mije ^. -i. ^iU pbrarg Sb405 I III "^ JlillJmHmM';,'/f''V'^^ "" "'LL LIBRARV IlllilllUlllliil 800202009 D THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE DATO INDICATED BELOW AND IS SUB- JECT TO AN OVERDUE FINE AS POSTED AT THE CIRCULATION DESK. :s APR 2 6 1989 Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2009 witii funding from NCSU Libraries littp://www.arcli ive.org/details/flowergardenorbrOObrec FLOWER-GARDEN; OK, BEECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS; IN WHICH ARE DESCRIBED ALL THE VARIOUS HARDY HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS, AN- NUALS, SHRUBBY PLANTS, AND EVERGREEN TREES, DESIRABLE FOR ORNAMENTAL PURPOSES, WITH DIRECTIONS FOR THEIR CULTIVATION. BY JOSEPH BRECK, SEEDSMAN ANB FLORIST, AND FORMER EDITOR OF THE NEW ENGLAND FARMER AND THB HORTICULTURAL REGISTER. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY JOHN P. JEWETT & COAn>ANY, Nos. 17 & 19 Cornhill. 1851. Kntered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1851, by JOHN P. JEWETT & CO., In the Clerk's Office of the District Couil of the District of Massachusetts. Slcreotvpcd by HOBART & ROBBINS, NEW EXGLAND TYPE AND STEREOTVpE FOL'MDEKV, BOSTON'. INTRODUCTION. The object of this volume is the diffusion of general knowl- edge and practical information in relation to the floral kingdom, particularly for hardy trees, shrubs and plants, desirable for the embellishment of the flower-garden and pleasure-ground. It is not designed as a scientific treatise for those far advanced in the knowledge of plants, but for new beginners, who are just entering the temple of Flora; or as a book of reference to those who have but little time for research, and who desire some simple instructions as to the mode of culture, or descrip- tion of the habits, of plants or seeds which they may wish to grow. That it may be more acceptable to the great majority, technical descriptions have been avoided as much as possible. We consider it important that plants should be generally known by their scientific name, as this is universal, while the common name is only local ; we have, therefore, given precedence to the botanical name, and followed with the common name, where any has been known. Some work of this kind, it has often appeared to me, was much needed. It has often been called for, in my business as seedsman. Customers will pur- chase a quantity of seeds, not knowing, perhaps, anything about 38139 IV INTRODUCTION. their habits, cultivation, or treatment, or that there should be any difference in their management. Having had long expe- rience in the cultivation, as well as the sale, of seeds and plants, it is expected that every inquiry should be promptly and correctly answered, in good humor, and as part of the trade; this it is always pleasant to do when there is not a press of business ; but sometimes this is rather trying. This book, therefore, may be said to have been partly written in self- defence, or, more properly speaking, to give all needed instruc- tions deliberately and correctly, instead of doing it in a hurry. The low price of the book will bring it within the reach of almost every person. It was thought desirable to bring to notice many of our beau- tiful indigenous plants and shrubs, as worthy of cultivation. A handsome flower-garden may be made of these alone ; many of them are within the reach of every one, and may be obtained without money and without price. The care and trouble is all the outlay, and this may be offset by the pleasure derived in collecting them from the fields, woods, or meadows. The time of flowering and directions for sowing seeds, hardi- ness, &c., correspond to the meridian of Boston ; but those in different latitudes will find no difficulty in making the proper allowance for the difference in location. The plan of this work was devised twenty years ago, and more than three hundred pages of closely written letter-paper prepared for it ; but it was found, in the diffuse manner in which it was commenced, that it would require a thousand pages to complete it, and, as other business interfered, it was abandoned. INTRODUCTION. V In looking over this old manuscript, we found that so many new plants had been introduced, and such improvements had been made in numerous species, that it would be of but little use in this work. It was, however, to some small extent, incorpo- rated into it. Many articles on various subjects have appeared, from time to time, in the Horticultural Register, New England Farmer and the Horticulturist, either with my own signature or initials, or under some fictitious one. These communications have been revised, discarding what did not agree with present experience, or opinion, and making such alterations and addi- tions as the progress in floriculture demanded ; and these have afforded material for this book. With few exceptions, I have been as familiar with the plants described as with household friends, and believe the directions given will not lead any one astray. I do not claim all as original, having culled from a great variety of books and periodicals, English and American. To Loudon's Encyclopedia of Plants, and other works, I am indebted for the historj'' of many plants, and the origin of their generic or specific names. Mr. Emerson's excellent work on the " Trees of Massachusetts" has assisted me in the descrip- tion of many shrubs and trees, to whom credit has been given in the body of the work. Dr. T. W. Harris's treatise on the "Insects of Massachusetts Injurious to Vegetation," has fur- nished me with the history and habits of the Rose-Bug and other insects. Extracts have been made from Downing's " Horticulturist," from Parsons " On the Rose," and hints from " Hovey's Magazine," and from various other books and periodicals. 1# VI mTRODUCTION. For the poetry interspersed throughout this volume, I have drawn largely on " Flora Domestica," a pleasant English work. In the directions for making walks, laying box edgings, &c., J am indebted to an experienced gardener, and to Mr. McMahon's old work on gardening, in connection with my own experience and observation. J. B. Boston, Feb. 14, 1851. GENERAL INDEX. Pago. Annuals, cultivation of, 33 sowing seed of, 36 descriptive list of, 161 Biennials, culture of, 33 descriptive list of, 44 Bulbous roots, general cultivation of, 34 descriptive list of, &c., 44 Bulbs, directions for flowering in glasses, 82 Flowers, the importance of their cultivation, 13 selecting for the flower-garden, 25 old-fashioned do., 28 Flower-garden, laying out, 17 Flowering plants, selection of, 25 Edging, best plants for, and laying, 23 Evergreen trees, descriptive list of, 308 Garden walks, how to construct, 20 Herbaceous plants, how to propagate, 35 descriptive list of, 85 Insects injurious to the rose, &c., 327 Lawns, mode of constructing, 31 Native plants recommended, 26 Perennials, cultivation of, 33 propagation of, 36 descriptive list of, 85 Rock-work, remarks on, 30 Rose, 267 ; soil for, 274 ; planting, 276 ; pruning, 277 ; propagation of, 278 ; tree, 280 Rose, China, Tea, and Noisette, 284 ; musk. Macartney, microphylla, 285 ; summer, 286 ; everblooming, Bourbon, 283 ; remontant, 282 ; moss, 236 ; climbing, 238 ; Boursalt, 289 ; prairie, 289 ; Ayrshire, 290 ; multiflora, 292 ; Gerarde's account of, 292 ; to obtain odors from, 293 Rose Slug, 327 ; remedy for, 331 Bug, 333 Chafer, 333 Saw-fly, 328 Shrubs, on the cultivation of deciduous and evergreen, 40 proper season for planting, 41 ■ soil and situation for, 42 descriptive list of, 216 Thrips, or vine-fretters, 3.32 Whale-oil soap, 332 BULBOUS-ROOTED PLANTS. Amaryllis, 46 Anemone, 44 description of a fine double one, 45 soil, situation, and plant- ing, 45 Bidbous-rooled plants, descriptive list of, 44 Bulbous perennials, 34 Bulbs, directions for flowering in glasses, S2 Corn Flag, 54 Crown Imperial, 52 Crocus, 47 Dahlia, 47 propagation of, 48 preparation of soil for, . . . 48 preserving roots, 50 VIU GENERAL INDEX. Daffodil, 67 English Iris, CO Feathered Hyacinth, 59 Feraria 51 Flower-de-luce, 59 Fritillaria, 52 Galantlius, 53 Garden Hyacinth, 55 Gladiolus, 54 Grape Hyacinth, 59 Guinea hen flower, 53 Iris, 59 Susiana, 60 Xiphioides, 60 Jonquille, 67 Leucojum, 54 Liliuni, 61 Lily, 61 Muscari, 59 Narcissus, 67 PcEony, 63 Persian Fritillaria, 53 Poet's Narcissus, 68 Polyanthus Narcissus, 68 Ranunculus, 72 directions for cultiva- tion 73 Hoop-petticoat Narcissus, .... 68 Hyacinth, 55 planting, 57 Snowdrop, 53 Spanish Iris, 60 Tree Poeony, 70 Tiger flower, 51 Tuberose, 74 Tulip, 75 Wind flower, 44 PERENNIAL, BIENNIAL, HERBACEOUS, BORDER, AND OTHER FLOWERS. Coreopsis 106 Corydalis, 108 Achillea, Aconitum, 85 Aclrea, Adam's Needle, 159 Adonis, 87 »Alyssum, 87 Althcea, 87 Anemone, 90 Amsonia, 91 [J)elpliinium Antirrhinum, 91 Aquilegia, 92 ■«*A.rmeria, 93 *^ster, . 2^ 93 Asclepias, 94 Auricula, 148 Balm, 136 Baptisia, 96 Bellis, 97 Bell flower, 97 86 J^ynoglossum, 109 Bitter Vetch, Blootlroot, 152 Blue Catananche, 100 Buttercup, 150 -s^Hanterliury Bells, 98 .Candytuft, . 126 Cardinal flower, 129 Cardamine, 100 Carnation Pink, 112 Cassia 100 Catananche, 100 Cantua, 120 Chelone, 102 -•Chrysanthemum, 101 China Pink, 114 Clematis, 103 Cyprepedium, 109 Cowslip, 149 Dame's Violet, 123 Day Lily, 124 Daisy, ^. . f..^. . . 97 4)ianlhus, ill Dictamnus 115 •i)igitalis, . .f / t ;H'. . . . . 116 Dodecatheon, 117 Dog's-tooth Violet, 118 Dracocephalum, 117 Dragon's-head, 117 Epilohium, 118 Erythronium, 118 •Euphorbia, ?. 119 13S '^upatorium, 119 Evening Primrose, 137 Everlasting Pea, 128 •^i^everfew, 150 Fleur-de-luce, 126 -Foxglove, . I. ^. . . * 116 Fraxinella, 115 Funkia, 125 Fumitory, 103 Garden Rocket, 123 Gentiana, 120 Gerardia, 120 Geranium, 122 Globe Flower, 155 Golden Rod, 153 Glycine, 121 "^Dolunibinc. 92 j (Tpound-nut, 121 Convallaria, 105 Hepatica, 123 Coronilla, lOGi Hesperis, 123 GENERAL INDEX, IX Helianthus, 124 Hemerocalis, 124 Hibiscus, 125 Honesty, 132 Horned Poppy, 122 Hollj'hock, 87 Hypericum, _. , . . 126 Jberis, ?. . . C f •; '". '^. ■ .-" T I .126 Ipomopsis, 120 Iris, 126 Jacob's Ladder, 147 Lady's Slipper, 109 Lathyrus, 12S Lamium, ^j^.t.,- • '129 ■ Larkspur, 1 . T ? •■: ^.'V . .^ :\ . 109 Lily of the Valley, 105 London Pride, 135 Loose Strife, 135 Lobelia, 129 Lunaria, 132 Lungwort, 149 Lupin, 132 Lysaniachia 135 Lythrum, 136 Malva, 136 Maryland Cassia, 100 Mallows, 136 Milfoil, 85 Monarda, 136 Monkshood, 85 Mornin? Glory, 106 Mullen Pink, 86 Navelwort, 109 CEnothera, 137 Orchis, 137 Orobus, 138 Pansy 157 Papaver, 138 Pasque Flower, 90 Pentstemon, 139 •Phlox, M 140 early varieties, 141 Phlox, summer do 142 late do 144 raised from seed 146 Periwinkle, 156 Pink, Ill Polemonium, 147 Polyanthus, 148 Poppy, 138 Potentilla, 147 Primrose, 148 Primula, 148 Pulmonaria, 149 ■Pyrethrum, 150 Sabl)atia, 151 Sanguinaria, 152 Sarracenia, 151 Saxifraga, 152 Sea Lavender, 154 Side-saddle Flower, 151 Snap Dragon, 91 Solidago, 153 Solomon's Seal, 105 Speedwell, 156 Spirsea, 153 Spider wort, 154 Spurge, 119 St. John's-wort, 126 Sunflower, 124 Swallow-wort, 94 .iSweet William, 114 Thrift, 93 Thorough-wort, 119 Tradescaatia, 154 Trollius, 155 Valerian, 155 Veronica 156 Vinca, 156 Virgin's Bower, 103 Viola, "157 Willow Herb, 136 Wolfsbane, 85 ANNUALS. Adonis, 161 African Hibiscus, 184 Alyssum, 161 Alonsoa, 162 _Amaranthus, 162 Amaranth, 182 Amethyst, 166 Ammobium 164 Animated Oat, 165 Anagalis, 164 Apple of Peru 177 Argemofl£, 162 -^ster, A 164 A vena, 165 Balsam Apple, 190 Pear, 200 balsam, 185 Balloon Vine, 168 Bartonia, 165 Basil, 202 Brachycome, 166 Browallia, 166 Briza, 166 Cacalia, 166 •Calendula, 167 Calandrinia, 167 Calampelis, 167 ■California Poppy, 171 £alliopsis, 168 Callistemne, 164 Caterpillar, 196 Catchfly, 210 Cardiospermum, 163 Campanula, 169 Candytuft 185 I Canna, 169 GENERAL INDEX. Canary-bird Flower, Celosia, -Centaurea, .' . !\^ 5 H ^f ti ' ' . ^:>.' . China Pink, China Aster, Chriseis, Chrysanthemum, ■il!larkia, Clintonia, Cleome, Cobae, "Gocliscomb, Coix, •^Coreopsis, 163, 175, Colinsia, Coinmelina, Convolvulus, Crepis, Cj'press Vine, Ecremocarpus, Erysimum, Eschscholtzia, Eutoca, -Jiuphorhia, 2. EveilastinEf Flower Evening Primrose, "^Forget-me-not, "Gaillardia, German Aster, Gillyflower, Gilia Globe Amaranth, -»Gomphrena, Godetia, Hedgehog Helianthus, -Helichrysum, Hibiscus —■Hvacintji Bean. . . ._. ^. . . -fheris, 7 X. . . . ' ." i "> '. ' ! i Ice Plant, Impatiens, Indian Pink, Indian Cress, Shot, Ipomea, Job's Tears, , . . . . •"Larkspur, ♦, .\ '. '. '.■■. '.' / . ', . Lathyrus, Leptosiphon, Lasihenia, Lavatera, Limatithus, Loasa, Lophospernum, Love in a Mist, Love in a I'utf, . Love-lies-bleeding, Liipinus, Madia, Malope, —.Marigold, 213 170 171 HI 164 171 172 173 174 174 175 171 172 176 175 176 177 177 1S6 167 181 171 179 179 184 202 200 181 164 194 181 182 182 183 196 183 184 184 179 1,55 196 185 HI 212 169 186 Martynea, 193 Marvel of Peru, 199 Mathiola, 194 Maurandia, 193 Medicago, 195 Mesembryanthemum, 196 Mimosa, 196 Mignonette, 207 Mimulus, 197 Mirabilis, 199 Monkey Flower, 197 Momordica, 199 Morning Glory, 177 Mourning Bride, 208 Myosotis, 200 ■*Jasturtium, 212 Nemophila, 200 Nigella, 201 Nolana, 201 Nun's Whipping-rope, 163 Ocyiium, 202 CEnothera, 202 Palestine Mustard, 181 Pansy, 157 Papaver, 2ii3 Phaseolus, 203 Platysteinon, 205 Poppy, 203 *hlox, . t 205 -Portulacca, 200 Pot Marygold, 167 Primrose, 183 Purple-eyed Crepis, 177 Quaking Grass, 166 Resede, 207 Rodanthe, 207 Salpiglossis, 207 Scabious, 208 Scarlet-flowering Bean, ..... 205 Scarlet Morning Glory 187 "Schizanthus 209 Schizopetalon, 209 Sensitive Plant, 196 Snails, 196 Sphosnogyne, 210 Senecio, 210 Silene, 210 Swan's Daisy, 166 Sunflower, 183 -6weet Pea, 188 Tagates, 201 Thorn Apple, 177 ■Thunbergia, 212 Tricolor, 102 Tropaeoium, 212 Unicorn Plant, 193 Variegated Euphorbia, 180 Verbena, 213 Venus Looking-glass, 169 Viola, 157, 214 Zeranthemum, 215 '*inma, 215 GENERAL INDEX. HARDY SHRUBS ^sculus, 216 Acuba 216 Allhae frutes, 241 Almond, double-flowering, . . . 219 Auiorpha, 217 Amelanchier, 217 American Rose Bay 254 Amygdalus, 21S Anipelopsis, 210 Andromeda, 220 Aristolochia, 220 A5.h 239 Ash, weeping, 239 Azalea 220 Bladder Senna, 230 Barberry 222 Beech, purple-flowering, .... 233 Berberis, 222 Bignonia, 223, 301 Birlhwort, 220 Box, 224 Bramble, 294 Broom, 296 Buffalo Tree, 295 Buxus, 224 Buckthorn, 257 Catalpa, 224 Calycanlhus 224 Caprifolium, 225 Carolina Allspice, 223 Ceanolhus, 226 Celastrus, 227 Clematis, 103 Climbing Staff, 227 Cerasus, 228 Cercis, 229 Cherry, double-flowering, .... 228 Chioiianthus, 229 Clethra, 230 Colutea, 230 Corchorrus, 244 Cornus, 230 Cranberry Tree, 305 Crataegus, 232 Crab Apple, 256 Currant, 264 double-flownring, .... 264 Cydonia, 233 Cytisus, 234 Daphne, 235 Deutzia, 235 Diervilla, 236 Dirca, 236 Dogwood, 231 Elreagnus, 236 Elder, 295 English Ivy, 240 Epigfea, 237 Euonymus, 237 Fagus 238 Feverbush, 244 Flowering Raspberry, 295 AND LOW TREES. Fraxinus, 239 Fringe Tree, 229 Gold-dust Tree, 216 Ground Laurel, 237 Halesia, 239 Hedera, 240 Hibiscus, 241 Holly, '. 241 Honeysuckle, 225, 247 Horse Chestnut, 246 Ilex, 241 Indigo Shrub, ■ . . .217 Ivy, English, 240 Ivy, poisonous, 254 Japan Quince, 233 .ludas Tree, 220 Kalmia, 242 Kerria, 244 Laburnum, 234 Laurus, 244 Laurel, "... 242 Lavender, 244 Leatherwood, 236 Liguslrum 246 Lilac, 300 Lonicera, 247 Locust, 265 Lycium, 247 Magnolia, 248 iMazerion, 235 Mahonia, 251 Oleaster, 236 Paulownia, 251 Pa3ony, 253 Pear, 255 Peach, double-flowering, .... 218 Philadelphus, 253 Plum, 254 Poison Sumach, 263 Ivy, 263 Prunus, 254 Privet, 246 Pyrus, 255 Purple Beech, 238 Red Bud, 229 llhamnus 257 Rhododendron, 258 Rhodora, 261 Ribes, 264 Robinia, 265 Rose Acacia, . . . •• 266 Rose, 267 Bay, 258 poetical extracts on, . . .263 soil for, 274 situation for, 275 propagation of, 278 classification, 280 Ruhu.s, 294 Sambucus, Shepardia, 295 Shad Bush, 217 Snowberry, 300 GENERAL INDEX. Snowball, 303 Snowdrop, 239 Spartium, 296 Spiraea, 296 Sumach, 261 Poison, 263 Strawberry Tree, 237 Symphora, 300 Syringa, 253, 300 Tartarean Honeysuckle, .... 247 Tecoma, 301 Tree Paeony, 253 Trumpet Flower, 223, 301 Venetian Sumach, 262 Viburnum, 303 Virginian Creeper, 219 Wayfaring Tree, 304 Weigela, 305 Weeping Ash, 239 Wistaria, 305 EVERGREEN TREES AND SHRUBS. Abies canadensis, 313 nigra, 315 alba, 316 communis, 316 pulcherrima, 317 Douglassii, 317 Arbor vitse, 322 Auricaria imbricata, 326 Austrian Pine, 312 Box, 224 Cedar, 322, 324 Cedar of Lebanon, 320 Chilian Pine, 322 Cupressus, 323 sempervirens, .... 324 thyoides, 324 Cypress, 323 Deodara Cedar, 325 EpigSEa, 237 Euonymous, 238 Fir Balsam, 318 Hacmatack, 319 Hedera, 240 Holly, 241 Ilex, 241 Ivy, English, 240 .Tuniper, 324 Juniperus Virginiana, 324 communis, 325 Kalmia, 242 Magnolia, 248 Mahonia, 251 Larch, Scotch, 319 American, 319 Cedar of Lebanon, .... 320 Larix, 319 Norway Pine, 311 Norway Spruce, 316 Picea balsamifera, 318 Fraseri 319 Pine family 311 Pinus, 313 sabiniana, 312 pinaster, 312 ponderso, 312 Lambertiana, 312 Austrica, 312 strobus, 311 resinosus, 311 sylvestris, 311 Pitch-pine, 311 Rhododendron, 258 Scotch Pine, 311 Spruce, 313 Black 315 White 316 Norway, 316 Swiss Pine, 313 Thuya occidentalis, 322 White Pine, 311 CLIMBING PLANTS. Ampelopsis, Aristolochia, Balloon Vine, Bignonia, Caprifolium, Canary-bird Flower, Cardiospermum, Celastrus, Clematis, Cobce, Corydalis Convolvulus, 106, Cypress Vine, Dolichos, Glycine, Honeysuckle, Hedera, 186, Ivy, English, 240 Poison, 204 Lathyrus, 128 Loasa 190 Lophospermum, 191 Lycium, 247 Maurandia, 193 Moniordica, 199 Nasturtium, 212 Phaseolus, 205 Pipe Vine, 210 Thunbergia, 212 Troposolum, 212 Trumpet Flower, 223 Vinca, 156 Virginian Creeper, 219 Waxwork, 227 Wistaria, 306 BOOK OF FLOWEKS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CULTIVATION OF FLOWERS. " How exquisitely sweet This rich display of flowers, — This airy wild of fragrance, So lovely to the eye, And to the sense so sweet ! " " And round about he taught sweet flowers to grow." " Flowers ! The cultivation of flowers," say some ; " of what use ? It neither gives us meat, drink, nor clothing." Well, supposing it does not ? Shall we not turn our thoughts to something else besides corn and potatoes, and the produc- tions of the earth which only keep soul and body together ? Is there no mind to feed and delight ? Shall we always be plodding ? Will it always be the inquiry, " What shall we eat, and what shall we drink, and wherewithal shall we be clothed ? " Must care and business always engross the whole mind ? The earth, the seas, and skies, are full of the wonders of God's beautiful creation. Shall we close our eyes, stop our ears, and be dumb, when there is such an endless profusion around us, to delight, to cheer, and soothe us ? We need not compass sea and land for our gratification ; the means are within the reach of every one for innocent and healthy relax- ation. It lies around us ; it is at our feet ; " it may be found in the garden, where, in the beginning, everything pleasant to the sight" was congregated. 2 Lihrary N. C. State Collesre 14 breck's book of floweks. Flower-gardens were ever held in high estimation by persons of taste. Emperors and kings have, been delighted with the expansion of flowers ; and a more exalted personage than the highest on earth, called the attention of his followers to the beauty of flowers, when he said, " Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Nature, in her gay attire, unfolds a vast variety which is pleasing to the human mind, and, con- sequently, has a tendency to tranquillize the agitated passions, and exhilarate the man, — nerve the imagination, and render all around him delightful. Who, that has been confined to the business of the day, toiling and laboring in the " sweat of his brow," does not feel invigorated and refreshed, as he takes his walk in the cool of the evening, with the happy family group about him, and marks the progress of his fruits and flowers ? Or who, that breathes the delicious fragrance of the morning flowers, glittering with dew, but can look up with greater confidence to Him who has strewed, with such liberal profusion, in every direction, the evidences of his goodness to the children of men ? "The cultivation of flowers is an employment adapted to every grade, the high and the low, the rich and the poor; and especially to those who have retired from the busy scenes of active life. Man was never made to rust out in idleness. A degree of exercise is as necessary for the preservation of health, both of body and mind, as food. And what exercise is more fit for him, who is in the decline of life, than that of superin- tending a well-ordered garden ? What more enlivens the sinking mind ? What more invigorates the feeble frame ? What is more conducive to a long life ? " The pleasure derived from a fine collection of flowers requires no comment, only that the more varied and perpetual the flowering, the greater is the gratification to the observer. The moral lesson that can be obtained from flowers also forms another fine characteristic in the flower-garden ; for flowers not CULTIVATION OF FLOWERS. 15 only please the eye and gratify the passing observer, but con- tain a beauty in their structure, in the most minute parts and coloring, that conveys a pleasing and natural lesson to the most accurate and intelligent observer, with everything to please and nothing to offend. Who, that was blessed with parents that indulged themselves and children with a flower-garden, can forget the happy, inno- cent hours spent in its cultivation ? O ! who can forget those days, when, to announce a bud, or the coloring of a tulip, or the opening of a rose, or the perfection of a full-blown peony, was glor\" enough for one morning ? " Who can forget the vine planted by his mother's own hand when he was a little child ? Its tendrils now cling to the top- most branches of a tall tree in the front yard ; and he never revisits the scene of his childhood, without gratifying some of the holiest emotions of his nature, by sitting under its shelter, and recalling the earliest and happiest associations of his life. And there, too, clinging about the columns of the porch, is the coral honeysuckle, shading the evening window with its rich and delicate clusters of flowers ; and at every footstep along the border, are the many-hued flowers planted by a sister. "It has been said by travellers that they could distinguish a pure-minded and more intelligent family, from the appearance of the house and grounds in this particular. The difference was striking, — the house of the more intelligent was sur- rounded with flowers — the windows displayed them — vines were twined with care and taste over the dwelling. Another presents a different spectacle. The weeds and briers are allowed to hold their dominion. In short, Solomon's picture of the garden of the sluggard is exactly verified. " The cultivation and study of flowers appears more suited to females than to man. They resemble them in their fra- gilitj^ beautjr, and perishable nature. The Mimosa may be likened to a pure-minded and delicate woman, who shrinks even from the breath of contamination ; and who, if assailed too rudely by the finger of scorn and reproach, will wither and die from the shock." 16 breck's book of flowers. " A taste for trees, and plants, and flowers, is the love an enlightened mind and a tender heart pay to nature. It is a peculiar attribute of woman, exhibiting the gentleness and purity of her sex ; and every husband should encourage it ; for his wife and daughters will prove wiser, and happier, and bet- ter, by its cultivation. Who does not venerate and love some tree, or rose, or honeysuckle, planted, it may be, by the hand of some absent or departed mother, or sister, or brother ? and who would not protect them with a holy reverence, as memen- toes of a hallowed love as well as contributors to the gratifica- tion of an elegant taste ? What can be more grateful to the merchant, or man of any professional business, than to recreate for a short time in a well-selected collection of flowers, neatly arranged and cultivated ? Every one either engages his atten- tion by its fragrance, color, or its peculiar character ; and many, as the rose, white lily, &c., embrace everything to attract our most ardent desires." In reply to the question often asked. What is the use of flowers ? Cobbett asks another : What is the use of anything ? There are a variety of things pleasing to the eye of man, — some of them expensive and not within the reach of all ; but flowers may, without much expense, be possessed by the hum- blest individual. Their cultivation may be made one source of happiness to the family. Let heads of families gather around them every source of innocent amusement and recre- ation for their children. They should endeavor to make their home attractive and lovely, in doors and out, — a paradise, if possible. LAYING OUT THE FLOWER-GARDEN. "And the sinuous paths of lawn and moss, Which led through the garden along and across ; Some opened at once to the sun and the breeze, — Some lost among bowers of blossoming trees, — Were all paved with daisies and delicate bells. As fair as the fabulous asphodels ; And flowerets which, drooping as day drooped too, Fell into pavilions, white, purple, and blue. To roof the glow-worm from the evening dew." Situation. — As to the situation of a garden, it is not always in our power to choose. A level plat, however, is to be pre- ferred ; for, if there be considerable descent, the heavy rains will wash away the soil. A southern aspect, sheltered from the north and west winds, is a proper situation for most plants. An inclination to the north, or west, or any point between them, should, if possible, be avoided. It should be situated contig- uous or near the dwelling-house, and well exposed to the sun and air, that the culture of the more curious and valuable flowers may be treated with the best sticcess. Soil. — The soil should be a deep, rich loam. If not natu- rally so, it must be made rich and deep by trenching and manuring, by carting away poor soil and bringing on good. If naturally heavy, it should be made light with a more sandy soil ; or, if too light, it should be improved by a mixture of that which is more heavjr. The ground should be trenched two spades deep, or from twelve to sixteen inches, according to the quality of the sub- soil. If the subsoil is poor, the depth of the mould must be made by carting on such substances as are most needed to correct the bad qualities of the soil. A compost, made of decomposed green sward from a pasture, and old, rotten ma- nure, would, in most cases, be the best application to increase the depth of the soil. 18 breck's book of flowers. If the ground allotted for the flower-garden is inclined to be wet, or springy, it should be thoroughly drained by ditches or drains so deep underground as not to interfere with cultivation. A location, having a gravelly subsoil and exposed to drought, should be avoided, if possible. In a word, what is wanted is a deep, rich soil, natural or artificial, not too wet, nor too dry. Laying out the Garden. — In giving directions for laying out a flower-garden, it must be borne in mind that it is not the design of the writer to give elaborate plans for extensive pleas- ure grounds ; as those who are able or disposed to indulge themselves in this great luxury, will, probably, consult the sci- entific landscape gardener, or derive their information from other sources within their reach, rather than from a work writ- ten particularly for the multitude, whose means may be more or less limited. "Neatness should be the prevailing characteristic of a flower- garden, which should be so situated as to form an ornamental appendage to the house ; and, when circumstances will admit, placed before windows exposed to a southern or south-eastern aspect. The principle on which it is laid out ought to be that of exhibiting a variety of colors and forms so blended as to pro- duce one beautiful whole. In a small flower-garden, viewed from the windows of the house, this eflfect is best produced by beds, or borders, formed on the side of each other, and parallel to the windows from whence they are seen ; as, by that position, the colors show themselves to the best advantage. In a retired part of the garden a rustic seat maybe formed, over and around which honeysuckles, and other sweet and ornamental creepers and climbers, may be trained on trellises, so as to afford a pleas- ant retirement." In laying out a flower-garden, it is best to have the work all completed by the middle of October, that it may be in read- iness to receive bulbous, and many of the herbaceous and other plants, and such shrubs as are hardy enough to set in autumn. The work may, therefore, be commenced at any leisure time during the months of August and September ; or, if it is more LAYING OUT THE FLOWER-GARDEN. 19 convenient not to commence the work until spring, it should be accomplished as early as possible. If thus deferred, the pro- prietor must necessarily be deprived the pleasure of having anything in its greatest perfection, except annuals and tender bulbous or tuberous plants for that season. I should, therefore, advise, by all means, to have the work done in autumn. The quantity of land to be devoted to the object may be small ; but, however limited the space, it is necessary some order should be observed in the general arrangement. As to the style of laying out, it will be difficult to propose any plan that would be likely to give satisfaction to all, for most of our readers have a fancy of their own ; and, though they might be disposed to ask advice, yet would, probably, after all, follow the guidance of their own taste, whether it be good or bad. It may not be amiss, however, to throw out a few hints. And, in the first place, if any considerable extent is to be im- proved, — or if small, and it is desirable to have the business done neatly, and in a substantial, workmanlike manner, — we should recommend that a thorough -bred, intelligent gardener be employed to execute the work ; for the beauty of a garden depends very much upon the manner of laying out, the proper consistency and richness of the soil, the make of the walks, and laying the edgings, whether of box, grass, or anything else. The form of the ground may be either square or oblong, somewhat circular or irregular. The interior part may be divided into oblong four-feet beds, or in the manner of a par- terre, in some fanciful style ; the former being more conven- ient, particularly for most of what are called florist's flowers, but the latter more pleasing to the eye. In either method, a walk should be carried round the outward boundary, leaving a border to surround the whole ground. This outward border will be the most appropriate place for choice flowering shrubs, and tall herbaceous biennial and perennial plants. If the bor- der be a wide one, groups of ornamental trees, of low growtli, may be planted in the background, especially on the northoiii 20 breck's book of flowers. and western quarters, which will greatly protect the plants from cold winds, particularly if they be evergreens. Large trees should not be planted so near as to injure the garden by their roots or shade. Every fine garden should be well secured by fence or hedge, if at all exposed to the public road. A hedge is far the prettiest, if well managed, neat, and orna- mental, " The plan of the garden, be it either large or small, gener- ally pleases when it is so constructed as to give a variety in the design. Formality, though often the leading feature, sel- dom gives that ease that is requisite. The planting of the ground should also bear the nicest consideration ; by which, I mean that such shrubs and plants should be selected as will form a pleasing contrast, and appropriate in the different places assigned to them." GARDEN WALKS. Width of Walks. — The main walk, or walks, of a garden, should be laid out on a liberal scale. Nothing detracts so much from the pleasures of the flower-garden as contracted walks. When we wish to enjoy the company of a friend, in the flower- garden, it is much more agreeable to have him by our side, arm in arm, than to be under the necessity of making the tour of the garden in Indian file. The main walks should, therefore, be calculated so as to admit two persons to walk comfortably in a social manner; and, if wide enough for a little one in addi- tion, so much the better. From five to six feet will not be too wide for the main avenue. The internal compartments, of course, should have much narrower walks, the width of which must be graduated in a degree bjr the size of the garden. The walks of the flower-garden should be constructed of such material as will make firm and dry walking at all seasons of the year. The best walks are composed of small stones, oyster-shells, coarse gravel, or broken bricks, covered with five or six inches of fine gravel. As to the color of the gravel, or coating, you must be governed by fancy and convenience ; but LAYING OUT THE FLOWER-GARDEN. 21 as to quality, it should be coarse and lively, containing a due proportion of light sandy loam, to make it bind close and firm at all seasons ; but not so redundant in loam or clay as to stick to the feet in wet weather, nor so sandy as to be loose and open in dry weather. Ground oyster shells are sometimes used, also granite chips, from a stone-cutter's, which make fine, hard walks ; but these substances are too brilliant for the eye in a sunny day, and on that account are objectionable. A reddish free-stone color has a better eflfect. Agreeably to your design, stake out the width of the walk, and proceed to level the boundary on each side, corresponding with the adjacent ground, and form the cavity of the walk for the reception of the gravel, — observing that the whole space, to make a good and permanent walk, should be dug twelve or fifteen inches deep, to allow a proper depth for gravel, to pre- vent the weeds from rising from the ground below, and worms from casting up the earth thereof. The earth dug out from the cavity of the walk may be used to raise and level any hollow parts on each side, or contiguously situated, which, with the edging, if of box, should always be completed before you begin to lay the gravel. The walks being thus laid out, you may first lay any stony rubbish, — such as broken bricks, small stones, &c., — for sev- eral inches deep in the bottom, which will drain off extra moisture, and thereby prevent the surface from becoming mossy or foul ; the proper gravel is then to be laid on, six or eight inches thick. As you proceed in laying, observe to rake off the coarse parts into the bottom, and to raise the middle of the walk higher than the sides, in a gradual rounding form, just as much, and no more, as is sufficient to carry off the wet to each side. The proportion to be observed is, — a walk of four feet wide should be one and a half inches higher in the middle than at 'he sides, and for every foot after, that such increases in vidth, add one fourth of an inch for the centre elevation. 22 breck's book of floavers. Rounding the walk too much would make it very uneasy to walk upon, and of an unpleasant appearance. No more gravel should be laid in one day than can be finished off and rolled effectually. Clean, hard gravel walks add much to the beauty and comfort of the garden. A garden roller is indispensable where there is any extent of walks, and it should be applied as often as once a week, and particularly after a rain. PLANTING BOX AND OTHER, EDGING. The surface of the garden having been levelled, and the walks dug out, according to the plan, and partially filled with stones and coarse gravel, the operator may now proceed to plant the box edgings, or any other plant he may substitute for that purpose, or grass if that is preferred. Box, of all other plants, makes the neatest and most beauti- ful edgings. This may be set in September or October, but will require protection, as it is very liable to be thrown out by the frost, or winter-killed, without it. It may also be planted in the spring, and also in June ; but when late planted will require shading and watering. Box takes root freely from cuttings, and is sometimes used without fibres ; but, unless great care is taken, some of it will fail to grow, thereby making the edging uneven and full of gaps, and it will be found difficult to get into good shape again. If it is to be raised from cuttings, it should be done in a bed by itself, where it can have the benefit of shading and watering. To make neat edgings, you should get some short, bushy box, and let it be slipped or parted into moderately small slips, of not more than six or eight inches in length, dividing it in such a manner that each slip shall have more or less roots or fibres upon it, rejecting such as are destitute, for planting by themselves. If any have long, straggling roots, they should be trimmed off, and the plants should be made pretty much of a length. It is to be premised that the margin of the beds have all LAYING OUT THE FLOWER-GARDEN. 23 been properly levelled or graded ; then they should be trodden lightly and evenly along, to settle it moderately firm ; if for a straight edging, stretch the line along the edge of the bed or border ; with the spade make up any inequalities of the surface according to the line ; then, on the side of the line next the walk, let a small, neat trench be cut, about six inches deep, making the side next the line perfectly upright, turning the earth out toward the walk or alley. For a curving margin, a strip of board, an inch wide and twelve or fifteen feet long, with pegs attached by screws or nails, at various distances along its length, so that it can be made fast in the ground, to correspond with the design, may be used instead of the line ; or some workmen are so expert, that, having the design transferred to the ground, they will proceed with accuracy without such a guide. At any rate, the trench is to be dug out as directed for a straight line. The box is to be planted in the trench, close against the upright side, against the line or strip of board, placing the plants so near together as to form immediately a close, com- pact edging, \vithout being too thick and clumsy, and with the top of the plants as evenly as possible, all an equal height, not more than an inch or two above the surface of the ground ; and, as you proceed in planting, draw the earth up to the out- side of the plants, which fixes them in their due position ; and when you have planted the row out, then with your spade cast in the earth almost to the top of the plants, and tread neatly and closely thereto. When the edging is planted, let any inequal- ities of the top be cut as even and neat as possible, with a pair of shears. Grass makes a very neat edging if kept in order, but it requires so much attention to keep it in its place, so much edging and cutting, that I would not recommend it. If, how- ever, it is made use of, it should be obtained from a pasture or road-side, where it may be easily cut in strips to suit, of three or more inches wide, according to fancy. The sward should be fine and tough, so as not to break in cutting and removing. 24 breck's book of flowers. The mode of laying will suggest itself to almost any one : — the surface of the grass should be on a level with the earth, and but slightly raised above the walk. Thrift, if neatly planted, makes handsome edgings to bor- ders or flower-beds. This may be planted as directed for box, slipping the old plants into small slips ; setting the plants near enough to touch one another, forming a tolerably close row. Thyme, hyssop, winter savory, and pinks are frequently used for edgings, but they are too prone to grow out of com- pass, and therefore not to be recommended. Many other plants are often used for edgings, but there is nothing that makes so neat and trim an edging as box. It is a good time to clip old box edgings in June. They should never be suffered to grow tall, but be kept down low. It is best to give some protection to box in the winter by coarse litter, or by throwing up a few inches of the fine gravel on one side, and the earth of the border on the other. Library N. C. State College SELECTIONS OF FLOWERING PLANTS FOR THE GARDEN. " To raise your flowers, various arts combine, Study these well, and fancy's flight decline ; If you would have a vivid, vigorous breed, ■ Of every kind, examine well the seed ; Learn to what elements your plants belong, What is their constitution, weak or strong ; Be their physician, careful of their lives. And see that every species daily thrives ; These love much air, these on much earth rely, These, without constant warmth, decay and die ; Supply the wants of each, and they will pay For all your care through each succeeding day." ^To select the most desirable plants, and to arrange them with good taste, requires an extensive knowledge of the floral kingdom. The time of flowering must be known, the height, hardiness, habits, odors, &c. ; also the effect of the combination of different colors, so that the plants may be arranged in such a manner as to produce the happiest effect. I shall place before my readers an extensive collection of the most desirable plants, embracing hardy Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, and Shrubbery, pointing out their various habits, qualities, beauties or defects, and modes of cultivation, describing them as plainly as possible, without using any more technical language than is necessary for that purpose. The circumstances of different individuals vary so much, as well as their taste and fancy, that, having given these particulars, it must be left with each one to choose for themselves such plants as are adapted to their circumstances, the extent of their ground, soil, &;c. Some suggestions may not be out of place. Some persons, anxious for a great variety, crowd too many plants into a small space ; consequently have nothing in per- 3 26 breck's book of flowers. fection. This is too often the case with young beginners, and it is not uncommon to see the small patch devoted to flowers as unsightly as if it were filled vvith weeds. It is much better to be confined to a few fine varieties, and cultivate them well, than to pursue the careless style which is frequently seen in the flower-garden, or what is denominated as such. Tenants, who occupy their places for an uncertain length of time, are not generally disposed to make many improvements by the addition of plants. Those who may be thus situated, and have a desire for a flower-garden, can, without much, outlay, have a succession of flowers through the season. The following Annuals may be obtained for one dollar : — Double Rocket Larkspur, Phlox Drummondii, Mignionette, German Asters, Coreopsis Drummondii, Pansies, Sweet Peas, Poppies, Gillyflowers, Chriseis, Purple and White Candytuft, Nemo- phila. Petunias, Lavateras, Convolvulus, Globe Amaranths, Immortal Flower, Mourning Bride, and Sweet Sultans. For two dollars a dozen. Verbenas, of different colors, may 1^ obtained, that will keep up a lively bloom from June to v^ember. A dozen fine Dahlias and a few Gladiolas will rt three or four dollars, which, with a few monthly roses to L,^ turned out into the garden, and to be re-potted in autumn, and a few choice perennials, grown in deep pots and plunged in the ground, will not altogether exceed the sum of ten dol- lars. These plants, well grown, will make a fine display, and quite a respectable flower-garden. NATIVE PLANTS, Many beautiful plants may be selected from the woods and fields, by those who wish to ornament their grounds at the least expense. These would be more highly prized than many far-fetched plants, that are trumpeted before the public, from time to time, could they be seen grouped together in the flower-garden, with the same care of cultivation bestowed upon them as upon some of the expensive exotics. What plant can rival the splendor of the Lobelia cardinalis, with its thousands SELECTIONS OF FLOWERING PLANTS FOR THE GARDEN. 27 of vivid scarlet flowers, when perfected by the gardener's hand ? How few have seen the beautiful Aquilegia Canadeoise, im- proved as It may be in the flower-garden ? Who has tried to cultivate the Gerardia family — a tribe of plants singular in their habits, and perhaps difficult to manage in the garden ; but their great elegance and beauty would, no doubt, amply repay any pains that might be taken to dom.esticate it. Our native Asters, — a large family of interesting plants, enlivening our autumnal months, some of them very beautiful in their wild state, — are greatly improved when transplanted into the flower-garden. What an acquisition to our floral treasures would be a double variety of Aster multijlorus, with its pure white flowers ; or A. pimiceus, with its lively blue ; or A. Novce Angles, with its purple flowers ; or what curious sports might be expected from crossing the diflei'ent species ! No doubt as great an improve- ment might be made with our native perennial Asters, as has teen made with our annual China or German Asters, in their "improved state. Then there is the extensive genus Solidago, embracing many fine species of different heights, with their rich yellow flowers. Of the Asclepias, what is prettier than A. decumhens and tuberosum, with fine orange flowers — and other species with red or purple ? Some of the large family of Violas are very pretty. Our Lilies, Lupins, Hepaticas, Geraniums, Gentians, Iris are worthy a place in the pleasure grounds. The curious Orchideous and Trillium tribes, so wild in their habits, and impatient of cultivation, might be introduced, and a multitude of others, that would produce a fund of amuse- ment to the cultivator, in watching the progress of improve- ment, that might be developed from time to time, in efforts made to perfect them. Among our shrubs, are many very beautiful. What more so, than the Kalmia, Azalea, Ehodora, and many others to be found in different locations ? Surely, in making up our selections of plants, those of our own native land should not be nea'lected. 