Alstromeria (Peruvian Lilies)—These beautiful summer-flowering hardy perennials produce large heads of lily-like blossoms in great profusion, which are invaluable for cutting for vase decorations as the bloom lasts a long time in water Plant in autumn 6 in deep in a well-drained sunny situation, preferably on a south border Protect in winter with a covering of leaves or litter They may be grown from seed sown as soon as it is ripe in sandy loam They bloom in July Height, 2 ft to 3 ft.

Physalis (Winter Cherry)—A rich, light soil is most suitable for the stove and greenhouse kinds, cuttings of which root freely under glass The hardy kinds will grow in any soil, and are increased by seed P Francheti produces seed-pods over 2 in in diameter, the Cherry-like fruit of which is edible and makes a fine preserve It is larger than that of the old Winter Cherry, P Alkekengi They flower in August Height, 1 ft to 2 ft.

Mandevillea Suaveolens—A fine climbing plant bearing very sweet white flowers in June It is rather tender, and more suitable for the conservatory than the open air It does not make a good pot-plant, but finds a suitable home in the border of the conservatory in equal parts of peat and sandy loam In pruning adopt the same method as for the vine or other plants which bear flowers on wood of the same year's growth It is propagated by seed sown in heat, or by cuttings under glass Syringe the leaves daily during the hot season A temperature of from 40 to 50 degrees in winter, and from 55 to 65 degrees in summer should be maintained Height, 10 ft.

Vitis Heterophylla—These vines are hardy, and will grow in any rich soil They are propagated by cuttings, and also by layers V Purpureus has purple leaves, which are very effective V Coignettae, or the Chinese Vine, has very noble foliage.


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.

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