a ups ¢ ‘ \e S - 7 o 4 SS y > “7 ? a 2 ba * a “i ie ie \ , Sent ag me — ‘ K Mp = ‘ 4 < we v4 ZO A fe es 2 fe: ¢ ee y 7 Soy ithe : < ¥ 7 A / ; ate al si con alin f se ae Ae Gitte fe el 5 : cas ‘ 4 YY we (eo iT A Ng oe ees VEZ SHa 1a, GP. WEF ions SI). “ mate) a. ’ 3 LGN on io ™ % 7 ie te i ._ = = a aes Sip, “Gee Sake ieee \Caoa Ss 5 (a eee oy We ra > S \y = y/ Rs : 14 (Ex © {KZ y ( ate iN . P' fo ~~ / pore, : iN | ) ‘ —GC \PUBLISHED BY’ o~ JAMES VICK, ROCHESTER,N. Y. of Ness Loe Fa “eg _ = ».~ Min oS RH, i mo Co, of Rochester: NW. { ; 1 ‘ - f - 12 Af ontent : SUCCESS IN FLOWER CULTURE. SELECTION OF SEEDS, = : e : é : = x a 2 2 NG THE SOIL AND ITS PREPARATION, - - - = : = = z 2 = 6 SOWING SEED, = : = = 2 4 5 : d Ms é aa) Causes OF FAILURE, - = i e : : E . R : : 3 3 Hor-Beps anp CoLp-FRAMEs, - - c ss 3 : z E e ae TRANSPLANTING, - = = 2 z = f * ¥ 4 a : 4 Io DISAPPOINTED CULTIVATORS, = = a 2 Z a a 2 = z Io THE LAWN AND GARDEN. Maxine Lawns AND WALKS, - zs = a s 4 C x Le 3 s 12 PLANTING AND ORNAMENTING THE LAWN, - - - - - - - - - 15 BuLB AND PERENNIAL GROUNDS, - - : a = zZ 2 : : 17 GARDEN ADORNMENTS, 5 < 2 = = Z : f : 5 ak Batcony GARDENS, = = & 3 4 a 2 a i «= Bs 20 Winbow Boxes, - = 5 3 / z ms a = uy : . eon Piants FoR BaLconres, Winpow Boxes AND BEDDING, - - - - - - 21 THE WINTER GARDEN. ‘ HEart, = - - - - - - - - - - - - - —n29) AiR AND LIGHT, - - 2 : 2 : 2 : Bs : : 23 Sort AND WartTER, - : f = c = 2 u : 2 i : = ea CLEANLINESS, = = 2 2 = = v u ts Z = B 3 24 THE CONSERVATORY, . = J : 2 2 B = : 4 5! 26 WarDIAN CASES AND FERNERIES,) - - - - - - - - - - 26 Prants For House CuLtTureE, - : 2 = E e Z 4 5 2 - 26 INSECT ENEMIES TO HOUSE PLANTS. THE GREEN FLy, - : = : Ps 2 = 5 = z Z 27 THRIPS, - F : E = = 2 = e a 2 z : 8 Rep SPIDER, - : - 2 2 : E : 2 s = 3 28 SCALE INSECT, - = 2 - : E : a 2 E Z : e328 Meaty Bua, = - : S = 2 : . s : 2 = Z 2 Corp. Pits, - = : 2 : s 2 : 2 B b : 29, 30 FLORAL DECORATIONS. ForMING LETTERS, e : 2 - Z Z : 5 2 : 2 31 MakinGc Frorart Desicns, - - - - - - - - - . - 31 For THE CHURCH, - 2 = S 3 E ; e a cs i : 32 For THE HousgE, - = : = : 2 2 s 2 : - 33 For THE TABLE, = - . = - : E & i E 3 : 34 Bouquet Maxine, - : : - = : 4 é z 2 = 35 Bouquet AND TRIMMING GREEN, - - - - : = = = - : 35 Butron Hore FLowers, - - - - - - - - - = : 36, 37 WATER GARDENING, - 5 2 3 E : 2 2 . i : 3 38 CLASSIFICATION AND NAMES OF FLOWERS, - - - . - - 39 BOTANICAL GLOSSARY, - - z : 2 e : 2 2 s - 40-45 PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY OF BOTANICAL NAMES,~ - - - - 4 46-54 USEFUL TABLES, - Z : : = : L 5 2 ; ; : 54 DESCRIPTIONS OF ANNUAL FLOWERS, - - - - = 5 : : 55-98 CLIMBERS, - = = : 2 : : 4 f = 5 - 90-94 EVERLASTINGS, : = = : = : z 2 5 : E A 95-97 ORNAMENTAL GRASSES, - = = : - 5 e : J Z 2 3 98 PERENNIALS, - - - - - - - - - - oO = = QQ-107 GREEN-HOUSE, - = = - - - 2 : = . : : Se 68 BULBS AND PLANTS, TENDER BULBS AND TUBERS, - - - - - - - - - - 109-115 Borver Prants, . = : e = 2 = : = f 3 2 oG Harpy PLants AND BuLss,~ - - - - - - - - - - 117-126 HOLLAND BULBS, - - = : - - - “ 2 a : 127-139 HARDY CLIMBERS, - - - - - - - - : - . 140 ROSES AND BEDDING PLANTS, - - - - - - - - - 141 MUSHROOM CULTURE, - - - - - < 2 Z 2 2 - 142 VEGETABLES, - - - - - - - - - = = 143-166 Hescription of {f olorerl Alates. ANNUALS. 1, Ten-WeEEKs Stock; 2, PHtox DrRumMMonp11; 3, DousLtE Porturaca; 4, BALSAM; 5, NEMOPHILA ; 6, JapAN CockscomB; 7, Pansy; 8, STRIPED PETUNIA. PERENNIALS. 1, AQUILEGIA; 2, PERENNIAL PkEa; 3, Diciraris, (Fox GLove;) 4, DousLE PINK; 5, PERENNIAL LARKSPUR; 6, CAMPANULA, (CANTERBURY BELL;) 7,SWEET WILLIAM; 8, PICOTEE; 9, PENTSTEMON. TENDER BULBS. 1, TRITOMA UVARIA; 2, GLADIOLI; 3, TUBEROSE; 4, Danita; 5, T1GRIDIA. LILIES. 1, HumsBotprTi1; 2, THUNBERGIANUM CITRINUM; 3, WASHINGTONIANUM; 4, PARVUM; 5, EXCELSUM; 6, THUNBERGIANUM GRANDIFLORUM; 7, LONGIFLORUM; 8, AURATUM; 9, RUBRUM. HOLLAND BULBS. _ I, 2, PotvanrHus Narcissus; 3, Narcissus Poreticus; 4, TRumpetT Narcissus; 5, 6, 7, 8, EARLY Tutirs; 9, Late Turie; 10, Dovsre Yettow Tur; i1, PARRor” PuLtir) oie) ences. 13, SINGLE HyacinTH; 14, SCILLA. VEGETABLES. 1, WAX OR BuTrerR Beans; 2, PEAS; 3, Pre PLANT; 4, SWEET CoRN; 5, HarHAwAy Tomato; 6, PureLe-Top Turnip; 7, Cos Lerruce; 8, WATER MELON; 9, CAULIFLOWER; 10, HuBBARD SQUASH; 11, SUMMER CROOK-NECK SQUASH; 12, FILDERKRAUT CABBAGE; 13, EGG PLANT; 14, Lone GREEN CucUMBER; 15, 16, Musk MeEtons; 17, CELERY; 18, BELGIAN GREEN-TOP CARROT; 19, Lona Bioop Beet; 20, Turnip BEET; 21, CALIFORNIA RADISH; 22, OLIVE-SHAPED RADISH ; 23, 24, ONIONS; 25, BELL PEPPER; 26, SHORT-HORN CARROT. ———— a ‘ hes seuda - % = aN SE, SEEDHOUSE, WINDMILL AND PROPAGATING HOU W OF VIE ALSO, THE S, AND THE TREES GROWING ON THE EDGE H ARE THE SPRINGS THAT FEED THE LAKELET, < = A a 4 rs} B & & 3g & te ) Py in & a o < Es z Zz S 2 ts! & te ) a = & fe c) =} a iS) a = a > a a ee SI ES = 5 fs io) w a a a c) rs = a B < = 5 FORCE PUMP, ll ee Nes) yar ue wel REARS ‘, DA OUR FLOWER FARMS. Long before offering a seed for sale, we had grown, or attempted to grow, and improved, or tried to improve, most of our popular flowers, and had also tested many kinds, new and rare, from all quarters of the world. After resigning the editorial profession, with the exception of the preparation of matter for our own little works, and engaging largely in the seed business, we felt that our reputation, as well as the interests of our customers, required that all varieties should be tested, and as many as possible be grown under our own inspection. With this view we have been gradually enlarging our grounds until we now have more than a hundred acres, principally devoted to the culture of flowers for seeds and bulbs. At certain seasons of the year the display is more grand than any one would be likely to imagine. Half-a-mile of Phloxes, and Pansies, and Petunias and Lilies, fields of bloom, acres of beauty, are not to be seen everywhere, nor in all countries. Still, it must be remembered, we grow seeds and bulbs as a business, and not for effect. Our culture is field culture, with plows and horses and cultivators. Those who expect to see our flowers in nicely arranged beds, on extensive lawns, will certainly be disappointed. Our best show of flowers is from the middle of July until the middle of September, and in these months we shall be happy to have our friends see and enjoy our display. In May, June, and part of July, we have nothing particularly to interest the public. We know some of our friends have felt disappointed when visiting us out of season, and hence this caution. We do sometimes make a grand display of Tulips and Hyacinths in May, but not always, for often our customers do not leave us a bulb for our own planting. The Editor of THE ILLUSTRATED CHRISTIAN WEEKLY being in Rochester, saw a little of our flowers, though quite too early to see them at their best, and was so interested that he sent an Artist to make sketches for that journal. Mr. WHITNEY certainly did his work admirably, for we had no idea before that ou places possessed so much beauty. Having procured the engravings, we take pleasure in presenting the article to our readers. [From The Illustrated Christian Weekly.] VICK’S CHLEBRATEHD HLOW HR-FARMS. WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY E. J. WHITNEY. Until within a few years but few flower-seeds were grown in America for the market, and these were of the commonest kinds, such as could be produced with little care and skill. Our seedsmen imported their finest sorts mainly from France and Germany, a few from England, while Holland supplied not only the bulbs commonly known as Holland bulbs, but most of our lilies. Mr. JAMES VICK, of Rochester, N. Y., was the pioneer in the systematic growing of flower-seeds, and he is now without doubt the most extensive grower in America. After pursuing this work for several years, and meeting with only moderate success, though employing experienced seed- growers from Europe, he spent a season among the most noted seedsmen of the Old World studying their methods. He particularly noticed the effects of different climates, attributing many of his early failures to ignorance on this point. Returning to the work with new energy and more knowledge, he has made flower-seed growing a grand success. Stull, all kinds of seeds cannot be grown with profit in any one country. Some sorts are raised best and cheapest in the moist climate of England or Scotland, others are more easily perfected in the south of France; while, on account of some peculiarity of soil or climate, or especial skill and experience, others are only to be obtained in perfection from Germany. To ascertain what kinds would succeed here, and which of these could be profitably grown, required time, travel and money, but Mr. Vick is now reaping his reward, and raises many varieties cheaper than they can be obtained in Europe, and many better, so that seeds of American growth are sought by the best European florists. Mr. Vick’s gigantic flower-gardens in the blooming season, July and August, make a grand display of floral beauty. Here will be found in the season several acres of Verbenas, the same of Petunias, Pansies, Cockscombs, Zinnias, etc., while Lilies and Gladioli occupy much more ‘space. A score of other things are grown in smaller quantities. s re lS (ax. SL! Pm AW oi SAR ston : ere eum pe TENS Ay YZ a : 5) CALAN (DENS recon UO. a5 TER ALP eT een? ae Z Many kinds of plants do not perfect their seed in the open ground, and to accommodate these half-a-dozen or more houses are erected. We give a sketch of some of these houses, and also of one devoted to the finer kinds of Petunias, known to florists as Petunia grandiflora. ‘This. variety has very large flowers, often four or five inches in diameter, but produce no seed if planted in the open ground, and indeed bear none in the house unless supplied with plenty of air and sheltered from the rains and dews; and even then every flower must be artificially fertilized. To meet these requirements a roof, partly of glass, is erected on posts, and entirely open at the: ———————— = ARS i a Hk oe i \\ LZ2 = y < f E VSS YY} X U7 SX FERTILIZING SINGLE PETUNIAS WITH POLLEN FROM DOUBLE FLOWERS. sides and ends. ‘The plants are grown in pots, and every morning each opening flower is fer- tilized by collecting the pollen on a camel’s-hair pencil and distributing it among the pistils.. This plan is generally, though not always, successful. The Double Petunia bears no seed, the natural organs of the flower being destroyed in doubling. Seeds that produce double flowers are obtained in this interesting way: A house is: filled with fine single-flowering plants, in pots, while another house near by is filled with plants bearing double flowers. The double flower, while it has no pistils, and but very imperfect stamens, does occasionally produce a little pollen. The operator picks a basket of double flowers and takes them to the house containing Single Petunias. He then tears the double flowers in pieces, searching carefully for pollen, and collecting it with a camel’s-hair brush. Every grain is DSI ESA'S =H ge ROCHE. — i) Crd XK SN Ti arr ) Ss UE Cyn a a Seal, Soe. STe 2 ABB We yA SASS Cree OSH I on NINES 5 SI 5 iia Ie MY! MASP peeee: Was SS ere ee aD Pio Tree AUN, worth more and costs more than its weight in gold. This pollen is transferred to the pistils of the single flowers, their own stamens being first removed. It is thus easy to understand why some kinds of flower-seeds are not cheap. Most of this work is done at what is called the Home Place, consisting of about twenty-five acres, nearly two miles east of the center of the city, on East Avenue. Five miles north from Rochester, towards Lake Ontario, and within two miles of its shore, near a station known as Barnard’s, on the Charlotte branch of the New York Central railroad, is situated Vick’s Flower-Farm. It consists of sixty-five acres, and possesses much natural beauty. A deep wooded ravine runs irregularly through its centre, and through this winds a little spring-fed stream, which, near the centre of the farm, widens into a lakelet of several acres, which empties itself over a little fall of six or eight feet. This water is used for the washing of seed, an operation which the artist has sketched for us. It is also pumped by a windmill .nto large elevated tanks, and from these is dis- tributed through iron pipes over the entire grounds. And by convenient arrangements for attaching hose an acre can be watered in a very short time, so that the plants here are never allowed to suffer from drought. The soil is a sandy loam, the timber in the neigh- borhood mainly chestnut and oak, and here are grown those plants that flourish best in a warm soil. Perhaps the largest field devoted entirely to one kind of flowers, at the time of our visit, was one filled with Dahlias, and con- taining six or more acres. It was supposed to include every variety known of real merit, and the display was gorgeous. Next in im- portance, perhaps, were the Asters, of every form and color, from the little dwarf bouquet, a mass of flowers six or eight inches in height, to the great Washington, bearing flowers four or five inches in diameter on plants four feet in height. Each color is ‘ EN ( Ky \SGN > ff SS LED planted separately, and at distant points, to 3 ~& ‘prevent mixture. The Phlox Drummondii, a native of ia America, luxuriates in this light soil, and no other flower, we think, produces such a solid unbroken mass of color—an acre of scarlet, an acre of white, and pink, and so on through six or seven different varieties, and as many. colors, without a single mixture of color, or break, or barren spot to mar its splendor. Several hundred pounds of this seed are grown every year. The seed saved for distinct colors is gathered from the middle of each acre, and early in the season: the remainder, though saved separate later in the year, is used only for mixed colors. To make a good “mixture” it is necessary to grow the colors separate in this way, for if mixed seed is sown those varieties that seed freely will soon “run out” the weaker kinds. Although many other kinds of seed are grown in small quantities, the Aster, Phlox, Dahlia, and Tuberose seem to be specialties. Several convenient houses have been erected for growing the plants which are afterwards transferred to the open fields, (a view of some of these will be observed,) and scores of frames are FERTILIZING THE LARGE-FLOWERED PETUNIAS. used for the same purpose. Airy, well-ventilated drying-houses are necessary for drying, cleaning, and storing the seed, as well as cellars of immense capacity for storing the bulbs and roots. One very interesting department is the trial grounds, where everything new or unknown is carelully Lal SF \ tested. — Here: we saw Eu- ropean novel- ties of last spring, and plants of Cal- oS ifornia, Australia, and } KN i WZ, WX IME ase gp < YN WX, / 7 . Japan, some giving Diss: a while others seemed quite unworthy of in- » troduction. The city seed-ware- house of Mr. Vick, where are stored and prepared for shipping seeds of all kinds and of every clime, is a marvel of business activity, order, and des- patch. Thousands of orders are here filled ev- : ery day during the busi- ——— ness season, and, so per- fectly is everything sys- VIEW FROM THE STAIRS AT SULPHUR SPRING. 5 : tematized, without hurry . iS Ua \ iM yi INS or confusion. This establishment is one of the most complete in the world, embracing, besides the ordinary conveniences of the best seed-houses, artists and engravers’ rooms, printing-offices (English and German,) book-bindery, box-factory, and post-office. v> nt og NG — oe t a \ & fs [ oe “ = - - 7 ‘ —~. ’ : ve > ag . 7 = : ~~ Z os i | 7 a ~~ - =“ be - ae ” ~ — i ee in eg / ‘ t te a pe ’ s us é iG _ -_ ee - ~ \ + = ~ es SKETCH OF ROADWAY ACROSS THE HEAD OF THE LAKELET, THAT FURNISIIES THE WATER REQUIRED FOR SEED-WASHING, AND WHICH IS ALSO DISTRIBUTED THROUGH PIPES OVER ALMOST THE ENTIRE FARM, == LE!) ey THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS is one of the few pleasures that improves alike the mind and the heart, and makes every true lover of these beautiful creations of Infinite Love wiser and purer and nobler. It teaches industry, patience, faith and hope. We plant and sow in hope, and patiently wait with faith in the rain- bow promise that harvest shall never fail. It is a pleasure that brings no pain, a sweet without a snare. True, some fail to realize their hopes, but these failures are usually partial, never embarrassing, and are only such as teach us to study more carefully and obey more strictly nature’s beautiful laws. Thus we gain, first, wisdom, and then success as the results even of our failures. I have endeavored in a plain and pleasant way to give some suggestions on the philosophy of vegetation that I think will prove valuable, revealing the causes of past failures and insuring future success. Indeed, I have endeavored in the pages of the FLOWER GARDEN to make the subject so plain as to render failure next to impossible, and success almost certain. Experience, however, is the great teacher. The book of nature is open, but its wonderful beauties and mysteries are revealed only to the careful student. Every species of plants has peculiarities which must be studied, and while we can give a few general principles we can furnish nothing that will compen- sate for the pleasure and profit to be derived from work and study in the garden. Above all things, we caution our readers against over-confidence. No one has less confidence in his own skill and knowledge than the experienced gardener. Every season he seeks for new facts; every year adds to his storeof knowledge. Do not, fora moment, think that the purchase of a few seeds and the perusal of any work on flower culture will make a florist. The purchase of a drug store and a medical library will not make a physician, nor does the possession of paints and canvas constitute an artist. To become skillful in any art requires both study and practice, and this is especially true where we have to deal with nature’s laws. The study of Agriculture and Horti- culture has engaged the attention of the wisest from the earliest ages, and yet what wonderful discoveries and improvements have we witnessed in our own day; and we are still learners. Let us all profit by the lessons of the past and become every year better prepared for the duties and responsibilities of life, more fitted to conquer its evils and enjoy its pleasures—learn to plant more carefully and reap a richer harvest of pleasure and profit. 5 go \ 0 BM iy 2 ie ye = Se ee : Sp) a oO Sy SA oe LETTE? (OS po aD) i) ee SS) i f vay NS a ey SOS. ee RN = a= =A ge 7S ‘ awl SK LAE ee rior OS bay NY ty et, SUCCESS IN FLOWER CULTURE. There is great pleasure in success, while failure causes disappointment and pain. _It would afford me pleasure to teach every one how to succeed in every case in one short lesson, but this may not be. A little difficulty in its attainment sweetens success, and of this sweetness cultivators usually have a full share, for they often have to contend against unfavorable weather, insect enemies, and a host of adverse circumstances. The most skillful sometimes obtain success at considerable cost of labor and patience, while failures are more common than welcome. Many of my readers are of limited experience, some of them just commencing to love and cultivate flowers, and while a few fail, I feel surprised and gratified at the very general success —a little proud, perhaps, at having done something to train up an army of successful florists all over our happy land, the fruits of whose peaceful labor beautify every landscape and perfume every breeze. I have endeavored to make this interesting subject so plain that all may understand the condi- tions on which success in floriculture may generally be assured. SELECTION OF SEEDS. The selection of seeds is an important matter, and on the wisdom of the choice success or failure may depend. Those who have little experience should invest money cautiously and in the more hardy and popular kinds, such as Asters, Balsams, Stocks, Petunias, Zinnia, &c., with a few of the more tender kinds, just for trial. This advice will sound strange to my old friends but these will please remember that the wisest knew but little once, and cannot now boast of excess of knowledge, and that one-half my readers are young peopie, with no experience, yet thirsting for knowledge. Iam anxious to encourage this noble army by a = little success rather than to discourage them by a large failure, for it is an Vd ; I 4 A army larger and more glorious than nist wT itl ee any that has ever ravaged the earth Mi ii a with fire and sword, and Stained its == a SS fair bosom with blood. My desire to spread the love of flowers all over so neater amma this favored land is far greater than my care to make a few dollars. Half-a-dozen flowering plants, well cultivated, will give pleasure, while a hundred neglected, or ill cultivated, will be a source of pain. Always be careful to get seeds suited to the purposes for which they are designed. If a climber is desired to cover a fence or trellis, the Morning Glory, the climbing Nasturtium, and similar strong growing vines will answer the purpose and give good satisfaction; while some of the more tender climbers will not be likely to come up if planted in such a situation as this, and if they do happen to grow, will not cover the place designed for them, and disappointment will be the result. If the object is a brilliant, showy bed on the lawn, or in the border, the Petunia, Phlox Drummondii, Verbena, &c., will meet your wishes; while a bed of Mignonette. or any of the smaller or less showy flowers, will be entirely out of place. If flowers of taller growth are desired for a showy bed more in the back-ground, the Zinnia, the French Marigold, the Gladioli, &c., are admirably adapted for the purpose, while some very beautiful, low, modest flowers would be worthless. Grave errors are sometimes made, and good flowers condemned merely because they are out of their proper place. I have known people to sow Calceolaria and Cineraria, and other very delicate seeds, in the open ground, not knowing that they require the most careful treatment in the house, and sometimes tax the skill even of the professional florist. THE SOIL AND ITS PREPARATION. The best soil for most flowers, and especially for young plants, and one almost absolutely uecessary for seed-beds, is a rich, mellow loam, containing so much sand that it will not “ bake”’ after hard showers. If we have not such a soil, we must use the best we have, and advantage must be taken of the various plans to ensure the germination of seeds, which we shall describe. It is 6 2° Z 5 Ve E J er. Fi pe eo) ry Pal PON SOA. tg RN 4 ASR: SOO SS annie ertistos = Z nace also useless to try to grow good flowers on a poor, ora hard, unbroken soil, or in a bed choked with weeds. In either case the plants become dwarfed, arrive at maturity too early, and flower and ripen their seeds before they have attained half their natural size, and about the time a good robust plant would be forming its buds. Such a soil can be much improved by a little sand, or ashes and manure, and by pretty constant working. It must not, however, be handled when too wet. Always drain the flower garden so that no water will be on or near the surface. SOWING SEED. This is a very important matter, and one in which the young florist is the most likely to fail. Some old and professional florists make sad work in starting seeds, for knowledge is not only necessary, but care and attention. One “ forgot”? may ruin a whole sowing of the choicest seeds. Of course, there _ are some kinds of seeds that are robust =— and will grow, no matter how they are = = = = treated, just as our weeds grow and thrive BOX HAND-GLASS. “SQUARE HAND-GLASS. under ill treatment; but others require kind and proper treatment, just as almost everything desirable does in the animal as well as in the vegetable kingdom. Many seem to think that seeds will grow anywhere and under any circum- stances. They have seen the farmer make a hole and throw in the corn, and in a little while it was up and growing vigorously; they have learned that the seeds of our native trees and weeds grow without planting and care; and from these facts they get the idea that it is of little conse- quence how or where seeds are sown, so that they are in the ground. But these should consider that the seeds used by the farmer are usually larger and produce stronger and more robust plants than those of the florist, and thus are enabled to bear more hardships and to live under more unfavorable circumstances. Still, farmers are fast learning that the better they prepare the ground, the more carefully they sow their seed, and the more they study the nature and wants of the plants they cultivate, the better the crops. Another fact should be remembered — that not one seed in a 3=/ thousand matured by our forest trees ag and shrubs, produces a living plant. : ; We cannot afford to purchase costly SEEDS PROTECTED BY GLASS BELLS. seeds and lose such a large proportion, which would be the result if we should plant in the same manner. Our weeds are prolific, very tenacious of life, and able to propagate themselves under the most unfavorable circumstances; otherwise they would not be generally known as weeds. Most of our troublesome weeds are of foreign origin, the seeds being brought here by accident. The larger part thus introduced have lived for a season and perished unnoticed, while the hardiest became naturalized. If the florist would be satisfied with only the most hardy and prolific flowers, such as would take care of themselves, then he might pursue a careless system of planting and cultivation, and fill his grounds with Dandelions and Poppies; but he craves flowers that are not natural to our climate—those that flourish in warmer climes and under more genial skies — their dazzling beauty, their delicious fragrance, must be _ secured at almost any cost of time and labor. This is well; = but having made up our minds to possess the treasures, we “must pay the price —we must study their habits and treat PROTECTED BY POTS. them accordingly. None need feel alarmed at these remarks, or think themselves incompetent to the charge of such choice plants without hot-beds, green-houses and professional gardeners. We have known ladies, who, with but little preten- sions, equaled the most distinguished florists. There seemed to be magic in their fingers, and everything they touched flourished. It is true that a hot-bed, if properly managed, is of great aid in effecting the germination of seeds, and it is well all should know why this is so. 7 AA H Lod, ye" 4 Pr ee. aS Yay CD. aS IN Ste ae aw yy a aor A arin vr oe CAUSES OF FAILURE. In the first place, however, we will examine reasons why seeds often fail to grow. If seeds are planted /oo deep, they either rot in the damp, cold earth, for the want of warmth necessary to their germination, or, after their germination, perish before the tender shoots can reach the sun and air; and thus that which was designed for their nourishment proves their grave. If the soil is a st?ff clay, it is often too cold at the time the seeds are planted to-effect their germination ; for it must be understood that warmth and moisture are necessary to the germina- tion of seeds. Neither of these will do alone. Seeds may be kept in a warm, dry room, in dry sand or earth, and they will not grow. They may be placed in damp earth, and kept in a low tempera- ture, and they will most likely rot, though some seeds / Jj==—= Will remain dormant a long time under these circum- =f y = stances. But place them in moist earth, in a warm Me = room, and they will commence growth at once. _In- == deed, if seeds become damp i in a cold store-room they rot, while if the room is warm they germinate, and thus become ruined, so that seedsmen have to exer- cise great care in keeping their seeds well aired and dry. This accounts for the “ sprouting” or ‘‘ growing”’ of wheat in the sheaf, when the weather is warm and showery at harvest time, and shows why farmers are so anxious for good harvest weather, so that they may secure their grain perfectly dry. Another difficulty with a heavy soil is that it becomes hard on the surface, and this prevents the young plants from “ coming up;” or, if, during showery weather, they happen to get above the surface, they become locked in, and make but little advancement, unless the cultivator is careful to keep the crust well broken; and in doing this the young plants are often destroyed. If seeds are sown in rough, lumpy ground, a portion will be buried under the clods, and will never grow; and many that start, not finding a fit soil for their tender roots, will perish.. A few may escape these difficulties, and flourish. All of the foregoing cases show good reason for failure, but there is one cause which is not so apparent. The soil, we will suppose, is well prepared, fine as it can be made, and of that loamy or sandy character best fitted for small seeds. We will suppose, too, that the seeds were sown on the surface, with a little earth sifted over them, and that this was not done until the season was so far advanced as to furnish the warmth necessary to secure vegetation. Under these very favorable circumstances many seeds will grow; and if the weather is both warm and showery, very few will fail. But if, as is very common at the season of the year when we sow our seeds, we have a succession of cold rain storms, many of the more tender kinds will perish. A night’s frost will ruin many more. If, however, the weather should prove warm and without showers, the sur- : face will become very dry, and the seeds, having so slight SEEDS GROWING IN POTS. SEEDS PROTECTED BY LATH FRAME. a covering, will be dried up and perish as soon as they germinate, and before the roots attain | sufficient size and strength to go down in search of moisture. Of course, the finer and more delicate seeds, and those natural to a more favorable climate, suffer most. HOT-BEDS AND COLD-FRAMES. It is to overcome the evils above suggested that hot-beds are useful. By being protected at the sides and ends with boards, and covered with glass, they confine the moisture which arises from the earth, and thus the atmosphere is kept humid and the surface moist, and the plants are not subjected to changes of temperature, as a uniform state can be maintained no matter what the weather may be. The bottom heat of the hot-bed warms the soil, and enables the grower to put in his seed early, and obtain plants of good size before the soil outside is warm enough to receive the seed. Care, however, is required to prevent scorching the young plants. In bright days the heat is intense inside the frame, and unless air is freely given, or some course taken to obstruct the rays of the sun, most likely a great portion of the plants will be ruined. Some time since, I was called to examine a hot-bed, as the seeds planted did not grow, when I found they had been all burned up, except a few along the edges that were shaded 8 ee eee by the sides and ends of the frame. When the sun gets pretty warm, give the glass a thin coat of whitewash. This gives a little shade, and, with some air during the middle of bright days, will make all safe. The Aof-ded is made by forming a pile of horse manure with the straw used for bedding, or leaves, some three feet in height. Shake all together, so that straw and manure will be equally mixed. It may be sunk in the ground a foot or eighteen inches, or made on the surface. On this place about five inches of good mellow soil. Then set the frame and keep it ‘closed until fermentation takes place and the soil is quite warm. It is better to wait a day or two after this, and then sow the seeds. The principal advantages of a hot-bed can be secured by what is called a cold-frame. This is simply a hot-bed frame, with sash, as shown in the engraving, placed upon a bed of fine, mellow earth, in some sheltered place in the garden. By the exclusion of air and the admission of sun, the earth becomes warm, and the moisture is confined, as in the hot-bed. After the frame is secured in its Z piace, a couple of inches of fine earth should be placed inside, and the frame closed up for a day or two before the seeds are planted. As the cold-frame depends upon the sun for its warmth, it must not be started as soon as the hot-bed, and in this latitude the latter part of Aprilis soon enough. Plants Reoeet ie tee cot IN MORE: will then be large enough for transplanting to the open ground as soon as danger from frost is over, and, as a general thing, they will be hardier and better able ‘to endure the shock of transplanting than if grown in a hot-bed. A frame of this kind any one can manage. Watering occasionally will be necessary; and air must be given on bright, warm days. Shade also is necessary. These frames, when so small as to be conveniently moved by the hand, are called hand-glasses. A simple frame or box, with a couple of lights of glass on the top, will answer a very good purpose, though when small it would be better to have the front of glass. A very good hand-glass is made of a square frame, with a light of glass at each side and on the top. These contrivances, though so simple as to be made by any one handy with ‘tools, are exceedingly useful, as they prevent the drying of the surface of the ground, and afford the plants shelter from sudden changes of the temperature, cold storms and frosty nights. The engravings show several forms of which they may be made. Seeds may be sown in the house in pots, &c., but the greatest difficulty is that in pots the soil dries very rapidly, and young plants are apt to suffer. A very good plan is to cover the pots with glass, as we have shown in the engraving, removing it occasionally for air, &c. Where very fine seeds are sown in pots, the watering, unless carefully done, generally results in great injury. A wet paper placed over the top of the pot will afford moisture enough for the germination of fine seeds. If pots are used it is well to sink them to the rim in a box of moss, or something of the kind, that will hold moisture, and prevent the diying of the earth in the pots. A shallow box may be used to advantage, sowing the seed carefully in narrow drills. When these conveniences are not to be had, make a bed of light, mellow soil, in a sheltered situation in the garden; and as soon as the weather becomes settled, and the ground warm, sow the seeds, covering them with a little fine earth, and if very small sift it upon them. Some one has given as a rule that seeds should be covered twice the depth of their own diameter ; that is, that a seed one-sixteenth of an inch through should be covered one-eighth of an inch. Perhaps that is as near correct as any general rule can be. If the weather should prove dry after sowing, it would be well to cover the beds of very small seeds with damp moss, or what is better, with evergreen boughs or boards, or something that will afford partial protection from the sun and wind. A very good plan is to nail lath to a frame, as shown in the engraving, leaving the open spaces about as wide as the lath. Seeds do not require light for their germination, and will grow quite as well in the dark as the light until they are above ground. __Bell-glasses are convenient both for in-doors or garden use, only care must be given to afford plenty of air, especially on bright days, and shading may be necessary. An inverted flower pot answers almost as good a purpose, but when the young plants are up they will need light, which can be afforded for a few days, and until the plants are large, by elevating the pot, as shown in the engraving. Light and air should be furnished as soon as the plants are above ground, or they will become weak and pale. Of course, it is designed that 9 SEEDS IN A BOX. 4 64) wy . Ke a“ 4 Z SA Wis = xt, : OMe | OF? Oy q g = ~= >> a. OA ee a or Ce ON. YS Sy) Tee AGRI ON N S233 RA kg ps EN: Y ORS cae WW GX Ge ALS oS Oa atc EW plants from the hot-bed, cold-frame and seed-bed shall be transplanted to the border or beds where they are to flower, and these helps are intended mainly for Zender and Half Hardy Annuals, . described in an article on the Classification of Flowers, on another:page. he Hardy Annuals may be sown where they are to flower, though, with the exception of a few varieties difficult to. transplant, it is best to sow all in a seed-bed. All seeds of hardy and half-hardy Annuals, and Perennials, and, in fact, nearly all flower seeds, can be sown in the South in the autumn. ‘The plants are thus enabled to make vigorous growth in the early spring, and become well matured before the heat of summer. ‘The Perennials should be sown so early as to make a fair growth before winter sets in. Then they will flower the next summer. The Hardy Annuals generally do best sown rather late, so that the seed will. remain in the ground and be ready to start at the first approach of spring. TRANSPLANTING. All the operations of the garden should be done with neatness: no crooked, irregular rows are admissible. The engraving shows how easily lines are marked in a bed with a rod or ruler. After plants in the seed-beds have obtained their second leaves and made an inch or two of growth, they should be removed to the garden beds or border. This should be done on a dull, showery day, if possible, if not, the plants may require shading after removal until they become established. In transplanting in dry weather, always give the plants as they stand in the seed- =I bed a good soaking with water, and also the soil — Y= =i ’ = — to which they are to be removed, an hour or so before removal. In removing, disturb the roots. as little as possible. If the plants are not too thick, there is no need of injuring the roots; and in sowing, it is well to have this in view, and sow evenly and thinly. As soon as the young | plants come up, if too thick, a portion should be |, removed. A few plants, with long tap-roots, | will not bear removal well. The Larkspurs are ‘difficult: and these and the Poppies, and plants. MARKING FOR PLANTING. with like roots, should be sown where they are to flower. Still, there are few plants but can be removed when young, with proper care. Sweet Peas, Candytuft, and a few flowers of similar character, that do best if sown as early as the ground can be got ready, should always be sown where they are to flower. DISAPPOINTED CULTIVATORS. Many years of experience and careful estimates have convinced me that while nearly all of my customers succeed in growing excellent flowers from the seeds they receive, and are not only satisfied, but enthusiastic over the results, some two or three per cent. totally fail, or fail to such an extent as to feel quite dissatisfied with the expenditure and labor of the season. To this small number I cannot give much space, but will make a few remarks that may be profitable, and prevent disappointment in the future. Some are disappointed because flowers do not prove what they expected. It should be remembered that I do not agree that flowers shall meet the expectations of Joe ee 1 an ee any person. The first thing is to ascertain what it is x right to expect. Not the notion of any person, but the descriptions I have given must be the standard. The descriptions and drawings are not exaggerated, yet they represent plants and flowers that have been well grown : Gaese==—=— § ——— neglected, half-starved plants will present a very different Hull length’ portent Nee eee aaa appearance. Any specimen of the animal as well-as the \oman’s husband. The man who thinks. vegetable kingdom will become dwarfed and deformed, and _ it nonsense for wife and girls to make lose every trace of beauty by ill-treatment and neglect. flower beds. Then the descriptions must be well understood. If I call some little, delicate flower, like a Lobelia, a fine variety, you have a right to expect it to be a fine Lobelia; but have no right to- expect it to be as large, fine and showy as an Aster, a Ten-Weeks’ Stock, or a Zinnia, or any 10 ~. P/B —_ VA\ he, Ui) Lye Wak: Sw y MAY Ore = i> » ES pals LA <I SX Ramee — OA ieee) =o = WT irom other of our large, brilliant flowers. It is fine in its place, but not fine for a display in the garden. A pen-knife is good for the purpose for which it was designed, but it is not exactly fitted for wood-chopping. I advertise double Zinnias, double Stocks, &c.; but you have no right to complain and think you are cheated if one-fourth should come single, but should pull up the single ones as fast as they show their character, and enjoy the good instead of mourning over the bad. Many varie- ties of double flowers do not give seed, so we have to obtain double seed by fertilizing the single flowers with the pollen of the double, and by other slow and difficult pro- cesses known to the experienced seed-grower. These operations are usually only partially successful, and, as a necessary consequence, some of the seed will give single flowers; and yet intelligent men, and correspondents of the press, and officers of Agricultural societies, and others who ought to know better, often scold, and write complainingly because seed purchased as double produced single flowers. Again, I advertise separate colors of Phlox Drummondii, Pere he ahs women’s hus. Dianthus, Asters, &c. Occasionally, with some of these, band, who makes wifeandchildrenhappy you will find a little mixture of color. This, with some and home pleasant. things, can not be avoided, even with the greatest care. gS, ’ g There always has been, and always will be, a little uncertainty in growing flowers from seed. They are prone to mix and “sport.” If it were not for this disposition, we could never obtain new varieties. When plants or trees are grown from cuttings, or are produced by budding or grafting, all mixture is the result of carelessness, s accident or fraud. This is not the case with plants produced from seed. While many varieties will come almost or quite true from seed, with good care, others are far less reliable in this respect. All I can prom- ise is that I have done all that human care and skill can do to produce distinct colors, and when there is very much uncertainty in regard to color I advertise them only as “mixed colors.” For this reason I advertise only “ mixed colors” of many varieties. Occasionally we hear complaint that seeds do not grow —perhaps one or two varieties failed out of a —= hundred, and the cultivator is like the shepherd in The woman whose flower seeds never come up the Scriptures, who left the ninety-nine in the wilder- _ Uess they are scratched up. ness and went in search of the lost one. This was well for the shepherd and the sheep, but is not a good plan for florists and flower seeds. If you have ten or twenty varieties, and all grow nicely but one or two, just enjoy the success, instead of making yourself miserable over failures. The best and most skillful gardeners will a \ fail occasionally, and neither the seed nor the gar- dener be very much to blame. Every professional ggrdener knows this. There is a wonder—a mys- tery —in vegetable as well as in animal life. Our — ys = friends fail, droop and die—our little ones pass away (SS — just as they are taking deep root in our hearts. We | = ; feel the deathly pangs, but cannot save. But the variety that failed was the one of all you most desired. Of course, what we cannot have we always want the most. The fish that escapes from the hook is always the largest. ie ean whose flower seeds all come up. But, if you fail to any great extent, make up your mind there is trouble somewhere — some mismanagement — and resolve to find it out, if possi- ble. Don’t jump at the conclusion that the seed was bad, because it is not true, and thousands will praise the seed you condemn as bad. By concluding that you are all right and the seed all if wrong, you will not only lose the seed, but the benefit of experience. It will not help the matter to say that seeds of your own growing came up in the same beds, unless you had just the ~ same varieties. As a general rule, the finer the varieties of flowers the less vitality in the seeds. One may grow almost anywhere and anyhow, another require the most favorable circumstances for its germination. This is particularly the case with most double flowers, even of the same species or variety. A single Aster will give more seed than a hundred of double, and the seed will be larger, and produce earlier, stronger plants, and will grow under unfavorable circum- stances, where the seed from the double flower would decay. Hence, if there happen to be three seeds from asingle plant in a package, and all should grow, these three plants would produce flowers before any others, and those not acquainted with the facts would say at once, “all my Asters are going to be single.” If, through a bad season or soil, all the Aster seed from the double flowers had died, and only the more robust from the single flower lived, of course, the complaint is, ‘‘I had only three plants from a package of seeds, and that was plenty, for they were very poor flowers.’”’ A beautiful flower is often obtained at the sacrifice of the vigor, and not unfrequently the constitution, of the plant. After laboring long and anxiously to secure some desired improvement, it is not uncommon, just as success seemed about to crown our labors, to find all our hopes blasted on account of some defect in the plant—a grand flower secured and a healthful plant ruined. a THE LAWN AND GARDEN. Man may be refined and happy rates a panda he may even have a home, I suppose, without a tree, or shrub, or flower; yet, when the Creator wished to prepare a proper home for man, pure in all his tastes and made in His own likeness, He planted a garden and placed this noblest specimen of creative power in it to dress and to keepit. A few suggestions on the Improving of Grounds and the Adornment of Rural Homes may be useful, and prevent a great many expensive and troublesome mistakes. MAKING LAWNS AND WALKS. In the first place, the space in front of the house, and generally the sides exposed to view from the street, should be in grass. No arrangement of beds, or borders of box, or anything else, will look so neat and tasteful as a well kept piece of lawn. It can also be kept in better order at less cost = than in any other way. Mixed beds of flowers or of shrubbery in the most conspicuous part of the garden are always unsatisfactory. Get a good plat of grass, and dry, neat walks, and all other things will soon WALK STAKED OUT. follow with but little trouble. The very first thing needed in improving ground is to obtain good drainage. Have good drains made to carry off all waste water from the house and surplus water from the soil. These can be made of stone, laid in any way that will leave an open and secure space for the water to pass through, though where drain tile can be obtained they are as good as anything and usually cheaper. The drains should be from two to four feet deep. Have the work well done, for this is the foundation of all improvement, and a the correction of any failure is made only with a good deal of trouble and expense. This secures a dry soil at all seasons of the year, and a healthy growth of plants or trees. The next thing is to prepare the soil and make the walks. Make no more roads than are absolutely neces- sary, as many walks divide the lawn and greatly disfigure it. Of course, there must be a bold walk to the front door, and one passing from this to the rear of the house, and in general no more will be necessary. These must be PLANTING FOR CURVED WALKS. made in the most convenient places—in those one would naturally take in going from one place to another. The curved line is the line of beauty, yet we often see attempts at curved 12 walks where a straight one would be much better. Every curve should be a sensible one; that is, have a reason for its course; therefore arrange your planting so as to make an apparent necessity for every turn. The idea is shown in the little sketch accompanying, where the walks curve to accommodate the trees. If the ground to be improved is only a small lot, it can be done best by the spade, and it is not well to endeavor to do it with the plow. In Tm Ll . that case, mark out the walks first. Do this by [4 setting up little sticks on the line you design for the road, as shown in the engraving, changing _them until you get just the curve that seems graceful = and pleasant to the eye. Put a row of sticks on cach side of the road, measuring carefully so as to get the width uniform. Another plan for securing aaa ae the desired curve to walks is the use of a stout line. The idea is shown in the engraving. Next, remove the earth from the walk to about the depth of eighteen inches, using it to fill up any low places. The walks, of course, have somewhat the appearance of ditches. The operator is now prepared to pulverize the soil with the spade. Have it done thoroughly, sending the spade well down, and completely inverting the soil, but leaving about six inches on each side of the walk undisturbed for the present, so as not to break the line of the road. All stones found in digging should be thrown into the roads, and often sufficient will be obtained to fill within six or eight inches of the surface; if not, enough can be procured usually without much difficulty. The stone cutter’s yards and the stone piles in the roads and fields generally furnish abundant material. When the walks are filled with this rough material to within six inches of the surface of the soil, the ground being raked off nice and smooth, dig the six inches left undug on the edges of the walks, being careful to keep the edges true and as originally staked out, and then set a turf about six inches wide for a border to the walk, as shown in the engraving, keeping the turf as low as the level of the adjoining soil, or a little lower, and to do this, remove two or three inches of the soil where the turf is to set, according to its thickness. A good deal of this rough work can be done in the autumn, so as to leave only the finishing up in the spring; but if commenced in the spring, it should WALKS WITH TURF EDGING. be hurried up so as to get the grass sown as early as possible, for grass seed will not start well unless it has the benefit of spring showers. Lawn Grass sown about the first of September, so as to have the benefit of autumn rains, will usually make a fine growth before frost, and be in excellent condition in the early spring, almost appearing like an old lawn by July. All being done as previously advised, sow the grass seed on the well prepared surface, raking it in, and if pretty dry, it is well to roll the soil after sowing. Sow Blue Grass, or a preparation of the most desirable grasses for lawns, sold as Lawn Grass, at the rate of four bushels to the acre. In our Lawn Grass we always put a little Sweet Vernal Grass, on account of its delightful fragrance. If you use Blue Grass, get a little Vernal and use with it, a pound or two to the acre. Most persons also like a pound of White Clover to the acre. If the grass is sown early in the spring and =the weather is at all favorable, by the first of July the lawn will look pretty green, and from the ~middle to the last of July will need cutting, and Te eiON Ob. WALI. after that must be cut as often as the little lawn mower can get a bite. These lawn mowers are a real blessing, for not one in ten thousand can cut a lawn properly with a scythe, and therefore our lawns, before the introduction of mowers, always looked wretched. It will be strange if a great army of weeds do not appear with the grass, but do not take it for granted that these weeds came from the grass seed sown, because if you had not sown any grass the weeds would have been just as abundant. The farmer who finds the weeds among his corn 18 a eas E moe PARK SCENERY. and potatoes never imagines that he planted them with the seed. As soon as the grass and weeds get high enough to be cut with a scythe or lawn mower, cut close and evenly, and repeat this as often as possible, and the weeds wlll gradually disappear, but if allowed to grow they will soon smother the grass and ruin the lawn. A few perennial weeds, like docks, thistles and : Fall L AL a N w HOME LAWN. dandelions may be removed by cutting the roots as far down as possible with some narrow, sharp implement. Two or three such cuttings will generally destroy them, but a pinch of salt after cutting will make the work sure. After sowing the grass, finish the walks by covering the rough stones with five or six inches of gravel, as clean as can be procured. It is best to leave the finishing of the walks 14 C Sem ls, D+) ALEK SLND Ss = : Quo NK WEN YZ OBE Nn Bien Se eee rat QAY ee, y until the last, because, even after sowing the grass seed, at raking it in, a quantity of stones will be gathered, and you will need a place to put them and the walk will need the stones. A section of the road when done will appear as shown in the engrav- ing, and it will be al- ways dry and free from weeds and grass. If the earth should wash from the lawn and cause weeds to ; start, sow salt along the edges and you will see no weeds for a season. In very small places it would, perhaps, be as cheap to sod the whole, instead of sow- ing grassseed. Where this is desirable, good turf can be procured from the roadside or pasture, and it should be well and neatly laid. In large places the plow can be used instead of the spade, and with great economy of labor. In that case the whole lot should be well plowed and dragged before the walks are staked out. After this, stake the walks and remove the earth the necessary depth, using it to level off the low places. There will always be a good deal of work for the spade and rake. PLANTING AND ORNAMENTING THE LAWN. Two great errors are usually made, both by gardeners and amateurs; one destroying the lawn by cutting it up with unnecessary walks and flower beds, the other producing the same result by almost literally covering it with trees and shrubbery. Grass cannot grow well among the roots and under the shadow of trees and shrubs, and no lawn can look well cut up in sections by numerous roads. Most of the little lawns we see in this country are almost entirely destroyed by EicnoRN.s¢ = == ENGLISH PARK, QUEEN VICTORIA’S HOME, OSBORNE HOUSE. FORMS OF BEDS. one or both of these causes. The main part of the lawn should be left unbroken by any tree or shrub, as a general rule, with only an occasional fine specimen, like a Purple Beech, or Magnolia, or cut-leaved Birch. The shrubbery should be in clumps or groups, in proper places, and so thick as to cover all the ground. The soil under them should be kept cultivated and clean like a flower bed. Trees in appropriate places for shade and beauty, are, of course, desirable; but plant for the future, not for the present, and always have in view the size and form and habits of the trees when full grown, and not their present small size, and, perhaps, delicate form. ne Tree planting must be governed by the extent of the grounds. In a lawn em- Pees bracing many acres, forest trees, or trees of large size, E —— = may be admitted; and then = : RIBBON BED. it will partake somewhat of RIBBON BED. the character of European parks, the nature of which we have endeavored to show in the engraving. These are not given the same care and expense as small lawns; indeed, the grass is often kept short by sheep, and seldom mown. That portion of the lawn of such parks immediately 15 we Wy Shr DORA Aas a A x eee ae se es BOCs = ns oboe PERENNIAL GARDEN. around the house, however, is always planted with the most beautiful trees and kept in the best possible condition, just in the manner necessary for small lawns, which are most common in this country. We have endeavored to illustrate these two styles by the aid of engravings, and hope to have made the subject plain. The great difficulty with American gardens is that they are too large, and not sufficiently cared for. If we gave the same amount of labor on a quarter of an acre that we now expend on an acre, the result would be much more satisfactory. No one should have more ground in garden than he can keep in the very highest state of cultivation. It is this kind of excellence that affords pleasure, while failure or partial success is a source of pain. It is not only a fault to cultivate too much ground, but even too many flowers. Some seem anxious to obtain and grow everything. This is not best, especially where there is not a good deal of time and money to be devoted to the work. A choice selection is best, and I like every cultivator of flowers to have a pet or hobby. Take, for instance, the Pansy, and make it a pet. Obtain the choicest seed, and give the plants the best of care, and you will see to what wonderful perfection it can be grown. Ina few years you will tire, perhaps, of this. Then adopt the Balsam, or Stock, or Aster. Always have something choice — something grown better than any one else is growing it—something you have reason to be proud of. It will astonish you to see how flowers thrive under such petting, and what a wonderful exhibition they make of their gratitude. Some persons may think from what we have said in favor of grass in front of the house in preference to beds of flowers, that we are no friend to these beautiful treasures—these delightful children of the field and garden, who speak to us in every fragrant breath and lovely tint and graceful form, of Him who spake from naught this matchless beauty. We only wish them to be treatedin a proper manner. In the center of the lawn, especially if opposite a window, it is well to make a round or oval bed, and on the border or near the edges of the lawn, beds of various simple forms. A few plans for these we have given. 16 hl ZF —. Wig <— - = it RO ‘pd ios APES TER NOY ( OE, Zy3' Cen <> ra ~S iia ii i ~ q\\ WWM BULB GARDEN. Zs, These beds should be filled with flowers that will keep in bloom during the whole season, and it is best generally to have but one kind ina bed. Phlox Drummondii, Verbena, Portulaca, and the scarlet Geraniums, are well adapted for this purpose, and occasionally it is well to introduce the ribbon style. The plan is to set plants of the same height and color in a row, several rows forming the bed, and giving it the appearance of the stripes in ribbons, as shown in the engravings p. 15. To make a bed of this kind select flowers of similar height and habit. Of course, if one row loses its flowers the effect is spoiled. If a circular bed is made, the rows toward the center may be taller than the outside rows. A very cheap and pretty ribbon bed can be made by using the different colors of the same flower, like Phlox Drum- mondii, and for a beginner we know of no flower as good. These beds, it must be remembered, are for the adornment of the grounds, and they furnish no flowers for the house—no presents for friends, no bouquet for the dining room, or for schools or churches, or the sick room. These we must have. So, just back of the lawn, make generous beds of flowers that you can cut freely— Asters, Balsams, Zinnias, Stocks, Mignonette, Sweet Peas, &c. In these beds you can also grow the Everlasting Flowers for winter use, and the plants designed for winter flowering in the house. It is best to make such beds oblong, about four or five feet in width, so that one can reach half way across, with alleys or paths between. THE BULB AND PERENNIAL GROUNDS. There is aiso asameness about lawn beds that in time becomes tiresome. They are beautiful, but it is unchanging beauty; a bed of beauty, but no plant has character or beauty of its own, each one contributing its share, and sacrificing itself, for the general good. Often, a little tired, we turn from the well kept lawn, with its masses of bright colors, to the beds of Perennials and the Bulb Garden, and there we find each plant in its own character, standing alone, and doing its best to secure our admiration. Every day there seems to be a new development: some plant that we obtained long ago, and for whose blossoms we have been waiting and watching, shows buds, and in a day or two flowers; and another, almost forgotten, to our surprise we find in aly == s a LT Pa SAE, Qn Yr _. 2 ? sii we 233 = ree < pe Tiscesaaid x Se SUMMER-HOUSE GARDEN SCENE. flower. In our Perennial Beds we have many old friends, the Hollyhock, the Sweet William, the Canterbury Bell, and a host of others, while the Bulb Garden is made glorious by the Lilies, Pzeonies, Gladioli and Dahlias, and a score of elegant flowers that have been known and loved for ages. The flowers of this class do not keep in bloom a long time, and therefore are not suited for the lawn, where a continuous show of flowers is absolutely necessary ; but in a position a little retired, like the border of the lawn, or in its rear, nothing can be more interesting, more beautiful, or more instructive. GARDEN ADORNMENTS. There are a good many things that may be called garden adornments, or garden furniture, some of them expensive, while others are obtained with the exercise of a little skill and taste. A neat Conservatory gives dignity and somewhat of an aristocratic air to any garden, if in good condition, or what gardeners call, “kept up;’’ otherwise it gives the whole an air of shabby gentility that is painful to behold. Next to the Conservatory, we may class the Summer-house, and this may cost but little; indeed, more depends upon the situation, tastefulness of design, and neatness of construction, than size and cost. Of all the adornments of the lawn, nothing is more effective than a well filled and well kept vase. Of course it is better to have one of a graceful form ; but almost anything will look well if adorned with healthy, and particularly, drooping plants. It is not of much importance what the plants are if they are only vigorous. All the ornamental-leaved plants are appro- priate for the top or center of the vase, while a few drooping plants should be placed near the edges and , allowed to droop at least half way to the ground. For <®: this purpose the Verbena or the Petunia will answer ; - indeed, fewer plants appear better than a good strong Petunia. The evaporation from vases is very great, much more than is generally supposed, as every side is exposed to air and sun, and they must receive a copious supply of water every evening to keep the plants in good condition. 18 ie oe ee / / Wy) i i an UH ‘ai WW NW WE t Ser : Y)} I ROCKERY TO SCREEN AN ABRUPT BANK. Another very pretty ornament for the garden is the Rockery, made of rough stones, taste- fully laid up, with earth sufficient for the growth of plants suitable for this work. Low growing plants with succulent and ornamental foliage are appropriate to the rockery — Portulaca is admirable. I would like my readers who have had no experience in this kind of garden ornamentation to try a specimen in some retired quarter of the garden, so that if it proves a failure no harm will be done. There is nothing at l= j More interesting than a good rockery, and MUN Sel 22) 2) ii = nothing more unsightly than a poor one. To mo). be good it must be somewhat natural in appear- ance and have an appropriate position, and be furnished with suitable and healthy plants. A pile of stones thrown together in the center of of a lawn looks bad enough, and it would be hardiy possible to remedy the evil of location by any skill in planting; but a little rockery in some retired corner gives variety and beauty to the garden scene. Few things pleased us more when in Europe | than the skill exhibited in giving an air of rural taste to small city lots, many of them so very small that few Americans would be willing to attempt ornamental gardening on so diminutive a scale. And yet, if we can make a parlor or sitting-room beautiful in winter with a few plants, why can we not make a : smali paradise of a little twenty-foot-square oan = re a2 — é ‘front yard?” Many of the yards we refer to ei oy en ah DW were not more than twenty feet in width, and amg LAN ne yet remarkable as specimens of taste. Some hee. IAS | of these little gardens were attached to houses i | in rows; others belonged to what are known as semi-detached cottages—that is, two only ; SSE joined together. AAR AAA We a a specimen of one of these little pe | | AIM | alsa | | | front gardens, or, as they are sometimes called, BALCONY GARDEN. entrance courts. The lots are sometimes so narrow that the raised bed is made several feet from the center to allow of free passage on one side. The English people seem to love seclusion, and so the front yard is usually bounded by a wall on every side, as we have, in a measure, shown in the engraving, and would be fearfully unsightly but for the fact that these walls are ornamented, and sometimes concealed with climbers and other beautiful plants. The ornamental border that surrounds the central bed is usually 19 y) CEE WALES. i By a SS d Wi aes ee Lory ZZ ow EU aire VRP of neat designs. Occasionally a vase is used for the center; and we have seen a. . little rockery occupy the place, but it | is not the place ' for a_rockery. The ‘space - not occupied by beds is covered with flagging or gravel. Some- times the side walls, and even LNERANCE COURT. the front garden wall furnish support for rockeries, which then take the place of the borders shown in the engraving. We introduce this illustration for the encouragement of those dwellers in our cities and villages who have not yet learned how much can be made of little. BALCONY GARDENS. Those who have noticed the advance of rural taste in America during the past thirty years. have seen developments unequaled in any country, in any age of the world. Beautiful Me = rut) S orchards and lawns, and gardens, and tasteful > 2 houses abound, where, a few years ago, we saw a = the crooked rail fence, the trees and stumps nn and small log cabins. We scarcely pass through a village in any part of the country, but we see some place so nicely arranged, so beautiful, and possessing some feature so entirely new, that we are tempted to take out our pencil and make a sketch on the spot. We have to thank the architects in Roch- ester for planning houses with shady recesses over the front doors, ‘which afford opportunity for the most elegant adornment, and which our people have not been slow to improve. We W7/| [ ie were so pleased with this feature, that we had i ly, i drawings taken of two which presented exhi- eat F eee bitions of rural beauty that gave more pleasure ae to their owners and to the thousands who passed by, than would thousands of dollars expended in architectural display. With plenty of water, plants can be kept in such situations through the summer in perfect health. In the selection of plants for such places more regard must be had to elegant foliage than beautiful flowers; but it is absolutely necessary to obtain those that will keep in \ \ ql Wit U perfection a long time, whether chosen for BALCONY GARDEN. foliage or flowers. Plants that rapidly attain their best estate, ripen and pass away, may be 20 ro Pa Hays ( jo NN aa ey; oS i OS) ae ae Win Sw.i97; TA Ss ee irae SE". Fre interesting and useful in appropriate places, and generally furnish flowers abundantly for cutting, but should not be planted in vases or baskets, nor on the lawn, where a good show must be kept up the whole season. WINDOW BOXES. To those who are not fortunate enough to have balconies, we propose to show how easily ana cheaply they may provide a substitute. A common box, the length of the window, about eight inches deep and ten inches wide, can be fastened on the outside of the window by means of brackets, either iron or wood. ‘This may be painted, or, what is still better, covered with oil cloth. Get some ‘ small, set figure, and you have an imitation of a tile box at very little cost, In: |Burope, these, boxes WENO eo boxes are to be seen in thousands of windows, and many of them both elegant and expensive, some. made of iron and covered with costly tiles. The one we propose is almost as beautiful, and ridiculously cheap. PLANTS FOR BALCONIES, WINDOW BOXES, AND BEDDING. PLANTS FOR BALCONIES.—Among plants most useful for balconies we suggest the following: Abutilons, Achyranthus, Begonias, Coleus, Clematis, Convolvulus, Canary-bird Vine, Draczenas, Geraniums (double and single), German Ivy, Honeysuckles (Halleana, and golden-veined), Lobelias, Moneywort, Nepeta (Ground Ivy), Othonna, Tropzeolums, Veronica and Vinca. PLANTS FOR WINDow Boxrs.—Geraniums, Lobelias, Vinca variegata, Sweet Alyssum, Othonna, Ivy Geraniums, Convolvulus Mauritanicus, Thunbergias, Tropzeolum, Maurandya, Calampelis scabra, and German Ivies. A great variety of plants is not needed for Lawn Beds, indeed the number of suitable plants is not large. What we require is a strong show of color like that furnished by the scarlet Geraniums, or a mass of foliage of a tropical appearance, like that supplied by the Canna, Cala- dium, &c., or a bed of the more delicate, variegated and ornamental foliage, for which purpose the Coleus and variegated Geranium are adapted. For the different purposes mentioned, in addition to the Annuals already named, and grown from seed, we name a few of the best: DwarRF PLANTS FOR EDGINGS OR BORDERS OF BEpDs.—Alternanthera, Armeria or Thrift, and Pyrethrum aureum, WHITE LEAVED PLANTS.—Glaucium, Centaurea and Cineraria maritima. SHOWY-COLORED FoLIAGE.—Achyranthus, Coleus, and Bronze and Silver-leaf Geraniums. SCARLET GERANIUMS.—Gen. Grant and Queen of the West. TALL FOLIAGE PLANTS.—Caladium esculentum, three to four feet in height, leaves more than two feet in length. Cannas, from three to five feet in height; a variety called Robusta, from five to eight feet. Ricinus (Castor Oil Bean), from six to twelve feet. BED OF TALL FOLIAGE PLANTS.—For a bed of tall Foliage Plants we would advise some- thing like the following: Ricinus or Cannas in the center. If the center is Ricinus they may be surrounded with a circle of Cannas. The next circle should be Caladiums, with an outside border of Coleus or Centaureas. The Ricinus will grow from seed as easily as Corn. Good bulbs must be planted beth of the Caladiums and Cannas. Young plants of Coleus, Centaurea, &c., are grown by most florists for the purpose of bedding, and are obtained at very little cost. Weta my pe i ce i Seesill SLLSSy Ml v, Ue iA at | hs pe Bs hal les Bi SER PLL i i AA => \ : 4h S LEASE ( OE. PA & y Gave: ny \ Lees OC A SZ aS Y_—_ We ! THE WINTER GARDEN. To make home cheerful during the long winter of the North, there is nothing that can compare with flowering plants. They are a constant, ever-developing delight. Each day brings new leaves and buds and blossoms, and new forms of loveliness, and we look and wonder and ——————————— = == admire. Withhouse plants, ———— = ——— : = as with all other things, suc- ae ee ( 0 === cess is essential to enjoyment. \ aes Ci eee oy ; a _ having p | possible the work of our own skill — grown from seeds or cuttings or trained by our own hands. We shall en- deavor to give a few sugges- tions that we hope will be | useful; and make the road to success somewhat easy. We AMI| do not propose to instruct ili| those who have greenhouses A =p gl i) and gardeners, as we have Hl: a SUT Tl cet th ot ees AAA | i TAA i NA elt that our mission was a | i ; if — Ce IMA AIL score ‘hunt Stee ee think, amore glorious one— ==5 to create a love of flowers among the millions. Thousands of persons purchase vigorous, beautiful plants from the green-houses every year, and are pained to see them gradually and surely lose all trace of beauty, and finally droop and die. How can we prevent this? Plants, like ourselves, need air, light, warmth, food and drink, and i TTI i these in proper euiaw quantities, or BSS they will suffer and finally die. he ereat desideratum in window plants is, that they give us either flowers or foliage during the long winter months. ‘This |. we can secure | only by careful attention to a few necessary details. First of all, plants in proper condition must be ob- : tained. We = (—————_/ must not expect a= those that have * aera given us of their bounty all summer to continue flowering through the winter. A season of rest is absolutely necessary to almost all plants. Preparation for winter should begin as early as June. 22 0 MI {| pe Z All's Even earlier than this, seed of Chinese Primrose and Cineraria should be sown. Plants for winter flowering should be kept in pots all summer, or plants in a proper state must be procured from some florist in the early fall. All buds should be taken from plants designed for winter flowering until about the middle of August. After that they may be allowed to grow that we may have early winter flowers. The later the buds are pinched off in the summer, the later will the WZ plants be in coming into flower in the winter. : iain ail i! This is especially the case with Carnations, Chry- 7 a i santhemums, Bouvardias, Heliotropes, and simi- iA | lar plants. Plants should be brought into the I house and placed in position before the winter aa, fires are made, that they may become “ wonted”’ to their in-door life. Hrat.—Most of our plants are injured by i too much heat. For a general collection of house plants, it is not best to allow the thermom- eter to be above seventy, and if they could be kept in a room where the thermometer would ) usually not range much above sixty-five it would be the better. In the night time fifty is high ~ enough. Give a little fresh air every fine day, * and all the sunlight attainable. An effort should. be made to give moisture to the atmosphere, for our own good as well as the health of the plants. This can be done in various ways by evapo- rating water; but when plants are in a separate apartment, like a little green-house, it can be done more conveniently and effectually, although this separate apartment be only a bay window, ' with glass doors, separating it from the living room. In this place water can be used freely, by syringing, &c., and a moist atmosphere oe The temperature, with this arrangement, can be kept lower than < would be comfortable in the & living room, and the plants £ == are es tee dust and = a many evils which we man- jill : : , age to endure and live, but jfl/ (7a i 7 Wie pu ye ee Tl which generally prove too jij much for the plants. AIR AND LIGHT. — Ev- ery one knows that a plant grown in the dark is weak and colorless; and if it has | plenty of light and little | air, while it will have the | natural color, it will be slender and sickly. The jj — ne aT = gardener, therefore, is care- =imuuullianh — a nn ON ll HU Tie < ful to give his green-houses Ir, =, and hot-beds not only light, but air at every convenient | opportunity. In winter, he : hails a bright, sunny day with delight. Plants will suffer from a current of cold air just as their owner would, but both are benefited by an invigorating breath of fresh air. Provide, therefore, for air in some way, especially on pleasant days, and every day, unless the weather is too cold — when the mercury registers within 10 deg. of zero. This can be done by opening 23 =| = a window as far from the plants as possible. When too cold, a door or window in an adjoining room can be opened. Care should be taken, however, that no direct draft blows upon the tender plants, for nothing is worse than cold drafts for both plants and persons. ‘The cracks around the sash and casing should be effectually closed. This can be done very neatly by pasting narrow strips of paper over them. A storm-sash or double window is the surest protection against frost, and next to this is a paper curtain between the plants and the window. THE SOIL AND WATER. The soil used in potting should be neither too sandy, as it will dry out too quickly; nor too heavy, for this holds the water too long, and is apt to become soggy. A mixture of sand, leaf- suit almost all kinds of room plants. I would recommend the use of finely powdered charcoal in the bottom of the pots, not so much to secure good drainage as to correct ascidity in the soil occasioned by over-watering. A moderate use of stimulants will be found very beneficial to growing plants, but they should not be used on such as are partially or wholly dormant. i] Bone-dust, guano, and special ammo- iii niated preparations are the most con- ij venient, especially for city residents. To those who have the facilities for making liquid barn-yard manure, I would say, use that in preference to | any other. The subject of watering is one that cannot be too carefully studied. How : hi N | and when to water must be learned by 60 Zs EN BAG Ze | experience. General directions only | TA TH i mould and common garden loam will it ie. eSs= 7 \ SSS SS Gi “As > ie i F | PATNA Al NeLE | oa WNT UAH can be given. First of all, invariably —— use warm water. Water only when the soil becomes dry, and apply enough to wet the whole body of earth in the pot. Water sparingly rather than too often. Plants die more easily from drowning than from thirst. CLEANLINESS is as necessary to the health of plants as to animals, and it is, therefore, neces- sary to secure them from dust as much as possible, and also to cleanse the plants frequently by syringing or washing. Even here a little caution is necessary, for while the smooth-leaved plants, like Ivies, are benefited, not only by showering, but even by washing the leaves with a cloth or sponge, the rough-leaved plants, like the Begonia Rex, do not like to have the surface of their leaves frequently moistened, and should be cleaned with a soft brush. It would, therefore, be well to remove such plants before syringing. Take every precau- tion, however, to prevent the accumulation of dust upon the plants; and above all endeavor to screen them from that terrible infliction, carpet-sweeping. It may be well enough to kill the old people by compelling them to breathe clouds of dust, but send the children into the fresh air to skate, or to snow-ball, and spare the plants, if possible. The essentials of success in plant culture are suitable soil, air, light, moderate and regular heat, a moist atmosphere, regular and moderate watering, and freedom from dust and foul gas. We have given a few illustrations of Window Gardens, all taken from photographs sent us by our amateur friends, and we think they will show that success is within the reach of all, and under almost any conceivable circumstances. 24 — > {er (ap Gr 4 ae i =f a BR0CH Sts rw) ax bo LU a, 3 1a | , p ligt ye (iO. oe, SAW Ana, Ss “ey, NO Ve Sys Mivaraady Seas A DY eet an WZ Seo = —-- THE CONSERVATORY. The Winter Garden proper, or Conservatory, is a delightful spot in which - to spend an hour occasionally during the cold storms of winter—a little Eden of our own making —a tropical summer brought to our own doors. All who can afford the expense, we think, should enjoy this luxury. It costs something, to be sure, but the money is not wasted. The making of the building gives employment to those who need it, very likely; the purchase of plants encourages the florist to continue the culture of these beautiful objects. Money spent in luxuries that are elevating and refining is well spent. The florist who grows plants for sale finds that the demand is greatest for small specimens. He therefore crowds every possible space with plants so as to secure as great a return as possible. Amateurs, how- ever, who erect conservatories for pleasure make a great mistake when they imitate the florist in this respect. Private conservatories are made for pleasure, and should be arranged somewhat in the manner of a garden, with a few large and beautiful plants, and broad walks, where the pro- prietor and his family can lounge away an hour pleasantly, in a measure free from care. What a blessing a rich man would be to a neighborhood, if he were to build such a conser- vatory as we have described, and say to his neighbors and their children that it was constructed partly for their pleasure, and that, at certain times, say two or three days in a week, all were invited to call and enjoy its pleasures at their convenience. Something of this kind is by no means uncommon in Europe, and we have often had the pleasure of uniting with the public in visiting the private, yet magnificent, grounds and houses of many gentlemen, both in England and on the Continent. The idea that the people will injure or destroy plants or flowers is entirely fallacious. Tens of thousands of people, on some days, visit the Kensington gardens and conservatories, yet nothing is harmed. Indeed, if we wished to give an object lesson on good manners, we would point to the gardens where the masses of the people congregate. The American people need education on this point. We have given in the engraving something of an idea of what we think an amateur conservatory should be. 25 opm <n ome WARDIAN CASES AND FERNERIES. Some plants will not endure the atmosphere of our living rooms, such as the Ferns, and like plants, that are found growing naturally in shady places in the woods and groves, and on the cool banks of brooks. For the purpose of growing these successfully the Wardian Case or Fernery is necessary. These are simply glass cases, that exclude outside air and dust, while, of — course, the air inside is confined and hu- i ag re na mid. Here ferns, and other delicate plants, i 1 uA Healt will grow and flourish with a luxuriousness unknown to plants cultivated in the open air, or subjected to the dust and drafts of } our parlors. The soil should be light and gi porous, composed of leaf-mould with a little sand. To fill them properly put a layer of broken charcoal, an inch and a half in depth, in the pan which is found © at the bottom of the fernery, and upon that place the soil. When setting the plants, give a good supply of water to settle the soil, but not enough to make it soggy: the earth should absorb it all. Place the glass over them, and for the first few days watch the case iio uiee ie stag closely. If any of the plants show signs of moulding, raise the glass. and let part of the moisture escape. In regard to ventilation no stated directions can be given. A few Ferns and Lycopods will live in an air-tight case, yet even these will do fully as well if a little air is admitted. We would advise an airing once a week. The glass should not be left off too long —fifteen minutes will be enough. Ferns, Mosses, Begonias, Gesnerias, Peperomias, Marantas and Draczenas, can be used to good advantage. Many plants from the woods do nicely,. such as Partridge Vine, Hepaticas and Trailing Arbutus. With a little experience and care these cases will make an ornament worthy of a place in any parlor. i FERNERY. PLANTS FOR HOUSE CULTURE. In giving a list of plants for house culture we name a few varieties only, and such as we know to be of easy culture, of real merit, and that will please the lovers of flowers. FOR TEMPERATURE BY DAY 65°, AND 45° BY NIGHT. foliage Plants. — Dracznas, Euonymous, Farfugium, Begonias (Rex type), Rubber Tree, Abutilon Thompsonii, Palms, Hard Ferns, Vinca variegata. Climbers. — Solanum Jasminoides, Ivies, Coboea scandens, Pilogyne suavis, Maurandya,. Lygodium, Hoya or Wax Plant, Passion Vine. Bulbs. — Hyacinths, Tulips (Duc Van Thol), Crocus, Narcissus, Cyclamen, Oxalis. flowering Plants. — Abutilons, Jasminum grandiflorum, Geraniums, Fuchsias, Carnations,,. Primulas, Libonia, Cupheas, Camellias, Azalias, Violets, Roses, Othonna crassifolia, Oleanders,. Chrysanthemums, Callas. Of the above, Geraniums, Camellias, the Holland Bulbs, Primroses, Violets, Chrysanthemums. and Carnations, will do best kept quite cool. FOR TEMPERATURE OF 75° TO 80° BY DAY, AND 60° BY NIGHT. Begonias, Bouvardias, Cissus, Crotons, Heliotropes, Marantas, Tropzeolum, Salvias, Poin- settias, Smilax. 