28 BBECK's book of FLOT\rERS. OLD-FASHIONED FLOWERS NOT TO BE DISCARDED. In selecting for the garden, it should be borne in mind that many of the new varieties of flowers, of recent introduction, trumpeted forth, in advertisements and catalogues, as being " exquisite, superb, unsurpassed," &c., are, many of them, greatly inferior to the old and highly esteemed varieties of the old-fashioned gardens. These time-honored denizens of the flower-garden should not be discarded as antiquated and out of fashion. My opinion is fully expressed in the following article from the Gardener's Chronicle : — " Among the many follies which the gardening world com- mits, none is more striking to the looker-on, than the eagerness with which old favorites are deserted for new ones. Of all inconstant lovers, gardeners must surely be the most incon- stant. To-day they are at the feet of a Dahlia ; to-morrow there is no beauty like a Pansy, and both are presently deserted for a Cineraria. In their eyes, old age is a crime, and aged flowers are mercilessly consigned to the poor-house. We remember when Cape plants were the rage ; a Brunsvigia, or an Ixia, or a Protea, were standing toasts ; to possess such fair objects was the height of man's ambition. But in a few years these were thrown aside, and New Holland beauties supplanted them ; to be succeeded by the flaunting, or shy and delicate, natives of South America. If we look to an old garden cata- logue, we can but wonder how the flower-garden was decorated by our fathers ; for there we find little besides races now known only by name. " Marigolds and Candytufts, Love-lies-bleeding, Globes and Balsams, Catchflies and Cockscombs, Daisies and Dittany, Persicarias and Prince's Feather, Lupins, Tricolors and Mar- vels of Peru, Sunflowers and Sweet Sultans, — pride of the eighteenth century, — ye have all fallen victims to the flicker- ing meteor called taste ; and are now only to be found in the old drawers of old seed-shops, where you are but the curios- SELECTIONS OF FLOWERING PLANTS FOR THE GARDKN. 29 ities of floiiculture ; or in remote country gardens, not yet reached by steam or electricity. Even in acknowledging an acquaintance with Hollyhocks and China Asters, we do so under a teeling of something like shame at being known to keep such doubtful company. " Are these follies to have an end ? Shall we never be wise enough to look upon all flowers as equal ? Do we not yet know that what is called the difference in their attractions, is bat a difference in our skill in managing them ; and that they are all endowed with wondrous beauty, varying in kind, but the same in nature ? Most especially must we inquire whether the arts of the cultivator should be limited, as they are, to the domestication of a few fashionable races, to the entire neglect of the ancient inhabitants of the flower-garden ? A Hollyhock is as showy as a Dahlia, infinitely more graceful, much easier to cultivate, as prone to run into varieties, and hardy instead of tender ; yet the lumpish Dahlia is seen everywhere ; socie- ties are formed to admire it and to gamble in it ; and the Hol- lyhock is consigned to a few places, where, as at Shrubland, refined taste still excludes fashionable vulgarity. The Ama- ranths are a race peculiarly suited for rich autumnal decoration, — quick-growing, many-sized, and long-enduring, — no doubt susceptible of further change ; but they are abandoned for the sake of Petumias and Chrysanthemums. Surely it would be wiser to try to improve those ancient races, which are so well suited to our climate and our purses, than to limit our skill to tampering with the constitutions of the delicate, though bril- liant, strangers that have taken such entire possession of our affections. " Let no man say that they are incapable of improvement. Who has tried the experiment ? Who has tried to cross the Prince's Feather with the Cockscomb ? or Love-lies-bleeding with the Tricolor ? or the Bee with the Dwarf Larkspur ? or the Persicaria with the straggling Buckwheat, (Polygo?mm divar?cati/m) ? or the Indian Pink with the Carnation ? or the Marigold with the Coreopsis ? Until these trials have been 3# 30 breck's book of tlowers. made, with at least as much care as has been shown in manag- ing the Calcolaria, or the Pansy, we must be permitted to say that our ancient friends are unfairly treated, and that we are doing ourselves much disservice." We shall be told that experiments of the class suggested are hopeless. We believe them to be likely to lead to highly im- portant consequences, expecially in those cases where the result of success would be to improve a perennial by the aid of an annual ; a very material consideration. Plants should be chosen that will give a succession of flowers from the early part of the spring till the winter closes the flow- ering season. In this work we hope we have so described the various plants, that almost any person of taste may be enabled to select such as may be deemed proper to effect this object. Those persons who can, conveniently, visit nurseries and gar- dens during the season, will select more accurately by noticing the plants when in bloom, as their true character and portrait can be seen, and appreciated, far better than from any descrip- tion that can be given. ROCK-WORK, There are many plants that succeed best when planted among rocks ; and, for their accommodation and to show oflf their beauties to the greatest advantage, it is common in many gardens, to have an appendage, called a rockery. This is made of a collection of stones, in the rough or natural state, laid up without much order, with soil, which should be concealed as much as possible by the fragments of rock. As many of the plants succeed best in the shade, a portion of the rock-work should be partly surrounded with trees or shrubs, that they may derive that advantage. Trilliums, Orchis, Cj'prepediums, and some few ferns, and a great variety of native plants which are found in our woods, with an appropriate soil, would flourish well in such a spot. The rockery should be partly, or wholly, concealed from the general flower-garden by shrubs or trees. It may be approached from the main walk under a SELECTIONS OF FLOWERING PLANTS FOR THE GARDEN. 31 rustic arch, mantled with climbers, or through a winding pas- sage among evergreens. Rockeries should be formed as much as possible of natural materials ; the stones, or fragments of rock of which it is composed, should not bear the marks of the quarry, or any art. For a small garden one collection of rocks or stones, with a walk round it, will be sufficient ; but when a person has some fancy, a variety of beds or collections may be made with winding walks around them, which, if relieved with some dwarf evergreen shrubs, may be made to show off a great variety of dwarf plants to the very best advantage. Rockeries should be conspicuous for a natural character. No appearance of art, and no approach to the regularity or smoothness proper to works of art, will be at all in place here. The surface of the whole cannot be too irregular, or too variedly indented or prominent. Evergreen shrubs of low growth will be particu- larly useful in giving prominence to some portions of the work ; provision will, therefore, have to be made, in the placing of the stones, for planting a few shrubs, and a greater number of her- baceous rock plants, in their interstices, which should be left broader or smaller, according to the size of the plant that may be required in them. In arranging the stones, they should be laid upon their broadest or flat sides, with the outer edge slanting downwards rather than upwards. Any great elevation should never be sought in small rockeries. This would be inconsistent with their breadth, and would render them too prominent and artifi- cial. There are many rocky locations in New England, which, with a little study, might be converted into tasteful and beau- tiful gardens, where all the fine creepers might display their beauties on the more prominent points, and the more accessible places be fitted up to receive the more humble dwarf species. No flower-garden can be complete without some grass. There are but very few, however, who can afford the luxury of an extensive grass lawn ; but eveiy one wishes for a few 32 breck's book of flowers. rods, at least, about the house ; this maj'- lay between the house and garden. When there is but a small surface to grass over, it may be done with turf, if it can be obtained of a good quality, which is not often the case. The best way is to begin at the beginning, and do the work up thoroughly. First see that the ground is well prepared by deep digging or trenching; for it is in vain to expect the lawn to preserve its greenness in summer, unless the soil is pulverized so that the roots of the grass may penetrate two feet deep. After the soil is thus pre- pared and levelled, it should be left to settle a week or ten days; then it should be raked off smooth, and it will be ready for the seed. The New England red-top, or bent grass, alone, makes the finest lawn for this climate ; but if it is desirable to give immediate effect to the lawm, there should be a mix- ture of white Dutch clover. Three bushels of red-top to ten pounds of white clover, or four bushels of red-top without it, is none too much for an acre. This may seem a heavy seeding, but it is none too much. After sowing the seed, it should be rolled with a heavy roller. To have a fine lawn, it is necessary not only to mow it often, but roll it also, especially after a rain. By doing thus, a close texture and fine velvety turf may be obtained. REMARKS ON THE CULTIVATION OF PEREN- NIALS, BIENNIALS, AND ANNUALS. " A flowery crown will I compose — I'll weave the Crocus, weave the Rose ; I '11 weave Narcissus, newly wet, The Hyacinth and Violet ; The Myrtle shall supply me green. And Lilies laugh in light between ; That the rich tendrils of my beauty's hair May burst into their crowning flowers, and light the painted air." Perennials are those plants which do not in their growth form either trees or shrubs, but which lose their tops, wholly or in part, every year, after they have done flowering; the roots continuing to live and generate for several years suc- cessively. Biennials are those plants that flower the second and some- times the third year from the time the seeds are sown, and then perish, as the Hollyhock. Imperfect Perennials continue three or more years, and then die, as the Sweet William or Fox Glove, but which, -with a little care in dividing the roots every year, can be kept many years. Perennials are hardy, half-hardy, and tender. Hardy perennials stand the hardest winter without protection ; half- hardy require to be well protected; and tender perennials must be kept through the winter in the green-house. Perennials are of two kinds, bulbous and herbaceous, which, differing materially from each other in habits, require, conse- quently, a different kind of treatment. Such being the case, a few remarks will be made on each kind separately. 34 BRECK S BOOK OF FLOWEKS. BULBOUS PERENNIALS. They are of three kinds, — viz., hardy, or such as grow ia the open border ; half-hardy, such as will not stand out over winter, or requiring a frame or the green-house ; and stove, or those that will not grow to perfection without artificial heat. Of these last we shall have nothing to say. Many of the half- hardy are perfected when planted in the open ground in the spring, and are sometimes called spring bulbs, as the Gladi- olus, &c. The Anemone and Ranunculus, are half-hardy, requiring the protection of a frame or otherwise. Hardy bulbs, with few exceptions, are remarkably easy of cultivation, and, if planted in proper soil and situation, seldom fail to produce plenty of offsets and seeds for propagation. The best kind of soil for their growth is a light loam, rather sandy than otherwise, yet not too light, or the bulbs will be injured during the heat of summer, and, if adhesive, they invariably grow weakly, and seldom flower. As to the depth the different bulbs require to be planted in the ground, no certain rule can be laid down, as some species require to be planted from three to five inches, while others not more than one and a half, deep. The different depths will be given as each variet}^ in species is described. Encourage as much as possible the growth of the leaves, by giving them free exposure to light and air; for on the full development of these depends the success of the bulbs flower- ing another year. If the leaves grow strong, a good quantity of strong pulp is stored up in the bulbs, and a good bloom is the consequence. Never, if it can be avoided, disturb the roots by removal during their growth; but if obliged to do so, select a wet day, and take them up with good balls, so as not to injure the fibrous roots. The only time to remove them with success, is during the time of their torpidity, at which time the offsets may PERENNIALS ANU BIENNIALS. 35 be separated, and planted where the cultivator may judge best. The season of rest, for most bulbs, happens shortly after they have done flowering. Tulip and Hyacinth bulbs are generally ripe in about one month from the time of flower- ing. As soon as the foliage of the Tulip turns purple and begins to dry, the bulbs may be taken up ; and, with the Hya- cinth, before the foliage is fully decayed. As a general rule, when the tops have quite died down, the bulbs may be taken up and separated. With the exception of Tulips, Hyacinths, Narcissus, and some others, most hardy bulbs are injured if kept long out of ground, as the Lily tribe. Crown Imperial, &c. It is best to plant immediately offsets of bulbs, of every description, for if kept long out of ground they become exliausted and perish. Bulbs that have commenced growing, before planting, are always weakened ; yet ignorant purchasers will frequently select such because they look more lively. If they have made much growth, the bulb will not flower at all. Some tuberous roots are classed with bulbous roots. Strictly speaking, it is not correct, but for convenience sake we shall so consider them. The Dahlia and Peony are, properly, tuber- ous roots. Of these, directions for cultivation will be given when described. HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS AND BIENNIALS. The mode of cultivating this class of plants is perfectly easy ; three things chiefly have to be attended to. First, the manner of propagation. Second, the most suitable soil. Third, the requisite temperature. There are five methods of propa- gation practised : by divisions, suckers, layers, seeds, and cuttings. Dividing the Roots. — This may be done either with a kind of knife, if the plant is small, or a spade, if it is strong and large. The best time for doing it is when the tops are just beginning to grow after having been cut down. ■36 breck's book of flowers. The roots may be divided in the spring, or ahnost any tune (with some species) during the summer, after flowering. The month of August is a proper time for many kinds, as the divisions will take strong hold before winter, and be prepared to flower strongly the next year. Slickers. — These may be taken up at any time when they appear, but the most usual time is when the plant is beginning to grow. Seed. — Sow, for the most part, in early spring, in light soil, and plant out in the following autumn in the situations where they are to flower. Many of the fine double and other varie- ties never produce seed. Layers aiid Cuttings. — Thrifty, succulent shoots, if partly cut through, and pegged down, and covered with earth, will take root, as is the case with the Pinks and Carnations. Cut- tings of many plants will take root, with proper care. Soil. — Different species of plants require rather different kinds of soil ; but a light, rich loam will suit the greater part of plants. Teonperature. — Hardy, half-hardy, and green-house plants require similar care, except the amount of protection or quantity of heat, to bring them into the most perfect state. ANNUALS. The plants generally known as annuals, are raised from the seed, perfect their flowers, mature their seed the same season, and then perish. There are some flowers, however, cultivated as annuals, that are such only in a northern climate, being in their own more congenial region perennials, or biennials. Among them are the Verbena, Chriseis, or Eschscholtzia, as it was formerly called, Commelina, Mirabilis, and many others. This class of annuals may be kept through the winter in green- houses or in any light cellars. Annuals are most appropriate for those who are changing their abode from year to year, as from these alone a fine display may be kept up the whole sea- ANNUALS. 37 son, with the exception of the vernal months, and this deficiency- may be supplied by having a choice collection of perennials, grown in pots, which can be plunged in the ground, and thus removed at any time when it is necessary to change the resi- dence. No collection of plants can be perfect without an abundance of annuals, as they can be disposed of in such a way as to suc- ceed the perennials, and keep up a continuous bloom in all parts of the garden through the season. Annuals may be divided as follows : — hardy, half-hardy, and tender. Hardy annuals are such as may be sown in autumn or very early in the spring, as all the Larkspurs, Chriseis, Clarkea, Asters, Candytufts, &c. Half-hardy are those which will not bear a hard frost, and therefore not proper to plant in the open ground before the middle or last of May, as the Balsam Cocks- comb, Marigold, &c. Tender annuals can hardly be brought to perfection without starting them in artificial heat, in a hot- bed or otherwise, and are very sensitive of cold, as the Cypress vine, Thunbergia, Ice Plant, Sensitive Plant, &c. Many of these, in a very warm season, will succeed tolerably well if planted about the 1st of June ; but to have them in perfection they should be raised in a hot-bed, in pots, and turned out in the ground the middle of June. Before sowing annuals, the soil in which they are to be gro\vn should be made light and rich, and very finely pulver- ized, as many of the seeds are very small, and require every advantage and care to get them up. The small seeds must receive but little covering, and that of the finest earth. In sowing these, my practice is to sow them in patches six or eight inches square. The soil having been well prepared, I settle the ground gently with the foot or a small piece of board, so as to make an even, somewhat firm, surface. The seeds are then evenly strewed over the surface. Then take some very fine soil and sift or strew over them, covering the seed not more than one eighth of an inch deep, after which press the 4 38 breck's book of flowers. soil again with the board gently. It is now of great importance that the seeds, as they vegetate, should be protected from the scorching sun ; an evergreen bough is as good as anything to shade them. The soil must not be permitted to get dry until the young plants have acquired some strength ; after which they may be left to take their chance from the effects of sun or dryness. When the plants are of a proper size, and the weather suitable, they may be taken up with a transplanting trowel, and set where wanted. A small patch of this description will afford plants enough for any common garden. In removing them, a number may be taken up together without disturbing the roots ; but when the plants have become established, all may be cut off except the strongest ones. As a general rule, a single plant gives better satisfaction than when a number are grown together, except when planted in masses, or where there is to be a group. The beauty of many annuals is completely destroyed by huddling them together. Give every plant room according to its habits. A single plant, well trained, may be made very beautiful; while a number of the same species, grown together, without sufficient room, would be worthless. Larkspur, and many other seeds, should be sown where they are to remain. A bed of Double Rocket Larkspur, well man- aged, is almost equal to a bed of Hyacinths, when in bloom. This succeeds best when sown late in autumn or very early in the spring. The seed may be sown in drills, eight or ten inches apart, in beds, and the plants well thinned out. Larkspur, and many other hardy annual seeds, if sown late in autumn, and lie dormant all winter, will give much stronger plants than the same kinds of seed sown very early in the spring, notwith- standing those sown in the spring may appear above ground as soon as those sown in autumn. The reason probably is, that the autumnal sown seeds are so prepared, by the action of the frost, that they start with greater vigor, and consequently are more robust than the spring sown seeds. Some seeds are difficult to germinate. Cypress vine is an example. This requires scalding, to facilitate its germination; ANNUALS. 39 or, if the hull is carefully taken off with a penknife, so as not to injure the germ, the object is effected, and it will imme- diately vegetate. The seeds of Gomphrena globosa (Globe Amaranth) is encased in a thick coating of woolly substance, which greatly retards vegetation. This, with the hull, if taken off, causes the germ to push immediately ; or, if the seed is soaked in milk twenty-four hours, it will soon start; but, if planted with the coating on, or without soaking, very few will appear above ground. As a general rule, the depth of planting flower seeds is to be governed by the size. For example, the Sweet Pea and Lupine may be planted an inch deep, and so in proportion. An- nuals have a pleasing effect when planted in masses, particu- larly when the pleasure-ground is extensive. For this purpose, the Verbenas, of various colors, Portulaccas, Nemophylla, Chriseis, Phlox Drummondii, Coreopsis Drummondii, Candy- tufts, and many other dwarf plants, are desirable. Beds of any of these, or others of similar habit, in a well-managed grass lawn, are very ornamental. The beds should be either round, oval, starry, or irregular; but never square, diamond shape, or triangular. Masses of annuals may be so arranged as to make a grand display in the common flower-garden. We have seen the walks of an extensive flower-garden deeply edged with a wide border of crimson and scarlet Portulaccas; and, throughout the whole garden, all the annuals, and other plants, in fact, were planted in masses. We have never seen a better managed garden than this one. It contained about an acre of ground. Not more than twenty or thirty kinds of annuals were cultivated in the garden, and of this class of plants more than one half of the ground was filled. They consisted of every variety of Double Balsams, German Asters, Drummond Phlox, Coreopsis, Amaranths, Verbenas, Portulaccas, Double China Pinks, Petu- nias, Mignionette, Cockscombs, Gilliflowers, &c. ON THE CULTURE OF HARDY DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN SHRUBS. " I like a shrubbery, too, it looks so fresh ; And then there is some variety about it. In spring, the Lilac and the Snowball flower, And the Laburnum, with its golden strings Waving in the wind ; and when the autumn comes, The bright red berries of the Mountain-ash, With pines enough, in winter, to look green, And show that something lives." The flower-garden will be incomplete without a shrubbery. A collection of shrubs and trees, embracing the different vari- eties to be obtained at our nurseries, will add much to the interest of the pleasure-ground. They should not be planted at regular distances, or in straight lines, as in that way they look too set and unnatural ; but, when grouped together, the various sorts gracefully intermingled with the taller species in the background, they present, at all seasons of the year, an interesting sight. Shrubs are divided into two classes — Deciduous and Ever- green. Deciduous shrubs are those which lose their leaves in autumn. However uninteresting the naked branches of this class of shrubs may appear, to the careless observer, when denuded of their foliage, they are not devoid of beauty to the lovers of nature ; but, when mingled with evergreens, are pleasing even in winter. The twigs of some species are red ; others yellow, or various shades of brown ; and then many species are covered with a profusion of berries, of different col- ors, which, contrasting with the evergreens, give a lively look to the shrubbery, even in the most dreary months. The culture of hardy shrubs is, in general, simple and easy. The chief things to be noticed are, — the proper season for planting, the situation in which the plants will thrive, the HARDY DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 41 kind of soil best suited to their growth, and the encouragement given to enable them to thrive afterwards. The proper Season for Planting. — As soon as the leaves begin to fall, in October, deciduous trees may be planted with safety, with few exceptions. Altheas, and some other sorts liable to be winter-killed, had better not be removed until spring. The spring planting, of all deciduous trees and shrubs, should be done as early as possible, — as soon as the ground can be worked to advantage, and before the buds begin to expand. Evergreens, in general, if carefully taken up, may be planted with success in any season of the year, provided dull and dripping weather be taken advantage of for that purpose. There are particular seasons, however, when they will thrive with much greater freedom than at others. I have been as successful about the first of June as at any other time, and have also succeeded in planting, the 1st of July, and in August; but, as a general rule, when they commence their growth, the last of May. It is indispensable that all large trees and shrubs be removed with good balls, and that the roots be uninjured. In planting evergreens, (and the same may be said of deciduous trees,) whether it be done on a dull day, a wet day, or a dry day, it is very necessary to keep in view the expediency of keeping the plants for as short time out of the ground as pos- sible, — if only a few minutes, so much the better. If any quantity are to be planted, the plants should be " heeled in," as it is termed, (that is, the roots covered with earth,) and taken out, as they are wanted. I have generally been successful, without watering as I planted ; but others think it necessary, and one writer says : — " In all seasons, situations, and soils, the plants should be well soaked with water as soon as the earth is put about the roots. Where the water is not at hand, so that it may not be easily carried or wheeled by men, a horse with a water-barrel on wheels should be used. As soon as the plant has been put into its place the earth should be filled in, leaving a sufficient 4* ^ breck's book of flowers. hollow round the stem, and as far as the roots extend, to hold water, which should then be poured on in sufficient quantity to soak the ground down to the lowest parts of the roots ; in short, the whole should be made like a kind of puddle. " By this practice, which is particularly necessary in spring and autumn planting, the earth is carried down by the water, and every crevice among the roots is filled. Care must always be taken to have as much earth above the roots of the plants as wiU prevent their being exposed when the water has sub- sided. The best plan is to take an old birch broom, or any- thing similar, and, laying it down near the root, pour the water upon it ; this breaks the fall of the water, and prevents the roots from being washed bare of such earth as may adhere to them. In this way time is saved, for the water may be poured out in a full stream from the pail, a watering-pot, or even from a spout or pipe in the water-cart or barrel, when the situation is such that this can be brought up to the plant. " After the first watering is dried up, the earth should be levelled round the stem of the plant, and as far out as the water has been put on, but not trod. If the plants are large, a second watering is sometimes necessary ; but in ordinary sized plants, one watering is quite sufficient. And, after remaining twenty-four hours, more or less, according to the nature of the soil, the earth about the stem and over the roots should be trod as firm as possible, and, after treading, should be dressed with a rake." " The Situations in which the plants will thrive. — With regard to the situation in which each shrub should be planted, little can be said here. To form a correct judgment of this, a knowledge of the natural habits of each is required. This knowledge may be easily obtained by referring to a botanical catalogue and other works treating on the subject. Some shrubs love a dry and elevated situation, and will not thrive, crowded with others ; some are rather tender, and must have warm and sheltered places ; others are very hardy, and will thrive planted anywhere ; others, again, will not grow freely, HARDY DECIDTJOTJS AND EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 43 unless they are placed in low, damp ground ; and others do not flourish if much exposed to the rays of the sun. " The kind of Soil best suited for them, — With respect to soil, hardy shrubs may be divided into two kinds, viz., first, shrubs requiring common soil ; and, second, those shrubs con- stituting the American garden. A rich, light, hazel loam, undoubtedly suits the greater part of the first class of plants, although many of the stronger-growing kinds will make fine bushes on almost any kind of soil. The American plants, Kalmias, Rhododendrons, Ajidromedas. &c., &c.,make the finest plants and the best show, if they are planted in a soil com- posed for the most part of sandy peat ; but, in the absence of this, a very good compost may be made for them of light hazelly loam, river sand, and vegetable or leaf mould, equal parts, or a little peat earth mixed with it. After having taken out the original soil from the proposed border to about a foot and a half deep, substitute the above mixture in its place. " To encourage the growth of the Shrubs after being planted. — Whilst the plants are small, constantly keep down all rank- growing weeds, and clear off all rubbish that would otherwise retard their growth ; also they receive much benefit by the sur- face of the ground being often stirred with a Dutch hoe, as it prevents the surface baking hard in dry weather." Watering shrubs, except in peculiar situations, during dry summers, appears to be of very little if any benefit ; on the other hand, it takes up much time, and is the means of the ground baking hard when dried by the sun again. When they have advanced to a large size, all the care that is required is to cut off the overhanging branches, so as not to alloAV them to smother each other, or the stems of those overhung will become naked and unsightly. A DESCRIPTIYE LIST OF BULBOUS-ROOTED PLANTS, WITH DIRECTIONS FOR THEIR CULTIVATION. "Fair-handed Spring unbosoms everj^ grace ; Throws out the Snow-drop and the Crocus first ; The Daisy, Primrose, Violet darkly blue, And Polyanthus of unnumbered dyes ; The yellow Wall-flower stained with iron-brown, And lavish stock that scents the garden round." ANEMONE. Wind Flower — Garden Anemone. " See ! yon Anemones their leaves unfold, With rubies flaming, and with living gold." Very little attention has been paid, in this section of the country, to the cultivation of this most beautiful flower, from the fact, probably, that it will not stand our winters, unless planted in a frame, or otherwise protected. With this precau- tion, and some little attention, it will abundantly repay all the labor that may be bestowed upon it. I have succeeded very well, in its cultivation, by keeping the roots out of ground until March, and then planting them in a bed prepared in the fall, that had been kept covered till the time of planting. The roots of Anemones are solid, flattened masses, like those of ginger, and, like them, are multiplied by divisions of the root. The Anemone kortensis, or garden Anemone, is the species from which all the fine varieties of the florist's flowers origi- nated. More than one hundred and fifty choice varieties are enumerated in some of the Dutch catalogues of the present day, classed as follows : — red, or blood color ; rosy and white, flamed with purple ; sky blue ; purple or ash color ; rosy, with ANEMONE. 45 green, and white, and agate. One hundred choicest varieties may be obtained for 50 francs, or about $10. A fine double Anemone should stand upon a strong, elastic, and erect stem, not less than nine inches high. The blossom, or corolla, should be at least two and a half inches in diameter. The outer petals, or guard leaves, should be substantial, well rounded, at first horizontally extended, and then turning a little upwards, so as to form a broad, shallow cup, the interior part of which should contain a great number of long, small petals, imbricating each other, and rather reverting from the centre of the blossom. There are a great number of small stamens intermixed with these petals, but they are short, and not easily discernible. The color should be clear and distinct when diversified in the same flower, or brilliant and striking if it consists only of one color, as blue, crimson, or scarlet, &c., in which case the bottom of the broad exterior petals is generally white ; but the beauty and contrast are greatly increased when both the exterior and interior petals are regularly marked with alternate blue and white, or pink and white stripes, &c., which in the broad petals should not extend quite to the margin. Propagation. — By dividing the roots for the fine sorts, and by seed for new varieties. Soil and Situation. — The situation should be open, but not exposed to currents of air. As to the soil to grow them in, various are the composts prescribed by florists. They require a fresh, strong, rich, loamy soil. Hogg recommends fresh loam, with a considerable portion of rotten horse or cow dung. The bed should be dug eighteen inches deep, and filled with the rich compost, a little above the level of the walk ; then lay a stratum of good rich mould, two inches deep, over the com- post, on which to plant the roots, as the dung or very rich compost in contact with the roots would prove injurious rather than beneficial. Planting. — After the bed is thus prepared, and has stood long enough to settle, the frame should be placed upon it. Fall planting is much the best, if the bed can be kept from w breck's book of flowers, very severe frost, or if not kept so warm as to start the foliage. Late fall or early spring planting is the best. The roots should, be planted in rows six inches apart, and the same distance from each other in the rows. A little care is necessary, in planting, to place the roots right-side up. By close examination, the eyes, from which the stems and flowers are to proceed, can be distinguished, which, of course, must be planted uppermost. After the roots are placed on the bed, they must be carefully covered two inches deep with good sound garden mould. This is the proper depth. When the bed is all completed, the surface should be three or four inches above the walk. They will be in flower in June, and, if shaded from the sun, will continue to display their beauties a long time. Taking up the Roots. — When the foliage begins to turn brown and dry, the roots should be taken up and dried in the shade. When properly dried and kept from moisture, they may be kept out of ground two or three years without injury. AMARYLLIS. Amaryllis formosissima, or Jacobean Lily, is a flower of great beauty. It is a tender bulb, but succeeds well when planted in May, in the open border, in a rich, sandy soil. The top of the bulb should hardly be covered with earth. The flowers are large and of a very deep red. The under petals hang down, the upper curl up, and the whole flower stands nodding on one side of the stalk, making a fine appearance. The bulb rarely produces more than two flowers, and more frequently but one, about one foot high, flowering in June or July. Upon the approach of freezing weather, the bulbs must be taken up, dried, and put away in dry sawdust, where they will be secure from frost. CROCUS — DAULIA. CROCUS, " Glad as the spring, when the first Crocus comes To laugh amid the shower." The Spring Crocus is a very common bulbous-rooted plant, c f which there are many varieties annually imported from Holland, and sold at very low prices. The most prominent sorts are the great yellow, deep blue, light blue, white with blue stripes, blue with white stripes, white with a purple base, pure white, cloth of gold, &c. It flowers in April, and in warm seasons, in sheltered places, frequently in March. "Where there is a plenty of them, they make a magnificent show. The bulbs are small, solid, and flat. They should be planted, in September or October, about one inch or one and a half inches deep, in any good garden soil. They are very hardy, and the only difficulty is their liability to be thrown out by the frost, when the ground is bare, towards spring. To remedy this evil, some light substance should be thrown over them, to shade them from the action of the sun. After flowering, when the leaves have decayed, the roots may be taken up, and kept, until they are wanted to plant in autumn, in some cool, dry place ; or they may remain in the ground a number of years without removing. DAHLIA. " In queenly elegance the Dahlia stands, And waves her coronet." The Dahlia is a native of Mexico, found on the table lands of that country, and I have sometimes wished it had been let alone there, "to waste its sweets on the desert air." It is so capricious in its flowering, so subject to the ravages of insects, so much influenced by too much heat, or too much dryness, or too much wet ; and then, just as it begins to give promise of •48 breck's book of flowers. abundant bloom, having escaped all the casualties of the season, is cut down by the frost, and becomes a blackened, hideous object in the garden; that, after many disappointed hopes, I have sometimes been disposed to say, I would not try it again. It must be confessed, however, it is on some accounts desirable : the flowers are large, gorgeous in color, sporting into every tint except blue. The shape, too, is perfect, although a little too set and prim, as though it was made for the occasion. The habits of the plant are coarse and vulgar, and the smell thereof rather repulsive ; but, with all its failings, it is a popular flower, — one which will find favor with the multitude. It was first introduced into England in the year 1789, was but little noticed, and soon lost. It was reintroduced in 1804, then a single purple flower of not much interest. It is only within the last twenty years that it has received the attention of the florist. From the single purple and scarlet variety, all the numerous family of florists' flowers have been produced ; a striking example of what may be done by patience and perse- verance in the skilful cultivation of a simple flower. The root is tuberous and tender. Freezing destroys it at once ; it can, therefore, be planted only in the spring. Propagation. — It is propagated by seeds, divisions of the root, and by cuttings. By Seed. — If the seed is sown in a hot-bed, in April, and the plants set out in the open ground in June, most of them will flower the same season, and though not one in a hundred or thousand may come up to the standard of a perfect flower, yet it is very interesting to mark the curious sports which are often made in these seedings. Many of them will make a greater show in the shrubbery than the more perfect sorts. What is lacking in shape and size, is made up in the profu- sion of bloom. By Divisiojis of the Root. — This is the most common mode of propagation, unless it be with the nursery-man, who raises from cuttings. It is best to place the roots, or stool, as it is called, before divided, on gentle heat, if the buds have not started; or DAHLIA. 49 cover them over with a little earth, in a warm place, the begin- ning of May, so as to start the buds before the roots are divided. Without this course, it will be impossible to divide the tubers so as to be sure of a bud on each ; and without a bud a tuber is worthless. The buds having appeared, clean the roots from soil, and with a sharp knife divide the stool in such a manner that a bud may be secured to each division. The smallest tuber, with a bud, will make a strong plant. By Cuttings. — This process requires so much care and attention, that I must refer my readers to works on the subject of propagation. Plants raised by cuttings have never succeeded so well with me as from divisions of the root. The reason may be, that in the propagation of new varieties, in the desire to realize as much as possible, weak shoots are taken, and forced so rapidly, and become so attenuated and weakened, that they never recover. True it is, that, after paying extravagant prices for new sorts, 1 have frequently been disappointed in not having a single bloom ; and, what is worse, the roots may not get strength enough to stand through the winter, even with the greatest care. Soil and Cultivation. — Too much has been said and written upon the cultivation of the Dahlia. After following the direc- tions given by various amateurs and writers, and after taking much pains and care in cultivation, 1 have been chagrined to find that the refuse of my roots, planted without care, and very little manure, in yellow loamy soil, have far outstripped those on which more abundant pains had been bestowed. The Dahlia likes a humid atmosphere, such as we rarely have in this country. It frequently begins to flower, and promises well in July, but on the last of that month and August our scorching sun and arid atmosphere, together with the insects that prey upon it, operate so unfavorably that it hardly recovers before it is overtaken with frost. While I resided in Lancas- ter, my garden was situated on the banks of a branch of the Nashua River. In hot weather, a damp or mist rose from the 5 50^ breck's book of flowers. river every night, and gave my Dahlia plants a good wetting. I did not have any difficulty then with the Dahlia ; it flowered in great profusion, having had nearly one hundred blooms upon a plant at one time. The mode of cultivation then was : first, a hole excavated two or three feet across, and about fifteen inches deep, the poor soil taken out, and its place supplied with the adjoining surface soil, then about two shovelfuls of strong manure, partly decomposed, from the stable, thrown in and well incorporated with the soil ; then the stake for the support of the plant firmly fixed in the ground; then the surface levelled, and all was ready for planting. If tubers are used without being forced, they may be planted any time after the middle of May, covering the crown of the tuber about two inches, slanting the other end downwards. Plants, raised in pots or cuttings, may be turned into the ground any time in June. I have succeeded in producing fine flowers from dry tubers planted the first of July. As a general rule, let the soil be rich and deep ; let the plants be well attended to by tying up to the stake, — which should be strong, and from five to six feet above the surface. As the plants advance, syringe the foliage every night in dry weather; sift over the plants fine air-slacked lime to kill the insects, if you can ; mulch the ground about them; give them guano-water twice a week in August; and, if you are rewarded for your pains, it is more than I have been in most seasons. Dahlias look best when planted in groups, as they hide each other's ugliness, and if they fiower, and a variety of colors be combined in the group, they make a very imposing appear- ance. Taking up mid Preserving the Roots. — When the first frost strikes the Dahlias so as to blacken the plant, a few inches of soil should be added to the crown of the plant, to prevent the tubers from being injured by freezing, which might happen unexpectedly some cold night. Taking some pleasant day, the last of October or the first of November, the tops of the plants should be cut down near the ground, and the stakes pulled up. FERRARIA. 51 Then very carefully lift the roots from the ground. This is best done by two persons, with spades, operating on each side of the roots, as when taken from the ground they are very brittle and easily broken off. Let them be carefully deposited on the surface, where they should remain during the day exposed to the sun and air. Before night sets in, they should be removed to a dry, airy cellar, and deposited on shelves raised a few feet from the cellar bottom ; here they will remain with perfect safety, provided they can have a little air occasionally in pleasant weather. They should, however, be placed singly on the shelves ; as, when they are packed close, or one upon another, they are liable to mould and decay. The most danger to be apprehended is from excessive dampness ; but sometimes roots kept in a cellar where there is a furnace, may be injured by excessive dryness, and the roots become shrivelled and dried. There is no danger from rats or mice or any other creature. I never knew an animal to touch them. You could not catch an old rat even to smell of them the second time. FERRARIA. Tiger Flower. The Mexican Tiger Flower, or Ferraria pavonia, and F. conchijlora, are flowers of exquisite beauty. The bulbs are tunicated, producing from one to four stems each, from eigh- teen inches to two feet high ; the flowers are of short duration. It is born to display its glory but for a few hours, when the sun totally destroys all vestiges of its beauty ; but, to compen- sate for this sudden decline, it continues to produce its flowers a number of weeks. The shape of the flower is singularly curious, and the coloring of each variety gorgeous. The flowers of the first-named variety are of the richest scarlet imaginable, variegated with a bright golden yellow. The ground-work of F. conchijlora is of the richest orange, varie- 52 breck's book of flowers. gated with light yellow, and spotted with black. No flower can exceed it in beauty ; but nature does not lavish all her sweets upon one flower ; — in this there is no scent. The flowers are large, and produced in July and August. It is properly a green-house plant, but is easily cultivated in the open air. The bulbs should be planted about the middle of May, about two inches deep, in any rich garden-soil, and require no particular care. The bulbs and offsets should be taken up in October, and dried ; but be particular not to expose them to frost while drying, or at any other time, as that would destroy them. They may be kept in dry sand, saw- dust, or moss, until the time of planting in the spring. The mice are very fond of the roots, and, if they find them, but few, if any, will be left to plant. FRITILLARIA. Fritillary. The Crown Imperial, or Fritillaria imperialis, is supposed to be a native of Persia. There are many varieties ; all hand- some, varying in color; viz., bright yellow, scarlet, orange scarlet, double red, double yellow, gold-striped-leaved, silver- striped-leaved, &c. This species is less esteemed that its beauty merits, on account of its strong, and, to some, its disa- greeable scent. It flowers in April ; the bulb throws up a strong, vigorous stem, three or four feet high, producing near the top a crown of beautiful, drooping, bell-shaped flowers, making a very conspicuous object at a season when but few flowers grace the garden. Above the crown of flowers the stem ter- minates in a tuft of its glossy green foliage. The nectaries are very curious ; each cell, six in number, contains a large drop, which looks like a brilliant pearl. When the flower decays, the seed-vessels take the reverse of the flower, and stand erect. The bulbs are large and fleshy, somewhat solid : they do not GALANTHTJS. 