloom in a conservatory or balcony, without damage, providing they are kept well-watered. Culture is important, but arrangement and grouping are even more so. There are Lilies which will grow in any ordinary soil ; agood, rich loamy soil suits the greater number ; others want plenty of sand, so as to keep the soil free ; while others can be easily grown in ordinary soil if it is mixed with leaf-mould or peat. It will thus be seen that there are no great difficulties in the way of growing a large number of kinds. In nearly all cases Lilies are more vigorous and brilliant where partially protected from severe frosts ; and the flowers last longer when sheltered from the scorching rays of the mid-day sun. The shrubbery border, among Rhododendrons (for those re- quiring peat), and the mixed border between shrubs and herbaceous plants, where the young shoots get a slight pro- tection from the early frosts, are among the best situations. A very safe place is near the edge of a Rhododendron bed ; soil that will grow Rhododendrons will grow most sorts of Lilies, and afford protection from " blight and spot, " which in some seasons, notably when cold and wet follow drought, greatly injure the growth and flowering ofsome species, even though the bulbs be unhurt. It should be remembered that bulbs of nearly all Lilies occasionally lie dormant a whole season, and push out luxuriantly the following summer, especially the Martagon tribe. 1 Manure should never be dug in with the bulbs, though they accept it gratefully if liberally applied as a top dressing after they have been established a year. The only manure to be dug in at planting is rich peat and sand, in the proportion of two parts of peat to one of sand. This is advisedly called manure. In light soils L. auratum and some others are all the better for a top-dressing of dry clay broken small. Though to each brief description below we have appended a word or two upon cultivation , it is perhaps advisable to add a few general remarks. It should be borne in mind that, however beautiful nearly all the known Lilies are, some are extremely fastidious ; but there is a rare choice of beauty among those that are easily cultivated. Lilies may be divided into three classes-first, those that are best grown in pots, such as neilgherrense, Wallichianum, philippinense, and nepalense ; also Wallichianum superbum (sulphureum), Lowi primulinum, Bakeri, new I 1 Experience has shown me that manure may be applied, more liberally than I thought, to the Speciosum group ; while Giganteum literally revels in " muck. " have given with much advantage to pot Lilies ( Longi- florum, Speciosum, and Henryi) Clay's Fertilizer, Albert's Concentrated and Fish Manure, so that I begin to believe that, given sound healthy bulbs, manure, especially in the liquid forms, may be given to a much greater extent than was originally supposed. I have seen an acre of Speciosum and Longiflorum Lilies in full luxuriant bloom, whose bulbs were planted at the top of farmyard manure dug in to receive them.- ALEXANDER WALLACE. 2 Sea-sand, where it can be procured, is by far the bestkind to use ; all bulbs take to it kindly, as it always attracts moisture. 570 LILIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LILIUM. Burmese Lilies ; and, in many soils and climates, speciosum, auratum, and longi- florum ; secondly, those that arebest grown out-of-doors in loamy soil ; thirdly, those that are best grown out-of-doors in peaty soil. On light soils the following kinds do remarkably well : L. candidum, longi- florum and its varieties, chalcedonicum, Browni, giganteum, tenuifolium, Krameri, etc. The North American forms require more peat and more moisture than the other groups. Lilies require, so far as their roots are concerned, a cool bottom, abundant moisture, and, for most kinds, a free drainage. The slope of a hill facing south-east or south-west, for inLilium auratum. excelsum, and the speciosum section ; all of the umbellatum, croceum , and elegans type ; also tigrinum sinense. For deep loamy soil the best kinds are L. auratum, Szovitzianum, Humboldti, the Tigerfamily, most of the Martagon group ; while in an intermediate soil ofleaf- mould, loam, and sand, we advise the planting of Buschianum, philadelphicum, pulchellum, stance, with water from above percolating through the sub-soil, so as to always afford a supply, without stagnation, would be an admirable site. PROPAGATION. -This is generally and most readily effected by separating the bulblets or offsets from the parent bulbs, and these, detached and grown in the same way as the parent, in the course of LILIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LILIUM. 571 a year or two make good flowering plants. The scales of the bulbs afford a means of propagation ; but this is a slower method. Raising Lilies from seed is somewhat tedious, though many kinds in this country perfect seed in plenty, and in the case of such kinds as L. tenuifolium the seedlings flowerin three or four years ; though others will not flower for several years. The finest kinds, such as the Japanese and Californian Lilies, are now so cheap that it is scarcely necessary to propagate from home-grown plants. It will be well, however, if, by rapid increase, or otherwise, they become plentiful enough to adorn the smallest cottage gardens. Several Lilies, chiefly Japanese and Californian, are largely imported every year. As soon as received, all bulbs should be examined, and decaying matter should be removed. They should then be laid in soil, or, better still, Cocoa-nut fibre in a moderate condition of moisture, until the bulb recovers its plumpness and the roots are on the point of starting from the base. Then they should be potted or planted out as required ; but, before this, decaying scales should again be removed, as a few of the outside ones are often bruised in transit, and after they have been in the soil a little time decay sets in, which if not then taken off may contaminate the whole bulb. Of those so imported, L. auratum and Krameri should, when potted, be surrounded with sand, but some do well without it. The most difficult to import among the N. American Lilies are L. Washingtonianum and L. rubescens, since, as a rule, they suffer much more than the large, solid bulbs of L. Humboldti, or than those of pardalinum, canadense, and superbum. These solid bulbs should be treated as above directed, but L. Washingtonianum, rubescens, and Humboldti should not be potted, as they never succeed in that way ; and indeed all the N. American Lilies do much better if planted out. Those grown in Holland, such as the varieties of davuricum, elegans, and speciosum, etc., arrive plump and sound, but it is much better to lay even these in soil a little while before potting. L. Alexandræ. -A beautiful new dwarf Lily, apparently a hybrid between longiflorum and auratum, bearing a large, wellopened, reflexed flower, broad petalled and pure white, from a southern Japanese Island ; and therefore grows best under glass. Its native name is Uke uri. L. auratum. One of the grandest of Lilies, and now too well known to need description. It is most valuable both as regards size and colour of the blossoms. Some forms have flowers nearly 1 ft. across, with broad white petals copiously spotted with reddish-brown and having broad bands of golden- yellow down the centre. The poorest forms have starry flowers and scarcely any markings. Several named varieties are particularly distinct ; and the chief are cruentum and rubro-vittatum, which have deep crimson instead of yellow bands down the petals. Rubro-vittatum : this variety has a very distinct bulb, the foliage is darker, and it is a hardier, better doer than the type. Platyphyllum is also more easily grown than the type. The white- petalled variety ofplatyphyllum, generally called virginale, is perhaps one of the most beautiful forms. Wittei and virginale, the flowers of which have no colour but the golden bands ; rubro-pictum, with a red stripe and spots ; platyphyllum, with very large flowers and broad leaves ; and Emperor, a grand flower, with reddish spots and centre. There are also some beautiful hybrids raised between L. auratum and some of the other species ; for example, L. Park- manni (between L. auratum and L. specio- sum), which has large white flowers banded and spotted with carmine-crimson. The bulbs ofL. auratum are regularly imported in large quantities from Japan and sold at a cheap rate every autumn, so that it is readily procurable. Much has been written upon the culture of this Lily, but it is not so difficult as many suppose, if a good start be made. It will thrive in ordinary soil, if well drained and fairly enriched. It grows freely in peat or loam, a mixture of both with a little road- scrapings best fulfilling its requirements. Where the soil is naturally poor, light, and sandy, it should be taken out to a depth of 18 in. , and replaced with the compost above mentioned, or some fine, well- enriched mould. The bulbs should be planted in this, and, as soon as growth commences in spring, should be mulched with decomposed manure or short Grass. If the garden soil be fairly good, it need only be well stirred and manured, but the manure should be thoroughly decomposed. A sheltered situation should be chosen, and if possible screened from the midday sun, and protected from westerly and southerly gales and from heavy driving rains ; for this Lily is very susceptible to injury by cold draughts and cutting winds. No better place can be chosen than a snug nook sheltered from the north and east by shrubs, but at the same time open to the sun. The best examples that have been seen were grown in a Rhododen- 572 LILIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LILIUM. dron bed, and planted in a deep, moist, peaty soil, where they have been for years undisturbed. When planted among other things the young and tender uprising shoots are greatly protected in spring. As to propagation, there is scarcely any need to enlarge upon that, as bulbs are C.F Lilium candidum (White or Madonna Lily). imported so plentifully; and it is only necessary to separate the young bulbs and replant them in good soil. Those who increase this Lily from seed must be prepared to exercise a little patience, as the seed is long germinating and the seedlings are several years before flowering. The seed should be sown, as soon as ripe, in a frame. The seedlings should be planted out as soon as the bulbs are of an appreciable size. L. Browni is a fine Lily in the way of L. japonicum, but with larger flowers. It is readily distinguished from any other kind by the rich brownish-purple mark- ings on the exterior of the blossoms, which in wellgrown plants are sometimes 9 in. in length. It is hardy and vigorous, and succeeds without giving much trouble. In a soil and position which suits L. auratum it flourishes and need only be lifted every few years and re- planted in fresh rich soil. It grows from 2 to 4 ft. high, and has deep green foliage distinct from allied kinds. The variety Colchesteri is handsome. Quite recently, some remarkably fine and strong-growing varieties of this Lily have been obtained from the district whence L. Henryi came ; named by Prof. Baker Chloraster and Leucanthum. L. bulbiferum is one of the handsomest of European Lilies, and is about 2 ft. high. It bears large crimson flowers shading to orange. Thevariety umbellatum is finer and stronger, and has large umbelled clusters of flowers. This Lily is generally distin- guished from its congeners by bulblets on the axils of the leaves. It grows freely in ordinary soil, and flowers in early summer. A capital plant for bold groups, and thriving under partial shade or in the open. L. canadense (Canadian Lily). This beautiful flower is among the oldest of cultivated Lilies. It is 2 to 4 ft. high, and bears, on slender stems, terminal clusters of drooping blossoms usually orange, and copiously spotted with deep brown. It also occurs with red flowers (rubrum) and with yellow flowers (flavum). parvum, L. Bolanderi (new), L. Grayi(new), and L. maritimum resemble it, and like it require a partially- shaded position and a L. LILIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LILIUM. 