26 p 3 a ¥ TAQ” Pelee aN x oe EN CE Ra ays Wes ( — Rreiietia I) See 2 2Oe) Ni BY i Ge ae a SA as INSECT ENEMIES TO HOUSE PLANTS. The cultivators of house plants have an army of enemies, small, to be sure, but numerous and active. Fortunately, they are not very brave, but like to attack the weak, and soon become discouraged when they meet with vigorous opposition. Indeed, they seem to know where they have a chance of victory and seldom attack plants that are well watched and cared for. THE GREEN-FLY. The “ green-fly”’ every plant-raiser knows, and he knows, too, to his sorrow, how destructive it is if left to itself. The plants which this insect attacks are the softest and most succulent, and at the ends of the young shoots, and the softest leaves. It sucks the juices so as materially to injure the plant in a short time. The insects of this kind (Aph7zs) increase with such wonderful rapidity that REAUMUR has proved that in five generations one aphis may be the progenitor of six thousand millions, and there may be ten generations in a year. GREEN-FLY (APHIS) The insect inflicts the mjury by means of a long rostrum or beak through a ee which it sucks out the juices—the rostrum, when not in use, les inflected beneath the breast. Their bodies, at the hinder extremity, are furnished with two little promi- nent or knotty openings, from which exude almost continually little drops of a sweet or honey- like fluid. As they take in great quantities of sap, they would soon become gorged if they did not get rid of the superabundant fluid. The leaves and bark of plants much infested by these insects are often completely sprinkled over with drops of this sticky fluid, which, on drying, becomes dark colored and greatly disfigures the foliage. Of all the means that have been employed for the destruction of this insect, that which has proved most efficient and the one now almost universally practiced, is fumigation with tobacco. Some plants, such as Heliotropes, Salvias, Lantanas, and some others with soft, downy foliage, will not bear ordinary fumigations without injury to the leaves, and these plants, there- fore, should not be subjected to it. Many plants in full flower, but especially Pelargoniums, will throw off their expanded blooms after smoking, and therefore it is best to remove such plants before fumigating: Care should be used also to have the foliage of all the plants dry, for if they are wet or damp, the smoke will be apt to injure such as are of a soft texture. If the plants are in a conservatory attached to the house, the time chosen for fumi- gating should be a still evening when there is little or no wind stirring, and the temperature of the house should be pretty well up, as then the insects are more active and the smoke will more easily affect them. A few chips or a little charcoal may be placed upon a small furnace or a pan and ignited, and then a small quan- tity of tobacco placed upon it—the tobacco should have been previously dampened so as to prevent its burning too rapidly or blazing. When only a plant or two, or a small number of them are to be treated, they can be fumigated under an inverted barrel or large box in a back room or shed. Single plants may be fumigated by making a bell of a newspaper, as shown in the engraving. The smoke can be introduced by means of a tobacco-pipe. Fill the bowl two- thirds full of quick-burning tobacco, and after ee through the stem, with the mouth. Instead lok fumigation, a oie solution of Popes may sometimes be used quite as effectively ; this is often the more convenient way for a few plants. Soak or steep some tobacco in water until the strength is extracted. The strength of the water may be determined by dipping a leaf into it or letting it remain in it for a short time — if the leaf is browned or burned, or turns so when taken out of the water, the solu- tion is too strong, and must be reduced by increasing the quantity of water. When the right degree of strength is acquired, dip the whole plant into the water and afterwards syringe it off with clean water. What we desire to impress most forcibly on the minds of our readers, and ZF oO Ree Pn { H SS yp ) OAS VA ee) N y 7, M777 eX : gba eae raed SON Yn) UE especially those who keep only a small number of plants in the living-room, is the better way, of watching them so closely and syringing and washing them so frequently that the fly is kept under and the plants maintained in the highest state of health. THRIPS. This is an exceedingly active little insect, and seems to leap rather than fly. The engraving shows a thrip of natural size, 7g. 7, and the same insect magnified, fg. 2. These insects are extremely small, and have long, slender bodies, with very narrow wings which are fringed with fine hair. They live on leaves, flowers, in buds, and even in the crevices of the bark of plants, but are so small that they readily escape notice, the largest being not more than one-tenth of an inch in length. The color of the insect varies from a whitish yellow to a dark brown. It attacks the extremities of young shoots and tender leaves, which become brown and shriveled, and will crumble to dust when rubbed between the thumb and finger. The same means that have been recommended for the destruction of the “« preen-fly”’ serve for this little pest also, but it does not succumb so readily —the fumigation must be more frequently and persistently practiced. As we have said in reference to the “ green-fly,” so with this insect; it may be prevented to a great extent from multiplying, by syringing and frequently washing the leaves of the plants. If a vinery should be seriously attacked with thrips, wait until all the foliage and fruit are taken off the vines; then remove all kinds of plants that have green leaves into other houses, and shut up the vinery close and fill it with the fumes of sulphur. RED SPIDER. The RED SPIDER (Acarus tellarius), is a troublesome little insect, and one which, if allowed to run unchecked, would speedily bring devastation and total ruin to the plants of the house or conservatory; but it is no doubt designed for some beneficial purpose. We can more clearly see the compensating good from its attacks than in the case of most other plant-preyers. If it were not for the wholesome fear which it continually inspires, gardeners and other plant-growers would probably very frequently maintain an atmosphere so dry as materially to injure or destroy their plants. If you catch a glimpse of a red spider you may be sure that the atithosphere of your plant-room has been kept too dry —if it is your living-room, it has also been too dry for the health of the human occupants. It will be seen by the engraving that the insect is very minute, as shown by the little dot @; the same, highly magnified, appears at 6. The body is of a blood-red color, and the feet a light red. A plant upon which this insect has taken up his abode, in a short time shows some leaves turning yellow, indicating premature decay — when they are numerous they work webs on the under side of the leaves, and sometimes all over it, until the plant becomes a mass of half dead and decayed leaves. RED SPIDER (ACAR- Water is fatal to the red spider, and as before remarked; withan atmosphere °° Ggerues! of proper humidity this insect would never get a foot-hold. When once firmly established upon the plants, the speediest way to destroy them is by the fumes of sulphur. This remedy, however, must be used with much caution, as the free use of it will cause most plants to shed their leaves. Fortunately, but little of it is required; and in the green-houses it has been found sufficient to mix a little flour of sulphur with water, or with milk, which is said to be better, and to paint or smear with it a small surface of the heating pipes or the flue; a very little of it in the atmos- phere proves sufficient for the destruction of the insect. In the case of a few house-plants, we think that sponging of the leaves on both sides, and syringing the plants so that the water is thrown on the under as well as upper sides of the leaves, will be effectual without recourse to sulphur. THRIP, SCALE INSECT. The Coccus, or SCALE INSECT, is a common pest on some kinds of plants —the Orange, the Myrtle, the Camellia, the Oleander, and many other hard-wooded plants are apt to be infested by them. There are many species of Coccus, varying slightly from each other. One kind of plants is the home of one variety, and another sort devotes its attention exclusively to some other kind. The Grape, the Pear, the Elm, and almost every kind of our cultivated and forest trees has its special representative of this class of insects. In the engraving the insect of natural size 28 is shown, a, when magnified, the upper side, 4, represents a shield, and the legs are only seen when it is turned on its back, c. The remedy in this case is by washing the plant by hand and forcing the insect off with the thumb or finger-nail; or take a small, stiff brush and soap-suds, and we brush the plant until it is thoroughly clean. The name of the \ species that infests the Myrtle, Orange, Oleander, &c., is Coccus Hes- s|}peridum. A London friend writes that a little alcohol, applied with a camel hair brush, such as is used in painting with water colors, will kill any insect it touches. The MEALY Buc (Coccus Adonidum), is similar to the previously SO COCCUS, OR SCALE INSECT. mentioned insect, except that it is cov- Mg) IE ae ee ered with a white, mealy or downy Lede Zo BT yp, substance. Both of them insert their Wed OT fh fy Yl ; 7 Mire Me gD beaks into the bark or leaves, and draw OS ——— ae ok Mis LULZ from the cellular substance the sap that nourishes them. A weak mixture of whale-oil soap and water in the propor- tion of one pound of soap to five gal- lons of water, will be found destructive to them. With a few plants, only, we would recom- mend the use of a soft brush and water, and in this way they can be readily removed. OLEANDER LEAF WITH SCALE INSECT. COLD PITS. There are some plants that are unable to bear a Northern winter, yet can endure a good deal of what looks like hard treatment. For instance, they can be taken up from the garden in the autumn, and placed in a tolerably light and dry cellar and in the spring are ready for transplanting again to the garden. There are, however, but few cellars fit to preserve plants during the winter, and in these only = the most enduring and long-suffering are safe. What is known to gardeners as the CoLp Pir is only an out-door cellar, ex- pressly made for the preservation of plants. In such pits many of the more hardy green-house plants may be successfully win- tered. The following list, including, perhaps, those plants which amateurs would be most likely to possess, may be wintered perfectly in a cold pit:—Abutilon, Bouvardia, Camellia, Carnation, Cestrum, Crape Myrtle, Erica, Wes oor Ah Fuchsia, Geraniums, Hydrangea, Lantana; i iil | FIG. 1. Laurestinus, Laurus, Oleander, Pittosporum, Pomegranate, Roses of all kinds, Tritoma - uvaria, Yucca, and many others of like nature. Soft-wooded plants, like Verbenas and Helio- | tropes, are apt to mildew. A pit (fig. 1) for the purpose described should be situated in as sheltered a position as possible, and have thorough drainage. It ‘ may be not more than four feet deep, and be reached from the top or outside when the sash is removed; or it may be from six to eight feet in depth, with several shelves, like fig. 2, and of a size to suit the number of plants to be kept. If built on the side of the house it may adjoin the cellar, and have an entrance into it through the cellar wall; but as dampness is the great enemy of such a place, this trouble may 29 FIG. 2. be obviated by building a double or hollow brick wall. When it is not convenient to build a stone or brick wall, or where lumber is cheap or easily to be obtained, the walls may be built by taking pieces of two-by-four studding and nailing to them on each side rough boards, so as to form a double wall of boards with an air chamber (fig. 3.) These may then be slipped into their places at the sides and ends of the pit and fastened together. The front wall should not rise over. six inches above the sur- face of the ground, and the rear wall only enough higher to give the sash sufficient slope to carry off the water easily. The back side can be banked up with earth within a few inches of the upper edge. A pit of small size may be made not more than six feet in width and six, nine or twelve feet in length, and it may then be covered with common hot-bed sash, which are usually made about three feet by six feet. Of course it can be made as large as desired, even so large as to require a span roof, which may be made stationary or with moveable sash, at one’s option. In stormy PAG 3: weather it is necessary to furnish better protection than that afforded by the glass, and this is secured usually by heavy straw matting, and it is well to have narrow board shutters that can be handled easily, to cover the glass, and over these the matting is placed. The two will secure exemption from frost in the worst possible weather. The straw mats, which we have referred to for covering the pit, are also very useful articles for the gardener in shading his forcing frames or protecting them from the cold in nights of early spring. These mats are easily made and one can employ his time upon them in very cold or stormy weather, when nothing can be done to advantage outside. In order to make a good article and to work to best advantage it is best to employ a frame, such as shown in fig. 4. This frame may be made of two pieces of two-by-four stuff for the sides, of the length required for the mat, and of two transverse pieces morticed into them at the ends. Four feet will be found a very convenient width for the frame. This frame work can rest upon a pair of wooden horses, about two feet in height, in which position the labor can be most easily performed. In the engraving we have shown only two strings, but a mat of four feet width should have at least four strings, which will make the spaces between them about nine and one-half inches in width; closer tying than this even would be preferable. Screws are inserted at the proper distances on the cross pieces, to which the strings are attached. The straw is placed on the strings so as to have all the butts or lower ends come against the sides of the frame, with the tops meeting in the middle, and so thin as to have the mat not more than three-quarters of an inch in thickness when finished. The stitches should not be more than three-fourths = of an inch in width. The tieing string should be wound on a reel, and FIG. 5. there should be one of them for each stationary string. The method of tie- ing is shown in the illustration, fig. 5. Take a little of the straw with the left hand and work the reel with the right, first over the straw and then under the stationary string, bringing it back between the two strings, pulling tightly and pressing the straw so as to have a flat stitch. In this way the work is continued until the mat is finished. During the daytime, except when the weather is very severe, the matting and shutters should be removed and the plants exposed to the full light, and, when the temperature will admit of it, —as it often will at mid-day, even in some of the more Northern States, —the sash should be removed partially to allow the moisture to evaporate, and thus secure the plants from mildew, which is the result of dampness in a low temperature. Great care should be exercised about giving the plants any water, as it is desirable to keep them as nearly as possible in a state of rest, and, if it were not for the ventilation, the moisture in the pit would be quite sufficient. Pits in different localities will vary considerably in this respect, some being much drier than others. Such pits may also be used for germinating seeds, striking cuttings, and rearing young plants in the spring and summer, with proper ventilation. 30 FIG 4, Yy Be Ee TRIES, Y Wi je aor Ee FLORAL DECORATIONS. There are times in all our lives when the heart is joyous, and its rapturous throbs make the eyes sparkle with delight, and wreath the face with smiles. We delight to give expression to this joy in kind acts and pleasant words, in adorning our homes with garlands and flowers, in presenting our loved ones with bouquets and other marks of regard. The “* Merry Christmas ”’ and the ‘‘ Happy New Year,’ CHARLEY’s return from school, the baby’s birthday, and sister’s wedding, must all be honored, and how so innocently, so tastefully, so sweetly as with garlands of flowers? Then the church and school room must be trimmed, and mottoes be made, by fingers which know nothing of the painter’s art, and that have not fashioned a Roman capital since they printed letters to little friends, long, long ago. We will endeavor to show how it is done, with the aid of a few illustrations, and hope to make the subject so plain that all may understand, and with a little practice become expert in the art of Floral Decoration. FORMING LETTERS. The forming of letters neatly and rapidly is no mean accomplishment, and those who possess this art are almost invaluable at all festive gatherings. How beautiful the word “ WELCOME,” on some occasions; and “* PEACE ON EARTH,” will be new and glorious every Christmas. These letters are usually made of dry or Everlasting Flowers and dry moss, cedar or other evergreens. G_ VC Obtain heavy straw board at the book or paper stores, as ag | vy shown in Figure 1, and mark out the letters with a pencil, = / Determine the height you wish the letters, and divide that = Z _| into six equal parts by drawing lines entirely Across the V | board, as shown in Figure 2.__ Four of these divisions will GZ, be a good proportion for the width YYYyy Yay Gy, ¢ of most letters, as seen by the 777 , same figure. The few letters that vary from this can be correctly Yi made by the following arrange- YY //7 I one inch wide. _ By this arrangement letters of any size can be made by simply dividing the height iuto six sections, and using four such sections for the ordinary width of the letters, varying the width to suit the other letters, as already shown, and always making the letters one section thickness. (See engraving, No. 2.) Letters made by this rule look rather thin, but when covered with flowers or evergreens they are just what is wanted. The letters being cut from the straw- j wersge, board with a sharp knife or strong shears, are ready to be covered. This can be done by tying with dark thread, small branches of evergreens over the face of the board, with a few Everlasting . Flowers or- bright berries to relieve the sombre ys color. Better letters, however, can be made with “i figure 3. Tie the moss over the face of the letter as evenly as possible, then cut the stems of the flowers short, leaving only about half an inch. Dip the stem in a little paste, and insert it in the moss, and when dry it will remain secure. We have made very pretty letters by covering the board with Gomphrenas, or Immortelles, fastened to it with thick paste. Crosses, or any desired form, can be made in the same way as letters. MAKING FLORAL DESIGNS. Flowers are arranged in many beautiful forms, suitable to almost every occasion. In the hands of the skillful florist they are made to speak words of hope to sorrowing hearts, and sing songs of joy in the hour of gladness. | These Floral designs can be ordered of any professional 31 ; WS 4 FE a PS ITNT ArT ar florist, but there are many of our readers, who, from location or circumstances, are not able to employ such aid. There are also occasions when a present of a floral ornament, the work of the donor, would be prized very highly, when the same procured from another would neither be appropriate nor pleasant. We therefore think a few hints on the making of floral designs from fresh flowers will not be unacceptable. The engravings show three of the most common designs, wreath, crown and cross; next to these, the anchor is most frequently used. The outline engravings show the forms made of wire, and the lower engravings the designs finished. These wire forms can be obtained at very little cost, of nearly all florists and wire-workers; a full set costs but, very little, and can be used scores of times. These wire frames are filled with damp moss, well packed in, and secured at certain points with light twine or thread, if necessary, to keep the moss in place. Obtain a package of the common wooden tooth-picks, sharpened at both ends, and divide them in the middle ; cut the stems of the flowers short and fasten them to these picks with a fine wire or thread, as shown in the engraving. Of course, these little wooden spikes can be easily made, but they cost comparatively nothing. Insert these picks in the moss, which will keep the flower in just the position desired. Foliage may be treated in the same manner. A little taste, experience and patience will soon enable any one to make these designs in a rapid and artistic manner; It is well to get a few of the most common designs and keep on hand, so as to be in readiness for any occasion. FOR THE CHURCH. All church decoration should be neat and simple. It is better to have too little than too much. The church should not be made to resemble a vast conservatory nor an evergreen bower, but should appear like a church tastefully decorated in honor of Him whose temple it is. The wreaths should not be large and heavy, as this gives a gloomy appearance, but light and airy, and a few flowers or bright berries have an enlivening effect, especially if the evergreens are dark, as our arborvitees and hemlocks are in winter. Most ladies, we presume, understand the making of wreaths. Procure strong cord, and fasten both ends to some stationary objects. Then, having the evergreens cut into small branches, fasten them to the main cord by winding with a smaller twine, working in the flowers at the same time. Crosses, and other designs can be made of straw-board and covered as previously described; or if any object very large is required, the design can be cut from boards. Letters covered with rice are very pretty among dark evergreens. 32 | Be —— a Gs AZ 0 —S NA) (Eine. Z eC ED fF Boe, SOE Ese S ie i ed OT om, S7, => ome S Sail =z tf — 2 . as i FASE ; Ley SP, ER NA OS Us Zz OR im eS SOO ee ON) ae a Nteadl a DEUS om: creme mae bALP FOR THE HOUSE. Decorations for the house require to be much lighter than for church or any large building. A simple light wreath attached to the cornice has a very pleasant appearance, even if nothing more is done, but a little trimming around the windows and doors add but little to the labor, and CEILING FESTOONED. gives a completeness to the work that more than compensates for any extra trouble. The engraving shows a portion of a room pretty elaborately trimmed, and yet all the work is light, and the effect would be pleasing. _If the ceiling is not too low, a few wreaths or festoons suspended from the cornice and looped up in the center, somewhat as shown in the first engraving, is desir- able for full decoration. The gas fixtures should also receive a little attention. {| f ! { Ht HI PARLOR TRIMMED. In countries where the Ivy grows wild it is used freely for decorative purposes, and being an evergreen it can be obtained at all seasons. In America it does not succeed so well, but still can often be obtained, as it flourishes abundantly in the house with even half a chance, making a most rapid growth. Its leaves are so beautiful and contrast so finely with our common ever- greens that a little Ivy should be procured, if possible, and used where it will produce the most o¢ 33 effect. Tie oy Oe Nae TE, S ae decoration. light in appear- ance, of such a | clear, green, that for trimming dresses : WY ,. or the~-hair, or =v any light materi- | We al, we know of | nothing in the world its equal. Our engraving | ¥- shows a curtain | trimmed with this beautiful Plant. *ilitsass.a, | climbing vine,» PICTURE TRIMMED WITH Ivy. yard. Ngrowing to a Q 5 J . — eet ad HES Sp 5 “4 : ; re 93" is 2 Ss 4 LEE p Sa tL ae 2c Fie) Se Ley, mr ABA Zp) eS D BUD SAIN a Le ee eA a ead L Yen no) WMI dg i) MULLINS glossy | : ‘ms PERN In many sections of our country the Laurel grows abundantly, and we are always pleased to obtain a package from our friends about Holiday time. nt leaves, are unsurpassed, even by the Ivy, for winter Smilax excels acquainted with for tasteful trimming. Its broad, green everything we are It is so "} great length, and | florists by the FOR... THE -TABLE. can be bought of 2 1) RD) {Il I if. Hi \} in = —— ——- = WINDOW CURTAIN DECORATED. It succeeds very well in the house, and may be grown either from the bulbs or seeds. The subject of Floral Decoration for the table is attracting a good deal of attention, and in Europe prizes are awarded at many of the Horticultural exhibitions for the most highly orna- mented dining table. We have seen many such on exhibition, and our objection to many of them has been that the floral ornaments obstructed the view, so that persons sitting on one side 1 of the table could scarcely see their friends on the other, much less converse with them. TABLE WITH FLORAL DECORATIONS. accompanying plan obviates this objection in a great measure. and very light, so as to obstruct the view as little as possible. filled with water, in which small flowers are arranged. These / ttl Hye The The tall ornaments are of glass, The low margin is glass troughs glass troughs are made straight, and half and quarter circles, so that combined they can be made to assume any form desired, even ietters and monograms, for which purposes we have seen them used on festal occasions. Sometimes the central ornaments are omitted, and these flower borders surround and ornament the Thanksgiving Turkey. 34 BOUQUET MAKING. Arranging flowers loosely and prettily and naturally in vases and other ornamental receptacles for flowers, is a very easy work, requiring only good taste and some knowledge of the harmony of colors. As a rule ladies do this work well, and need no suggestions from us. The filling of baskets is a little more difficult, because more formal or artificial. First, line the basket with , tin foil, or scatter a little Lycopodium or other = green material, to form a kind of green lining, - and over this put a lining of strong paper. If the basket is not so open as to show the lining, a simple lining of paper will be enough. ‘Then fill the basket with damp saw-dust, rounding it off at the top and covering with damp moss, inserting the stems of the flow- ers in the moss. If the natural stems are not suitable for this work the flowers can be “stemmed,” that is, fastened to sticks, as recommended for floral designs. It is well to give an edging or border mainly of green. Very few flowers have stems suitable for nice bouquet work, so it is the custom to “ stem” all flowers, that is, give them artificial stems, and the material used for this purpose is broom brush or wire, to iM which the flowers are attached with spool cotton or fine wire. These stiff stems can be made to hold the flowers in any position desired. Tokeep | the flowers from crowding each other, and also to supply moisture, it is N usual to wind damp moss around the stem of the flower at its connection with the artificial stem. The central flower, which is usually the largest, must have a stiff, straight stem, as seen in the engraving, for this really forms the back bone of the bouquet, as well as the handle. Fasten the stems of all flowers around this central flower, as in the small engraving of a bouquet, as it would appear divided near the middle, showing the way the flowers are fastened to the main stem, as well as the manner in which they are kept from crowding each other. After the flowers are all properly attached, and the bouquet formed, cut off the handle to the desired Ve metihe and cover this with tin foil, or wind with ribbon, leaving a loop, so. that ) the ; bouquet may be suspended if desired. | Ornamental papers, prepared for the purpose, are very pretty, and can be obtained at a small price of most florists. | These cover the handle and bottom of the bouquet, and also usually make a quite ornamental border. Our remarks are, of course, designed for hand bouquets, but larger bouquets are made in the same manner, except that they are more pyramidal in form. Jus SECTION OF HAND BOUQUET. BOUQUET PAPER. BOUQUET AND TRIMMING GREEN. In this section of the country, and in many others, the Cedars and Hemlocks are the most easily obtained, and are generally used to furnish the green foi decorative purposes in the winter. There are, however, two little plants (Lycopodiums ) one known as the Ground “ Pine, and the other the Running Pine, and they are the prettiest things we know anything about for winter trimming, excepting, of course, Smilax, which is not to be had in large quantities. These Lycopodiums grow in partially shaded woods, in hilly places, and usually on a poor, sandy soil. |The Ground Pine is used in winter for bou- 35 WY ~~ Ka ES, quet making, and is called Bouquet Green. ee are both kept by florists, and sold at about $5.00 a barrel. In smaller quantities the Ground Pine is sold at 25 cents a pound, and the Running Pine in packages of ten yards for 50 cents. We give engravings showing the appearance of each kind, the first one being the Running Pine, and its adaptation to light festoon work will be readily understood. The Lycopodiums seem to delight in high hills and cold situations. We have advised the use of a few bright berries wherever they can be obtained, for lighting up the somite evergreens used for winter decoration. In England the Holly furnishes the most brilliant scarlet, and the Mistletoe the purest white. In many sections of America the American Holly, //ex opfaca, leaves nothing to be desired in the way of a scarlet berry, while in others the Winter Berry, J/ex vertictllata, ENGLISH HOLLY. illuminates moist places until late in the winter. Another Holly, lex Jevigata, known as the Smooth Winter Berry, abounds in the West, we believe. We have a good many other berry- bearing plants that furnish the most elegant berries in the world, but unfortunately they are usually destroyed by frosts and storms before Holiday time; but some of them may be pre- served in a cool, damp cellar, the stems being placed in water. Among them we would name the Strawberry Shrub, Mountain Ash, Snow ; Berry and Bitter Sweet, all of which are elegant, WINTER BERRY, (ILEX VERTICILLATA.) but the Strawberry Shrub produces, we sometimes think, the most beautiful berry in the world. At the time we write this, November 22d, the Euonymus Shrubs are ablaze with beauty. BUTTON-HOLE FLOWERS. It is not loug ago, at least it does not seem long to us, when any gentleman who wore a flower in the button-hole of his coat, or any lady who adorned hair or dress with a few flowers, would be thought vain, silly, foppish, etc. We well remember, some years since, when spend- ing a day or two with some English friends between Port Hope and Rice Lake, once when 2), we were in the carriage, g 2/2. just ready to start on an dee y excursion, the gentle- s& q man hastily jumped from Z the carriage, requesting Ze the driver to wait a min- ute, as he had forgotten the button-hole flowers. He soon returned from BUT ON Mere Ey Uae the garden with flowers BUTTON-HOLE FLOWER. for all, which soon adorned coats and dresses. It seemed very strange for an old gentleman to act so, and yet it was very thoughtful and pretty. Flowers are now worn on all festive occasions, even in this country, and nowhere are they more prized. 36 _—— [oy ere SSS ps NOTE: y oe STER ae Z AS Uk | AS pe4 — See Sor BK. in = In the first place, there is the Sutton-hole Bouguet, proper, which is composed of a few very fine flowers tastefully arranged, as shown in our engraving. This must not be confounded with the Button-hole Flower, which is simply a single flower, like a rose-bud, or a Tuberose, with some pretty, sweet-scented leaf for a back-ground, which we have also attempted to illustrate. Both are good. No leaves are more desirable for this purpose than the sweet-scented Geraniums, and we give figures of the best kinds. Plants of either of these can be obtained at 30 cents each, and one or two plants will fur- nish all the leaves that will be needed. It will be seen that the button-hole fow. &&= er is merely attached a to the stem of the cat es ay\. by a thread or string. A, This is designed to be inserted in the little Bouquet Holder, | which is filled with APPLE. water and attached to coat, dress or hair by the pin. In this way the flowers will keep fresh for a day or two. The button-hole bouquet is arranged differently. The stems of the flowers are covered with a little damp moss or cotton, the whole being surrounded with tin-foil, and fastened to the coat or dress with a common pin. Of course, the holder may be used ye either, or both may be arranged for tin-foil. The Bou- quet Holder is of glass, of any color desired, and costs, by mail, 20 cents each. The Balm and Ap- ple-leaved Geraniums, particularly the latter, are great favorites with every one, and are useful for many or- namental purposes. The very beautiful cut foliage of the Roseand Dr., Livingston Geraniums are sufficiently attractive in form alone to insure general popularity, but when added to this is their delicate and delightful fragrance, we know we shall be pardoned for urging every one who cultivates flowers to secure at least one of these & plants. They grow easily fromslips, and do nicely in the ~ house, and when once secured, there will be no necessity for again purchasing during a life-time, for in the early autumn slips can be taken off, and potted for winter use in the house, and in the early spring slips can be potted, and in three or four weeks they will be sufficiently rooted to transfer to the open ground. ROSE. DR. LIVINGSTON. BOUQUET HOLDER. Dip a. 2 ah ae i \ até Za. \ Ne My a Ks ue vas el eer yy, Sy | , SR aN he eN WATER GARDENING. We have not heretofore spoken of a species of gardening that, perhaps, will be new to many of our readers, WATER GARDENING. We ali love to wander along the streams in the summer time, and gather the wild flowers that adorn their banks, yet few may have thought of cultivating those cold water plants in the low meadow near the woods, or in the shallow water by the banks of the brook. A. notice of a few of our best common water plants may be profitable. Among the many beautiful flowers that ; adorn our world there are none more NUPHAR ADVENA. NYMPHA ODORATA. gorgeous than the WATER LILIES. Nuphar advena is the common yellow Water Lily, that abounds almost everywhere, we believe, in our Middle, Northern and Western States. It is a showy flower, and stands well up from the water, on a strong stem, as shown in the engraving. Nymphea odorata is the most beautiful of all our native Water Lilies. It is usually as white as snow, though occasionally highly tinted with pink, and as fragrant as a Violet. It generally sits gracefully upon the water, though, in shallow places, the flower is some- times borne above the surface. Nymphea tuberosa is larger than Wymphea odorata, not very fragrant, and never tinted with pink. Calla palustris is our native Calla, and is quite common in many portions of the North. The MUA se believe, gathered and eaten b PHS = ~6the Indians, as they yield con- - siderable starch. Sagittaria sagittifolia.—This is a very handsome aquatic, with arrow-headed leaves, from which IRIS VERSICOLOR. its name is derived. It is common in half the world. In China it is cultivated extensively for the bulbs, for food. It is very common in all our inland waters, creeks and swamps. Pontederia cordata, of purplish-blue flowers. commonly called Prck- z Ranunculus aquatilis erel-weed, 18 common is a beautitul little plant, over a large section of particularly in foliage. our country. It is found It is called the Water in shallow water, is a Crowfoot. The flowers vigorous plant, with are white, borne well long-stalked leaves, of up above the water. the arrow-head form, : : — Caltha palustris. This, with a one-leaved stem, ne ‘a we think, every one will terminated by a spike CALTHA PALUSTRIS. MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA. recognize as the well- known Cowslip, used by housewives in the spring for “ greens,’’ and often sold in our markets. Menyanthes trifoliata, one of the most beautiful of our aquatic plants, is found in cold bogs all over the North. The flowers are pink and white, and delicately fringed. Typha latifolia is the well-known Cat’s-tail Flag, and often erroneously called Bullrush, which is quite another plant. Tris versicolor. — Almost every one is acquainted with some of the garden varieties of Iris, but there are many who never saw our native /. versicolor flowering on the banks of streams. 38 TYPHA LATIFOLIA. Se —~ 2 LE ge mee CLASSIFICATION AND NAMES OF FLOWERS. The flowering plants of our gardens, besides shrubs, trees, &c., are HERBACEOUS PEREN- NIALS, BIENNIALS, ANNUALS and BULBOUS. HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS are plants which die down to the ground every autumn, but tha roots continue to live, and new branches and flower stems are thrown up for many years. Some continue indefinitely, but others die after three or four years, like the Sweet William ; but if the roots are divided every year, they will continue to live and increase. These are called /izperfect Perennials. BIENNIALS are those that flower the second season after the seed is sown, and then die, unless particular care is taken to preserve them, by dividing the roots, or retarding the flowering at the usual time by removing the buds. Some of these classes flower the same season under favor- able circumstances, as when the seed is sown early. ANNUALS flower the first season, perfect their seeds, and then die. Some varieties that are grown as Annuals in a Northern climate, are either Perennials or Biennials in their Southern home, where there are no severe frosts. Annuals flower in a few weeks or months after being planted, and can be depended upon for a brilliant show. Annuals are classed as hardy, half- hardy and tender. Hardy Annuals are those that, like the Larkspur, Candytuft, &c., may be sown in the autumn or very early in the spring, in the open ground. The half-hardy varie- ties will not endure frost, and should not be sown in the open ground until danger from frost is over. The Balsam and the Marigolds belong to this class. The ¢exder Annuals generally require starting in a green-house or hot-bed to bring them to perfection, and should not be set in the open ground until the weather is quite warm. The Cypress Vine and the Sensitive Plant belong to this class; but, fortunately, very few of our fine Annuals. Some of them do tolerably well if sown in the open ground the latter part of May, but very great success is not to be expected in this way. It must be admitted, however, that these distinctions are not well defined, and it is difficult to say where some kinds belong. Ina climate sufficiently South, of course, those kinds we describe as tender are perfectly hardy. BuLss are divided into Hardy, Holland and Tender. The Hardy includes all that will bear a Northern winter. Ho//and, those exclusively grown in Holland, like Hyacinths, Crocuses, Tulips, &c. 7Zender, those, like the Gladioli and Tuberose, that will not bear freezing, and therefore must be planted in the spring. We make a rather different division in this work, and one which, we think, will be found quite convenient. Ist. ALL KINDS that PRODUCE FLOWERS the same SEASON the SEED IS SOWN, are arranged in one Department, under the heading of ANNUALS. This Department includes the following sub- divisions : Chimbers, Everlastings and Ornamental Grasses. 2d. Under the name of PERENNIALS, all plants produced from seed that bloom the second season after planting. 3d. GREENHOUSE, describing the leading plants grown from seeds adapted to Greenhouse culture. 4th. BuLBs AND PLANTs. This Department has two divisions: Tender Bulbs and Tubers, embracing all those tender bulbs, like the Dahlia, Gladiolus, Tuberose, &c., that will not bear frost, and consequently must be planted only in the spring in a Northernclimate. Hardy Plants and Bulbs, embracing all the Lilies, Peeonies, and other things that will endure our winters, and consequently can be planted either in the fall or spring. 5th. HOLLAND Buss. This Department embraces Hyacinths, Tulips, and all other Bulbs known as Holland Bulbs, and these must be planted in the autumn. To aid in a more general understanding of the subject we give a GLOSSARY, explaining and illustrating the botanical terms in most common use, and also a PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY of BOTANICAL NAMES, which will serve as a guide to their proper pronunciation, and give much information regarding their origin and meaning. 39 Alternate Leaves. Ament or Catkin, Leaf with auricu- late base. Axillary Bud. Labiate or Bilabi- ate Corolla. Petal of Pink; C, Claw. i a . EP a Tr 2 —— Caps) j Ee yA» eS ). SEN Bh q aS) VLA Wir 5 GG EON NEA ») : BOTANICAL GLOSSARY. ABORTIVE: Imperfectly developed. ACHENIUM: A small, hard, seed-like fruit. ACULEATE: Furnished with prickles. ALA: A wing; plural a/e; the side petals of a papilio- naceous flower. See Wing. ALATE: Winged; as the seeds of the Maple, Elm, &c. ALTERNATE: Leaves are said to be alternate when they are situated first on one side then on another of the _ stem or branch, but not opposite to each other. AMENT: A scaly spike, as the Willow: a catkin. ANTHER: The head and essential part of the stamen, containing the pollen. APETALOUS: Destitute of petals. AURICULATE: Having lobes or appendages like the ear, as at the base of some leaves. AxIL: The angle or upper side between a leaf and stem. AXILLARY (buds, &c.): Situated in the axil. BELL-SHAPED: Having a bell-form. BERRY: A fruit, pulpy or juicy throughout; as the Gooseberry, Cranberry, Tomato, &c. BILABIATE: ‘Two lipped; asthe corolla of the Salvia, &c. Bract: A small leaf or scale, from the axil of which a flower or its pedicel proceeds. _Bracts in general, are the leaves of an inflorescence more or less different from ordinary leaves. BRACTLET: A bract on the pedicel or flower-stalk. Bus: <A roundish body produced by a plant either above or below the ground, (usually the latter,) and which is really a bud. It consists of a cluster of partially de- veloped leaves, and as it grows it produces a stem and roots; as the Tulip, Lily, &c. CaLyx: The outer covering or leaf-like envelope of a bud or flower, as shown at A in the engraving. CAMPANULATE: Bell-shaped. CAPSULE: Any dry seed vessel or pod which opens by seams in a regular way. CARPEL: A simple pistil, or one of the parts of a com- pound pistil. CATKIN: Ascaly, deciduous spike of flowers; an ament. CILIATE: Having the margin furnished with a fringe of hairs or bristles like the eyelashes fringing the eyelids. CLAw: ‘The narrow base of some petals. CORDATE: Heart-shaped; as a cordate leaf. Flower of Fuchsia. C, C, Cotyledons, Cordate Leaf. B is the Corolla. or Seed Leaves of a young plant. 40 .Campanulate or Bell-shaped. Corymb.—Phlox. Digitate Leaf. | Horsechestnut. Leaflet. ’ a: |< = Se q- GE ' YY) 7 B0cy SSN 9 ead OS RD ES ER Zo Ow CALA) WT 4 OD epee ae a Oe) nO ae a Corm: A solid bulb, like that of the Gladiolus and Crocus. CoroLLA: Inner covering of a flower; name of the petals taken collectively. CoryMs: A flat or convex flower cluster, in which the flower-stalks or peduncles are produced alternately along the common stalk and rise to the same height, so as to form a flat or slightly rounded surface, and the expansion of the flowers proceeds regularly from the circumference to the center; as in Phlox Drummondii. CoTYLEDONS: Seed lobes; the first leaves in the embryo. CymME: A flower cluster resembling a corymb in form, but differing from it by the expansion of the flowers from the center to the circumference. DEFLEXED: Bent downwards. DEHISCENCE: The mode in which an anther or pod bursts or splits open. DEHISCENT: Opening in a regular manner by dehiscence. DENTATE: Toothed. DIGITATE: A compound leaf is said to be digitate when all of its leaflets start out from the apex of the petiole. Disk: The central part of a head of flowers, like the Sunflower, in distinction from the flowers at the margin called the ray. An enlarged part of the receptacle. Downy: Clothed with a coat of soft and short hairs. DrupPeE: A stone fruit. EMARGINATE: Notched at the summit. Leaf. Emsryo: The rudiment of the plant in the seed. EQUITANT: (Aiding straddle) eaves are said to be equitant when their bases or edges alternately overlap each other, as, the equitant leaves of the Iris. ExTRORSE: Turned outwards: the anther is extrorse when fixed to the outside of the filament and faces the petals. FASCICLE: A close cluster; a cyme with the flowers much crowded; as the Sweet William. FEATHER-VEINED: Veins proceeding from a mid-rib at | Frond of Fern; E an acute angle. frond ; F stipe. FronpD: The leafy part of a fern; a combination of leaf and stem, as in many Algze and Liverworts. GAMOPETALOUS: Having the petals united so as to form a tube; monopetalous. GENus: Aclass more extensive and higher than a species. GERM: A growing point; a bud; that which is to develop an embryo. Hasir: The appearance and mode of growth of a plant. Convolvulus ; gam- HERBACEOUS: Of the texture of herbs; not woody. opetalous flower. C, Internode; D, Node or Joint. Tacmate eat. Lanceolate Leaf. Rose Leaf, show- ing five leaflets. G, Involucre. 41 at Vi ( Wad eeeo = ZAP eB » Nitin %, Sea WA Q ; Ves Sameer ee. Raita as —— ra Nc eh ea - Hirsute: Hairy; having stiffish or beard-like hairs. Hortus Siccus: An herbarium, or collection of dried plants. Hysrip: A cross between two allied species. INSERTION: The mode or place of attachment of an organ. INTERNODE: The part of a stem between the nodes. INTRORSE: . Turned inwards; an anther is introrse when fs \i it faces the pistils. Leaf of Begonia INVoLUCRE: A whorl or set of bracts around a flower, | Rex, showing the : umbel, or head, as shown at G in the engraving. netteiaiae: ‘Lasiate: Lipped; bilabiate. LACINIATE: Cut irregularly into deep, narrow lobes; slashed. LANCEOLATE: Lance-shaped. LEAFLET: One of the parts or divisions of a compound leaf, as seen in the Horsechestnut leaf. (See engrav- ing of digitate leaf.) LEGUME: The fruit of a leguminous plant; as the pod of a pea; a single, two-valved carpel. Lose: Any projection or division, especially of a some- what rounded form. LomMENT: A pod like the legume, of two valves, but divided into small cells, each containing a single seed. MACULATE: Spotted. MARGINATE: Having an edge or margin different from A Loment. the rest. ObcordateLeaflets | Lo See | Miprip:” The middlevor maim rib or alex Oxalis Bowei. NEEDLE-SHAPED: Long, ‘slender’ and rigid, like the |g eu leaves of pines. NervE: A name for the ribs or veins of leaves when simple and parallel. NETTED-VEINED: Furnished with branching veins form- ing net-work. Y/ NopE: A knot; the joint of a stem from which springs 3eet Leaf, show- a leaf or a pair of leaves. ing mid-rib. OBCORDATE: Heart-shaped, with the attachment by the pointed end. OBLANCEOLATE: Lance-shaped, with the attachment at the tapering point. OBOVATE: Ovate, but with the broad end upward. OpposITE: Placed on opposite sides of some other body ; thus when leaves are opposite they are on opposite sides of the stem; and petals on opposite sides of flowers. Nerwediieaves. | ORBICULAR? Circular in outline, or meaning sc. Opposite Leaves of Orbicular Leaf of Oval Leat. Pistil, with Ovary Ovate Leaf. Nummularia. ‘Tropzolum. laid open, show- ing the ovules. 42 Thistle Seed, with crown of pappus. Peltate, or shield- Pepo. Cucumbers, Style, I; Stigma, H Ova: Broadly elliptical. the fruit. after the style of a head of oats. other flowers. singly, or of a cluster. tinguished as calyx and corolla ; the flowers of the Lily family. PETAL: A leaf of the corolla. PETIOLE: A leaf-stalk. petiole. and the stigma. a feather. Ovary: That part of the pistil containing the ovules or future seeds, and in the course of development becomes OvaATE: Egg-shaped; like the section of an egg lengthwise. PALMATE: Digitate (see p. 27); resembling the hand with the outspread fingers ; spreading from the apex of a petiole as the leaflets or divisions of a leaf. PANICLE: An open flower cluster more or less branched, Pappus: Thistle-down, and the similar formation in PEpIcEL: The stalk of each single flower of a cluster. PEDUNCLE: A flower stalk of a single flower when borne PELTATE: Shield-shaped; applied to a leaf when the | Pericarps: Hazel- | petiole is attached to its lower surface. Prepo: A fruit like the Melon and Cucumber. PERIANTH: All the flower-leaves taken collectively when they appear so much alike that they cannot be dis- as, for example, in PERICARP: The ripened ovary; the shell or rind of any fruit taken as a whole. When it separates into layers each layer may have a different name, but the whole | Nemophila, show taken together constitutes the pericarp. PINNATE: Feather-shaped; a pinnate leaf consists of several leaflets arranged on each side of a common PistiL: The central and seed-bearing organ of the flower, consisting of three parts, the ovary, the style PLUMOSE: Feathery; when any slender body is beset : ; , eee: ; O, Petiole. with hairs along its sides, like the plume or beards on POLLEN: The fertilizing dust or powder of the anther. PYRAMIDAL: Shaped like a pyramid. RAcEME: A flower cluster with the flowers arranged singly, on short pedicils, along the common flower- stalk; as the Lily of the Valley and the Dicentra. RACHIs (the backbone): The axis of a spike. RADIATE or RADIANT: Furnished with ray-flowers dis- Pie eicor tinct from disk flowers ; as in the Sunflower, &c. Clanchue. nut, Pea & Cherry. ing its five petals. Pelargonium Leaf. = - Anther, discharg- ing pollen. Raceme of | Dicentra. 