Actinella Grandiflora—A showy herbaceous plant, bearing large orange-coloured flowers in July It is not particular as to soil, and is increased by dividing the roots Height, 1 ft.

Pavia Macrostachya—This is a deciduous hardy shrub or tree which bears elegant racemes of white Chestnut-like flowers in July Any soil suits it It is propagated by layers or by grafting it on to the Horse-chestnut Height, 10 ft.

Lobelia—These effective plants may be raised from seed sown in January or February in fine soil Sprinkle a little silver sand or very fine mould over the seed; place in a greenhouse, or in a frame having a slight bottom-heat, and when large enough prick them out about 1 in apart; afterwards put each single plant in a thumb-pot, and plant out at the end of May As the different varieties do not always come true from seed, it is best to propagate by means of cuttings taken in autumn, or take up the old plants before the frost gets to them, remove all the young shoots (those at the base of the plant are best, and if they have a little root attached to them so much the better), and plant them thinly in well-drained, shallow pans of leaf-mould and sand; plunge the pans in a hotbed under a frame, shade them from hot sunshine, and when they are rooted remove them to the greenhouse till spring, at which time growth must be encouraged by giving a higher temperature and frequent syringing They may then be planted out in.

Whortleberry—See "Vaccineum".


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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