573 moist, deep peaty soil enriched by decayed leaf- mould. It flowers late in summer, and is very attractive in bold masses, such as are often seen in nurseries about London. Like its allied forms it makes elegant groups among choice shrubs such as Azaleas and Rhododendrons ; and by such an arrangement we get a second bloom and a variety of form from beds that had only one blossoming season, and were poor and stiff in outline ; we prevent senseless digging when the groups are once in place ; and we keep the shrubs from growing into a solid ugly mass, while they shelter our Lilies. L. candidum. -One of the best- known and loveliest Lilies, seen in almost every cottage garden, and producing snow- white blooms in summer. It dislikes coddling or being meddled with, and thrives best when undisturbed for years in good garden soil. Any attempt to deal with it like the more delicate ones generally results in failure. The bestflowered plants are in old gardens, where the bulbs are allowed to run as they like with no attention whatever. In bold masses, no plants can compare with the common white Lily when in bloom. It is so fair a flower that there is scarcely a place which a good plant or well-grown group ofit will not adorn. But the careful growth and the proper placing of such lovely hardy plants give the highest charm to the garden. For years it has been difficult to find even a miserable tuft in many " show" gardens, though they displayed nothing there so good as a tall white Lily in a cottage garden. Moist loam seems to suit it generally, though, like other Lilies, it will grow in a variety of soils. The varieties peregrinum, striatum, and monstrosum are not so fine, but the striped-leaved variety aureo-marginatis is valuable for its foliage in winter. - L. chalcedonicum ( Scarlet Martagon) is a very old and handsome Lily, of tall and graceful growth, and bears several pendulous, vermilion, turban shaped blossoms about the end of July. It is one of the easiest to cultivate, thrives in almost any soil, and is best when well established and left undisturbed. There are a few varieties, majus being the largest and best. The others are græcum, rather taller than the type and having smaller flowers ; pyrenaicum, with yellow flowers ; Heldreichi, tall and robust, flowering a week or two earlier ; and maculatum, a very handsome form. Native of Greece and Ionian Isles. Similar to the scarlet Martagon is the Japanese L. callosum, a pretty Lily, 1 to 3 ft. high, with slender stems, bearing in summer several brilliant scarlet blossoms. L. carniolicum, of a similar character, is 1 to 3 ft. high, and produces in early summer turban- shaped nodding blossoms of bright vermilion or yellow. Both these thrive under the same conditions as L. chalcedonicum . L. concolor. A pretty little Lily from Japan, 1 to 3 ft. high, bearing three to six bright scarlet flowers, which are spotted with black, star- shaped, and erect. There are some three or four varieties pulchellum, or Buschianum, an early variety from Siberia, 1 to 2 ft. high, with crimson blossoms ; Coridion, with flowers somewhat larger than the type, and of a rich yellow spotted with brown ; sinicum, a Chinese form, with four to six crimson flowers heavily spotted and larger than the type ; and Partheneion, with scarlet flowers flushed with yellow. This charming Lily and its varieties are quite hardy, though they require some attention in cultivating. They succeed in half- shady places in a soil composed of two parts of peat, one of loam, and one ofroad- scrapings ; but seem to require renewing every few years. Lily and its allies are suited for grouping among the smaller and choicer evergreen shrubs where not in a special Lily bed. A raised bed and a wet summer seem to suit this Lily best. This L. croceum (Orange Lily) is one of the sturdiest and hardiest, and therefore one ofthe commonest of Lilies. It grows in almost any soil or position, and bears in early summer huge heads of large rich orange flowers. In the mixed border it is attractive, but shows best on the margin ofa shrubbery, where its stemsjust overtop the surrounding foliage. It is always best after some years' growth. A native of the colder mountains of Europe, it is one ofthe Lilies that may be naturalised, but is never so strong as in rich garden- ground. Lilies are said not to like manure, but we have never seen this one so fine as when in well-manured ground after several years' growth. Indeed, we have planted it over a subsoil, so to say, of solid cow manure, and have had bulbs and flowers ofenormous size in two years. It is much grown in cottage gardens in the North of Ireland. A group in an open space among low evergreen shrubs is superb. L. davuricum is a slender European Lily with moderate - sized red flowers, spotted with black. Like L. elegans, it has several varieties, the chief being Sappho, incomparable, erectum, multiflorum, Don Juan, and Rubens. Being strong growers and flowering freely, they are fine plants 574 LILIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LILIUM. for the mixed border, for margins of shrubberies, or for groups or masses, thriving in partial shade as well as in sunny places. L. elegans. One ofthe best and most generally grown of the early Lilies. It is commonly known by the name of Thun- bergianum. It is very variable, and there are about a dozen named varieties. The type grows about I ft. high, and has stout erect stems, which bear numerous narrow leaves, and are terminated by a bright orange- red flower, 5 or 6 in. across. A native of Japan, flowering with us about the beginning of July. Most of the varieties are so distinct as to merit a slight description. They are marmora- tum and marmoratum aureum, two of thei earliest forms ; alutaceum, not more than 9 in. high, with a large pale apricot- coloured flower, copiously spotted ; armenaicum (venustum), about 1 ft. high, | with several moderate- sized flowers (in autumn) of a rich glowing orange-red ; atrosanguineum, about 1 ft. high, with large flowers of rich deep crimson ; Bate- manniæ, about 4 ft. high, with several moderate-sized flowers, in late summer, of a rich unspotted apricot tint ( L. Bate- manniæ and L. Wallacei are put by Prof. Baker as allied to L. Leichtlini and the Tiger group. I do not consider the above two species to be Thunbergianum) ; bicolor, about 1 ft. high, with large flowers orangered, flamed with a deeper hue ; brevi- folium, 1 ft. high, with flowers pale red and slightly spotted ; citrinum, like armenaicum, but taller ; fulgens, 1 to 1 ft. high, with four to six large flowers of a deep red ; sanguineum, I to 1 ft. high, with one or two large blood- red flowers ; L. Horsmanni, a dwarf form with richly-coloured flowers of a blood- red mahogany tint, and Splendens the early form of L. Wilsoni ; Alice Wilson, the beautiful, scarce, lemon-yellow, dwarfform ; Van Houttei, 1 ft. high, with very deep crimson- red flowers, spotted with black ; Wallacei, 2 ft high, with rich orangered flowers, spotted with black ; Wilsoni, 2 ft. high, with large apricot-tinted, yellow striped flowers-one of the latest to bloom. All the L. elegans group are perfectly hardy ; they grow vigorously in almost any soil, but prefer a deep loamy one with an admixture of peat. They like an open position, and are suitable for planting around the margins of shrub- beries. Small groups are beautiful in the open spaces that should exist in every shrubbery or Rhododendron bed. They are all excellent border- plants, and the dwarf kinds may be introduced into the rock- garden. In all cases they must be placed in sunny situations. L. giganteum.--A noble Lily of huge growth and in aspect different from any other. Its bulb is large and conical, and develops spreading tufts of handsome shining heart-shaped foliage. The flowerstems are stout and erect, 6 to 10 ft. high, terminated by a huge raceme, 1 to 2 ft. in length, of about a dozen long nodding fragrant flowers, which are white and tinged with purple on the inside. It is one of the hardiest Lilies, and gives very little trouble. It flourishes best in a sheltered position, where there is an undergrowth of thin shrubs to protect the growth in spring. The soil must be deep Lilium giganteum. and well drained, and must consist of sandy peat and leaf-mould, strengthened by a little rich loam, and plenty of rich manure. Years sometimes elapse before the tufts of foliage send up bloom. Nepaul. L. cordifolium, a Japanese plant, is a similar, but inferior, species, very rare in cultivation. It requires the same treatment. Cordifolium is said to grow naturally in Japan in shady damp places, cool and moist. A small group of three or four plants will do well in an open spot among shrubs, in a free peaty soil, and when in flower the effect will be all that can be desired. L. Hansoni. A handsome Japanese species, about 4 ft. high, having whorls of bright green leaves and a terminal spike LILIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LILIUM. 575 of about a dozen bright, orange- yellow, brown- spotted flowers. It flowers about the beginning ofJune, is quite hardy, and succeeds in sheltered situations in a soil consisting of two parts of peat, one of loam, and one of road- scrapings. L. Humboldti is very graceful. The singular beauty of the blossoms and the elegant manner in which theydroop from their slender stalks, make it most desir- able, and its flowers, on account of their great sub- stance, are more lasting than any other Californian Lily. The stout and purplish stems attain a height of 4 to 8 ft. The leaves are in whorls of from ten to twenty each, and are of a bright green. The flowers differ considerably in colour and markings, but are usually bright golden- yellow, richly spotted with crimson-purple. The variety ocellatum or Bloomerianum is dwarf, and has petals tipped with brownish- crim- son. It grows best in an open border of rich peaty or leafy soil of a good depth. Columbianum, syn. Nitidum, seems to be a smaller variety ofthis Lily. L. japonicum, or Krameri as it is more often called, possesses the most delicate beauty of any. The flowers are of the shape and nearly as large as those of L. auratum. They are either pure white or delicate rosypink--generally the latter. L. japonicum is 1 to 3 ft. high, and sometimes bears five blooms-but generally only one or two. It is somewhat difficult to grow, owing to its delicate constitution, but the best specimens produced in this country were grown under the same con- ditions as L. auratum and speciosum. On account of its beauty it deserves the L. longiflorum ( White Trumpet Lily). -This is among the most beautiful and most valuable of garden Lilies. The typical form is 1 to 3 ft. high, the stems in summer being terminated by reflexed, tubular, waxy-white flowers, which are A.KOHL.Se most careful attention. It is a lovely plant for a select spot between choice dwarf shrubs, in free peaty soil or deep sandy loam with vegetable soil in it. When Mr. Kramer first sent me this Lily he wrote that he obtained it from a mountainous slope at a high altitude. Lilium Humboldti. sweetlyscented. There are several varieties, the best being the early variety now called præcox, of rather dwarf habit, with long, pointed, three-nerved, dark-green foliage ; the flowers are of great substance, tubular, and but little reflexed at the tip, which flowers a fortnight earlier than the type, 576 LILIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LILIUM. bears larger and more numerous flowers, and is in every way superior to it . Takesima is recognised by a purplish tint on the exterior of the blossoms and on the stem. Wilsoni, or eximium, the finest variety, with bold dark foliage, nearly 4 ft. high, with numerous flowers about 9 in. in length. Takesima is the latest to bloom. Madame Von Siebold is also a fine variety. L. longiflorum giganteum is the