Abies (Spruce Firs)—Among these ornamental conifers mention may be made of the beautiful Japanese Spruce Ajanensis, which grows freely in most soils and has dual-coloured leaves—dark green on the upper surface and silvery white underneath; this makes a grand single specimen anywhere The White Spruce (Abies Alba Glauca) is a rapid grower, but while it is small makes a lovely show in the border; it prefers a moist situation Of the slow-growing and dwarf varieties Gregorii is a favourite The Caerulea, or Blue Spruce, is also very beautiful Clanbrasiliana is a good lawn shrub, never exceeding 4 ft in height The Pigmy Spruce (A Pygmea) is the smallest of all firs, only attaining the height of 1 ft Any of these may be increased by cuttings.

Peas, Sweet—These most beautiful and profuse blooming hardy annuals will grow almost anywhere, but they prefer a dry soil that is both rich and light The seed should be sown as early in March as practicable, and in April and May for succession When the plants are 2 or 3 in high a few twigs may be placed among them, to which they will cling The flowers are produced in July, and the more liberally they are gathered the longer the plants will continue to bloom Height, 3 ft.

Marguerites (Chrysanthemums Frutescens)—The White Paris Daisies are very effective when placed against scarlet Geraniums or other brightly-coloured flowers, and likewise make fine pot-plants They will grow in any light soil, and merely require the same treatment as other half-hardy perennials Height, 1 ft (See also "Anthemis" and "Buphthalmum").

Actaea Spicata (Bane Berry)—A hardy herbaceous perennial which delights in a shady position, and will even grow under trees It is increased by division of the roots, or it may readily be raised from seed in ordinary soil May is its flowering month Height, 3 ft.


Tuberous Begonias should be planted in small pots placed in heat, early in spring, and at intervals of a fortnight for succession, using a compost of equal parts of fibrous loam, leaf-mould, and sand Press the soil rather firmly so as to promote sturdy growth, and only just cover the top of the tuber Water moderately till the plants begin to grow freely Gradually harden off, and plant out the last week in May or early in June, or shift into larger pots for conservatory decoration Cuttings may be taken in April The plants may also be raised from seed sown in February or March in a temperature of 65 degrees Before sowing mix the seed with silver sand, then sprinkle it evenly over a box or pan of moist, fine, light loam and silver sand; cover with a sheet of glass, and keep shaded Transplant into small pots, and pot on from time to time as the plants increase in size Plants so treated will flower in June or July When the leaves of the old plants turn yellow keep the roots quite dry, afterwards turn them out of t.

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