43 b> « < <a. iy S \ A —F we \ of 42 { \ 3 = z ~ . CS 9= PS; = . - ofl. iti. ‘ | " ) S ‘ eee one a boo! oS eo ine Se oe. a oa ee eee ae Gaillardia. Ray flowers around Reflexed Segments the margin. of Perianth. SS \ Aas SN = Ce ke g DOR : PAN: SE ps Sete ere ( WSO), ese SOR, eSeminar ea Su EN Sa ma BLE, EER 6 ees RADICAL: Pertaining to the root, or apparently coming from the root. | RADICLE: The first root of a plant in the embryo. Ray: A marginal floret of a compound flower; as in the Aster, Sunflower, &c.; the branch of an umbel. RECEPTACLE: Head of a flower-stalk from which the or- Revie eee gans of a flower grow or into which they are inserted. CPE ant REFLEXED: Bent outwards or backward. REVOLUTE: Rolled backward. RINGENT: Grinning, gaping open. Rip: One of the principal pieces of the framework of | a leaf. ROOTLETS: Little roots or root-branches. ROOTSTOCK: Root-like stem under ground; an under- ground stem. ROTATE: Wheel-shaped; a monopetalous corolla, ex- A Ringent Corolla. panding into a flattish border, with scarcely any tube. Salvia, RuGosE: Wrinkled, roughened with wrinkles. SAGITTATE: Arrow-shaped. SCABROUS: Rough to the touch. SCANDENT: Climbing. SCAPE: A peduncle or flower-stalk rising from the crown of a root. SEPAL: A single part or division of the calyx. SERRATE: Toothed, like a saw; having the margin cut into teeth pointing forward. Leaf, with Serrate SERRULATE: Same as “ serrate,’’? but with fine teeth. Margin. SESSILE: Sitting; without a stalk; asa leaf without a petiole, or anther without a filament. SILICLE: A short and broad pod of the Cress family. SILIQUE: A long pod peculiar to the Cress family. SINUATE: Strongly wavy. SPADIX: A fleshy spike of flowers. SPATHE: A sheathing bract which envelopes a spadix. Rotate Flower. | SPICATE: Pertaining to or resembling a spike. Potato Blossom. | SpikKE: A flower-cluster in which the flowers are sessile on the axis or rachis, as in the Mullein. SPINE: A thorn. SPINDLE-SHAPED: ‘Tapering to each end like a Radish. SPINOSE: Thorny. STAMEN: One of the essential organs of a flower, which secretes and furnishes the pollen or fertilizing dust ; it consists of two parts, the anther and the filament. STAMINATE: Furnished with stamens. STELLATE: Starry; arranged in rays like those of a star, A Scape. Tulip. stock. Silique of Mustard. WW ih, | Leaf with Sinuate Calla Spathe, en- Spike of Gladiolus. Stamen. Margin. closing Spadix. 44 eg a Pee perks OR S'} g 5 VE Sas WF: = SE | SAS) We: SS ata sore ae ea yp STE a= Peyeee MR meets a OD SOE Med a Be PY ~ Vere H STIGMA: The part of the pistil which receives the pollen. Pistil, showing Stigma at H. Mushroom, show- ing Stipe or Stem. Leaf, with pair of Stipules. Raspberry, show- ing Stolon at S. Pistil. Style at I. -TENDRIL: A spiral shoot that twines around another STIPE: The stalk of a pistil; the stem of a Fern; the stem of a Mushroom or of any fungus. STIPULATE: Furnished with stipules. STIPULE: An appendage at each side of the base of some petioles or leaves; resembling small leaves in texture and appearance. STOLON: Trailing, rooting shoots. STYLE: The middle part of the pistil which bears the stigma. SUBULATE: Awl-shaped. body for support. THROAT:. The orifice of a monopetalous corolla. THyYRSE or THRySUS: A compact panicle, of a pyra- midal or oblong shape; such as a cluster of the Lilac or Horsechestnut. Tube. TOMENTOSE: Wooly; covered with close, short hair, so as to be perceptible by the touch. Torus: The receptacle of the flower. TRUNCATE: Appearing as if cut off at the tip. Tuse: The tubular part of a monopetalous corolla, as distinguished from the spreading border or limb. Tusper: A thickened portion of an underground stem, provided with eyes (buds) on the sides, as a Patato. TumMID: Swollen. : i . Tee UmBEL: A flower-cluster, in which all the pedicels spring from the same point, and the expansion of the flowers or infloresence is from the circumference to the center. UNDULATE: Wavy; wavy margined. VEIN: One of the small ribs or fine branches of the framework of the leaves. VEINLET: One of the smaller veins. VENATION: The arrangement of the veins of leaves, &c. VENTRICOSE: Inflated or swelled out on one side. VERSATILE: Swinging, as the anthers of the Lily. VILLOsE: Shaggy, with long and soft hairs. Viscous, Viscip: Glutinous, clammy. Wavy: The surface or margin alternately convex and concave. Wuor.L: Arranged in a circle around a stem; applied to leaves, flowers, bracts, &c. Wine: Any kind of membranous expansion; the two lateral petals of a papilionaceous flower. Vine. Pea Flower. W, Versatile anthers Whorl of Leaves. Winged. Seed of W, Wing; B, of the Lily. Maple. Banner; K, Keel. 45 E aia = sy an i eo ( On, PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY OF BOTANICAL NAMES. This Vocabulary contains the Botanical names of the orders, genera and species or sub-species that are men- tioned in the FLoRAL GuIDE and FLOWER AND VEGETABLE GARDEN. The accent (’) shows the accented syllable. It does not include the names of varieties. The words are divided into syllables, and each syllable should be separately pronounced in the usual manner of such combinations of letters. In some cases, the division into syllables has been made to indicate the correct sounds rather than to be critically exact. In names derived from the names of persons, the form of the proper name has been preserved, without reference to the exact division of the syllables, in all cases where it could be done, and at the same time the correct pronunciation indicated. The letter a at the end of a word has always the sound of a in faga ; e final, or preceding a final consonant has its long sound; z unaccented, if final, sounds as if written eye, but when it ends a syllable, not final, it has the sound of e, as Drummondii, (Drummond e eye.); y is subject to the same rules as z. The diphthongs @ and @ have the sound of e; and c/ has the sound of &. FORMATION OF SOME BoTanicAL Names. — Names of genera are sometimes formed from those of persons, to compliment or commemorate them; in such cases the termination a or za is added, as Mandevilla from Mandeville, Bouvardia from Bouvard. The name of a species is sometimes derived from the name of its discoverer, or of the person who first described it, in which case the name terminates in Zor 27, as Sanfordii from Sanford. given merely in compliment to a person they terminate in zazus, cana or tanum, as Hookeriana. When commemorative names are Sometimes this termination is also given to the names of countries, as Arkansianum, Africanum, &c. A Bro’ nt A— From the Greek word, advos, delicate ; referring to the involucre. A Bu’ TI Lon— An ancient name of a plant of the same family, now transferred to this one. A CAN THA’ CE #— A natural order, of which the genus Acanthus is a type; name derived from akan- thos, a spine, some of the species being spiny. A CAU’ Lis — Stemless. AC RO CLI’ NI uM (i short) — Derivation unknown. Ap tu’ mt A— Named in honor of John Adlum. A vo’ nis— This plant is fabled to have sprung from the blood of Adonis, when wounded by a wild boar; alluding to the blood-red color of some of the species. /E/ GI Lops— A Latin name of a fdisease of the eye, for which this plant has been supposed to be useful. fEs TI va’ Lis, Es’ TI vuM — Pertaining to summer. AF Fi’ nis — Allied or related to. AF RI CA’ Nus— African. A’ GA THA— Pleasant, pleasing or pretty. A GE RA’ TUM— Name a compound of a privative, and geras, old; as applied to this plant the meaning is not to fade—the colors of the flowers remain always clear. A GRO STEM’ MA— From agvos, a field, and stemmaa crown; literally the crown of the field; in reference to the beauty of the flowers. A Gros’ T1s — This is the Greek name for grass. A ja’ c1is— Pertaining to Ajax; the marks on the front of Delphinium Ajacis were fancied to read AIJAI, in which form the name Ajax was sometimes written. A xr’ pr A—A latinized form of the Japanese name of one of the species of this genus. A La’ Ta— Furnished with wings; winged. Av’ gus — White. AL BI FLO’ RUM — White-flowered. A Lon’ so A— Named after Alonso, a Spanish botanist. AL PES’ TRIS — Alpine. AL TER NI FO’ LI us— Alternate-leaved. AL TH&’/ A— From altheo, to cure; from the medicinal qualities of some species. A tys’ sum— Compound of a privative, and Zyssa, rage ; from a notion of the ancients that the plant had the power of allaving rage. A mA’ BI Lis— Lovely. A MA RAN TA’ CE #—A natural order of which the genus Amaranthus is a type. A MA RAN’ THUS— From the Greek word amarantos, unfading, 46 A MA RYL’ 11s — The name of a Nymph celebrated by the poet Virgil. A ME LI O RA’ TA— Improved. A MEL Lo I’ pES— Resembling the Amellus. A MER I CA’ NA— American. Am mo’ g1 um—From azzmos, sand, and d2o0, to live; in reference to the situation where the plants grow. A mo/ mum — From a privative, and somos, impurity ; in allusion to the supposed qualities of some species as poison antidotes. A NA GAL’ t1s— As the plants of this genus were for- merly supposed to possess the power of removing despondency they were named from the word anzage- Zao, to laugh. AN DRO’ ME DA— Named after the virgin, Andromeda. AN DRO PO’ GON—From aver, a man, and pogon, a beard; the little tufts of hairs on the flowers re- semble a man’s beard. A NEM’ 0 NE— From azemos, the wind; many of the species inhabit elevated, windy places. {The . common instead of the original and correct pronun- ciation, An e mo’ ne. | A NEM O NE FLO’ RA*~ Anemone-flowered ; flowers re- sembling the Anemone. AN GEL’ 1 cA— Named after its supposed angelic virtues. An’ GLI CA— English. AN TIR RHI’ NUM— From azz, similar, and r/zu, a nose ; because the flowers of most of the species bear a re- semblance to the snout of some animal. A pr A’ cE #—A natural order, of which the genus Apium is the prominent representative; name derived from the Celtic word afoz, water; in allusion to the place where the plants grow. A pI cu LA’ TUM, (i short) — Resembling a bee, from apicula, a little bee. A po cy NA’ cE =— A natural order of which the Apo- cynum is a representative; name derived from ao, away, and kyon, a dog; supposed to be mortal if eaten by dogs. Most plants of this order contain acrid, milky juices, very poisonous. A gut LE’ GI A—From aguz/a, an eagle; alluding to the form of the petal. AR ENA’ RI A—From arena, sand; most of the species grow in sand or sandy places. AR GE MO’ NE, (g hard) — Named from argema, cataract of the eye; in allusion to its supposed medicinal prop- erties. — AR GEN’ TE UM— Silvery. Ar Is Ti’ p—Es— The name of a renowned Athenian. AR KAN SI A’ NuM — Arkansan, from Arkansas. AR ME’ RI A— Derivation unknown. A RuN’ po — Latin arundo, a reed. As par’ A GuS— From sfarrasso, to tear; on account of the strong prickles with which the plants of some of the species are armed. AS PAR A GO I’ DES— Resembling the Asparagus. As PE RU’ LA— Diminutive of asfer, rough; in allusion to the slight roughness of the leaves. As/ TER — From aster, a star; from the resemblance of the flowers to a star. As T1L’/ BnE— From a, privative, and s¢zdbe, brightness ; not shining. A To MA’ RI A—From atomus, an atom; in allusion to the numerous little dots upon the petals. A TRI PLI CI FO’ £1 A (ishort) — Atriplex-leaved ; leaves like the Atriplex; Atriplex is the botanical name of a culinary vegetable commonly called Orache. A TRO Coc ci’ NE A(ishort) — From ater, black, and coccineus, scarlet; very dark scarlet. A TRO SAN GuIN’ E A— From ater, black, and sanguin- eus, bloody, blood-colored, blood-red ; very dark blood red or very dark crimson. A TRO v1 0 LA’ CE A— From ater, black, and violaceus, violet-colored; very dark violet-colored. AU RAN TI A/ CA— Pertaining to the Orange, Orange- colored; Aurantium, (from azreuzs, golden, or gold- colored,) is the name of one species of the Orange. Av RA’ TuM, Av’ RE A— From aureus, golden. Av ri’ cu LA (i short) — Latin, auricuda, the ear. Av Tum na’ Lis— Autumnal. A ve’ NA— Latin, avena, oats. A zo’ rt CA— Pertaining to the Azores ; from the Azore Islands. A zu’ RE A— From the Persian dayaward, lapis lazuli, a blue color; of a sky-blue, resembling the clear blue color of the sky. Bar Ba’ TuS— Having a beard, bearded. Ba’ KER 1— Named after Mr. Baker. Bat sA mi/ NAa— The Arabic name is é2lassan, whence probably Balsamina, Balsam has sprung. BAL SA MI NA’ CE #—A natural order, of which the Balsam is the type. Bar cLay A’ NA— Referring to Mr. Barclay. Bar To’ nr A—In honor of Dr. B. S. Barton, a botanist of Philadelphia. BEs SE RI A’ NA— Named after Dr. Besser, a Russian Professor of Botany. Bey’ RICH II. Bi’ Cox or (i short)— Two colored. Bic no’ x1 A— In memory of Abbe Bignon, Librarian to Louis XIV. Bic No NI A’ CE #— Thename of anatural order, of which the Bignonia is the leading representative. Boc co’ NtA—In honor of Paolo Boccone, M. D., a Sicilian monk. BLoom ER I A’ NuM —In reference to Mr. Bloomer, an amateur botanist of San Francisco, California, in honor of whom a species of Lily was named. Bom sy ci’ nus—From éonzbyx, the silk worm; silky. Bow pu cet’ ta— From the French éoxduc, and traccd through other languages to the Greek pontikon, the pontic nut or Filbert; the Filbert grew extensively in Pontus, and was made an article of commerce. The Bonducella tree is a species of Guilandina in the East Indies ; it produces a three-cornered pod, somewhat resembling a little Filbert with its husk on. The Bon- ducella is cultivated as a stove plant, and has flowers of a peculiar yellow color, and probably because the flowers of Statice Bonducella are of a similar shade of color this name has been given to it. 4 love Bo RA G1 NA’ CE 2@—The name of a natural order, of which the Borage is a familiar representative. Bor Bo Ni EN’ sis— From the Isle of Bourbon. Bou var’ pl a—In memory of Dr. Bouvard, Superin- tendent of the Royal Paris Botanic Garden. Bow 1 EW’ sis, Bow’ 11—In memory of J. Bowie, a col- lector of plants for the Kew Gardens, London. Bra cHy co!/ME—From évachys, short, and ove, hair; in allusion to the down or pappus with which the seed is crowned. BRA CHYR RHIN’ CHUM—From_ J6rachys, rynchos, a beak or snout. BRAC TE A’ TUM— Bracteate; furnished with bracts. Bri’ zA— From ér7zzo, to nod; on account of the quak- ing character of the spikelets. Bri z For’ mis — Briza-shaped. Bri zo py’ RuM—From_ 677zo, wheat. Bro’ mus—So called from dro0s, the Greek name for the wild oat. Bro wat’ 11 Aa—Named in honor of J. Browallius, Bishop of Abo, Bru’ NE us— Brown. But go co/ p1 um—From éxzdbos, bulb, and kodzon, wool; the bulb is wrapped in a wooly covering. Bur RID GI A’ NuM, Bur RID’ GI. Buycx’ rt. Ca ca/ tt A—From kakos, pernicious, and /7az, exceed- ingly ; this is a very ancient name, and has probably been transferred to this plant from some other, so that the significance of the name does not now apply Ca LAB’ RI CA—Calabrian; from Calabria. Ca La’ pI uM— Meaning unknown. Ca Lam’ PE Lis—From kados, pretty, and ampelis, a vine. Ca LAN DRI’ NI A, (ishort)—In honor of J. L. Calan- drini, a German botanist. CaL CEO LA’ RI A—From cadceolus, a small shoe; in allusion to the form of the corolla. Ca LEN’ pu LA— Named from calende, the first day of the month; so named because in its native hab- tats it may be found in flower during the calends of each month, or, which is the same thing, during every month of the year. Ca LEN DU LA’ CE uS— Calendula-like; like the Calen- dula. CAL 1 FoR’ NI cus— Californian. Cat 1 op’ sis—From kadlistos, beautiful, and ofs7s, the eye. CAL LI RHO! E—A Greek mythological name. Ca Ly can’ THUS — From kalyx, a calyx, and anthos,a flower; in allusion to the colored calyx resembling petals which are not present in this class. Ca typ’ so— A nymph, daughter of Attas, who ruled in one of the islands of the Sicilian Sea, and who enter- tained Ulysses. Cam pA’ NU LA— This name is a diminuitive of cam- pana,abell; from the resemblance of the corolla toa little bell. CAM PA NU LA’ CE & — The name of a natural order rep- resented by the Campanula. Cam PA NU LA’ rA—Campanulate, or bell-shaped. Ca NA DEN’ SE — Canadian. é CAN DE LA’ BRUM — Candelabrum is the Latin name for Candlestick or Chandelier, which was commonly made with branches or arms. CAN pI pis’ st MA— Superlative of white ; whitish. Can’ NA-— From the Greek azua, a cane, a reed. Ca pI TA’ TA— Capitate; having a head. Cap PA RI DA’ CE 2—A natural order, a typical plant of which is the Caper-bush or Caper, (Capparis.) CAR DA MI NI FO’ L1A — Cardamine-leaved. short, and to nod, and fyros, Car pi NA’ L1s— Meaning red or scarlet colored; in allusion to the red hat and cassock of a Cardinal. CAR DI O PET’ A LUM — Heart-shaped petal. CAR DI O SPER’ MUM — From kardia, a heart, and sper- ma,aseed; in allusion to its round seeds which are marked with a spot like a heart. Car No’ sA— Flesh-colored. Ca RI NA/ TUM— Keel-formed; from carvzva, the keel of a ship. Car pa’ T1 cA—Carpathian. Carpathia was the ancient name of an island in the Grecian Archipelago. CA RY O PHYL LO I’ pES— Resembling the Pink. Cas’ sta — Derived from the Hebrew etzzoth. Cau va’ Tus —Caudate, having a tail; from cauda, a tail. CE Lo’ st A— From eZos, burnt; the flowers of some of the species appear as if singed. CEN TAU’ RE A, or CEN TAU RE’ A—It is said that with one of these plants the Centaur Chiron healed the wound made in his foot by the arrow of Hercules. CEN TAU RI’ DI UM (i short)— Similar to Centaurea. CEN TRAN’ THUS — From kentron, a spur, and anthos,a flower; the corolla being furnished with a spur at the base. Cr’ rES— The daughter of Saturn and sister of Jupiter, goddess of Agriculture. CER VI A KOW’ SKI. CHAL CE DO’ NI CA— Chalceodonian. CHA M& PEU’ CE— From chamaz, on the ground, or dwarf, and fewke, a fir tree. Cua M2 cris’ TA— From chamaz, dwarf, and crista, a crest, or tuft. Cnet’ ri— Kheyrey is the Arabic name for the genus Cheiranthus. CHEI RAN’ THUS— From its Arabic name kheyrey, and anthos, a flower. CHI NEN’ SE, CHI NEN’ sis — Chinese. CuHLo’ ris — From chloros, green; alluding to the color of the herbage. Curys AN’ THA— From chrysos, gold, and axthos, a flower. CHRYS AN THE MO I’ DES — Resembling the Chrysan- themum., CHRYS AN’ THE MUM — From chrysos, gold, and anthos, a flower; because many of the kinds bear yellow flowers. Cury so ck’ PHA LUM— From chrysos, gold, and ke- phale, ahead. Curys vu’ rus—From chrysos, gold, and oura,a tail; alluding to the compact head of flowers. Ci Li a’ Tum (i short)—Ciliate, fringed; beset on the margin with a fringe of hairs or bristles; from cz/zu, an eye-lash. CIN E RA’ RI A— From c7uerarius, pertaining to ashes ; in allusion to the color and appearance of the under side ot the leaves. CIN NA BA RI’ NA— Vermilion color. Cir RHO’ sA — Furnished with a tendril or twining leaf- stem. Ci TRI’ Nus— Lemon-colored, a greenish-yellow like a lemon. CrLark’ 1 A—In honor of Captain Clarke, who accom- panied Captain Lewis in his journey to the Rocky Mountains. CLEm’ a tTis— From klema, a vine branch; leaves of most of the species climb like the vine. CLE o/ ME— From £Zezo, to shut; alluding to the parts of the flowers. CLE 0 pA’ TRA— A Queen of Egypt. Cri An’ TrHUS— From fZezos, glory, and anxthos, a flower; in reference to the noble appearance of the species of this genus. 48 Dy MNES — A in —— Sv iN SE one is Benoa — ea Co sa’ a—In honor of B. Cobo, a Spanish botanist. Coc cin’ EA, Coc cin’ NE us— Of a scarlet color. Coc co Lo’ BA— From kokkos, a berry, and lobos, a lobe; in allusion to the character of the fruit. Ca@ Les Ti’ Num (i short)— From c@lum, the heavens ; referring to the sky-blue color. Ca’ tr Ro sa—Rose of Heaven. Co 1x —A name formerly applied toa kind of Ethiopian Palm, and which has been transferred to the genus of Grass which now bears it. Cov’ cut cum— Named after Colchis, its native country. Co’ Le us— Derived from foleos, a sheath; referring to the manner in which the stamens are united. Cor tin’ st A—In honor of Z. Collins, formerly Vice President of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila- delphia. Co Lu Bri’ NA— From koludber, a snake; alluding to the appearance of the twisted stamens of the flowers of the Colubrina. Com mv’ Nis— Common. Com pac’ Ta — Compact. Com pos/1 T#—-A natural order composed of plants which have a number or many flowers congregated to- gether in a head, like the Dandelion, the Thistle, the Sunflower, the Aster, &c. CON CHI FLO’ RA— Shell-flowered. Con GEs’ TA— A heap, pile. Con so/ Lt DA— Very firm or solid. Con spi’ cu um— Remarkable, attracting attention. Con vot’ vu Lus— From convolvo, to roll together, roll up, roll round; in reference to the habit of the plants. Cor DI FO/ Lt umM— Heart-shape leaved. Co Ro na’ Rt uM— Wreath-like. Co RYM BI FLO’ RuM— Flowers arranged in a corymb. Cra NI O EA’ RI A——Like a skull; from krantum, a skull. Cras si FO’ Lt A— Thick leaved; from crassus, solid, thick, dense. Crep’ 1s — Derivation unknown. CRIS TA-GAL’ L1I— From cvista, a tuft, and gallus, a cock; a cock’s comb. Cris Ta/ TA— Crested. Cro’ ce a — Saffron-colored. Cro’ cus—A Chaldean name. Ovid relates a story of a youth by the name of Crocus being turned into this flower. Cru ci’ FE R&— The name of a natural order of plants ; literally, cross-bearing; the flowers of the plants of this order have four petals spread out in the form ofa cross, as in the Mustard, Cabbage, Candytuft, &c. Cru EN’ TuS — Covered, spotted or stained with blood. CruIK SHANK’ 11 (Crook) — Named after Cruikshank. Crys TAL LI’ NuM— Crystalline. Cu’ cu mis—From curvus, crooked; referring to the shape of the fruit. Cu cur’ BI TA—From curvitas, crookedness. Cu’ pHE a— From kughos, curved; in reference to the form of the capsule. Cu PRE A’ TA,,CU/ PRE uS— Copper-colored. Cy a! nus — From cyaneus, dark blue, sea blue. Cy’ cLA MEN— Derived from syk/os, circular; referring to the round leaves. (Cy BA LA’ Rt A—Cymbal-shaped. Cy no su’ RuS— From uon, a dog, and oura, a tail; from its resemblance to a dog’s tail, whence the name, Dog’s Tail grass. Cy no su Ro I’ pes— Like the Cynosurus. Cy’ rE rus (y short)— From the Island of Cyprus or from Cyfrzs, another name for Venus. Dam As ce’ NA— From Damascus. Dam Pr F’ R1t— Referring to Captain William Dampier, a celebrated circumnavigator. Da Tv’ RA— An alteration of the Arabic name ¢atorah. Da vip son’ 11. Dex ica Tis’ st MA — The most delicate. DEL pur’ NI uM, (i short,)— From de/phin, in reference to the supposed resemblance of the nectary of the plant to the imaginary figures of the Dolphin. Den Ta’ TA— Dentate, toothed; a term applied to the margin of a leaf which has sharp teeth pointing out- ward from the center. DE pres’ sA — Pressed down, flattened from above. Di a can’ THA— Two-spined, or two-thorned; dis, two, and acantha, a spine. Dr an’ tHus— From aos divine, and axthos, a flower; referring to the fragrance and beauty of the flower. Di pts’ cus. Dr ar ta’ us, (short i, g soft,)—Of, or belonging to, the finger; in allusion to the resemblance the flower bears to the finger of a glove. Dir’ sa cus — Supposed to be from azfsao, to thirst; in consequence of the leaves holding water. Dis co 1 pa’ t1s— Discoidal, resembling a disc. DI VER SI FLO’ RA — Diverse-flowered. Do bE ca’ THE ON— From dodcka, twelve, and theos, a divinity ; a name without significance as applied to the plant that bears it. ; Do’ tt cHos— From dodichos, long; in reference to the long twining stems. Dra c#’ na—From drakaina, a female dragon; be- cause the inspissated juice becomes a red powder, like that produced from the blood of the dragon. Drum monn’ 11— Discovered by Drummond; Mr. Thomas Drummond was a well-known Naturalist and zealous collector of plants, chiefly in this country. He died in Havana in 1835. Dun NET’ TI I. Ec crE MO CAR’ puS— From ekkremes, pendent, and karpos fruit; the fruit is pendent. E 1a’ Ta, E 1a’ TI oR— Exalted, high, lofty. Ev’ £ Gans— Elegant. EL E GAN Tis’ st MA— Most elegant. EN py’ MI oN, (y andi short)— A beautiful youth, who, on account of his love for Juno, was condemned by Jupiter to perpetual sleep, in which sleeping condition Luna fell violently in love with him. Er 1 AN’ THUS— From ero, wool, and azthos, a flower. E ri’ nus—Probably from erzzeos, the wild fig-tree, which has a milky juice; erzmus is the name of a genus of Alpine plants with milky juice; this term, therefore, has been applied to some plants having a milky juice. E ry’ si mum, (y short) — From e7zoz, to draw, to cure; it is thought to be a cure fora sore throat; it is also said to draw and produce blisters. E ry THRI' NA— From erythros, red; in reference to the color of the flowers. Es cu Len’ TtuM— Esculent, edible. Esc SCHOLT’ zi A (c silent)— From Dr. Eschscholtz, a Botanist. Ev o/ ny Mus— From ez, well, and oxoma, a name, wellnamed. ‘The application of the name is obscure. Ev poor’ pt A—Euphorbus was physician to Juba, King of Mauritania, and first used this plant in medi- cine; Linnzeus gave the name in his honor. Eu To’ ca — From eztokos, fruitful; alluding to the great number of seeds. Ex 1’ MI um—Select, distinguished, extraordinary, un- common, excellent. Far Fu’ Gi um— The Farfugium bears a general resem- blance to Colt’s-foot, or Tussilago Farfara, of which the ancient name was Farfugium, and from this cir- cumstance it has received its name; the meaning of the name is uncertain. from 49 Fas Tu o/ sa— Proud, haughty, disdainful. Frenz/ 11 A—In honor of Dr. Fenzl. Fer’ r#, FER ru Gi’ NE A (i short)— Resembling iron- rust in appearance or color; brownish-red, mixed with gray. Fr co 1p’ Er 2—A natural order of succulent plants, of which the Mesembryanthemum is a typical genus ; the meaning of the name is unknown. FLam’ mu Lta—A little flame. Fra’ va — Golden yellow, reddish yellow. Fra vis’ st MuM— The yellowest. FLEx vu 0/ sAa— Full of turns, tortuous, flexuous. FLo RE AL’ Bo— White-flowered. FLO RE CAR’ NE O— Flesh-colored flower. FLO RE LU’ TE o— Yellow-flowered. FLO RE PLE’ No— Double-flowered. FLo’ r1 pus— Full of flowers, abundant blooming ; flush- ed with rose color. FLo r1 BuN’ pA— Abounding in flowers. Fo’ rr Is—A leaf. Fon TA NE si A’ NA—In honor of the celebrated Des- fontaines, professor of Botany at Paris. For mo’ sa— Finelv formed, beautiful, handsome. Fra Ga’ R1 A— From /raga, strawberries. Fru Tes’ cens — Shrubby. Fut’ ct pa— Flashing, glittering, shining. Fu MA RI A’ CE &—The name of a natural order of plants, containing, among other genera, the Fumaria, Dicentra and the Adlumia. The name is derived from /umus, smoke; alluding to the disagreeable smell of the Fumitory, (Fumaria officinalis.) Fu MA RI & FO’ L1 A— Fumaria-leaved. Fucu si 0 1/ pEs — Resembling the Fuchsia. Gaix Lar’ pt A — In honor of M. Gaillard de Marenton- neau, an amateur Botanist. Ga La’ THE A— A sea nymph; a female friend of Hor- ace, to whom he addressed an ode. GAN DA VEN’ sis— Changed from Gandensis ; Gand, or Ghent, in Belgium. GARD NER I A’ NuS— Referring to George Gardner, a Scotchman and an enthusiastic Botanist and plant collector, who made extensive travels in South Amer- ica, and introduced a great many plants from that country into Great Britain ; he was afterward appoint- ed Director of the Botanical Garden of Ceylon, and died in 1841. from Gr ni cu LA’ TA— Bent abruptly, like a knee; from genu,aknee; geniculatus, bended knee. GEN TI AN O I’ pES— Resembling the Gentian. The Gentian received its name from Gentius, King of Illy- ria, who first experienced the virtues of the plant. Ge RA’ NI UuM— Named by Linneus, from geranos, a crane; in allusion to the crane-like beak terminating the carpels. GI GAN TE’ Us (i short) — Gigantic. Git’ 1 a—In honor of P. S. Gilio, a Spanish botanist of some note. Guia’ sRuM — Smooth, without hair. Gua’ p1 o LuS— Gladiolus, a small sword; alluding to the sword-shaped leaves. GLAU Co PHYL’ LA— Glaucous-leaved, that is, the leaves covered with a bluish-gray bloom or powder that rubs off, like that on a fresh plum or a Cabbage leaf; from glaucus, bluish-gray, and phyllon, a leaf. GLo Bo’ sA— Globose. GLox I N# FLO’ RA—Gloxinia-formed, flowers like the Gloxinia. Giox 1’ nr A—Named in honor of P. B. Gloxin, -a botanist of Colmar. GLox 1 No I’ pes — Gloxinia-formed, Gloxinia. Go ve’ T1 A— Derivation uncertain. resembling the Gom PHRE’ NA—From gowphos, a club; alluding to the shape of the flowers. Gra’ cI L1s— Thin, small, slender. GRA’ HAM II. GRAN’ DE— Large, great. GRAN DI FLO/ RA— Large-flowered. Gym No car’ pA — Naked-fruited ; from gysznos, naked, and karvfos, a fruit. Gy ne’ RI UM— From gyze, a female, and evzoz, wool; in reference to the stigmas. GyP so’ PHI LA— From gyfsos, chalk, and phzleo, to love; in reference to the favorite habitat of the plant. Haa Ge a’ Na (g hard)— Referring to Mr. Haage, a celebrated florist and seedsman, of Erfurt, Prussia. Ha x1 ca’ CA BUM— The capsules or seed-vessels of the Cardiospermum Halicacabum are inflated like the pods of Vesicaria; the Greek name of Vesicaria was halicacabus. Hart wec/ 11— Referring to Mr. Theodore Hartweg, who was at one time a botanical collector in South America for the Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Hep bE wic’ 1 1— In honor of Mr. Heddewig. He py sa/ rum— An old Greek name of uncertain origin. HE Li aN’ rHUS—F rom felios, sun, and anthos, a flower ; on account of the brilliant color of the flowers, and from the fanciful idea that the flowers always turned toward the sun. Her Li cHRy’ sumM— From heZios, sun, and chrysos, gold ; in allusion to the brilliant colors of the flowers. HE LI 0 TRO’ PI uM, (HELIOTROPE,)— From heZios, the sun, and ¢rofo, to turn; the flowers are said always to turn to the sun. HE wip’ TE RuUM— The derivation is not apparent. HER BER’ T1 1— Referring to the Rev. William Herbert, Dean of Manchester, a scientific horticulturist and botanist. Hi sis’ cus— Probably derived from 767s, a stork, be- cause that bird is said to eat the plants of some of the species. His pa’ NI CA— Spanish. Hook ER 1 A’ NA— In reference to one of the Hookers, father and son, celebrated English botanists. Hor’ pe um — Latin, hordeumnz, barley. Hor ren’ sis— Belonging to a garden; from hortus,a garden. Hoy’ A—In honor of Thomas Hoy, a noted English gardener, and Fellow of the Linnean Society. Hum soupt’ 11— In reference to the celebrated travel- er and naturalist, Baron von Humboldt. Hv’ me a — Inhonor of the lady of the late Sir Abraham Hume, Bart., Wormsleybury, Herts., England. Hv’ mi tts — Humble, small, low. Hun NE MANN’11, Hun NE MANN’ I A—In honor of John Hunnemann, a zealous botanist, and to whom horticulture is indebted for a great number of plants. Hy A CIN THI FLO’ RUM — Hyacinth-flowered. Hy a crn’ rHus— In Mythology, Hyacinthus was a boy who was killed by Zephyrus. Hy A cIN THO I’ DES — Hyacinth-shaped, resembling the Hyacinth. Hy’ prt pA — Hybrid; the progeny of the union of two species. Hy pran’ GE A— From hydor, water, and aggcion, a cup or vessel; the capsule of some of the species has been compared to a cup. Hy pro pHYL LA’ CE 2— The name of a natural order, commonly called the Water-leaf family; the applica- tion of the name is obscure. Hys so pr Fo’ tt A— Hyssop-leaved. J BE RI DI FO’ L1 A— Iberis-leaved; leaves like the Can- dytuft. 50 I Be’ r1s — From /éeria, the ancient name of Spain. Im mu TA’ BI L1Is— Immutable, unchanging. Im PE RI A’ L1S— Imperial. In ca’ NA— Hoary, mouldy-colored. In car na/ TA— Flesh-colored. In’ p1 cA— Indian; from the Indies. In pi vi’ sa— Undivided. In sic’ nis— Distinguished by a mark, remarkable, noted, distinguished, prominent, extraordinary. IN TEG RI FO! LI A— Whole-leaved—that is, the leaf en- tire, or not divided, cut or lobed. IN vor tv cra’ Tum— Involucrate, having an involucre. I po Ma’ a— From 7s, bindweed, and omozos, simi- lar; alluding to the twining habit of the plant. I po mop’ sts — From 7fo, to strike forward, and opszs, sight; alluding to the dazzling color of the flowers. I’ rts — From 7rzs, the rainbow; alluding to the variety and beauty of the colors of the flowers. ISA BEL LY’ NA—A peculiar shade of yellow or drab. I so’ LE pis— From /sos, equal, and /efzs, a scale; al- luding to the regularity of the scales, Ix’ 1 a—/v7za, bird-lime; because of the viscid nature of some of the species. JAcK MAN’ N11—In reference to George Jackmann, nurseryman, of Surrey, England. Ja va’ pA— From a town of that name. Ja po’ NI CA— Japanese. Ju pa’ rum— Crested, maned. Kaut Fus’ st A—In honor of Frederick Kaulfuss, M. D., formerly Professor of Botany at Halle. Kino’ 11. La pi a’ r@=—'The name of a natural order, commonly called the Mint family; the flowers of the plants in this order have always a two-lipped corolla, hence, the name, from dZadézuz, a lip. Lap’ ran— Laélaé is the Arabic name of Convolvulus ; the idea of twining is probably the import of the term. La’ cHryY MA— Lachrima, a tear. La ci ni A‘ TUS—Laciniate; slashed, cut into deep, nar- row lobes. La GE NA’ R1IA— From dagena, a bottle; because of the bottle-shaped fruit of some of the species. La Gu’ Rus— From éagus,a hare, and oura, a tail; on account of the resemblance of its heads. La marcK 1 A’ NA— In reference to Lamarck, a French naturalist, who wrote largely upon botany about the end of the eighteenth century. La na’ ra— Wooly ; clothed with long and soft entangl- ed hairs. LAN CI Fo’ Lt uM — Lance-leaved. Lan Ta’ Na — One of the ancient names of the Viburnum, and applied to this genus by Linnzus, because of the similarity of the leaves. La nu Git No’ SA — Wooly. Las SEAUX’ II. La Te Ri! T1 A— From /ateritius, brick-work; hence, brick-color. La/ tHy Rus—From /a, augmentative, and thourus, anything exciting; in allusion to the medicinal quali- ties of the seeds. La T1 Fo’ L1 Aa— Broad-leaved. LA Tr pet’ A LA— Broad-petaled. LEG u M1 No’ s#— The name of a natural order; com- monly called the Padse Famzly, and of which the com- mon Pea and the Bean are familiar representatives. Name from /egumen, pulse, leguminous plant, the Bean. LEp TO’ st PHON— From J/eftos, slender, and szphon, a tube ; alluding to the slender tube of the corolla. Leu can’ THA— From Jeukos, white, and anthos, a flower ; white-flowered. Leu co’ jum— From dexkos, white, and zoz, a violet. a whose ‘LEuT WEIN’ 11— From Leutwein, a German, name is pronounced almost like “ght w7ne. Li so’ nr A— Named after Libon, who discovered it in Brazil a few years since. ‘Li ra cr’ Na— Lilac colored. Li’ tr um (i short)—From the Celtic word 2, whiteness ; on account of the white flowers of some of the species. Lim pa’ Ta — Having an expanded end, or being bor- dered by something. Li na’ cE 2—A natural order, commonly called Flax- worts; the principal genus is the Linum, or Flax, and from which the order receives its name. Li na/ rt A— From Zinum, flax; on account of the sim- ilarity of the leaves. Lin pen’ 11—In reference to M. Linden, a prominent Horticulturist, of Ghent. Li’ num—From the Celtic word 2/zz, a thread; the fibres of one species of Linum is the Flax of commerce, from which linen cloth is made. Lo a’ sa— Meaning unknown. Loa sa’ ce #—A _ natural order, which receives name from its leading genus, Loasa. Los Br a‘ NuM— In reference to William Lobb, an inde- fatigable English plant collector and botanist. Lo se’ tt A—In honor of Matthew Lobel, a native of Lille, who became a botanist and physician to James I. Lon ais’ st MA — Longest; superlative of long. Lo ni cz’ RA— Named after Adam Lonicer, a German botanist, who died in 1586. Lo’ REI. Lv’ cr pA — Brilliant, bright, shining. Lu pi’ nus— From Zupus, a wolf, because Lupines were thought to destroy the fertility of the soil. Lu’ TE a— Golden yellow, saffron yellow, orange yellow. Lycn’ nis— From Zychnos,a lamp; on account of the brilliancy of the flowers of some of the species. Ma cro car’ pus—From makros, long, and karpos,a fruit. Mac ro si’ pHON—From makros, long, and sifhon, a tube ; alluding to the long tube of the corolla. Ma cu La’ TA — Spotted. Ma’ jor— Larger. Ma’ to pE—From wales, tender; soft leaves. Mat va’ ce — The name of a natural order, contain- ing the genus JZaZva, from which it receives its name; the name is derived from 7zalache, soft; in allusion to the emollient qualities of the species. Man bE vit’ ra — Named in honor of Henry J. Mande- ville, Esq., a British Minister to Buenos Ayres, who introduced this plant and many others into England. Man Gur’ s1 1— Referring to Captain James Mangles, of the British navy, who was a patron of botany. Ma RAN TA’ CE @— The name of a natural order of plants, which receives its name from the Maranta, or Arrow-root. The Maranta received its name from B. Maranti, a Venitian physician and botanist, who died in 1554. Mar Gi nA’ TA— Marginate ; having a border or edge different from the rest. Ma rI’ T1 ma (i short) — Maritime ; sea. ; Mar mo ra’ TA— Marbled; variegated like marble. Mar tyn’1 a—In honor of John Martyn, F. R. S., Professor of botany at Cambridge, England, who died in 1768. Mau ran’ py a—In honor of Dr. Maurandy, Professor of botany at Carthagena. Mau rt Ta’ nt cus— Of, or from, Mauritania Max’ 1 mum— Greatest. ME LAN CHO! LI cus — Melancholic. its in allusion to the pertaining to the 51 ( SS ay Oe, OR kee AS =: ‘2 Wier wy, or Ww Pais MES EM BRY AN’ THE MUM—From_ wesembria, mid- day, and anthemon, a flower; the flowers expand most freely when fully exposed to the sun. ME so po TA’ mI CcumM— Mesopotamian; of, Mesopotamia. Mex 1 cA’ NUM— Mexican. Mi cro car’ pus—From mzkros, fruit. Mi mo’ sa— From 7270s, amimic; the leaves of many of the species mimic animal sensibility. My’ mu tus (i short)— From zzzm0, an ape from the ringent corollas of the flowers. My’ ni Mum — Smallest. M1’ nor—Smaller. Mri RA’ BI L1Is— Wonderful, admirable, extraordinary. Mo mor’ pi cA— From zordeo, to bite; the seeds have the appearance of being bitten. Mon stro’ sus — Monstrous, strange, preternatural. Mon Ta/ nA — Of, or from, a mountain. Mos cua’ tus — Musky. Mut TI cau’ LE— From mzltus, many, stem; many stemmed or stalked. Mut TI’ Co Lor, (i short) — Many-colored. Mut T1 Fito’ RA — Many-flowered. Mu ra’ Lis — Of, or belonging to, a wall. Mor SEv’ Lit. My o so’ t1s— From wzys, miyos, a mouse, and ofos, an ear; a fancied resemblance in the leaves. Myr si/ pHyL Lum— From myrsine, a myrtle, phyllon, a leaf; resemblance of the leaves. NAN KI NEN’ s1s— Belonging to Nankin. Na’ nus — Dwarf. ‘ Nar BO NEN’ sis— Belonging to’ Narbonne. Nar cis/ sus— A mythological youth; he was uncom- monly beautiful, and fell so violently in love with him- self on beholding his image in a fountain, that he wast- ed away with desire, until he was changed into the flower of the same name. NE bu Lo’ sa— Cloudy, hazy, misty. NeE mo’ pHILA—From zemos, a grove, and fhz/eo, to love; the plants delight in a shady situation. NE pa LEN’ sts— Belonging to Nepaul. Ne’ rt uvm—From zeros, humid; alluding to the hab- itat of the plant. NE va DEN’ sis— From, or belonging to Nevada. Nie REM BER’ G1 A, (Nie pronounced like Mee) — In honor of John Eusebius Nieremberg, a Spanish Jesuit, author of a History of Nature, Antwerp. 1635. Ni Ge’ La, (g soft)—From xzzger, black; the black seed, which is the part of the plant known in cook- ery. Nr’ tr pa (i short) — Shining, glossy. No va’ NA—From zola, a little bell; form of the corolla. Nyc TA Gi NA’ CE ©— The name of a natural order of plants, including the W/7raézlzs, (Four-o’clock,) Adro- nia, &c. Name derived from xuwktos, night, and gex- ests, to beget, be born; the flowers of many of the species open at night or near sun down. O BE LIs CA’ RI A— From obediskos, obelisk ; to the elevated disc of the flower. O cu La’ TuS— Having eyes, or spots like eyes. O po RA’ TA — Odorous, fragrant. CE No THE’ RA— From o7zzos, wine, and thera, a catch- ing; the roots of @. dennis were formerly taken after meals as incentives to wine-drinking. OF FI cr Na’ LIs, (i short) — Of the office or shop; such as prepared at the dispensary, or sold at the drug- gist’s. O LE AN’ DER — From the Latin lorandrum, corrupted from rhododendron, from rhodon, the rose, and dex- dron, tree. or from small, and sarfos, a ; so named and caztlis, a and because of the in allusion O wa GRA’ CE © — The name of a natural order of plants, of which the CEnothera, (Evening Primrose,) is a rep- resentative genus; name derived from oxager, a mili- tary engine for discharging large stones; the flowers of some of the species of Evening Primrose,burst open suddenly at dusk, with a slight noise. O RI EN TA’ LE— Oriental. O THON’ NA— From othone, linen; alluding to the downy clothing of the original plant. O va’ Tus — Ovate. Ox a’ Lis— From oxys, acid; the leaves have an acid taste. Ox y v’ RA — Derivation and meaning of name uncertain. Pa La Fox’ 1 A— Named in honor of Palafox. Pav’ rr pus— Pale. PA Lus’ TRIs— Marshy, swampy, from low, damp places Pa ni cu LA’ TA— Paniculate; flowers forming a panicle Pa’ NI cum—An ancient name for an Italian grass; from panis, bread. Pa pa’ VER— From ZafZa, pap, or thick milk; the juice of the Poppy was formerly used in children’s food to make them sleep. Pa PA VE RA’ CE & — The name of a natural order of plants, prominently represented by the Poppy, and from which it receives its name. Pa RA Dox’ A— Marvelous, strange, contrary to expec- tation, paradoxical. Par THE’ NI uM— From farthenon, avirgin; supposed medicinal qualities. PAR THE NI FO’ LI uM — Parthenium-leaved; leaves like the Parthenium. Par’ vum— Small. PAs SI FLO’ RA— From gassio, passion, and fos, a flow- er; flowers of the Passion; the early Roman Catholic Missionaries of South America finding, in them, sym- bols of the Crucifixion, — the crown of thorns in the fringes of the flower, nails in the styles with their cap- itate stigmas, hammers to drive them in the stamens, cords in the tendrils. Pa’ Tu La — Patulous, spreading. Pa vo’ nt a—In honor of Don Josef Pavon, M. D., of Madrid, a traveler in Peru. Pr pa’ TAa— Pedate ; when leaves are cut in divisions, and the lower divisions again lobed they are said to be pedate. PE NEL’ 0 PE— The wife of Ulysses and mother of Tele- machus. Pen NA’ TA— See Pinnatus. PEN NI SE’ TUM— From Jenna, a feather, and sefa,a bristle. PEN TA PHYL’ LuM— Five-leaved. PENT STE’ MON—From Zente, five, and stemon, a sta- men; there are four perfect stamens and one imperfect. PER EN’ NE, PER EN’ nNIS— Perennial. Pe rit’ ta— Meaning unknown. PE ROW SKI A’ NUM. Pzr’ st cA— Persian. Pr tu’ nr a— The Brazilian name for Tobacco is Petun ; applied to this genus on account of ,its affinity to WVz- cottana, Tobacco. Pua ce’ 11 A— From Phakelos, a bundle; in reference to the disposition of the flowers. Pua La/ crE A— Phalacrine, belonging to Phalacria, an ancient Italian town. Pua sze’o tus—From phaselus,a little boat; fancied resemblance in the pod. Pic’ ra— Painted, embellished, adorned. Pic Tu RA’ TA — Painted, pictured, variegated. Pi Le’ a— From Zzleos,a cap; one of the divisions of the perianth in Pzlea muscosa resembles a cap. Pin na’ Tus— Pinnate; when leaflets are arranged along the sides of a common petiole. 