variety generally ob- tained from Japan ; strong bulbs will send up a head of from 8 to 12 flowers widely opened ; the foliage is bright spring frosts. L. longiflorum is so early that, unless protected by the leaves of evergreens, its growth is apt to be checked. A well-drained light loam, well enriched with leaf- mould, suits it admirably. L. Wilsoni is benefited by a lighter soil and by a warmer and more sheltered position . When just pushing the growth in spring it is advisable to encircle the plants with a few dead branches, if unprotected by shrubs. Where this fine species and its forms fail in the ordinary soil of the garden, success may be ensured by making a special soil of Lilium longiflorum Harrisi. green ; under glass this Lily may easily be forced. L. formosanum, the variety from Formosa, has its flowers ribbed and flushed with rosy- brown ; they are some- what smaller in size than the type. L. Harrisi is L. longiflorum altered by growth in a tropical climate. Bermudas, S. Africa, &c. Jama Jura and Liukiu are native names for the varieties men- tioned. The variegated leaved form (albo-marginatum) is desirable, as the variegation is distinct and constant. L. longiflorum and its varieties sometimes bloom well in borders, but care should be taken that they are not injured by rotten manure, leaf-mould, or cocoa fibre. In such a mixture, so free and open that the hand could be pushed down below the bulb, we have seen them perfectly grown where the natural soil was too stiff and impervious. The hardier varieties are admirable for artistic gardening, their fine forms being very effective when tastefully grouped on the fringe of beds of choice bushes and when touching and seeming to spring out of the Grass. They are also good in beds either specially devoted to them alone or in combination with other plants. Similar to L. longiflorum are L. neilgherrense, philippinense, Walli- LILIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LILIUM. 577 chianum, and nepalense, but none is hardy and all are poor and unsatisfactory, except, perhaps, for the greenhouse. L. Martagon ( Turk's-cap Lily) .--This is so common that we need only mention its varieties. These are very fine, especially dalmaticum, which has flowers larger than the type and of a shining blackish- purple, a contrast to the loveliness of the pure white variety (album). Cattaniæ is a form of dalmaticum and scarcely differs from it. Like the type, the varieties thrive freely in a good loamy soil ; they are perfectly hardy and are rather partial to shade, growing freely in grassy places, open woods, or copses. Some ofthe finer varieties are good garden plants, and should be grouped in the spaces between hardy Azaleas or similar flowering bushes. Mr. R. A. Jenkins writes as to the white Martagon : "The white Martagon Lily is one of the most distinct of the family, and if given a suitable soil and position there are but few of its relatives that excel it in beauty, hardiness, or freedom ofbloom. As to its free-flowering qualities, suffice it to say that three bulbs in mygarden after being planted as many years ago gave me no less than 167 blooms, two of the stems carrying forty- two and forty-nine blooms. Even inthe summerimmediately after planting the Lilies sent up forty blooms. This I attribute to their being moved early in September, for if planted late in the year, most of the Mar- tagon section refuse to bloom in the ensuing summer. I find that this Lily does best in good deep soil enriched with leafmould, and without manure or sand. As the above- mentioned soil suits such plants as Anemone sylvestris and Lily of the Valley to perfection, I have carpeted the ground with them, and they serve to keep the soil cool during the summer, while in May they furnish me with countless flowers. " L. monadelphum is a magnificent Lily of noble growth. The stout flower- stems vary from 3 to 5 ft. in height, and are terminated by a pyramid of six to twenty turban-shaped flowers, ranging in colour from a rich canary-yellow to a pale lemonyellow. Some forms have spotted flowers, and some are much larger than others. The varieties are known as L. Szovitzianum, colchicum, and Loddigesianum. L. monadelphum thrives best in moist deep loamy soil, well enriched with good manure at the time of planting ; but does not show its true character till it has been planted several years. It rarely fails, and is one of the least disappointing of all. It may be readily increased from root- scales, a fact which is taken advantage of by many cultivators, and is the only method of increasing and keeping pure any really good or marked variety. Seed is, however, the readiest way of acquiring a stock of this truly charming plant. The seeds are usually sown in large shallow pans as soon as ripe, and remain there for two years, by which time the bulbs White Martagon Lilies. have attained a considerable size ; they are then planted in beds in rows 6 in. apart, with 4 in. between the bulbs, replanting when necessary. By this treatment flowers are frequently produced by seedling plants four or five years after sowing. L. Parryi is a new and distinct species from California. It is of elegant slender growth, and 2 to 4 ft. high, bearing graceful trumpet- shaped flowers of rich yellow, copiously spotted with chocolate- red, and delicately perfumed. The flowers being borne horizontally, render it very distinct. It grows in elevated districts in South California, in boggy ground. Not much. PP 578 LILIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . LILIUM. is known of its culture, but the finest plants have been produced where the soil was two thirds common peat and one third loam, with plenty of coarse sand. A bed in a shady spot was selected, in which the bulbs were placed at a depth CARDENING GE Lilium monadelphum, var. Szovitzianum . of 4 in. , having underneath about 1 ft. of the soil. Here the strongest bulbs threw up stems 4 ft. in height, and the greatest number of blossoms on one stem for the first season was six. of the handsomest of the Californian Lilies, and one of the most valuable for English gardens, as it makes itself thoroughly at home in them and grows as vigorously as in its native habitat. It is 6 to 8 ft. high, and has large drooping flowers of bright orange, spotted with maroon. There are several varieties, the most distinct being-Bourgæi, one of the finest, having stout stems 6 to 7 ft. high, with twelve to twenty flowers of bright crimson, shading to orange, and freely spotted with maroon, and blooming a fortnight later than any other ; pallida, a dwarf variety, scarcely 5 ft. high, bears flowers nearly double the size of the type, and paler in colour ; californicum, a more slender variety, 3 to 4 ft. high, and the brightest in colour ; pallidifolium (puberulum), a small form, with lighter flowers ; and Robinsoni, a robust variety, with stout stems 7 to 8 ft. high, and with massive foliage, large flowers of a bright vermilion shading to yellow, and freely spotted. This last is the noblest, and should be grown if possible. The Panther Lily is one of the most satisfactory of all Lilies ; it has a strong constitution, increases rapidly, soon becomes established, and rarely pines away, as many kinds do. It likes a deep, light, good soil, enriched with plenty of decayed manure and leaf- soil, where the roots can receive ample moisture. It should always be in a sheltered position, like the sunny side of a bold group of shrubs or low trees. In a special bed the near shelter of hedges is desirable, though their roots should be kept away. Bare borders are not the places where this noble Lily does or looks best-there is no shelter or support for plants which in their own country have many shrubs for companions and are sheltered bythe finest trees ofthe northern world. of L. polyphyllum. -A rare and beautiful Lily, 2 to 4 ft. high, and having large turban-shaped flowers of a waxy- white. copiously spotted and lined with purple. North India. Mr. M'Intosh, Duneevan, Weybridge, who has been most successful with it, writes : " Sandy loam, peat or leaf-mould, sand, and charcoal, with a slight admixture of pulverised horse - droppings, and good drainage under the bulbs, are all I have to tell ; and I think early staking and tying may have something to do with many growing taller than they otherwise might." L. pomponium. -This lovely Lily must not be confounded with the L. pomponium L. pardalinum (Panther Lily).-One usually sold as such, this latter being LILIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LILIUM. 579 simply the red variety of L. pyrenaicum. L. pomponium is elegant and vigorous, and blooms earlier than the varieties of chalcedonicum and pyrenaicum to which it is related. It is about 3 ft. high, is erect, and has long linear leaves. The flowers appear in a lax raceme 1 ft. through, and a well-established plant will bear as many as twenty flowers. In rich loam it grows luxuriantly in sunshine or shade, and no difficulty is experienced with either home-grown or imported roots. Maritime Alps. L. pyrenaicum, a similar fection under glass. It is well known, and we need not describe it, but we will mention the chief varieties. There is the true speciosum, which has large deep rosy blossoms, richly spotted ; vestale, pure white ; album, white or faintly tinged with pink ; rubrum, deep red ; roseum, rosypink ; punctatum, white spotted with pink ; Krætzeri, very large white flowers with greenish stripe on the exterior ; album novum, a somewhat finer variety with light orange anthers, and broader petals of great substance ; fasciatum Lilium longiflorum Wilsoni (White Trumpet Lily). but smaller plant, with small yellow flowers, is a variety of L. pomponium, and the red form is much inferior to the true L. pomponium, though generally sold for it. These varieties require the same culture as L. pomponium. L. pomponium has an extremely offensive odour, and is not, therefore, likely to be used for cutting. L. speciosum, or lancifolium as it is erroneously called, is one of the most popular for pot- culture, and is no less desirable for the open air, though, being somewhat delicate, it is grown to peralbum and fasciatum rubrum , two monstrous varieties bearing numerous flowers on flattened stems. Among the more beautiful Japanese forms are roseum, superbum, and formosum, and rubrum macranthum, cruentum, compactum, and, darkest of all, Melpomene (not the American Melpomene). Inthis group must also be included the fine L. Henryi, an orangecoloured speciosum, first senttothis country by Dr. Henry from Central China, and appropriately named after him. It is a strong grower, perfectly hardy, and from its PP 2 580 LILIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LILIUM. unique tint and bold growth a grand acquisition to our gardens. Other fine varieties have originated in America, and among these Melpomene is very distinct. The beautiful hybrid, Mrs. A. Waterer, is large, white, and spotted with pink. All the varieties require shelter from winds and draughts, and a rich loamy soil mixed with peat and leaf-manure. They flower for the most part in September, and last longer in bloom than many other Lilies. In good soils, very happy use can be made of these handsome Lilies in have snug glades and nooks protected by shrubs, and moist rich soil. L. carolinianum is a less showy form. L. tenuifolium.--A most elegant dwarf Lily, especially valuable for earliness in flowering. It is 1 to 1 ft. high, and has narrow leaves on slender stems, furnished with a cluster of about a dozen brilliant red turban-shaped flowers, which shine like sealing- wax. It succeeds in open warm borders of light sandy loam, but is all the better for a hand-light or frame, as it flowers very early. Siberia and N Lilium testaceum. warm and sheltered places where their blooms may be fully developed. L. superbum (Swamp Lily).