53 keep well long out of the ground. When the stem dies down, the root should be taken up and replanted, if necessary ; but this need not be done oftener than once in four or five years. They should be planted four inches deep, in a rich, deep garden soil. The Persian Fritillary or Persian Lily, {Fritillaria Persica,) bears a spike of brownish-purple flowers, growing at the top of the stem in the form of a pyramid ; they open in May ; stems three feet high ; bulb similar to the last, except more elon- gated. To be treated in every way like the Crown Imperial. The Common Fritillary, or Chequered Lily, {F. melegaris,) is sometimes called the Guinea Hen Flower, on account of its chequered or spotted flowers. There are many varieties ; the colors, various shades of brown, purple, and yellow, curiously mottled, spotted or chequered. The bulbs are about the size of the crocus roots, of the character of the other fritillary bulbs, but more flattened ; stems eight or ten inches high, with one or more gracefully-drooping, bell-shaped flowers, in April or May; to be planted in groups in good garden soil, two inches deep. They should not be kept long out of the ground. GALANTHUS. Snow-Drop. " Already now the Snow-drop dares appear, The first pale blossom of the unripeiied year ; And Flora's breath, by some transforming power, Had changed an icicle into a flower." Galanthus nivalis. — The Snow-drop is the earliest flower of all the garden tribe, and will even show her head above the snow, as if to prove her rivalry with whiteness. Every third year the roots should be taken up, in June or July, when the leaves are decayed and kept in a dry place till August, when they should be replanted. The bulbs are very small. To 5* 54 breck's book of flowers. make them look well and to produce a pretty effect when in bloom, about twenty should be planted together in a clump, one and one half or two inches deep. There is a variety with double flowers ; both sorts desirable ; about six inches high in March and April, " The Snow-drop, who, in hahit white and plain, Comes on, the herald of fair Flora's train." There is a flower called the Leucojum, or Great Snow-Drop, very similar to this, but twice the size. Of this there are three kinds : the Spring, the Summer, and the Autumnal Snow-drop, The bulbs are much larger; should be planted five inches from each other, four inches deep. " We look upon the snow-drop as a friend in adversity, sure to appear when most needed." "Lone flower, hemmed in with snows, and white as they." GLADIOLUS. Corn-Flag. ^ Gladiolus communis is a hardy, showy border-flower, of which there are several varieties in cultivation, viz., white, purple, and red. They should be planted in October, on a rich sandy soil, about two and a half inches deep, and require little protection, except the purple variety. They have a flag- like foliage, and produce their flowers on long, one-sided spikes, or racemes, about two feet high, in June and July. The bulbs have some resemblance to those of the crocus, and are treated in the same way. Gladiolus hyzanteum is also hardy, and requires the same treatment ; flowers purplish-red. The Gladiolus family in- cludes many brilliant species and varieties ; most of them green-house plants. Many of them, however, succeed well in the open ground, when planted in the border in May ; but it is necessary to take them up in October, and keep the roots dry, I HYACINTHS. 55 and from the frost, till the time of planting again. All the species delight in a rich, light, sandy loam, and should not be planted more than one and a half inches under the surface. Gladiolus natalensis, called by some psittacinus, has not been known many years among us, and was considered, when first introduced, as being very superb; but it has such a pro- pensity to increase, that it has become very common, and is now looked upon with indifference. The flowers are scarlet, on a greenish-yellow ground, produced in long, one-sided spikes ; the stems sometimes four feet high, with fifteen or twenty buds and blooms. In perfection in August. G. natalensis has, within a few years, been eclipsed by the magnificent variety, G. gandavensis, producing long spikes of the most vivid scarlet flowers. I have had flowering stems four and five feet high, which threw out a succession of spikes of its rich and brilliant blossoms. G. Jloribunda is another beautiful species, with a profusion of delicate pink flowers, marked with purple, about two or three feet high, in August. The treatment of all the tender vari- eties is similar ; if they are planted in pots, forwarded in a hot bed, and turned into the open ground in June, they flower some earlier, and grow stronger. There are other beautiful species and varieties, one of which is G. cardinalis, with scarlet flowers spotted with white, but most of them do not succeed well in the open ground. HYACINTHUS. Garden Hyacinth. " Hyacinth, with sapphire bell Curling backwards." " The youths whose locks divinely spreading, Like vernal Hyacinths in sullen hue." The Hyacinth is a highly esteemed florist's flower, of easy culture, of which more than one thousand varieties are culti- 56 breck's book of flowers. vated in Holland, forming quite an important item in the exports of that country, and from whence, Great Britain, the United States, and all Europe, receive their annual supplies, and, in fact, all parts of the world. Hyacinths are double and single ; of various colors, embracing every shade of red, from a deep crimson pink down to white ; of blue, from white to almost black, and some few yellow and salmon color ; but the shades of yel- low are not very brilliant, and appear yellow only in contrast with the white. Some of the white, and other light varieties, have red, blue, purple or yellow eyes, which add much to the beauty of the flower ; and others are more or less striped or shaded ; and some are tipped with green. The double varieties are generally considered the finest, but many of the single sorts are equally desirable, as what is deficient in the size of the bell is made up in the greater number of them ; some of the single sorts are the richest in color. The stem of a fine double Hyacinth should be strong, tall, and erect, supporting numerous large bells, each suspended by a short and strong peduncle, or foot-stalk, in a horizontal posi- tion, so that the whole may have a compact pyramidal form, with the crown, or uppermost bell, perfectly erect. The bells should be large and very double ; that is, well filled with broad petals, appearing to the eye rather convex, than flat or hollow ; they should occupy about one half the length of the stem. The colors should be clear and bright, whether plain red, white, or blue, or variously intermixed, or diversified in the eye ; the latter, it must be confessed, gives additional lustre and elegance to this beautiful flower. Strong bright colors are, in general, preferred to such as are pale ; there are, however, many rose-colored, pure white, and light blue Hyacinths, in high estimation. Hyacinths begin to flower the last of April in this climate, and, if shaded by an awning from hot suns, may be kept in perfection the greater part of a month. They never require watering at any season ; keep them free from weeds ; as the stems advance in height, HFACINTHS. 57 they should be supported by having small sticks, or wires, painted green, stuck into the ground back of the bulb, to which they should be neatly tied ; otherwise, they are liable to fall down by the weight of the bells, and, as the stem is very brittle, it is sometimes broken off when exposed to storms. The most suitable time to plant Hyacinths is in October and November. The finer sorts will appear to the best advantage in beds, while the more common varieties may be distributed about the borders where most convenient. The dimensions of the bed should be marked out, and the soil taken entirely away to the depth of two feet ; the earth on the bottom should then be dug and well pulverized, and the space above filled with the following compost : — " One third river or sea sand ; one third fresh, sound earth ; one fourth rotten cow dung, at least two years old ; and one twelfth of earth, of decayed leaves, or decayed peat. The fresh, sound earth of the compost should be of the best quality of what is called virgin soil, or that obtained from pastures or the roadside, well rotted ; or, if that is not obtainable, the best garden mould, free from noxious vermin of every description. These ingredients should be well mixed and incorporated a considera- ble time before wanted. About ten days before planting, the bed should be filled up with the compost, even with the path, or so as to be even when the roots are set. The surface of the bed should be raked perfectly smooth before planting, and the exact situation for every bulb marked on it as follows : — RBWRBWRBW WRBWRBWRB RBWRBWRBW WRBWRBWRB RBWRBWRBW WRBWRBWRB The letters R, b, w, denote the color of the flower to be planted there, viz., red, blue, or white ; under these heads, all Hya- 58 breck's book of flowers, cinths may be comprehended, except a few yellow sorts, which may be classed with the white." The bed should be four feet wide ; the bulbs to be planted eight inches distant from each other in the rows, and to be covered four inches deep. First place about one inch of fine sand where each root is to be placed, then press the bulb into the soil nearly its whole thick- ness, and cover it completely with fine clean sand. Having completed the planting, the whole may be covered with sound, fresh, sandy earth, four inches deep. Before winter sets in, Hyacinths should be covered a few inches deep with leaves, straw, meadow hay, or any other light substances ; they are, however, perfectly hardy, but the bloom is more perfect when thus covered. In selecting bulbs, be careful to procure good sound roots ; for an imperfect root is not worth planting, and many there are, sold every year by thousands, at auction, which are generally the refuse of the Dutch gardens. A good root is perfectly hard, and bright, without specks of rot upon it, and one that has not pushed a bud. Eoots of the finest varieties can be purchased for fifteen to twenty dollars per hundred, with their names and colors ; and very fair sorts for less ; and mixed sorts, with colors distinct, from six to ten dollars. In about one month after the bloom is over, and the foliage begins to turn yellow, the bulbs may be taken up, cutting off the flower stems, but not the foliage, and, having prepared a slop- ing bed of light earth, the bu]bs may be laid upon it, so as not to touch, with the foliage downwards, covering the roots and fibres with earth. Here they remain till the bulbs are suffi- ciently ripened, which will be in about one fortnight, when they may be taken up, and, after they have been dried, cleaned from the fibres, soil, &c., then wrapped up in papers, dry sand, or dry sawdust, and kept in a dry place until wanted for use. Or the roots may remain in the bed until the foliage has completely dried down, and then taken up, dried and cleaned, as before stated. The Starry Hyacinth, or Scilla Peruviana, is a very pretty bulbous-rooted plant, with dark blue starry flowers in May IRIS. 59 and June, worthy a place in the border in large collections of plants, — nine inches high. The Grape Hyacinth, Muscari moschatum, is a pretty, hardy, bulbous-rooted plant, with dark, light blue, or white flowers, having a strong smell of musk. M. monstrosum, or Feathered Hyacinth, is a most ornamental, hardy border flower; the bulb is large, ovate and solid ; the leaves narrow, a foot long, with obtuse points ; the flower-stalks rise nearly a foot and a half high ; they are naked at the bottom for about seven or eight inches, above which the panicles of flowers begin, and terminate the stalks. The flowers stand upon the peduncles, which are more than an inch long, each sustaining three, four, or five flowers, whose petals are cut into slender filaments, like hairs ; they are of a purplish-blue color, and, having neither stamens nor germs, never produce seeds. M. lotryoides is another pretty species, with varieties of blue, white, and flesh- colored flowers, all small, bulbous-rooted plants, obtained from Holland as species of Hyacinths, with solid bulbs, producing spikes of pretty, bell-shaped flowers a foot high, flowering in June. All are hardy, and may be planted in any good garden soil, about three inches deep, five or six roots in a group ; they need not be taken up oftener than once in three years, and then should not be kept long out of the ground. IRIS. Flower-de-luce. " The Flower-de-luce, and the round sparks of dew, That hung upon their azure leaves, did show- Like twinkling stars, that sparkle in the evening dew." The Iris is a very extensive and beautiful family, claiming the whole world as her country. Some of the species have very large flowers, which, from their being very vivid, and several uniting in the same blossom, are extremely showy. ^0 breck's book of flowers. Many of them are bulbous-rooted ; of these we shall treat in this place, reserving the fibrous and most of the tuberous- rooted to describe under the head of herbaceous perennials. One of the most esteemed bulbous-rooted Iris, is the Persian, on account of the beauty and fragrance of its flowers. It is also very early, but not perfectly hardy. It is valued for forc- ing, as a few of its flowers will scent a whole room ; their colors are pale sky-blue, purple, yellow, and sometimes white. The Spanish Iris, or I. xipkium, is a very pretty border flower, of many varieties, all rich and elegant ; embracing the most delicate shades of light and dark blue, brown, purple, yellow, and white. Many of the varieties are various colored, striped or spotted; the bulbs are small, tooth-like, sending forth rush- like foliage, with flowers in June, on stems about eighteen inches high. These bulbs, as well as the other species named here, should be planted about two and a half inches deep, in a light and rich garden soil ; the proper time is in October and November, and, excepting I. susiana, need not be taken up oftener than once in three years. The English Iris, or I. xiphioides, is somewhat similar to the last, but more robust in its growth ; the bulbs are larger, and the stem two feet or more high, producing its flowers in June, which are as various in color as the Spanish, and as desirable for the border. Iris chalcedonica, or /. susiana, is one of the most beautiful of the race ; it is not a bulbous root, but tuberous, imported with the bulbous kinds from Holland, and planted at the same time, and manner, except the soil should be of a more loamy character. It has the largest flowers of any of the species, and the most magnificent of them all. The colors of the flowers are of various shades of the richest purplish brown, beautifully mottled and spotted, so as to give it a very rich and unique appearance. It produces its flowers in June, on stems a foot high. It may be increased by parting the roots in autumn. This splendid flower is\ reputed 'to be tender ; but I have suc- ceeded in planting it in October and November, and even in LILIUM. December, with success, giving the same protection as to Tulips or Hyacinths ; but if the roots are suffered to remain in the ground after flowering, it will never bloom again, and most assuredly perish. Our season is too long for it ; if left in the ground through the summer, it commences growing in autumn, forms its flower buds before winter sets in, and dies. Ob- serving this, I have taken up the roots the first of August, and kept them out of ground till the time of planting in autumn, with perfect success. After drying, the roots may be kept in dry sand or moss. LILIUM. The Lily. " Have you seen but a bright Lily grow, Before rude hands have touched it ? " ' ' Queen of the field, in milk-white mantle drest, The lovely Lily waved her curling crest." All the species of this splendid genus, with which we are acquainted, may be considered worthy of a place in every good collection of plants. Many of the species are well known, while a greater number are not often seen in our gardens. The Lily is an interesting flower to the young florist as well as the botanist, on account of the simplicity of its structure and magnitude and distinct character of its different parts and organs. The root of the Lily, or what is generally denomi- nated the root, is a scaly bulb, the scales being laid over each other in an imbricate form, inclosing the germ, or bud. The bulb is not a root, strictly speaking, but a bud containing the embryo of the future plant. The roots are thrown out from the bottom of these bulbs, or buds, and, unlike the fibres of the Tulip, are perennial ; and on their strength depends, in a great measure, the vigor of the future plant. Bulbs, long kept out of ground, are very much weakened, and a number of years will elapse before they recover strength to bloom in great per- 6 62 breck's book of flowers. fection. After the flowering of the Lily, in August, the foliage of many species decays ; the bulbs then are in the most perfect state for transplanting. If they are permitted to remain long after this, and the foliage begins to start again, they will not bloom so strong the next year. The Lily should not be moved any oftener than is necessary. It is not like the Tulip and many other bulbs, which are not injured, but rather improved, by taking them up annually after flowering. The Lily will do well in anj?- well prepared border or bed. To have them in perfection, the soil should be excavated eighteen inches deep, and filled with a compost of peat, or swamp muck, undecayed manure, or leaf mould, a foot deep ; the remaining six inches may be peat and rich mould. The bulbs of strong-growing Lilies may be planted from four to five inches deep ; and weaker sorts from three to four inches. In the borders, three bulbs, of the stronger-growing varieties, are enough for one group, or five, of the weaker sorts. They have a pleasing effect when planted in masses ; or they may be planted in beds. Most of the species are quite hardy ; but they will all be benefited, and bloom more strongly, provided they receive a covering of rotten manure before winter sets in. Lilium candidum. — The Old White Lily. — This species has always been considered the emblem of whiteness, and is too well known to require any description. A mass of White Lilies is always beheld with admiration, and they perfume the air with their delicious fragrance. The White Lily is, therefore, indispensable, and should be found in every garden. It some- times attains the height of three or four feet, and is in flower about the first of July. Lilium candidum fiore pleno. — The Double White Lily. — A variety of the double white ; it is curious, but not beautiful. The inflorescence appears to be a continuation of the foliage, which, as it terminates the stem, gradually assumes the char- acter of petals, with the whiteness of the simple flower. It is a monster, and for that reason may be fancied by some. Lilium candidum fiore variegata. — The Variegated White Lily. — This is another variety of the White Lily, and not very desirable. The purity of the white is destroyed by the dull purple stripes that mark the petals, and give it a dingy appearance. Liliuvi longiflorum. — The Long-flowered White Lily. — This is a very beautiful and fragrant species, not quite so hardy as the common White Lily, but stands the winter well, when protected. The flowers, pure white, very long and large, pro- duced in July. Lilium martagon. — Turk's Cap Lily. — There are many varieties of this species ; some with pure white, others with purple, spotted, or variegated flowers. The petals are very much reflexed, giving them the appearance of caps. In strong soil, and the roots well established, the stems are sometimes thrown up from three to five feet, producing twenty or thirty flowers, flowering in July. Liliuvi candidum folia variegata. — The Gold-striped Lily. — There are two varieties of garden White Lily with striped leaves, one having yellow, the other white striped foliage ; both pretty in a collection. Lilium umbellatum. — The Umbel-flowered Orange Lily. — This is a strong-growing species, producing quite a num- ber of large, upright orange flowers, with rough interior. In contrast with the White Lily, it makes an imposing appearance. It flowers about the first of July. Lilium auranticum. — The Dwarf Orange Lily. — More dwarfish than the last; about two feet high, with three or four upright orange flowers on a stem ; in flower in July. Lilium tigrinum. — Tiger-spotted Lily. — A very common, strong-growing species ; but very showy, having fine, reflexed, orange flowers, with black spots. It has the peculiarity of producing small bulbs in the axil of the leaves. It grows from four to six feet high, flowering in August, and is a suitable plant for the shrubbery as well as the border. It is very easily propagated, as all the axil bulbs, when planted in the ground, soon produce flowering plants. O? BRECK'S book of FLQ-Vl^RS. Lilium pomponicum. — Scarlet Pompone Lily. — This is a beautiful species, with scarlet reflexed petals, flowering; in June and July. It is rather a shy flowerer, and has not flourished so well v/ith us as some other sorts. Lilium chalcedonicum. — Scarlet Martagon Lily. — This is another fine scarlet lily, with reflexed petals, growing three or four feet high, and flowering in July. L. pyrenaicum, with reflexed yellow flowers, with scarlet anthers, we have in our collection ; very pretty, but producing only from one to three flowers in each stem. Among other beautiful varieties, or species, are L. catesbcei, a native of the south, with orange-colored flowers, and dwarf in its habits. L. CarolinaivUm, from Carolina, somewhat like L. superbum ; L. monadelphum, a species of Martagon, from Caucasus ; L. croceum, puviilum, and many others, which may be obtained from the Dutch florists. Lily bulbs, when transported from Holland, are so much weakened, from being kept so long out of ground, that more than one half of them perish ; and the few that vegetate stand a number of years, frequently, before they get strength to bloom. Lilium Japonicum. — The Japan Lily. — This magnificent species of Lily, and its varieties, have been introduced but a few years, and, until lately, treated as green-house plants. They are found to be as hardy as our common Lilies, and will, therefore, prove a great acquisition to the garden. The variety specioszim has a pink and white frosted ground, finely spotted with deep crimson ; L. laTicifolium album is pure white ; each variety with reflexed petals. These Lilies emit an exquis- ite odor. I have seen plants five and six feet high ; they were, however, grown in pots in the green-house. These bulbs have commanded extravagant prices ; consequently are found in but few collections. As the price is now greatly reduced, we hope soon to see them more common. The following account is from an English paper ; and, as the directions for their culture will be applicable to us, we insert it, with some omissions : — " Few plants of recent introduction are more handsome or LILIUM. 65 attractive than the Japan Lilies, They produce a gorgeous display, either in-doors or out; and, as they are quite hardy, they may be liberally planted in the open border, and thus con- stitute one of our best autumnal flower-garden plants. " Their propagation is simple and certain. The bulbs may be separated, and each scale will eventually form a new bulb. This separation should be effected when the flower stems are withered. The scales should be stuck into pans of silver sand, and placed in a cold frame or pit. After remaining one season in this position, they should be planted in a prepared bed of peat soil, and a little silver sand intermixed with it ; thus treated, the bulbs will soon grow large enough to flower. " The cultivation of them in pots is by no means difficult. I shall detail the practice I have pursued with success for some years. Immediately when the bulbs go to rest, in the autumn, is the proper time to repot them. By no means destroy the old roots, but carefully place them amongst the fresh soil. If large examples, for particular display, are required, large pots may be employed, and half a dozen flowering bulbs placed in each pot. The soil I use is rough peat. The pots should be well drained, and the crown of the bulb just covered with the soil ; when potted, they should be placed in a cold pit or frame, in order to prevent the soil from freezing, although frost will not injure the bulb. Where room under glass is an object in winter, they may be plunged in the open air in coal ashes, in a manner similar to potted Hyacinths. I have at this time a large number coming into flower, which have never been under glass until within these few days ; they have sustained no injury from exposure, and they present every appearance of making a grand display. There is scarcely any plant which is so much benefited by liquid manure as the Lily ; more espec- ially before expanding its flowers. If used in a clear state, and considerably diluted, this water alone may be applied for at least a month before it comes into flower. " If the object should be out-door cultivation entirely, I should recommend them to be planted in beds ; their effect is $& breck's book of flowers. exceedingly grand. Excavate the soil eighteen inches deep, and fill in the bottom, a foot deep, with very coarse peat, inter- mixed with one fifth of decayed manure or leaf mould. The remaining six inches may be entirely peat. If the bulbs are large enough to bloom, plant them twelve inches apart every way ; and if beds of each kind are brought into contact with one another, the effect will be magnificent. " The following are the kinds I cultivate : Lilimn lancifolium album, L. punctatiim, and L. speciosum. The old Japonicum is also well worth growing." All our native Lilies are beautiful, and very much improved by cultivation. While we are bringing together, from the ends of the earth, the treasures of Flora, let not our own be neg- lected. These may be taken from our fields and meadows, when in bloom, by carefully taking them up with a ball of earth, and in a few years will richly repay the trouble. Lilium superhiim. — Superb Lily. — One of the most mag- nificent of our native plants ; not common in the vicinity of Boston, but in many parts of the state and in New York in abundance. Stem erect, straight, from three to six feet high, oearing a large pyramid of orange-colored flowers, not unfre- quently numbering, when cultivated, thirty or forty. The flowers are much reflexed. They are found in many varieties, with flowers from a yellow to an orange scarlet; in bloom in July. Lilium Canadense. — Nodding Meadow Lily. — This fine Lily may be found embellishing our meadows in June, when it rarely produces more than from one to five modest, nodding, but showy, flowers, on stems one to three feet high. It is very much improved by cultivation, and, when planted in rich ground, has been known to grow five feet high, with a pyramid of at least twenty of its pendulous flowers ; color from yellow to deep orange scarlet. The flowers are profusely spotted with brown, on the inside, and are but little reflexed. Lilium Philadelphicum. — The Common Red Lily of our pastures and dry fields; equal, if not superior, in beauty, to NARCISSUS. 67 the Canadense, but of a different habit. Its height rarely ex- ceeds two feet, with one to three flowers, supported on a long claw ; upright, of a dark vermilion color, richly spotted with black. The flowers are bell-shaped ; in bloom in July. The character of this species will no doubt be as much im- proved by cultivation as Canadense. It will then form one of the most showy ornaments of the garden, as the color of the flower is rich and brilliant. If ten or fifteen flowers can be pro- duced on one stem, the effect of a group of plants will be surpassingly rich. NARCISSUS. Common Daffodil ; some species, Jonquilles. " No gradual bloom is wanting ; from the bud, First born of the spring, to summer's murky tribes : Nor Hyacinths of purest virgin white, Low bent, and blushing inward ; nor Jonquilles, Of potent fragrance ; nor Narcissus fair. As o'er the fabled fountain hanging stiU." Named from the youth Narcissus, who, as the poets tell us, was changed into this flower. This family are mostly hardy, bulbous-rooted plants, many of them too well known for description ; all suitable to orna- ment the garden. They may be planted in October or Novem- ber, in any good garden soil, about three inches deep, and need not be taken up oftener than is necessary to separate the roots when they become matted together, as they will in three or four years. The Two-flowered Narcissus, Pale Daffodil, or Primrose- peerless, is of a pale-cream color, with a yellow cup in the centre ; a very pretty species. Of the Common Daffodil, there are many varieties, with a white flower and yellow cup ; a yel- low flower and deep golden cup ; a double flower, with several ups one within another ; the Great Yellow Incomparable, double and single. The double variety is called Butter and 68 beeck's book of flowers. Eggs Narcissus, by the English, aijd by the Dutch, Orange Phoenix, and is considered the handsomest of all the species. It has large and small petals ; the large, lemon color, filled ia with small orange-colored ones. All these species flower the last of April. The Great Jonquille is yellow ; the scent of it so powerful as to be hardly endured. This, with the Common Jonquille, are altogether yellow ; but the last-named has a cup deeper col- ored than the petals. There is variety with double flowers. There is a species called the Hoop-petticoat Narcissus, called in France Medusa's Trumpet, of which the cup is two inches long, very broad at the brim. Of this, there are a number of varieties ; one, pale citron color ; another, darker and larger ; both curious and pretty ; in flower first of May. The White, or Poet's, Narcissus, has a snow-white flower, with a pale-yellow cup in the centre, fringed on the border with a circle of reddish purple. It is sweet-scented ; in flower last of May. There is a variety with double flowers ; these are the most desirable of the tribe. The Polyanthus Narcissus is the most desirable of all ; but, alas ! it is not so hardy. It requires to be planted five inches deep, and well protected, to do well. The bulbs are quite large. The flowers are produced the last of May, in trusses of from six to twenty flowers. There are many varieties of this flower. Some have entirely white flowers ; others, white, with yellow, citron, or orange cups ; yellow with yellow ; and entirely yellow or orange-colored flowers. There is a variety with double flowers. This species of Narcissus succeeds well when grown in pots ; or it is fine for flowering in glasses. P^ONIA. Peony. This interesting genus contains many magnificent flowermg plants, embracing at least one hundred varieties and species, PJEONU, 69 all of which are desirable for the border, and perfectly hardy, standing one winter without protection. Most of the genus is herbaceous. P. Mmitan, and its varieties, are shrubby ; their roots are fleshy, but not so distinctly tuberous as most of the herbaceous species. All require nearly the same treatment. The time for dividing the herbaceous sorts is in September or October ; the whole stool should be taken up. With a sharp knife it may be divided into as many pieces as there are tubers with buds ; it is necessary that a bud be preserved on each tuber. At this season of the year the Peony is in a dormant state ; the buds are just beginning to show themselves, and, if delayed long after the first of October, the new fibres begin to push, and the plant will be less likely to flower the coming spring. The Peony roots should not be disturbed in the spring, unless it be very early, as it does not succeed well when transplanted at that season, without a ball of earth adhering to the roots. The tubers should be planted in a deep, rich, light, garden soil ; the crown, or bud, should be placed three inches below the surface. The species of the Peony have been so much changed by the florist, that it is dif- ficult to draw the line of botanical distinction with any degree of accuracy ; and, for floral purposes, it is not necessary. Pceony officinallis. — This is the old Double Crimson Peony, familiar with every one as a household friend. When first introduced into Antwerp, two hundred and fifty years ago, the plant sold for twelve crowns, — a large sum for those days. The varieties of this species are P. rosea with rose, P. hlanda with blush, P. rubra with red, P. carnesens Avith flesh-colored, P. albicans with white, flowers. This class of Peonies flower the last of May and the first of June. P. tenufolia, or fennel-leaved, with fine leaves like fennel ; in flower the first of May ; it is of a deep crimson color, and, when in bud, very beautiful. There is a double variety of this sort. P. hybrida is a hybrid between the last and P. decora, and very pretty ; flower deep red. '10 breck's book of flowers, p. paradoxa is a double variety, or species with purplish red flowers ; blooms last of May. P. decora, gj'evilli, and corallina, have large, single flowers, purplish red and red ; in bloom the middle of May. P. Siberica is one of the finest species; the flowers are sin- gle, but in clusters, and very showy ; white, shaded with pink; blooms 1st of June. P. alba flora, P. Tartarica, and other Chinese and Tartarian sorts, are the parents, probably, of a splendid race of late flow- ering Peonies, denominated the Chinese. They are in bloom about the middle of June. To enumerate and describe all would occupy too much space. P. Whitleji has large double white flowers. P. Humeii, double lilac-red. P. rosea has large double rose-colored ; rather later than the two last. P. Reeve- sii, semi-double purple. P. Pottsii, semi-double lilac-rose. These are some of the more common sorts, but all beautiful. Among those of the more recently introduced sorts, are P. sulphurea, with pale yellow flowers. P. Duchess de Nemours, with the broad exterior petals a blush white, while the centre is filled up with numerous fine petals of a sulphur color ; quite a novelty. P. prolif era-tricolor. P. triuvrphans. P. grandi- flora carnea. P. festiva. P. plenissama variegata. Many other new varieties might be named, all desirable for the bor- der, or to be planted out in a quarter by themselves. PcBony Moutan, or the Tree Peony, and its varieties, are magnificent plants, with flowers of various shades of red, lilac, light purple and white, measuring from four to eight inches in diameter, all of easy culture ; very hardy, requiring but little protection. The variety Banksife is one of the most common kinds. I have had a plant of this with from seventy to eighty flowers upon it at one time, presenting a splendid sight. The flowers vary on the same bush : some of them are very double, of a light pink color, fading, as they open, to a faint blush, or white towards the edges, and at the base deepening to a pur- plish red ; others are semi-double. Some flowers will be of a deeper pink; variations take place also in the size of the P^ONIA. 71 flowers, according to the strength of the plant. The shrub is rarely seen more than four feet high, but it becomes very large in circumference, bushing out from year to year, growing into a very regular, hemispherical shape. It is in flower the last of May, with all the other varieties or species. P. inoutan papaveracea, or Poppy-flowered Tree Peony, is also a splendid plant, having large, single, white flowers, some- times ten inches in diameter. The petals are flat, with a deep purple spot at the base of each. These spots are rayed about an inch and a half long, from the centre, forming a rich, bril- liant star in the middle of the flower ; the bright yellow sta- mens add to the beauty of the flower, forming a fine contrast with the purple and pure white. It is a very desirable plant. There is a variety of this, with semi-double or double flowers. P. moutan papaveracea rosea is a variety with fine rose- colored flowers, and one of the same color with double flowers ; not very common. A great number of new and expensive varieties of the Tree Peony have been exhibited, within the last two years, at the Horticultural Rooms. Some of these varieties do not exceed in beauty those I have described, while others are much superior. I will refer my readers to the reports of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, for descriptions of their new sorts. For one or more of them, two hundred francs were paid ; more, I dare say, than any one else would be wil- ling to expend for one small plant. The woody Peonies may be propagated by seeds, suckers, layers, and by grafting. The common and most simple way is by suckers. These may be often found growing from old wood, when standing in the open border. The wood is very hard, and will require a sharp, strong knife ; a fine saw is often useful in the operation. October is the best time to divide the plants. In the first place, take away the soil carefully from the roots so as to see how the sucker can be taken off to the best advan- tage, and not injure the old plant, and to give a portion of the root to the young plant. When detached, the sucker may be "12 beeck's book of flowers. planted where it is destined to stand, in a rich, mellow loam. When propagated by layers, the outer shoots are bent down into the soil in the spring ; but before they are fastened down with a hook or pegs, a longitudinal split should be made in the inner side of the bend ; this should be done with great care, as the shoots are extremely liable to be broken off where they bend. It takes two years for a layer of the Peony to be suffi- ciently rooted to be detached. If seed is saved, it should be planted as soon as ripe in autumn. I have not raised the Peony from seed, but probably it would appear above ground the next spring, and in the course of a few years produce flowers, and perhaps a new variety. It is best to cover the crowns of all varieties and species, in autimin, with coarse stable manure ; the plants flower stronger for it. With a collection of Peonies of the different sorts, the garden will not be without some of the kinds being in bloom from the first of May to the first of July. RANUNCULUS. Ranunculus Asiaticus. The Asiatic Ranunculus is one of the most splendid class of florist's flowers in cultivation ; but, unfortunately, our climate is so uncongenial for its perfection, and requires so much skill and care, that it has received but little attention in the vicinity of Boston, except by a few individuals. To have this splendid flower in all its beauty and strength, it should be kept growing very moderately all winter; but our climate is so severe that this is impossible, in the open air, without too much covering, which would cause the plants to become drawn and weakened in such a manner as to be ruined. In a green-house, this may be done ; but how shall they be managed in the open air ? Samuel Walker, Esq., President of the Massachusetts Horti- cultural Society, has been the most successful of any other RANUNCULUS. 73 person in this neighborhood, in blooming the Ranunculus in the open air. I shall therefore give his directions, as published in Hovey's Magazine, August 3, 1844. " DIRECTIONS FOR THE CULTIVATION AND PLANTING OF THE RANUNCULUS. " The soil should be trenched eighteen or twenty inches, and composed of good rich loam, to which add one sixth part of very old, well rotted cow-manure, and the same quantity of clay, broken into small pieces ; add to this a little sand, and thoroughly mix the whole ; if the soil binds, add some sandy peat ; make the bed on a level with the path or walks ; the plants would do better if the bed was below, rather than above, the level. " Having prepared the soil, as above, some time during the summer or autumn, take the earliest opportunity, in the spring succeeding, to stir up the bed one spit, and take off one and a half inch of the soil ; then place the plants in an upright posi- tion on the surface, six inches apart each way, and replace the soil carefully, which will cover the crown of the Ranunculus about one and a half inch ; deeper planting would be inju- rious. After the plants appear, keep them free from weeds, and press the soil firmly around them after they get two inches high. If the weather prove dry, water them freely early in the morning, and shade them from the sun from nine A. M. to three o'clock, P. M. As soon as the foliage becomes yellow, take the roots up, and dry them thoroughly in the shade, and keep them in a dry place. " The Ranunculus loves a cool and moist location, but no stagnant water should be permitted, nor should they be placed under the shade or drippings of trees. The morning sun, free circulation of air, and shade, as directed, will ensure success."' The root of the Ranunculus is a cluster of small tubers, like claws, united in the crown, which send up several bipartate leaves, and an erect, branched stem, eight or twelve inches 74 breck's book of i'lowers. high, with a terminating flower variously flowered. Unless good varieties are obtained, and the roots sound and plump, it is best not to attempt their cultivation. The varieties are endless, — of every color and combination of color that Flora paints with. A fine double Ranunculus should have a well-formed blossom, at least two inches in diameter, hemispherical in shape, the petals imbricated in regular shape, — the largest outside, and gradually diminishing in size as they approach the centre of the flower, which should be well filled with them. The petals should be broad, with entire, well-rounded edges ; their color should be dark, clear, rich or brilliant, either consisting of one color throughout, or be otherwise variously diversified, on an ash, w^hite, sulphur, or fire-colored ground, or regularly striped, spotted, or mottled in an elegant manner. There is another species of Ranunculus, called Great Tur- ban, or Great Turkey Ranunculus, producing large, double, and very brilliant flowers. The roots are similar to the other species, and the mode of cultivation the same. The varieties are not so numerous ; the colors are crimson, yellow and brown, yellow, white speckled, dark brown, &:c. TUBEROSA. Polianthes Tuberosa. " The Tuberose, with her silver light, That in the gardens of Malay Is called the mistress of the night ; So like a bride, scented and bright, She comes out when the sun 's away.'' The Tuberose is a tender tuberous-rooted plant, with linear leaves of whitish green, and stems four or five feet high, ter- minating in a sparse spike of white flowers, of very powerful fragrance, which display themselves in August. It is properly a green-house plant, but will grow and flower in warm situa- tions in the open air, when planted about the middle of May, but succeeds better when planted in pots, in March or April, and brought forward in a hot-bed or green-house, and planted in border the naiddle of June. It delights in a rich, sandy loam. The top of the tuber should be near the surface of the soil. The tubers are generally surrounded with numerous offsets. It is recommended by some gardeners to break them off; but I am inclined to believe that it is rather prejudicial to the bloom than otherwise, and my practice is to let them remain. Strong-grown roots only will bloom. The double variety is the most desirable, though both are equally fragrant. The Tuberose is propagated from the offsets taken off from the parent tuber, and planted in a light, rich soil. As soon as the foliage is killed by the frost in autumn, the roots should be taken up, dried, and packed away in dry sand or moss, till wanted in the spring, but they must be kept secure from frost. TULIP I A. Garden Tulip. "Then comes the Tulip race, where beauty plays Her idle freaks ; froni family diffused To family, as flies the father dust, The varied colors run ; and while they break On the charmed eye, th' exulting florist marks With secret pride the wonders of his hand." The Tulip is a flower of easy cultivation. The varieties are endless. With the early and late varieties the garden can be made very gay all the month of May. These flowers became, in the middle of the seventeenth century, the object of a trade for which there is no parallel, and their price rose beyond the precious metals. Many authors have given an account of this trade, some of whom have misrepresented it. One author called it the Tulipomania ; at which people laugh, because they believe that the beauty 76 breck's book of flowers. and rarity of the flowers induced florists to give such extrava- gant prices. But this Tulip trade was a mere gambling com- merce, and the Tulips themselves were only nominally its objects, many bargains being daily made, and the roots neither given nor received. In Holland and Belgium the passion for Tulips among the florists became an absolute madness. Many thousand francs have often been given for a single root, and the amount of this article of commerce, in 1637, rose to some millions of francs. At the period of this effervescence, proper- ties of considerable value were given for a single flower, and a memorable monument of this outrageous folly is still exhibited at Lille, in the Tulip Brewery, which, it is said, though valued at 30,000 francs, (S6000,) was given by its proprietor for a single root. At last the Tulip mania became so overpower- ing that the government of Holland, convinced of the evil effects which might result from it, were obliged to interfere, and to pass laws of great severity against such transactions, limiting the extent of the amount for any one bulb to 200 francs. To this day, a few of the choice and rare varieties are priced at that sum in the Dutch catalogues. During this Tulip fever, a merchant in Holland gave a herring to a sailor who had brought him some goods. The sailor, seeing some valuable Tulip roots laying about, which he considered of little consequence, thinking them to be onions, took some of them unperceived, and ate them with his herring. Through this mistake, the sailor's breakfast cost the merchant a greater sum than if he had treated the Prince of Orange. Another laughable anecdote is told of an Englishman, who, being in a Dutchman's garden, pulled a couple of Tulips, on which he wished to make some botanical observations, and put them in his pocket ; but he was apprehended as a thief, and obliged to pay a considerable sum before he could obtain his liberty. A bed of two hundred and fifty Tulips, of the finest varieties, at the present time, cannot be obtained without a con- siderable outlay ; and there are few, who have the means or the fancy, who are willing to be at the expense. TUUPTA. 