52 i>, le on % K Spm AY) 4 ae \B A> RK Te LESS Se DS Y Ge OWLS ae ee \\WWh Oem ean — PLa Ty CEN’ TRA— From A/atys, flat, and kentron, a a spur, flat spurred. Pia Ty cLa’/pa—From Jlatys, flat and klados, a branch ; flat-stemmed. PLa Ty srr’ Mon— From //atys, flat, and stemon,a stamen. Pie’ na— Double, full. PLE nis/ st MA — Most double. Po et’1cus—Of the poets, poetical, pertaining to poetry. : Po LE Mo NIA’ CE #2 —A natural order of plants, re- ceiving its name from Polemonium, one of its genera. Por tu La’ CA—From orto, to carry, and Jac, milk; on account of the milky juice of the plants. Por Tu LA CA’ CE #—A _ natural order of plants, of which the Portulaca is a representative, and from which it is named. Po TEN TIL’ LA—From jofens, powerful; supposed medicinal qualities of some of the species. Ports’ 11. Press’ tt 1— Referring to the Messrs. Prezl, of Prague, botanists and authors. Pri’ mu LA (i short)— From frzmus, first; in allusion to the early flowering of the plants. PRI MU LA’ CE #(i short)—A natural order of plants, receiving its name from Primula, one of its genera. Pro Bos Ci’ DE A (i short) — Proboscis-like, snout-like. Pro cum’ BENs — Trailing on the ground. Psy’ cHE— A maiden beloved by Cupid, made immor- tal by Jupiter. Pu pi’ cA —Shame-faced, bashful, modest. Put CHER’ RI MA— Handsomest, most beautiful. Pu’ cHRA — Beautiful, handsome. Pu’ m1 LA— Dwarf. Pu ni’ cE A (ishort)— Reddish, red, purple-colored. Pur pu’ RE A— Purple, in its various shades. Py rE’ THRUM— From /yr, fire; the roots are hot to- the taste. Qua’ Mo cLir—From fyamos, a kidney-bean, and kiitos, dwarf; the species of this genus resemble the. kidney-bean in their climbing stems. Qui na’ TA — Quinate, with five leaflets. QUIN QUE FO’ LI A— Five-leaved. QUIN QUE VUL’ NE RUS— From guiugue, five, and vud- nus, a wound, Ra pi A’ TA— Radiate; furnished with ray flowers. Ra’ pi cans — Rooting. Ra po witz’ rt. Ra mo’ sA— Branched, full of branches. Ra nun’ cu LuSs— From vana, a frog; many of the spe- cies are found in moist places frequented by that reptile. Ra NUN CU LA’ CE =—A natural order of plants, in- cluding the Ranunculus. Ra NUN Cu Lo 1’ pES— Ranunculus-formed, resembling the Ranunculus. RA VEN’ N&. Ree ve’ st 1— Referring to John Reeves, F. L. S., of Canton, from whom the botany of China has received material assistance, and to whom horticulture is in- debted for many of its fairest ornaments. Re T1 cu LA’ TA— Reticulated; interlaced with net- work. Re tu’ sus— Retuse; a leaf is said to be retuse when there isa depression at the end where the point should be. Rex — The king. Ruo DAN’ THE—From rkhodon,a rose, and anthos,a flower; in allusion to the color of the flower-heads. Ri cuar’ pi A (ch soft)—In honor of L. C. Richard, an eminent French botanist. Ri ci’ nus—From ricinus, a tick; resemblance in the seeds. Rca MERI A’ NA. Ro’ sEA — Rose-colored. Ro Tun pi Fo’ LI us — Round-leaved. Rv’ Ber, Ru’ pra, Ru pro’ rum, Ru BER’ RI MA—Red, SA LI CI FO’ LI us— Willow-leaved; from sadix,a wil- low tree, and folzzs a leaf. SAL PI GLos’ sis—From sadlsinx,a tube, and glossa,a tongue ; alluding to the tongue-like style in the mouth of the corolla. Sau’ vi a— From sa/vo, to save; in allusion to the heal- ing qualities of the sage. SAN DER SO/ n11—In reference to John Sanderson, Secretary of the Horticultural Society of Natal, South Africa. SAN FORD’ II. SAN Gul’ NE us—Crimson; the color of blood. SAN vi TA’ LI A— Derivation unknown; probably a man’s name. Sax a/ T1LE— From savratilis, that dwells or is found among rocks. Sca Br 0’ sA— From scaézes, leprosy ; some of the spe- cies are said to be useful in cutaneous diseases. Sca’/ BER — Rough, scurfy. Scan’ pens— Climbing. Scur zanw’ THUS— From schizo, to cut, and anthos, a flower; in allusion to the irregularly divided corolla. SCHEU ER I A/ NUM. Scuutz’11 (Schultz, pronounced like Shoolts)— Refer- ring to John Henry Schultz, an eminent German botan- ist. Sciz’ ta— From sfyZlo, to injure; the roots are poison- ous. ScCRO PHU LA RI A/ CE #—A natural order of plants, in- cluding the Scrophularia, from which it receives its name ; from scvophula, scrofula, from its supposed use in the cure of the scrofula. Scy pan’ THUS— From scyfhos, a cup, and azthos, a flower; in reference to the shape of the flower. SEL Low’ 11— In reference to M. Sellow. SEM PER FLO’ RENS — Continuous flowering SER P# FO’ LI A. SE TI’ GE RA — Setaceous ; coarse hairs or bristles. SE To’ sa —Setous; full of coarse hairs or bristles. Si Be’ rt cA— Siberian. Si’ cu tum—Sicilian, of or from Sicily. Srz Box’ p11 (Sie pronounced like See.) Sr Le’ NE— From szadon, saliva; in allusion to the vis- cid moisture on the stalks of many of the species, by which the smaller kinds of flies are entrapped; hence, also, the English name of the genus, Catchfly. Si Le Na’ cE a—A natural order of plants, including the Silene, and from which it receives its name. Si NEN’ sts —Chinese. Sr nu a/ TA—Sinuate, bending, winding. Sxin’ NER 1— Referring to Captain Thomas Skinner, a distinguished botanist. So 1a’ num — Derivation uncertain. So La nA’ cE #—A natural order of plants, containing the Solanum, and from which it receives its name. Som ni’ FE RuM (i short)— From somus, sleep, and /ero, to bear; producing sleep. SpE cr 0’ sa (eshort)— Showy, handsome, splendid, bril- liant. SPE cI 0 sis/ si ma (e short) — Superlative of speciosa. Spe’ cu Lum (e short) — A looking-glass, mirror. Spi ca’ ra —Spicate ; in the form ofa spike. SPLEN’ pens— Bright, shining, glittering, brilliant. Spra’ GuE A—In honor of Isaac Sprague, an American botanical artist. Sta/t1 cE—From statizo, to stop; in allusion to the powerful astringency of some of the species. bristle - bearing, having Srrt La’ TA—Stellate ; starry, sparkling, glittering. STE’ RI Lis (i short) — Sterile. STE’ VEN I. Sti’ pa — From sZzZe, a silky or feathery substance. Srri A/ TA—Striate; striped. Srric’/ rum — Bound or pressed together. Stu AR’ TI I. Su A VE 0/ LENS— Sweet-smelling, fragrant. Sus ca ru’ LE vs—From szb, under, and cw@ruleus, dark-colored, dark blue, coerulean; a shade somewhat lighter than ccerulean. Sut ca’ TumM— Furrowed, channeled. SUL PHU’ RE US — Sulphur color. Su PER’ BA — Superb. Su st a‘ NA— From Szsza, the ancient capital of Persia. Ta KES’I MA—A Japanese name. TAN A CE TI FO’ L1 A— Tanacetum-leaved, leaved. TEN UI FO’ LI1A—From fexuzs, and folius, a leaf; fine-leaved. TER mi NA’ t1s — Terminal. Trex a/ numM— Texan; from Texas. THEL LUS SO’ NII. Tuovu 1n’11—In reference to M. Thouin, Professor of Agriculture at Paris. THUN BER GI A’ NUM— Referring to Thunberg, a Swed- ish botanist and traveler. Ti Gri pia (i short)— From figrzs, a tiger, and ezdos, like; in reference to the spotted flowers. Ti Gri’ nus— Tiger-like; barred or spotted like a Tiger. Tinc To’ r1 A— Pertaining to dyeing. TRA DES CAN’ Tr A—In honor of John Tradescant, gar- dener to Charles I. Tri’ COL or (i short) — Three-colored. TRI CHO SAN’ THES — From ¢hrzx, a hair, and axthos,a flower; the corollas are ciliated. Tri TO/ MA (i short)—From f¢rezs, three, and tezno, to cut; in allusion to the three sharp edges of the ends of the leaves. TRI uM’ PHANS— Triumphant. Tro P#/ o LuM— From ¢rofaion, a trophy; the leaves resemble a buckler, and the flowers an empty helmet. Tor’ reY 1—Referring to Dr. John Torrey, the Ameri- can botanist. Try CHO L&’ NA— Meaning unexplained. Tu BE RO/ SA— Tuberous. Tu’ rt PA—(Tulip,) Said to be from Thoulyban, its Persian name. Tweep’/ 1 A—In compliment to Mr. James Tweedie, who was an intelligent and indefatigable collector of plants in Brazil and Buenos Ayres. Um BEL La‘ TA— Umbellate; having the flowers ar- ranged in a round, flat head, with the peduncles origi- nating from a common center. U ni’ co Lor (i short) — One color. VA LERI A’ NA— Said by some to be named after Vale- rius who first used it in medicine; others suppose it to be derived from va/ere, to be in health, on account of the medicinal qualities of V. officinalis. VA LE RI AN A’ CE &—A natural order of plants, con- taining the genus Valeriana, from which it is named. Va RI A’ BI LIS— Variable. Verrcn’ 11— Alluding to the Messrs. Veitch, the cele- brated florists, of England. VE No’ SA-— Full of veins, veiny, venous. Ve nus’ TUM—Lovely, comely, charming, pleasing, winning, agreeable, graceful, beautiful. Ve! RA— True, real, genuine. VER BE’ NA— Said to be from its Celtic name Ferxfaen. VER BE NA’ CE &—A natural order of plants, of which Verbena is a representative, and from which it takes its name, or Tansy- thin, fine, slender, VER NA’ Lis— Pertaining to the spring; vernal. VE RO’ NI CA — Derivation of the word is unknown. VER SCHAF FELT’ 11— In reference to M. Verschaffelt, horticulturist at Ghent. Ver si’ cot orn— That changes its color; various colors, party-colored. Ves’ ta— The mythological goddess of flocks and herds and the household*in general. Vi pa’ Lis. Vin’ cA— Probably from wzxculum, a band; in allusion to the long, flexible shoots. Vi’ o ta— The Latin name of the flowers, and perhaps derived from zoz, another name of the same flower. V1 0 La’ cE &—A natural order of plants, of which the Violet is the principal genus, and from which it re- ceives its name. ViIR GI NI A/ NA — Virginian. Vis cA’ R1 A— From viscus, birdlime; in allusion to the glutinous stems. Vis’ cr pA — Clammy, sticky, viscid. ——. me He we ——~ Gy aS aed ~ iz, BAN J A ‘ Uy Hr ae TAT ae oh sO re Vit ta’ rA — Bound with a fillet or chaplet. Vu Ga’ RIs — Common, Wait’ zi a— Derivation uncertain. Wars zE wic’/ z11—In reference to Joseph Von Wars- cewicz, a Polish nobleman, and an ardent amateur botanist and plant collector. WASH ING TO NI A’ NUM — Referring to WEL TO NI EN’ s1s— Of or from Welton. Wuit La’ vi A— Named by the lamented Professor Harvey, for his friend Whitla. WIERCZz BECK’ I I (Wierc pronounced like Weerce.) WRAN GEL I A’ NA. WRIGHT’ Il. XE RAN’ THE MUM— From -reros, dry, and anthemon, a flower ; alluding to the dryness of the flower, which retains its color and form for years. ZE NO’ Bt A—A Queen of Palmyra. Z1n’ nt A—In honor of John Godfrey Zinn, formerly a Professor of botany at Gottingen. Washington re i USEFUL TABLES. Plants upon an Acre of Ground. Distances apart. No. of Plants. 6 inches by 6 inches, . 174,240 1 foot by 1 foot, ; 43,560 14 foot by 1% foot,. . 19,360 2 feet by 1 foot, 21,780 2 feet by 2 feet, . . Esher ee Se ca, \ 3 SONOOO. 3 feet by, 20teetian ele ee Rs 387521012) Buunlity of Seed usually About. Dwarf Beans, in drills,. . . 1 to 1¥% bush. Pole Beans, in hills, . 3 to 12 qts. Early Peas, in drills, . 1% bush. Marrowfat Peas, in drills, . 4 bush. @ormmonynills ee. acer ew Ue Ve Gee Sits: Beet, in drills, . . . 4 to 5 lbs. Carrot, in drills, . 2 to 3 lbs. Cucumber, in drills, . 1 to 2 lbs. Onion, in drills, . 4 to 6 lbs. Parsnip, in drills, ee > i ato plbs. Radish anidmillss.. Sis 4... . 6 to 8 lbs. Spinach, in drills, . 8 to ro lbs. oz. Asparagus will produce about oz. Celery, Endive, or Lettuce, will produce sie oz. Okra, or Spinach may be allotted for every . . oz. Cucumber is sufficient for oz. Musk Melon is sufficient for oz. Water Melon is sufficient for . . Pumpkin, or Squash is sufficient for 1 qt. Field Pumpkin is sufficient for . . 1 qt. Dwarf or Bush Beans is sufficient for 1 qt. Pole Beans is sufficient for . 1 qt. Peas is sufficient for . . HOH HH HAAR AR ° N H ° N Seed required for a given number of Plants, &c. oz. Brocoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Egg Plant, Kate, Tomiie eo! or 5 Pepper, : . Beet, Onions, Radish, or Salsify, may be allotted fa aoe : OZ. eanrot! Parsley, Parsnip, or Turnip, may be allotted for every. . Distances apart. No. of Plants. 3 feet by 3 feet, 2)... nek 4 feet by'4' feet, 3. 0.0 Oeste ene eee 5 feet by 's feet, 270 eee eae te 6 feet by 6 feet.) 20%. ci) aa meee moray Sifeet by.'8 feet, si... cai ae Wee 680 ro féetiby xo feet, 452.08 yt eee 435 sown upon one Acre. About. Squash, . . au ‘seb Vein agen erE ont Salsify, in ARS : i . 6 to 8 lbs. Sweet Corn, on soiling,). . 2 to 3 bush. Turnip, . 1% lbs. Chinese Stes Gane Broom Corn, in ils . Io to 12 qts. . 10 to 12 dts. White Clover, alone, . . 12 to 15 lbs. Blue Grass, alone, i eg . 56 lbs. Rye Grass, alone, . . .2 bush. Orchard Grass, . 2 to 3 bush. Mixed Lawn Grass, . . : . 4 bush. Red Top Grass, alone, co ae Hr . . 4 bush. . 500 plants. . 3000 plants. . 6000 plants. . 100 feet of row. . 175 feet of row. . 200 feet of row. . 150 hills. . too to 125 hills. . 40 to 60 hills. . 40 to 80 hills. . 400 to 500 hills. . 200 yet of row, or 300 hills. Mela hl 8 . 100 to 200 hills. . . . 150 to 200 feet of row. —> |; Rear ey Uy “5 E & EX f Rag Al ese ft OS { Ke / MW, ; WA : Ae Ay all’ te He es ; Bi\\ am Zi As iy DS 1 Y v ff 2 . yt AR) yy \\ i) THE first and most important section of our FLOwER GARDEN is composed mainly of ANNUALS, that is, those plants that live but one season. The seeds are sown in the spring, the plants arrive at maturity in the early summer, bud, blossom, ripen their seeds, and die in the autumn, having performed their entire mission. This class of plants, from their nature, are valuable treasures to both the amateur and professional gardener. ‘There is no forgotten spot in the garden, none which early flowering bulbs or other spring flowers have left unoccupied that need remain bare during the summer; no bed but can be made brilliant with these favorites, for there is no situation or soil in which some of the varieties will not flourish, Some members delight in shade, others in sunshine; some are pleased with a cool clay bed, while others are never so comfortable as in a sandy soil and burning sun. ‘The seed, too, is so cheap as to be within the reach of all, while a good collection of bedding plants would not come within the resources of many, and yet very few beds filled with expensive bedding plants look as well asa good bed of our best Annuals, like Phlox, Petunia or Portulaca, and for a vase or basket many of our Annuals are unsurpassed. Though we risk our reputation for good taste, perhaps, in making this statement, yet we have seen nothing better, and few things that we shall remember longer or more pleasantly than a vase filled almost entirely with the striped Petunia, and showing all day and every day hundreds of flowers. To the Annuals, also, we are indebted mainly for our brightest and best flowers in the late summer and autumn months. Without the Phlox and Petunia and Portulaca and Aster and Stock, our autumn gardens would be poor indeed, and how we would miss the sweet fragrance of the Alyssum, Mignonette and Sweet Pea if any ill-luck should deprive us of these sweet favorites. Many of our beautiful climbers, such as the Convol- vulus and Coboea scandens, and nearly all our Everlastings and Ornamental Grasses are included in this section. This Department, however, embraces some Perennials, but only those that flower the first season, though they do not die at its close, like the Annuals. Among these are the Pansy, Dian- thus, Antirrhinum, &c., that live for several years under favorable circumstances. In our country, however, most of these are usually short-lived, and are really only to be considered as hardy Annuals. Under the influence of spring showers and summer suns they mature rapidly, and flower so freely that by autumn the plants are so exhausted they cannot endure the rigor of our winters, and in the spring are usually worthless, if not entirely lifeless. By removing a portion of the flowers in the summer, and encouraging a vigorous growth, this class of plants will remain in perfection at least two years. If seed is sown late in the spring, or even in summer, young plants will give but few, if any, flowers the first season, and the second summer will be in perfec- tion. Many of the flowers that we treat as Annuals, sowing fresh seeds and growing new plants every year, because the plants are destroyed by frost in the autumn, are really Biennials or Per- ennials in their Southern home. 55 He oy Gan Pn STE RY AO, wt m ine Pate eee poe =a has eZ Z Ee oy __ Wii mei, ABRONIA, N Nat. Ord. Myctaginacee. BRONIAS are trailing plants, with prostrate branches, several feet in @ oe AM/, length, and bearing clusters of sweet-scented flowers; somewhat resembling the Verbena, both in flower and habit of plant, though more robust. ‘The Abronias are natives of California, and in their natural home make a beautiful flowery carpet. The yellow variety, ~ arenaria, delights in the most barren sand hills, and on the panda of the Pacific Ocean, within a few feet of high water, with no other sign of vegeta- tion around, we have seen the clean white sand hills made gay by this pretty plant, which is known on the coast of California ®& as the Sand-plant. Umdellata is a deli- cate pink with a good deal of fragrance. The seed does not always germinate freely, and the plants in some sections do not seem to grow with their native vigor. Start’ the seed under glass, first removing the husky covering. The Abronias, when they succeed, are deservedly admired, and therefore have some warm friends. ADONIS, Nat. Ord. Ranunculacee. The Adonis, a native of Europe, is of the easiest culture. The finely cut foliage is rather pretty. The flowers, by no means abundant, are of an intensely deep blood red color, and cup shaped. ‘The legend is that this flower sprang from the blood of Adonis, when he was wounded by the boar. It will grow well in the shade or under trees, and this we consider its principal recom- =] mendation.. A clump under a tree or in a shady corner of the garden, or under a hedge, or near a rustic summer house, is desir- able, but we would not recommend it for small gardens or limited collections. It | @ isan everyday plant and will fill a modest B, 5 place very satisfactorily ; butif we attempt tomake much of it, or put it on exhibi- \.. tion it will disappoint and mortify us. <. Flowers, like people, have places where | = they dothemselves and their friends credit, ~~ while in other situations there is gene- ral disappointment and mortification. Seeds may be sown in the garden, and plants should be about a foot apart. at é was mA ~~ SSA A a \ AGERATUM, Nat. Ord. Composite. A Mexican flower, of a brush-like appearance, not showy in the garden, but prized by florists, because it bears a great many flowers, and keeps in bloom a long time, and is, therefore, desirable for bouquet making. In fact, there are very few flowers that will work up to better advantage, and give a more chaste appearance to a small bouquet than the white or delicately tinted blue Ageratum, and as it will grow well in the house, is always a favorite with both amateurs and florists. Its name has reference to the long con- tinued flowering of the plant, and also of the fact that the flowers will remain fresh for a long time after being gathered, and a very liberal transla- tion would be ever-young. It is well to start = the seeds under glass, and then transplant to the flowering fled. Take up the smallest plants in October, and pot at for winter use. If no glass is to be had, select a mellow soil and a sheltered spot for the seed bed, and cover the seeds but slightly. Set plants six or eight inches apart to form a bed in the garden. A few seeds sown the latter part of August, if the soil is kept moist and shaded, will make young plants fit for potting for winter flowers. 56 so it ele, bt A ah UAV Z = aS 2 ce SAS) \ y S(O s a vi SK kG Se Pe rate: vay S) payin, Poteg a ee os O KE, MY Saat : Zak Ze we) ve ae. AGROSTEMMA, (Viscaria,) Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacee. The annual Agrostemmas, or, more correctly, Viscarias, are very pretty, free blooming and hardy annuals, making desirable beds and useful for cutting. The flowers are something like a single Pink, and are borne on long, slender stems. The plants are of a rather straggling habit, and produce abundance of flowers with but very little foliage, so that a single plant, or a few plants set widely apart, do not present a very pretty appearance; but when planted thickly in a bed, form a mass of color quite satisfactory, resem- bling a good bed of the bright colored Phlox Drum- mondii. This flower was introduced into England from Sicily more than a hundred years since, and is g still quite popular and common in English gardens, and is considered effective in producing a mass of bright color. We have had very good results in sowing this seed in the bed where it was intended to bloom, thinning out the plants but very little, if any. We have been much pleased with it as a plant for edgings for beds of Gladiolus or other tall plants. Grows about twelve inches in height, and should be set about six inches apart. ALONSOA, Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. The Alonsoas are natives of Chili and Peru, and when first introduced into Europe were treated as green-house plants, but of late years have been generally cultivated as tender or half- hardy annuals. Young plants removed to the house or green-house in the autumn will continue to flower during the winter. The flowers are small, but of remarkably brilliant colors, in which respect \ they are excelled by very few of our richly y colored flowers. We have succeeded best SF ; ; by sowing seed under glass and trans. ad ae Sy J planting, in this latitude about the first of na June, and as the plant is inclined to behard- » “We UF wooded, any young plants taken up and av ~S+4NV/.3% continue to grow and flower for a long eS. | T time. This flower has been cultivated for *N~S@ NM ah oe _ about fifty years, and the improvement _ i 5 since its introduction has not been marked. =S ALYSSUM, Nat. Ord. Crucifere. The Sweet Alyssum is one of those modest plants that everybody likes and every one must have. Its pretty little white flowers are so purely white, and so useful in making up all kinds of small bouquets, and its fragrance, while sufficiently pronounced, so very delicate, reminding one of the peculiar aroma of the hay-field, that no florist feels satisfied unless he has a little bed of Alyssum that he can resort to at all times when delicate flowers are needed. The Alyssum grows freely from seed, either under glass or in the open ground, though it does not germinate freely in the open ground in dry, hot weather. For a low, white edging or border, the Alyssum is excellent, as its habit fg) is good, and height only about six inches. ‘The little black flea that . : age destroys Cabbage and Turnip in the seed-leaf is Rees BK ® 2» exceedingly fond of Alyssum, and will destroy whole beds. Dusting with fine ashes is of ey advantage, and if a little fine snuff is mixed with *" the ashes the effect is better. The Alyssum was ~ first found wild on the shores of the Mediterra- nean, and is now found growing on the rocky cliffs of some parts ot the English coast, but is supposed to have become naturalized; that is, the seeds were accidentally carried from gardens to the fields and woods by birds or some other means. c= of 1 ——————— (>) - 4 SA _ S=)' CAPE. or Ge wwrat y, Wr —— dis} y+ Y : 2 TRO . N Ro Bee hd SOA YE) ___ WS AMARANTHUS, Nat. Ord. Amarantacee. The Amaranthus embraces a large class of plants, and some of them so diversified im character that, to the casual observer, they hardly seem to belong to the same family. They are mainly, however, valuable for their ornamental foliage, the leaves of most varieties being highly colored, while in some the form as well as. color is desirable. The present popularity of ornamental leaved plants. for bedding out renders this class more than usually interesting. The great difference of habit makes it necessary to give engravings of the: varieties, showing the more marked distinctions. The drooping flower shows A. caudatus, sometimes called Love Lies Bleeding, a rather coarse plant, yet graceful and excellent for autumn decoration, with racemes of flowers sometimes two to three feet in length. Another variety, Prince’s Feather, has flowers nearly similar, but arranged in erect spikes. The - smallest engraving represents 62- color, tricolor and several other sorts of about the same habit, though differing in color. The large engraving gives a very - good representation of salictfolius, or the Fountain Plant, a free growing plant that sometimes reaches a height of five feet or more, and is a very pretty object in a suit- | able position. Thef! Amaranthus are half- hardy plants, and use- a ful in many situations, as the back-ground of a flower bed, a bed on the lawn, or as an orna- mental hedge. Ina rich soil, where plants make a vigorous growth, the varieties with bright colors sometimes become dull. It is unfortunate that we cannot always rely on the color, no. matter how fine the plants from which the seeds are derived, but success is most assured in a warm, dry season, and in a light or rather poor soil. The Amaranthus is a native of the East. Indies, but has been in cultivation in Europe since the days of Queen ELIZABETH, and in. America since its first settlement. The name is a favorite with poets, and means never-wither ing. The leaves of the species of Amaranthus are wholesome food, and many varieties are eaten: in their native countries, like Spinach. ANAGALLIS, Nat. Ord. Primulacee. The genus Anagallis is remarkable for the beauty of its flowers, for even our wild scarlet Pimpernel, or Poor Man’s Weather Glass, is one of the prettiest of our small wild flowers. The improved garden varieties are very desirable for small beds, edgings,. baskets, &c. The plants usually do not exceed six inches in height, and when set in a bed thickly, cover the ground with a constant profusion of rich flowers. The Anagallis has representatives among. the wild flowers of a large portion of the world, from some of which importations have been made to America and Europe, and the hybrids. obtained by our florists exhibit great improve- ment. Sow under glass, if possible, and set the plants not more than six inches apart. ; ; The Anagallis is one of those honest, every- day flowers that, while it will not astonish any one, cannot fail to meet the anticipations of every lover of flowers. . z > yy R by J an Ly : Cle PE his 2) q SF =. \\Cs a) ey ‘ Pe BAGS BLS BING z Ses NN ee . —— wy -¢ _& SF ETT 7 aN = arma TAT me An =o Gi. rer», a are, ge ae WT Zi. ANTIRRHINUM, (Snapdragon,) Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. The Antirrhinum, perhaps better known by its old and popular name, Snapdragon, is one of the very best of our Perennials, and one that always gives a good account of itself the first season, blooming abundantly all the first sum- mer, even until after frost. Sometimes the plants suffer in winter, especially when permitted to exhaust themselves by excessive flowering, but they gener- ally flower well the second season, and sometimes the third. When it is desir- ed to keep the plants for flowering the second or third season, never allow seed to form; and if one half the plant is cut down to near the surface of the ground == about the middle of summer, new vig- Z orous shoots will be produced for the next season’s flowering. They exhibit a fine variety of colors and are exceedingly brilliant. Sow either in the frame or garden, early in spring. Easily transplanted. Set six to nine inches apart. The Antirrhinum is easy to grow and sure to please, and we ask those who do not cultivate this flower to give it a trial. ARGEMONE, Nat. Ord. Papaveracee. The Argemones are free blooming hardy annuals, with large flowers, resembling a single Poppy, while the leaves are armed with slender prickles, and very much resemble Thistle leaves, hence the Argemone is known almost every where as the Prickly Poppy. Natives of Mexico and Peru, and some of the species were introduced into Europe more \ than two hundred years since. The plants grow two feet in height \ Ww I Ipyka SANA Q\ nd make a very good low screen = ree i « ie ( SE SG . Yy ava sw = NSN or hedge, for which purpose set the Y j VV plants about ten inches apart in the rows. The foliage is not only large and very pretty in form, but of a pleasant light green color, and it can be easily imagined that with 2& its large, Poppy-like flowers a hedge of Argemone must be an interesting object. Very few summer hedges will look better. The engraving shows the flower less than one-half the natural size. ASPERULA, Nat. Ord. Rubiacae. Asperula azurea setosa is a profuse blooming hardy little annual from the Caucasian Moun- tains, and only introduced to cultivation a few years since. It is of dwarf habit, growing less than a foot in height, and bearing many clusters of small, light blue or lavender, sweet-scented flowers. This is one of the class of pretty, neat little flowers which some persons admire on account of their delicate beauty, and which many condemn as weedy and worthless, because they make no show in the garden. For making : up in small bouquets the Asperula is all that can be desired. The engraving shows the habit of the plant as well as the size of the flower, and from this a pretty good idea may = be obtained of the use to which it is adapted. We design to be quite particular on this point, because many of our choicest little gems are evil spoken of, just because their friends do ", X » not give them a proper introduction. kip o Sy Lbé. CEO k ~~ A : RVC VA —S> ESS, 7: zy Sees sae Sart ONS) ae ore EW a ——- Cahod ASTER, Nat. Ord. Composite. The Aster was popular when we had our little garden nearly halfa century ago. We used to call it then CHINA ASTER, but those children who wished to be very nice would say Reine mine ne and would often get laughed at for preferring so hard a name, just because it was | French. The Aster was sent to France from China by a Missionary, and the English name means China Star, while the French is Queen \ Daisy. Is was then a single, showy flower, bearing not much more a senile to the Aster of to-day than the Mayweed does to the Dahlia. However, we thought it very pretty, and it afforded us a | great deal of pleasure. We never see a poor single flower come up f among the good ones, and we occasionally find such, but we are | ee reminded of early days and childish friendships. We thought an ( Ir — WN engraving showing the character of the Aster as it was when imported might be interesting to our readers, and therefore give a small sketch. \ The Aster now is a general favorite, and its popularity is on the increase. For an Autumn show of flowers, we were about to say, we have not its equal, but we are reminded that when we get enthusiastic over any of our special favorites, we are ready to say the same thing about a good many. Perhaps we can safely say that for an autumn display it has no successful rival among the Annuals. Give the Aster a deep, rich soil, and mulching with coarse manure is very beneficial, and if extra fine flowers are needed for exhibition or any other purpose, a little liquid manure occasionally will give the most gratifying results. Plants may be grown in the hot-bed, cold-frame, or a seed-bed in the garden, but to obtain good flowers the Aster plant must be strong and “stocky.” A plant that is what garden- ers call «‘drawn” will never produce very fine flowers. A “ drawn’ plant is one that, by being crowded in the seed-bed, or some other cause, has become tall, slender and weak. The Aster transplants easily. Twelve inches apart is the proper distance for making a showy bed of the large varieties; the dwarf kinds may be set six inches or less. It is not best to have Asters flower too early in the season, and there need be no haste in starting seed in the spring, for the Aster, like the Dahiia, is essentially a Fall flower, and the flowers are always the largest and most perfect and enduring in the showery weather and cool, dewy nights of 7 Autumn. The tall varieties with large flowers need a little support, or during storms of wind and rain they are often blown down and their beauty destroyed when in full blossom. Set a stake in the ground near the main stem, so that its top is only about two-thirds the height of the plant. Then fasten the main branches to this stake, not in the way too common, which is merely to pass a string around the whole plant, stake and all, thus injuring both foliage and flowers. The proper way is to attach several strings to the stake, so that they will not slip down, then pass each one around two or so of the main branches in a kind of loop or sling, so that the plant will retain its natural position, and may be swayed by the wind without receiving the least injury. We have endeavored to show how this is done in the accompanying engraving. Asters are so very dissimilar in habit, ranging from the little dwarf, scarcely six inches in height, to the stately plant of more than three feet, and bearing flowers almost as large as a Pzeony, that a few words seem necessary to prevent persons purchasing what they do not desire. The smallest of the family is the little Dwarf Bouguet, represented in the engrav- ing, fig. 9, which presents a bouquet of flowers about five or six inches in height, with scarcely a leaf. These are excellent for borders around beds. The Dwarf Pyramidal Bouquets, represented by engraving, fig. 10, make plants from ten to twelve inches in height. Next in height is the Vew Schzller, about fifteen inches, ====== which we represent on this page. It will be seen to be of very peculiar habit, the Teves being almost entirely at the base of the plant, and drooping. Another class, like the Imbrique Pompon and Chrysanthemum-flowered, grow from eighteen inches to two feet in height, while the tallest class, represented by the Mew Rose, Perfection, and others, range from two to three feet. 60 ie j RIE aR y | NIN Wa i“ SS ENQ th ie VAIN ¢ Ay ii lll saa Nhe ann lly le iF ali aya: rach oe oo 7 S x Se Wi, b epee \ WW NERV ARR | ROCHE aye 43 AY eT ee EZ Cova PRESEN C2 S AW) A a > Z ban TPP em LAL. Yes TENN ror Pre ¢—— t BALSAM, (Impatiens,) Nat. Ord. Balsaminacee. ALSAMINA, like the Aster, is one of the most beautiful and popu- a TE WZ, /\ lar of out Annuals. Like that flower, too, it is an old favorite, LE Wl iN Uy =§=andso much improved during “<Lipe ee d; WAZ the last quarter of a century, oO) AN that it scarcely bears a resem- blance to the old flower. We 7 givean engraving of the Ba/- > sam, which many of our read- ers will recognize as the Ladys Slipper of other days ; and though they formerly thought it handsome, and have a right to think so now, if they wish, yet it ~ must be acknowledged there is a great improvement in this flower, and that the poor, single blossom so prized because associated with years and thoughts and friends of the past, is far inferior to the double, rose-like flower of to-day. Our climate is wonderfully adapted to the growth of the Balsam. In some parts of Europe it requires a great deal of nursing to secure good plants; almost hot-house treatment. No flower pays better for a WY (ff ~ , little extra care, in the way of enriching the soil—a little guano water and 5 CaN . 6 5 5 : XY GRAY Wi the like. We have grown side branches of Balsam two inches in diam- ‘\() TNR) LW é wi OWN Ney cter at the base, two feet in length, and perfect wreaths of flowers. Sow WE Sy" SU. : : : . BS ee in a frame or in a sheltered bed in the garden in the spring, as soon as the ed weather is rather warm OWA ; 5 ; LEON AN Transplant when the second YON; I : Gree eae SS leaves have made a little Fer ee KS growth. Set the plants ten or SFA OBE A twelve inches apart, and when the side branches appear, = pinch off all but three or four, "72-2 and pinch out the center shoot. : Those left will then grow strong, and the flowers will not be concealed case when the plant is left unpruned. A very good way is to keep all the side shoots pinched off, leaving only the leading one. This will grow two or three feet in height, and be a perfect wreath of flowers. Treated in this way, they will bear close planting. Some people, however, prefer the Balsam unpruned, and we advise to try several plans. It is quite interesting to watch the results of such treatment. The engravings show the effect of pruning. Fig.1, Dwarf Balsam of natural growth ; fig. 5, same pruned to five branches; fig. 2, common Balsam of natural growth; fig. 38, plant pruned to one branch ; fig. 4, pruned to three branches ; fig. 6, flower of natural size. hee, Jixtra Dwarf Balsams grow only about six inches in height, while the tall varieties often reach nearly three feet* im ayrich soil: With the choicest 7 GN Wis. Y Vo ‘ \ OLD BALSAM. seed the Balsam oc- casionally insists on giving only semi-double flowers, BALSAM IMPROVED. and no one can tell why. Many think that old seed produces flowers more double than new. 62 [oy Yeon iL, SOnees f : AMT. $a QA DZ ; BARTONIA, Nat. Ord. Loasacee. Bartonia aurea is a very showy, half-hardy annual. It is a native of California, and was found there nearly forty years ago by the unfortunate DouGLas, who discovered so many ornamental annuals in California and South America, which he introduced to European florists, and who finally sacrificed his life to his botanical zeal by falling into a pit placed to entrap wild cattle, on the Sandwich Is- lands, while on a botanical excursion. The leaves are somewhat thistle-like in appear- ance, gray and downy. ‘The flowers are double the size shown in the engraving, of a very bright, metallic yellow, and exceed- = ingly brilliant in the sunshine. It likes considerable moisture, and in a drouth the young plants sometimes suffer. We saw it flowering beautifully, in June, on the mountain sides in the neighborhood of the Yosemite Valley, but not in large quantities. As it does not bear trans- planting very well, we sow seed in the garden early, and in that way get good plants and flowers. BRACHYCOME, Nat. Ord. Composite. The Brachycome iberidifolia is a daisy-like flower, found on the banks of the Swan River, in Australia, and sometimes called Swan River Daisy. It is an elegant little plant, growing only about eight inches in height, of a branching, compact habit, De with deeply cut foliage and abundance of flowers, of the size and appearance of which our engraving will give a good idea, and bearing more resemblance to the Cin- eraria, perhaps, than any other flower. Colors blue and white, with a dark eye. For a bed or mass, set the plants six or eight inches apart. Neither this simple A description nor the engraving will give the reader a sufficiently favorable idea of 3 the pretty, daisy-like flowers, and the — compact, rounded form of this beautiful plant, which is deserving of far more attention than it has ever received. BROWALLIA, Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. The Browallias are excellent, free flowering, half-hardy annuals, mostly from South America. The flowers are beautiful and delicate, the engraving showing the natural size. Seeds grow quite freely and the plant gives abundance of bloom. Plants about eighteen inches in height, and should be set a foot apart. This, though not a showy, is a very interesting class of flowers; in fact, they belong, like the Dam Clarkia, the Nemophila, and Whitlavia, to a modest, | and therefore unappreciated, family, which we like much Pe ted enough to please everybody, and we do not like to be the cause of disappointment, even to unreasonable people. For several years past, however, the taste for the culture of the more delicate flowers has been rapidly 7A id wes % improving, and instead of being scolded for over-praising MEE some little favorite, it will be recollected, many readers ~ have complained because we said so little when so much could be spoken with truth. With this progress we are well pleased. 5 % g on 4p LR: Ai) ALE SE A) PI R EA i. ( A ») EYEE Hix eee a pe) Ze Noa CACALIA, Nat. Ord. Composie. ACALIAS are pretty half-hardy annuals, with small, tassel-like flowers, and from the form of the flower, often called Flora’s Paint Brush. The flowers are borne in clusters on slender stalks, about a foot or so in length. The appearance of % the Cacalia in the bed is quite satisfactory, and for cutting these little flowers are always in request. There are two varieties, scarlet and orange. Sow seed under glass, and set the plants in the flowering bed about six inches apart. This little flower is a native of the East Indies. The principal merit of the flower is that it continues in bloom from early summer until late autumn, throwing up its tall | branching and tasseled flower stems, and furnishing flowers for cutting every day for several months. CALAN DRINIA, Nat. Ord. Portulacacee. A very pretty genus of plants, with somewhat succulent stems and fleshy leaves, as might be expected, being of the Purslane family. The plants are more or less prostrate, some varieties as much so as the Portulaca. The best of the species are natives of South America. They endure heat and drouth like the Por- tulaca, and are peculiarily well adapted for rock work, mounds, &c. Flowers large, abundant and x continuous through the summer. The engraving — shows the flower about one-third the natural size of ES most of the varieties. It is best to treat the Calan- = drinia as a half-hardy annual, and sow under glassy.) 5S but very good success may be had by sowing in the open ground, especially in a light, sandy soil. Sz, 1 CALENDULA, (Marigold,) Nat. Ord. Composite. The Calendula is the old and well known Marigold family which every one knows, but may not recognize by this name. The name was given because some of the species were supposed to ens be in flower every month of the Calendar. The C. officinalis is the old Pot Marigold, which, according to the old belief, possess- ed wonderful medical virtues, and as a pot herb had great merit, and which now =. some Englishmen think gives a delicious ADS Za = flavor toa leg of mutton. The English 4 i name is a corruption of Mary’s gold, on | account of the value of this plant as a pot herb to English cottagers’ wives. The single varieties are not much cultivated, but the double are still popular. CALLIOPSIS, Nat. Ord. Composite. The genus Calliopsis embraces a very useful and brilliant class of hardy annuals. The plants are tall, usually two or three feet in height, and though of slender habit are of vigorous growth. The flowers embrace every shade of yellow, orange and rich, reddish brown, verging to red or crimson. Some varieties are finely marked. The flowers on slender foot stalks, and very abundant, so that when sown in groups, which is the best method, the effect of the waving S\\ps flowers is very fine. Our engraving shows @@ one of the varieties with a beautiful eye, ~~~ ante and the real English of the Greek word Calliopsis is “ Beautiful Eye.” the open ground or under glass. 64 SASS) Pe =o) ba & Yi A Pai fh r= WH S a) EAT = CALLIRHOE, Nat. Ord. Malvacee. A species of Mallow-like plants, natives of America, with large, purplish flowers, about twice the size of the engraving, and showing a white center, which gives the flower a very beautiful appearance. ‘They are five-petaled, and about two inches across. The filaments of the stamens are united in a columnar tube, which bears a tuft of many stamens at the end. Height of plant about two feet, though there is a dwarf variety, growing only about - one-half this height. Seeds under favor- =. able circumstances will grow freely in the = ~ open ground. Thin out the plants so that they will be about a foot apart. The Cal- lirhoe commences to flower when only about six inches high, and gives abundance of its pretty flowers through the summer until frost. CAMPANULA, Nat. Ord. Campanulacee. The Campanulas are a large genus, embracing a great many beautiful and popular Perennials, like the Campanula Medium, or Canterbury Bell, which we shall describe in the department devoted to flowers that bloom the second season. In the Campanulacee there are supposed to be over two hundred species, and natives of the colder portions of America, Asia and Europe, and scarcely any found in warm countries. The famed Blue Bells of Scotland, (the Hare-bell of America,) is the best known species. There are quite a@ number of annuals of great value for forming masses, as they are neat in habit, hardy, and free bloomers. Seed may be sown in the open ground or under glass. In the flowering bed plants should be five or six inches apart, “Xj so as to form a mass and entirely cover the soil. The flowers of the annual varieties are small compared with 3 7= the perennials, and the prevailing colors white, blueand =——~™SO rose. They are simple, neat little flowers, not very desirable as single plants, but quite effective in masses. CANWNA, Nat. Ord. Marantacee. The Cannas are stately plants, with broad green, highly ornamental leaves, giving to our Northern gardens a tropical appearance, exceedingly pleasant. Although the Canna looks well when grown singly, yet we must look for the most desirable effects when grown in clumps or groups, or when to the Canna is devoted a whole bed on some portion of the lawn. There are several varie- ties, the leaves of some being entirely green, while in others the leaf-stem, midrib and veins are red. Some kinds also grow three or four feet in height, while others are of a somewhat dwarfish habit, being only about two feet. The Canna is also very useful, when grown in pots, for indoor deco- rations, such as halls. porches, etc. The Canna makes good large plants from seed the first season after planting only under favorable circumstances, so that those who depend upon seeds for their show of plants for the sum- mer, should encourage growth in every possible way, therefore, soak the seeds 1n hot water for several hours before planting. Ina cold climate, seed © must be sown under glass, and indeed it is well to grow the plants in pots. so as to get them of good size before the weather is warm enough to turn them into the garden, for unless the plants are strong when set out they will not produce much effect the first year. Many of my customers on the rich soils of the Southwest succeed admirably with the Cannas, not only making a fine show the first summer, but plants of enormous size. In ordinary places, where there is no convenience for hot-bed, potting, &c., it is well to purchase roots, which can be obtained of good size in the spring. In the autumn take up the roots and keep them in the cellar in sand, to be planted again the following spring. The flowers are pretty but not showy. 