-One of the stateliest of N. American Lilies, bearing late in summer beautiful orangered flowers, thickly spotted. It may be recognised at once by its purple-tinged stems, which rise 5 to 10 ft. high, and which are very graceful, waving with the slightest breeze. A pyramid of flowers terminates each stem. L. superbum delights in moist deep soil consisting chiefly of peaty and decayed leaf-manure, and is one of the best Lilies for growing in shady woods when the undergrowth is not too rank. In the garden it should China. L. callosum and its form, stenophyllum, are similar but less showy. L. testaceum (Nankeen Lily).- This is a distinct- coloured Lily, and should always be grown, being of easy culture and thriving in any ordinary soil, though preferring one that is peaty. It has the growth of the white L. candidum, but the flowers are a delicate apricot, or nankeen, colour. When well grown it is 6 or 7 ft. high, and bears several flowers in a large head. Other names for this Lily are L. excelsum and isabellinum. It is one of the plants that grow freely in London. L. tigrinum (Tiger Lily).-This is one of the commonest kinds, and is too well LILIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LIMNOCHARIS. 581 known to need description. No garden should be without it, for few plants are so attractive or have such stately growth. The common kind is handsome, but the variety splendens is much finer, having larger flowers with larger spots, is produced later, and grows 7 ft. high. Fortunei is an early form and as desirable as splendens. The double-flowered variety flore- pleno) is showy and vigorous. Erectum also is distinct and desirable. L. pseudo-tigrinum and the varieties of Maximowiczi, though referred to other species, much resemble L. tigrinum. The Tiger Lily is very easy of cultivation, thriving best in deep sandy loam with an open, but sheltered position. The earliest varieties begin to flower at the end of August, and the latest last till the end of October. The Tiger Lily may be quickly propagated by the bulblets, which form in the axils of the leaves. L. Washingtonianum.--A lovely Cali- fornian Lily, 2 to 5 ft. high, bearing a cluster of large, white, purple - spotted flowers that become tinged with purple after expansion. Nearly allied to this, and by some considered a variety is L. rubescens, which has smaller flowers which are of a pale lilac or nearly white. These flowers are erect--not horizontal, as in the Washington Lily. Neither L. Washingtonianum nor L. rubescens is easy to grow, owing, probably, to their being but little understood at present. The best results have been obtained in partially- shaded situations, in loose, peaty, well-drained, but moist soil. The wonderfully brilliant series of Lilies introduced from N. America and Japan ofrecent years, which have given wholly new aspects of vegetation inthe flower garden, are figured in colour and life-size in the volumes of The Garden, and will be found enumerated in the general index to that work. A list of the rarer Lilies introduced into Europe of late years :- L. Alexandræ Thunbergianum Horsmanni 99 33 39 29"" " Bolanderi Grayi Is. Splendens Wilsoni Japan. AliceWilsonOregon. Parryi, California. Henryi Chloraster ,, Leucanther Nepalense ,, Lowi „ Sulphurum ,„ Primulinum Bakerianum -China. N. Burmah. 99 L. Polyphyllum, N. W. India. List of hybrid Lilies known : - L. Alexandræ, auratum × longiflorum. Dolhansoni, Dalmaticum x Hansoni. Parkmanni, speciosum x auratum. Lily, African (Agapanthus). 99 "" Arum (Calla). Atamaxo (Zephyranthes). Belladonna (Amaryllis). Bernard's, Saint (Anthericum). "" "" "" "" "" "" Day (Hemerocallis). "9 "" 99 "" 39 "" "" "" Bruno's, Saint Cape (Crinum capense). Ethiopian (Calla). Guernsey (Nerine). Lent (Narcissus). 99 Madonna (Lilium candidum). Mariposa (Calochortus). Orange (L. croceum). Panther (L. pardinalum). Peruvian (Alströmeria). Plantain (Funkia). Pond, Yellow (Nuphar). Scarborough (Valotta). Scarlet Martagon (L. chalce- donicum). Swamp (L. superbum). Tiger (L. tigrinum). Turk's-cap (Martagon). White (L. candidum). WhiteTrumpet (L.longiflorum). Wood (Trillium). Lily of the Valley (Convallaria). Limnanthemum nymphæoides. -A pretty native water-plant, growing in ponds or slow streams, with floating tufts of leaves, and bright yellow flowers 1 in. or more across. Where not plentiful in a wild state it is worth getting for lakes and ponds. Propagated by division or seed sown in mud, as soon as gathered. Syn., Villarsia. Gentian order. Limnanthes Douglasi. -A vigorous though dwarf hardy annual, valuable because so early ; the flowers yellow and white, and there is a pure white variety. Few annuals are hardier, severe winters not injuring it, and it requires neither a deep nor a rich soil, but thrives where the earth is poor as well as in ordinary garden soil. It often sows itself on light soils, and gives no further trouble ; but if wanted for a special purpose in spring, the seed should be sown in autumn in boxes or in the open ground ; for summer- flowering sow in the spring. Plains of California and foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Limnocharis Humboldti.- An interesting water- plant, in summer covering the surface with heart-shaped leaves, 582 LINARIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LINNEA. and soft yellow flowers, for several months ; it will thrive either in running or still water, if planted 6 to 9 in. below the surface, and may also be grown in tubs sunk in the ground. These tubs should be about 1 ft. in depth, should be half- filled with loamy soil, and then filled up with water. In fountain- basins and clear, still waters, where the plant is fully exposed to the sun, it flowers freely during summer, but it will not survive out- of- doors in winter, except in the mildest districts, and unless placed at least 18 in. below the surface. Plants put out of a warm aquatic house in May soon begin to grow in the open air in tanks well exposed to the sun. Division. Butomaceæ. Linaria (Toadflax).-An interesting family, which includes some beautiful garden annuals and perennials, varying from dwarf alpines to tall coarse plants. L. alpina (Alpine Toadflax) forms. dense, spreading, dwarf, and silvery tufts, covered with bluish-violet and intense orange flowers. It is usually biennial ; but in favourable spots, both wild and cultivated, becomes perennial. It sows itself freely, being one of the most charming subjects that we can allow to " go wild " in sandy, gritty, and rather moist earth, orin chinks in the rock- garden. In moist dis- tricts it will establish itself even in gravel walks, is readily increased from seed, which should be sown in early spring in cold frames, or in the places where it is to remain out-of-doors. It is found on moraines and in the débris of the Alps and Pyrenees. L. cymbalaria (Ivy-leaved Toadflax) often drapes walls in a graceful way, and is grown by cottagers as a window plant, a common name for it being " Mother of Thousands." A moist half- shady place best suits it, and the white variety is even prettier than the species. L. dalmatica is a handsome plant, 3 to 5 ft . high, much branched, and with, in summer, a profusion of large showy sulphur-yellow blossoms. It thrives best in warm places in light well-drained soil, and when once established can be eradicated with difficulty. L. genistæfolia, which also has yellow flowers, is similar but inferior. L. macedonica is a new and distinct plant, from 2 to 3 ft. high, and throwing up shoots from the base. It differs from L. dalmatica in its broader leaves, and is quite hardy. OC- L. purpurea is a pretty kind with spikes of purple flowers, and one casionally sees it on old walls, as it thrives well in dry spots. L. triornithophora is a beautiful plant when well grown, I to 1 ft. high, and with large purple long- spurred flowers in whorls of three. It is rather delicate, and, though perennial, should be raised yearly from seed. L. triphylla is similar. L. vulgaris (Common Toadflax).—This is well known, and is very pretty as one sees it growingin wild orneglectedgardens, but is also a good garden plant. The British variety Peloria is a handsome Toadflax, flowering freely after mid- summer in a warm sunny border, and is effective in a mass. A few other perennial Linarias that may be mentioned are L. hepaticæfolia (Hepatica- leaved Toadflax), from Corsica, and is nearly always in flower in summer and autumn ; L. saxatilis, which has dark brown and yellowflowers ; and L. anticaria, a good rock-plant, forming little tufts and sowing itself freely. The finely-veined flowers are dull white tinged with lilac. ANNUAL TOADFLAXES. -Some of the annual species are among our prettiest border flowers growing about 1 ft. high, and very effective in broad masses. Seed should be sown in ordinary garden soil in early spring, and the seedlings will flower in July and August. The best are L. reticulata, with small purple flowers ; the variety, aureo-purpurea, being a charming plant, with flowers which vary from rose- purple to dark orange. bipartita is also very variable, the colours ranging from deep purple to white. Perezi has small yellow flowers ; whilst the flowers of maroccana vary from violet to pink ; and those of multipunctata, the dwarfest of the group, are black spotted with yellow. L. Lindelophia spectabilis. -A showy perennial, about 1 ft. high, bearing in early summer drooping clusters of deep purple-blue flowers. It is suitable for borders in sandy loam, and is quite hardy in well- drained places, but is not so valuable as other plants of the same order. Seed or division. North India. Borage Order. Linnæa borealis ( Twin Flower).—A little evergreen creeper, the slender upright stalks bearing two flowers each, delicately fragrant white, often tinged with pink, and drooping. It is usually found in moist woods, where it forms a dense carpet, and is wrongly supposed to be difficult to cultivate. Little need be done beyond planting healthy young plants in a moist sandy border or rockgarden. I have often seen it thriving, where the air was pure and the soil suit- LINOSYRIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LITHOSPERMUM. 583 able ; and it is excellent for a moist rockgarden, growing rapidly, and forming a charming fringe to groups of small alpine shrubs, in cool borders or on cool parts of the rock-garden. N. Eur. , Asia, and Amer.; also Scotch mountains. Linosyris vulgaris (Goldilocks).-A showy native plant, 1 to 2 ft. high, in late summer and autumn bearing clusters of bright yellow flowers. It grows in any ordinary soil, but is scarcely a garden. plant. = Chrysocoma Linosyris. Com- posite Order. Linum (Flax).-- Plants of marked elegance and lightness of growth, and including some pretty garden plants. L. campanulatum (Yellow Herbaceous Flax).--A perennial with yellow flowers on stems 12 to 18 in. high, distinct and worthy of a place. A native of the south of Europe, it flowers in summer, and flourishes freely in dry soil on the warm sides of banks or rock-gardens. Similar to it is L. flavum, or tauricum, also a handsome and hardy plant with yellow flowers ; but L. arboreum, a shrubby kind, also with yellow flowers, is not hardy in all districts, though where it thrives it is a pretty little evergreen bush for the rock- garden. L. grandiflorum (Red Flax) is a showy hardy annual from Algeria, with deep red blossoms. By successive sowings it may be had in bloom from May till October. Seed sown in autumn will give plants for spring-blooming, and sowings made from March to June will yield a display through the summer and autumn. By sowing seeds in pots in good rich soil in summer, and plunging in a sunny border with plenty of water, plants may be obtained for the greenhouse or window during October and November. If protected from frost the plant is perennial. L. monogynum (New Zealand Flax). -A beautiful kind with large pure white blossoms blooming in summer. It grows about 1 ft. high in good light soil, and its neat and slender habit renders it particularly pleasing for the borders of the rockgarden or for pot-culture. It may readily be increased by seed or division ; it is hardy in the more temperate parts of England, but in the colder districts is said to require some protection. L. can- didissimum is a finer and hardier variety Both are natives of New Zealand. L. narbonnense (Narbonne Flax).