7*? Tulips are divided into two classes, early and late blowers ; and these are, again, subdivided into other classes. Early Tulips commence their blooming about the first of May, in companj^ with the Hyacinth, and some of the varieties are very desirable. They are dwarf in their habits. The many distinguished varieties of earl}"- Tulip are all produced from the late blowers, which, having tall stems, and much finer colors, engross nearly the whole attention of the cultivators of Tulips. The modern mode of classing the late blowers, by the Dutch florists, is as follows : " Prime Bagiiets, from the French word baguette, a rod, or wand. They are very tall, with handsome cups and white bottoms, well broken with fine brow^l, and all from the same breeder. Rigaufs Baguets. — This variety is supposed to have received their distinctive appellation from some individual by the name of Rigaut, who was eminent in this branch of flori- culture. They are not quite so tall as the former, but have strong stems, and very large, well formed cups, with white bottoms, handsomely broken with rich brown color, and all from the same breeder. Incomparable Verports. — A particular kind of Bybloemens. Cups very perfect, cherry-red and rose color and white bottoms, well broken with shining broAvn. Some of these are from SIO to S25 a root. Bybloemens, or nest flowers, called by the French Flamands. They haA'e white ground, or nearly so, and are beautifully broken with shades of purple and a variety of colors. They are from different breeders. Bizarres, from the French, odd, or irregular. Ground yel- low ; from ditlerent breeders, and broken with a variety of colors. Paroquets, or Parrot Tulips. — The edges of the petals are fringed, colors brilliant crimson and yellow, with shades of bright green ; but still they are held in no sort of esteem among florists." 7* 78 breck's book of flowers. Double. — These are of various brilliant red, yellow, and mixed colors, but, like many other double flowers, are deemed monsters, and not appreciated by flower fanciers, although they have an elegant appearance, from their upright, tall, and firm stems, and crowns of large, peony-shaped flowers ; and, when scattered with the Parrot among the small shrubs and other plants, in the borders of avenues and walks, or planted out in separate beds, they have a pleasing effect. Breeders are such as have been procured from the seed, and consist of one color, which is red, purple, violet, gray, brown, black, yellow, or some other individual color, without any sort of variation. These are cultivated in a rather poor and dry soil, and become broken or variegated, in from one to twenty years, and produce new varieties ; but so uncertain is the pros- pect of a favorable result, that but few persons are willing to make the experiment, by raising Tulips from seed, as probably not one in a thousand, after so many years of patient cultiva- tion, would exhibit anything remarkable or new. For this reason, a new and superb Tulip commands a high price at the present time in Europe. "When a Tulip has broken, the colors are unchangeable, when properly managed, and are perpetuated from offsets from the parent bulb. Tulips become deteriorated by improper culture, by feeding them too highly with stimulating manures. This causes the colors to run together, and the flower becomes what the florist denominates " foul," and they can only be restored to their former beauty by planting in a pure, loamy soil for a few years. A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTIES OF A FINE LATE TtTLIP. The stem should be strong, elastic, and erect, and about thirty inches above the surface of the bed. The flower should be large, and composed of six petals. These should form almost a perfect cup, with a round bottom, rather wider at the top. The three exterior petals should be somewhat larg^er than TULIPIA. 79 the three interior ones, and broader at their base. All the petals should have perfectly entire edges, free from notch or serrature. The top of each should be broad and well rounded. The ground color of the flower, at the bottom of the cup, should be a clear white or yellow ; and the various rich colored stripes, which are the principal ornament of a fine Tulip, should be regular, bold, and distinct on the margin, and terminate in fine broken points, elegantly feathered or penciled. These are the principal points of excellence, in the eyes of a florist ; yet with amateurs there is some difference of opinion. The colors which are generally held in greatest estimation, in variegated striped sorts, are black, golden-yellow, purple, violet, rose, and vermilion, each of which being varied in dif- ferent ways ; but such as are striped with three different colors, in a distinct and unmixed manner, with strong regular streaks, and but little or no tinge of the breeder, are considered the most perfect. The cultivation of the Tulip is mystified by the elaborate directions generally given for its cultivation. I have succeeded, for many years, in producing very fine flowers by a simple course of cultivation ; the varieties in my possession being probably as fine as can be obtained from any collection in Europe, having been imported, a few years since, at great expense. The finer sorts of Tulips should always be planted in beds, where there is a considerable quantity of bulbs ; but they look very well when disposed in small groups, in the borders, par- ticularly the more common sorts. The proper season for planting is in October. If kept out longer, they are somewhat weakened, and will not flower so finely. A bed for two hundred and fifty Tulips, should be thirty-six feet long by four wide. The bulbs to be planted in rows, seven inches apart, and seven inches distant from each other. The ground being marked out, the soil should be taken out to the depth of twenty inches. The rich surface mould should be first 80 breck's book of flowers. taken off and placed by itself, while the subsoil must be tak^en off out of the way. I have found the best soil for Tulips to be that made of decayed turfs, from an old pasture, well incorpo- rated with old, thoroughly-decomposed cow-manure, with a little sand, if the soil be adhesive ; for the Tulip and most bulbs delight in a loose soil. The exact quantity of these three materials is laid down by some florist as one third of each, but I have not been so nice. My mould is light enough without much sand, and the quantity of manure is very small, not more than one eighth. When highly manured, the flowers will make a ranker growth, but it is injurious to the flower. The mould or soil should be prepared beforehand, and frequently turned to receive the influence of the air and sun. When the bed has been dug out as directed, the cavity is to be filled with this compost, a week or ten days before planting. My practice is to fill it even with the surface of the ground. This, when settled, will be the right depth to plant the bulbs, if planted on the surface. The planting should be done in a pleasant day. It should not be done directly after a heavy rain, for then the soil will be heavy. That the roots may be planted exact, I prepare a board, six and a half inches wide, the length the width of the bed. On the edges of the board I mark the distances the bulbs are to be planted from each other, by sawing in a notch ; thus, three inches from the end, for the first, and from that seven inches, until the whole number, seven, are made, which will leave three inches on the other side. Stretch a line on one side of the bed, and, by keeping one end of the board up to it, the planting may be made without any trouble, and every root in its right place, provided the board is placed square across the bed at each removal. Having placed the board, let some fine sand be placed where the bulbs are to be set. The roots should then be gently pressed into the earth, close up to the notch, but not so deep as to cover them, the large bulbs a little deeper than the smaller ones, and remove the board ; then completely envelop each root with a little cone of sand, or very sandy earth, and so proceed until all the bulbs are set. Now, TULTPIA. 81 with a spade, gradually cover the bulbs with the surface soil, until the bed has been raised four inches above the level of the walk. This will cover the bulbs about three and a half inches, the proper depth. Let it be carefully smoothed off, but not with any instrument that will interfere or put out of place any of the roots which have been set. All the care necessary, after this, is to throw some light protection over the beds before winter sets in, to be removed by the first of April. After- wards, keep the bed free from weeds. To have the flowers in the greatest protection, screen them from the sun, in mid-day, by an awning. A powerful sun soon destroys the beauty of a Tulip bed, by causing the colors to run together. A bed of late Tulips is generally in its highest perfection about the 20th of May, and may be kept in fine condition a fortnight longer, by taking the trouble to erect an awning over them. I take up my Tulips about the 20th of June, and dry them under cover, in an air}^ place, and, when dry, take off the offsets and plant them out, while the flowering roots are each wrapped in a piece of waste paper, and put away, in a box or drawer, in a dry place, until w^anted to plant. One hundred different varieties, with their names and colors, reputed to be the very best, may be obtained from Holland, at the cost of about S25; but I have found, by experience, that some of the rarer and most expensive sorts are not included. Very good border Tulips, including fine double sorts, early and late, single, parrots, &c., may be obtained from 50 cents to SI per dozen, and some of the com- mon sorts at much less price. Tulips sometimes succeed very well, in any good garden soil, without extra preparation. The Due Van Tholl Tulips, single and double, are some of the most esteemed early sorts, the single being the most suitable, and about the only one that succeeds well in pots and for forcing. The sorts that are planted in the borders may be set in groups of from three to five bulbs. These need not be taken up oftener than once in three years. Separate the offsets, as they become so crowded that they will not flower well, and 82 EKECk's book of FLO"\^'T,RS. besides, as the new bulb is formed every year, below the old one, the roots will penetrate so deep, that, if permitted to remain many years, they become so weakened they will not flower at all. DIRECTIONS FOR THE FLOWERING OF DUTCH BULBS IN POTS OR GLASSES. "Hyacinths may be planted in pots from the latter end of October until December. The soil used should consist of about one third of white or river sand, and the remaining two thirds equal proportions of vegetable mould and loam. The pots should measure about six inches across the top. When the bulbs are planted, the pots are to be lightly filled with earth ; then the bulb may be placed in the centre, and pressed into the earth, so that it may be about half covered. After this, the earth should be made solid all around the sides of the pot, to fasten the root. When the bulbs are thus potted, they should be removed into a cool place, in order that they may become well rooted before the tops shoot up. Much light is not neces- sary at this period ; indeed, this deprivation of light causes them to root more quickly than they would otherwise do. For the first fortnight or three weeks after potting, they may be placed upon a shelf in a shed or a cellar, or in any other con- venient place, providing it be cool. Little water is also requi- site ; once watering, immediately after the roots are planted, being sufiicient, if the situation is tolerably damp where the pots are placed. " If the stock of bulbous roots, such as Hyacinths, Narcissus', early Tulips, &c., be large enough to occupy a small frame, the pots may be put within it after planting, and they may be cov- ered a few inches deep with rotten tan, or any other light mate- rial. The pots will soon become well filled with roots, and the shoots produced by bulbs previously well rooted vvill be stronger, and the flowers larger, than if they had been put in a warm and light situation. When they are rooted, a few may be intro- duced occasionally into the room window, or on the mantel- TULIPIA. 83 piece, if there be sufficient light. Light is quite essential when the tops begin to grow. By this means a succession of flowers may be had during the greater part of the spring. " If it is wished to bloom Hyacinths in water-glasses, the glasses should be filled up with water, but not so high as to come in contact with the bulb. Too much moisture before the roots protrude might cause the bulb to decay. The glasses may be put in a light, but cool situation, until the roots are grown half the length of the glass, at least. The longer the roots are before being forced into flower, the finer the flowers will be ; and when rooted they may be kept warm or cool, as flowers are required in succession. The flowers will not put forth, even when the glasses are filled with roots, if they are kept in a cold place. The water should be changed about twice every week, and rain or river water is better than spring water. Although the practice of growing bulbous roots in water is com- mon, it is by no means preferable to growing them in earth. There are many failures when bulbs are grown in water, which are chiefly caused from their being more liable to rot before they begin to emit roots, than when grown in soil. Keep- ing the bulbs quite clear of the water is a partial, but only a par- tial, preventive. Another cause is, that when the roots have attained some length, they frequently decay, and the loss of the flowers is the consequence. Should success attend the grow- ing and blooming of the greater part of those placed in water- glasses, the bulbs will be good for nothing afterwards ; but those grown in pots might be planted the year following in the garden, and they would make pretty border flowers for several years. " Similar treatment to that now described is required for the large-rooted Narcissus, whether in pots or glasses. " To force early Tulips in pots, they should be placed about three or four in each pot, just within the earth, which may be of the same sort, and the management the same as recom- mended for Hyacinths and Narcissuses. " Crocuses will force well. They should be planted near together, say from ten to twenty in a pot, according to its size. 84 breck's book of flowers. Let them root naturally after planting, before they are forced into flower. They require similar treatment to the preceding, "In order that bulbous roots, which have been forced, shall not be quite exhausted, they maybe planted in the garden, with the ball of earth entire, as soon as the flowering is over, if the weather is favorable. They will thus mature their roots and leaves, and be strengthened sufficiently to bloom again the fol- lowing season. If bulbs are neglected when their flowering season is over, they will not recover such neglect for a consid- erable time ; but if carefully placed in the garden till their leaves become yellow, when the root will be matured, they may then be taken up and kept in a dry, cool place until they are wanted the following season for planting." DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF PERENNIAL AND BIENNIAL, HERBA- CEOUS, BORDER, AND OTHER FLOWERS. ' Not useless are flowers ; though made for pleasure, Blooming o'er fields and wave by day and night ; From every source your sanction bids me treasure Harmless delight." ACHILLEA. Milfoil. A. ptarmica. — Sneezewort. — This is a desirable border flower, particularly the double variety, as it continues in bloom most of the season, throwing up a succession of its double white flowers in corymbs, on stems about one foot high. The foliage is dark shining green. It is very hardy, and easy to cultivate in almost any common soil. A. aurea, or golden-flowered, has rich yellow flowers, but not so hardy as the last. We have a native species, A. millefolium, known by the common name of Yarrow ; of this I found a variety with pink flowers, which is now in my possession, and is desirable in a collection. — * — ACONITUM. Monkshood — Wolfsbane. The common Monkshood is a well known inhabitant of the garden. There are many species, all handsome perennial bor- der flowers. They may be increased by parting the roots, which are of a tuberous character, every piece of which will grow. This should be done soon after they have done flowering; and the stalks should be cut down at the same time. They like shade and moisture. Most of them have blue flowers, but 8 86 breck's book of flowers. there are also white and yellow. The flowers grow in spikes, which, in some species, are two or three feet long. The family of Aconites have a bad reputation. The ancients, who were not acquainted with mineral poisons, regarded this plant as the most violent of all. The virulence of A. napellus (common Monkshood) should be known to all. The root is the most powerful part of the plant. An instance is on record, of five persons, at Antwerp, who ate of the root by mistake, and all died. Instances have occurred, of death by eating the young shoots in a salad instead of celery. This plant, when used with skill and caution, is in some cases a valuable medicine. This species flowers in July and August. A. variegatum is a beautiful variety, throwing up branching spikes of flowers in July and August, three and four feet high ; the flowers are light blue, edged with white. A. japoniciim has dark blue flowers, on spikes four and five feet high, during the month of July and August. A. rostratum is a beautiful species, with purple flowers, three or four feet high — in July and August. ACT^A. This is an indigenous perennial plant, suitable for the shrub- bery, found in the woods. There are two species or varieties : — A. rubra, with shining red berries, and A. alba, with milk- white berries, tipped with red. Both kinds have white flowers, in spikes, in May. The berries, as well as the flowers, are ornamental. They require a peaty soil, and flourish best in the shade ; about two or three feet high. A G R 0 S T E M M A . Rose Campion — Mullen Pink. A common, showy border flower ; not a perfect perennial, but easily kept by dividing the roots. It is also propagated from ■ ADONIS ALYSSUM ALTHiEA. 87 seeds, which flower the second year. The common variety has deep red flowers, and another variety with white, or white with a pink centre. It flowers in June and July ; about one and a half feet high. — • — ADONIS. Adonis vernaZis is a handsome perennial border plant, one foot high, producing yellow flowers in May or June. It is a native of the South of Europe. It succeeds in any common garden soil, if not too heavy. ALYSSUM. Alyssum saxatile, — Rock or Golden Alyssum, — is a desirable vernal flower, of dwarf habit, proper for rock-work, or to be planted in masses ; the flowers are of a brilliant golden yellow, completely covering the plant, which is not more than eight or ten inches high. It is a suitable companion for the Phlox stolonifera, with its red flowers, P. suhulata, with pink or white flowers ; all v/hich appear together the first of May. Raised by seeds or by slipping the roots. ALTERA. " And from the nectaries of Hollyhocks, The bumblebee, e'en till he faints, will sip." AlthcBU rosea. — Chinese Hollyhock. — A great improvement has been made in this old-fashioned, ordinary flower, within a few years, that has brought it before the public under a new phase ; and it now bids fair to become as popular as many other flowers have been when taken in hand by the florist. The following is an extract from an English paper : — "Hollyhocks. — If I were not afraid of advancing a horticulta- 88 breck's book of flowers. ral heresy, 1 should say that many ameteurs prefer Hollyhocks to Dahlias. The Hollyhocks of Belgium and Germany had a great celebrity long before they appeared among us. The col- lections of the Prince of Salm Dyck, and of M. Van Houtte, of Ghent, have been much admired. In other places varieties have been obtained with leaves more or less lobed, more or less entire, more or less palmate, all with flowers large, full, or col- ored differently from those of other plants, being sometimes of a more or less dark mahogany color, at others of a delicate tint, and varying from the purest white to the darkest glossy black. Some progress has also been made in the cultivation of those plants by themselves. Since 1830, M. Pelissier, jun., a gen- tleman of Prado, has cultivated Hollyhocks, and from the seeds of a pink variety has succeeded in obtaining plants with flowers of a delicate rose color, and which, in consequence of the ex- treme delicacy of their tints, and regularity of form, may serve both to encourage perseverance and as a good type for seed. In the following year, from the seeds of pink flowers, he ob- tained a beautiful, brilliant, clear, sulphur-colored specimen, perfect in every respect. It is from the seeds of those two plants that he has obtained all the other beautiful and remark- able varieties which he now possesses, after a lapse often years from his first attempts. As a general rule, M. Pelissier prefers flowers with six exterior petals, with entire edges, well open, well set out, of a middling size, of a pure, clear, brilliant color, and forming a perfect Anemone. As the flowers expand, M. Pelissier removes whatever is not conformable to the type he has chosen, or is not of a marked color, and like a perfect Anemone. It is by doing this every year that he has obtained twenty remarkable varieties, the names and characteristics of which have been kindly furnished by him, and are given below. 1. Souvenir de Malmaison, delicate rose, flower very full; per- fection. 2. Geant de Batailles, red, flower very full. 3. Ves- tale, fine pure white, flower very full. 4. Anais, rose, flower very full ; perfection. 5. Chronmtella, dark yellow, flower very full. 6. Jeune Euphemie, clear red, flower beautiful, ALTHAEA . 89 full; perfection. 7. Reine Victoria, cinnamon-colored, shaded, flower very full. 8. Grand Peking, nankeen-colored, flower very full. 9. Amaranth, dark red, flower very full. 10. Isa- belle, dark red, flower very full. 11. Gn-and Colbert, dark rose, streaked, flower full, very perfect. 12. Marie Gabrielle, fleshy white, flower full ; beautiful. 13. Matilde, clear cherry, flower very full. 14. Solfaterre, very clear yellow, flower very full. 15. Boule de Neige, beautiful white, flower well rounded, full. 16. Ophirie, yellow, with a tint of pink, flower very full. 17. Arlequin, clear, approaching to dark violet, spotted with white. 18. Desprez, white, middle yellow. 19. Proser- pine, very dark red, flower very full. 20. Pluton, black, flower very full." The writer has been very successful in producing many beautiful varieties from seed from Germany, for which he obtained the Horticultural Society's premiums two successive years. The seed should be sown in June or July. The plants should be pricked out in groups where they are to stand in August. They will require but little protection. As the flower-stems begin to advance, they should be well staked. As soon as the flowers begin to expand, all inferior sorts should be pulled up. From good seed many fine double varieties may be expected in one hundred plants. When a good variety has been obtained, it may be perpetu- ated by dividing the root every year, or by cuttings of the young shoots. The Hollyhock flowers the second and third years after sowing, and then dies, unless its roots have been divided. There is no flower which makes a greater show, when planted in masses, than the different varieties in all their various colors, tints, and shades. It is in flower most of the months of July and August. 8=* 90 breck's book of flowers. ANEMONE. Pasque Flower. — Musk-scented Geranium. Anemone pulsatilla is an old-fashioned English perennial border flower, easily cultivated, and described by Gerarde, the herbalist, in his book written two hundred and fifty years ago, thus : — "It hath many small leaves, finely cut or jagged, like those of carrots, among which rise up naked stalkes roughf, hairie, whereupon doe grow beautiful floures, bell-fashion, of a bright delaied purple color ; in the bottom whereof groweth a tuft of yellow thrumbs, and in the middle of the thrumbs it thrusteth forth a small purple pointell. When the whole flower is passed, there succeedeth an head or knob, compact of many gray hairy lockes, and in the solid part of the knob lieth the seed, flat and hairy, — every seed having his own small haire hanging at it. The root is thicke and knobby, of a finger long, running right down, and therefore not unlike those of the Anemone, which it doth in all its other parts very notably resemble, and whereof no doubt this is a kind." A. nemerosa, or Wood Anemone, is one of our earliest flowers in spring, appearing in April, and continuing through May ; found in company with violets and other vernal flowers, in wood and pastures, and beside walls and fences. It grows in spreading clusters, sending up its stem, bearing three leaves, which is crowned with one single white flower, the external part of which is of a reddish purple. There is another indigenous species of the Anemone, a perennial also, called the rue-leaved or A. thalictroides, which is distinguished from the last by its number of flowers and more finely-divided leaves. Flowers white, in April and May, These two species require some care in transplanting, as the roots are delicate and straggling. It requires shade and moisture. ANSONIA ANTIRRHINUM. 91 AMSONIA. Amsonia latifolia. — Broad-leaved Amsonia. — Amsonia salicifoUa. — Willow-leaved Amsonia. — Natives of our south- ern states. These two species resemble each othei' some- what, except one has long, broad, peach-shaped leaves, and the other willow-shaped ; both are hardy perennials, with pretty blue flowers, two feet high, in June ; easily cultivated in almost any soil. ANTIRRHINUM. Sna/p-Dragon. This is a curious, as well as an ornamental, genus of plants, mostly perennials or biennials. The word Antirrhinum is derived from words in Greek which express "similar to a nose." The flower bears a perfect resemblance to the snout or nose of some animal ; by applying the thumb and finger to the side of the corolla, it opens and shuts, as with a spring. It is described by Gerarde in his Herbal, thus : " This purple Snap- Dragon hath great and brittle stalks, which divideth itself into many fragile branches, whereupon do grow long leaves, sharp- pointed, very greene, like unto those of ^^^ld flax, but much greater, set bj'' couples and set one opposite against another. The flowers grow at the top of the stalkes, of a purple color, fashioned like a frog's mouth, or rather a dragon's mouth, from whence the women have taken the name Snap-Dragon. The seed is black, contained in round husks, fashioned like a calf's snout, — whereupon some have called it calf's snout, — or in mine opinion it is more like unto the bones of a sheep's head that hath been long in the water, or the flesh consumed clean away." Since Gerarde's day, the Snap-Dragon has sported into many varieties, not only purple but rosy, crimson, yellow, red and yellow, red and white, white striped, mottled, tipped, &;c. It 92 breck's book of flowers. is not a perfect perennial, as it is apt to die out every few years. The varieties may be propagated from cuttings or divisions of the root. It is raised abundantly from seed, flower- ing the first year in autumn ; but not so strong as the second year. "Many beautiful varieties are in cultivation. It fiojir- ishes best in a dry, loamy soil, and is in flower in June or July. There is a beautiful Antirrhinum which grows pro- fusely by the road-side ; the flowers yellow and orange : A. li- naria, or Yellow Toad Flax. This would be desirable for the garden, were it not for its weedy propensity of running about the ground where it is not wanted. AQUILEGIA. Columhine. Aquilegia, from aquila, an eagle. The inverted spurs of the flower have been likened to the talons of a bird of prey. A. vulgaris, and its varieties, are too well known to require description. Some of them are very beautiful, and all interest- ing when planted in beds or masses ; they are of every shade of blue, purple, white, reddish-brown, striped or variegated, with single, semi-double, and full-double flowers. In bloom in May and June ; two feet high. Propagated from seed, or the choice varieties by divisions of the roots. A. Cafiadense is one of the finest species ; indigenous ; com- mon in rocky situations ; flowering early in May. It has pen- dulous scarlet flowers. I have seen a variety Vi?ith pure white flowers, and undertook to transfer it to my garden, but the root was wedged into a seam in a rock, and was broken off and ruined m the attempt. Mr. Carter, formerly of the Botanic Garden, had a straw-colored variety. This elegant vernal flower is much improved when cultivated ; the stool increasing in magnitude, throwing up many more stems, and the flowers larger. If a little more attention could be given to its cultiva- ARMERIA ASTER. 93 tion from seed from flowers cross-impregiiated from the garden species, no doubt some fine varieties would be obtained. A. glandulosa is a beautiful and newly-introduced species, of great beauty. The plant is more dwarfish in its habits than the common Columbine ; the leaves more finely divided. It is about one foot high, producing in June numerous large, rich, sky-blue flowers ; the internal part and margin of the corolla pure white. It is one of the most desirable of the family; raised from seeds or divisions of the root. Columbine should be divided soon after flowering, and not in the spring. All are at home in any common garden soil. ARMERIA. Thrift. This genus contains a number of ornamental plants, gen- erally well adapted for rock-work. Armeria vulgaris is the Common Thrift of the garden, and, next to Box, desirable for edgings. It is rapidly multiplied by divisions of the root. Its pink flowers are produced in June or July, on stems six inches high, in little heads or clusters. ASTER. Star-Floiver. This large genus of plants embraces more than ninety species, all inhabitants of the United States ; some of them very handsome ; giving life and beauty to our fields and woods, during the autumnal months, by the profusion of the various shades of their blue, purple, or white flowers. Most of the family are perennia Is, easily transplanted when in flower, pro- vided they are cut down to the ground, and may be planted among the shrubbery or borders, and will add grace and beauty 94 BRECK'S book of FLO"\ArERS. to the garden. One of the finest, A. Novcb Angles, or New England, is a strong-growing plant, three or four feet high, with large purple flowers. A. multijlora is a very fine plant, producing its snow-white flowers in beautiful wreaths, having small linear leaves, of a deep glossy green ; two feet high. If we had never seen this so common, and if it had been introduced from some foreign land, it would no doubt produce quite a sensation among florists. A. puniceus has brilliant light-blue flowers ; grows three or four feet high. A. cyanus has purplish-blue flowers ; three feet high. A. diffusus is a beautiful species, producing a profusion of small white flowers with brownish disk; two to three feet high. A. puniceus, A. cordifolia, A. corymbosum, A. Icsvis, A. diversifolia, and many others, would be valuable acquisitions to the large flower-garden, and all improved by transplanting. They would open a wide field for improvement by hybridizing. ASCLEPIAS. Sivallow- Wort. This is a numerous genus of plants, of which there are found in the United States about twenty species. Many of them are cultivated in England as ornamental plants, and, in an extensive collection, they should be brought into the flower- garden here ; and a few of them in any collection, however small. The following are some of the species which may be found in New England. Nos. 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 13, are some of the most ornamental, and may be transplanted to gardens soon after flowering. They are all perennials. " 1. Venosa — has leaves elegantly variegated with white and crimson veins, and the stems terminate in an umbel of pale, flesh-colored flowers. ASCLEPIAS. 95 " 2. Pulchra. — Water-Silk-Weed, — has nearly erect stems, four or five feet high ; umbels very small ; flowers crimson- purple. Grows on low, wet land, by the side of ponds. " 3. Variegata. — Variegated. — Leaves rough, umbels com- pact and come out from the side of the stalk ; flowers of an herbaceous odor. " 4. Nivea. — White, or Almond-leaved. — Stalks two feet high, and of a dark green. Leaves deep green above, and pale beneath, smooth and rather stiff. Flowers green, with white nectaries. " 5. Incarnata, — Flesh-colored, — has several upright stalks about two feet high, at the top of which ai'e produced close umbels of purple flowers ; blooms in August. " 6. Decumhens. — The stalks are declining, hairy, a foot and a half high ; leaves narrow ; umbels compact, at the extremity of the branches ; flowers a bright orange color. " 7. Verticillata. — Stalks slender, upright ; umbels at the extremity of the stems ; leaves in whorls of four, five, and six together ; flowers small and of a greenish-white color. Found in Roxbury and Dedham ; blooms in July. " 8. Tuberosa. — Butterfly -weed. — Root large, fleshy, branch- ing and somewhat fusiform, but it is only by comparison with other species that it can be called tuberous ; stems numerous, growing in bunches from the root, hairy and duslvy red ; flowers numerous, erect, and of a beautiful bright orange color ; grows in Woburn and Newton ; blooms in August. " 9. Obtusifolia. — Blunt-leaved. — Stems erect, supporting a terminal umbel, at a distance from the leaves, which are oppo- site, ovate, heart-shaped at the base ; flowers large, of a green- ish-white, tinged with red ; it is found in Cambridge and Mount Auburn ; blooms in July. " 10. Phytoloccoides. — Poke-leaved. — A tall, large-flowering species, of a delicate appearance ; stem erect, four or five feet high ; leaves large ; umbels nodding, flowers large, petals green, nectaries white or flesh-colored ; grows in low grounds; blooms in June. 96 breck's book of flowers. "11. Purpurescens. — Dark-flowered. — Stem erect ; flowers of a dark crimson purple ; grows in Cambridge and Newton, but is rare. " 12. Quadrifolia. — Four-leaved. — A delicate species, growing in dry woods ; stem about a foot high ; flowers flesh- colored ; is found in Roxbury and Brookline, and blooms in June. " 13. Amonea. — Oval-leaved. — Stalks from a foot and a half to three feet high ; at each point are two large leaves, which are thickish, stiff', smooth, with purple nerves ; umbels rise from the stalk and some of the upper axils ; flowers of a bright red color. "14. Syriaca. — Milk-weed, or Silk-weed. — This species abounds all over our country, and, for the many useful purposes to which it may be applied, is deserving of attention. The flowers of the Asclepias are produced in umbels ; all are very attractive to the butterfly family and other beautiful insects, and for this reason a few species should be introduced into the garden. BAPTISIA. Baptisia, from bapto, to dye : in allusion to the econom- ical properties of some species. A blue dye is extracted from the leaves. Baptisia australis was formerly Sophora australis, and is commonly called by that name. The genus Sophora has been much altered, and now consists chiefly of fine trees. It con- tains, however, two species of ornamental herbaceous plants. S. Jlavesceris, with yellow flowers, a native of Siberia, and S. alepechroides, with blue flowers, from the Levant ; the former two, the last four, feet high. Baptisia australis is considered a handsome border flower of the easiest culture, exceedingly hardy and indigenous to some parts of North America. It produces its blue flowers in terminal spiked racemes in June. Leaves ternate stalked ; BELLIS CAMPANULA. 97 leaflet cuneate lanceolate ; stipules longer than the stalk, lan- ceolate. A variety has white flowers ; another with brown and yellow. BELLIS. Common Daisy. Bellis perennis. — A well-known perennial, in bloom from March to August ; three inches high. There are several varieties, as the red, white, blush, red-quilled, white-quilled, hen and chicken, &c. This beautiful little flower will not stand our winters with- out protection. They are best kept in a frame, where they can be preserved from the extreme cold weather, and exposed to the sun and air. Daisies may be propagated abundantly, by dividing the roots ; but these should be planted in shady borders, where they will not be exposed to the too powerful influence of our summer sun, which would absolutely destroy them, if left to its mercy. CAMPANULA. Bell-Flower. This is a large family of plants, mostly handsome, hardy, perennial ; some of them very beautiful, and about all suitable for ornamenting the borders. We have one indigenous species, which is very pretty, and worthy a place in the border ; found abundantly on the banks of Merrimack river, at and above Lowell. It is ver}'^ much like C. rotundifolia, of England. Having cultivated them side by side, we can see but a shade's difference. Mr. Eaton calls our species also rotund'ifolia. Each species has nearly round, or heart kidney crenate radical leaves, from which the specific name is given, and linear entire 9 f^ 98 bkeck's book of flowers. cauline ones, with drooping, solitary, fine blue flowers ; those of the English species being rather the largest, with the cau- line leaves a little broader. The common name, with us, is Flax bell-flower, or Hair bell. It is in flower in July and Au- gust; one foot high. Campanula medium. — Canterbury Bells. — This species, with its varieties, may be considered one of our oldest orna- mental plants, having for a long time been cultivated in our gardens ; it is, nevertheless, a showy plant, and will doubdess always be retained as a prominent ornament of the border. The varieties are rose, blue, and white, double and single. The double varieties, however, are much inferior to the single ones, and will be cultivated only for their singularity. Being biennials, it will be necessary to sow the seeds every year. ^ The young plants must be transplanted to the place in which they are to flower, in August or September, for if deferred until spring the bloom will be greatly weakened ; the same holds good with all biennials, and most seedling perennials. Campanula persicafolia. — Peach-leaved Campanula. — This is one of the finest species, containing a number of beautiful varieties, with large, showy flowers, more bowl-shaped than the last. The varieties are single and double blue, single and double white, maxima or large peach-leaved, and grandis or large flowering. All of them are perfectly hardy, with hand- some foliage, which makes them valuable as border flowers. Stems angular ; leaves stiff"; obsoletely crenate serrate ; radical ones, oblong ovate; cauline ones, lanceolate linear; three feet high ; in flower in June and July. Campanula pyramidalis. — Pyramidal Bell-flower. — This is a grand ornament, when cultivated in perfection, forming a pyramid from four to six feet high, producing innumerable flowers for two or three months, if shaded from the sun. It was formerly a great favorite in England, but its popularity has long since passed away to give place to other more fash- ionable flowers, which have in their turn also been succeeded by other rivals more fair. But the old-fashioned Hollanders CAMPANULA. 99 are not quite so fickle ; flowers with them seem to be esteemed, notwithstanding their antiquity. The Pyramidal Bell-flower is said to be in demand there still, as an ornament to halls, stair- cases, and for being placed before fire-places in the summer seasons. " By Seeds. — The plants so raised, are always stronger, and the stalks rise higher, and produce a great number of flowers. They are to be sown in pots of light earth, soon after being gathered, protected by a frame during winter, and will come up in the spring. When the leaves decay, in October, they are to be transplanted to beds of light, sandy earth, without any mixture of dung, which is a great enemy to this plant. Here they are to remain two years, being protected by rotten tan ; they are then to be removed to their final destination, in Sep- tember or October ; and the year following, being the third year from sowing, they will flower. " The C. carpartica, grandijlora, and several other showy species, may be similarly treated." Seedling plants, in our climate, will flower the second year, generally ; some not until the third. A slight protection is necessary during winter. Campanula grandijlora is now separated from Campanula, and is united with the small genus Wahlenbergia, and is called Wahlenbergia grandijlora. Campanula trachelium. — Throatwort. — There are four varieties of this species, viz., single and double blue, single and double white ; flowers from July to August ; three or four feet high. Campanula rapiincuhis. — Rampion. — A native of the woods of Britain, and cultivated not only for ornament, but also, " in France and Italy, and sometimes in Britain, for the roots, which are boiled tender and eaten hot, with sauce, or cold with vinegar and pepper. It is sown in the spring, on deep, light soil, in drills, and will be ready for use by the autumn of the same year. C. persicafolia and rapunculoides may also be 100 bkeck's book of flowers. cultivated for the same purpose." A biennial, with purple flowers in July and August ; three feet high. Campainda glomereta, — Cluster-flowered, — " is a handsome rock or pot plant ; it requires a dry, lean soil, otherwise, as in most plants, the flowers lose the intensity of their color in that which is very rich." Flowers purple, in clustered heads, in May and June ; two feet high ; a native of Siberia. Leaves scabrous, oblong lanceolate sessile. Campanula iirticifolia, spe- ciosa, versicolor, azurea, bononiensis, lactijlora, aggregata, with numerous other species, are worthy of a place in every garden, as they are easily cultivated, succeed admirably in our climate, and will endure the severest of winters. But a small portion of this large genus require protection. CARDAMINE. Cardamine pratensis plena. — Double Cardamine. — A hardy perennial, from Britain, one foot high, with double white flowers, in May or June ; propagated by dividing the root. CASSIA. Cassia Marylandica. — Maryland Cassia. — A hardy, indig- enous perennial, four feet high, with yellow flowers, from August to September, Many of this genus are beautiful plants, but mostly tender ; some species are sensitive, and close their leaves in wet weather, or at the approach of night. CATANANCHE. Catananche cerulea. — Blue Catananche. — A handsome per- ennial, from the south of Europe, one and a half foot high, with CHRYSANTHEMUM. 101 brilliant blue flowers in July and August. Propagated from seed and parting the roots. CHRYSANTHEMUM. Chinese Chrysanthemum. This is one of the handsomest autumnal flowers, and easily cultivated in almost any soil. It stands the winter without covering, but is best cultivated in pots, where it can receive protection when in bloom, in severe weather in autumn. In warm seasons, it flowers well in October and November, in a sheltered place, in the open ground. The plants may be culti- vated in the garden till they are in bud, when they may be safely transferred to pots ; but it would be better to commence their cultivation from the slip or cutting, in the spring, and sink the pots into the ground, in a shady place, until the time of taking up. The varieties are endless, early and late, tassel- flowered, quilled, flat-petalled, &c., with every shade of light purple, yellow, white, lilac, blush brown, red brown, &c. For common culture, divide the roots in the spring, and plant them out, where they are to stand, in a warm exposure, in good rich loam. As they are coming into bud, give them occasional waterings with liquid manure. To produce handsome, dwarf, bushy plants, the following course may be adopted, as practised by Youell & Co., Eng- land, which course, they say, " if carried out, will ensiire dwarf plants from one and a half to two feet high, covered with rich dark-green foliage, and carrying blooms from five to seven inches in diameter. In the last week in May we select the tops of the strongest shoots for cuttings, putting four or five round the edge of a three-inch pot, and placing them in a gentle warmth. When rooted, they are potted singly in the same sized pot, and kept in a close frame, for a few days, until they have become established. The tops may then be pinched out, leaving five or six joints to remain for lateral shoots. 