65 S NA! 4 at AS) ete Wiaxei ie 2 ye ( SEs, —~AFKTTT® 5 CT77/mIN ; icc We CANDYTUFT, (Iberis,) Nat. Ord. Cruciferae. The Candytuft is an old, popular, hardy annual that every one at all conversant with flower- is acquainted with. It is the same flower now that it was two hundred years ago, the improve. g ment in its character being very AY) ANN) ty GF 23 = only eal ZB Pee _& » Voy : HARON AG RPM GE De Cee slight. Although the Candytuft i WSS ay CAC CIA SFY Fees. 1s = QA D Ey Gp a GE] crows so freely that it is not con- s Ae . bey / <P besa ST if A I\E Z sidered necessary to give it any par- * ticular care, yet it appreciates a little extra culture, as those who take a plant or two for extra good == treatment will be fully aware after the trial. A little manure water occasionally, with a thorough softening of the soil around the the plant, and a thinning out of the too numerous clusters of buds, will produce heads of flowers three inches across. The Candytufts are a treasure in the hands of the florist for bouquet making, especially the white varieties, because. the flowers are so small and the white so pure, and because by sowing a little patch occasionally flowers can be had at any time, winter or summer. Several times, crimson, carmine and other bright color- ed Candytufts have been announced among the Novelties, but until this summer we never found any better than the old purple, or much differ- ent. We now have a good bright rose, which is a most valuable acquisition. Seed should be sown where the plants are to bloom, either inthe = fall or as early in the spring as possible. The general form of the Crimson, Purple, Lilac etc., is shown in the engraving; also the Rocket, which bears its flowers in spikes. CASSIA, Nat. Ord. Leguminose. Cassia chameecrista is a very good annual indeed, with pretty, light green foliage, like the Sensitive Plant, and plenty of bright, golden yellow flowers. ' It is of dwarf, compact habit, about eighteen inches in height, has the appearance of a little hard-wooded shrub, Jy ge and makes a very pretty border. It is a native of the West [4 W44 and Southwest, and entirely worthy of culture. Persons Vi %,) who see this flower first in its wild state are so delighted with it, and so anxious to have others share their pleasure, I =e 2 AY WA es < that samples of both flowers and seeds are sent us by the S — SX “hundred. We judge from the demand made upon us for me seeds by European seedsmen and florists, that this native American is attracting considerable attention. Sow under glass or open; set plants a foot apart. CATCHFLY, (Silene,) Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacee. There are a great many Silenes with small flowers and not very great beauty. The prettiest of all is S. Armeria, and generally ca Ge Z = known as Lobel’s Catchfly, named ‘ He WW after LOBEL a distinguished old botan- ) ; ist of Flanders. Nearly all the species of this genus have a viseid moisture on their stalks, in which it is said flies are sometimes entrapped, therefore the Catchfly part of thename. The Silene Armeria is a free flowering hardy annual, growing over a foot in height, with small flowers, red, white or rose. Set plants six inches apart so as to form a clump. 66 INS HH\\; t 3 VEE = ys APE BS Me a JES > AAG, pS eee ER, AVY Peg y a ie re Oe TENS = hanna xc ne SE OI AUS E> CELOSIA, Nat. Ord. Amarantacee. The Celosias are interesting and singular annuals, and when well grown, from seed of good quality, never fail to please the grower and attract tke attention of his friends. In Europe they are grown in pots for floral exhibitions and also for table decorations, but in most parts of America they gro-v so freely in the open ground that this treatment is not necessary to form most superb plants, though for exhibition purposes extra good plants in pots would be very convenient and useful. There are two desirable forms of ¢ Si the Celosia, the Cockscomb and the Feathery, —@#% the former being the most curious and far the most popular. When true, the latter forms a feathery head that is very pretty, but it is not always reliable, and we have discarded all but one or two varieties of this form that usually come good and true. Of the old- fashioned Cockscomb, represented by the small engraving in the center, seed can now be obtained of excellent quality, that with good culture, in a rich soil, will give heads from six inches to a foot across, and soine who read this article will, no doubt, be ready to say they have grown them nearly twice this size, for in the rich soils of the West, and with comparatively good culture, they make combs of wonderful size. Four years ago we obtained a new Cockscomb from Japan, which we named the Vick’s Fapan Cockscomb, and which far excels every other variety in the brilliance of its color and V2 PID A oD Sa \ ANY | MW i the beauty of its Seed ior sale. =) It comb. We kept it not only sustains its on our own grounds original character, on trial for, two but seems to like the years, and was so Amercan climate charmed with its great beauty as well as its distinctness of and soil. Last sum- mer it was more bril- liant than ever be- character - that in z fore. The usual form 1873 we offered the SSS of the plant is shown in the first engraving at the left, while the cut on the right exhibits the usual form of the combs, with a bright scarlet edging ruffled like the most delicate lace. In many specimens the comb is so nicely cut as to resemble the finest coral both in form and color, and this appearance we have endeavored to show in the lower engraving at the right. Some of the side branches also assume this square instead of the comb form. Oc- casionally a plant has the form of the lower engraving at the left, being a mass of combs with scarcely a leaf. The branches from the roots to the smallest leaf-veins are scarlet or crimson. It flowers earlier than the old vari- eties and keeps in bloom until frost. The seed germinates readily in the hot-bed, and will bear plenty of bottom heat, but needs abundance of air. The form of the feathered Celosia is shown by a drawing of a branch, found at the right of the central engraving: A spike of Celosia spicata rosea may also be seen at the left. These spikes are pinkish, three or four inches long, and nearly an inch in diameter, and may be cut and dried like an Everlasting, retaining both form and color nearly as well as the Helichrysums. This flower is known in some locations as the Lady’s Finger. 67 CENTAUREA, Nat. Ord. Composite. The Centaureas are a very large family, and some of the members bring no very great credit to the household, many English farmers think when they see the Blue Bottles among the Wheat, and the Knapweed in the pastures. Itis, of course, a little flattering to our national pride to be able to say that the handsomest and best of the tribe are Americans. Some English Botanists, we know, think that one bad fellow emigrated from America, naturalized, and took up his abode in England, but we have never acknowledged the truth of this charge, and do not design to do so without better proof. The Centaureas are per- fectly hardy, and some of the best varieties are really fine. C. Americana, is sometimes called Basket Flower, because the calyx has the appear- =e ance of a basket filled and overflowing with the hair-like petals. We have endeavored to show the appearance of this flower in the engraving. CENTRANTHUS, Nat. Ord. Valerianacee. There are several varieties of perennial Centranthus, differing not very materially from the Valerians, that is, for the purposes of the florist. C. macrosiphon is a very pretty annual species, for which we are indebted to Spain. It has a light green, hol- low, almost transparent stem, delicate branches, with light, glaucous leaves. The flowers are small and borne in clusters, Sy as shown in the engraving, and for a pretty win bed or mass of delicate flowers, or fora little reserve for cutting, we may search a long time before we find anything to sur- pass the little Centranthus. The word macrosiphon means long-tubed, and as will = be seen by the engraving, these flowers ® have long, slender tubes. We have had no difficulty in getting a good growth from the seed, either in the open ground or under glass. CHAM ZEPEUCE, Nat. Ord. Composite. The Chameepeuce is a very singular and rather elegant Thistle-like plant, with the prettiest variegated leaves and the sharpest spines imaginable. It is perennial, living several years, but not blooming until the second year, though this is of very little consequence, as the beauty is in the foliage and not the flowers. It is perfectly hardy in this section, the self-sown seed having produced plants on our grounds for several years. It is much used in = some parts of the world for decorative purposes, a good plant in a pot, looking quite as well as a young Century Plant or any thing of this character. CLEOME, Nat. Ord. Capparidacee. The Cleomes are. very good half-hardy annuals, obtained, we believe, first from South America, and now pretty generally cultivated. At first it was thought to be a green-house annual, but latterly has been classed with the fe half-hardy annuals in England, and 3 in America it does exceedingly well, “St flourishing in our hottest, driest = "Zz Vr seasons. The Cleomes have very ..)"\ singular flowers, as will be seen by ss q Y the engraving, the stamens looking Ze like spider’s legs. The Cleome is a plant well worthy of culture. 3 Growth about eighteen inches, and = plants should be set about a foot apart. ’ \ 4 \ YAY 68 Se CPA : de —— Ip Aite | NES A Z Y i ee 45 Ea NEF ASIA We) > aia - Se Ni.ar Ye DUNS TPR NL. NON PTI PIA? PST Ei CLARKIA, Nat. Ord. Oxagracee. When once in the County of Essex, in England, wandering about in search of flowers and their intelligent cultivators, we neared an old-fashioned village, called St. Osyth, and in its neighborhood we saw immense fields ablaze with bright colors, acres each of pink, red, white, purple, lilac, and which a closer view proved to be masses of Clarkia, being grown for the seed. Wherever amass of bright colers is desired, the Clarkia is the most effective annual in the hands of the English florist. It give good early spring flowers. COLLINSIA, Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. The Collinsia is a very pretty, free blooming, hardy annual, that we always liked, but never so well as since we saw it growing wild in California, and which awe we mistook when at a distance for some new species of Lupin. The marbled, or many-colored, flowers are in whorls of five or six blossoms, and three or more of these whorls on each flower stem. The upper lip of the flower is white or pale lilac, and the lower one dark purple. About eighteen inches in 2 height. We have had very good suc- - cess with fall planted seeds in a dry soil, but would hardly like to advise this plan generally. CON VOLVULUS, Nat. Ord. Convolvulacee. Every one knows the Convolvulus major, the old and loved Morning Glory, which will be found described among the Climbing Plants, but all are not conversant with the Dwarf Convolvulus, C. mznor. It is a dwarfish plant, of a trailing habit, each plant covering a circle per- haps two feet in diameter, or more. The flowers are about two-thirds the size of those of the Morning Glory, and a bed of the Dwarf = Convolvulus forms beautiful mass; and were ~ it notthat the flowers are closed during the latter part of the day, the same as Convolvulus major, few plants would give more satisfaction. | The engraving shows the flower one-half natural size. CREPIS, Nat. Ord. Composite. The Crepis are pretty plants that almost every one would like in a large collection, but which we would not recommend to those who cultivate but few flowers, except once for trial or acquaintance. There is great pleasure in forming a personal acquaintance with strange flowers by culture, just as much as in traveling among new scenes in strange lands; at least,so we think. There are several varieties of the Crepis, yellow, pur- ple, pink and white, all hardy annuals, about one foot in height, and bearing deli- cate, pretty flowers. The engraving shows -=2 the full size of the flower. Plants should : be about eight or ten inches apart. Seed —=a@ge=—=ae <> will germinate if sown in the open ground, but we generally put a pinch or two in the hot-bed. 69 ! i \. ia i \ \\" K\" SAS) Ed SAO Sok “ie os { BS VOW! y) Ge. i rrr Se AE DATURA, Nat. Ord. Solanaceae. ‘ ATURA is a large, strong-growing plant, with trumpet-shaped LY GE x flowers, the best varieties bearing blooms six inches i in length, oS W mostly white, and sometimes tinted with a ) delicate blue. No one ever flowered a ' good Datura for the first time who was not a good deal more than pleased, and no one ever had a blooming plant in his garden that did not receive a large share of the at- tention and admiration of visitors. This is due very largely to its great size and purity of color. There are several double varie- ties, in fact, the Datura seems to double in almost every style, but we prefer the single === kind. The roots of one variety, Wrightit, will usually endure he winter and flower for several seasons, but any of the roots can be pre- served in a cellar, like Dahlia roots. Plants two feet in height; set plants two feet apart. DELPHINIUM, Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae. The Delphiniums are beautiful, free blooming, popular plants, and generally known as Lark- spurs on account of the peculiar formation of the flower, which has a fancied resemblance to the Wy) spur of that favorite European song-bird, the Lark. There are several very desir- ne > able Perennials, which will be found described in the proper department, and also OG WP quite a number of annuals, all hardy and good. The Larkspurs prefer a cool soil ANGE’ and season, plenty of moisture, and a little shade a ei an will do no injury. Sow the seeds in the autumn, oD Re Z B Wg or very early in the spring, so as to have the és Ay i a at . benefit of cool, early, showery weather. Among eu ) S i) in a as ity the annuals, the Rocket varieties are perhaps the Bees i FNS ee ee Ny tavorites. They send sa a Maah “¥ 60°: Z on re up a tall spike, as shown a aN ORR 7 Ah borat in the engraving, which SB Be ae A, PRU gives the name, and a N Uh ing ea SE: ee S bed of these varieties is 2 Ay oe eis Ne: _~N truly gorgeous. The a a Si“ of 5) Rel ( 3 > appearance of a good ef TAK te é ON, ON double flower is shown Be SW in the small engraving. mS SWZ / There are several varie- oe) Ne ties that make rather large, branching plants, and as these have abundance of flowers on strong stems, are especially desirable for cutting. | A somewhat new variety, called Candelabrum, is shown in the engraving. The branching varieties grow about two feet in height, and should be planted about eighteen inches apart. The Rockets should be set in rows five or six inches apart. Sow the seed where the plants are to bloom. Larkspurs continue in flower only a short time. DIDISCUS, Nat. Ord. Agiacee. The Didiscus cceruleus is a truly handsome Australian plant, about two feet in height, with numerous umbels of sky blue flowers. The appearance of both plant and flower we have endeav- ored to show in the engraving. While, like others we have before described, we do not think this flower will ever become 7 ay) a Zp 1S ee sa generally cultivated, yet it is too pretty to be omitted from our list. If seeds are sown and plants well forwarded in the hot-bed, bloom may expected about the ae first of July; but if in the open ground, not until the latter part of the month. It is pence if possible, to sow under glass. 70 - nan = SY Ahk Ee TE, = 45 . e ( ek By I SWZ Tage Seer nla. ptt = — ee ) Bee WA ae DIANTHUS, Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacee. A splendid genus of the most beautiful perennials grown. The Sweet William, (Dianthus barbatus,) the Carnation and Picotee, (D. caryophyllus,) and the Garden Pink, (D. hortens?s,) belong to this genus; but, as they do not flower until the second season, will be described in the proper place. The species known as D. Chi- mensis, embracing the old Chinese Pink, very much improved of late years, and the new and superb varieties from Japan, known as D. ed- dewigit and lacinzatus, are among the most brilliant and useful of our garden flowers. The last two run into many varieties, the result of hybridization, with flowers of monstrous size and varied and rich in coloring. Plants of the tall growing sorts are from twelve to fifteen inches in height, while the dwarf kinds make handsome low, compact bushes, excellent for the garden and unsurpassed for pots. Seed may be sown in the spring, under glass or in a seed-bed. Easily transplanted. Set the plants from six to twelve inches apart, according to varieties—the dwarf sorts only about six inches. The Dianthus flowers freely during the whole summer. If the flowering is checked by prun- ing, so as to keep the plants vigorous, they will usually survive the winter well, and make most beautiful plants the second season, even much better than the first. _ If allowed to flower too freely, they are sometimes so weakened as to be unable to bear the winter without suffering great injury, if they escape destruction. Seed sown late in the spring will produce strong young plants for the second season’s flowering. The Dwarf sorts especially, and, in fact, all kinds, make very good house plants, if not kept too warm. In this family there has been very great improvement in the past few years, so that now flowers grown from seeds of the common China Pink are far superior to anything known among the China or Japan Pinks ten yearsago. The engraving shows a flower of a good double Pink, of natural size. The single varieties are so brilliant in color that they are prized by some persons even more than the double sorts, and for beautiful markings and rich coloring few flowers equal the single Japan and China Pinks. DOUBLE DAISY, (Bellis,) Nat. Ord. Composite. Every one knows and loves the Daisy. It has been the favorite flower of the poets from CHAUCER down. Even the Daisy of the field is beautiful and poetical. The cultivated double kinds are so good, and their merits so well known, that they need neither description nor praise at our hands. Unfortun- ately our climate is too dry for the perfection of the Daisy, and it is only in early spring or in favored locations, or where water is freely used, that we can see the Daisy in its prime. Plenty of water and shade, however, will do the work. Plants of good sorts can usually be procured, but seed sown either in the hot-bed or open ground “= a ae ; will produce plants that will give a few late flowers the first season. A portion coming from seed will always be single, and these can be removed. The plants should be about six inches apart when set, so that when in perfection they will about cover the ground. For a single line or border, the Daisy is unsurpassed. Plants do not always bear a Northern winter without injury, and sometimes suffer in dry seasons. A cold-frame in winter, and a cool North border in sum- mer, will insure success. vl ERYSIMUM, Nat. Ord. Crucifere. RYSIMUMS are very good and perfectly hardy annuals, of the Mus- tard family. They form fair looking plants about eighteen inches in height, with clusters of yellow or orange, fra- grant flowers, and plant and_blos- som resemble the single Wallflower, though both flowers and clusters are smaller. Late in the season the Erys- imum is very desirable for cutting, and =. although not a flower that we would se- lect as one of the best six, yet it is one we would not like to dispense with and also one that improves with acquaint- ance. Some time when you need flowers for loose bouquets or decorations, try the Erysimum. ESCHSCHOLTZIA, (California Poppy,) Nat. Ord. Papaveracee. The Eschscholtzias are the most showy of our yellow-flowered annuals. This we well knew, but the exceeding brilliance of these flowers when grown in masses we did not realize until we saw thousands of acres in their native home, California, shining like seas of molten gold. The plant is q | ‘i \ )) . g Se “— Wag !) of low growth, the tallest varieties being less than a foot in height, while the dwarf kinds are not more EES » — NY \\\ cart yadid : ex | Mf” \\ \\ than six inches. The leaves are Ze == jo "MAB i = \ \' i aii ‘A finely cut, and glaucous green in = —\ | (i WE color. There are now several dis- tinct varieties, white, yellow, orange, &c., but the old yellow, known as the California Poppy, is quite equal to the best. Seed may be sown in the garden where plants are to flower. EUPHORBIA, Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae. The Euphorbia marginata is a pretty annual, making a plant nearly two feet in height and having the appearance of a shrub or miniature tree. The largest of the leaves are nearly two ve" inches in length, growing smaller as they near the tops of the ats Z),,-. branches. The leaves are very pretty light green, surrounded by 2 NAS Z a margin of clear, snowy white, on the large leaves merely a line, iy ye y becoming wider as the leaves get smaller, until the smallest are S aes nearly or quite pure white, as are also the flower bracts. It SSK Mp yz grows abundantly west of the Mississippi, and is called Snow on <I VY ; : i ELE the Mountains, and we thought this a very appropriate name, Zi LARS as we noticed it growing upon the plains, within sight of the snow-fringed mountains. For a bed of crnamental-leaved plants few things we are acquainted with will give more satisfaction. EUTOCA, Nat. Ord. “Hydrophyllacee. The Eutocas are another pretty class of California annuals, all having blue flowers, though of different shades. They are coarse growing plants, but the flowers of the dark colored sorts are intensely blue. They do best in a warm sandy soil, at least give more flowers in proportion to their foliage than if in a rich strong soil. The Eutocas are very desirable for cutting, because a flowering branch when placed in water will keep in bloom for many days. It seems almost strange that we are indebted to California for so many of our nice annuals. The lover of flowers, and par- : ticularly if acquainted with annuals, in travel. === ing in California finds it hard to persuade himself that he is not in a cultivated garden, and often we found ourselves unconsciously looking for the house, the host, and the gardener. 72 , HE, 826 = "NA 2 Nese WZ So Pom Ste, GR J& \ 2S AOR, pie BT CR ty DE: BER \ LA. 5) Aa G : NU SSS Cyaan baie SS eI FENZLIA, Nat. Ord. Polemoniacee. fre ENZLIA DIANTHIFLORA is a very neat little plant, bearing a perfect mass of small flowers. In fact both plant and flower are miniature in size. The flowers are rosy tinted, with a yellow throat, surrounded by dark colored spots. This little plant is a : native of California, and we think must grow / up among the mountains or in the shady can- | yons, for it seems to require both shade and 2 moisture, and suffers materially in the garden Wp = in a hot, dry season. It is very desirable for pots or baskets, or for window or conserva- tory decoration, forming a globular mass of flowers, four inches in diameter, and constantly in flower, when the plant is healthy and strong. GAILLARDIA, Nat. Ord. Composite. AILLARDIA is a really good bedding annual, the plants being strong, constant bloomers through the whole summer, and each plant covering a good deal of ground. The plants are somewhat coarse, and the flowers by no means delicate, yet a good bed of Gaillardia will bring no discredit upon the taste of the cultivator. The Gaillardias are natives of Texas and other Southern States, and are known by the common name of Blanket Flower in some sections of the South, under which a name we have received many speci- === —_— mens of seed and flowers. Half- | _hardy annuals; bear transplanting well, and should be set from twelve to eighteen inches apart. GILIA, Nat. Ord. Polemoniacee. Gilias are free-flowering, hardy annuals, growing from six to ten inches in height, with clusters of small, delicate, yet bright, lively flowers, that make very pretty little masses or clumps, but do not look well in very large beds or masses. The Gilias, like so many of our fine annuals, are natives of California, and were discovered and in- troduced into Europe about forty years since. Plants of most of the varieties flower very early, often in the seed bed, and almost as soon as out of the seed-leaf. The flowers are small, borne in panicles, and desirable for cutting. Quite hardy, dea and seed may be sown in the open ground, but if transplanted should be removed when small. HELIANTHUS, (Sunflower,) Nat. Ord. Composite. ELIANTHUs is the well known old fashioned Sunflower; coarse, tall plants, from four to eight feet in height, with bright yellow flowers. The best double varieties produce a very gooc effect among shrub- bery, and when used as screens, etc. The Sunflower is a native of Peru, and in old times was regarded with some reverence as a flower sacred to the sun, and was worn by the virgins of the sun at the great festivals of the Incas. It is no doubt the flower alluded to by Ovid, when he represented Clytia as pining to death for love of Apollo and _being changed by the pitying god into a flower which turned to the ~ sun. The Sunflower is hardy and annualiy reproduces itself from _ self-sown seed. Many are now turning their attention to the growth of the Sun-flower for the production of oil, and as food for poultry, and Prof. MAurRy published a series of articles endeavor- ing to prove that for the destruction of malaria in swampy districts it was invaluable, we have no doubt equaling the Ezcalyptus. Ley 3) 44 on [Swe ar ay Wag A : . : SAAS Sere oN le eas Pee PERI NLL. GOP ITT pa HUNNEMANNIA, Nat. Ord. Papaveracee. Hunnemannia fumarizefolia is a beautiful herbaceous perennial, from Mexico, but one, we regret, not hardy in Northern latitudes. Fortunately, however, the plant makes a rapid growth, arrives at maturity and flowers the first i season. We, at the North, therefore, can yb Ye treat the Hunnemannia as an annual, and \ - by sowing the seed every spring enjoy its atazev = beauty as well as those who are blessed Zz NIM with a more favorable climate. The Nis plant makes a growth of about two feet; the flowers are bright yellow and tulip- formed. We are always pleased with this flower, and can, therefore, recommend its culture. KAULFUSSIA, Nat. Ord. Composite. AULFUSSIAS are pretty, little, free flowering, hardy annuals, having the appearance of single Asters, but the ray florets curl back in a very curious way, after the flower has been expanded a Short time. The plants make a low growth, only being about six inches in height, and would be excellent for bedding, only that they make their growth early in the season, and bloom and ripen their seed long before we are . prepared to dispense with any bedding plant - that has been enlisted in the work of ornament- i “<==— ing our lawns or gardens. There are many, wi however, who, despite this fault, are very much attached to the pretty little Kaulfussia. The col- ors of all the varieties are good, and of some very intense. LEPTOSIPHON, Nat. Ord. Polemoniacee. EPTOSIPHONS are low, pretty, hardy, California annuals, growing less. than six inches in height, and bearing clusters of delicate little flow- ers. Like many other Cali- fornia anuuals, they do not seem to bear our hot dry sum- mers very well, but do not suffer by either wet or cold. They are so perfectly hardy that we have always suc- ==. ceeded by sowing seed late in the autumn or at the earliest possible moment in the spring, as we have advised for Clarkia. This course produces early spring flowers in abundance. A border on the North side of a fence or building suits them exactly. LINUM, (Flax,) Nat. Ord. Linacee. Linum grandiflorum rubrum is a very fine half-hardy annual, with beautiful, bright crimsor flowers that continue all through the summer. The habit of the plant is neat and slender, like all the Flax family, and it grows to eighteen inches or more in height. When planted a ov foot apart, this Flax makes a very good bed. \ | We have endeavored to show, in the engray- ing, the habit of the plant, and also the ap- pearance of the flower, which is of a brilliant scarlet color, and about the size shown in the engraving. Seeds germinate best in the hot- bed, but will do pretty well if sown in the ======== garden in a light soil. Perennial varieties will be found described in the proper department. 74 = oa eI, % Le he man ————— oF WW SOD SS), 4 Sey aie ie. tre. = ~ ‘| Lt Fa ( Z = Op i EC RY Bye NAS OND) Z ORR Se i : Was ae 2 a ; PONE: 053) A PRN AN — Z Ye See pa, eee WY = ade, LOBELIA, Nat. Ord. Lodbelacee. Lobelias are a class of plants of great beauty and remarkably useful to the gardener, being adapted to a great variety of ornamental purposes. Some of the Lobelias are strong, hardy perennials, like our Cardinal Flower. The annual varieties are ; mostly of a trailing habit, bearing immense » numbers of small flowers, and are particularly * adapted to baskets, vases, etc., where drooping y plants look so graceful; they are also freely used Z. as edgings for beds of ornamental-leaved and ; = other bedding plants. A few varieties form compact, almost globular, little plants, and one of these we have shown in the engraving. This style is superb for edgings of beds, pots, and like purposes, which the habit will suggest to the thoughtful florist. LUPINUS, (Lupine,) Nat. Ord. Leguminose. The Lupins are a well-known genus of very conspicuous plants, and there are very few peo- ple that are not acquainted with some of the varieties. We have cultivated the Lupin for a couple of scores of years, have seen it in the best gar- 9 £& x dens of Europe , and yet we never realized its wealth of : i beauty until we met it in its Californiahome. Here we f y saw the little, dwarf Lupin, scarcely six inches in height with its pretty, miniature flowers, and the mammoth plant full six feet, with flowering stems stretching themselves out like giant arms. Here we saw the white, the yellow, the blue, the variegated,—Lupins of every hue. We returned with greatcr love than ever for this old-fashioned flower. All the Lupins are hardy, and seed can be sown in the open ground. The Lupin has a tap root and does not transplant well. LYCHNIS, Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacez. The Lychnis family are mostly perennials, but flower the first season under good treatment, and endure the winter unusually well. Some, like Z. Chalcedonica, are old friends, but of late years florists have greatly improved this flower, and the better varieties now give flowers as large as Japan Pinks, and of a great variety of colors, such as rose, red, and white. To obtain good flowers the first sum- mer, seeds should be started under glass and transplanted as early as the weather will permit. The taller varieties - are excellent for planting among shrubbery. A piece of : shrubbery looks quite sombre a great part of the season, and the sooner we learn to light up our shrubberies with tall, bright flowers, the better. The engraving on the right shows one of the improved, large varieties, Haageana ; at the left, Chad. cedonica, both less than half natural size. MALOPE, Nat. Ord. Walvacee. ALOPE differs from the Mallow, botanically, principally in the . shape of the capsules, and their arrangement, but to the florist the A~ principal difference is in the su- ' perior size and beauty of the Mal- ope flower. The only varieties we would recommend for culture are M. grandiflora, a bright purplish flower, more than three inches across and M. grandiflora alba, Z == pure white, and about two inches. Willi NS The Malope is a strong growing Re es plant, three feet in height. Seed ie may be sown under glass, and then plants will bloom very early; or in the open ground, with a later, but quite as strong a growth. MARIGOLD, (Tagetes,) Nat. Ord. Composite. Marigold, or Tagetes, as the French and African Marigolds are called, are so well known that no general description will be necessary, as they have been cultivated for more than two hundred = years. The French Marigold, no doubt, came from Peru, or some part of South America, while the name of the African indicates its true origin. Both are tall, coarse plants, the African being the more robust, often reaching more than two feet in height. The flowers large, some being four inches across, double, == in color yellow, orange, and brown. ‘There : are several dwarf varieties, growing only from six inches to a foot in height. A comparatively new variety, signata pumila, makes a beautiful plant, almost a perfect ball, a foot or more in diameter, and covered with hundreds of single yellow flowers, as shown in the engraving. The leaves are finely cut, almost fern-like, and the plant continues to increase in beauty until frost. MARTYNIA, Nat. Ord. Pedahacee. The Martynias are coarse, robust, hardy annuals, of a spreading habit, requiring at least three feet of space to perfect their growth. They are natives of Louisiana, Texas, Mexico, and farther South. The engraving gives a front view of the flower, which is tubular, and about an inch in length. The colors are yellow, white and purple, and one variety, formosa, is sweetly fragrant. The seed - pods are very curi- ously formed, as will be LOPE seen by the little engrav- a (aire ing, and they grow six “2S . inches or more in length; the variety called probo- scidea having the largest pods, and these, when about two-thirds grown and quite tender, are much prized for pickles. MEDICAGO, Nat. Ord. Leguminose. There are several varieties of Medicago more or less cultivated for their curious seed-pods. These we have never thought worthy of description in the GUIDE, as the flowers are by no means beautiful; yet there is considerable demand for the seed-pods by those who use them for the manufacture of rustic picture frames, and other rustic work. SS ~ We, therefore, give engravings of two of the best, one called e-hive, or Hedge-hog; of the appropriateness of these names we leave 2 We Am NIG SI Y Yi ‘f Snail, and the other, Be our readers to judge. 76 a. 3 MESEMBRYANTHEMUM, Nat. Ord. /icoidee. The Mesembryanthemums are pretty, half hardy annuals, with delicate, succulent, almost transparent leaves and branches. The two most popular varieties in America are those commonly known as Ice-plant and Dew-plant. Both are excellent for baskets, vases, aire . We pots, etc., the Ice-plant having thick, fleshy leaves and stems, covered with SEEDS RES little shining globules, which it will take some investigation to convince 5; a hat the spectator are not “truly ice.’’ The flowers are small, white, and un- w = Re ve important. The Dew-plant has a smooth, light green, pretty, dewy-looking Me leaf, a graceful slender, habit, and a very pretty pink flower. Both are \ oO us SS alg oAN & ae drooping plants, and therefore, with their pretty foliage, peculiarly adapted peves * "A to basket and vase work. The increased attention given to these graceful gills ie 4 aay OS decorations has made the Mesembryanthemums and other plants adapted j oy (R K to this work very popular. The culture of plants with pretty ornamental ily Ne foliage that can be grown from the seed early in the spring so as to produce a good effect during the season, should be encouraged, as it places very large resources in the hands of the gardener at a mere trifling cost. MIGNONETTE, (Reseda,) Nat. Ord. Resedacee. We need not describe the Sweet Mignonette, that every one knows and everybody loves, and yet very few cultivate, compared with the many who might thus show their love for this sweet little flower. In Europe, especially in England and Germany, we noticed Mignonette growing in every possible place and in every im- aginable receptacle. For the wealthy, beautiful and costly Mignonette pots and boxes are provided, that will elegantly adorn the window sill, or nicely fill and beautify any niche or bracket. Those not blessed with so much of earthly good use ordinary flower pots, while the children press into the service broken teapots and old crockery of every conceivable pattern. Seeds of Mignonette can be sown at any season, so that by having pots prepared at different times a suc- cession of flowers can be secured, and Mignonette : adorn the button hole and perfume the house at all times. The florists of Europe have intro- duced several new varieties of Mignonette among their novelties, claiming for them much superiority over our old and well loved Sweet Mignonette; but these claims, we have always found, on trial, to have but little foundation in truth. The Mew White, with a larger flower and more robust growth, and a little whiter in color, is the only new kind of merit. MIRABILIS, Nat. Ord. Myctaginacee. Mirabilis Jalapa is the well known Marvel of Peru, a native, we believe, of South America, and also of the West Indies, and first found in Peru, soon after the discovery of the country, . when everything from that strange land was considered marvelous. It \" YY Z was at one time supposed that the root of this plant furnished the Jalap all ZZ A of commerce, hence the name, but this was found to be untrue. It is W/Z Z===—~ also known as the Four-o’clock, because its flowers expand about that time in the evening and fade the next morning. By the French it is called Belle of the Night. It is really a good plant, about two feet in height, well branched, with bright foliage, fragrant flowers, desirable colors, and fine markings. Plants should be about two feet apart. It makes a nice summer hedge if set in a row about _. afoot apart. Seed should be planted in the open = ground, where the plants are desired. The Mirab- =" ilis is generally treated as a half-hardy annual. The roots, however, may be taken up in the autumn and preserved like Dahlias, during the win ter; but as plants are obtained so readily from seed, and flower so soon, this course is seldom practiced. The flower shown in the engraving is about two-thirds the natural size. v7 MIMULUS, Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. The Mimul, sometimes called Monkey Flowers, are beautiful, tender looking plants. The branches are almost trans- parent and quite succulent, and are easily broken by the wind. For baskets SS aN = = in the house, not many plants will give more satis- faction. M. cardinalis does very well in the garden. Flowers of the Mimulus are very brilliant. MYOSOTIS, Nat. Ord. Boraginacee. Perennial plants, that flower the first season if sown early, bearing small white and blue flowers. Delight in a rather moist situation. Fine for moist rock-work. All 5 the blue varieties are commonly called Forget-me-not. M. pa- lustris is the old and popular Forget-me-not. The branches cut and placed in water will continue to bloom a long time, almost as well as if on the plant, and will often make roots, and considerable growth. Seed may 35 be sown in the hot-bed and transplanted as - Ee early as possible, or may be sown in the F . open ground in the spring, so as to get a good growth before the hot, dry weather of summer. NEMOPHILA, Nat. Ord. Aydrophyllacee. EMOPHILAS are pretty, delicate, hardy annuals, throwing up their slender flower stems a few inches. The leaves are very pretty in form, and of a delicate, lively green, and, if the plants are grown in masses, have a mossy appearance. The flowers are mainly blue and white, and of the forms shown in the engravings. They _ are native Americans, and yet flourish = much better in the moist climate of Brit- ~ ainthanhere. Nemophilas were first found on the banks of the Missouri River. This fact shows why they will not better endure our hot, dry summers. No annual is grown with greater success in England than the Nemophila, and we hardly think as exten- sively. On the high land in Calaveras County, California, and in the neighborhood of the big trees, we saw acres of Nemophilas, beautifying the waste land, and finer than we ever saw them in the gardens of Europe or America. They do best if sown in a frame and trans- planted early, as the hot sun injures the flowers; but do finely all summer, if planted in a rather cool, shady place. (TS Set about six inches apart. A few plants set early among spring-flowering bulbs, such Z as Tulips, etc., flower splen- —_ didly, and a few seeds scat- | tered over the beds of bulbs will render a very good accouut of themselves in the early spring. 78 NIEREMBERGIA, Nat. Ord. Solanacee. The Nierembergias are very pretty plants with delicate, whitish flowers, tinted with lilac, and with a deep purplish lilac blotch in the center. The plant is slender and delicate, bearing abund- ance of flowers the whole summer. ‘The Nierembergias are tender peren- nials, and are therefore suitable for house culture, or they may be treated as tender annuals, and will flower early in the season, if transferred from the frame or the green-house to the garden, when there is no danger of frost. They are natives of South America, and are worthy of more general culture. For baskets, vases, etc., we cannot recommend the Nierembergia too ance of the plant does not give so good an idea of its character. NIGELLA, Nat. Ord. Ranunculacee. The Nigellas are curious, hardy annuals, with finely cut leaves, and very curious, showy flowers, which, from their singular construction, have acquired many odd names, as Love-in-a- Mist, Devil-in-a-Bush, etc. Seeds grow very readily, and may be sown 0 AD . ° . \ > in the open ground early in the spring, AY ‘xt and in most sections in the autumn. wre i ably = They are natives of Asia Minor, Egypt, “ASKS ’ 7 7 q y and other Eastern countries, and the Zi ssa seeds, being aromatic, are extensively BZN: used both by oriental cooks and physi- 2= cians. Indeed, they are supposed LY === Egyptian ladies to improve the complexion; but as their ideas of a good complexion may not agree with Western notions, perhaps it would not be well to try the experiment. Both seeds and leaves, we believe, are used in India to prevent the ravages of moth and other insects among clothing, NOLANA, Nat. Ord. Molanacee. Nolanas are trailing, hardy annuals, the plant fleshy and succulent, and with flowers very much resembling Convolvulus minor, but with more substance. The Nolana prefers a light soil, and it is seldom too hot or dry to suit its wants. The Nolana is a native of Peru and Chili. | Seed may be sown in the border where the flowers are desired, or in a seed-bed in the garden, to be trans- planted as needed. Excellent for rock- work, baskets, ete. The Nolana delights in the same treat- ment, soil, &c., as the Portulaca, and may be used with the best effect in situations where our old Portulaca = would be desirable. This class of = Sonali plants, the natives of Southern climes, that delight in heat and drouth, are our choicest treasures in midsummer, when the thermometer is above ninety much of the day, without a drop of rain for weeks. Aya Nic A WTS A SI IO CENOTHERA, (Evening Primrose,) Nat. Ord. Oxagracee. ENOTHERAS are a very fine genus of showy plants, opening their \ (Pa silky xe : flowers suddenly in the VNG Yo =p pS a latter part of the da Te eV SUE Zs, P ra (A =r WZ and making a most brilliant exhibition du- ring the evening and early in the morning. Some of the large va- rieties will attract as much attention as any thing that can be grown. They certainly look like things of life, as s_ they open with a nervous motion that cannot only be seen but heard. The low, white variety, acaulis alba, is a marvel of beauty, pro- ducing flowers four inches across, pure white, and one or more flowers appearing each successive evening. Most other varieties are Le yellow. OBELISCARIA, Nat. Ord. Comfosite. The Obeliscarias are coarse plants with showy flowers. The best, O. pulcherrima, exhibits a strange commingling of red, brown and yellow. The engraving gives a very good idea of the form of this flower, with its curious, acorn-like center, and drooping petals, or rather, the ray-flowers. These ray- flowers are of a rich, velvety crimson, edged with yellow. The central cone, or disk, is _ brown until the ray-flowers expand, and they - are bright yellow. The flowers are borne on pretty long stems, and plants are about eigh- teen inches in height. The Obeliscaria we cannot call beautiful, but it 1s interesting. OXYURA, Nat. Ord. Composite. Oxyura chrysanthemoides is a very pretty, free-flowering, little hardy annual, one of the very many pretty things for which we are indebted to California. The plant - is neat in habit, branching, about eighteen inches in height; the flower is daisy-like, size and form being very well represented in the engraving. The color is of the most delicate lemon yellow, with a clear, white edging. The effect of these two colors is very pretty. The only possible objection to this plant is the fact that it does not continue in flower all the summer, like the Phlox, Petunia, etc. PALAFOXIA, Nat. Ord. Composite. ee ALAFOXIA HooOKERIANA is a fine, new annual. There are Wy Se several species, but the best is the one we describe, which is of a dwarf, branching habit. The flowers are rosy crimson, with a dark center, and continue in flower well through the summer. We have uniformly sown the seed of this flower under glass, judging from its ap- pearance and place of nativity, Texas and Mexico, that this would be the best - treatment, but some of our correspondents have encceeded iy sowing in the open ground. Set the plants about ten inches apart. 