- A beautiful kind, bearing during summer many large light sky-blue flowers, with violet veins, growing best on rich light soils, and is a fine plant for borders, or for the lower flanks of the rock-garden, forming lovely blue masses 15 to 20 in. high. Southern Europe. Other similar but inferior blue- flowered kinds are the common L. perenne, usitatissimum, alpinum, sibiricum, alpicola, collinum, and austriacum ; all are hardy European species, and make pretty border or rock-garden plants. The white and rose varieties of L. perenne are pretty plants. L. salsoloides ( White Rock Flax) is a dwarf half-shrubby species, essentially a rock-garden plant ; its flowers, white with a purplish eye, reminding one of some of our creeping white Phloxes. In the rock-garden, in a well-exposed sunny nook, the plant is hardy, and trails over stones, flowering abundantly. It pro- duces seeds rarely, so that it must be increased by cuttings of the short shoots taken off about midsummer ; these will strike freely, and make vigorous plants when potted off in the following spring. Mountains of Europe. L. viscosum, with pink flowers, is a closely allied plant not so pretty. The Common Flax, which gives us the linen fibre, is a pretty annual plant worth aplace for its beauty amongannual flowers. Lion's-tail ( Leonitis Leonurus). Lippia. —L. nodiflora is a dwarf perennial creeper bearing, in summer, heads of pretty pink blooms. It grows in any situation or soil, and is a capital plant for quickly covering bare spaces in the rock-garden where choicer subjects will not thrive. Liriodendron tulipiferum (Tulip Tree). One of the noblest of flowering trees. It is only when the tree has reached maturity that it bears its beautiful Tulip-like flowers of pale green and yellow. Young Tulip trees should be planted on lawns, as the flowers are very pretty in a cut state for the house and the tree a beautiful one at all times. N. America. Liquorice ( Glycirrhiza). Lithospermum (Gromwell).-A few of these Borage-worts are pretty and worth growing. One of the finest is L. prostratum, a spreading little evergreen having flowers of a lovely blue, with faint reddish-violet stripes, in great profusion when the plant is well grown. It is hardy, and valuable as a rock- plant from its prostrate habit and the fine blue of its flowers--a blue scarcely surpassed by that of the Gentians. Its shoots may be allowed to fall down the sunny face of a rocky nook, or to spread into flat tufts on level parts of the rock-garden. On dry sandy soils it forms an excellent border- 584 LITHOSPERMUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LOBELIA. plant, and becomes, if the soil be deep and good, a round spreading mass, I ft. or more high. In such soils, it is suited for the margins of beds of choice and dwarf shrubs, either as a single plant or in groups. In heavy or wet soil it should be in the rock- garden, or on banks, and in sandy earth. It is sometimes grown as L. fruticosum, but the true L. fruticosum is a little bush, and not prostrate. Easily propagated by cuttings. S. Europe. L. petræum ( Rock Gromwell). -A neat, dressy, dwarf shrub, something like a small Lavender bush, with small grayish leaves like those ofthe Lavender. Late in May, or early in June, all the little gray shoots bear small oblong purplish heads, and early in Julythe plant is in full blossom, the full-blown flowers being a beautiful violet-blue. The best position for it is in the rockgarden somewhere near or on a level with the eye, on a well-drained, deep, rather dry sandy soil on the sunny side. Native of dry rocky places in Dalmatia and Southern Europe. Propagated by cuttings, or seeds if they can be obtained. L. purpureum-coeruleum, a British plant, L. Gastoni, L. canescens, L. graminifolium, L. tinctorium, and L. rosmarinifolium, are very pretty plants, but coming from sunnier lands than ours are not really at home in our climate, and for the most part they can only be grown well on dry ledges of the rock-garden in the most favourable districts. Lizard Orchis (Orchis hircina). Lloydia serotina. -A small bulbous Liliaceous plant, suitable for the cool parts of the rock-garden, and not ofthe showy order ofbeauty. It is one ofthe first flowers the early visitor to the Alps sees by the pathway over the high mountains. Alps. Loasa. These plants are remarkable for singular flowers and stinging foliage. L. hispida is pretty, growing about 18 in. high, with deeply- cut foliage and short stinging hairs, the flowers I in. across, of a bright lemon-yellow, the centre prettily marked with green and white. It blossoms several weeks in succession during August and September. The other kinds in cultivation are the beautiful L. vulcanica, with its pure white flowers and red-and-white striped centres ; L. lateritia, a twining species, with orange- red flowers ; and L. triloba. All are natives of the cool regions of Peru and Brazil, and can be grown in the open air during summer. I Treated as half-hardy annuals, and grown in a light fertile soil, they are interesting for open borders ; the climbing species, such as lateritia, require branches to twine among. All may be freely raised from seed. Lobelia. -Distinct and varied plants, some of high value for the flower garden. Lithospermum prostratum. The perennial Lobelias, of which L. splendens and L. syphilitica may be taken as types, are amongst the most useful of autumn flowers. Although fairly hardy, they are impatient of excessive moisture, and in most districts require protection during winter. This may be done by placing ashes in the shape of a cone over the crowns, or lifting and storing in a dry shed or frame. The latter method, though perhaps more troublesome, is safer, as the plants are always under control and easier propagated in spring. By storing the roots in frames they begin to grow earlier, and where large stocks are required it is most convenient. Although impatient of moisture during the resting period they revel in it when in active growth, and where beds can be prepared in the vicinity of lakes or streams, better results will be obtained than in the mixed border or flower beds. In propagating in early spring they can be divided into single crowns, and these potted on soon form sturdy plants ready to plant out on the approach of warm weather. They thrive best in a free vegetable soil and like plenty of sun, unless in the case of L. cardinalis, which I find thrives best in a partially- shaded bed. In some districts with light soils and often near the sea these plants do not require protection in winter. L. cardinalis (Cardinal Flower).— The true plant is one of the rarest and one of the prettiest of the genus. The brilliant effect produced in autumn by tufts of this species well repay any trouble it may LOBELIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LOBELIA. 585 give, for though by no means fastidious , the difficulty of growing it well in small gardens in the absence of shade and moisture is great. It is a bog-loving plant, being found in wet ground in Brunswick, Florida, and the borders of Texas, and is not very hardy. It is, however, a true perennial, although maybe a short-lived one, and should be frequently raised from seed to make sure of keeping up the stock. This species is not so The scarlet Lobelia (Lobelia cardinalis). liable to disease as L. splendens and its varieties. Grown on an ordinary border, it invariably has a weak, stunted appear- ance, but in a free rich soil, in a shady position and well supplied with moisture, I have often seen it 3 to 4 ft. high and flowering profusely. The flowers are of the most vivid scarlet, and as they last a long time in bloom it well deserves care. So far as I know, there are no varieties of this species in cultivation. Dr. Gray mentions its varying to rose colour. and even white, but this, it seems, is rare. Parkinson mentions it as " cherished in our garden in 1629," and gives it as "growing near the river of Canada where the French plantation in America is seated." It is hardier than L. fulgens, living through the winter in open beds and with little or no protection. leaves are shorter and greener than those of L. fulgens ; the flowers, too, are smaller, but more numerous on the spikes, and of a vivid scarlet colour on spikes from 2 to 3 ft. in height. Its L. splendens . -This species is also called L. fulgens, and is a brilliant and precious plant for the flower garden. Its leaves are long and narrow, and the flower-stalks taller and thicker than those of L. cardinalis, the flowers larger with broad over-lapping petals. The best known, and a handsome form of this, bears the name Queen Victoria. Its leaves are a deep purple colour, and the flowers a brilliant crimson- red . Firefly is the handsomest variety in this section, and was raised in Ireland. In good rich soil it attains to a height of 5 ft. , whilst in colour the flowers are intensely vivid and rich. A merit of this kind is that it bears lateral flower- spikes around the central one much more freely than Queen Victoria, and these keep up a succession of bloom after the leading spike is past its best. Huntsman is another variety, brighter in colour than Firefly. Sir R. Napier, Rob Roy, and other varieties have been obtained from it. These vary in colour and habit very much, and as they are all robust, free-flowering plants, they are valu- able in the autumn garden, giving brilliant effects until cut down by frost. The variety ignea has broader leaves and larger flowers. This Lobelia suffers from a kind of rust, which fastens on the main fleshy roots when the plants are at rest, and rots them. This disease, working as it does at a time when growth is at a standstill, is not perceived in time to be checked, and makes its appearance towards the end of October or the beginning of November, especially if the weather be cold and wet. The plants should then be carefully taken up, reserving as much of the roots as possible, the soil being shaken off, and the roots well washed. The disease will be readily discovered by its rusty-looking spots, which 586 LOBELIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LOBELIA. must be cut out with a sharp knife, as the least portion' will suffice to destroy the plant. After the plants are examined they may be potted or laid in a frame in some free sandy soil, and very fine specimens may be obtained by potting and plunging in a slight bottom-heat, keeping the top quite cool. In about a fortnight they will have made fresh fibre, and all danger will be past. They may then be kept in a cold frame during the winter, and planted out where desired in spring. The bottom-heat, however, is not indispensable ; for they will succeed ifcarefully and sparingly watered after potting . All the plants of the Lobelia fulgens show their great beauty only on peaty or deep leafy and moist soils ; often on loamy soils the growth is short and weak, the flowers poor, and under such conditions they may not be worth growing. L. S. syphilitica. A variable species, not very showy, hardy and robust in free moist soils, it stands our winters well, and is prolific in varieties of violet and purple, varying to rose and white. hybrida ofgardens appears to be a hybrid between L. splendens and L. syphilitica, though this is uncertain. Its fine rich violet, purple flowers mark it out for special distinction. It is valuable for grouping in the flower garden or mixed border, and is one of the hardiest of the hardy Lobelias. It may be left out during winter with safety, and can be lifted, divided, and replanted in spring. The leaves are almost as broad as those of L. cardinalis, glandular, hairy, and with the long sepals and hairs of L. syphilitica. L. Tupa. This is also known as Tupa Fuelli, and although a native of Chili, will be found to stand well in the south protected with sifted ashes, gravel, or other loose material in autumn. It is best, however, against