9# 102 breck's book of flowers. After a few days' hardening off, they are then removed to an open situation, allowing the plants a sufficient distance from each other to prevent their drawing, care being observed that they do not suffer from want of water. About the third week in July, we shift, for blooming, into seven-inch pots, using a small handful of coarsely-broken bones at the bottom. The soil we use consists of equal parts of well decayed (one year old) pig manure, turfy loam, and leaf-mould, adding half a barrowful of peat, and half ditto of road-drift to every four barrows of the above. When potted, they are placed in rows two feet apart, and they require but little attention, except watering, for two months. At the expiration of this period, we commence watering twice a week with liquid manure, made with one bushel of fresh pig manure (free from straw) to about eighty gallons of water. This will be ready for use in two or three days. As soon as the plants show flower-buds, we tie each shoot to a stick, and train them fan-shaped. Dis- budding ought now to be attended to, reserving only one, or, at most, two, at the top of each shoot ; but where two are left, it is better to take out the second bud, and leave the third, to prevent confusion. As soon as the buds show color, the plants are then removed to the green-house or conservatory, giving plenty of air, and substituting water for liquid manure. We ought to have mentioned that, where a profusion of bloom is required, two or three plants may be inserted in the pots where only one is usually grown. This will afford an opportunity of cutting away the weakest shoots, and reserving the strongest only." CHELONE. Chelone barhata. — Scarlet Chelome. — A half hardy perennial, from Mexico, three feet high, from July to September, with orange scarlet flowers. It will be necessary to cover it well with fine boughs or straw, in the winter, or they may be CLEMATIS. 103 destroyed by the cold. All the species are handsome border flowers, of easy culture in a loam and peat soil, and can be propagated by parting the roots, or by seed. CLEMATIS. Virgin's Bower. Clematis, from Greek, a tendril ; in allusion to the climbing habits of most of the species. The species are mostly climbing shrubs, or herbaceous perennials, of rapid growth, free bloomers, very ornamental, and some are highly odoriferous. C. Virginicum is a native plant, well known as a great climber, growing profusely upon the banks of our rivers and wet places ; taking possession and covering all the shrubs in its neighborhood, to which it attaches itself by its petioles, which are given off, at intervals, in pairs, twining round objects for support, and serving the purpose of tendrils. The flowers are white, borne upon cymes, and make a handsome appear- ance the beginning of August. The most remarkable appear- ance of this plant is when in fruit; the long feathery tails of seeds separating like tufts of wool. It grows twenty feet or more in a season, most of which perishes, leaving but a small portion shrubby. It makes an appropriate covering for an arbor or wall ; for, whether in flower or seed, it is ornamental. C. alpina, or erecta, is strictly an herbaceous plant, growing from three to four feet high, producing large families of white flowers in August. It requires support, as it has the propensity to attach itself to everything in its neighborhood, like the last, by its petioles. Clematis integrifolia. — Entire-leaved. — A handsome, up- right plant, about two feet high, producing nodding, bell-shaped, blue flowers, most of the season. C. vitacella is a much admired species, with blue flowers, which are produced from June to September, on long peduncles, 104 breck's book of flowers. from the axils of the leaves; rather bell-shaped, and nodding. It is a climber, growing from eight to ten feet in a season; dying down to the ground, in this climate, but otherwise hardy. There is a variety with double flowers, others with brownish red flowers, and several improved varieties. C. Jlammtda is a luxiiriant climber, producing clusters of small white flowers, in August and September. C. Jtorida has large white flowers ; like the last, a luxuriant climber. There is a variety with double flowers. C. Sieholdii. — Siebold's Virgin's Bower. — This magnificent plant is said to be a variety of C.florida, and, till lately, treated as a green-house plant, but which has proved as hardy as the other sorts. The flowers are three or four inches in diameter, the outer sepals, or petals, a creamy white, filled up with others, disposed of in many series, the groundwork of which is white, suffused with a rich purple. No plant possesses a stronger claim to a place in the flower-garden, from its graceful habit, and from the size and beauty of its blossoms. The plant thrives best in a mixture of loam and peat, and is increased by layers. It was introduced by Dr. Siebold, from Japan, a few years since. I have kept it two winters, by covering it lightly with coarse manure. C. azurea grandijlora, or Great-flowering Blue Virgin's Bower, has still larger flowers than the variety Sieboldii, It has the reputation of being more tender than this, requiring greater heat to bring it to perfection. With me, it stood near the other species two winters, with the same protection. The flowers are produced only on the old wood ; it is necessary, therefore, to lay down, and cover the growth of the season, to insure bloom the next year. The flowers are four or five inches in diameter, of a rich blue, in July ; a climber, like the last, but not of so robust growth. Besides the species and varieties enumerated, there are many others, esteemed ornamental. CONVALLARIA. lO-") CONVALLARIA. Solomon^s Seal. " No flower amid the garden fairer grows Than the sweet Lily of the lowly vale, The queen of flowers." Convallaria majalis. — Lily of the Valley. — An elegant and delicate, sweet-scented plant, which for ages has been a favorite flower, and highly prized. It succeeds well in the shade in any soil, and soon spreads itself, by its slender, creep- ing roots, beyond the desire of the cultivator. It flowers in May and June. Gerarde describes it, in his quaint way, thus : " The Lilly of the Vally hath many leaves like the smallest leaves of Water Plantaine, among which riseth vp a naked slalke, halfe a foot high, garnished with many white floures, like bels, with blunt and turned edges, of a strong savour, yet pleasant enoughf, which being past, there come small, red berries, much like the berries of asparagus, wherein the seed is contained." Convallaria racemose, or Solomon's Seal, is a hardy, indige- nous perennial, with yellow and white flowers, on terminal raceme panicles, in Maj- ; two feet high. Convallaria multijlora, or Giant Solomon's Seal, is another native perennial, two or three feet high, with white flowers, in the axil of the leaves, in June. Both sorts are appropriate for the shrubbery or borders. Gerarde, our old author, speaking of the virtues of the plant, says, " that the roots are excellent good for to seale or close up greene wounds, being stamped and laid thereon, whereupon it was called Sigillum Salomoni's, for the singular virtue it hath in sealing or healing vp wounds, broken bones, and such like." He further says, " The root of Solomon's Seale, stamped while it is fresh and greene, and applied, taketh away, in one night, or two, at the most, any bruise, blacke or bleu spots, gotten by fals, or women's wilful- nesse, in stumbling \ipon their hasty husbands' fists, or such like." A very useful plant, one would think, for some families to cultivate. 106 breck's book of flowers, CONVOLVULUS. Morning Glory. Convolvtdus, from convolvers, to entwine. This is an extensive genus, of much beauty. The sweet potato belongs to this family. Nearly all are climbers. Convolvulus panduratus. — Virginian Convolvulus. — This is a beautiful perennial, from Virginia, with large, white flowers and purple centre ; grows twelve feet high, flowering from June to September. A variety has double flowers ; roots tuberous. Convolvulus arvensis. — Small White Convolvulus. — Hand- some, indigenous, perennial, flowering in June or July ; stem climbing. CORONILLA. Coronilla varia is the only hardy herbaceous perennial with which we are acquainted in the genus. It is worthy a place in the flower-garden, provided it is kept Avithin due bounds. This may be done by digging round the plant, every spring, with a spade, and removing from the ground all its young, creeping roots, which otherwise would be too neighborly with the other plants in its vicinity. Treated in this way, if the soil is not very rich, it will give an immense number of its pretty coronets of purple and white, or pink flowers, in long succession, and they are generally admired. Leaves pinnate ; leaflets numerous, lanceolate, smooth. Stem lax, four feet high, requiring support from wire or light rods. COREOPSIS. Among the numerous family of Coreopsis, are included a number of showy perennials, with yellow flowers, all perfectly hardy, and easily propagated by division of the roots. COREOPSIS. 107 Coreopsis lanceolata, — Lance-leaved, — is a fine species, with lanceolate leaves, producing a profusion of large, rich, yellow flowers, upon long peduncles, (flower-stems,) which begin to open in June, and give a continued succession until autumn. Height about two feet. This is almost the only perennial which produces yellow compound flowers, so early in summer. A small root, planted in April, will make a large plant by autumn. All the species are propagated by dividing the roots. They flourish in moist soils, but I have found them most luxuriant in a deep, black loam, inclining to moisture. In flower most of the summer. Coreopsis verticillata. — Leaves verticillate (given off in a circle round the stern) ; opposite, sessile (without footstalks) ; ternate (in threes) ; or quinite (in fives) ; leaflets linear lance- olate, entire ; rays of the flower acute, pale yellow ; disk, or centre, dark brown. The flowers have a peculiar, star-shaped appearance. It is said the florets are used to dye cloth red. It is a handsome shrubbery or border plant, continuing from July to October in bloom. Coreopsis tenuifolia. — Slender-leaved. — The foliage of this species very much resembles the last, with this difference, it is much more delicate and finer. The flowers are of the same shape, a deep, shining yellow, having its disk also yellow ; not more than a foot high : in bloom in July and August. A hand- some plant, suitable for the front of the border. Coreopsis tripteris. — Three-leaved. — A tall, handsome plant, suitable for the shrubbery, six feet high. Leaves on the stems in threes; lanceolate, entire; radical ones pinnate; flowers yel- low; from August to October. Coreopsis grandifiora. — Great-flowered. — The flowers are not so large, however, as C. lanceolata^ or so handsome. Its habits are diflTerent from the other species, having creeping roots, which throw up, in every direction, stems not more than one foot high, with compound, much divided leaves ; leaflets linear. As an exception to the other species, this is somewhat tender, and requires protection. 1,Q|8 breck's book of flowers. There were as many as thirty species formerly included in this genus, all of which are more or less ornamental, and suitable for the shrubbery or border. Latterly, some of the species have been distributed among the genus Actinomeris, Simsia, and Calliopsis. In the last, C. tinctoria is now arranged. CORYDALIS. Fumitory. Corydalis fungosa. — Wood fringe, or Climbing Fumitory. — An elegant, indigenous, biennial, climbing vine, growing, fre- quently, in rich ground, from fifteen to thirty feet, in one season ; with pink and white flowers, which are produced in abundance during the three summer months ; handsome foliage. Propa- gated from seed, which should be sown in April. The first year, the plant makes but little progress ; but the second year, it is of more vigorous growth. The young plants will do best to be transplanted where to remain in July and August ; but will bear moving in the spring, if done with much care. Corydalis formosa. — Red-flowered Corydalis. — A handsome indigenous perennial, with flesh-colored or reddish flowers, from May to July ; from six to ten inches high. Corydalis aicullaria. — Naked-stalked Corydalis, or Dutch- man's Breeches. — An indigenous perennial, with elegant, finely-divided leaves, of a pale and delicate green, from the bosom of which arises a scape bearing a one-sided, simple raceme of white, singular-looking, pendulous flowers. It is vulgarly called Dutchman's Breeches, on account of the resemblance of the corolla to that article of dress. Flowers in May. Corydalis glauca. — Glaucus-leaved Fumitory. — An indige- nous biennial, from one to three feet high, with glaucous leaves ; flowers yellow, red, and green, in June ; propagated by seed. There are six or seven species of the Corydalis, all indige- nous, some of them to be found in New England. A very CYPREPEDIUM CYNOGLOSSUM DELPHINIUM. 109 pretty genus, rrfost of them early flowering, and elegant plants, and worthy of cultivation. CYPREPEDIUM. Lady's Slipper. Cyprepedium, from Greek words, Venus, and a slipper, in allusion to the elegant slipper-like form of the labellum. Handsome indigenous plants, that thrive only in a shady border and peat soil. • The most common species is C. kumile, or Two-leaved Ladies' Slipper, or Whip-poor-will Shoe. It is found in rich and some- what shady woods, with two broad-plaited leaves, from which rises a leafless scape, producing a solitary white and purple flower, six or eight inches high. There are six species to be found in the United States, with white, yellow, and purple and white, or green flowers, all of them singular in shape. CYNOGLOSSUM. JVavelwort. It is a beautiful little perennial plant, with brilliant blue flowers, in April and May ; six inches high, and is common in every cottager's garden in England ; and would be here, if more extensively known. DELPHINIUM. Larkspur. There are many species and varieties of the perennial Lark- spur, which are indispensable in a collection of plants ; all hardy, flourish in almost any soil, and easily propagated by dividing the roots. The double varieties are in flower most of the sea- 10 lid breck's book of flowers. son. The brilliancy of the blue color of somS of the flowers cannot be surpassed. Delphinium sinensis pleno. — Double Chinese. — This is one of the most magnificent of herbaceous plants. It can be prop- agated only by dividing the roots, as it does not produce seed ; it is perfectly hardy, enduring the coldest weather without pro- tection ; it is best to give a little, however, as it will flower stronger for it. The flowers are of a most beautiful lively blue, in long open spikes, upon graceful, slender, purplish stems, three feet high. From June to October it displays its beauty, and is indispensable in the formation of a perfect bouquet. Foliage palmate, many-parted. Delphiniitm elatum. — (Upright.) — Bee Larkspur. — So called on account of the bifid termination of the nectary in the centre of the corolla, in connection with the anthers having a fancied resemblance to a bee. This species, from its height, which is from five to seven feet, is well adapted to the shrubbery ; its long, clustered spike of fine blue flowers making a fine appearance in that depart- ment. It is also suitable for the border, but should be planted at the greatest distance from the walk. Leaves downy, five- lobed ; lobes cuneate (wedge shape) at the base, trifid cut. Propagated by seed or divisions of the roots. The plant is covered with soft green down. It sports into many varieties, from pale-blue to dark, and blue with a white centre, which is very beautiful. Delphinium Barlowii, — Barlow's Larkspur, — is a species or variety apparently intermediate between the Great-flowering and Bee Larkspur. It sends up a stem from three to five feet high, much branched at the top, covered with innumerable dark blue flowers in June and July, partaking somewhat of the character of the Bee Larkspur. Propagated by divisions of the root. Delphinium grandijlorum. — Great-flowered. — One of the most showy of the genus, sporting into many varieties. Its height is from two to three feet, and continues to give a succes- DIANTHUS. 1 1 1 sion of flowers from June to October ; which are large, of a fine blue, purple or white, double and single, and often spotted or shaded on each petal with copper color on the dark varieties, or with green on the white. Leaves palmate, (hand-shaped,) many parted. It is propagated by dividing the roots in the spring, about the time it begins to vegetate, or it may be divided with success in August. By sowing the seed, new varieties may be expected, which, if done early, will flower in autumn. Nothing is more pleasant than to originate a new variety. It must not be sup- posed, however, that there will be much chance short of a hun- dred plants. • It has flourished with me in a variety of soils. It will, in fact, grow anywhere without difficulty, only requiring to be divided every few years, when the roots become large. It is said to be a native of Siberia, and, of course, must be hardy. Among a multitude of beautiful seedlings of my own raising, I have selected two as worthy of cultivation. The one named Delphinium Breckii, No. 1, has large double flowers of the most exquisite blue, which display themselves from June to November. It is generally acknowledged to be finer than the Double Chinese. The plant is more erect in its growth, from two to two and a half feet high ; the color a clear, light, vivid, ultramarine blue. Breck's No. 2, is darker colored than the last, and not quite so double, but makes a fine show. DIANTHUS. Pink. Diantkus, signifj^ing the flower of God, or divine flower ; so named on account of its preeminent beauty. Most of the species of this genus are highly valued, not only for the beauty of their flowers, but also as being evergreens; their foliage, during winter, being as abundant and as vivid as in summer. 112 breck's book of flowers. The fragrance of some of the species is peculiarly grateful, and no plant in this respect surpasses the Clove and some other varieties of the Pink. Dianthus caryophyllus. — Carnation Pink. — There is no flower more desirable in the flower-garden than the Carnation. A well-grown, superior variety, cannot be surpassed, in ele- gance, beauty, or odor, by any other flower ; yet we scarcely ever see it in perfection. Its cultivation is attended with many difficulties, in our climate, which may account for its rarity. Our winters are too severe, and springs too changeable, to keep them in perfection in the open ground ; and then our summers are too dry and hot for the full development of jts beauties. Seedlings stand the winter and spring without difficulty, with a light covering of leaves and evergreen boughs, and flower very well ; but then not one plant in a hundred will be consid- ered worth saving by the florist, although they will all be inter- esting as single, semi-double, or irregular flowers, and richly repay all the labor. Valuable varieties are generally propa- gated from layers, which often keep very well in the open ground by letting them remain with the parent plant, and covering them with leaves and pine boughs ; but the most certain way is, when the layers have taken root, to pot them, and at the approach of winter put them in a frame where they may be kept with perfect safety, provided air is given them in mild weather, and they are not exposed to the sun when in a frozen state. The mice are very destructive to all the pink family; therefore the frame must be tight. Carnations are arranged by florists into three classes, viz., Flakes, Bizarres, and Picotees. Flakes have two colors only ; their stripes large, going quite through the petals. Bizarres are variegated, in irregular spots and stripes, with not less than three colors. Picotees have a white ground, spotted or pounced with scarlet, red, purple, or other colors. The finer sorts are regularly edged with these colors, on a clear white or yellow ground. The petals of a perfect flower should be rose-leaved, or with entire edges ; the flower should be filled up in a reg- DIANTHUS. 1 13 ular manner with leaves of this description. It flowers in July. On a strong plant the stem will be three feet high. The propagation of the Carnation by layers is a very simple operation. When the plant is in perfection of bloom, lay around it one and a half or two inches of compost, first gently stirring the surface so that it may combine ; remove the lower leaves of the shoots selected ; pass the penknife, slanting up- wards, half through the joint ; fasten the shoot, where so cut, about two inches under the surface, with a small hooked peg, bending it carefully so as not to break at the incision ; then fix it firmly by gently pressing the earth around with the fingers, and finish by cutting off' about half an inch of the upper extremities of the leaves with scissors. The sap soon begins to granulate at the wound, and throw out roots. In about a month or six weeks, if it has been kept moderately moist, they may be severed from the parent plant and established for them- selves ; or they may remain where they are, if the stem to which they are attached be carefully cut ofl'. The Carnation requires a rich, generous, deep soil. A com- post of three parts of good, strong garden loam, three parts hot- bed manure, two years old, three parts of coarse river sand, two parts dry manure from a hen-house, sifted, and two parts of soot from a wood fire, has been recommended for the Car- nation. D. horteijsis. — Garden Pink. — This species is in perfection about the last of June. The foliage is more grass-like, and the plant much hardier, than the Carnation. The double vari- eties are very desirable, not only for their beauty, but also for their fragrance. They may be propagated by dividing the roots, by layers, and by pipings. The surest mode of propaga- tion is by layers, but piping is generally resorted to for Pinks. These are shoots cut from the plant at the second or third joint, according as they are more or less woody or juicy, and inserted, close to each other, in a bed of proper compost well pulverized ; water moderately, so that the earth may adhere closely round the shoots ; when the moisture has somewhat 10* 114 breck's book of flowers. evaporated from the leaves, cover them up with a hand glass, which must be forced a little depth into the ground so as to keep out the air. This need hardly be removed until the plants have taken root; they must be shaded, however, the first fourteen days, with mats over the glasses, when the sun is very hot. If properly managed, not one in twenty will miss, and between one and two hundred may be planted under one glass ; in a month or six weeks they will be sufficiently rooted to move. Carnations are sometimes raised from pipings, but they are not so sure as Pinks to take root. This variety is often called the Paisley Pink, on account of its having been raised in the highest perfection among the weavers near Pais- ley, in England. A good Pink should have a strong, elastic, and erect stem, not less than one foot high. The petals should be large and broad, with very fine-fringed edges, the nearer rose-leaved the better. The ground-work of the flower should be pure white, or rose-colored, with a dark, rich crimson, or purple eye, resembling velvet; if nearly black, so much the richer. A delicate margin, or lacing, round the entire petal, if the color of the eye, increases its beauty. The flower should be from two to two and a half inches in diameter. Dianthiis Chinensis. — China Pink. — This species is a bien- nial of great beauty, but without fragrance ; of dwarf habits. The foliage is of a yellowish green. It flowers from seed the first year ; it is perfectly hardy, and flowers strong the second year. The colors are exceedingly rich ; crimson, and dark shades of that color approaching to black, are often combined in the same flower, with edgings of white, pink, or other col- ors. Seed, saved from double flowers, will produce a great portion of double varieties. In beds iTvhere there may be a hun- dred plants, scarcely two will be found alike. They are in flower a number of months. Bianthus barbatus, — Sweet William, — is an old inhab- itant of the flower-garden, and was much esteemed in Ger- rarde's time, " for its beauty to deck up the bosoms of the beau- tiful, and garlands and crowns for pleasure." It is an imperfect DICTAMNUS. 1 15 perennial, but fine varieties are easily perpetuated by dividing the roots, soon after flowering, in June or July. It is easily raised from seeds. A bed of fine varieties presents a rich sight ; it sports into endless varieties, viz., white, pink, purple, crimson, scarlet, variously edged, eyed, and spotted. There are also double varieties, but they are no improvement over the single. Dianthus superbus. — Superb Pink. — This is one of the most fragrant of pinks, flowering in July and August ; two feet high ; the petals are very much cut or fringed ; flowers white. DianthiLS plumaris, — Feathered Pink. — The edges of the flower are deeply fringed, or feathered ; very fragrant; twelve to eighteen inches high in July ; white, or pink, with a dark eye ; sometimes called Pheasant-eyed Pink. Dia?ithiis alpinus. — Alpine or Dwarf Pink. — A pretty little perennial, suitable for rock-work, with creeping roots ; although not aspiring, (not exceeding three or four inches in height,) soon takes possession of all the ground in the neighborhood. The flowers are white, or flesh color, variegated with a circle of red, or purple, in June and July. There are many other species and varieties of Pinks, annual, biennial, and perennial, all worthy a place in the garden. DICTAMNUS. Dictamnus fraxinella, — Red Fraxinella, — an ancient name of what is now supposed to be the Origanum dictamnus. Fraxinella, in allusion to the remarkable similarity which exists between the leaves of the plant and Fraxinus, the ash. The whole plant, especially when gently rubbed, emits an odor like that of the lemon-peel, but, when bruised, has something of a balsamic scent. This fine scent is strongest in the pedicels of the flowers, which are covered with glands, of a rusty red color, exuding a viscous juice, or resin, which exhales in vapor. 116 breck's book of flowers. and in a dark place may be seen to take fire. It flowers from May to July ; three feet high ; from Germany. There is also a variety of species with white flowers ; propagated by parting the roots. DIGITALIS. Foxglove. Digitalis; named, by Fuchs, from digitabulum, a thimble in allusion to the form of the flowers. The species are, for the most part, showy border flowers, of easy culture. Digitalis purpurea, with purple flowers ; also a variety, D. alba, with white flowers ; ornamental plants of great beauty, producing dense spikes of flowers on stems, three, four, or five feet high, in June and July, and straggling spikes most of the season. It is a biennial, propagated by sowing the seed, which flower the second year. The plant sometimes flowers the third year. It may be perpetuated by dividing the roots every year, and is sometimes called an imperfect perennial. The plant is a violent poison, but valuable in medicine. It is suitable for the border, and maybe introduced into the shrub- bery with fine effect, as its tall, spire-like spikes, crowned with its large thimble or bell-shaped purple or white flower, will finely contrast with the green foliage of the shrubs. Digitalis ferruginea, ox Iron-coXoxedi Foxglove; a hardy per- ennial, with brown flowers, from July to August; four feet high. Digitalis lutea, or Small Yellow Foxglove ; a hardy peren- nial, with light yellow flowers, from July to August ; two feet high. Digitalis ochroleuca. — Great Yellow Foxglove. — A hardy perennial, with large light yellow flowers, from July to Au- gust ; four feet high. DEDOCATHEON — DRACOCEPHALUM. 1 17 Digitalis lanata, — Woolly-flowered Foxglove, — with white and brown flowers, from July to August ; two feet high. DODECATHEON. Dodecatkeon is a name of the Romans, signifying twelve gods or divinities. D. media. — American Cowslip. — A highly ornamental plant, displaying its flowers in May and June ; throwing up stems a foot high, with a large, umbel-like cluster of singularly beautiful pale purple flowers. The petals are reflexed, or thrown back from the centre, like the Cyclamen. There is a variety with white flowers. Soon after flowering, the foliage dies down, and the plant is dormant during the summer, when it may be propagated by parting the roots, leaving a bud, or the rudiments of one, on the crown of each. It is a native of the west and south, and perfectly hardy. DRACOCEPHALUM. Dragon^s Head. Dracocephalum, from Greek w'ords signifying a dragon's head, because the flowers are fancied to resemble a dragon's head. Most of the species are hardy perennials, easily propa- gated from divisions of the root, and worthy of a place in the garden. D. Virginicu7)i is a beautiful plant, producing its flowers in dense, one-sided clusters, or spikes, of a purplish color, on stems three feet high, from July to September. D. dentatian, — Dentated-leaved Dragon 's-Head, — resembles the last, but of a more dwarf habit ; two feet high ; flowers pink, in July and August. D. variegatum. — Variegated Dragon 's-head. — Flowers pink, variegated with darker shades. 118 breck's book of flowers. D. speciosum. — Showy Dragon's-Head. — Pink flowers, in July and August; three feet high; a native of Siberia. D. Sibiricum. — Siberian Dragon's-Head. — One foot high, from Siberia, with light-blue flowers, in July and August. EPILOBIUM. Willow Herb. Epilobium, from Greek words, signifying a flower grow- ing upon a pod. E. aiigustifolium, and other species, are val- uable in shrubberies as thriving under the drip of trees, and succeed everywhere, even in the smoke of cities, and in parks. It is a good plant to adorn pieces of water, being hardy, and of rapid increase, and very showy when in flower. The species E. spicatum and E. coloratum are indigenous, and may be found growing in great luxuriancy on newly- cleared land, among the raspberry bushes, and in other locali- ties. It produces dense spikes of purplish red flowers, three or four feet high, in July and August. It is often thought to be a species of Phlox, by persons unacquainted with botany, as at a short distance it has some resemblance to some of that family ; but, upon examination, it will be found to be very different. It is easily propagated by cuttings of its long, straggling roots. It is found growing in rather a light soil. ERYTHRONIUM. Dog's-tooth Violet. E. Americanum, — Yellow-flowered Dog's-tooth Violet, — is a beautiful native plant, found in moist woods and thickets. Its roots are bulbous, running deep into the ground ; they cannot be removed in safety in the spring ; in July, they may be carefully dug up and planted in a shady place in the garden Flowers yellow in May ; three inches high. EUPHOEBIA EUPATORIUM. 1 19 EUPHORBIA Spurge. Euphorbia corollata. — Great-flowered Euphorbia. — This is one of the most elegant species peculiar to the United States ; a perennial, with subdivided umbels of conspicuous white flowers, and narrowish, oblong obtuse leaves. This plant is not uncommon in the sandy fields of the Middle States, and is in flower in June and July. Propagated by divisions of the root. Euphorbia lathyris. — Common Caper. — A half-hardy bien- nial. A plant of handsome appearance, with inferior flowers from May to September, — from England. From three to four feet high. The plants will stand the winter without protection, but are oftentimes entirely destroyed. A few plants should be taken up and placed in a dry cellar, and planted out in the spring. EUPATORIUM. Thoroughwort. Eupatorium purpicreum. — Purple Thoroughwort. — Purple flowers in August ; perennial ; four to six feet high ; indige- nous ; leaves in fours and fives. This plant cannot be said to be elegant, yet it is not destitute of beauty, and will be a val- uable acquisition to the shrubbery. Its tall stem terminates in large corymbs of small shining purple flowers. Eupatorium ccBlestinum. — Sky-blue Eupatorium. — A peren- nial ; two feet high. This is the most beautiful species in exist- ence. It grows wild, from the Potomac to the Mississippi. Its flowers, produced very late in autumn, are of a beautiful smalt or sky-blue. The roots of this species are creeping, from which it is easily propagated. Eupatorium perfoliatum, — Bone-set, or Medicinal Thorough- wort, — is a plant whose medicinal virtues are held in high estimation ; but it has no claim to beauty. 120 beeck's book of flowehs. GENTIANA. Gentian. Gentiana saponaria. — Barrel-flowered Gentian. — A hand- some indigenous perennial, with blue flowers in September, From one and a half to two feet high. A curious, barrel- shaped flower, to be found on the margin of streams. It may be transplanted to the garden without difficulty. Gentiana crinata. — Fringed Gentian. — An elegant, deli- cate flower, that may be found in meadows in September and October, and ranked with one of our handsomest indigenous plants. The corolla is pale-blue, four-cleft, segments finely fringed ; — perennial. Propagated from the seed. Should be sown as soon as ripened. There are many other beautiful species of Gentians, suitable for the border, highly esteemed in England, but hardly known here. GERARDIA. American Foxglove. Gerardia; in honor of John Gerarde, the old English botanist. Gerardia Jlava, and G. quercifolia, are beautiful native plants, with five large, bell-shaped, yellow flowers, but difficult to introduce into the flower-garden. Probably they would suc- ceed from seed, if planted in a shady place. GILIA, Gilia coronopifolia, the Canlua coronopifolia of Willdenow. — The different names of fyomopsis, Cantua and Ipomea, have given place to Gilia, amongst which genus, after minute exami- nation, this flower has been most properly classed. It was GLYCINE. 121 first introduced into England about the year 1720, from seeds collected by Catesby, in the upper districts of Georgia and Carolina ; but as the seeds are seldom perfected in that climate, all traces of it have been lost, until very recently ; we do not think that its beauty will allow it to share this fate again, while the attention to horticulture remains in its present state. It is a biennial, of most elegant appearance, but is very sub- ject to damp off, and difficult to keep through the winter. Much protection is sure to kill the plants. It has generally been considered a tender plant, and treated as such. Having many fine plants, I distributed them in various exposures, in hopes to save some. About half of the whole number were in fine condition in the spring. The driest soil, in the shade of a fence, seems to be the most favorable situation for them. If the gi'ound is inclining to moisture, there is but little chance for them. So fine a plant as the Gilia deserves a place in eveiy garden. I should recommend, for experiment, to sow the seed in August, as, perhaps, the small plants would endure the winter better than large ones. The plant grows from four to five feet high. The foliage is superb, similar to the Cypress vine, with numerous scarlet- spotted flowers, that continue in bloom a number of months. The plants may be potted and kept in the house, or green- house, through the winter, and then planted out in the open border. GLYCINE. Ground-nut. " Glycine, from glykys, sweet ; the leaves and root of one species are sweet. Glycine frutescens, and especially Glycine sinensis, (now Wistaria coTisequena,) are most beautiful hardy climbing shrubs, with long, pendulous branches of blue flowers, like the Laburnum." 11 122 breck's book of floweks. Glycine apios, or ground-nut, indigenous and common in rich, moist woods and thickets, produces flowers in axillary, crowded racemes, of a blackish purple, and makes a pleasing addition to the various ornaments of the border. Its roots are strings of oblong cylindric tubers, frequently known by the name of pig, or Indian potatoes ; when roasted or boiled, they are eatable, having a flavor approaching the common potato, and said to have made an ordinary part of the vegetable food of the abo- rigines. The leaves are pinnated, each consisting of from five to seven ovate acuminate leaflets. Stems round, twining ; from six to eight feet high ; flowering in July and August. GERANIUM. Geraniu7n prateiise. — It is said that " its flowers partake of a degree of delicacy by which it greatly surpasses in efiect its more common blue congener. Its flowers vary much in the portion of color which they display, some being nearly all blue, whilst others are produced completely white." Geranium angulatum. — Angular-stalked-Crane's bill. — This species is a native of Europe, and has been cultivated since 1789. A perennial, of easy culture, eighteen inches high, with a profusion of pink flowers in June. " The GeraniuTn angulatum^ from its numerous flowers, is highly ornamental. It may be appropriately planted among low shrubs, or strong herbaceous plants ; and it will succeed in rather shady places, which renders it oftentimes a desirable plant. Divisions of the roots aflbrd sufficient increase." GLAUCIU]\[. Glauciuni fulvum. — Horned Poppy. — It has an unlucky com- mon name, otherwise it would, perhaps, be more generally intro- duced into the garden than it appears to be, as it deserves a HEPATICA HESPERIS. J^ place in every collection, not so much for its flowers, which are very pretty, but particularly for its "sea-green, dew-bespangled leaves," which are universally admired, and peculiar to the genus. The flowers are yellow or orange, and continue through the season. It is a biennial, a native of the south of Europe. " The whole plant abounds in a yellow juice." G. luleum with yellow, and G. phceniccum with red flowers, are annuals. HEPATICA. Early Anemone. Hepatica triloba. — Three-lobed. — This delicate little plant is one of the earliest visitors in spring, flowering in sunny spots before the snow has left the ground. The flowers are bluish- purple, and sometimes white. The leaves are heart-shaped at base, divided into three lobes. Found in open woods. It suc- ceeds well in a shady place in the garden. There are some lovely cultivated varieties, with double blue, red and white flowers, but they are rarely seen in collections of plants. HESPERIS. Garden Rocket. Hesperismatr Orudis. — Dame's Violet. — The single varieties of this fragrant flower are common in most gardens. It is a biennial or imperfect perennial, easily raised from seeds, pro- ducing flowers the second year, on long spikes, in May and June, of various shades, from pure white to purple ; three to four feet high. Fine varieties may be perpetuated by divisions of the root. Perfectly hardy. The double varieties of this flower are superb, and highly esteemed for their fragrance and beauty. 124 breck's book of flowers. There is a purple and white variety, both very double, forming a spike about one foot high. It was known in Gerarde's time, and cultivated by him in 1597. He remarks, " By the indus- try of some of our florists, within these two or three years, hath bin brought unto our knowledge a very beautiful kind of these Dame violets, having very fair, double, white floures." These double varieties are very difficult to preserve, consequently rarely to be seen. HELIANTHUS. San-Flower. Helianthtis, from Greek, signifying the sun and a flower. Nothing can be a more complete ideal representation of the sun, than the gigantic annual Sun-flower, with its golden rays. It is dedicated, with great propriety, to the sun ; but the idea, entertained by some, that the flowers are turned to the sun at all hours of the day, is erroneous. There are varieties of indigenous perennial Sun-flowers, that produce a profusion of yellow flowers in autumn ; which, being generally tall-growing plants, (from four to six feet high,) might be an additional ornament to extensive shrubberies. HeUanthus multijlora. — Many-flowered. — The double vari- ety of this plant has large deep-yellow flowers, in August and September, of the size and form of the Dahlia. It has thick, fleshy roots, every piece of which will make a strong plant when planted in the spring. I have found it rather tender in moist ground, but in dry locations, with a little protection, it stands the winter; — five to six feet high. HEMEROCALLIS. Day Lily. Hemerocallis, from the Greek words, signifying beautiful day-lily ; part of the tribe is now separated in the genus Funkia. It is an ornamental tribe, of the easiest cultivation. HIBISCUS. 125 Hemerocallis jlava, — Yellow Day Lily, — has a brilliant yellow lily-shaped flower in June ; two feet high ; leaves long- keeled, linear. H. fulva. — Copper-colored Day Lily. — An old inhabitant of the flower-garden ; in flower most of the season ; four feet high ; flower, yellowish copper-color ; leaves like the last, but much larger, H. ccerulea, now, Funkia cmrulea, — Blue Day Lily, — is a plant with broad ovate leaves ; flowers blue, in June and July ; two feet high. H. japonica, or Funkia japonica, — White Day Lily, — has large, pure white, fragrant flowers, which open daily in the month of August, on stems one and a half to two feet high ; leaves broad ovate, nerved. These and other Day Lilies are hardy, easily propagated by division of the roots, and require little or no protection. HIBISCUS. Hibiscus is one of the Greek names for the Mallows. The species are for the most part showy, and easily cultivated ; the flower is Mallows or Hollyhock shaped. Hibiscus militarus. — Halbert-leaved Hibiscus. — This is a fine species ; growing six to eight feet high ; producing very large white flowers, with a deep-red centre. In August and September. H. palustris, — Marsh Hibiscus, — is found growing in some parts of New England, by the sides of streams ; it has large pink flowers. The height and habits are like the last. They are easily propagated from seeds or divisions of the root. They succeed in any good garden soil ; but flourish better in a moist low ground. It is well adapted for planting in the shrubbery. 11# 126 breck's book of flowers. HYPERICUM. St. John'' s-wort. Of this plant there are several varieties growing wild, which are troublesome weeds. Hypericum ascyroides. — Giant Hypericum. — This is a tall plant, three or four feet high, with large yellow flowers with numerous stamens ; it prefers the shade of trees, Avhich makes it a valuable ornament for shrubberies. IBERIS. Candy Tvft. There is but one species of perennial Candy Tuft generally known among us, and this is deserving a place in every garden, which is Reris tenoreana. This plant is half shrubby at the base, with delicate linear foliage, and is covered with a profusion of its pure white flowers, in umbel-like corymbs, in June and July. The stems are rather decumbent and spread- ing; about six inches high. The plant is propagated by layers, or cuttings. It is not inclined to make itself too common, like some plants ; for, unless special pains are taken, it will not increase. IRIS, Fleur-de-luce. " The enamelled earth, that from her verdant breast Lavished spontaneously ambrosial flowers, The very sight of which can soothe to rest A thousand cares, and charm our sweetest hours." The bulbous-rooted species of this very extensive and orna- mental family have already been treated of. — See page 59. — IRIS. 127 The species and varieties of the Iris are almost without end ; most of them tuberous-rooted; of easy culture and propagation, by division of the roots ; suitable for the border, most of them being hardy. I shall note such as have come under my observation. Iris piimila, — Dwarf Iris, — is from three to six inches high, with rich purple flowers, early in May. /. cristata, — Crested Iris, — is another dwarf variety, of the same height of the last, with elegant, variegated, light-blue, crested flowers, in May ; with creeping roots ; a very desirable species. /. Jlorentina, — Florentine Iris, — has large white flowers, in May and June ; two feet high. /. germanica, — German Iris, — is the common Fleur-de- luce of the gardens well known to all. Flowers large, blue and purple ; two feet high ; May and June ; similar to the last in size and habits. J. pallida. — Pale Turkey Iris. — A very fine species, with straw-colored flowers, veined with brown. One and a half foot high ; in June. The stems are many-flowered, and stand above the leaves. I. variegata, — Variegated Iris, — is a very delicate and elegant species. The flowers bluish-white, elegantly feathered with blue ; in June ; stem many-flowered, two feet high. I. sambuciana. — Elder-scented Iris. — A very beautiful species, with brilliant, pale-blue, variegated flowers, on stems, many-flowered, four feet high, standing above the foliage, which is long and narrow, or more grass-like than the common sorts. The roots of it are of a more fibrous character than most of the family, and mat together so hard that they are with difficulty separated. A clump of this, with its numerous rich flowers rising above their graceful foliage, makes as much show as any other plant of its season. The last of June. I. pscud-acorus, — The Yellow-water Iris of England, — has handsome yellow flowers, the last of June, three feet high. I. ccdestina. — Sky-blue Iris. — This is a magnificent plant. 