80 PANSY; (Viola tricolor,) Nat. Ord. Violacee. The Pansy is the little Heartsease of Europe, become somewhat naturalized in America, and wonderfully improved by cultivation. It was about sixty years ago that this flower first attracted the special notice of florists, their attention being called to it by the great success of a lady amateur. We give an engraving of the Hearts-ease as itis found wild. The French call it Pezsee, and this is, no doubt, the origin of the common name, Pansy. The Pansy is now a popular ~, flower with both florists and amateurs, giving abundance of bloom until after severe frosts, enduring our hard winters with safety, and greeting us in the earliest spring with a profusion of bright blossoms. It will flower better in the middle of the summer, if planted where it is some- N what shaded from the hot \ sun, and especially if fur- \. N nished with a good supply of water, but in almost any situation will give fine flowers in the spring and autumn. If plants come into bloom in the heat of summer, the flowers will ; be small at first; but as the weather becomes cooler, : they will increase in size and beauty. Often plants that produce flewers two and a half inches in diam- eter during the cool, showery weather of spring, will give only the smallest possible specimens during the dry weather of summer. To have good flowers, the plant must be vigorous, and make a rapid growth. No flower is more easily ruined by ill treatment or adverse circumstances. Seed may be sown in the hot-bed or open ground. If young plants are grown in the autumn, and kept in a frame during the winter, with a little covering in the severest weather, they will be ready to set out very early in the spring, and give flowers until hot weather. If seed is sown in the spring, get it in as early as possible, so as to A have plants ready to flower during the spring rains. Seed sown in a - cool place in June or July, and well watered until up, will make plants for autumn flowering. The Pansies make a beautiful bed, and are interesting as individual flowers. No flower is so companionable and life-like. It requires no very great stretch of the imagination to cause one to believe that they see and move, and acknowledge our admiration in a very pretty, knowing way. PERILLA, Nat. Ord. Zadiate. ' The Perilla Nankinensis is one of the best of the ornamental-leaved annuals. It hasa broad, serrated leaf, of a purplish mulberry color, and makes a well formed plant, as represented in the engraving, and eighteen inches or more in height. It is very desirable for the center of a bed of ornamental-leaved plants, and we can recommend it also for a low screen or hedge, and such hedges will be found exceedingly useful in many situations. The Perilla is one of the plants that is good NN, for some special work, indeed, almost invaluable, but in an ordinary collection of flower seeds would not be desirable. We are induced NE ~ to mention this fact here, because, last season, a gentleman wrote - us that we had better leave this plant out of our collection, as it was no better than a weed —and, perhaps, he was right, for a weed is any plant out of place. An Aster among a bed of Petunias would be a weed. RI Neem tn Laliz yj TB, \ \\ SS =e) 7 v 3 7A Sone a ee: ABS moe oof Nock Se Eis Bey pgs Gr SAs DA» We Soe Dacxaiaas ao Des asi Se ot ee iis -— PETUNIA, Nat. Ord. Solanaceae. Just fifty years ago, the White Petunia was found by a botanical explorer in South America, at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata. For seven years the florists of Europe were delighted with this poor, white flower, when a Purple Petunia was discovered in Brazil. Since that time, 1830, the improvement of this flower has been constant. About fifteen years since the floral world were surprised by the announcement of a double white Petunia. It was only semi-double, but now we have them well doubled, of all colors, and as large as any one can wish. Seed 4 sown in the spring will produce flowering plants in June that A will continue to bloom abundantly until frost, and may be = sown in a cold-frame or hot-bed, or in the open ground. Set ' the plants about eighteen inches apart. ‘They come pretty true from seed, though not reliable in this respect, being inclined to sport. The Petunia as at present cultivated embraces three distinct classes. ‘The grandiflora varieties make quite a strong, succulent growth, and the stems and leaves are sticky to the touch. These beara few very large, magnificent flowers, often from three to four inches across. They bear but few seeds and these are obtain- ed at great expense of labor. In the open ground they give no seed, so plants for seed must be grown in pots on stages, sheltered from rain and dews, and fertilization is accom- plished by hand, the pollen being distributed with the aid of a camel-hair brush. Of course, seed obtained in this way is always expensive, but the wonderful size and the richness of the coloring well repays the cost. In this class we have a Fringed Petunia, new and unique. The Double Petunia gives no seed, and those that will produce double flowers are obtained by fertiliz- ing single flowers with the pollen of the double, in the manner previously described. The third class is the small flowered varieties. The plants are of a slender, wiry growth, but cover a good deal of ground. They bear an immense number of flowers, from early summer until frost, and seed freely in the open ground. A well filled circular a six feet in diameter, will display continually, without a day’s intermission, thousands of flowers. We know of no annual, and but few flowers of any kind, that will make a more brilliant bed. Our engravings show one of the small-flowered varieties of natural size, and a double flower much reduced. PHACELIA, Nat. Ord. Hydrophyllacee. The Phacelias are hardy annuals, very much resembling the Eutocas, and, we believe, all natives of America. Most of the varieties are blue, though there are some white. This flower does not really possess much merit, though pretty fair as a border plant, and good for bouquet making. We only recommend two varieties. P. tanacetifolia alba, presenting a very remarkable appearance from the strings of whitish flowers that appear to have just unrolled, the long, black hairs with which it is covered, and the singular sta- mens, which project far beyond the corolla of the flowers. P. congesta is somewhat less robust, not so hairy, and flowers light blue. ’ 82 PHLOX DRUMMONDII, Nat. Ord. Polemoniacee. No annual excels the Phlox for a brilliant and constant display. Indeed, if confined to one plant for the decoration of the lawn or border, the Phlox Drummondii would be my choice over any annual or perennial with which I am acquainted. It seems to have every desirable quality for this purpose. The colors range from the purest white to the deepest crimson, including purple, and yellow, and striped, the clear eye of the Phlox being peculiarly marked. Seed may be sown in the open ground in May, or in a cold-frame or hot-bed earlier in the season; and in either case, from June, during the whole summer and autumn, they make a most brilliant bed of showy yet PON delicate flowers. A good bed W Yj of Phlox is a sight that daz- a / 7 zles the eye with its brilliancy. Me if The Phlox, in a good, rich A soil, will grow more than el eighteen inches in height, but as there is not sufficient strength in the main stem, it will not stand entirely erect. A foot apart is about near enough to set the plants, un- 2 less the soil is very poor. If \ too thick, they suffer from mil- ff dew. The Phlox makesa very “ff good border or low summer hedge. The finest " effect, however, is produced by planting each color in a separate bed or in ribbon fashion, its constant bloom making it very desirable for these purposes. Indeed, we know of no annual or perennial that will give a more brilliant and constant mass of color. The Phlox is a native of America. It was first discovered in Texas, in 1835, by DRuMmMonpD, a collector sent out by the Glasgow Botanical Society. It was the last new plant he sent home, as he soon after died in Cuba. The buds, just before opening, look like a flame, and hence the name, Phlox, or Flame. I grow from five to ten acres of Phlox every year, devoting much time and means to its improvement, and have no hesi- tation in saying my strain of Phlox Drummondii is the best the world produces. Indeed, I have already introduced several new varieties, showing much improvement either in form or coloring, and have seve- ral more on trial, among them one with a pretty fringed edge; another, very large, of unusual substance, and perfect, rounded form; and if I should, in a year or two, introduce a good, double, annual Phlox, I would be more pleased than surprised. There is no difficulty in starting new and improved varieties. The difficulty is in getting their character so well established that the seed will be reliable, that is pretty sure to pro- duce a good portion of flowers like the one from which the seed was saved. POPPY, (Papaver,) Nat. Ord. Papaveracee. The Poppies are not only well known to every cultivator of flowers, but to almost every one, and yet few know areal good Poppy. There are some very fine perennials, which we shall Sanh mention when describing plants that do not flower aly MM ; RW i CG GM pW Seyi the first season from the seed. The good annual NW iad, A YF varieties are numerous, ranging in size from the SSS Ne’ ALOE : : ee: = Fe Sey: A : little Ranunculus-flowered, an inch in diameter, to = | GG oe SS 1 Ailey =the Peony-flowered, four or five inches across. Eg Aah ieee ba EU Seay 27, They also present an almost endless variety of YY) Lee wn UWA colors and markings. The true Opium Poppy, the (dt \e iy (ZG variety used for growing Opium, is a large, white, VIM = single flower. The Poppy has a strong tap-root, \\ === and is, therefore, difficult to transplant, and it is better to sow the seed early in the spring where the plants are to flower. The Poppies are all perfectly hardy. 83 Sea a - q SOs Se Es, = yea Ore Wr ER NAGS } aoa AEC Co Wa EN. PW ZA ORS ie SE NUE. TO GPL eae naa fae, AO ee oe Z SOE jw 7 ae PORTULACA, Nat. Ord. Portulacacee. The Portulaca is a popular, hardy, creeping annual, each strong plant covering a space about a foot in diameter, with salver-shaped flowers, of every color imaginable, except blue, and striped, and these colors of the most intense Ss AN.) ; = Kosi pst ~ brightness. The Portulaca delights £4 i SYyyy Yj d d i Cae @ in a warm sun and a sandy soil, y= INE ; = . and the drouth is never too long %, . = i SS WAX AS’ nor the heat too intense for this ZY Z SN y ‘ S beautiful little salamander. When Z z i « AS everything else is perishing for Hy; Gj per. lack of moisture, the Portulaca will ps ate q give its largest flowers and _bright- est colors. We well recollect "i when the Portulaca gave us but very few colors, and a double flower would have been a wonder. Now we have all the colors that heart can desire, and flowers as double as roses and almost. as large. The Portulaca does Py ground early, or under glass. The not like a clay soil nor black muck. it plants can be transplanted even in It makes a brilliant bed on the full flower, and in making a ribbon lawn, but as the plants are low it bed with Portulaca, we always. is best to raise the bed in the cen- 2% Sis Rp Se 4A); wait until the first flower opens, so ter. Sow the seed in the open == =22Z2BeNSzG2te - as to be entirely sure of the colors. Only one possible objection can be made to the Portulaca, and that is that its flowers are fully open only in sunshine; like the sun-dial, it counts only the bright hours. The perfectly double Portulaca forms no seed, so that seed must be saved from semi-double flowers; and from fifty to. seventy-five per cent. of plants from this seed will give double flowers. RICINUS, (Castor Oil Bean,) Nat. Ord. Luphorbiacee. \ IcINus. Plants with very ornamental foliage and showy fruit, of <Gee~ stately growth and quite a tropical appearance. With other 7 onamental -leaved plants, they make =. a most attractive S_ bed on the lawn, and are also desir- able when grown as single speci- mens. Plant the 2) B=: seed in the open 4, Pe ES a = ground, in a dry situation, and as early as safe in the spring. The wo, > eZ < VY, 5 \ WA same soil and treatment that will give good early ~si\\ jy. — A . . . «ois SW a _ eg corn is just suitable for the Ricinus. In the latter part of the summer the splendid spikes, composed of the seed-vessels, will be quite gorgeous. Some of the varieties have spikes of a beautiful metallic green, oth- ers of a fine, almost transparent a pink and scarlet, which seem to \ yt illuminate the grounds. There is ey Wd wy no ornamental-leaved plant for out- yj, ) door decoration for ordinary use ii é a JW equal to the Ricinus. For a clump or bed, the Ricinus should be planted about Sai three feet apart. For a screen, and nothing is better fitted for such a purpose, about two feet apart. Plants range from five to ten feet in height, except a dwarf variety, which seldom exceeds three feet. ZH) _ Litity SSS = = SS EE Rhiivis Ri KS 84 ma A == ro hi SP DIG : A C “AY S(O J Ke Ls Rp S &; — = Va ( g= CSR > OTD SAIS, i ra Pan, sR. VEAP EN wy ge ee eae Wu db WAR a orto TE ee z ig Fs eapipew it me ete : SALPIGLOSSIS, Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. ey ALPIGLOSSIS is a very good half-hardy annual, with flowers of peculiar ‘ SEN re richness, and very delicately and beautifully pencilled. Indeed, the ype delicate, yet almost gorgeous markings, are a 2 wh ‘ ; Aan ylliny S, matter of surprise to many who grow this Ait, wy flower for the first time, and do not expect so \\\W, 2 @ much in so small, and apparently simple, a NL WG ——- flower. The ordinary height is about two = = = feet, but there is a dwarf kind that grows only < Ui IN NaN : acu) TAMA SY about one foot in height. When the plants WW \S = are set pretty closely together, say about eight or ten inches, they make a very fine bed. Seeds may be sown under glass, but they will do well in the open ground, especially if the soil is light, and always do best in a sandy soil. The flower shown is about one-half natural size. SALVIA, Nat. Ord. Ladiate. Very ornamental plants for beds or borders, growing freely in any light, rich soil; from eighteen inches to two feet in height. Their beautiful spikes of gay flowers are produced in the greatest profusion. Must be treated as tender annuals, and plants should get a good start in the hot-bed, and not be planted out 4 before the weather is warm. Very little success must be expected from sowing seed in the open ground, unless in a very favorable climate. 2= They make fine fall and winter orna- ments for the house or conservatory, and grow from two to three feet in height. The va:iety known as S. splendens is the beautiful autumn flower known as Scarlet Sage. Plants that are in a thrifty condition can be taken up in the autumn, before frost, and potted, and they will bloom wel! into the winter. SANVITALIA, Nat. Ord. Composite. Sanvitalia procumbens flore-pleno is a pretty, low, or creeping, plant, especially suited for baskets, and bearing a great many double, daisy-like flowers, of a bright yellow color. It was introduced some six years since, and we felt very much disappointed with it, because more than half the flowers were only semi-double, and with a very poor black center, but for a year or two there has been considerable improvement. Seeds germinate quite freely. We sow generally under glass. A good : plant will cover a space more than two feet - in diameter, and will flower from July, if sown pretty early, until killed by frost. The foliage 1s clean, abundant, of a fresh, lively green, and the habit of the plant good in all respects, making it a desirable drooping plant, one that will give general satisfaction. SAPONARIA, Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacee. The Saponarias are little, low, delicate plants, growing a mass of little leaves and miniature flowers, the latter just about the size shown in the engraving. For a small pot, or edging, there are few little things prettier, for they entirely cover the ground with their bright little , 44 leaves and star-like flowers. There aretwo * varieties desirable, a deep pink and a white. Setting alternate plants of white and pink xs produces a very nice effect in a border. We once saw a very pretty, small, circular bed filled with Saponaria, a row of each color; but it is only suited for small beds, alone; as a border or edging for beds filled with stronger plants, it is very desirable. 85 Ps ) Enc ee Be SCABIOSA, ee Bride,) Nat. Ord. Dipsacee. The Scabiosa, called all-the-world-over, Mourning Bride and Mournful Widow, has been so long a popular garden flower that nobody knows where it was discovered or when first cultivated. We don’t know that we can call it a very beautiful flower, and yet it is an old friend, and we like it, and it gives a great variety of colors, from white almost to black, and it grows freely and healthily, and paul Ae Be we always grow mri yo, sien it, and always eae intend to; and 7 it cuts beautiful- ly for large bou- quets, and is an excellent flower every way. The tallest varieties grow eighteen inches in height: the flowers being supported on long, wiry stems. The dwarf sorts are about a foot in height. Seed may be grown in the garden or under glass. Plants, if thrifty in the autumn, not weakened by over-flow- ering, often flower the second season. A variety, 5. stellata, bears curious seed-pods, shown in the engraving at the right, and these dried, work up well with Everlastings. Indeed, they look much like dried flowers, besides being very singular. There is also a double variety,so called, the plant being dwarf - in habit, and the flower smaller and more compact than the old sorts. It is =a a neat variety and better for bouquets than the old kinds. There is a little perfume to these flowers, and they are known by the name of Sweet Scabious. SCHIZANTHUS, Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacea. An interesting and beautiful class of plants that may be treated as half-hardy annuals, but that are not often seen in our gardens, and are really better adapted for house culture. They are not exactly of a climbing habit, and yet are so slender that they need support, and when this is provided will grow from two to three feet in height, and bear hundreds of pretty . two-colored flowers, looking like little butter- flies. Winds, rain and the hot sun often injure plants in the garden. Theseed shouldbe == sown under glass, if possible. A really beau- — tiful flower for the house. The name signifies cut flower, and it is really interesting and good. SENSITIVE PLANT, (Mimosa,) Nat. Ord. Leguminose. The Miners pudica, called Sensitive Plant from the singularly sensitive nature of the leaves, is really a pretty plant, but its chief merit is in the amusement it pro- vides the children, and in fact, everybody. No one seems to get tired of observing the habits of this plant. When a leaf is touched it immedi- ately begins slowly to close, and if touched near the base of the leaf- stalk, not only will the leaflets close up but the leaf-stalk droop as if broken. Start the seed under glass, and do not transplant to the open ground until the weather is warm. A plant or two reserved for the house will afford a good deal of pleasure during the winter. A very good way is to start a young plant in a pot in the spring at transplanting time, and sink the pot in the earth to the rim. Before the nights get cool in the autumn, remove the pot to the house, first re-potting into a larger pot, if necessary. 86 SA a ROB { ith s Za p072 oS) es, Ss) ( an BS VAT, pled aX S Gace roan : \ re TE ! in ict SS Ze LS WE 7 SPRAGUEA, Nat. Ord. Portulacacee. The Spraguea umbellata is a really pretty plant, and as curious as it is beautiful. The leaves are rounded, somewhat succulent, and arranged in a crown-like cluster, as shown in the engraving. The flowers form dense umbels, on leafless flower stems, six inches or more in length. The blossoms are pink, and though not an everlasting flower, with a very little drying will equal the best for winter use. The Spraguea is a native of California, but we saw it there only in one place, within reach of the spray of the Nevada Falls, and there it grew most luxuriously, and when we informed the ladies that these flowers were everlastings and would keep for years, every one appropriated a good bunch as a memento of the Yosemite and Nevada Falls. Sow the seed under glass or in a sheltered bed in the garden, STOCK, TEN-WEEKS, (Mathiola annua,) Nat. Ord. Crucifere. The Ten-Weeks or Annual Stock presents nearly or quite all the requisites of a perfect flow- ering plant—good habit, fine foliage, beautiful flowers of almost every delicate and desirable tint, ; delightful fragrance, early flowering, and ak abundance of blossoms. Although not a f% ,8 constant bloomer like Phlox, Petunia, etc., the flowers endure for a long time, and the side shoots give a succession of flowers le under favorable circumstances for months. ~ Indeed, the growth and flowering seems weil Nu Z almost perpetual, where the plant can ob- : tain a needed supply of moisture. Cool, == a hE = dewy nights and moist days are the delight of the stock. The best seeds of this flower are grown by German florists, in pots, on stages, in open houses, the object being to protect the 4 plants from rains and dews, and severe winds. The double \ XS” flowers give no seeds, but by %% crowding several plants into small pots, thus starving them, ESS and by other operations known ess to skillful flower seed growers, MeN seeds are produced that will rs grow plants with double flow- ers. Three-fourths of the plants raised from the best seeds will usually produce double blossoms. Seeds may be sown in the open ground, or in the hot-bed or cold-frame; but if transplanted, let this be done when the plants are quite small, just out of the seed-leaf. They should be removed from the seed-bed before they become “drawn,” or slender, or the flowers will be poor. Make the soil deep and rich. Set the plants about twelve inches apart. If the plants that are not too far advanced are taken up carefully in the autumn, and potted, they will flower elegantly in the house in the winter. It is a good plan to sow a few late in the season for this purpose. After growing in the house they can be put out in the ground, and will generally flower well the second season. -™S Wey ~~ PESOY a aye Sing e © FR 5a TROPZOLUM, Nat. Ord. 77ropeolacee. ROPAOLUM. A very splendid class of half-hardy annuals, gen- erally known as the Nasturtium. Flowers of all the different ‘y shades of yellow, orange and red. This flower has of late Cw | been much improved, the S\N. A\{ blossoms being larger and ye SS more brilliant than the old- SSS fashioned sorts. The varieties - of 7. majusand 7. Lobbianum (Aybridum,) will be found de- = scribed among the Climbers ; but when allowed to run on ZA Uf the ground, and pegged down, Nii (i IA ij they make a brilliant bed. 7: mznus and its varieties are wy dwarf, round-headed plants, about a foot high, ard in Europe are very popular, and make very fine beds. Indeed, on the Dwarf Tropzeolums, among the annuals, the gardeners of England almost entirely depend for a mass of brilliant colors, while the Clarkia furnishes masses of the more delicate shades. ¥. om = b/g frog x Wrens Cid ns EN Spite, 3 — y : y M AG ey OT ea SIAN SS) x Mate ZS Sr = Re Ye seo y __} aes MANS WS jaw! SS Ss; ~ F VERBENA, Nat. Ord. Verbenacee. ERBENA. Every one knows the Verbena, and almost every one has bought the little, sickly plants, in small pots, with one little tuft of flowers, but every one = does not know that good, healthy plants can be produced from seed as readily as al- = most any tender an- * nual, plants that will F " perfectly coveraspace * three feet in diameter, flower well in July, and continue strong and healthy until destroyed by frost. Another strange fact not generally known, is that nearly all Verbenas raised from seed are fragrant, the light colored varieties particularly so. Sow the seeds under glass early in the spring, and transplant after three or four inches of growth. There is a variety, a native of the Rocky Mountains, with pink flowers, so hardy that it will gen- erally endure our winters and flower the second season. VINCA, Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. A genus of beautiful green-house perennials, that may be treated as tender annuals for the garden. Ifsown under glass, and strong plants are set out early, in a warm situation, they will 7 yee e flower beautifully in the summer and autumn, and may be Ni) /YyYy. YY potted for the house before frost. Not suitable for out- door sowing, in northern latitudes. In the Southern States the Vinca does admirably, growing almost like a weed. There are several varieties, rose-colored, white, and white with red eye. The engraving shows the flower about one-half the natural size. The leaf is a beautiful dark green, thick, smooth and shining, some- _ what like the Laurel or Camellia. A well grown plant SS will be about eighteen inches in height. We write this in the garden, with a bed of Vincas before us, and it is difficult to moderate our praise. 88 feet ee) Cevall Ki = ———— ——— << ———- <i oe EYK oS Se APPIN WHITLAVIA, Nat. Ord. Hydrophyllacee. annuals. The Dt a Wee a BO WA ) WT WES Pn if cut while the HITLAVIA. The Whitlavia is a pretty little California annual, with delicate foliage and drooping clusters of beautiful bells, of the size of the engraving, blue and white. plants are perfectly hardy, proof against cold and wet, but suffer often in dry, hot weather, like Nemophila and many other California For a shady spot there are very few little flowers that will give more real pleasure. =- The flowering branches, lower buds are about opening, will continue fresh in water for several days, every bud opening, and are elegant for a small, slender vase. ZINNIA, NEW DOUBLE-FLOWERED, Nat. Ord. Composite. INNIAS must be familiar to all our aged readers, for as far back as we quite as double as the Dahlia. ering in June will grow larger and handsomer, and the flowers better every day until destroyed by frost. wel ==<in Europe. every garden. Tie a string around can recoliect, the old single variety was grown under the name of Youth and Old Age in almost The Double Zin- nia we may call a new fiower, for it has been introduced but a few years, and has found itself so well adapted to our climate that the doubie Zinnias in America seem a different and better flower than the Zinnias we see growing The plant usually ’ grows two feet in height, at least seventy-five per cent. give flowers almost as beautiful and A plant that commences flow- ig : rm mn bon in a) y iw, why iF i, ‘ 2, ae G, ying at ye mary C ree ™» r( AS ms 4 7 sey et mh Nae rg | /,; ayy ‘ill Hii iD the stem of a flower, or mark one in any other way, and that flower will be found perfect in six weeks from the time it was marked. Having taken par- ticular pains in im- proving the Zinnia, I think my strain is excellent ; indeed, my Zinnias have been pronounced by florists from England, and Germany the best in the world. Seed will do well sown under glass, but must not have much heat, and plenty of air. Seed will, however, grow well in a bed in the garden, and transplant as safely one will be pleased with them, but See France 2X ( oR Si “ee ; a st a m ve SUAS S rns | AN PittN) Na WV Jo7 OB SoSH iy AUN ee) Soe Bite paaS as - Ny Z ' RY = Ly, ay Ne ae NSS yeccet vi Bic Sag ea PUNO hy i Ii) trdthn \ ca WD) ae Ze wy Bus th D vA } mre oa y Z- FE S te YZ ‘7 4 SS AN) as a Cabbage plant, and this should be done as early as possible, and when the plants are - small; cold, rough weather will do them good. The plants begin to blossom when quite = young, andthe first flower is not usual- ly good. Set them about eighteen inches apart. — The largest flowers are sometimes nearly six inches across. The Zin- niaS are coarse plants, and we do not suppose every must oiehdbick that there are always places in the gar- den where large, and even coarse, plants look well, and those that are more delicate are useless, 89 \s A \e ¢. =A \\ ebk” TAM S Gy ates AMM ae we if < Fe a THE CLIMBERS furnish us with nature’s drapery, and nothing produced by art can equal their elegant grace. As the Lilies surpass in beauty all that wealth or power can procure, or man pro- duce, so these tender Climbers surpass all the productions of the decorator’s skill. They are entirely under the control of the skillful gardener and tasteful amateur, and under their guiding hands make the unsightly building or stump bloom with beauty. The strong growing varieties. can be made, in a short time, to cover fences, arbors and buildings, and give both grace and shade. Those of more delicate growth are invaluable for pots, baskets, and other decorative purposes. ; The Climbing Plants are nearly all well adapted for culture in vases, and are particularly well fitted for baskets and the decoration of balconies, &c. No hanging basket can look well unless furnished with graceful trailing plants, which not only have great beauty in themselves, but throw a mantle of beauty, if not of charity, over everything unsightly about the basket or its filling. Several Climbers will be found among the Perennials, but, of course, all the varieties. described in this Department flower the first season. Some of our annual Climbers are natives. of tropical countries, and while they do well in the garden, with a little care, are really better for house culture and for baskets, verandahs, etc. CALAMPELIS, Nat. Ord. Aignoniacee. Calampelis scabra, or perhaps more properly Eccremocarpus scaber is a very excellent climber, with neat foliage, and bright orange flowers borne in racemes, and blooms profusely the latter part of the season. The seeds are made to vegetate with some difficulty, and should be grown in a hot-bed or green-house. Pr. ) pn Good, strong plants should be grown before setting them in the 4 (\ y ‘\ garden, and it is not best to trust the plants in the open groundin — oi o.. Ka VA , a climate like most of the Middle and Northern States until the a h | ) “iN ) ) AR ky ee n|\ first of June. The Calampelis, however, is well suited to house culture, where it will always give good satisfaction and prove 4°77\7h9) valuable ; but being a native of Chili, will not endure the changes J ges ') BAN and harshness of a Northern climate, even in the summer, except Vf ay i under favorable circumstances. As, however, it is not common, ve and very pretty, the Calampelis well pays for a little extra care on the part of the tasteful florist. CARDIOSPERMUM, Nat. Ord. Sapzndacee. Cardiospermum Halicacabum is a curious, half-hardy annual, from India, we believe, though some of the species are found in almost all tropical countries. It is called Ballooon Vine, and Love in a Puff, on account of the inflated seed-capsule seen in the engraving. In some countries the leaves are cooked and eaten, and in others the plant is supposed to contain very great medicinal properties. With us it is only val- uable as a good summer climber, and really more curious than beautiful. Sow seed under glass, and if planted in the garden, find it a sheltered situation. Like many southern climbers, it needs favoring in the garden, but gives a good account of itself m the house. 90 AY eer oy Cole a Ce ne ZUG 7) CRY > COS ee x ES Ss COBQEA, Nat. Ord. Polemoniacee. The Cobea scandens is one of the most beautiful of our climbing annuals, on account of its large size, rapid growth, fine foliage, and large, bell-shaped flowers, about an inch and a half =e ips across and two inches in length. When strong plants are a > yy : a OK set out early in the spring, and in a good soil, they often A J @ ANAS WMA Nas grow twenty or thirty feet in length, branching freely, and oaks Y | ( covering a large surface. Plants commence to flower when . 4s quite young and continue in bloom until removed or killed by frost. In the autumn, plants can be taken up with care, potted, and removed to the house where they will flourish and flower during the winter. The flowers are at first green, but gradually change to a deep, violet blue. The seed requires some care in starting, and much success is not to be anticipated in sowing the seed in the garden. Put the seeds in moist earth, edge down, and do not water until the young plants appear above the surface, unless the pots are in a warm place and the earth becomes exceedingly dry. Cobceas set ina row, two feet apart, Snpported by brush six feet high, make an elegant screen. CONVOLVULUS, Nat. Ord. Convolvulacee. Convolvulus major, the old Morning Glory, is the best known and most popular, and all things considered, we are almost prepared to say the best annual climber we possess. The seeds germinate so readily that they can be grown in the garden in any corner where the plants are needed, and almost at g p> : any time. ‘Ihe flowers we need tell no one are beautiful, WES\, and of a great variety of colors. Their growth is so rapid a, Av. that they cover an arbor or trellis in a very short time, “ap eZy _ though it is important that support should be supplied as \ 2 A~< soon as the young plants show a disposition to run, for if “SNe this is neglected too long they willl not readily attach x themselves. The only fault that can be urged against the <» ee Convolvulus is the fact that its flowers are open only in the RAG early part of the day, the brightest about sunrise, but a sight Zz of a good “‘ patch”’ of these flowers in the ‘“ dewy morn”’ is i a aes a q a feast for a whole day, and quite enough to tempt any lover ig NS i of the beautiful to rise early to see and enjoy their glory. “gf t Mie Indeed, we have known several fits of early rising induced by the beauty of the Morning Glory, and yet, we are glad to say, without serious results. DOLICHOS, Nat. Ord. Legumznose. Very beautiful climbing plants, resembling the running bean, but the flowers are more beanti- ful, as the common name (Hyacinth Bean) indicates. The seed-pods are as pretty as the flowers, = ba being, in the purple-flowered variety, a beautiful purple, shining as though freshly varnished. The large varieties grow from six to twenty feet in height, but the growth upward may be checked by pinching off the tops. Plant the seeds in the garden where the plants are desired, selecting as warm and dry a spot as possible. Give just the treatment required for our more tender running beans, like the Lima. Most of the varieties are eaten in some a Parts of Europe. A dwarf white variety grows only ne ) about four or five feet in height. The Dolichos is not ca only the prettiest of our bean-like climbers, but is one of the ornamental species that not only flourishes in the hot weather of summer, but rejoices in heat, drouth and a warm, sandy soil. This makes it particularly valuable to Americans, as our flowering beans usually suffer in a dry time. 91 — i (nl Ml SY y a) = | EX ne | ai i) chip, Sy 1B S320 e ea f i ER es psa NG “thew GOURDS AND CUCUMBERS, (ORNAMENTAL,) Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacee. The Gourds are a coarse class of plants, liked principally on account of their curiously formed and often strangely colored fruits. ‘The foliage, however, is abundant, the leaves generally large, and useful for cover- ing old trees, fences, arbors;-etc;, Wire cul- required for squashes, melons, etc. Some i \ : \ | ays growing all the odd ; o © Gomed and colored ! tas we saw some very w large and varied col- WY Ge lections. This, how- f= ever, is a “hobby” we do not much admire, for we can get more real beauty with far less trouble. However, we garden for pleasure, and if it is obtained in this way, we certainly shall not complain. IPOMGQEA, Nat. Ord. Convolvulacee. Under the name of Convolvulus we have described the Morning Glory, which is by some called Ipomcea purpurea ; but the Ipomceas proper are a genus of very beautiful Convolvulacez, widely distributed over all warm climates, and a few extending into North America. Some of the varieties <=, of Ipomeea are exceedingly large and fine, excelling even \\\W™ the best Convolvulus. Others, like the Cypress Vine, | which we show in the engraving, have small flowers, / of the brightest colors, and the most delicate foliage imaginable. The Ipomoea is generally more delicate than the Convolvulus, and should be classed among the ten- der annuals, and therefore will succeed best if started in the hot-bed, and afterwards planted in a sheltered and warm situation. ‘The Ipomceas are all desirable for pots, baskets, etc., for the house. For hanging baskets and green-house decoration, the Ipomoeas hold a prominent place, and will well repay for any extra care they may require. LOASA, Nat. Ord. Loasacee. The Loasa is a good climber, with curious, handsome flowers, which it bears in great abun- —— dance. ‘The flowers are of the size shown S / in the engraving, bright in color, being yel- low and red. The branches are covered with stinging hairs that give pain when touched, so that a good deal of care must be exercised when handling the plants. The Loasa is a native of Chili and Peru, and @ though seldom seen in American gardens, is quite commonly found in some sections of Europe. A plant or two will give a good deal of pleasure for a season or so, until one becomes familiar with it, and we ANA have known several important lessons — taught by the Loasa, to thoughtless people who are so apt to handle and pick flowers in other people’s gardens; a very thoughtless practice. 92 inl SS eb Hee ————— fos aad J N Gy ge HE SS Rr) I£& Gai ey aS (4 AeA > S yf} i BE h Soy, sa Toe Le ea Sw a da Zee) BAAN TZ Vk at IY rarefied Dra 3 MAURANDYA, Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. The Maurandya is a graceful, rather delicate climber from Mexico, bearing flowers very much resembling the Antirrhinum, the principal difference being in the mouth. The Maurandya is almost too delicate for out-door culture in the Northern and Middle States, but does remarkably well for baskets, vases, ctc., in sheltered positions. Plants should be grown in the hot-bed or green-house, and if designed for the garden, should not be put out until the weather is quite warm; late in the spring or early summer. Few climbers do better for green- \ house culture. Growth of plant, five or six feet, and the foli- age abundant, a very desirable trait in a climbing plant, as half the beauty, at least, of a climbing plant is its foliage. The flowers of the Maurandya, however, are of good size and form and color, being about the size and appearance of Digitalis or Antirrhinum, and the colors different shades of blue, white NY, q| = Y = NG and mauve, and the whole plant pleasant to look upon. PEAS, FLOWERING, (Lathyrus,) Nat. Ord. Leguminose. The Flowering Peas are among the most useful and beautiful of all our hardy annuals. Nothing can be better for large bouquets, as the flowers are lively and delicate, varying in color from white to the darkest purple imaginable, and including the most lively pinks; and as fragrant as Mignonette. For a hedge or screen, or little groups supported by common brush, the Sweet Pea is not excelled. If the soil is rich they will , grow five feet in height, and continue to flower all AY the summer unless the season is too hot and dry. { The Pea luxuriates in a cool, moist soil, and in a | damp season. Cut the flowers freely and do not \ un LY a> } fe I) /, will! in allow seeds to form except on a few plants which S \ TTT f are designed for seed-bearing. Sow the seed four fy i inches deep, and as early in the spring as possible. ‘j ) \ Don’t wait for fair weather. Hoe the earth towards the plants a little, as for common garden peas, but do not form a ridge, and furnish support early. Use plenty of seed, so that they will not be further than an inch apart. The engraving shows flowers of about the natural size. I am anxious to encourage the culture of this sweet flower. There are several varieties called winged, on account of a wing-like attachment to the seed-pod. They are not really climbers, but creepers; the flowers are small, and they are hardly worth cultivating. THUNBERGIA, Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. The Thunbergias are good annual climbers for the garden, but very much better for the house and conservatory, where they grow well and flower beautifully. They need support, like all the climbers, but we have seen them do well when allowed to run over the ground, making a very pretty bed. For baskets and similar purposes, the Thunbergia should be more generally used, as it is far superior to a score of weedy plants that seem, strangly, to have been adopted for this work. The Thunbergia starts rather slowly at first, but when it begins to run makes a rapid growth. ‘The engraving shows the flowers of natural size, but they form usually more in clusters. The seed requires conservatory or hot-bed treatment, but plants are grown easily from cuttings. The flowers are white, buff, or orange, generally with a dark eye. 93 V7 \ \ KN AW TROP_AOLUM, Nat. Ord. Tropeolacee. Tropzeolum majus is a fine climber, growing ten or twelve feet in height, comprising sev- eral varieties, differing in the color of both flower and foliage. admirable for the house in the wint er. lively green, in others very dark. The flowers are of all shades of yellow, scar- let, striped and_ spotted. The engraving of trellis shows the habit of the plant. Seed may be planted in the open ground, or under glass. T. Lobbi- anum is very desirable for the greenhouse, and will answer well for a summer climber when started in the house. T. peregrinum, of which we also give an engraving, is the popu- lar Canary Flower. The Tropeolums grow freely 2 from cuttings, and are In some the leaves are a bright, For large baskets and vases, especially for hanging bas- kets, they are exceedingly desirable, drooping over the sides to the ground, making a charming and. graceful dis- play of foliage. When the branches have become as long as desired, they should be pinched off. Sorne gardeners __ think Tropzolums are of SO rampant a growth that when planted in baskets they rob more deli- cate plants,__of their share of nour- ishment, but we have never found this a serious ob- jection, especially where water was given pretty freely ; and a basket ex- MTU YQ een \ (il, Wy \ Lif yp / {7 pp L/ fp v \ \ WW TE posed tothe air on every side, without plenty of water, is only a snare and a delusion. If any trouble of this kind is noticed, pinch the shoots back freely, and this will check the growth of roots. 1 lt asa good thing to have a few vigorous plants, those whose growth need check- ing instead of en- couraging, aS an abundance of foli- age is thus secured beyond a _contin- gency. We give an engraving of the Tropzeolum flower of full natural size, and can recommend the family as worthy a place in any garden, and an honorable position among the choicest of our annual Climbers. EZ ey, WWW WE ] (==, SJ | Wy 4 94 F, i\ <\\| org v \ * \ K\s aT WS aS Scns iy a) ys SQ 3 NO) AB <= Gre Te SS: =. SSS PY y ” , S WT x INN \ eh) Dal - wi) <ZREING} NS i THE EVERLASTING, or ETERNAL FLOWERS, as they are sometimes called, have of late attracted a good deal of attention in all parts of the world, and are becoming generally culti- vated. The plants do not appear very important when the garden is gay with scores of Flora’s choicest gems, and are, therefore, often considered hardly worth saving, and the flowers remain ungathered. In the winter, however, when it is desirable to decorate church or school room or home, the Everlastings are a treasure. These flowers lessen the regret we all feel when the season of blossoms is over, because they enable us to transfer a little of summer beauty to the parlor. They retain both form and color for years, and make excellent bouquets, wreaths, and every other desirable winter ornament. The flowers should generally be picked as soon as they expand, or a little before, and hung up in small bunches, and so that the stems will dry straight. If the bunches are too large they will mildew. The Gomphrenas must not be gathered until fully developed. Those who are familiar with the usual style of winter deco- ration, and realize how gloomy a room is made by the heavy, dark wreaths of cedars and hem- locks, unrelieved by a flower or berry, or any bright color, will thank us for urging them to save every flower that will keep its color during the winter. Make all wreaths light and airy, and enliven them with bright flowers. ACROCLINIUM, Nat. Ord. Composite. The Acroclinium is one of the most beautiful of the everlasting family. It is of strong growth, about eighteen inches in height, and RR bears a great number of pink and white me a [ daisy-like flowers, with a yellow centre. B i B ral They should be gathered the first day they Vy | : Wy open, or even before fully open, and dried. AAS If allowed to remain too long on the plant, Ke 7 aaa the center becomes black in drying, but if gathered young they retain their natural — color. The engraving shows the size of the plant, and the appearance of the flower when fully expanded. There are two varieties, a bright pink and AMMOBIUM, Nat. Ord: Composite. Ammobium is a small but very pretty little flower, pure white, and therefore very useful in making up. The plant, which grows about eighteen inches, is stiff and angular in ap- pearance. This is one of the hardiest of the everlastings. Some florists use this flower very liber- ally, even in the summer, in the ie BB bipl eee making of small bouquets. Like Ih V >> | SS ~~ the Acroclinium and very many of our everlastings, it is a native of Australia. The bud, as shown in the engraving, is very pretty. 