a south wall or in front of a house, and when doing well often attains a height of 6 to 8 ft.; the flowers large, brick- red, in large racemes, from July to September. L. Cavanillesi is said to be amenable to the same treatment as above. In deep free soils near the sea L. Tupa is sometimes a very distinct and handsome plant, and is best fitted for borders among large plants or for a warm corner among shrubs. L. Erinus. The dwarf section of annual Lobelia is one of the most important, beingmuch used among half-hardy bedding plants. The chief points to start with are good soil and well- grown established plants. The soil should be light and rich, and rest on a dry bottom perfectly drained. On a porous bottom it may be plentifully watered during a dry time in summer without fear of injuring the roots. The roots cannot make way, nor can the plants thrive in a strong adhesive soil of clay or heavy loam, and if the soil be heavy, it must be lightened by a plentiful addition of leaf-mould, sand, or peat. This Lobelia thrives admirably in equal parts of some sandy loam and leafmould with a sand to keep it open. Charcoal dust and peat form good additions to loam, as also does spent manure from Mushroom beds. A slight mulching of one-year-old sifted hot- bed manure will be found useful for keeping out the drought and nourishing the roots through a dry season. One ofthe difficulties in carrying dwarf Lobelias in full beauty through the season is the freedom with which they seed, and the moment the flowers fade they should be picked off every week through- out the season. Dwarf Lobelias may be propagated by seeds or cuttings, or by lifting the plant, potting it, and placing it in a gentle bottom-heat until established ; then setting it on a light airy greenhouse or forcing-house shelf, when it may be in- creased by cuttings and root-division in the spring. Increase by cuttings, and potting a few old plants in autumn, is the best method of preserving and increasing special varieties. They strike freely in a brisk heat in a moist pit or frame in spring. The cuttings should be potted by the end of May in the same wayas seedlings sown in heat in September, October, or February. Those who want early Lobelias from seed should sow in the autumn, and prick the seedlings off in boxes or pans, or shift them into 2 - in. pots before winter ; store them on shelves near the light, and well exposed to air ; shift them again in March into 6-in. pots of equal parts of leaf-mould and loam, and they will be perfect for planting bythe end of May. Spring- sown seedlings may go into smaller pots, and be planted rather more closely, but will not flower so early nor so well. On the whole, autumnal propagation, by cuttings or seeds, is preferable to sowing in spring. The varieties are numerous, and it is difficult to make a selection to suit every locality. L. Erinus is divided into five sections-viz. compacta, of which there is a white form ; speciosa, of which the best are Blue Stone, Ebor, Blue Beauty, Emperor William, Blue King, Lustrous, Brilliant ; ramosoides ; pumila, of which grandiflora and magnifica are fine forms, as is also the pure white Mrs. Murphy ; and Paxtoniana, which is a lovely blue. The double variety is also beautiful where it succeeds but it is hardly to be depended LOCUST TREE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LONICERA. 587 upon. Sometimes it forms a sheet of bloom, and at others the shoots run up through it, as it were, and prevent it from blooming, giving it the appearance of tufts of Grass. Other dwarf Lobelias are ramosa, with large light-blue flowers, and coronopifolia, also with large blue flowers. Both are half- hardy annuals, requiring the same treatment as L. Erinus. L. ilicifolia is another dwarf trailing species, a native of the Cape, and is best suited for grow- ing in suspended pots in greenhouses, though in some localities it succeeds as a rock-garden plant. Locust Tree (Robinia). Loiseleuria procumbens. -A wiry little shrub, growing close to the ground, the plants forming tufts with small reddish flowers in spring. Its bloom is never attractive, and the plants transferred to gardens from the mountains usually perish, because perhaps the strongest specimens are selected instead of the younger ones. Its true home is the rock-garden, and it prefers deep sandy peat. Syn. Azalea procumbens. Heath Order. Arctic and alpine Europe and Asia and higher Scottish mountains. Lomaria. Ferns, for the most part tropical, and requiring artificial heat ; but in mild parts two or three thrive in the open air. L. alpina, a native of New Zealand, is dwarf and produces, from a creeping rhizome, abundance of dark shining green fronds, 4 to 6 in. in height. It is specially adapted for the rock-garden, should receive similar treatment to the Ceterach (to which it forms a charming companion) , and should, like it, be associated with Sedums and alpine plants. L. crenulata is similar, but not quite so hardy, though it succeeds in the mildest localities, as will also the Chili L. chilensis, a Tree Fern of noble growth. These Ferns should be placed in the snuggest quarters of the hardy fernery, and care should be taken to protect them during severe cold. London Pride ( Saxifraga umbrosa). Lonicera (Honeysuckle).— These graceful, fragrant, and beautiful plants may be made a charming aid to the flower garden or the pleasure- ground. Wherever pic- turesque gardening is attempted they are beautiful if isolated and allowed to ramble in their own way ; while occasionally on banks, in groups, they would be charming. The Honeysuckles occur wild throughout the Northern Hemisphere, though they are essentially plants of a temperate zone. But it is only intended to enumerate those that can be grown in the open air in ! This Britain and those that are to be got in nurseries. The Twining Honeysuckles form a distinct group of species in the large genus Lonicera. Most of them are ranged under the section Caprifolium, which formerly ranked as a genus. group of species besides having a twining growth has additional distinguishing characters in the whorled clusters of flowers terminating the young shoots. The Erect- growing or Bush Honeysuckles have the flowers axillary and generally in pairs. Among the twining species there are a few that have axillary flowers, and range under a sub- section Nintooa, and of these Lonicera japonica is a typical example, while the commonest example of the Bush Honeysuckles or Xylosteum is L. tatarica . The two well- known early spring-flowering Honey- suckles from China, L. Standishi and fragrantissima, though generally seen trained to a wall, are not true twiners. The nomenclature of Lonicera is so confused, that it is not an easy matter to ex- tricate from the crowd of names and synonyms those which fit the plants we wish to write about. The names given in Continental and American catalogues are most perplexing. EUROPEAN SPECIES. There are four twining Honeysuckles of Europe in general cultivation, all of which are hardy in this country and have fragrant flowers. Of these, by far the most important areL. Periclymenum (Honeysuckle Wood- bine), a plant familiar to all who know anything of our native wild flowers . It is a native of the middle of Europe and northwards, and is a true native in England, where it is generally seen in hedgerows and thickets. Numerous varieties of this species have sprung up either wild or under cultivation, though the distinctions in some of these are not very obvious. Some differ in regard to colour of flowers others in time of flowering, and these are the most important. The wild form flowers about midsummer, according to the season, but the variety serotina continues to flower till autumn, and is known as the Late Dutch Honeysuckle, as its flowers are decidedly redder than those of the type. According to Loudon, it was once called the Flemish Honeysuckle, as it was brought here early in the eighteenth century by Flemish florists. Another variety, belgica, is popularly known as the Dutch Honeysuckle, as distinguished from the Late Dutch, and 588 LONICERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LONICERA. it is a stronger growing plant than the type. Its branches are purplish and its flowers are reddish outside, yellowish within. The variety known as Early Cream is probably a form of Caprifolium, though it is classed in catalogues as a variety of Periclymenum. I suspect that L. semperflorens is a variety of Periclymenum, though Koch places it as a variety of the allied species L. etrusca. From the name, one would infer that it is a perpetual flowerer, and it is a beautiful garden plant. The Oakleaved Honeysuckle (quercifolia ) is a variety of the common form, having leaves sinuated like those of the Oak, and L. japonica resembles this variety in this respect. The name odoratissima of some nurseries stands for a very fragrant form of this species. L. Caprifolium ( The Goats-leafHoneysuckle) is a common plant, but not a true native, though it occurs occasionally in a naturalised state. It may be at once distinguished from Periclymenum by the broad glaucous leaves, which on the flowering shoots are joined, forming a concave cup. The flowers, borne in clusters, axillary and terminal, have long tubes, yellowish and blush tinted, and very fragrant. They are produced in Mayand June, and are succeeded in autumn by yellowish berries. It is a robust, deciduous twiner, and grows wild in chalky districts in hedges and woods. There are numerous recorded names of varieties of this Honeysuckle, among them being rubella, pallida, verna, villosa, atrosanguinea, and Magnevillei. The last- named is one of the most distinct. L. etrusca ( The Italian Honeysuckle) may be said to be the southern form of L. Caprifolium. It is a moderate grower and has yellow flowers, reddish on the outside, and scented, in early summer. It is not so hardy as the two foregoing, and can only be recommended when a collection is the object. L. implexa (Minorca Honeysuckle).- This is a southern kind, which, though it lives in our climate, never seems to grow freely. It is distinct in its foliage, which is smaller and more rounded than in the others, and is quite evergreen ; the flowers purple and yellow colour, be- coming more yellow as they fade. It has been in English gardens for over a century, and is a native of the Balearic Isles and Sicily. The L. splendida of Boissier from Spain I do not rememberto have seen in cultivation , though it appears to be a desirable plant from the description of it. JAPANESE AND CHINESE SPECIES. Coming to the Honeysuckles from the far East, we find a confusion of names that is almost bewildering, brought about chiefly by botanists and others giving new names to old and well-known species with established names. It seems that there are in gardens three distinct species of Japanese Honeysuckles, and these three were introduced during the first quarter of this century. But since then these plants have been rechristened again and again until there is an abundant synonymy amongstthem. In Hemsley's " Enumera- tion of all Known Plants from China," this crowd of names is ranged under two or three species, and as this is the latest authoritative work on Chinese botany, it will be as well to follow it, though perhaps it is doubtful if the wrong names that have become established in gardens and nurseries will now be altered. These three species are- L.japonicaof Thunberg, which Loudon, in his "Arboretum," correctly figured fifty years ago. According to Hemsley, the synonymy includes L. flexuosa of Thunberg, L. chinensis, L. brachypoda, L. chinensis var. japonica, L. brachypoda reticulata, and aureo-reticulata. This is now such a well-known and common plant in gardens, that it must be familiar to many under one of the names quoted. It is, next to our own Honeysuckle , L. Periclymenum and its varieties, the most valuable as a garden plant. It is as hardy as the common Honeysuckle, and retains its foliage during winter. It may be distinguished from the other two Japanese species by its slender growth, deep green shining leaves, which have a marked tendency to vary from the normal ovate form to a pinnatifid or Oak-leaved form, and this tendency is most marked in the varieties named heterophylla and diversi- folia, though at all seasons it is evident in the true plant. It is important to rememberthis character, as it distinguishes it at a glance from a similar species when out of flower. The flowers of L. japonica are in pairs on the tips of the young shoots. They are tubular, slender, white tinged with red, and fragrant. It con- tinues to flower from midsummer till the beginning of autumn, and is a very fast grower, and a sturdy pot plant planted in spring will cover two or three square yards of wall during the summer. Being perfectly hardy, there is no need to protect by a wall, but it is generally seen, especially the pretty variegated form aureo-reticulata, as a wall- covering. LONICERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LONICERA. 