128 breck's book of flowers. with long, broad leaves, and very large, light-blue flowers, on stems three feet high. I. versicolor. — Blue Flag. — This is a fine indigenous species, a showy ornament of our meadows in the early part of summer. It succeeds well in the garden. I. gracilis is another native species, but not very common. It has grass-like foliage, with stems one foot high, with a num- ber of small purple flowers, veined with yellow ; very pretty. There are many other fine Iris in cultivation, with which there has been such a hocus-pocus game played by the florist, that it is impossible to tell their origin. I have a number of varieties of this kind : one, a dwarf yellow, one foot high ; another, of the same height, upper petals yellow, lower ones rich brown ; one ash color, shaded with blue ; one rich dark- purple ; and a yellow flower, with variegated leaves. There are, also, varieties innumerable, with every mixture of yellow, blue, brown, purple, and white in their coloring. L A T H Y R U S . Everlasting Pea. Lathyrus latifolhis, or Everlasting Pea, is a most beautiful, large, diff'use perennial, producing a long succession of large light-purple or pink flowers, in clusters of eight or ten each. The plant is suitable for the shrubbery, arbors, or for training to a trellis. When supported, it attains the height of six feet. "It attaches and supports itself, like all scandent plants, by means of the branching tendrils terminating its single pair of broad leaflets, and which twining, economical processes are, in fact, reasoning from strict analogy, the abortive rudiments of other sets of leaves, though never developed." A variety has white flowers. It may be propagated by dividing the roots, or more extensively by sowing the seeds. LAMIUM LOBE LI A. 189 which ought to be planted where the plant is to stand, as it sends down a tap root to a great depth. Young plants will flower, the second year, feebly, but the third or fourth year they produce a profusion of foliage and flowers. Some botanists have suggested that it might be applied to agricultural purposes with profit, on account of its yielding so great a quantity of fodder and seed. Lathyrus grandijlorus. — Great-flowered Everlasting Pea. — The flowers are very large, rose-colored, and appear two or three together j the foliage and stems light and elegant. Not in common cultivation. LAMIUM. Lamia was a celebrated sea-monster. The flowers of this genus have a considerable resemblance to the grotesque figure of some beast. Most of the species are ugly weeds, Lamium rugosom, or Rough-leaved Lamium, produces clus- ters of its curious white flowers all the season, and is suitable for rock-work. The odor of the plant is rather unpleasant. LOBELIA. Cardinal Flower. The generic name is in honor of M. Lobel, physician and botanist to James I. The genus is very large, containino- more than eighty species. The predominant color is blue. Many of the family are very ornamental. The most desirable for the border, that are much known, are L. cardincdis, siphilitica, fid- gens, splendens, and speciosa. The two first will stand the winter very well, with some protection ; but the last three must be potted in the fall, and kept in a frame, or in the cellar, and planted out in the spring. Lobelia cardi7ialis. — Scarlet Cardinal Flower. — This 130 breck's book of floweks. splendid native plant embellishes the borders of our brooks and rivulets, in the months of July and August, with its unrivalled scarlet blossoms. It is a mistaken notion that it will flour- ish only in wet ground. I have taken it up, when grow- ing in water, and planted it in a soil that was far from being moist, with good success. It was introduced into England in 1629, and, to this day, is duly appreciated. Justice, who pub- lished a work on gardening, in 1754, in describing it, says : — " It is a flower of most handsome appearance, which should not be wanting in curious gardens, as it excels all other flowers I ever knew in the richness of its color." It has an erect stem, two to three feet high, with broad lanceolate, serrate leaves ; flowers in terminal spikes, pointing one way. The roots of all the species are composed of many white fleshy fibres. L. fidgens, — the Fulgent Cardinal Flower, — is a native of Mexico, and was introduced into England in 1S09. Leaves narrow lanceolate, toothed, revolute at the edge ; stem pubes- cent, (downy,) three feet high ; its bright scarlet flowers in terminal racemes. L. splendens, — the Splendid Cardinal Flower, — is also a native of Mexico, introduced into England in 1814. Leaves narrow lanceolate ; stem quite smooth, three feet high ; flowers brilliant scarlet, in terminal racemes. L. injlata, or Bladder-podded Lobelia, is probably familiar with every one, at least its name. Its virtues are so highly prized by some, that we are almost led to suppose that it is a sovereign remedy for all diseases that flesh and blood are heir to. The plant is an annual, of not much interest, with small blue flowers, and inflated pods or seed-vessels, common in dry pastures and road sides. The whole plant is a violent emetic. It is not used often by regular practitioners. L. speciosa, — the Showy Cardinal Flower, — "is anew and very late introduced variety. It was found growing among the other varieties, in a flower border in Scotland, and is supposed to be a hybrid between siphilitica, and either fulgens or cardi- LOBELIA. 131 nalis. Its rich purple blossoms form a fine contrast with the bright scarlet ones of the other varieties." The leaves like ful- gens ; stem also pubescent. L. siphllitica, — the Blue Cardinal Flower, — is a. native of Virginia, and introduced into England in 1665. " It has its specific name from its supposed efficacy in the cure of the syphilis, among the North American Indians. Sir William Johnson purchased the secret from them, but Woodville says its virtues have not been confirmed by any instance of European practice." Stem erect, two feet high ; raceme leafy, with flowers of a bright sky-blue. The treatment is the same for all those enumerated. I once had them in great perfection, having a soil and situation well adapted to their growth, with a little preparation. The soil, naturally, was a black, heavy loam, upon a clay and gravel subsoil, a little springy, and never very dry. On the spots designed for their location, I threw four or five shovelfuls of river-sand, and two of partly decomposed night-soil compost, and had it thoroughly incorporated with the soil, /or two feet round, which made it quite light, and placed the plants in the centre. They began to flower in July, and continued to throw up vigorous stems, with an abundance of flowers, until October. Their growth was so luxuriant, that it was necessary to tie up to slender rods, stuck into the ground, a number of times, to prevent them from being broken by the wind. Cardinalis and fulgens were more than three feet high ; the others between two and three feet. They may be easily propagated, by laying the stems in July and August, or dividing the roots in the spring, or by seed. " Van Mons observes, that L. cardinalis perishes in sandy soil, but becomes strong and multiplies in loam, while, at the same time, it produces the most brilliant colors in the former. " The same thing may doubtless be predicted of the other species, it being a well-known law of nature, as to living 1S2 breck's book of flowers. beings, that their energies are concentrated in proportion to the obstacles thrown in the way of their expansion." L. spicata. — Synom. pallida. — A beautiful indigenous spe- cies, common in most pastures and by the road sides, with lively pale-blue flowers, in long terminal spikes, in July. Stem upright, smooth, a little hairy, one and a half foot high. 1 have never seen this species cultivated, but have no doubt but what it would be very much improved, and prove a valu- able acquisition to the border. I have succeeded with Lobelia cardinalis, in rather a dry, loamy soil, without much care ; but, to have it in its greatest perfection, it should have a moist location. LUNARIA. Honesty. Lunaria biennis. — Honesty is an old-fashioned plant, flow- ering the second year from seed, and then dying. It produces large purple flowers, in May and June, that are succeeded by large elliptical pods, which, when dry, are rather ornamental. Lunaria is from luna, the moon, in allusion to the broad, round, silvery pods or silicles. L UPIN. Most of the species are ornamental plants, suitable for the garden; some annual, but mostly perennials. Lupinus perermis is a well-known species, indigenous to many parts of New England, found, frequently, in large masses, from a yard to two rods in circumference, occupying the very poorest sandy or gravelly arid soil ; frequently in company with the pretty Silene Pennsylvanica, or Wild Pink, and more LUPIN. 133 commonly with Viola "pedata, or Bird's-foot Violet, all of which are in bloom about the first of June. It is very difficult, or even impossible, to transplant, with success, this fine perennial. The only sure way to propagate it is by seed, which should be gathered before it is entirely ripe, as it is scattered, as soon as mature, by the sudden bursting of the pod, by which the seed is thrown to a considerable distance. Nor will it succeed, like the last described species, on rich ground ; but whenever the seeds are to be sown, the soil should, in the first place, be removed, or a greater part of it, from a circle whose diameter is three or four feet, and the hole be filled up with a poor, gravelly or sandy soil, and the seed sown in the centre. The flowers are found, in the wild state, of various colors and shades, from pure white (which is rare) through all the shades of light to dark-blue, inclining to purple ; the margin of the flowers is frequently copper color, sometimes inclining to red. One variety has flowers of a dull pink. Stem erect, hairy. The digitate leaves are composed of about eight or ten leaflets, which are lanceolate, wedge-shaped, arranged like rays around the end of the petiole ; hairy and pale underneath. Many beautiful Lupins have, within a few years, been added to the list of herbaceous plants, chiefly through the exertions of Mr. Douglas, in his excursions in North and South America, most of which were found on the North-west coast, from Cali- fornia to the Columbia river, which part of the world seems to be the central position, or head quarters, of this genus of plants, more being found here than in all the world besides. Lupinus polyphyllus, — Many-leaved Lupin, — is a splendid plant, from the north-west coast of North America. The fol- lowing account, which I gave of it fifteen years ago, is as good as new : — " I received seed of this fine Lupin, a few years since, only one of which vegetated. It produced radical leaves, only, the first year, which were multifoliated, and borne on long petioles. The second year, it was transplanted, with much care, into rich soil, having been exposed, through the winter, to all the rigors 12 134 breck's book of flowkhs. of the season, without protection. In the month of May the flower-stalks began to be developed, and produced, in June, spikes of flowers, which were two feet in length, and from three to four feet in height from the ground. The flowers are dis- posed in long terminal clusters, of a beautiful azure blue, with a reddish border, forming a kind of whorls, very near each other, round the stem. The leaves are composed of from twelve to fifteen green, lanceolate leaflets, hairy on the under side. The flowers resemble those of blue Sophora, {Baptisa austraUs,) but far more elegant. The third year it flowered abundantly, throwing up numerous flower-stems, so luxurious that many were broken by the wind before they were secured by stalks. The third year the roots should be divided, as they become large in rich ground ; the central part first decays, and finally the whole root perishes, unless this operation is performed. There is also a white variety." There is also a number of other species, among which are L. grandijlora, and other fine sorts. They are best propagated by seeds ; but, with care, some of the sorts may be increased by divisions of the roots. LYCHNIS. Lychnis chalcedonica. — Scarlet Lychnis. — This is common in most gardens, under the name of London Pride. It is an esteemed border flower, of easy cultivation. The flowers are brilliant scarlet, which make it more valuable, as comparatively few flowers of that color are to be found among hardy herba- ceous plants. One of the most splendid decorations of the bor- der is the Double Scarlet Lychnis. It is propagated only by divisions of the root, or cuttings of the flower-stem ; the single variety is raised freely from seed. The cuttings are taken oflT at any time when the shoots are tender, and planted in a sandy loam, in a warm situation, but covered with a hand-glass and shaded from the sun. When well-established, they may be transplanted into the bed or border where they are to remain, LYSAMACHIA. 135 and will flower strongly the next year. There is also a single and double white variety. All the varieties do best in a light, rich, loamy soil. It is necessary to take up and divide the roots every other year. The best time to do this is early in the spring. A light protection is necessary to the double vari- eties, to insure a vigorous bloom. The flowers are fascicled, (collected in bundles,) level-top or convex ; two feet high ; in June and July. The double varieties continue to give flowers until autumn. L. fulgens, — splendid, — is a hardy species from Siberia, with scarlet flowers ; one foot and a half high ; not common with us. L. coronata is a showy species from China. The flowers are large, solitary, terminal, and axillar}^ red, the petals torn; one foot and a half high. Unfortunately, this beautiful plant will not stand our winter in open ground ; it therefore requires to be taken up and potted in autumn, and protected in the house or frame. It thrives and flowers abundantly most of the season, if planted out in the spring. It may be raised from seeds or cuttings. L.Jloscuculi. — Ragged Robin. — This is an old inhabitant of the flower-garden, a native of Britain. The double variety is deservedly esteemed, is very ornamental, easy to cultivate, and flourishes in any common garden soil. It is propagated by divisions of the root. Flowers fine deep pink. L. viscaria, with pink ; L. diurna, with purple ; and L. vespertina, with white flowers, all natives of Britain, are hand- some border flowers in their double varieties. L. viscaria plena is a fine border flower, and very hardy ; one foot high in June. LYSAMACHIA. Loose Strife. Most of the species are bog plants, of the easiest culture. L. mummvlaria, — Moneywort, — is an ornamental, creep- 136 breck's book of flowers. ing perennial, with yellow flowers all the season, suitable for rock-work, or hanging from a pot in a northern exposure ; a number of the indigenous species are worth cultivating. LYTHRUM. Willow Herb. In/thrum, from the Greek, black blood ; in allusion to the color of the flowers. L. salicaria is a native British perennial, and is considered a handsome border flower ; three or four feet high, with purple flowers in July and August; leaves opposite, cordate, lanceo- late ; flowers in spikes. M A L V A . Mallows. Some of the species are showy plants. All the species are of the easiest cultivation. M. alce.a. — A pretty, hardy perennial, from Germany, with purple flowers from July to October ; three feet high ; easily propagated by seed or divisions of the roots. Varieties of the same, with pink and white flowers ; lower leaves angular; upper, five-parted, cut; stems and calyxes velvety. MONARDA. Tall Balm. Monarda, in honor of Nicholas Monardez, a physician of Seville in the 16th century. Most of the species are aro- matic, and resemble mint in their habits and mode of cul- ture. CENOTHEKA — ORCHIS. 137 M. didyma. — Oswego Tea. — A perennial, native of North America, as are all the species; an ornamental plant, three feet high, with very brilliant scarlet flowers from June to Au- gust. The leaves are sometimes used as a substitute for tea, and known by the name of crimson balm, or bergamot. M. fistula has light purple flowers, not so handsome as the last. There are also other species which, in a large collec- tion, would be interesting. (EN JTHERA. Evenh g Primrose. A number of the family are hardy perennial border plants. The flowers of most of the species expand in the evening. O. macrocarpa. — This showy species has large, fleshy roots, which throw out decumbent stems, producing in succes- sion, through the summer, numerous large yellow flowers, four or five inches in diameter, O. speciosa has creeping roots, with stems one and a half foot high, with large white flowers, from June to September. O.fruticosa has rather shrubby stems two feet high, with dark yellow flowers in July and August. O. fraseri is one and a half foot high, with yellow flowers, from June to October. O. taraxkiflora is a magnificent perennial, not very common, with large white flowers. All the species succeed well in any common garden soil, and easily propagated from divisions of the root, and from seed when it can be obtained. ORCHIS. This is a beautiful and very curious genus of plants, of which we have a number of native species, growing mostly in swampy places. They will not succeed well in the garden, 12* 138 breck's book of flowers. unless they can have a moist, shady place, with a soil similar to that from which they were taken. The flowers are produced on leafless stems in spikes, from one to two feet high, in July and August. Some have pink, and others white, finely- fringed flowers. OROBUS, Bitter Vetch. Orobus niger is a hardy perennia I, with which we have been acquainted for a number of years, and can recommend it as being pretty, with very dark purpk; flowers, which are produced in June and July ; two or three feet high ; stem branched ; leaves in six pairs, ovate oblong ; racemes one-sided, many- flowered. O. atropurpureus. — The flowers are a fine purple, in a dense, one-sided, many-flowered raceme. In the gardens it is a hardy perennial, flowering in May. O. luteus is considered by some as the handsomest of the papilionaceous tribe. PAPAVER. Poppy. Papaver orientalis. — Oriental Poppy. — This is a most mag- nificent perennial, worth all the rest of the Poppy tribe. Its large, gorgeous, orange scarlet flowers, display themselves in the month of June. The bottoms of the petals are black ; the stigma is surrounded by a multitude of rich purple stamens, the anthers of which shed a profusion of pollen, which pow- ders over the stigma and the internal part of the flower, giving it a very rich appearance. The flower-stems are rough, three feet high, each one bearing a single solitary flower, five or six inches in diameter. A clump, with twenty or thirty of these flowers, makes one of the most PENTSTEMON. 139 conspicuous and showy ornaments of the garden. Leaves are scabrous, (rough,) pinnate, serrate. Propagated by dividing the roots, which should be done as soon as the foliage has died down in August, as it commences growing again in September, and throws up leaves which remain during winter, it being one of the most hardy plants. If deferred until spring, if it flowers at all, it will be weak. It may also be propagated from seed, but does not commonly flower until the third year. A native of Levant. Papaver bracteatum, — Bracted Poppy, — is another superb perennial, very much like the last, a native of Siberia. The flowers are a deeper red, and the only essential difference is in the leafy bractes by which the flowers are subtended. Propa- gated in the same way ; with us, it has not flowered so freely. ^'Papaver camhricum is admired for its yellow petals." It is now called Meconopsis cambrica ; not common with us. There are also a number of other species and varieties of peren- nial poppy, as P. nudicaule, with two or three varieties with yellow, and one with scarlet flowers, from Siberia, one foot to one and a half high. P. pyranaicum, from the Pyrenees, with yellow flowers, and a variety with red, one foot high. P. alpimcm, from Austria, has white flowers three quarters of a foot high. PENTSTEMON. The genus Pentstemon embraces a family of beautiful plants, worthy the attention of the amateur. Most of the species are hardy, while others require the protection of the frame during the winter. The genus is peculiarly American, abounding in the west and south-west of our vast country, and Mexico. The flowers of all the species are bell-shaped, more or less open. The colors are scarlet, purple, blue, &c. The following species have flowered in our collection : — 140 breck's book of flowers. p. pulescens produces purplish blue flowers in June ; one and a half foot high ; leaves downy. P. IcEvigatum is very similar, excepting it has smooth leaves and paler flowers ; two feet high. P. pulchella has large, bell-shaped, pale-purple flowers in autumn ; one foot high. P. atropurjmrea has dark ruby-purple flowers from July to October ; one and a half foot high. P. ccBruleum is one of the finest of the genus, with beauti- ful blue flowers in August and September ; one and a half foot high. P. coccinnea is similar to P. atropurpurea, excepting the flowers are scarlet. All the species may be propagated by dividing the roots, if done with care ; or by cuttings, the most certain method ; or by layers. They may also be raised from seed, which should be sown in May, in the open ground, in a moist, shady place. There are numerous varieties and species, besides those here named. PHLOX. " Your voiceless lips, O flowers, are living preachers, — Each cup a pulpit, and each leaf a book. Supplying to my fancy numerous teachers, From lowliest nook ! " It has been truly said that a collection of Phloxes, when properly attended to, would of themselves constitute a beautiful flower-garden. So numerous are the species, and so infinite the varieties, that a continual bloom may be kept up, with a good selection, from May to October. The genus is exclusively North American, and, in the South and West, is one of the most conspicuous ornaments of the prairies and woods. The late-flowering sorts are much to be prized on account of their lively colors of purple, red and white, and form a fine con- trast with the other autumnal flowers, which are mostly yellow. PHLOX, 141 The vernal ones, too, are acceptable, though humble in growth, and delight the eye with their brilliancy and loveliness. The summer varieties emTjrace some of the most beautiful sorts ; they being intermediate in height, more delicate in foliage, and include most of the fine new eyed, striped or shaded varieties. They flower the second time if cut down immediately after flowering, in July. While many herbaceous plants require protection in winter, none of those I am about to describe need it, with the exception of the dwarf species, which are evergreen ; the flower-buds are formed in autumn, and should be slightly protected, or rather shaded. It is not so much the cold as the powerful March sun which does the damage ; all that is necessary, in most cases, of protection, is to prevent the action of the sun upon the plant when in a frozen state. Most of the species delight in a moist, rich soil, but succeed tolerably well in almost any situation, provided that it is not very light and dry. No plant is more easily propagated. It is done generally by dividing the roots immediately after the bloom is over, for the early-flowering sorts, and in the spring for the late ones. They may also be raised easily from cuttings, and from seed. CLASS I. EARLY VARIETIES FLOWERING IN MAY. Phlox subvlata. — Moss Pink. — The leaf is subulate or awl- shaped ; that is, narrow at the base, and becoming more or less curved to one side at the point. This pretty species displays its showy pink flowers the last of April, and in such profusion as to conceal its yellowish-green foliage, and continues in bloom for nearly a month, and is companion with the two following, and, like them, from four to six inches high. It is known by the common name of Moss Pink. It can be so rapidly increased that it may be used to advantage for edgings, but requires some care to keep it in order. There are many improved varieties of this species, viz., white, purple, large pink, lilac with a red eye, &c. 142 breck's book of flowers. Thlox stolonifera. — Creeping. — The plant puts forth suck- ers or shoots near the surface of the earth, which take root, something after the manner of the strawberry. Leaves ovate, (egg-shaped,) brownish-green ; stem erect, bearing a few large deep-red flowers, which begin to expand a few days later than the preceding. A very lovely species and worthy of cultiva- tion. Phlox nivalis. — Snow-white. — The flowers are brilliant snowy white, marked with orange in the centre, on the end of the branches, in bunches from three to five, and make their appearance from the tenth to the middle of May, and continue until the first of June. If the autumn is mild, it will produce a second crop, but not in such profusion. Leaves setaceous, (bristly,) shining deep-green. This is the most tender, and is generally more or less injured without a little protection, and it is undoubtedly one of the most elegant of the family : not common ; now lost from my collection. Phlox divaricata. — Branches divaricate ; that is, spread out so far from the stem, as to form more than a right angle with it above. This beautiful species flowers the last of May, very large, pale-blue, on lax decumbent stems, one foot high. Leaves ovate lanceolate, (egg-shaped at the base, tapering off" at the point like the ancient lance.) This may be considered one of the finesr, but has not been so extensively disseminated as some of the tribe. There is a white, and other varieties of this Phlox. CLASS II. FLOWERING IN JUNE AND JULY. In describing this numerous and very ornamental branch of the family, it will be necessary to cut loose from all botanical distinctions, for the species have undergone such a transforma- tion by hybridizing, that it will puzzle a botanist to trace their parentage. The two following are no doubt the parents, on one side, of many of the improved sorts, as the habits and style, in many respects, correspond. PHLOX. 143 Phlox maculata. — The stem is dotted with dark spots, from which circumstance it receives its generic name, maculata, (spotted.) It is one of the most common sorts, and found orna- menting almost every garden ; frequently known under the name of Flora's bouquet. The flowers are so pretty, one might readily imagine the fair goddess would not be indifferent to their charms. It begins to show its purplish-red flowers the last of May, which are crowded on an oblong spike, and continues long in bloom ; if cut down immediately after flowering, a second display may be expected in August or September. Stems rough ; two feet high. Phlox suaveolens. — Sweet-scented. — It has white, sweet- scented flowers, arranged in the same manner as the last ; stem without spots. Leaves ovate lanceolate, quite smooth. The height and time of flowering the same as P. maculata, and by some considered as only a variety of it. It is one of the most delicate of the species, and, when grown with the last described, makes a fine appearance. Some of the florist's varieties partake of the character of the two following : — Phlox carnea. — Flesh-colored. — This delicate species com- mences flowering the middle of June. After its first display it continues to flower sparingly through the summer and autumn. Leaves ciliated, (eyelash-haired,) lowest setaceous, upper one linear lanceolate, (narrow lace-shape.) Branches from three to five-flowered. Phlox Listonia. — In honor of Lady Liston. — A beautiful species, with fine red flowers, in June ; a foot and a half high. Foliage broader than in most species ; radical leaves rhom- boidal ; upper ones ovate lanceolate. Some of the most improved early summer varieties are the following : — Phlox Van Houtteii is a superb variety, with a fine round corolla, each segment being regularly and distinctly striped with purplish-red, on white ground. Height, one and a half foot. In flower the last of June. 144 breck's book of flowers. P. picta. — White with red eye. One and a half foot high, ■ — last of June and July. Fhlox cbU de lynx, — Lynx-eyed, — is a beautiful dwarf vari- ety, one foot high, with white flowers and large deep-red eye ; rather delicate in its habits. Phlox Egyptienne. — This has light lilac flowers shaded with purple, about one and a half foot high, in June and July. Phlox fleur-de-Marie. — Has fine white flowers, with a dark- red eye ; very showy. Phlox almerine. — Flowers blush, with a small red eye. Phlox keermisina alba. — Flowers white, with purple eye, arranged in loose pyramidal panicles of great beauty ; in July — two feet high. Phlox meechantea speciosa. — Corolla white, beautifully tinted with rose. Three feet high in July. CLASS III. FLOWERING THE LAST OF JULY, AUGUST AND SEP- TEMBER. Most of the Phloxes under this head are tall-growing sorts, from three to four feet high, with their flowers in graceful py- ramidal corymbs. Phlox pyramidalis alba, and purpurea, P. acumiTrnta, P. paniculata, and other old sorts, now discarded, were proba- bly the parents of the new varieties in this class, of which, Phlox Brechii, raised by the writer, is considered one of the very best late-flowering sorts cultivated. The flowers are pro- duced in August and September, on stems four to six feet high, on long pyramidal dense spikes. The corolla circular, light-purple, with a white eye. The foliage, graceful, lance- olate acuminate spatulate ; the upper leaves very much undu- lated. Phlox Charles. — A new white variety, with pink eye ; flow- ers in pyramidal corymbs ; one and a half to two feet high in July and August. Phlox Wilderii. — A fine seedling, with deep-red flowers, PliLOX. 146 raised, by the writer ; corolla round and perfect ; stem branched ; three feet high in August. Phlox Blary Ami. — A superb new variety, with striped flowers ; corolla five-shape ; the centre part of each segment is of a clear pale-purple, while the margins are pure white ; in dense flattish corymbs ; in July and August ; one and a half foot high. Phlox panicvlata alba. — A fine variety, with pure white flowers, arranged in pyramidal panicles ; three feet high in August. Phlox nymphea alba. — A fine variety, with white flowers, tinted with purple ; tube of the corolla purple ; flowers ar- ranged in dense spherical corymbs : three feet high ; in July and August. Phlox cordata grandijiora. — Corolla large, fine round shape, purplish-pink, with white centre, in large flattish, dense, terminal panicles ; four to five feet high ; in August. Phlox decussata alba. — A fine white variety, with perfect flowers in regular compact pyramidal corymbs ; three feet high ; in August. PJdox Lawrencii is a variety with white flowers ; a seedling raised by W. E. Carter, late of the Botanic Garden, Cam- bridge ; three to four feet high ; in August. ^r. Carter has raised a number of fine seedlings, flowering in August, viz. : — Phlox Frelinghuysen, with variegated flow- ers ; and Phlox Henry Clay, with white flowers, finely penciled with purple ; each about two to three feet high. Phlox rosea svjperba is a variety with brilliant rose-colored flowers. Phlox undulata. — The margin of the leaves slightly undu- lated ; lance oblong ; stem erect, smooth, three feet high ; the latest species flowers in September, and retains its beauty long after the commencement of frosts, and lingers to the con- fines of winter; red; many of the flowers turn white, which gives its panicled corymbs or heads a variegated appearance. 13 146 breck's book of floweks. To these might be added numerous other fine varieties, as they are without number. RAISING PHLOXES FROM SEED. Some fine seedlings have appeared in my own garden within the two last years, which have attracted considerable attention at the Horticultural Rooms, on account of the largeness and perfection of the flowers, the density of the spikes or cor^^mbs, and the colors. The last season, the first premium for the best ten varieties was awarded to the writer ; six of these were his own seedlings, which competed with a number of stands, most- ly of foreign origin, and that, too, of improved sorts. Out of a large number, I have selected and numbered twenty varieties, which I thought worthy of perpetuating, for their su- periority for breeders. It is a fact, that seedlings are sure to produce an abundance of seeds, while those varieties that have long been propagated by cuttings or divisions of the root, soon lose that power. It has proved, in my experience, that there is an improvement in every generation of well selected seed- lings. I have been accustomed to collect all the seedling phloxes raised by my floral friends, and plant them in beds by themselves : thus, I had three or four from my friend, S. Walk- er, Esq., President of the Horticultural Society, some of Mr. Richardson, of Dorchester, others from my old acquaintance, W. E. Carter, late of the Botanic Garden, and a large number of my own. From these the seed was scattered promiscuous- ly, and the young plants were taken up and planted by them- selves, and from a great number of young seedlings my selec- tions were made. Among these are some white, some fine red, two or three variegated ; one mottled, with a red eye; ; and an- other distinctly and regularly striped with a pale-purple on Avhite ground. Their parents being of the later sorts, these, also, correspond in the time of flowering with them, being in perfection about the first of August. I am looking for great improvements in the next brood of seedlings from these new sorts, and think I shall not be disappointed. POLEMONIUM POTENTILLA. 147 POLEMONIUM. Jacob's Ladder. Pohmoyiium cmrulexnn. — Blue-flowered. — This is one of the old standard border flowers, and is known by the common name of Jacob's Ladder, from its beautiful pinnately-cleft leaves, (leaflets arranged on each side of a common petiole or leaf- stem ;) its lively blue flowers, nodding, on the ends of the branches. There is another variety with white flowers. Each variety is worthy of a place in the flower department, being per- fectly hardy and of the most easy cultivation ; flowers in June : two feet high. POTENTILLA. Potentilla, in allusion to its supposed potential virtue in medicine. This is a numerous genus, consisting of strawberry -like look- ing plants, with mostly yellow flowers. Potentilla atrosanguinea. — Dark blood-colored Potentilla. — This is one of the finest species, with beautiful foliage, and blood-colored flowers, from Nepal, one and a half foot high ; in flower from May to September. Propagated from divisions of the root, and from seed. Pontentilla formosa. — Synon. Napalensis. — This is an- other beautiful species from Nepal, with fine rose-colored flow- ers, which are produced the greater part of the season. Pontentilla splendens has yellow flowers, of not much beauty, but the leaves are elegant, being silvered over with a silky down, and interruptedly pinnate. Flowers dichotomous, in corymbs ; from Nepal. Pontentilla grandiflora has fine large yellow flowers — a native of Siberia. Pontentilla rtisselliana is a splendid hybrid with scarlet flowers. 148 brf.ck's book of floavers. p. Hopiooodiana, with rose and scarlet«flowers, is also beau- tiful. Most of the species, which are numerous, are pretty, but those named are the finest ; all stand the winter well ; they succeed best in light soil. PRIMULA. Primrose. This genus consists of beautiful dwarf Alpine plants, of many species, which sport into elegant varieties, under the cultivation of the florist. They are valuable on account of their early appearance in the spring ; some of them succeeding the Snowdrop, others keeping company with the vernal Phloxes and other early flowers. The Primula auricula is a florist flower of great beauty, but has received but little attention in this country ; probably on account of the severity of our winter and spring months, or the great heat of summer, which is more destructive to the auricida than the cold. The extremes of heat and cold ren- der its cultivation difficult. The flower-stalk springs from radical leaves, six or eight inches high, bearing a truss of from five to seven flowers, which are of various rich colors, accord- ing to the variety. These flowers are called pips, which should be round, with a light-colored eye; the groundcolor, when very dark blue, purple, or brown, edged with green, con- trast finely with the eye, and are considered richer than those varieties where the colors are lighter. Priviula polyanthus. — This is more hardy than the auricida, and succeeds well with little care, provided it can have a cool and sheltered spot, a rich and rather moist soil. They are in flower all the month of May, and some of the varieties by the middle of April. The flowers are produced on stems, eight to twelve inches high, in trusses of eight or ten flowers, or pips, and are of various rich colors. Brown, with yellow eye, is very common, with a delicate edging of yellow ; also PULMONARIA. 149 various combinations of crimson, yellow, sulphur, and dark- brown, either plain or shaded. It is easily propagated by dividing the roots after blooming. Primula veris, — Cowslip, — is a native of Great Britain. The flowers are produced in trusses, but are not so elegant as those of the polyanthus, but look pretty in the border. The flowers generally are of a pale-yellow, but there is a variety with red flowers ; they are propagated the same as the poly- anthus. There are many other pretty species and varieties, some with double flowers. All may be introduced into the garden, in cool, shady locations. PULMONARIA. L^mgivort. Pulmonaria derives its name, some say, from the speckled appearance of the leaves, resembling diseased lungs ; but others think that its name has arisen from the plant having been used with success in pulmonary complaints ; whence, also, perhaps, the English name. Lungwort. Pulmonaria Virginica, — or Virginian Lungwort, — occurs pretty commonly in the shady woods of Pennsylvania, and most other of the southern and western States. Its flowers, which appear in May, look like so many small, bright-blue, pendulous funnels, internally open at the orifice, after the man- ner of the genus, each springing out of a prismatic, pen- tagonal, five-toothed calyx. After flowering, the plant to appearance dies, as it is not seen until the following spring; propagated by divisions of the root. This is one of the most elegant ornaments of the flower- garden in May. P. officinalis, — Medicinal Lungwort, — is a pretty dwarf species, in bloom from April to June, with clusters of red and bluish-purple flowers, with spotted leaves ; six inches high. P. Sibirica and maritima are elegant perennials, greatly 13* 150 breck's book of flowers. resembling each other, and considered by some, as most proba- bly, only varieties. They are among the most elegant orna- ments of the flower-garden, in dry springs ; but they require some care in keeping, unless in a soil almost entirely of sand. PYRETHRUM. Feverfew. Pyrethrum parthenium plena, — or Double Feverfew, — is an ornamental plant, with pure white flowers, from June to Sep- tember ; two feet high. It is frequently kept in green-houses, but stands out all winter with a little protection. It is raised from cuttings, or by dividing the roots. When raised from seed, most of the plants will be worthless, not much better than weeds, as there is no beauty in the single flowers. RANUNCULUS. Buttercup. There are a number of varieties of Buttercups, which are found double, and are frequently introduced into the flower- garden. Ranunculus repens flore plena is a double variety; the roots are creeping, and therefore the plant is rather troublesome. The flowers are pretty ; a glossy yellow ; in bloom a number of months. JR. acris jiore plena is a species and variety, with upright stems ; two feet high, with bright-yellow double flowers, in June and July. i2. aconitifolius Jlore plena. — This beautiful plant has fine double white flowers, in June ; one foot high ; for some reason it is not much cultivated in this country. It goes by the name of " Fair Maids of France." RUDBECKIA SABBATIA SARRACENIA. 151 RUDBECKIA. This is a genus of North American plants, some of them valuable for the border ; all are hardy, and easily propagated by dividing the roots. Rudbeckia fidgida has large, brilliant yellow flowers, with a dark centre, or disk ; about two feet high ; continuing in bloom all the months of July and August. R. purpurea. — Purple Rudbeckia. — This plant grows from three to four feet high. The disk of the flower is very rich, appearing, in the sun, of a golden crimson ; the rays are purple, and, in some of the varieties, quite long. R. nudijlora. — This is a beautiful species; it grows three feet high ; the stems branched, producing a long succession of flowers, with long, conical, dark disks, and very long, wavy rays, of a pure, clear yellow. There are many other species, but mostly coarse-growing plants. — • — SABBATIA. This is a pretty genus of North American plants, not much cultivated, but, if properly managed, would no doubt prove a great acquisition. Sabbatia chloiroides is found growing in Plymouth county, on the margin of ponds ; it has large, shovvy pink flowers, in July. There is also a variety with white flowers ; it is a biennial, and must therefore be propagated from the seed, which should be sown in moist ground, as soon as ripe, or early in the spring. SARRACENIA. Side-Saddle Flower. This very curious plant is found growing in our wet, boggy meadows and swamps. It will succeed in any wet corner of the 152 BRECK's BOOK- OF FLOWERS. garden, (if there is any such,) and it is well worthy a place, on account of the singularity of the leaves, which are tubular and hold water. The stigma of the flower resembles a woman's pillion of olden time ; hence the common name. SANGUINARIA. Bloodrooi. From sanguis, blood. All the parts, on being wounded discharge a blood-colored fluid. Sanguinaria canadensis. — This is a singular and very deli- cate looking, indigenous plant, producing shining white flowers, in April. It has a tuberous, fleshy root, and easily transferred to the garden, where it shows off to advantage with the Crocus and other flowers. SAXIFRAGA. Saxifrage. An elegant and extensive genus of Alpine plants, which have long been favorites in English gardens ; most of them are dwarf plants, and suitable for rock-work ; but many species are difficult to cultivate. There is a native species in flower in May ; in great abundance about rocks and barren places, with greenish-white flowers ; very fragrant ; six or eight inches high. Saxifraga crassifolia has broad, thick leaves, rising from the crown of the plant, from which are thrown up stems one foot high, with panicles of pink flowers, in May and June. SEDUM SOLIDAGO SPIRjEA. 153 SEDUM. stone Crop. Sedum, from sedere. — These plants, growing upon the bare rock, look as if sitting upon it. The species are low succu- lent, some of them pretty, others curious ; but none of them remarkable in any way. Some look pretty on rock-work, and others are frequently used for edgings to walks. The species are very numerous. SOLIDAGO Golden Rod. This is an extensive family of native plants, some of them showy, with dense ^spikes, or panicles of j'ellow flowers, in August and September. A few of them look pretty in the garden, and help to make up a variety. SPIR^A. This genus affords numerous ornamental shrubs and herba- ceous plants, some of them very desirable. Among the herba- ceous are the following, which are all very hardy, and easily propagated by dividing the roots. Spircea Jilipendida. — Dropwort. — A very elegant species, with tuberous roots like the Peony. Flowers white ; the buds shaded with pink ; in corymbs ; two feet high ; from June to August. The foliage is beautiful. >S. Jilipendula plena. — Double Dropwort. — A very desirable plant, with clusters of fine double w^hite flowers, from June to October. It is more dwarfish than the last ; not more than one foot high. The time to divide the tubers of these two varieties is in August ; they will then flower strong, the next year. 154 breck's book of flowers, S." ulmaria pleno. —Donhle Meadow Sweet. — This is a handsome border plant, producing proliferous corymbs of double white flowers, on erect stems two feet high, in June and July. A variety of this has variegated leaves. S. Zotoff. —Lobe-leaved Spiraea. — A beautiful species, with deep pink or red flowers, in proliferous corymbs, in June and July ; stems two feet high. S. pahnata. — This is a magnificent species from the west, growing to the height of five or six feet, with immense clusters of red flowers, in July ; leaves palmate ; flowers in large pro- liferous corymbs. S. arimcus. — Goat's-beard. — Three or four feet high, with white panicled spikes, in June and July ; leaves supra-decom- pound. S. /a^o?izca. — Japan Spirtea. — A species more delicate than the last ; the flowers arranged in the same way ; of a purer white ; two feet high, in July and ^ugust. These are some of the principal herbaceous Spiraeas. All succeed best in a strong, moist soil, and endure the hardest winter without protection. For many beautiful shrubby spe- cies, see Shrubs. S T A T I C E. Sea Lavender. This is a very ornamental genus. The species are not com- mon, and require a little care in cultivation. Statice speciosa and ^ar^anca are amomg the prettiest of hardy plants. TRADESCANTIA. Spiderwort. All the species are of the easiest culture, but not many of them can be called beautiful. TROLLIUS — VALERIANA. 155 Tradescantia Virginica is a valuable border flower, on ac- count of its continued succession of fine blue flowers, which it produces every morning from May to September. It has long, grass-like foliage ; flowers on stems, one and a half foot high, in clusters ; umbel-like. There is a variety with white, and another with double reddish purple flowers. TROLLIUS. Globe Flower. Trollius is derived from trol, or trollen, an old German word signifying something round, in allusion to the globular form of the flowers. T. E^iropcmts flowers in June and July. It has large lemon- yellow globular blossoms, on stems two feet high. T. Asiaticus has dark orange flowers ; one foot high ; in Jime and July. T. Ameriais is a dwarf indigenous species, with yellow flowers, in May ; all flourish best in rich, moist soil. The two first are desirable border flowers. VALERIANA. Valerian. Valeriana phu, — Garden Valerian, — is a tall-growing plant, three or four feet high, producing an abundance of small, white, fragrant flowers, in May and June, in large corymbs ; desirable on account of its pleasant odor. V. pyrenaicum, — Heart-leaved, — is sometimes seen in flower- gardens; three feet high, with small pink flowers in corymbs, in May and June. The species are all ornamental border plants, of easy culture, in common earth, preferring moist and shady places. 156 breck's book of flowers. VEUONICA. Speedwell. An extensive family, most of the species being ornamental plants, the taller growing sorts suitable for the borders, and those of a more dwarfish habit for the rockery. The flowers are produced in spire-like spikes, or racemes, and are generally blue ; but some few species are white, and others pink. V. Virginicum is a tall, strong-growing species, four or five feet high, with white flowers in clustered spikes ; in July and August ; suitable for the shrubbery. V. Sibirica has blue flowers, in spikes, in July and August ; two feet high. V. speciosa is a dwarf species, with brilliant blue flowers, in spikes ; 'June and July. V. azurea is two or three feet high, with fine sky-blue flowers. F. spicata is about one foot high, with fine blue flowers. There are as many as fifty species, all easily cultivated in almost any soil ; propagated by dividing the roots. VINCA. Periwinkle. Some of the genus are hardy evergreen trailing plants, val- uable for their early and long-continued flowering, flourishing under the shade and drip of trees. The most common hardy species are Vinca major and V. minor, with a number of varie- ties ; flowers generally blue. It is best to give a little protec- tion in winter. VIOLA. 