95 SS Stes BY GOMPHRENA, Nat. Ord. Amarantacee. A well known Everlasting, sometimes called English Clover. Flowers should not be picked until well matured and of full size, s near the end of summer. The seed of the Gomphrena does not germinate very well in the open ground, and it is therefore best to sow it in a hot-bed if possible. Set the plants about a foot apart. About eight- een inches in height. Fine for the garden == as well as for drying. Makes a good sum- == mer hedge. It the cottony coating which surrounds it is removed, the seed will be more certain to grow, as in wet weather it may cause rot. HELICHRYSUM, Nat. Ord. Composite. An exceedingly handsome class, mostly large and showy plants, of great value for winter bouquets and other floral ornaments. The flowers are large and full, and of a good variety . So of colors. Plants generally about two feet in 2 18] height. Cut just before the flowers fully expand. ga\ Even the buds are handsome and make up beautifully. Always save a few buds to use with the flowers. Plant about a foot apart. Seeds germinate readily, even in the open ground. The colors are, white, yellow, and red of very many brownish shades. It is the largest and boldest and one of the best of the Everlastings. HELIPTERUM, Nat. Ord. Composiie. Helipterum Sanfordii is one of the prettiest little everlast- ting flowers that grows, as all will believe after a look at the engraving, and when we inform them that it is a truthful rep- resentation of a cluster of these flowers, of the natural size, and that they are a deep, rich, golden, shining yellow. The plant, which is about a foot in height, and branching, bears very many of these clusters. They should be taken when the buds are about opening, tied in bunches and » hung up in a shady place, and the “4s flowers will open in the drying pro- cess, and will retain their brightness _ and color for very many years. The A! \\ = > Helipterum is found wild in Australia, i eae oe and we believe, in sections of Africa. RHODANTHE, Nat. Ord. Composite. The Rhodanthe is one of the prettiest and most delicate of the Everlastings. It has been in cultivation for many years, and we have seen it in Europe in the conservato- ries, where it was once much prized as a pot plant, and a good specimen, bearing a hundred of its pretty flowers is really a beautiful object. The Rhodanthe is a native of Northern Australia. Some care is necessary in starting the seeds, but after good plants are grown we never fail to obtain flowers in abundance. ‘The flowers should be gathered before they fully == Ni expand, as if allowed to grow too long, they open too much and lose their beautiful bell form. 96 ABTS 7 ON WrS ieee eg ee WAITZIA, Nat. Ord. Composite. The Waitzias are an interesting class of annuals, bearing their dry or everlasting flowers in clusters. The flowers are very good, though showing too much of the centre, which becomes discolored unless picked early. With this precau- tion, however, they make a desirable addition to our stock of Everlastings. All the varieties have yellow £ flowers. The seeds are very fine and should be sown under glass, or much. success is not to be anticipated. Sometimes when we give such instructions, some people are just contrary enough to try to show us we are mis- taken, and that they can succeed in growing plants in the open air, and generally succeed because they are deter- mined to do so; zeal and determination are the ele- ments of success, and the open ground often fur- 4 nishes the warmth and moisture necessary to germinate the most delicate seeds. XERANTHEMUM, Nat. Ord. Composite. Xeranthemums are free-blooming annuals of a very neat, compact habit, and growing less than a foot in height. are The leaves are silvery os & | \ed fof? Se NG e PN yy @ Vig: and flowers abundant x“ J we I Yas on strong stems, and *Q\® ye A @ / MB are purple, blue and & EVI LADS white. There are both double and single vari- eties, specimens of both of which are seen in the engravings. Seeds germinate freely ; plants transplant well when small, and shouia be set about ten inches apart. GYPSOPHILA, Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacee. The Gypsophilas, though not Everlastings, are among the most valuable flowers we have for bouquet making, either green or dried. Every one knows that florists add much to the beauty of bouquets by a delicate net-work of fine flowers, which ap- pear like an airy veil, toning down the bright colors. For this purpose the Gypsophila is used, and we commend it to our readers as one of the most desirable plants known for ornamental purposes. It dries admirably, and is a treasure in winter. It flowers the first season, but will continue to bloom several years. STATICE, Nat. Ord. Plumbaginacee. The Statice is an extensive series of herbaceous plants, bearing their small flowers in pani- cles. They are not Everlastings, oo, , Fa but, like the Gypsophilas, are of very great value for drying, as they retain their color when dried, and work up with the true Everlastings in bouquets and floral ornaments to very great advantage. They are also equally useful in summer for bouquets of fresh flowers. There are several annuals, almost as many perennials, yellow, pink, rose and = blue. We give an engraving of one of the best varieties, S. latifolia. For others, see seed list. 97 NA } SS we ~? Tue ay xo i SS Ye) Ne h y /) Ni) | i) HH oA y iy ig iol) > \Y Wh, | \), i YLOE YM a Ww f im ty XQ xy & [= J = .a > i \CEet ee 6S me Ga SEOe > B= nj Se EE Fo Sixt Poe ORNAMENTAL GRASSES. THOSE who grow Everlastings for winter decoration will need a few of the Grasses to work up with them. If the grasses would retain their color, as do the flowers, it would be a great uae. blessing, but they lose, even when dried with care in the shade, most of \\ip 2 their green. color. In Europe, the Grasses are grown extensively and dyed of various colors, and in this condition we import them, and many varieties are really elegant, especially the Stzpa fennata. Even without this coloring they will be found very useful. Some persons are quite ingen- ious in dyeing the Grasses, and make them look very pretty with a little coloring matter. We know that this coloring of flowers and grasses is not exactly in good taste, as a rule, but we are almost ready to say, ses anything to enliven winter, and these Grasses do look pretty when worked == up judiciously — not lavishly — with winter wreaths. Cut about the time AGROSTIS NEBULOSA. of flowering, tie up in little bunches and dry in the shade. Those that flower the second year, like the Stipa and Bromus, must be marked in some way or they will be destroyed for weeds, as they look so much like common grass. We have lost a good many crops for the want of this caution. They are perfectly hardy, and will endure the winter just as well am as any of our wild grasses. The Agrostis nebulosa is a very fine ze grass, indeed, so very fine and small that we can hardly represent it in an engraving. riza maxima is the well known shaking grass, really one of the most valuable of our grasses. There are several varieties of Briza, all but maxima quite small. Lyriéanthus Ravenne is a perennial grass, perfectly hardy, and the best large grass we know of for a northern climate —much better than Pampas Grass, which it resembles. The flower stems are ten feet in height. Stipa pennata is the beautiful Feather Grass, really the most graceful and beautiful of all the small grasses. We show it as grow- . ing, just as the plant begins to flower, and also a bunch of the per- fected grass, as often used for win- ter ornament. We have named only a few of the best varieties, but - a full list of all desirable kinds will be found in our regular seed list of varieties. Many will be surprised that we have not in this z page spoken of the beautiful Pam- pas Grass, which perhaps has no rival where the winters are not very severe, but in the Northern and Middle States it suffers sorely in the winters. Almost every one, also, has some favorite variety, and almost any of the grasses, if gath- ered at the proper time and well cured, are useful and handsome in 2 the winter. Cut the grasses be- "=== fore the flowers open, tie up in little bunches, and hang them in the shade. When sufficiently dry, pack them away out of the dust. Somewhat of a variety is secured by cutting grass at different stages of growth. 98 i id i sie BRIZA MAXIMA. ERIANTHUS RAVENN~. Y) 4G Ve G STIPA PENNATA. SS) / Lithographic & Chromo Co.of Rochester NY. i PERENNI BATOUNAS IN this section will be found those Biennials and Perennials that do not flower until the second season. The first summer the plants merely grow and gather a store of strength for next summer’s flowering, and a stock of material for the next season’s flowers. *The seed may be sown in early spring with the Annuals, or later in the summer; but if sown late, give the seed- bed a cool, damp place, or keep the ground shaded and quite moist by artificial shading and watering, until the plants appear, or very likely the seeds will not germinate. This class of flowers do not usually keep in bloom a long time, and therefore are not suited for the lawn, where a continuous show of flowers or pretty foliage is absolutely necessary. To many, how- ever, the border of Perennials is the most interesting part of the flower garden. Every day almost it exhibits something new—some flower in bloom that we did not expect to see, or whose development we had been anxiously watching and awaiting. A pleasure or a surprise, usually both, await us at almost every visit. What a number of old garden flowers we find in the Perennial border. The Columbine, Pink, Canterbury Bell, Hollyhock, Sweet William, and a host of other friends, all find a home in this department. Then the Perennials fill a space that but for them would be almost destitute of flowers, for after the Bulbs they give us our earliest spring flowers. The Columbine and Canterbury Bell and Larkspur and Foxglove follow the Hyacinths and Tulips, and keep us well supplied until the Annuals are in their glory. Always have a few Perennials, but in a somewhat retired part of the garden, a pleasant border in some place where you can retire and see a little unadorned beauty. You will enjoy it occasionally much more than the gayest bed on the lawn. ‘The Perennial Climbers are admirable, and when we have so few adapted to our climate, should not be neglected. ADLUMIA, Nat. Ord. Fumariacee. Adlumia cirrhosa, or Alleghany Vine, is a very pretty native Biennial climber. The princi- pal attraction consists in its delicate pale green, triply pinnate foliage, the twining foot-stalks of which act as tendrils. The flowers are pink and white, not very conspicuous or beautiful, and yet are neat and graceful, and of the form seen in the engraving. ‘The plant neither runs nor bears flowers the first season, but the second will often grow twenty feet. Sow seed in the spring, in a damp, cool place, or keep the ground shaded. Transplant in the autumn, if possible, though the spring will answer. Although strictly a biennial, and therefore flowering but once, most persons would judge it to be a perennial, because in a damp situa- tion, as on the north side of a porch or fence, self-sown seed germinate so freely that plants are always in abundance \{ in every stage of growth, so that some are ready to take the ™ =i place of the old vines each year. The Adlumia is known as the Wood Fringe, and is really one of the most interesting of our native climbers. 99 ———— ete oy i rigeS By Ser 3 OFA TIT a JW. Zax, ADONIS, Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae. Adonis vernalis is the handsomest of the family, and is really a desirable border plant, with delicate foliage and a large flower, compared to. Nate” ay the size of the plant, which is only about a foot Y in height. The blossoms are yellow, produced in May and June, and on account of this early © blooming exceedingly valuable. The Adonis. prefers a rather light soil. Seed may be grown in the open ground, and success is almost certain. Flowers cup- ape: This flower is now so seldom seen that it will be pronounced new by many. ALYSSUM, Nat. Ord. Crucifere. Alyssum saxatile compactum is an excellent free- “growing Perennial, yet of a compact habit, and with pretty, small, golden yellow flowers, growing in dense clusters. Its popular name is Gold Dust. The Alyssum flowers HY 4 very early in the season, when flowers are scarce, and this, with its ¢Styrtoue other merits, make it quite valuable. Height of plant about ten - inches, This is one of the really valuable plants that we can recommend with pleasure, because we know it will more than meet expectations. The Alyssum is well adapted for rock work, j and forms an excellent mass fora bed. Seeds grow readily. Plants can be increased by layering. AQUILEGIA, (Columbine,) Nat. Ord. Renunculacee. The Aquilegia i is the old and well prized Columbine, of almost every conceivable color, and ‘ singular variations of form. It grows wild in almost every temperate j country in the world, and we have always heard it called by children the Wild Honeysuckle. Like a good many of our Perennials, this flowers early in the spring. The name Columbine was given be- cause the five spurred petals, with incurved heads, have been. thought to bear a resemblance to. five doves, the sepals represent: ing the wings. Seeds may be sown in the open ground. A fine bed of Aquilegias when in flower is a beautiful exhibition. Our engravings show both the double and single flowers. Plants can be increased by a division of the roots. CAMPANULA, Nat. Ord. Campanulacee. The perennial Campanula is the well known, popular, large, blue, bell-shaped flower, known every where as the Canterbury Bell. The C. medium is the only variety really entitled to the name, but it is commonly applied toall. Of late there have been many new varieties introduced, and some of them quite valuable. Calycanthema, shown in the engrav- ing, has the calyx very large, and the same color as the corolla. There are also double varieties of every color produced by the Campanula, white, rose, blue and lilac. The double varieties, though curious, are not really so beautiful as the old single bell. They lose that light, transparent grace that is so attractive in a 2 flower. We never yet saw a bell- | shaped flower improved by doubling —at least we ds not now remember a case 2 the kind. 100 DIANTHUS, Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacee. Under this name we include three of the most magnificent members of the Floral family, the rivals of the Rose for queenly honors, the Carnation, the Picotee and Pink. As long as we can mi remember, these have been the favorite flowers of the florist, and proud and happy was the man who could produce a perfect flower. The Carnation, Dianthus caryophillus, is a grand flower, smooth edged, with the stripes broad and running from the base to the outer edge of the petal, as shown in the engraving at the left. The more clear and defined the stripe the ~ better. The Picotee differs mainly in the coloring, S’ the stripes running around the edge of the petal, as shown in the engraving, that is, when perfect, though there are some very good flowers with narrow and broken stripes running from the base to the outer edge of the petals. The Pink, D. hortenszs,is smaller, more compact and more mottled than striped, with white ground. Seeds of all may be sown under glass, or in the open ground in the spring, and the second season E\ Nii = zz==——=—== will flower. Some \7 | A will prove poor or single, and these can be pulled up as soon iim er aR as they show their character. Young plants are perfectly seh re hardy, and will endure our winters well, but old plants are { | Iii ii much injured generally. A succession of young plants should be procured either from seeds or lay- ers every year. Layer- ing is simply cutting a slit in a young fy. shoot to ob- WH Il I struct the flow of sap, and thus aid in the forma- tion of roots. First cut half way through the shoot, then make a slit lengthwise about an . ual inch. Remove the earth a few inches in depth, and press down the branch so that this slit will open, and then cover with the soil. Roots will form where the cut was made, and thus a new plant will be formed, which can be removed in the autumn or spring. The layering should be done in midsummer. The Pink is more hardy than the others and will not become injured in the winter, unless the plants are very much weakened by old age. The engravings show the Carnation and Picotee on the left of the page, = and the Pink on the right. The plant of the Pink is smaller and more compact than the others, and the leaves narrower. 101 DELPHINIUM, Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae. The perennial Delphiniums, commonly known as Larkspurs, are valuable plants, the foliage is ZZ clean and pretty, habit strong and good, the flowering branches often four feet in height, the spikes of flowers six inches or more in length, and generally compact. The prevailing color is blue, and of the most intense character imaginable. Some varieties very light, azure blue, others of the darkest in- digo shades. White and pink sorts are prized by some, but none are so gorgeous as the bright blues. Sow the seed in the spring, and very strong plants will be produced by autumn, that flower the next spring. Transplant from the seed-bed early in the fall. Roots of old : plants may be divided either in the spring or MEI, === autumn, and thus after good plants are once pro- cured, they may b y. The name Larkspur is given on account of the spur, which resembles the spur of a bird, and forms a prominent feature in the flowers of this family. Se DIGITALIS, (Foxglove,) Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. The Digitalis is a stately plant, when well grown, with flower-stems at least three feet in height. The raceme of flowers is at the extremity of the stem, several (A\. score of them, and all drooping on one side, and sometimes covering vr more than half its length, as may be seen in the small engraving. The flowers are of an irregular bell shape, and the engraving shows a flower of full size, marked in the etme. interior with circular dark spots which are inter- spersed among a number of delicate, light colored * hairs. There are several varieties, differing some- i what in form and color, but we have shown the y s general form, and the colors are white and different oN De f shades of purple. The Digitalis is a native of Q& ian hf Europe, and the old variety, D. purpurea, may be found on the sides of almost any of: the shady country lanes of England. The Digitalis is used in medicine. Its common name is Foxglove. Per- fectly hardy, and seeds may be sown in the spring, in the garden, and transplanted as desired. In the autumn large plants can be divided, and thus plants may be increased indefinitely, but it is well to secure a few fresh plants from seed occasionally, as is in this way only new colors and varie- ties are obtained. HEDYSARUM, (French Honeysuckle,) Nat. Ord. Leguminose. Pretty much all the species of this genus are handsome flowering plants, producing racemes of attractive, pea-formed flowers. H. corcnarium is the best, and there is a scarlet and a white variety. Strange to say, this Hedysarum is called in England and America the French Honeysuckle, though it orig- & inated in Italy, and not in France, and bears no kind of resemblance to the Honeysuckle, but more resembles clover, and as the children suck the tubes @ of clover flowers and call them honeysuckles, perhaps this accounts for the name. It is used in the South of Europe as green feed for cattle. It bears some resemblance to the Scarlet Clover, but is a much bolder and hand- | = somer flower, and really a most desirable Perennial. Every one who secures a few plants will be highly pleased with the investment. Perfectly hardy, and seed may be sown in the open ground. 102 4 a te, \aA = am TKS Uy, Gyr x es LG on Sh. ware ) _ Wil ~~. fi HOLLYHOCK, (Althea rosea,) Nat. Ord. alancee: Every one knows the old Hollyhock, that all the children have played with, and that was so interesting and useful as a trap for bees, when you and I, dear reader, were young. Then it grew tall enough almost for a flag staff, with here and there a single flower about the shape, and half as large as a tea-cup, and every one of them, not appropriated to other uses, turned into a cheese about as big as a cent, which the girls thought made splendid necklaces. This was the old Holly- hock —not very pretty, not very graceful— and yet there were places where the Hollyhock of by-gone days looked well; at least we thought so once, and we have no desire to correct that opinion. But look from the picture we have drawn to the one made by our engraver. Here we have a stately flower, and one showing as much grace as the finest architectural column the skill of man ever devised. No Rip Van Winkle, just awakened from a forty years’ sleep, would recognize the modern Hollyhock as akin to any flower he had ever before beheld. Indeed, when made up in bouquets, pretty good judges are often at fault. A good, double, clear, white Hollyhock is a very good substitute for a Camellia or a white Rose, as a center of a bouquet. I do not now think of one as good, except the double white Balsam. In = situations suitable for tall flowers, we know of nothing better than - the Hollyhock; and yet the improved varieties do not grow very — = high, from three to four feet being about the average. The Holly- hock is biennial. New plants are obtained from seed and by dividing the roots. HONESTY, (Lunaria,) Nat. Ord. Crucifere. Lunaria biennis is what is known as Honesty in all our gardens, and by all florists. There are a good many varieties, all, we think, native of Southern and Central Europe, and all tall-growing biennials and perennials. Honesty, the cultivated variety, bears racemes of pretty, single, purple flowers, and our engraving shows the general habit of the plant, as well as the size and form of the flower, a single specimen of which we give. The pod which contains the seeds is the most interesting to many growers, and indeed the plant perhaps is cultivated mainly for its peculiar seed-pouches, which are very large, perhaps two inches in length by one in width, very thin, and silvery white when ripe. These silvery pouches are curious and pretty, and are grown for winter ornaments, for which use they are very desirable. We have endeavored to show the appearance of these curious pods, each raceme of flowers produc- a ing about such a cluster as shown in the engraving. The plant is very andy: ; two yaar in Height Cana Nat. Ord. Polemoniacee. The Ipomopsis are very beautiful plants, with long, elegant spikes of rich orange and scarlet flowers, excellent for conser- vatory and out-door decoration. The foli- mj age is very fine, like that of the Cypress ~e Vine, giving great beauty to the plant, d? which grows usually from three to four feet = in height, and keeps in flower a long time. The plant is a little difficult to keep over the winter, but generally proves quite _ hardy in a dry place. A wet situation is ==sure to destroy them in winter, causing decay at the surface of the ground. With this exception, there are few plants of easier culture. 103 <a Wes} Wey E ee A RUF: ( at OO ade ae i MER RE BR aX 4 ( EN CSY' SSN PW < Ge P i Nea ca Ue 4 ~\ \ TR _ oe fi WN 5 SY) ANY F (LO SN re a C22 A YF ae Wa pe, LINUM, (Flax,) Nat. Ord. Linacee. Every one is acquainted with our common flax, which is a Linum, and has been cultivated for a good many thousand years, certainly since the time .J when Joseph gained such distinction in Egypt, for we cD, « : An ; / | lj - read that Pharaoh clothed him in fine linen; and we are NAN, - also told in the history of the plagues that occurred in the RYN" \ time of Moses, that the flax was smitten. There are sev- NA ty Wy eral varieties of ornamental flax well worthy of culture, KK ix 2,4 however, which few people know. ‘The plants are very AN iis graceful, the foliage and stems delicate, and the flowers 2m™ WZ Wiz on the light, spray-like plants, seem floating in the air. B= Seeds may be sown either under glass or in the garden. Height one foot. . There are several varieties, white, blue, rose and yellow, and all desirable. PAPAVER, (Poppy,) Nat. Ord. Papaveracee. There are a few Perennial Poppies that are not only worthy of cultivation, but exceedingly valuable to the gardener. The Oriental Poppy, for instance, which is of the most intense scarlet, with a blackish or purplish blotch at the base of each petal, we have seen six inches in diameter. It isa monstrous single flower, and the flower stems gen- erally reach three or four feet in height. There are other varieties somewhat similar in character, but we have never found any better. All the perennial Poppies are perfectly hardy, and seed may be sown in the open ground. Our engravings show the appearance of the plant when in bloom, as well as the form of the flower, of course much reduced in \N size. The single large perennial Poppies are a great addition to the herbace- ous border, and are of great value among shrubbery, as they tend to relieve and lighten up the usual dark and sombre character borders or clumps of shrubbery assume after the early summer. A few plants of = == 08. \ ) A a g NVA annual Poppies, and other free- == \ | growing hardy annuals, will give the shrubberies a cheerful and graceful wildness quite charming. PENTSTEMON, Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. The Pentstemon is one of the best of the perennial border plants. The very pretty long- tubed flowers grow in panicles, and are purple, blue, scarlet, rose and white. The Pentste- mons are all natives of Amer- ica, and are very popular in all parts of the world. Our en- gravings show the habit of the plant, and also a portion of a panicle, with flowers of natural size.. Seeds may be sown in May, in a cool, shady place, or <== under glass. The flowers of 5 =~ different varieties present a great difference in appearance, some with a bold, open mouth and a generous throat, while others are of the form shown in the engraving. 104 V/s b We — be \S Roy 4 g . = Ee) § 24S) Te eS Bn S a : AON wy , Nia BES ee ath P= bd G ) ATI ma PEAS, PERENNIAL, (Lathyrus,) Nat. Ord. Leguminose. The Perennial SOAS to our fancy, is one of the prettiest climbers that grows, and peculiarly adapted to our climate. When in Europe, we saw it cover- ing hundreds of hum- ble cottages, causing the otherwise un- sightly buildings to bloom with beauty. - We determined to grow this fine climb- er and advise others to do the same. It is perfectly hardy in this climate, dies down to the ground every winter and starts again in the spring, making a rapid growth, and properly trained, reaching ten or more feet in height, and flowering for a long time. The seed does not grow very readily sometimes, but roots can be obtained, and at a very moderate price. The engraving shows something of the habit of the plant, and also the size of the flowers, which grow in large clusters. PRIMULA, Nat. Ord. Primulacee. The Primulas do not succeed in our climate, either North or South, East or West, in any locality that we are aware of. In the moist, mild climate of England, and particularly of Scotland, the Primula family present a gorgeous array in the early spring. The Polyanthus is the favorite spring flower of English cottage gardens. Indeed, we found Spring Flower to be the common name in many localities for the P. polyanthus. The P. au- ricula is extensively grown in Europe in conserva- tories, or, more generally, houses exclusively de- voted to the culture of this flower. In this country = all do well in a cold house, but in the open ground — succeed best in a Northern border, as the winter’s sun is injurious. P. veris is the English Cow- slip. and P. vulgaris is the sweet and beautiful English Wild Primrose, that every one who spent his childish days among the green lanes and copices of England, ardently loves. Seed in our country must be sown under glass. PYRETHRUM, Nat. Ord. Composite. The Pyrethrum, like the Aster, which it resembles, once was a rather poor single flower, and though somewhat showy, could claim but little beauty. The old Feverfew, with a small, double, US ae white flower, was fin a long time the best JAG) KS : F A Ke) di A. Rr \Ws y of bright polars They come only partly double ge Vii i a) , from seed, but are well worthy of cultivation. We , have found the plants to be entirely hardy in this = section. It would be well to sow seed under glass, but we have grown it by sowing seeds in the open ground. A good double Pyrethrum is as desirable as a good Aster, quite as large and as double, and if seed would uniformly or even generally produce double flowers, we would advise every ‘one to introduce it to their gardens; but from the best seed we could ever obtain from the most reliable growers of France, the proportion of good double flowers was very small. We shall continue to try, and hope for better results. 105 ROCKET, (Hesperis,) Nat. Ord. Crucifere. ‘The Sweet Rocket is a very hardy biennial, bearing clusters of single flowers, about the size ; shown in the engraving, and very much resembling the Stock, single, and fragrant during the evening. The best colors are purple and white. There are other colors which are not desirable, and a double white, which produces no seed, and which we have not succeeded in naturalizing in America. TCL The plant, with fair culture,. IN will grow eighteen inches in , height, is perfectly hardy, and seed will germinate readily in the open ground. The Rocket is thoroughly hardy, but the little pest that makes our Rad- ishes ** wormy”’ is very fond of its root. and sometimes causes the destruction of the plant. STOCK, BROMPTON, (Mathiola incana,) Nat. Ord. Crucifere. The Brompton Stock is the biennial of the Ten-Weeks Stock. The plant is of a larger growth than the annual, the flowers larger, and the aie spikes longer and bolder. It would be difficult to ® SD find any flower more gorgeous than a good Bromp- g ted ton Stock, as seen growing in the gardens of the N\ mild districts of Europe. We have measured 3% Xu spikes of blossoms nearly a foot in length, with Yy\ ) Br x the flowers as compact as possible. In the colder An OVS ; M) } ) ‘gy districts, the Brompton Stock is grown in conserva- <= g ell tories. Unfortunately this Stock can not endure = ¢( ) ald ill! our winters, but if plants are grown in the open ae ae | ground during the summer, in autumn they can be nomoned to the house, where they will flower ll if not kept too hot and dry. In the spring, the plants may be again transferred to the gar- den, where they will furnish a good many flowers during the early summer. SWEET WILLIAM (Dianthus barbatus,) Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacee. The Sweet William is a very old and popular garden flower, but not now so often as for- merly seen in our gardens. Indeed, the system of bedding with Geraniums, and other bright flowers: and ornamental foliaged plants, and the introduc- tion of the Phlox and Petunia, and similar valuable annuals that give a constant display during the sum- mer, has almost driven a good many of our really gooa flowers from the garden. A re-action, how- ever, has commenced, and both amateurs and pro- fessional gardeners are beginning to look about for their old favorites, so long neglected and almost 3 forgotten. They are not quite content, however, to accept the old flowers as they were thirty years ago ; but are making earnest efforts for their improvement. In this improvement the Sweet William, like the Hollyhock, has largely shared. The best varieties. _ are of exceedingly beautiful colors, very large, and : almost perfect in form, with trusses of great size. Treatment as for Carnation. The Hanes are perfectly hardy, and may be increased by division of the roots. There are very good double varieties, though a single Sweet William is much to be preferred to any double we have ever seen. 106 je Eo. A Y = . S> b ih Es. Sq) Ff Uy ZL, q al : Z Cy oe i = x BOR ST SSB cn) lk Ea NPY. wee 5 ea ee AN ay Tex, ER BAS Gp yA» FE CPN LOK ieee cI eA VF _..w) TITS VALERIANA, Nat. Ord. Valerianacee. The Valerian is a beautiful border plant that we can recommend to all lovers of flowers for the hardy, perennial border. There are a good many ote species of this genus, a few of them natives of Southern a Ney Ey OVS a countries, tender, and only suitable for green-house cul- 8 d¢ Ole ture, but they are mostly hardy, natives of Switzerland, Austria, the Pyrenees and Scotch Mountains. Nothing can be more beautiful than the chalk cliffs of England when covered with Valerian, as we saw them one glorious July day, a few years since. The improved or garden 22 varieties are beautiful, bearing large corymbs of small flow ers, scarlet, white and red, the plant from two to three feet in height. The Valerian will bear shade and moisture. . TA WALLFLOWER, (Cheiranthus Cheiri,) Nat. Ord. Crucifere. The Wallflower resembles the Brompton Stock in appearance, habit and necessary treatment. In the South of Germany, and in England, in early spring, the gardens are gorgeous with Wallflowers, while the fragrance pecu- WY liar to this flower perfumes the air. By growing plants in the \ ground and transplanting to pots in the autumn, or better, by plac- ing the young plants in pots when taken from the seed-bed, and sinking the pots to the rim in earth, good plants will be secured for winter flowering in the house. Give a cool room, and plenty of water. By placing the pots in a pit or cold cellar, with a little light the plants may be kept alive during the winter, and until time to remove to the garden. For the conservatory the Wallflower is 1 desirable. While the Brompton Stocks are clear white, purple, pink, &c., all the colors of the Wallflower possess more or less of yellow, the richest being deep, velvety, brownish red. DICTAMNUS, Nat. Ord. Rutacee. The Dictamnus Fraxinel/a is a desirable hardy perennial with racemes of large, showy flowers | AY he oc often 2 foot in ee He IN \\ if! MN) HS two varieties, white an \N 7 / ee ae pink. The fragrance of these K flowers is pleasant to most people, being somewhat aro- _ matic or resinous. The plant Ss attains a height of two or three feet, and the leaves being beau- tiful in form and color, it is de- sirable in the border for a sum- > FAN — Ah), SS Ay Se a \ AN mer hedge or screen, and for 4 i\ all decorative purposes, where ‘ f hk | y) large flowers are admissable, it AAD? is very useful. Seeds germi- DICTAMNUS — PLANT AND FLOWER. nate freely if sown either in the autumn or spring, and we have never known a plant injured in the winter. Plants can be safely transplanted or shipped at either season. 107 i 2 é ‘ @ as ue 2 pi ( bh (zs of Bey C , & SORE sae, KU STAI Eri) THE names in this department will have a familiar sound to all lovers of house plants. The Heliotrope, the Calceolaria, Gloxinia, Chrysanthemum, Cineraria, Geranium, Fuschia, etc., are associated with our earliest recollections of floriculture. Most persons procure house plants from the green-houses, and when but one or two of a kind are needed this is a good plan. It is also well to purchase oi the nearest florist, if good plants can be obtained, because ao can then make the selection personally, and your Hen ist needs, and we hope uke We deserves, encouragement. Some, however, have green-houses and desire many plants, and others take pride and pleasure in growing from seed -— in watching every day’s mysterious growth, from the tiny seed-leaf to the full developed plant, in all its grand display of beauty. To all such we shall be happy to furnish seeds. As the seeds in this department are mostly delicate, it is best to make several sowings at different times. The most ex- perienced gardeners always do this. Most of the varieties known as green- house plants will, of course, succeed as well in the dwelling house as the green-house, if we can only secure the conditions necessary to their health, and which the conservatory or green-house furnishes. These are light, warmth, = moisture, air, and occasionally a little sunshine. Some may think that they soppy al aa conditions, and yet the plants do not flourish. The difficulty general is that we keep our living rooms too warm for plants, and too warm also for our own good, The atmosphere of the living room, also, is too dry. The florist syringes his plants, and throws water on the _ paths, and all about his houses, so as to ob- tain a moist atmos- phere by its evapora- tion. In our living rooms we provide no water for evaporation, and the consequence is a dry and unhealthy atmosphere, generally filled with fine dust from the carpets. Keep the plants clean and _ comfort- able, with thermometer not over seventy or seventy-five in the day, and not more than fifty or sixty in the night. Keep the leaves clean. Smooth leaves, like those of the Ca- mellia and Oleander, should be washed with a sponge, but some rough or woolly leaved = plants, like the Begonia, dislike wetting of the foliage. This is particularly thee case with ce Chinese Primulas. The engravings at the right, commencing at top of page, show the Heliotrope, Calceolaria, and Cineraria; on the left, the Clianthus. 108 LBS t Ei \ } TEND R BU ¢ & Chromo Cv. of Rochester. S.-Y Lithographi Pasi ‘ WA THNDER BULBS AND TUBERS. THE Tender or Summer Bulbs, in this latitude, during August and the early part of Septem- ber, are truly grand beyond comparison. They may not be equally gorgeous in some places, but our experience and observation is that the Summer Bulbs are delightful almost everywhere. It is no wonder they are becoming so popular in all parts of the civilized world. The Gladio- lus takes rank at the very head of the list and the Dahlia is gaining more than its old popularity. The tender bulbs are so certain in their growth that disappointment is hardly possible, and so easily cared for that no one can complain of the trouble. Summer Bulbs should not be planted until frost is over in the spring, and in the autumn must be taken up before hard frosts. They are easily preserved in any place free from frost during the winter. These remarks, and the instructions throughout this chapter, refer to the places where severe frosts occur. In sections where there is little or no frost these tender Bulbs, of course, are perfectly hardy. We cannot give directions for every locality, and our readers must use a little judgment in the matter. Protect the bulbs from frost, and give them the benefit of spring and early summer growth. GLADIOLUS. The Gladiolus is the most beautiful of our Summer Bulbs, with tall spikes of flowers, some two feet or more in height, and often several spikes from the same bulb. The flowers are of almost every desirable color — brilliant scarlet, crimson, creamy white, striped, blotched and spotted in the most curious and interesting manner. Per- haps we have no flower that presents such a gorgeous display of delicate yet brilliant colors in the garden, or on the exhibi- tion tables, or for extensive floral decorations, as the Gladio- lus. For many years the French have been the most skillful propagators of this flower, and every season introduced many very beautiful new varieties, grown, of course, from seed, which the rest of the world have been very glad to purchase at extravagant prices—five dollars or more each. There is no country in the world, we think, where the Gladiolus thrives as it does in America — it is subject here to no disease, which is not the case in Europe —and to plant a bulb is to insure a good spike of flowers. It is not strange, therefore, that the Gladiolus is becoming exceedingly popular, and receiving especial attention from florists. In our own grounds we cul- tivate from five to ten acres of the best named varieties, and several acres of seedlings. Among these seedlings are annu- ally produced some very choice flowers, while the average is very good, quite as fine as ninety per cent. of the best named sorts. The bulb, as it is commonly called, is really a corm, and from this grows the erect stem, terminating in a spike of flowers. The culture is very 109 simple. Set the bulbs from six to nine inches apart and cover about four inches. If set in rows they may be six inches apart in the rows, and the rows one foot apart. The planting may be done at different times from the middle of April to the first of June, to secure a long succession of bloom. Keep the earth mellow, and place a neat stake to support the spikes in storms. I have never known a a case where the Gladiolus failed ’ to give the most perfect satisfaction, opening a new field of beauty to those unacquainted with its merits. In the fall, take up the bulbs, let them dry in the air for a few days, then cut off the tops and store the bulbs out of the way of frost, for next season’s planting. Look at them occasionally. If kept in a place too moist, they will show signs of moisture and perhaps mil- dew. If this appears, remove them to a drier position. If the Ls DS iene ‘RANE getting too dry; but they do not usually suffer from a dry atmosphere. To prevent disappoint- ment, I would say, I know of no Gladiolus of a bright yellow color, and none of spotless white. Our engravings show two plants in flower, of somewhat different habit; also, a bulb or corm, and a single flower, the two latter about natural size. DAHLIAS. The Dahlia, some twenty or more years ago, was altogether the most popular florist’s flower, and Dahlia exhibitions the most noted horticultural contests. The Dahlia for a time lost part of its eclat, but is now not only regaining its lost ground, but bids fair to exceed even its former position in public estimation. We are not sur- prised at this, for when we look upon a well- formed Dahlia, we are compelled to acknowl- edge that it is a wonder of beauty and perfec- tion. The Dahlia, when first discovered in Mexico, about 1784, and named after Dr. DAHL, a pupil of Linnzeus, was a single flower, and its improvement was accomplished by the patience and skill of European florists. It was first culti- vated for its tubers, which were thought to be eat- able. It was not until 1814 that it began to excite the attention of florists, and the improve- ment of the Dahlia has been constant to the pres- ent time; for though florists thought this flower had attained the highest point of beauty many years since, every year seedlings are produced and named which are considered as surpassing their predecessors in some point of excellence. We exhibited seedlings of our own growing in 1874, which such excellent judges as Isaac BuCHANAN and C. L. ALLEN pronounced superior to any they had before seen. The flower shown is about one-half the size of a large Dahlia, though they differ very much in this respect, 110 S By 7) a ope PO RA some varieties always producing large and others small flowers, the small or medium being usually the most perfect, and the largest often somewhat coarse. as: a> we id > COT IFD Soo cop Cu) [a rye Ce NUS eR L/ Pres i gO" (_— SINS rete KY | ie PI Yee wee SV) Zao . WS Zenda F WANES eet Wi /// 39575, fa: WYN Ska Wi ULES Gi a aE Aor >We SAIN i e, Ai Nee: ee : YS. y Ve Y) y <a Sess y oes FANN ima <A TES See SHOW DAHLIA. form the plants. Purchasers of Dahlias usually obtain the tubers for planting, because they are more safely transported than plants, and the appearance