589 Supported by a stump or trellis it makes a dense mass of graceful foliage. L. confusa of De Candolle is the beautiful Honeysuckle that is grown under the name of L. Halleana generally. A slender plant with long twining branches, the leaves are ovate and not pinnatifid, as in L. japonica, deep green, with not such a ruddy tinge as in L. japonica, neither is there a variegated form. The flowers are in pairs from the axils of the leaves on the tips of the young shoots, pure white when first expanded, changing to yellow, and this is the character that makes the plant so beautiful apart from its fragrance and free flowering. flowers throughout the summer, and its lithe, slender stems will soon reach the top of a wall or tree stump. I do not think that it can be considered so hardy as L. japonica, but it seldom gets seriously injured. It L. flexuosa is the third Eastern species that I think should be regarded as distinct, though Mr. Hemsley places L. flexuosa of Thunberg as a synonym of L. japonica. This may be so botanically, but the plant I am describing appears to me to be very distinct from both japonica and confusa, and the reference specimen upon which I base my conclusion is the old plant growing against the wall of the herbaceous garden at Kew and which has always been labelled L. flexuosa. Out of flower it resembles L. confusa, but the leaves, though ovate and of a ruddy tinge, show no inclination to become pinnatifid or sinuated. It has more robust branches than L. japonica and the leaves are downy. The flowers are tubular, reddish outside, whitish inside and fragrant. This plant I do not think is common in nurseries, but a more beautiful wall climber could not be planted. At midsummer it produces quite a mass of sweet- scented blossoms and continues for a long time in bloom. NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES. There are several American species in collections, the most important of which for the garden are the following. L. flava (also named L. Fraseri in collections) is a moderate climber, with broad ovate leaves, pale green beneath, and terminal clusters of flowers, bright rich yellow fading to a deeper shade, and delightfully fragrant. It grows most luxuriantly in the more Southern States, and hence is best when planted against a sunny wall in this country. L. grata ( The American Woodbine) , is regarded as the American representative of L. Caprifolium, under which species it is sometimes placed as a variety. It is avigorous grower, having broad glaucous leaves (almost evergreen) , the upper ones joined as in Caprifolium. The flowers are in clusters, whitish, with a purple tube fading to a yellowish shade, and fragrant. It flowers in May, and grows wild in rocky woodlands in the New England States. L. sempervirens ( Trumpet Honeysuckle) is the most beautiful Honeysuckle that has come to us from the West, both for the greenhouse and the open garden, where it flourishes well in the southern counties, and none of the Honeysuckles have such brilliantly- coloured flowers. It is a robust-growing climber, quite ever- green when protected. From the begin- ning of summer till the end it bears a profusion of loose clusters of long, tubular flowers, which are scarlet outside, yellow within. There is a variety called major and another named minor, the latter being the commoner ; in fact I do not remember having ever seen the major variety. There is not a more desirable plant for the roof of an unheated or cool greenhouse than the Trumpet Honeysuckle, and in peaty soil it grows luxuriantly. In the open it is best against a warm wall. There are several named varieties of L. sempervirens, but I cannot say how far they are distinct from the major and minor forms. Some valuable results would probably be obtained if some hybridist would take the Honeysuckles in hand, especially by inter-crossing the brilliant- coloured L. sempervirens with the hardier and fra- grant species. There is one hybrid named Plantierensis which has semper- virens for one of its parents. It is a beautiful climber, having large orange- scarlet flowers. CULTURE. -With regard to the garden treatment of Honeysuckles, it is more a question of position than cultivation, as none of the kinds are fastidious as to soil provided it is not too heavy or too light and poor. They all flourish best in a light rich soil in a fully-exposed sunny position. It is a mistake to plant Honeysuckles at the base of shady trees and expect them to climb up and produce crops of flowers as they do when in the open, but this is done habitually in even large gardens where also climbing Roses are planted at the bases of hungry trees and expected to flourish. Honeysuckles naturally delight to twine upon other 588 LONICERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN . LONICERA. it is a stronger growing plant than the type. Its branches are purplish and its flowers are reddish outside, yellowish within. The variety known as Early Cream is probably a form of Caprifolium, though it is classed in catalogues as a variety of Periclymenum. I suspect that L. semperflorens is a variety of Periclymenum, though Koch places it as a variety of the allied species L. etrusca. From the name, one would infer that it is a perpetual flowerer, and it is a beautiful garden plant. The Oak- leaved Honeysuckle (quercifolia) is a variety of the common form, having leaves sinuated like those of the Oak, and L. japonica resembles this variety in this respect. The name odoratissima of some nurseries stands for a very fragrant form of this species. L. Caprifolium (The Goats-leafHoneysuckle) is a common plant, but not a true native, though it occurs occasionally in a naturalised state. It may be at once distinguished from Periclymenum bythe broad glaucous leaves, which on the flowering shoots are joined, forming a concave cup. The flowers, borne in clusters, axillary and terminal, have long tubes, yellowish and blush tinted, and very fragrant. They are produced in Mayand June, and are succeeded in autumn by yellowish berries. It is a robust, deciduous twiner, and grows wild in chalky districts in hedges and woods. There are numerous recorded names of varieties of this Honeysuckle, among them being rubella, pallida, verna, villosa, atrosanguinea, and Magnevillei. The last-named is one of the most distinct. L. etrusca ( The Italian Honeysuckle) may be said to be the southern form of L. Caprifolium. It is a moderate grower and has yellow flowers, reddish on the outside, and scented, in early summer. It is not so hardy as the two foregoing, and can only be recommended when a collection is the object. L. implexa (Minorca Honeysuckle).— This is a southern kind, which, though it lives in our climate, never seems to grow freely. It is distinct in its foliage, which is smaller and more rounded than in the others, and is quite evergreen ; the flowers purple and yellow colour, be- coming more yellow as they fade. has been in English gardens for over a century, and is a native of the Balearic Isles and Sicily. The L. splendida of Boissier from Spain I do not rememberto have seen in cultivation, though it appears to be a desirable plant from the description of it. It JAPANESE AND CHINESE SPECIES. Coming to the Honeysuckles from the far East, we find a confusion of names that is almost bewildering, brought about chiefly bybotanists and others giving new names to old and well-known species with established names. It seems that there are in gardens three distinct species of Japanese Honeysuckles, and these three were introduced during the first quarter of this century. But since then these plants have been rechristened again and again until there is an abundant synonymy amongst them. In Hemsley's " Enumeration of all Known Plants from China," this crowd of names is ranged under two or three species, and as this is the latest authoritative work on Chinese botany, it will be as well to follow it, though perhaps it is doubtful if the wrong names that have become established in gardens and nurseries will now be altered. These three species are- L.japonicaof Thunberg, which Loudon, in his "Arboretum," correctly figured fifty years ago. According to Hemsley, the synonymy includes L. flexuosa of Thunberg, L. chinensis, L. brachypoda, L. chinensis var. japonica, L. brachypoda reticulata, and aureo- reticulata. This is now such a well-known and common plant in gardens, that it must be familiar to many under one of the names quoted. It is, next to our own Honeysuckle, L. Periclymenum and its varieties, the most valuable as a garden plant. It is as hardy as the common Honeysuckle, and retains its foliage during winter. It may be distinguished from the other two Japanese species by its slender growth, deep green shining leaves, which have a marked tendency to vary from the normal ovate form to a pinnatifid or Oak-leaved form, and this tendency is most marked in the varieties named heterophylla and diversi- folia, though at all seasons it is evident in the true plant. It is important to rememberthis character, as it distinguishes it at a glance from a similar species when out of flower. The flowers of L. japonica are in pairs on the tips of the young shoots. They are tubular, slender, white tinged with red, and fragrant. It con- tinues to flower from midsummer till the beginning of autumn, and is a very fast grower, and a sturdy pot plant planted in spring will cover two or three square yards of wall during the summer. Being perfectly hardy, there is no need to protect by a wall, but it is generally seen, especially the pretty variegated form aureo- reticulata, as a wall- covering. LONICERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LONICERA. 