157 VIOLA. Violet. " Violets, sweet tenants of the shade, In purple's richest pride arrayed, Your errand here fulfil ; Go bid the artist's simple stain Your lustre imitate in vain, And match your Maker's skill." This is an extensive genus of plants, of dwarf habits, suita- ble for the border or rock-work. There are many indigenous species which flourish w^ell in the garden, and will repay the trouble of collecting them from the woods, meadows, and pas- tures. Viola odorata, — or the Sweet-scented Violet, — should not be wanting in any collection of plants, on account of its fragrance and early appearance. A single flower will perfume a large room. The flowers appear in April, and continue through May. There are the single white and single blue, and the double blue and white varieties ; the double sorts are the most desirable ; they succeed best in a shady, sheltered place, and are rapidly multiplied by divisions of the plant. Viola tricolor. — Pansy ; Lady's Delight. — The Heart's Ease, or Pansy, is a general favorite, — an old acquaintance with every one who has had anything to do with a flower-gar- den. It begins to open its modest but lively flowers as soon as the snow clears off' in the spring, and continues to enliven the garden till the snow comes again. The flowers are in the greatest perfection in May and June. The burning sun of summer is unfavorable for their greatest beauty ; but in autumn they are fine again. The Pansy is properly a biennial, but can be perpetuated by cuttings or divisions of the root. Viola grandijlora is an improvement of V. tricolor, or on a larger scale, gnd this has now become a florist's flower. The following directions for its cultivation are from the Gardener's Chronicle : — 14 158 bkkck's book op floweks. " I know of no plant so easy to cultivate, and at the same time so difficult to keep from year to year, as the Pansy. It may be raised from seeds and bloomed in a few months, and an endless variety of color, marking, and texture, may thus be produced. Choice kinds, either selected from the seed-beds or procured from the florists, are seldom bloomed more than once, unless by some expert amateur, or in some favorable locality. In winter, the Pansy is extremely liable to damp off, although protected in frames ; and we all know, to our mortification, the ill effect of a summer's sun on it. It is scarcely possible to point to another tribe of plants so peculiarly the amateur's as this, or one that puzzles him to cultivate more. The following hints may assist him. " Seeds sown in August, in the open border, will come up readily in a few weeks. The seeds should be slightly covered with fine soil, if covered at all, as half the seeds sown rot in the ground, from being covered too deeply. As soon as they expand the second set of leaves, they should be planted out into beds, in lines, from eight to ten inches asunder. If the seed has been carefully saved from good kinds, an interesting display will be the result ; and the raising of new varieties is a labor of peculiar interest. As spring advances, the plants so treated will commence flowering. The next point will be to select those which possess good qualities, with a view to per- petuate them. There are many singular and pleasing varie- ties that do not come within the arbitrary rules by which florist's flowers are judged, which nevertheless are worth retaining for common border decoration ; but if a rigid adherence to these rules is determined upon, then the flowers must be as nearly round as possible, expanding their petals flatly ; crumpled petals, with ragged edges, are points that will justify their being cast aside. Round flowers, with flat petals, must also have firmness of texture to recommend them ; a flimsy flower in the fancy, although possessing other properties, is univer- sally discarded. The eye should be concentrated, and not starry ; the colors soft and clearly defined. These instructions YUCCA. 159 will enable the amateur to select the right kinds from his seed- ling beds. As soon as he has determined upon those worth retaining, propagation should be commenced, and this is a sim- ple matter. Cuttings taken off at the second and third joints will root readily, placed behind a hedge, or wall, on the north side, without any protection whatever. Insert them two inches apart, and one inch deep, in soil of a light sandy texture, and they will root in a few weeks. Take care that all damp leaves are removed as soon as they appear. " To produce a bed of choice Pansies, select a north aspect, with a cool bottom. Soil of medium texture, and moderately enriched, should be preferred for the production of large flowers. Keep the soil frequently stirred around them, and be careful that the border is free from wireworm. If the plants are put out in September, they will be established before winter ; and I have frequently found that plants so treated, get through the winter quite as well as those coddled in frames. As their propagation is easy, depend exclusively upon young plants for the following season's bloom. Seeds should only be saved from beds of selected flowers possessing the best qualities ; for it is only by following this up, that improved kinds to any extent can be obtained; and, as seed is readily produced, it is not worth while saving that from doubtful or indifferent sorts." YUCCA. Adam's JVeedle. This is an ornamental genus of plants, mostly natives ot the southern States and South America. Some of them succeed well in the open ground in the northern States, and form a pleasing contrast with other plants, on account of the peculiar- ity of their foliage, which resembles the palm, or aloe. The leaves are sharp-pointed, stiff, and rigid ; and, in some of the species, the edges of the leaf are margined with long threads. Yucca Jili?}ientosa, or Adam's Thread, is one of the most 160 breck's book of flowers. hardy sorts. It is called Thready Yucca, from the long threads that hang from the leaves. The flower-stem grows to the height of five or six feet, and nearly the whole of it is covered with large, bell-shaped, white flowers, sitting close ; all the species are rather shj?^ flowerers ; in August and September. Y. gloriosa and superba are two splendid species, producing an immense number of their fine bell-flowers on their tall stems. The foliage of all the species is evergreen, and they closely re- semble each other. The severity of our winters often blackens the foliage ; to prevent this, the leaves should be gathered up and tied together, and covered with straw. Propagated from suckers. DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF ANNUAL FLOWERS, WITH DIRECTIONS FOR THEIR CULTIVATION. The earth, all light and loveliness, in summer's golden hours, Smiles in her bridal vesture clad, and crowned with festal flowers, So radiantl}' beautiful, so like to heaven above. We scarce can deem more fair that world of perfect bliss and love." AGERATUIM. Ageratum Meztcanum. — Mexican Ageratum. — A half- hardy annual, with light-blue compound flowers, in July and August ; about one and a half foot high ; very pretty, but not remarkable for beauty. ADONIS. Adcmis autumnalis is a hardy annual ; the seeds sown in the spring will flower in September. If sown in September, they will flower the June following. The foliage is handsome ; the flowers blood-red ; one to two feet high. A L Y S S U M . Alyssum maritimim. — Sweet Alyssum. — This is a desira- ble hardy annual, flowering from June to November ; one foot high ; flowers white, in long racemes, which continually extend themselves through the season, producing flowers until killed by hard frosts. This produces a fine effect when planted in masses. The plants should not be planted nearer than one foot from each other. 14# 162 ereck's book of flowers. ARGEMONE. Argemone grandiflora is the most showy of the genus ; a native of Mexico. Its large flowers, with delicate white petals and numerous yellow stamens, make a splendid appearance, and we think much superior to A. ochroleuca, with pale-yellow flowers. The leaves, cap- sules, and the whole plant, are armed with formidable spines, and having once had the hands or any part of the body come in contact with them, the plant will be forever after, viewed with feelings far from those of pleasure. A. bardayana is equal to it, in its powers of annoyance, but its more showy, brilliant yellow flowers make amends, in some measure, for its repulsive appearance. The roots of the Argemone, if taken up and kept in pots, in a frame or cellar, will flower much stronger the next year than seedlings. — • — ALONSOA. Beautiful green-house plants, but flower finely in the open ground as annuals. Alonsoa indsifolia. — Nettle-leaved Alonsoa. — The flowers of all the species are a rich scarlet, which are produced all the season. This species has nettle-shaped but delicate leaves; one to two feet high. The seed may be sown the last of May, in the open ground, or in the hot-bed, in April. A. grandiflora has larger flowers, but very much like the last. — ♦ — AMARANTHUS. Amaranthis tricolor . —T\\\^ is a tender annual,— an old favorite of the flower-garden, — the chief beauty of which con- sists in its variegated leaves. Miller, in ancient times, says, " There is not a handsomer plant than this, in its full lustre." AMARANTHUS. 163 Gerarde thus speaks of it : — " It farre exceedeth my skill to describe the beauty and excellencie of this rare plant, called Floramor ; and I thinke the pensil of the most curious paixater will be at a stay, when he shall come to set it downe in his lively colours. But to colour it after my best manner, this I say, Floramor hath a thicke, knobby root, whereon do grow many threddie strings ; from which ariseth a thicke stalke, but tender and soft, which beginneth to divide itself into sundry branches at the ground, and so vpward, whereupon doth grow many leaves, wherein does consist his beauty : for in few words, euerie leafe resem- bleth in colour the most faire and beautifull feather of a Parot, especially those feathers that are mixed with most sundry col- ours, as a stripe of red, and a line of yellow, a dash of white, and a rib of green colour, which I cannot with words set forth, such are the sundry mixture of colours that Nature hath be- stowed, in her greatest jolitie, vpon this floure. The floure doth grow betweene the footstalks of those leaves and the body of the stalk or trunk, base, and of no moment in respect of the leaves, being as it were little chaffie husks of an ouerworne tawny colour ; the seed is black, and shining like burnished home." A. hypocho7idriacus. — Prince's Feather. — This is a hardy annual, well known, four or five feet high, with numerous heads of purplish-crimson flowers, suitable for the shrubbery. A. superbus is an improved variety of the last ; flowers dark red ; three to four feet high ; from June to September. A. caudatus. — Love-lies-bleeding. — This is also a well- known hardy annual, from three to four feet high, with blood- red flowers, which hang in pendant spikes, and, at a little dis- tance, look like streams of blood ; in July and August. It is sometimes called, in France, " Discipline des religieuses,^'' — the Nun's Whipping-rope. There is another variety, with straw-colored flowers, but it is too mean-looking for the flower-ofarden. 164 breck's book of flowers. AMMOBIUM. Ammolmm alatum. — Winged Ammobium. — This is a very- pretty half-hardy annual, with composite white flowers, or with white, dry, involuchral scales, like some of the everlastings. The flowers, when gathered before they fully mature, retain their shape and brightness, and are fit companions for the Globe Amaranths, Immortal Flower, &c., for winter orna- ments. It grows two feet high ; in flower from June to Octo- ber. The stems have a curious winged attachment their whole length. ANAGALLIS. Anagallis JW?crt. — Indian Anagallis. — A dwarf trailing plant, with blue flowers, in July and August. ASTER CHINENIS. NOW CAIiLISTEMME HORTENSIS. Chi?ia Aster. The Double China Aster, now known as the German Aster, has, within a few years, been very much improved and per- fected by the German florists, and others, so that it is hardly to be recognized as the same flower as the old China Aster of the flower-garden. The varieties are now very numerous, and possess exceeding beauty, some of them being almost as large as a small Dahlia, and much more graceful. The full-quilled varieties are the most highly esteemed, having a hemispherical shape, either a pure white, clear blue, purple, rose, or deep red ; or beautifully mottled, striped, or edged, with those colors, or having a red or blue centre. They are also of various habits ; some dwarf, others taller, some spreading, and others growing erect and very much branched. Seeds, sown in the fall of the AVENA BARTONIA. 165 year, produce early flowers ; but they come too early in bloom, and are not so perfect as those coming into flower about the first of September. My practice is to sow the seeds the last of May, in patches, and transplant to a bed well prepared the last of June. The plants should stand a foot apart ; but there being some uncer- tainty as to the character of the flower, although the seed may have been the very best, I put out two or three plants near each other, and when they begin to flower, cut out those that are inferior, and leave those only that are perfect. In this way alone can the character of the flower be kept up. Otherwise, they will soon degenerate into inferior flowers. AVENA. Avena steralis, — or Animated Oat, — is sometunes grown as an object of curiosity, on account of its singular hygrometrical properties. After the seeds have fallen oft^, their strong beard is so sensible of alternation in the atmosphere as to keep them in apparently spontaneous motion, when they resemble some grotesque insect crawling upon the ground. BARTONIA. Bartonia aurea. — Golden-flowered. — A very pretty flow- ering annual, the flower-stem rising a foot high. The plant produces a profusion of showy flowers, of a fine golden-yellow color. Each blossom is about two inches and a half across. The plant is a native of California. It delights in a sheltered, sunny situation, and it is to be grown in a rich soil, where it will bloom profusely. The plant requires to be raised as a frame annual, and to be planted in the border in May. 166 breck's book of floavf.rs. BEOWALLIA. Browallia elata. — Blue Amethj'-st. — A tender annual from Peru, named by Linnaeus in honor of John Browallius. It grows one and a half foot high, and bears an abundance of small bright-blue flowers, from July to September. There is a variety with white flowers. To have it in perfection, it should be sown in hot-beds, and transplanted into the open ground the first of June. The plants are very minute when they first make their appearance, and, unless protected from the sun, are liable to be destroyed. In the open ground, it should be sown about the 10th. of May. BRIZA. Quaking Grass. Briza, from a Greek word, to balance, the spikelets being continually in a state of suspension, or balance, in the air. It is a curious genus. B. maxima is sometimes cultivated as a border flower; the spikes of the grass are elegant, when dried, and help to make up a bouquet of immortal flowers. BRACHYCOME. Brachycome iberidifolia. — Swan Daisy. — A beautiful hardy annual, of dwarf habit, six or eight inches high ; in bloom from July to September. Flowers of various shades of white, pink, or blue, suitable to be grown in masses or beds ; foliage delicate. CACCALIA. Caccalia coccinnea. — Scarlet Tassel-flower. — A neat annual, of easy culture, one and a half foot high, with scarlet tassel- shaped flowers, from July to September. Sow it the first of May. 1 CALENDULA CALAJMDKIiNIA CALAMFELIS. .167 CALENDULA. Caloidula. — So named because it may be found in flower during the calends of each month, or, which is the same thing, during every month of the year. This cannot be the case in our cHmate. Calendida officinalis. — Pot Marigold. — A hardy annual, common to the gardens time out of mind, and formerly much used in soups and broths. Flowers deep orange, and con- tinue all the season. Some of the double varieties are very handsome. CALANDRINIA. Calandrinia grandijlora. — Great-flowering. — This is a half- hardy annual ; grows two feet high ; blooms from June to Octo- ber. It is a fine plant for growing in masses. When the fine, rosy lilac flowers of this very beautiful plant are fully ex- panded, being produced in vast profusion, and continuing for so long time in bloom, they make a pleasing appearance, and never fail to give ample satisfaction. To have it in its greatest perfection, the seed should be planted in pots, and placed in a hot-bed early in the spring. In June the plants should be turned into the ground. The soil should be a rich sandy loam. Calandrinia discolor is in habit veiy much like the other ; the foliage is purple on the under side ; it requires the same treat- ment. CALAMPELIS. FOKMERLY ECREMOCARPUS. Calampelis scaler. — Rough-podded Calampelis. — Th:s is a beautiful climber, a perennial, but floAvers the first year ; not sufficiently hardy to stand our winters. Its flowers are produced in panicles or racemes, and are of a bright orange color; it flowers profusely the latter part of summer. It 168 bkeck's book of flowers. will be necessary to plant the seeds in a hot-bed early in the spring, and when the plants have five or six leaves they should be transplanted into pots, and turned into the ground in June. The seeds are difficult to vegetate. CALLIOPSIS. Calliopsis tinctoria. — Elegant Coreopsis. — This is a well- known hardy annual, formerly called Coreopsis tinctoria. The flowers are large and rich, having a dark crimson-brown centre with yellow rays. The only difficulty with the plant is that it makes itself too common, sowing itself over gardens, and making its appearance where it is not wanted. In flower June and July. Calliopsis tinctoria — var. atropiirpiirea. — Dyeing Calli- opsis, dark-flowered variety. — This variety of the well known and much admired Coreopsis tinctoria, is very superior to that species. The flowers are about the size of C. tinctoria; the centre is yellow, surrounded by a circle of dark purple, beyond which, to the extremity of the petals, is of a fine red scarlet color; some of the flowers are destitute of the yellow centre. It is a splendid flowering annual, and deserves a place in every flower-garden ; we have grown it in masses, and it produces a fine show. CARDIOSPERMUM. Cardiosjyermum halicacabum. — Balloon Vine, or Love in a Puff". — A half-hardy annual from the West Indies ; a creeper. The seed should be sown between the first and tenth of May, and the plant supported with brush four to six feet high. The plant is remarkable for its inflated membranous capsule, from which it is sometimes called Balloon Vine, or Love in a Puff". The flowers are white and green, without any claim to beauty. CAMPANULA CANNA. 169 CAMPANULA. Campamda speculum, — Venus' Looking-glass, — An annual border flower, of some beauty, very hardy ; having it once in the ground, it will sow itself; the young plants may be taken up in the spring and planted where to remain, and should be set one foot from each other ; or sow the seed very early in the spring. One foot high, very branching, producing a long suc- cession of blue flowers, which close at the approach of rain, and at evening. Speculum, because the form of the corolla resembles a little round, elegant mirror (speculum) ; whence it is called Venus' Looking-glass. Campanula Lm-eyi. — Lorey's Bell-flower. — A hardy annual, of easy culture, thriving in almost any kind of soil, sowing itself, so that an abundance of plants are found the following year. It is dwarfish in its habits, and highly ornamental. It has large expanded blossoms, of a deep blue or white, which continue to be produced in succession through the summer and autumn months. CANNA. Indian Shot. The genus are mostly tropical plants, with elegant foliage from four to eight feet high. Canna Indica, — or Indian Shot Plant. — This is the most common species, and succeeds well as an annual if the plants are started in a hot-bed. If the seeds are planted in pots, and plunged in the bed when it has its greatest heat, the plants will soon appear ; and, if turned into the ground in June, will make large plants. In the green-house it is a perennial. This is desirable, not only for the beauty of its spikes of scarlet flowers, but also for its elegant foliage, and particularly to the botanist, as it belongs to the small class Mcmandria, (one stamen,) which in this region furnishes but few examples. 15 170 BKECK S BOOK OF FLOWERS, There are many species in large collections, all handsome. It becomes a large plant before autumn, five or six feet high, with deep-green leaves, three feet long, and six inches in width ; perfecting seed, which is round, black, and hard, having the appearance of large shot. It belongs to the natural order, CannacB, mostly tropical plants. CELOSIA. Cockscomb. Celosia cristata is common in most gardens. The following account is inserted, to give some idea of what may be done by artificial means. " Mr. Knight, in October, 1820, sent to the London Horticultural Society a Cockscomb, the flower of which measured eighteen inches in width and seven in height, from the top of the stalk; it was thick and full, and of a most intense purple-red. To produce this, the great object was to retard the protrusion of the flower-stalk, that it might become of great strength. The compost employed was of the most nutritive and stimulating kind, consisting of one part of unfer- mented horse-dung, fresh from the stable, and without litter, one part of burnt turf, one part of decayed leaves, and two parts of green turf, the latter being in lumps of about an inch in diameter, in order to keep the mass so hollow that the water might escape and the air enter. The seeds were sown in the spring, rather late, and the plants put first into pots of four inches diameter, and then transplanted to others a foot in diameter ; the object being not to compress the roots, as that has a tendency to accelerate the flowering of all vegetables. The plants were placed within a lew inches of the glass, in a heat of from 70° to 100° ; they were watered with pigeon-dung water, and due attention paid to remove the side branches when very young, so as to produce one strong head or flower." The color of the scarlet varieties is highly brilliant. None of the other colors are so rich. The yellows are generally rather dull — some of them dirty-looking. The scarlets and crimsons CKNTAUREA CHRISEIS. 171 are the only colors that look well. There are the tall and dwarf varieties, and some that are somewhat branching; but these last should be rejected. To produce fine combs the soil cannot be made too rich ; the plants must also be forwarded in a hot-bed. Very showy plants can be raised by sowing the seed in the open ground in May, but they cannot be raised in perfection. — ♦ — CENTAUREA. Centaurea Americana. — American Centaurea. — A hand- some hardy annual, discovered by Nuttall, on the alluvial soil of the Arkansas and Red rivers, two or three feet high, with large purplish-pink flowers in August. It is of easy culture, and should be sown early in April. Centaurea cyanus, — Blue Bottle, — is a common weed, in cornfields, on gravelly soils, throughout Europe, and also a popular border annual. The flower, originally blue, in gardens present varieties with white, pink, purple and parti-colored rays. The time of sowing early in April. Centaurea moschata purpurea — \?iX. alba. — Purple Sweet Sultan, White do. — Handsome border annuals, of easy cul- ture, natives of Persia, two feet high, with fragrant flowers from July to September. Sow in April. Centaurea suaveolens. — Yellow Sweet Sultan. — A hand- some annual from the Levant, one and a half foot high, with lively, rich yellow flowers from July to September. Sow first of May. Centaurea be7iedicta. — Blessed Thistle. — A hardy annual from Spain, two feet high, with yellow flowers from July to September. Sow last of April. CHRISEIS. California Poppy. Chriseis CaUfornica. — Formerly Eschsholtzia. — Grows two feet high ; blooms from June to September. Flowers brilliant 172 breck's book of floavers. shining yellow. Scarcely any plant produces a greater degree of splendor than this ; when the full sun is upon it, it makes a complete blaze of color. It is a most suitabk plant for pro- ducing a distant effect. When it is planted out in a bed, it requires a considerable number of sticks for support, or the weak branches will be liable to lie close to the ground, and then the bloom is not so fine. If planted in single patches, they should have several sticks placed round, and a string fastened, so as to keep the flower-stalks tolerably erect ; by this attention a neat and handsome effect will be given. I adopt the use of cross-strings, as well as a circular one, by which means I have the shoots regularly disposed. Chriseis crocea. — Saffron-colored Californian Poppy. — The principal difference between this and the variety now well known here, is in the color — this being a dark, bright saffron- color ; the botanical difference is, that in this the point of the calyx is longer, and the apex or end of the peduncle (flower- stem) is more expanded. It is, like the other, a hardy annual or biennial. CHRYSANTHEMUM. Chrysanthemum coronaria. — Garden Chrysanthemum. — Handsome hardy annuals, one variety with white, and another with yellow flowers ; two feet or more high; in bloom from July to October. Sow the seed in April. The double varieties alone are worth cultivation. The fine double varieties are propagated by cutting. Chrysanthemum cavinatum, or tricolor. — Tricolored Chrysan- themum. — A hardy annual from Barbary, one and a half or two feet high, in flower from July to October. Disk of the flower purplish-brown, inner circle of the rays yellow, margined with white ; very pretty. — ♦ — COIX. Coix lachryma. — Job's Tear. — A kind of tropical grass from the East Indies. It is called Job's Tear on account of the CT.ARKIA. 173 appearance of its shiny, pearly fruit, which, when suspended on its slender pedicels, resembles in no inconsiderable degree a falling tear. The plant is about two or three feet high, a ten- der annual, and has some resemblance to Indian corn in the stalks and leaves. Cultivated for its singular fruit. The flowers are destitute of beauty. CL ARKIA. Clarkia pulchella. — Beautiful Clarkia. — This is a hardy annual, of great beauty, discovered by Captain Clark, in his expedition, with Captain Lewis, to the Columbia River. It is a native of the Rocky Mountains. Plants from seed sown in August or September flower much stronger than when sown in the spring, but succeed very well when planted in April or early in May. The soil should not be over rich or moist, as they frequently die very suddenly in such a location. In a good, sound loam, rather light, it flourishes best. The flowers are light-purple ; plants one foot high ; in bloom from June to September. There is a variety with pure white flowers. All the varie- ties and species, when grown in large masses, are very orna- mental. C. elegans, — Elegant Clarkia, — and its varieties, are also hardy annuals, of great beauty, requiring the same treat- ment as C. jndchella ; from one foot to eighteen inches high; in flower at the same time. C. rhomboidea. — Entire-petalled. — Synonym. C. gau- roides. — It is an annual, growing about two feet high. The flow'ers are an inch across, purple and white near the bottom of each petal, spotted with purple. It much more resembles C. elegans than C. piilchella, Mr. Douglas has left some remarks on another species in California, closely allied to C. rhomhmiea, viz., C. unguiculata. 15# 174 breck's book of flowers. CLINTONIA. Clintonia elegans. — Elegant Clintonia. — A beautiful ten- der annual, with delicate foliage, and rich blue flowers in great profusion ; six inches high ; in July and August. C pulckella. — Pretty Clintonia. — A native of California. It is a pretty flowering tender annual, of veiy humble growth, only rising a few inches high. The flowers are rather larger than C. elegans, blue, with a broad white spot at the centre, stained with a rich yellow. The flower is about half an inch across. Its delicacy of growth will prevent its spreading rapidly through the country. The Clintonias, when grown in pots in the green-house, are very beautiful. — * — C L E 0 M E . This is an elegant tribe of plants, and very curious in their structure. The petals range themselves on the upper side, and the stamens and pistil are protruded a considerable length on slender filaments, forming beautiful airy groups. Cleome grandiflora is one of the most showy of the genus. It is easily raised from seed, when planted in the open ground, in April or May, and blooms abundantly from July to Septem- ber; grows from three to four feet high. Its spikes, continually increasing in length, are always surmounted with a crest of beautiful buds and flowers, which are of a pale pink-purple. It is beautiful in the garden, but withers very quickly when cut. C. pentaphylla. — This is also a handsome annual, of the same habit of the last ; about two or three feet high ; the flow- ers pure white ; the odor of the plant is most offensive. C. spinosa is a spiny plant, which grows about four feet high, and bears a spike of beautiful white (sometimes pinkish) flowers. All the species flourish in any common garden soil. However beautiful and curious these plants may be, and desirable for show, they are repulsive to the smell and unpleas- ant to the touch, and, therefore, will not be favorites. COBiE COLLOJIIA COLLINSIA. 175 COB^. Cobm sca?idens. — Mexican Climbing Cobee. — This is the most rapid green-house plant known, having been found to grow two hundred feet in one summer, in a conservatory. It is a perennial, but will not stand the winter, and, unless culti- vated in a green-house, is classed with tender annuals. It flourishes well in the open air, especially if it is first started in a hot-bed, in a pot, and turned into the ground in June. I have found it to continue blooming after a number of moderate frosts. The flowers are large, purple, and bell-shaped. The foliage is handsome, and the tendrils, which are fine and silky, will attach themselves to anything within reach, even a cobweb. If located in a warm place, it will cover a large space before it is destroyed by the frost. It can be raised by cuttings, but is rather difficult to keep through the winter. COLLOMIA. Collomia coccinnea. — Avery lively flower, growing in heads of bright carmine red, rather desirable and early. The seeds have, like some of the Salvias, the curious property of becom- ing invested with vegetable mucus when moistened with water. COLLINSIA. Collinsia hicolor. — Two-colored Collinsia. — A beautiful hardy annual, with white and h'ght-purple flowers, which are numerous and prettj' in June and July ; one foot high. C. grandiflora. — Large-flowering Collinsia. — This is another beautiful species, with large flowers, blue and purple ; flowering at the same time, and about the same height, bat 176 breck's book of flowers. more spreading. Both species are suitable to be planted in masses. Foliage delicate. COMMELINA. Commelina ccelestis. — Sky-blue Commelina. — Tender an- nual, or perennial if the roots are taken up and housed. The splendid blue flowers of this plant cannot be excelled, and its profusion of blossoms renders it deserving of cultivation in every flower-garden. The plant blooms from the middle of June to October. The roots are tuberous, and keep well through winter, if taken up after the blooming season, and pre- served like Dahlia roots. Plants from the old roots grow, in good soil, from two to three feet high ; those from seeds reach only from one to two feet. The following is the mode of management I have practised : — I fix upon a circular bed, eight feet in diameter, and in the first week in May I plant four feet of the centre with the old roots, placing the crowns just under the surface of the soil. The outer portion of the bed I plant with spring-sown plants, that have been raised in pots placed in a frame. Both the roots and plants should be planted about six inches apart. Thus, the centre of the bed being much higher than the outer part, the appearance is that of a splendid blue cone of flowers, scarcely to be excelled in beauty. Seeds are produced in abundance, and may be obtained of seedsmen at a small cost. COREOPSIS. Coreopsis Drummondii. — t)rummond Coreopsis. — A very showy hardy annual, with large yellow flowers, suitable for growing in masses, as it continues in bloom all the season. One foot high. C. tinctoria will be found under the head of Calliopsis. CONVOLVULUS — CREPIS DATURA. 177 CONVOLVULUS. Morning Glory. Convolvulus minor. — Dwarf Convolvulus. — A beautiful hardy annual, easily cultivated, affording a large mass of beauty from July to October. The plant spreads out much in every direction from the centre, so that a bed of them, with the plants two feet distant from each other, will interlock. It is not exceeded in elegance by any plant, when profusely covered with blue and yellow flowers, which open in the morn- ing, and continue the greater part of the day, if the sun is not powerfully hot, in which case they often fade by noon. The seed should be sown in April. C. major. — Morning Glory. — A well-known annual, of easy culture, and suitable for covering arbors or shading win- dows, consisting of many varieties, as white, rose, purple, and striped. CREPIS. Crepis harhata. — Purple-eyed Crepis. — The Purple-eyed Crepis is an uncommonly hardy and beautiful annual, of the easiest culture. Sown in masses, and the plants thinned out to eighteen inches distance, it makes a splendid appearance. It begins to flower the first of July, and continues, till October, covered with beautiful flowers, the rays of a light yellow, finely contrasted with the brilliant purple-brown of the centre. DATURA. Thorn Apple — Apple of Peru. Datura, tatnla, ferox quercifolia. — The first of these is the common weed called the Apple of Peru ; ferox resembles it in 178 breck's book of flowers. growth, but the flower is pure white ; quercAfolia we think the handsomest flower of either species ; it is larger than tatula, measuring five inches across the mouth, white, the nerves of a fine pink, shaded with a dull purple. The fruit is contained in a smooth capsule, and the leaf is somewhat like the oak, {quercus,) whence its name. The manner of growth is very- elegant ; and as each succeeding blossom burst through its fine calyx, we thought it more beautiful than its predecessor. We can truly recommend this as an ornament to the garden. D. stramoniuTn, double purple, is also a very desirable flower. DELPHINIUM. Larkspur. The annual Larkspurs are familiar to almost every one. Some of the species and varieties are among the most common ornaments of the garden. They are all very hardy, and flower stronger when self-sown in summer, or planted in beds, or in the border, in August or September. There are two dis- tinct species in common cultivation, differing essentially in their habits. Delphinium consolida. — Branching Larkspur. — This va- riety grows from two to three feet high, producing its flowers in spikes, which are continually pushing out from the main stem and branches, giving an abundance of bloom through the season. Flowers blue, white, pink, and variegated. The double varieties are the most desirable. Masses of the different sorts appear to great advantage. D. ajacis. — Dwarf Rocket Larkspur. — The double varieties of this species are among the most showy ornaments of the flower-garden, when properly grown. A bed of the double varieties, consisting of white, pearl color, lilac, pink, light and dark purple, is equal in beauty to a bed of fine Hyacinths. Autumn-sown plants will grow from DIANTHUS DIDISCUis DOLICHOS EUTOCA. 179 one and a half to two feet high. When grown in a rich, stiff soil, the Rocket Larkspur must always be considered the greatest summer ornament of the garden. The seed should be sown in beds where it is to remain, as it does not succeed well when transplanted. The plants should be thinned out so as to stand six inches apart. DIANTHUS. Diantkus Chinensis.—lnAvaxi Pink. See Dianthus,Tpage 111. DIDISCUS. Didiscns ccerulea. — Sky-blue Didiscus. — This is an ele- gant annual. The plant is very much branched, producing its fine blue flowers in numerous umbels, or hemispherical heads, of the size and shape of a large quilled Aster. Two feet high ; in July and August. Sow the seed in the open ground in May. Plants forwarded in a frame will begin to flower in June. DOLICHOS. Dolichos labbab. — Purple Hyacinth Bean. — A fine, tender annual climber, growing from eight to fifteen feet in a season. Treatment very much like the common bean. Flowers in clus- tered spikes. There is a variety with white flowers. EUTOCA, Eutoca viscida. — Clammy Eutoca. — The whole herbage is of a dull green, copiously clothed with glandular viscid hairs. The glands of a soot-black ; stem about one foot high. When 180 breck's) book of floaveks. in blossom, few plants possess greater attractions, from the extreme brilliancy of the flowers, which are of the deepest azure- blue. It is a hardy annual, and easily raised from seed. In bloom most of the season. E. divaricata. — Straggling Eutoca. — A small, light-violet flower, from California, not very showy. E. multiflora is in gardens here, but, although preferable to this, is not very likely to become a favorite. E. Wrangelina. — Earon Wrangel's Eutoca. — This pretty flowering annual is a native of New California, and has very recently been introduced into this country. The plant is of ready culture, growing freely in the open border, and bloom- ing for several months, and has a peculiarly neat appearance. The cymose heads, of pale-blue blossoms, being shoAvy ; each blossom is about half an inch across. E. Menziesii. — Menzies' Eutoca. — A beautiful hardy annual. The whole plant is clothed with hoary down, inter- mixed with longer bristly hairs. Flowers light-blue, in racemes an inch long. The plant should be cultivated in a light soil and sunny situation. EUPHORBIA. Euphorbia variegata. — Variegated Euphorbia. — A most elegant species ; a native of Missouri and Arkansas Territory ; an annual much cultivated now in gardens, and highly esteemed ; flowering late in autumn, and remarkable for its abundant variegated floral leaves. Leaves oval entire ; wavy, edged with white ; capsules smooth ; stems hairy. The seed must be sown early in April; it is some time vegetating. ERYSIMUM GAILLARDIA GILIA. 181 ERYSIMUM. Erysimum peroffskianum. — Palestine Mustard. — This is a hardy annual, having some resemblance to the Wall-flower. The plant is erect ; one foot to one and a half high ; bearing racemes or spikes of deep-orange blossoms from June to Sep- tember : a mass of it is very showy. GAILLARDIA. Gaillardiapicta. — Painted Gaillardia. — Avery handsome plant, naturally a perennial, but produces its flowers the first year from seed, if started early. It does not stand the winter without protection. It has large, beautiful crimson and yellow flowers in August; one to two feet high. G. bicolor. — Two-colored Gaillardia. — This variety ap- pears identical with Gaillardia picta, excepting all the leaves being entire. The fine large blossoms, more than two inches across, the large crimson disk, sun'ounded by a ray of fine yel- low, produce a very showy appearance, and render the plant well deserving a place in every flower-garden. Gaillardia, in compliment to M. Gaillard de Marentonneau, an amateur botanist. GILIA. Gilia tricoloi'. — Three-colored Gilia. — This pretty annual, originally from California, has found its way into most of our gardens. " This is one among the prettiest hardy annuals, not only of recent introduction into the country, but that is known in our gardens. It is, too, the more pleasing from the variation of tint seen among its delicate flowers, some of them being white." Pretty as this flower is, we fear it will not find favor with most cultivators ; something more showy is wanted to suit the 16 182 breck's book of flowers. common taste. The flowers are disposed in panicles, with a yellow eye, surrounded by a purple ring, bordered by pale- blue or white. It does not exceed one foot in height. "From its humble stature and neat growth it is peculiarly suited for culture in masses ; a style of planting showy flowers which produces a striking effect, where it can be pursued on a tolera- bly extensive scale." G. tenuijlora. — Slender-flowered. — A new hardy annual from California. Mr. Douglass has appended the name Gilia splendens to the plant, but it does not certainly merit such an appellation, being much inferior to G. tricolor. The flowers of the present species are produced upon slender, branching stems, which rise to about two feet high ; each flower is about a quarter of an inch across, of a pale rose color, slightly streaked with red outside, and of a fine violet in the inside. The flowers do not produce much show where a single plant is grown ; but, if grown in masses, it makes a pretty addition to the flower- garden. G. capitata. — Headed Gilia. — A pretty hardy annual, with blue, and a variety with white, flowers, in clusters or heads ; from June to August ; two feet high. GOMPHRENA. Globe Aviaranth. " Amaranths such as crown the maids That wander through Zamara's shades." Gomphrena globosa, — Globe Amaranth, — of which there are three common varieties, the white and the purple and the striped, are desirable for their heads of flowers, which, if gath- ered before they are too far advanced, will retain their beauty for several years. The seed is difficult to vegetate in the open ground ; soaking in milk twelve hours is recommended ; scalding, perhaps, would do better. GODETIA HELIANTHUS. 183 A powerful heat in the hot-bed will start it quick, and de- stroy the plant also, unless care is taken. Goviphrom is said to be a name applied by the ancients to a plant bearing red and green leaves on the same stem ; probably our Amaranthus tri- color, which is a well known tender annual, of some show. GODETIA. Primrose. This genus of plants has been separated from (E?iothera, to which it formerly belonged. They are generally very beauti- ful plants ; ha^dy annuals, of easy cultivation in any good gar- den soil. Godetia Lindleyaiia. — Lindley's Godetia, — This species is one of the prettiest of the tribe. The flowers are either white or blush, with a rich purple blotch on each petal, which gives great beauty to the flower. In flower in July and August ; about one foot high. G. rubicunda. — Ruddy Godetia. — A handsome hardy an- nual plant, growing about one and a half foot high, with purple flowers appearing in July and August. A native of California. G. densifiora, — Dense-flowered, — has its purple flowers in clusters. There are many other species and varieties, all worthy of cultivation, as G. lepida, quadrivulnera, imrpurea, lifrous, &c. HELIANTHUS. Sun-flower. " Great Helianthus climhs the upland lawn, And bows in homage to the rising dawn ; Imbibes with eagle eye the golden ray, And watches as it moves the orb of day." Helianthus annuas. — Garden Sun-flower. — This lordly plant is too well known to need any description. A plantation 184 breck's book of flowers. of them, in some locations, will do very well ; but they are great exhausters of the soil. The Doable Dwarf Sun-flower is more desirable : the tubular florets of the disk being changed into ligular ones, like those in the ray ; from three to six feet high. HIBISCUS. Hibiscus vesicarivs. — African Hibiscus. — This is a plant of extremely easy culture ; should be planted early in the spring. The petals are large and showy, of a straw color, the centre a deep rich brown or purple, finely contrasted \vith the brilliant gold color of the stamens or anthers. The flowers quickly perish, but, to compensate for their frailty, it continues to bloom from June to September. HELICHRYSUM. Everlasting Flower. A family of plants much admired on account of the beauty of their flowers, when dried ; which, if gathered when they first open, and carefully dried, retain their color and shape for many years. They are, therefore, highly prized for winter mantel bouquets, and ornaments for vases, &c. Helichrysum bracteatum. — Golden Eternal Flower. — It is a hardy annual, growing two feet high, producing flowers from July to November. There is a variety with white flowers. H. micanthrum. — Large Everlasting Flower. — This is of the same height as the preceding, flowering at the same time ; flowers much larger ; one variety white, tipped with red ; an- other yellow, tipped in the same way ; all are easily cultivated in a rich, loamy soil. Plants, forwarded in a frame, are in bloom from June to November. IBERIS. — IMPATIENS. 