Acantholimon Glumaceum (Prickly Thrift)—This is a frame evergreen perennial, thriving in any light, rich soil It can be increased by dividing the roots In May it puts forth its rose-coloured flowers Height, 3 in.

Hardy perennials do not require artificial heat to germinate the seeds, or at any period of their growth, but are the most easily cultivated of all plants Seed may be sown from March to midsummer, transplanting in the autumn to their flowering quarters; or it may be sown in August and September in a sheltered position to stand the winter.

Medlars-These trees will grow on any well-drained soil The Dutch Medlar is most prized, as it bears the largest fruit It is raised from seed, and usually trained to a standard form The Nottingham and Royal are also excellent varieties Any special variety may be grafted on to the seedlings On deep soils it is best grafted on the Pear stock; on light, sandy soil it may be grafted on the White Thorn No pruning is required, beyond cutting away cross-growing branches.

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.


Adonis Pyrenaica—A rare but charming Pyrenean perennial species, with thick ornamental foliage, and producing large golden-yellow flowers from May to July It needs no special treatment Height, 1-1/2 ft.

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