589 Supported by a stump or trellis it makes a dense mass of graceful foliage. L. confusa of De Candolle is the beautiful Honeysuckle that is grown under the name of L. Halleana generally. A slender plant with long twining branches, the leaves are ovate and not pinnatifid, as in L. japonica, deep green, with not such a ruddy tinge as in L. japonica, neither is there a variegated form. The flowers are in pairs from the axils of the leaves on the tips of the young shoots , pure white when first expanded, changing to yellow, and this is the character that makes the plant so beautiful apart from its fragrance and free flowering. flowers throughout the summer, and its lithe, slender stems will soon reach the top of a wall or tree stump. I do not think that it can be considered so hardy as L. japonica, but it seldom gets seriously injured. It L. flexuosa is the third Eastern species that I think should be regarded as distinct, though Mr. Hemsley places L. flexuosa of Thunberg as a synonym of L. japonica. This may be so botanically, but the plant I am describing appears to me to be very distinct from both japonica and confusa, and the reference specimen upon which I base my conclusion is the old plant growing against the wall of the herbaceous garden at Kew and which has always been labelled L. flexuosa. Out of flower it resembles L. confusa, but the leaves, though ovate and of a ruddy tinge, show no inclination to become pinnatifid or sinuated. It has more robust branches than L. japonica and the leaves are downy. The flowers are tubular, reddish outside, whitish inside and fragrant. This plant I do not think is common in nurseries, but a more beautiful wall climber could not be planted. At midsummer it produces quite a mass of sweet- scented blossoms and continues for a long time in bloom. NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES. There are several American species in collections, the most important of which for the garden are the following. L. flava (also named L. Fraseri in collections ) is a moderate climber, with broad ovate leaves, pale green beneath, and terminal clusters of flowers, bright rich yellow fading to a deeper shade, and delightfully fragrant. It grows most luxuriantly in the more Southern States, and hence is best when planted against a sunny wall in this country. L. grata ( The American Woodbine). is regarded as the American representative of L. Caprifolium, under which species it is sometimes placed as a variety. It is a vigorous grower, having broad glaucous leaves (almost evergreen), the upper ones joined as in Caprifolium. The flowers are in clusters, whitish, with a purple tube fading to a yellowish shade, and fragrant. It flowers in May, and grows wild in rocky woodlands in the New England States. L. sempervirens (Trumpet Honey- suckle) is the most beautiful Honeysuckle that has come to us from the West, both for the greenhouse and the open garden, where it flourishes well in the southern counties, and none of the Honeysuckles have such brilliantly- coloured flowers. It is a robust-growing climber, quite ever- green when protected. From the begin- ning of summer till the end it bears a profusion of loose clusters of long, tubular flowers, which are scarlet outside, yellow within. There is a variety called major and another named minor, the latterbeing the commoner ; in fact I do not remember having ever seen the major variety. There is not a more desirable plant for the roof of an unheated or cool greenhouse than the Trumpet Honeysuckle, and in peaty soil it grows luxuriantly. In the open it is best against a warm wall. There are several named varieties of L. sempervirens, but I cannot say how far they are distinct from the major and minor forms. Some valuable results would probably be obtained if some hybridist would take the Honeysuckles in hand, especially by inter-crossing the brilliant- coloured L. sempervirens with the hardier and fragrant species. There is one hybrid named Plantierensis which has sempervirens for one of its parents. It is a beautiful climber, having large orangescarlet flowers. CULTURE. With regard to the garden treatment of Honeysuckles, it is more a question of position than cultivation , as none of the kinds are fastidious as to soil provided it is not too heavy or too light and poor. They all flourish best in a light rich soil in a fully-exposed sunny position. It is a mistake to plant Honey- suckles at the base of shady trees and expect them to climb up and produce crops of flowers as they do when in the open, but this is done habitually in even large gardens where also climbing Roses are planted at the bases of hungry trees and expected to flourish. Honeysuckles naturally delight to twine upon other 590 LONICERA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LONICERA. plants, but in shade they do not flower. One often sees a thicket overrun with common Honeysuckle, but until the trees have been cut the Honeysuckle does not flower. It loves to ramble over a hedge, as we see it by the wayside, and in the garden one can make various hedge comtrellis, as then the Honeysuckle gets food enough from the soil. This is why one sees plants of Honeysuckle on a wire trellis bearing much finer blooms than is the case when growing over trees or hedges. A good plan is to plant some in good soil against wood posts at Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle) binations with it and some other hedge plants, such as Sweet Brier, common Roses, Holly, Quick, and a host of other things. To cultivate Honeysuckles to perfection, they should not be planted near any other living shrub, but should be supported by a dead tree trunk or distances of 12 ft. apart, and when they have reached the top of the posts to connect them by a festooning chain from post to post, as Roses and Clematises are often done. Some attention is required in pruning, especially the European and American LOOSESTRIFE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LUPINUS. 591 deciduous species. The old stems should be cut away so as to encourage new ones, otherwise if allowed to go unpruned the plants die out. The Japanese Honey- suckles are more vigorous, and only require pruning to keep them in check. This is especially the case with L. japonica and its variegated form, which soon form an impenetrable mass of shoots , and that is why they should not be grown on an arbour or over a walk, as owing to the dense shade the under side becomes full of dead leaves and shoots. The Dutch and similar growing kinds are best suited for arbours. -W. G. Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris). Lopezia. Mexican annuals of the Fuchsia family, not showy. L. coronata grows I to 1 ft. high, with red flowers from July to September. L. racemosa is similar, but inferior. They thrive in ordinary soil, but are only useful where annual plants are much grown. Seed should be sown in March in the open border. Lophospermum scandens.--A tender climber with long slender stems, pale green hairy leaves, and large pink flowers. It thrives in the open air in summer, and is a beautiful plant for festooning old stumps, or for trailing over dead branches placed against a warm south wall. It may be easily raised from seed in heat in early spring or autumn and kept through the winter, but the best plan is to lift the plants in autumn and to winter them in a greenhouse. Most Lords and Ladies (Arum). Lotus (Bird's - foot Trefoil). plants of this genus are weedy, the one best worth growing being the native L. corniculatus, which occurs in almost every meadow, or pasture, forming tufts of yellow flowers with the upper part often red on the outside. Though so common, it is worthy of a place in the garden. The double-flowered variety is the best, as the flowers continue longer in perfection. L. creticus, maroccanus, sericeus, are found in botanical gardens, but are not so pretty. L. Jacobæus, a tender species with almost black flowers, succeeds in the open air in summer, and is all the better for planting out. The Lotus is best planted so that its shoots may fall in long and dense tufts over the face of stones. Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena). Love-lies-bleeding (Amarantus). Lunaria biennis (Honesty). - When well grown this old-fashioned plant is beautiful, not only on account of its fragrant purple blossoms, but from the silvery flat seed-pods that succeed them. In borders, on the margins of shrubberies, and in half-shady situations, it is effective in April and May, in any ordinary light garden soil. Honesty is charming in a semi-wild state on chalky or dry banks and in open bushy places. Seed should be sown every spring, and the plants Lunaria biennis (seed vessels of Honesty). should be thinned out during growth in order to make good ones for the next year. L. rediviva is a perennial similar to the Honesty, but with larger and more showy flowers. It is 2 or 3 ft. high, and flowers in early summer, doing best in half- shady borders of good light soil. Division or seed. Mountain woods of Europe. Cruciferæ. Lungwort (Pulmonaria). Virginian (Mertensia). Lupinus (Lupine). Beautiful annuals, biennials, and perennials, chiefly from N. America. The species in cultivation are few, though the names occurring in catalogues are numerous. The best of the perennials are-- L. arboreus ( Tree Lupine).-A precious plant for dry soils and rough rocky banks 592 LUPINUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LYCHNIS. or slopes, the scent of a single bush reminding one of a field of Beans. Its purplish variety is good, though not nearly so valuable, and there are some inferior yellowish varieties. The best Lupinus polyphyllus. variety is the yellow, because while there are good blue perennial Lupines, there is no other good yellow. It forms a roundish bush, 2 to 4 ft. high, and is easily raised from seed; handsome forms are increased from cuttings. It may be killed in severe winters, but is worth raising from time to time where the soil suits it. L. polyphyllus, one of the handsomest hardy plants, 3 to 6 ft. high, with tall flower-spikes crowded with blossoms, varying from blue and purple to reddish- purple and white ; in summer thriving in open positions in any kind of garden soil. It is a fine plant for naturalising, as it holds its own against stout weeds. The principal varieties are argenteus, flexuosus, laxiflorus, Lachmanni, rivularis, and grandiflorus. N. America Division: seeds. L. nootkatensis is a dwarfer species, and has large spikes of blue and white blossoms. It flowers earlier than L. polyphyllus, and continues in bloom for a long time, but it is not a good perennial, and requires to be frequently raised from seeds. N. W. America. ANNUAL LUPINES are among the most beautiful of hardy annuals, extremely varied in colour, and of the simplest culture. As they grow quickly, they need not be sown till about the middle of April. They thrive in any common soil. L. sub-carnosus is a beautiful ultramarine blue, and should always be grown. L. hybridus atrococcineus is the finest of all, having long and graceful spikes of flowers of a bright crimson-scarlet, with white tips. Other excellent sorts are mutabilis, Cruikshanki, Menziesi, luteus, superbus, pubescens, Hartwegi, and the varieties of Dunnetti. Many other sorts are so much alike that they are not worth separating. The smaller annual Lupines are very pretty, and could be charmingly used to precede late-blooming and taller plants. Luzuriaga radicans. -A small Lili- aceous evergreen from Chili almost hardy in the mildest localities, though even in these it does not thrive so well as in a cool house. It is worthy of a trial in a cool bed of peat, on the north side of the rock-garden, among the larger alpine shrubs. Lychnis (Campion).-Plants of the Pink family, among which are a few well suited forthe garden. All are perennial. L. alpina is a diminutive form of L. Viscaria, the tufts being seldom more than a few inches high and not clammy. In cultivation it is pretty and interesting, if not brilliant, and may be grown without difficulty in the rock-garden, or in rather moist, sandy soil. A British plant. L. chalcedonica.-An old border plant, 1 to 4 ft. high, with large dense heads of brilliant scarlet flowers, and of easy culture in any good ordinary soil. is a handsome double scarlet variety. The double white and single white kinds are less desirable. Division. There L. diurna. The double deep purple- LYCHNIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. LYCHNIS. 593 red sort of this common native plant is very desirable, being very hardy and very showy, and never failing in any soil to Lupinus arboreus. produce a fine crop of bloom in early summer. There are two double red varieties of L. Flos-cuculi ( Ragged Robin), pretty border plants. Division. L. grandiflora. -A handsome plant, typical of the numerous varieties now in cultivation under the names of Bungeana, and others which grow 1 to 2 ft. high, and bear flowers in a cluster of a dozen or so,

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The English Flower Garden

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 Seed. The var. grandiflorum is an im- provement on the type, and has much
 larger flowers.
-Amorphophallus. Arum-like plants,
+[[Amorphophallus]]. Arum-like plants,
 of which one or two are used in
 summer in the open air. The species cultivated are A. Rivieri and A. nivosa,