185 IBERIS. Candy-Tuft. Iberis, from the country called Iberia, now Spain. Most )f the species grow in such countries. They are generally pretty plants, and some of them cultivated in gardens as hardy annuals, under the name of Candy-Tuft, — a name which was originally applied to the /. umhellata only, which was first dis- covered in Candia. I. umhellata has umbels of purple flowers, in June and July. /. amara, or bitter, has white flowers, in umbels, at the same time. Both are hardy annuals, of no little beauty, (the last from England,) and worthy of cultivation. The seed should be sown early in April ; height about one foot. /. coronaria. — Rocket Candy-Tuft. — This hardy annual is of considerable beauty, being very showy, and a pure white. The clusters of racemes are numerous and very large, being three or four inches long. At a distance, the fine flowers very much resemble the Double White Rocket. It blooms for sev- eral months during the summer. It well deserves a place in every flower-garden. All the species and varieties of the Candy-Tuft are very hardy, and easy to cultivate. The fall-sown seeds flower early ; those sown in April, from July to September ; and some of the species until the frost in October. There is a variety, called the New Crimson, that is not crimson, but a deep, rich purple. All the varieties look best in beds, or masses. IMPATIENS. Balsavi. Impatiens lalsamina. — Touch-me-not. — The Double Bal- sam is one of the most prominent ornaments of the garden, in July and August. Old seed is considered by some to be the best, as more likely to produce double flowers. The seeds 16* 186 breck's book of flowers, should be saved from double flowering plants only ; all single flowering ones should be destroyed as soon as they appear. Most plants raised in a hot-bed do better to transplant into small pots, and shift to larger as they increase in size. Bal- sams thus treated, sown the first of April, will begin to flower the last of May, and may be turned into the ground in June, without checking their growth in the least. If the soil is rich and a little moist, or supplied with moisture, the plants will attain a monstrous size, and be completely covered with a pro- fusion of flowers all the season. All the full double varieties are beautiful ; the colors are crimson, scarlet, light and dark purple, rose, blush, white, &c.; some produce white and red or purple flowers on the same plant; others are variegated, or spotted with various shades of red and purple, which are decidedly the most elegant. The seed should be sown in the open ground about the middle of May ; they will then flower very well for two months of the season. IPOMEA. The greater part of this genus are handsome climbing plants. Ipomea quamod.it, — Cypress Vine. — There is no annual climbing plant that exceeds the Cypress Vine, in elegance of foliage, gracefulness of habit, or loveliness of flowers. The only difficulty in its successful cultivation, in our climate, is the "shortness of our seasons. It requires heat to bring it to perfection, and will not give general satisfaction, unless the plants are brought forward in the hot-bed. If it is planted in the open ground, it will not be of any ad- vantage to sow the seed before the last of May, as it will not grow till the ground is warm. Previous to sowing, the seed should have boiling water poured over it, which should remain until the water is nearly cold. If sown in a warm place, the plants will appear above ground in a few days. The plants are difficult to transplant, therefore the seeds should be sown where IPOMEA. 187 the plants are to remain. Without scalding, or unless the hull of the seed is taken off, it will remain in the ground a long time without vegetating. Plants thus raised will, in a warm season, do very well, but much inferior to those that have been forwarded in the frame. The seeds should be sown in a hot- bed, with a brisk heat, in March, in small pots, a number of seeds in each pot, so as to be sure of two or three plants in each. In a month, if carefully attended, the roots will have filled the pots ; it will then be necessary to shift the plants into larger ones. Before the first of June, the plants will begin to flower ; but do not be in haste to put them into the ground ; keep them in the frame, where they can be protected in case of cold storms, but expose them during the day to the full influence of the sun and air, by taking the sashes entirely off. By the 10th of June, the plants may be turned into the ground very carefully, so that the roots may not be disturbed. The ground should be made rich with well-rotted manure; the plants should be placed at the distance of one foot, or a foot and a half, if the object is to cover a wall or trellis. I have covered a trellis by the middle of August, twenty-five feet long and five high, with its elegant feathery foliage, so as to form a complete screen. The flowers, like those of the Morning Glory, appear in the morning and perish before noon. They are of a deep crimson color, and contrast finely with the rich green of the leaves. There is another variety, with white flowers. It should be sheltered from the northerly winds by a fence, trees, or buildings. An elegant cone may be made by setting a straight pole substantially into the ground, eight feet high from the surface ; describe a circle round it, whose diam- eter shall be three feet ; let about ten pots of plants be turned into the circle ; drive down a stake by the side of each, nearly to the surface, to which tie a strong twine, that may be stained or painted green ; let it be carried to the top of the pole and fast- ened there ; then bring it down to the next stake, and so on until the whole is completed. With a little assistance the vines will climb the strings, and by the iniddle of August will be at the 188 breck's book of flowers. top of the pole, making a splendid show, more than paying i r all the trouble. It may be trained over an arch, or any othjr way fancy may direct. This beautiful vine is a native of the Southern States. I. coccinea. — Scarlet Morning Glory. — A handsome species flowering in great profusion towards the close of the season, growing ten feet high ; a native of the West Indies. The flowers are bright scarlet in one variety, and, in another, yellow and quite small ; from July to the first hard frost. The seed may be sown from the 1st to the 10th of May, or treated like the Cypress Vine. /. lacunosa. — Starry Ipomea. — This is also a handsome species ; a North American plant ; culture the same as cocci- nea; with delicate blue flowers, from July to September ; ten feet high. There is also a variety with white flowers. /. nil is a highly beautiful plant, with the corollas of a clear blue color, whence its name anil, or nil, (indigo) ; treatment same as the last, and flowering the same time, attaining the same height ; a North American plant. LATHYRUS. Sweet Pea. " Peas of all kinds diffuse their odorous powers Where Nature pencils butterflies on flowers." Lathyrus odoratus is one of the most beautiful, and also one of the most fragrant, of the species, and is deservedly one of the most popular annuals which enrich the flower-garden. The varieties are, white, rose, scarlet, purple, black, and variegated. Each variety should be sown by itself, in circles about a foot in diameter, three or four feet from any other plant. When the young plants require support, a light, neat stake, or rod, should be stuck into the centre of the circle, to which they should be slightly fastened as they advance in height. Some are in the LASTHENIA LAVATERA — LEPTOSIPHON. 189 habit of supporting them with brush, which looks very un- sightly before it is covered with the vines. The Sweet Pea will grow five or six feet high, in rich ground, and continue in bloom from July to October. The seed should be sown as soon as the ground is in order in the spring. — • — LASTHENIA. Lastkenia glabrata. — A yellow flower, from California, somewhat in the style of a small Sun-flower ; not likely to become very popular. — • — LAVATERA. Lavateria, — in memory of two Lavaters, physicians of Zurich. The species resemble those of Malva, in general appearance and culture. L. trimestris. — Common Lavatera. — A popular hardy an- nual, of easy culture, and handsome appearance, flowering from July to September ; one variety with white, and another with pink, flowers ; two feet high. LEPTOSIPHON. Leptosiphon avdrosaceus — Androsace-like Leptosiphon. — The name of the genus now before us is derived from the Greek words leptos, slender, and siphon, a tube. Its application is evident. This is a very pretty hardy annual, of humble growth, vary- ing, in the color of its flowers, from white to pale pink, or pur- ple. It is a valuable little plant for flowering early in the sum- mer from autumn-sown seeds. The physiologist may be recommended to examine the leaves of this plant, which are deeply divided into segments, always consisting of an even number, as four, six, eight, &c. 190 breck's book of flowers. LIMNANTHUS. lAmymnthus Douglassii. — 'Six. Douglass' Limnanthes. — A native of California, from whence it was sent by [Mr. Douglass. The plant is annual, quite hardy, decumbent, stems growing ten or twelve inches long. The ends are cro^^'ned with nu- merous fragrant flowers, each about an inch across, much resembling in size and form the 2semophila grandijiora. A large portion of the flower is a deep yellow, the extremities of the petals being white. It blooms from June to August. Lim- nanthes, from lumen, a lake, and anthos, a flower; the plant, probably, in its native habitats, growing bj' the sides of lakes, rivers, 6cc. LOASA. A curious genus, mostly annuals, remarkable for the beauty of their singular flowers, and as remarkable for the stinging appendages of the plants. Loasa ojcanthifolia and brionifolia. — These are elegant yel- low flowers, \exj curious in their structure ; but the plants pos- sess one quality which must forever banish them from the pleasure garden ; the whole plant is covered with hairs, which, on being even slightly touched, eject a poison into the flesh, causing a painful blister, the effect of which does not pass ofi" for several days. L. lateritia. — Brick-red Loasa. — It is a native of South America ; a climber, growing twelve to twenty feet in a sea- son. The seed should be so'mi in a warm border, early in May. The flowers are prettily colored between a brick-red and orange shade, and produced in profusion through the summer and autumn. It is \exy ornamental, Avhen properly trained upon a trellis ; but it w"ill be best not to come within touching distance of the plant without a good pair of gloves. L. pentlandica is another beautiful species, of later introduc- LOPHOSPEEJIXTM LTTPI>nJS. 191 tion than the last, and said to be more tender ; this is also a climbing plant. LOPHOSPERMUM. Lophospermum scandeTis. — Climbing Lophosper. — This beautiful climber is properly a green-house perennial, but is sometimes cultivated as an annual ; the plants flowering the first year in the open ground, if they have been forwarded in the hot-bed. The flowers are funnel-shaped, two inches or more in length, of a duU purple. There are a number of other varieties, with purple or crimson flowers. This beautiful climber is found growing over bushes, making a splendid ap- pearance, in the valley of Mexico. A variety, or species, with white flowers, was discovered in the same location. LUPINUS. Lupin. There are a number of annual Lupins in much esteem for their velvet-like leaves and fine large flowers, all of vigorous growth and easy to cultivate. The seeds should be planted in April. The old varieties cultivated are, L. pilosas, rose ; L. albu^, white ; L. hirsutas, great blue ; and L. hdeus, with fine yellow flowers ; all flowering in July and August. L. varius is a more delicate species, with smaller foliage and fine blue flowers ; in bloom the same time as the others. L. Hartwegii, — Hartweg's Lupin, — is one of the most beau- tiful of all the species, with delicate foliage and numerous dense spikes of rich blue flowers ; in flower from July to September ; from one to one and a half foot high, suitable for planting in masses. L. Cridkshanki. — Cniikshank's Lupin. — This is an elegant 192 breck's book of flowejrs. species, growing from two to three feet high, with large spikes of white flowers, shaded with yellow, and blue or purple. The whole family flower better in a lean soil than in a rich one. MADIA. Madia elegans. — Elegant Madia. — A pretty annual, of recent introduction. The seeds should be planted in the bor- der in May. If the plants can have a shady location, it will be much the best, as the bright sunshine causes the petals of the flower to curl up, thus destroying much of their beauty. The flowers are large, with yellow rays and brown disk. Early in the morning, or just at night, the blossoms appear exceeding splendid ; about two feet high. MALOPE. Malope grandiflorum. — Grand Flowering Malope. — This very showy plant is of the Mallow tribe ; grows two feet to two feet six inches high. The flowers are produced in great abundance, and, being of a fine rosy-crimson, make a very gay appearance, rendering it a desirable plant for giving a distant attracting effect. It blooms from June to the end of October, unless cut off" by frost. Seed should be sown in pots early in March, and be raised in a hot-bed ; or may be sown upon a hot- bed, under a frame or hand-glass. The plants may be set out in the open border by the middle of May. M. grandijlora alba. — A variety with white flowers, but rather more delicate in its habits than the other variety. Both of the varieties are better grown in a green-house, but are perfectly hardy. The plant blooms most profusely in a good loamy soil, mixed with a little manure or leaf-mould. If the soil be very rich, the plant will be liable to grow too vigor- ously, and produce a vast profusion of foliage, which will BLAURANDIA MARTYNEA. 193 rather conceal the flowers ; but if moderately enriched, it will produce one mass of bloom. I find it profitable to give all my flower-beds an addition of fresh soil every winter, generally adding about two or three inches deep. If the Malope grandi- Jlora is not desired to come into bloom before the beginning of August, the seed may be sown in April or May, in the open border where it is desired that the plants shall blossom. The plant produces seed in abundance, which ripen well from plants that bloom early in the summer. MAURANDIA. Maurandia Barclayayia is an elegant green-house, climbing perennial, but may be raised from seed, and brought forward in a frame, so as to flower profusely from August to October, or till severe frosts later in the season. Plants may be had at most green-houses, at small expense, which, put out in the border with a little frame to which to attach its tendrils, will be loaded with its rich, purple, foxglove-shaped flowers, every day through the season. There are a number of other varieties, all handsome. The plants will grow from five to ten feet high. MARTYNEA. Unicorn Plant. Handsome tropical annuals, remarkable for the size of their flowers, compared with their leaves. Martynea proboscidea. — Common Martynea. — This plant is often cultivated in vegetable gardens for its capsules, which, when green and tender, make a fine pickle. It is also a curious plant for the border, on account of its large flowers ; but more particularly for its singularly curious seed-vessels. M. fragrans. — Fragrant Martynea. — This is a beautiful new annual, that succeeds very well when sown in the open 17 194 BRECK's book of FLO\ArERS. border the 10th of May, It is undoubtedly one of the finest species of the tribe ; no other one will compare with it. It is robust in its habit, throwing out large lateral branches, the plant growing three feet high, producing an immense profusion of flowers from the first of August till destroyed by frost. The flowers are large, resembling the Gloxiiiia, thick-set on spikes, and are of a delicate rosy lilac, blotched and shaded with bright crimson, with an agreeable odor. The foliage is thick, more soft and velvety than the above-described species. The seed- capsules add much to the appearance of the plant. MATHIOLA. Gillyflower. This genus contains many beautiful species and varieties of plants, with fragrant, handsome flowers, which have been so much hybridized by florists, that it would puzzle a botanist to define the species in most of the cultivated sorts. The Ger- man stocks are very much celebrated for the great variety of their color and size of their flowers. I give Cobbett's description and mode of cultivation of this fine tribe : — " If I were to choose amongst all the biennials and annuals, I should certainly choose the Stock. Elegant leaf, elegant plant, beautiful, showy, and most fragrant flower ; and, with suitable attention, blooms, even in the natural ground, from May to November in England, and from June to November here. " The annuals are called the Ten Week Stocks. And of these there are, with a pea-green leaf, the red, white, purple, and scarlet ; and then, there are all the same colors with a wall flower, or sea-green leaf. " Of the biennials, there are the Brompton, of which there are the scarlet and the white ; and the Twickenham, which is purple. " As to propagation, it is of course by seed only. If there ME Die AGO. 195 be nothing but the natural ground to rely on, the sowing must be early ; the earth very fine and rich. The seed is small and thin, and does not easily come up in coarse earth. If the plants come up thick, thin them when very young, and do not leave them nearer together than six inches. They, how- ever, transplant very well ; and those that have not place to blow in, may be removed, and a succession of bloom thus secured. " If you have a green-house, glass-frame, or hand-glass, you get flowers six weeks earlier. The biennials are sown at the same time, and treated in the same way. " They blow the second year ; but if there be great difficulty in preserving them in the natural ground, through the winter, in England, what must it be here ? Indeed, it cannot be done ; and yet they are so fine, so lofty, and such masses of beautiful and fragrant flowers, and they continue so long in bloom, that they are worth any care and any trouble. There is but one way ; the plants, when they get ten or a dozen leaves, must be put into flower-pots. " These may be sunk in the earth, in the open ground, till November, [Long Island,] and when the sharp frosts come, the pots must be taken up and placed out of the reach of hard frosts, and where there is, however, sun and air. When the spring comes, the pots may be put out into the natural ground again ; or, which is better, the balls of earth may be put into a hole made for the purpose ; and thus the plants will be in the natural ground, to blow. " In this country, they should be placed in the shade when put out again, for a very hot sun is apt to tarnish the bloom." MEDICAGO, Medicago sativa is the Lucerne, a valuable agricultural plant. The following species are cultivated on account of their 196 breck's book of flowers. curious seed-vessels, and not for their flowers, which are inferior. M. scutellata. — Snails. — An annual. It has curious seed- pods, which resemble a snail, and is generally known by the name of Snails. M. intertexta, — Hedge-hog, — is an annual, cultivated for its curious seed-vessels. Flowers yellow, in July and August. M. circinatus, — Caterpillar, — is also a very curious annual. The seed-pods have the appearance of caterpillars ; flowers yellow, of no beauty ; in June and July. MESEMBRYANTHEMUM. Ice Plant. " With pellucid studs the Ice-flower gems His rimy foliage, aad his candied stems." M. cordifolium. — Common Ice Plant. — This is a singular tender annual plant, with thick, fleshy leaves, that have the appearance of being covered with crystals of ice. It succeeds well in the open border, when forwarded in small pots, in light sandy soil, in a hot-bed. When the young seedlings have obtained sufficient size, they should be shifted into larger pots, in the same kind of soil in which the seeds were so^vn. They may be grown in pots, or turned out in the open ground in June. The plants are highly ornamental, and contrast well with other annuals. There is not much beauty in the flowers. MIMOSA. Mimosa sensitiva, — Sensitive Plant, — is a well-known annual, from Brazil. It succeeds in the border during the summer months, if the seed is sown, in March or April, in a hot-bed, and the plants forwarded in pots, and turned out in MIMULUS. 197 June. Thus treated, it will flourish, and ripen seeds in favor- able seasons, and grow to a large size. This singular plant calls forth universal admiration. It has been a puzzle to many a philosopher. The cause of its sensi- tiveness has lately been more satisfactorily explained, yet it is still shrouded in mystery. The plant is most irritable in the greatest heat. Dr. Darwin thus characterizes it : — "Weak with nice sense the chaste Mimosa stands, From each rude touch withdraws her tender hands ; Oft, as light clouds o'erpass the summer glade, Alarmed, she trembles at the moving shade, And feels, alive through all her tender form. The whispered murmurs of the gathering storm ; Shuts her sweet eye-lids to approaching night. And haiis, with freshened charms, the rising light." MIMULUS. Monkey Flower. The species are showy plants, of the easiest culture, in almost any soil or situation not over dry. They are perennials in the green-house, where they are easily propagated from cuttings. In the open ground they are annuals, flowering profusely the same season, from seed. I have known them stand through the winter, in a moist place, that was covered with ice the most of the season. The seeds are almost as fine as dust, and require consider- able attention to get them up, I have found seeds, self-sown in the autumn, to come up freely in the spring, commencing flowering in June, and con- tinuing in bloom till October. They seem to succeed best in a moist and rather shaded place. Mirmdus rivularis has the reputation of producing a great number of beautiful species, (as we are informed by an English 17* 198 breck's book of flowers. periodical), " as Youngii, Smithii, Elpkinstonea, Rowsoneana, Wheelariana, RanbyaTia, &c. This plant delights in a rich, moist soil, mixed with sand, and if it be a little shady it is beneficial ; the colors of the flower are better, and the plant more vigorous. A free supply of water is necessary, in order to grow this successfully, I have had a single plant grow three feet and a half high, and be six feet in circumference, producing a vast profusion of flowers, most amply repaying the little extra attention paid to its culture. When I obtained this plant at first, I was instructed to grow it in a small, shallow pond, keeping the roots immersed in water. I was told it would there succeed far better than by any other method ; but in this particular I find it very much to the contrary. A soil as above described, and a good supply of water in dry weather, are all that is required. I had a plant of M. Elphinstonea, grown in a pot this summer, the size above particularized. The species and all its varieties are readily increased by taking off rooted shoots, or by cuttings. Seed sown in spring, and the plants pricked out into a bed of rich soil, will flower by July, and continue through the season. The impregnation of these kinds, with any or all of the others, produces a pleasing and interesting variation of flowers. " The flowers are tubular, with fine, wide-spreading segments; the ground color, all shades of yellow, from light straw to deep orange, beautifully spotted or blotched with crimson or scarlet. On some varieties there is a large blotch or spot on each seg- ment of the corolla, while the throat of the plant is beautifully spotted or mottled. It is a flower very much given to sporting. M. cardiyialis is another very ornamental species, with bril- liant scarlet flowers, with varieties having rose or orange- colored blossoms. It requires the same treatment as the other varieties, and is equally rapid in its growth. I have not, how- ever, ever raised plants as large as the one described above. M. moschaliis. — Musk-scented. — This is Avell known as the Musk Plant. It is dwarf in its habit, with small yellow MIRABILIS — MOMORDICA. 199 flowers, requiring the same soil and treatment as with the other sptcies and varieties. There are many other species or varieties of this curious plant, all pretty. MIRABILIS. Marvel of Peru. Mirabilis is a Latin- word, signifying something wonderful or admirable, and applied with some reason. M. jalapa, or common Four-o'clock of the gardens, is a very ornamental plant for borders. When cultivated it sports into many agreeable varieties. It is considered and treated as a tender annual. It may, however, be planted the last of April, and bears a profusion of flowers in August and September. Although treated as an annual, it is, in its native country, a perennial, with the rest of the species. Its large tuberous roots, if taken up and pre- served during winter, like the Dahlia, will flower perennially. The flowers are red in its native country, the West Indies ; but in the garden are to be found white, yellow, various shades of red, and variegated flowers. The powder of these roots, washed, scraped, and dried, is one of the substances which form the jalap of druggists. Stem two to three feet high. M. longijlora, like the last, is handsome and fragrant. The flowers are pure white, with purple bottom, standing on long tubes ; in July and August. MOMORDICA M. halsamina, or Balsam Apple, is cultivated as an object of curiosity, and for its fruit, which is considered excellent, by those who are in the habit of using it, for curing wounds. It has fleshy, ovate fruit, remotely tubercled in longitudinal 200 breck's book of flowers. rows; smooth in the other parts; red when ripe, bursting irregularly, and dispersing the seeds with a spring. « The fruit is used in Syria for the same purpose that it is here. They cut it open when unripe, and infuse it in sweet oil, exposed to the sun for some days, until the oil has become red. This, dropped on cotton, is applied to a fresh wound. The fruit here is not picked until ripe, and then preserved in spirit. A piece of the fruit is bound upon a fresh wound, which is considered efficacious. A native of India; tender annual ; a climber four feet high ; flowers yellow, in July and August ; time for planting in May. M. charantia. — Balsam Pear. — Like the last, a tender annual, the same height and color of flower ; growth and habits the same. Fruit fleshy, oblong, acuminate, angular-waisted ; from the East Indies, This and the preceding must be sup- ported with stout brush, four feet high. M TO S OTIS. Fo7-get-me-not. Myosotis, — so named from Greek words signifying a " rat's ear." Its oval, velvety leaves are like the ear of a rat or mouse. M. arvensis is a well kno^^Tl sentimental plant, bearing very delicate blue flowers, with white and yellow eyes, in little spikes or clusters, most of the season ; six inches high. It flourishes best in a moist, shady place. Propagated freely from seeds. Autumn-sown plants succeed best. NEMOrHILA, Nemopkila insignis, — Opposite-leaved Insignis, — is an ele- gant hardy annual, producing brilliant blue flowers, on stems six or eight inches high. NIGELLA NOLANA. 201 Self-sown seeds produce plants that flower in May, and continue a long time in bloom if in a shady situation. They will not flourish if exposed to the hot sun. JY. aurita. — Ear-leaved Nemophila. — A hardy annual, with purplish-blue flowers. N. atomaria, — Dotted-flowered Nemophila, — resembles N. insignis, but differs in its white flowers, which are thickly dotted with dark purple. All the species are dwarf. N. maculata, — Spotted Nemophila, — is a spotted variety of visignis, of great beauty, but not common. NIGELLA. Love in a Mist. Nigella, from niger, black, because of the color of the seeds, which are the parts of the plant used in cookery. The species are curious or neat little plants, with fine-cut leaves, like fennel. iV. damasceiia and sativa are hardy annuals. In some parts of Europe, the leaves and seed of the latter species, and N. arvensis, are used in cookery, instead of more expensive aromatics. They are also said to be extensively used in the adulteration of pepper. N. damascena is from the south of Europe ; two feet high, with light-blue flowers, from June to September. Flowers in a leafy involucre. NOLANA. Nolana is a diminution of 7iola, signifying a bell in low Latin. The name has been applied to this plant on account of its bell-shaped corolla. The species are hardy annuals, of beautiful appearance when in flower. Nolana prostrata. — Trailing Nolana. — Elegant annual from 202 breck's book of flowers. Peru. Its specific name, prostrata, from the manner of grow- ing. Tiie stems are prostrate, much branching, and covered with a profusion of flatfish, bell-shaped flowers, of a fine blue streaked with black, from July to September. It may be sown early in the spring in the border. Nolana atriplicifolia. — A new and very handsome flower- ing annual, of prostrate growth, or, if grown in masses, will rise to half a foot high. The flowers are produced most numerously, and give a very pretty appearance. The plant deserves a place in every flower-garden. It is a desirable plant to grow in order to hang pendulous over the edge of a vase, pot, &c., contrasting with Verbena melhidres. The flowers have some resemblance to the Dwarf Convol- vulus, [Convolvulus minor,) fine azure-blue with a white centre, the bottom or tube of the flower yellow. J. B. 0 C Y M U N . Basil. Ocynmn hasilicum. — Sweet Basil. — This highly odorifer- ous plant is frequently known in country gardens, under the name of Lavender. The true Lavender is a half-hardy shrub. Sweet Basil is used in French cookery. It is a very agreeable plant to have in the garden. The seed should be sown in May. (ENOTHERA. Evening Primrose. " A tuft of Evening Primroses, O'er which the wind may hover till it dozes ; O'er which it vsrell might take a pleasant sleep, But it is ever startled by the leap ^ Of buds into ripe flowers." A family of plants which open their blossoms as dew begins to fall, and generally handsome border flowers. O. Lindley- PAPAVER. 203 ana and others have been separated from this genus, and now classed with Goodetias. O. grandijloi-a, — Great-flowered Evening Primrose, — is a handsome border annual, with yellow flowers, from July to October. Four feet high. A native of North America. O. nocturna. — Night-smelling Primrose. — An elegant half- hardy biennial from the Cape of Good Hope. Flowers pro- fusely the first season, and may be considered and .treated in open air culture as a hardy annual, having a succession of yellow flowers from July to October. Two feet high. O. tetraptera. — White-flowered Evening Primrose. — A very beautiful prostrate-growing, hardy annual from Mexico. One foot high, with a succession of pure white flowers from July to September, which make their appearance after the sun has descended the horizon, and perish before it rises in the morning. O. longiflora, an elegant biennial, if the roots can be pre- served through the winter, but generally cultivated as an annual, with uncommonly large and showy yellow flowers from July to October. A native of Buenos Ayres. Three feet high. PAPAVER. Poppy. "And the poppies red, On their wistful bed, Turn up their dark blue eyes to thee." Papaver rhosas. — Corn Poppy, or African Rose. — The spe- cific name is from Greek, signifying to flow or fall, in allusion to the quickly perishable nature of the flowers. It is a common weed among grain on gravelly soils in England ; but, in its double and semi-double varieties, it is one of the handsomest of garden annuals ; sporting in a thousand different varieties of scarlet, crimson, purple, pink, white, variegated, and parti- 204 breck's book of flowers. colored flowers, and continuing all the summer in bloom. It is frequently known by the name of the African Rose. The odor of the flower renders it unpopular; nothing can exceed the beauty and delicacy of the flower. P. somniferum. — Opium Poppy. — The true Opium Poppy has very large capsules. The flowers are white, of extra size. Another variety has dall-purple flowers. The double varieties are handsome, and, were it not for their bad odor and sleepy properties, would be more highly appreciated in the flower- garden. A bed of full double Poppies, of scarlet, crimson, purple, white and variegated, makes a grand show. Picotee Poppies are improved varieties with white flowers, spotted or splashed with crimson or scarlet, and very hand- some. All the varieties are easily cultivated. None of them can be transplanted with success. PETUNIA. Petunia PhoRnecia. — An ever-blooming hardy annual, now well known, but not many years an inhabitant of our flower- gardens. Flowers purple ; from June to November. P. nictagynajlora has large white flowers, coarser in its growth than the last, but of the same spreading habit. From these two species have been produced innumerable improved varieties, which can be perpetuated only by cuttings or layers, and kept in the green-house through the winter. Seedlings will vary essentially from the parent plant. These varieties are various shades of white, rose or light- purple, beautifully veined, striped or shaded with crimson or purple, with dark throats. Single plants should be trained to a trellis or frame-work, and will grow three or four feet high. Planted in masses, they present an ever-blooming, beautiful sight. The plants are repulsive to the smell, and unpleasant to the touch, as the stems and leaves are covered with a viscid substance. PHLOX — THASEOLUS — TLATYSTEMON. 201 PHLOX. The only annual Phlox with which we are acquainted is Phlox Drum7no7idii, and this, in all its varieties, is worthy of a place in every garden. It is perfectly hardy. When planted in masses, no plant is more showy. The varieties are scarlet, crimson, purple, white, and pink, variegated with all inter- mediate shades. It grows about one foot high. To have a constant bloom of this beautiful flower all the season, seed should be sown in autumn, in the hot-bed in April, and in the open ground in June. If the plants are put out six inches distant from each other, they will form a compact mass, and amply repay all the care and trouble of cultivation. The plants are low and spreading, about one foot high. PHASEOLUS. Phaseolus multijlorrus. — Scarlet-flowering Bean. — This is a popular climbing annual, with spikes of showy scarlet flow- ers, and a variety with white flowers. They are extensively cultivated to cover arbors, walls, or to form screens, for which purpose they are admirably adapted, on account of their vigor- ous and rapid growth. Plant the beans the middle of May. PLATYSTEMON. Platystemon Cedifornicus. — It is a hardy annual, of con- siderable beauty, growing in any light, loamy soil, and readily increased by seeds, which it perfects freely in the open border. It is one of the many interesting discoveries of Mr. Douglass, to whom our collections are indebted for its introduction. 18 breck's book of flowers. Platystemon lineare. — Linear-leaved Platystemon. — One of the prettiest of all little annuals, with its graceful cups of white and yellow, resembling those of a Ranunculus, but far more gay. It is a native of California, where it was originally found by Douglass, who, however, sent home no seed. PORTULACCA. Every person who has had any experience in the garden is too well acquainted with the weed Purslane, or Pursly, and would gladly see an extermination, not only of that plant, but all its kindred. It is indeed a troublesome weed ; but no one should be condemned because he happens to have bad relations, nor should Portulacca splendens, although a splendid Purslane. In speaking of it we leave off the Purslane, and call it the Splendid Portulacca, for, were its family connections gen- erally known, we should fear it might not receive the attention it deserves ; for, truly, it is a great acquisition to the flower- garden, and no plant presents a more brilliant show than this, when planted in masses. The flowers are rosy-crimson, large and beautiful, opening with the bright morning sun. It makes a rich bed from July to October. The plant is dwarf and trail- ing ; leaves small ; about six inches high. All the other varieties have the same habit, and equally beautiful. Porlulaccathelhtsoni, — Scarlet Portulacca, — is exactly like the last, with brilliant scarlet flowers. Portulacca, var. lut.ea, — the same, with fine yellow flowers, and brown centre. Portulacca, var. alba, — the same, with white flowers, often sporting to white with pink stripes ; all the varieties are per- fectly hardy, sowing themselves in autumn ; only requiring to be thinned out in the spring, or transplanted to beds or wher- ever wanted. RESEDA RHODANTIIE — SALPIGLOSSIS. 207 RESEDA. Mig?ionette. " No gorgeous flowers the meek Reseda grace, Yet sip with eager trunk yon busy race Her simple cup, nor heed the dazzling gem That beams in Fritillaria's diadem." Reseda odorata. — Common Mignonette. — This fragrant hardy annual is too well known to need any description. A bed of it should be found in every garden. It continues to bloom and send forth its sweetness all the season, perfuming the whole region about the premises. Self-sown plants begin to produce flowers in June. The plants are in great demand in and about London and other great cities, being sold in pots and in bouquets. Some idea of the extent of its cultivation may be derived from the fact, which I heard from a creditable London seedsman, that he alone sold a ton and a half of the seed yearly. RHODANTHE. Rhodantke Manglesii. — A most delightful plant, from the new English colony at Swan River; it is one of the tribe called everlasting, from its remaining perfect throughout the winter, if gathered when in bloom, and resembles the Helichrysum. A plant exhibited at a meeting of the London Horticultural Society, measured from eighteen inches to two feet in height, and was covered with hundreds of open flowers, and expanded rosy buds ; it remained in blossom three months. SALPIGLOSSIS. Salpiglossis, from two Greek words, signifying a trumpet and a tongue, in allusion to the tubular, yet tongue-shaped, ex- tremity of the style. 208 breck's book of flowers. The genus contains many varieties of ornamental plants, originally from Chili. In their native habitats they are perennials ; but here a bien- nial in the green-house, or a tender annual in the open air. They succeed finely if the plants are started in a frame, flower- ing in July and August ; from one and a half to two feet high. Salpiglossis atropurptirea is extremely beautiful; bemg altogether of a fine, rich, dark-velvety puce color. The flowers of all the varieties are funnel-shaped, something after the fash- ion of the Petunia, but not so broad. S. straminea has pure yellow flowers. S. Barclayana and hybrida are iron-brown, and yellow veined with brown. S. sintiata, flowers dark blood color, veined or striped. S. picta has beautiful striped flowers. The best soil is a mixture of loam and sand, enriched with rotted horse-manure and a little leaf mould. In a heavy gar- den soil it will not succeed so well. The green-house is the proper situation for this pretty flower. SCABIOSA. Scabious. ' ' The Scabious blooms in sad array, A mourner in her spring." Scabiosa atropurpurea. — Mourning Bride. — A hardy orna- mental plant, suitable for the border ; it may be sown any time in May, and will produce its flowers from July to October ; two feet high. There is a great variety in the flowers of different plants ; some of them are almost black ; others a dark puce purple, and various shades, down to lilac; they are produced in heads. SCHIZANTHUS SCHIZOPETALON. 209. SCHIZANTHUS. Schizanthus, from Greek words to cut, and a fiower, in allusion to the numerous divisions of its beautiful purple and yellow flowers. Tender annual plants, with finely cut pale- green leaves and terminal panicles of elegant flowers. Schizanthus pinnatus, — Pinnate-leaved Schizanthus, — is one of the most common species, from which a number of beautiful and improved seedlings have been produced. All the varieties are very pretty in the open ground, and bloom most of the season, but are much injured by the sun or severe rains. They can only be brought to the highest state of perfection when grown in pots in the green-house, where they can be made to attain the height of three or four feet, — in the open ground about two feet; from August to October. The varieties are humilis, porrigens, retusus, Hookerii, Priestii and Grahamii. SCHIZOPETALON. Schizopetalon Walheri. — Walker's Schizopetalon. — This is a singular plant, about one foot high, with curious white flowers ; the segments of the corolla are finely cut into many feathery divisions. The flowers are very frail, being soon spoiled by the sun. This remarkable plant is a native of Chili, whence it was originally introduced by the late Mr. Walker, in 1821. It is a hardy annual, thriving best in a light, sandy soil, and is increased by seeds, which it however perfects but sparingly, and that only in dry and warm summers. To hasten their growth, and thereby insure the maturing of seeds, the young plants should be raised in a frame, and planted out in a sunny border about the middle of May. The flowers are very fragrant, especially in the evening. 18* 210 breck's book of flowers. SPH(ENOGYNE. Sphceiiogyne speciosa. — This is a most beautiful flowering annual, growing about a foot high. The plant is of handsome foliage, and a most profuse bloomer. The flowers open fully when the sun shines upon them, and then display a show of the most pleasing kind. It is in bloom from June to October. A bed of it would be a delightful contrast to one of an opposite color. It has some resemblance to the Calliopsis ; rays, yel- low ; disk dark-brown ; flowers about two and a half inches SENECIO. Senecio elegans. — Ragwort, or Double Groundsel. — There are four kinds of this plant, viz., double red, double crimson, double white and double flesh-colored. Each of these kinds will make a most handsome bed. The plant is very pretty in its foliage, grows freely and most profusely; scarcely anything surpassing it for a neat and handsome show. It will grow about eighteen inches high, and continue in bloom from June to the end of the season. The soil I grow it in very successfully is fresh loam, mixed with leaf mould, and about eight inches deep, upon a dry subsoil. I find that when the soil is much enriched, the plant has a tendency to produce too much foliage ; but, grown in turf, loam, &c., as above stated, an amazing produc- tion of bloom is the result. The plant is readily increased by slips, scarcely one in a hundred failing to grow. It is also raised from seed ; but few of the plants will produce double flowers. SILENE. Catch-Fly. This is a large family of plants, many of them mere weeds, while others are handsome flowers, suitable for the g-arden. TAGETES. 211 SUene armeria. — Lobel's Catch-fly. — A very hardy annual, with dense umbels of pink, and another variety w^ith vv^hite flowers, from June to October ; one and a half foot high. Silene compacta. — Compact-flowered. — Another beautiful species similar to the last, except the flowers are more crowded in the umbel. Silene pendula. — Pendulous-flowered. — A dwarf, bushy habit ; pink flowers, from June to September. Having the plants once in the ground, there will always be a plenty of self-sown seeds in the spring. TAGETES. Marigold. Tagetes patula. — French Marigold. — A well-known ten- der annual ; one of the old-fashioned flowers ; deservedly popular, from the brilliancy and variegation of its flowers. Some of the improved varieties are exceedingly beautiful, particularly the fine variegated sorts, of a rich velvety brown and yellow, distinctly striped or shaded with brown on yellow ground. All the varieties of this and the following species are prone to degenerate, even when the seed is saved from the most perfect flowers ; great care must therefore be taken to pull up every plant with single or inferior flowers as soon as it appears. Tagetes erecta. — African Marigold. — The large double varieties of this species are very rich. The colors from a pale citron-yellow to deep orange. There are also varieties intermediate between T. patula and this species, which are also very fine. The seed may be sown any time in May. The plants should be transplanted, when large enough, into patches of five or six plants each ; all inferior sorts should be pulled up as soon as the flowers appear ; one plant being sufficient for one place, which, if tied up to a stick and 212 breck's book of flowers. trimmed occasionally, will give good satisfaction ; flowering from July till the frost kills it in autumn. THUNBERGIA. Thunbergia cdata. — Winged-petioled Thunbergia. — Hand- some climbing green-house perennial, but succeeds well as an annual, from seed sown in the open ground the last of May, growing five or six feet high, with numerous buff-colored flow- ers, with dark throat, from July to October. Thunbergia alata, var. alba. — White-flowered, winged- petioled Thunbergia. — This is a very showy variety of T. alata, differing in no respect except color. The plant is highly orna- mental, and, being easily multiplied by cuttings, it has already become common. Like the other variety it is often treated as a stove plant, but it succeeds better in the conservatory or green- house, and, if planted in a warm, sunny border, it will grow and blossom freely during the summer months. A soil composed of peat and loam is that which suits it best. The genus was dedicated by the younger Linnasus to his friend and successor, Thunberg, an indefatigable botanical traveller. Thunbergia alata, var. aurantica. — Orange-flowered. — This is another beautiful variety, requiring the same treatment. Plants forwarded in pots, in a frame, succeed better than those sown in the open ground. There are other improved varieties, all fine. The plants throw out many lateral branches, and will require training to a trellis or frame-work. TROP^OLUM. JVasturtium — Indian Cress. TropcBolum, from tropceiim, a trophy. — The leaf resembles a buckler, and the flower an empty helmet, of which trophies were formed. VERBENA. 213 Tropceolum peregrinum. — Canary Bird flower. — This is a beautiful climber, known as the Canary Bird flower. The charming little canary-colored blossoms, when half expanded, have a pretty and fanciful likeness to little birds. The plant, like the type of the genus, has a fine, luxuriant, rambling char- acter. It succeeds best in a light soil. If the seeds are planted in April or May, by the side of a trellis or arbor, they will soon cover considerable space, and produce its curious, lively flowers from July till the severe frosts of autumn destroy it. In rich, heavy soil it runs very much to vine, and produces its flowers very sparingly. The foliage is similar to the common species, but much more delicate. Tropceolum majus. — Nasturtium. — This is a well known ornamental annual, of easy cultivation. It flowers best in a light soil. It looks well trained to a trellis, or over a wall. The flowers are rich orange, shaded with crimson and various colors ; the variety with crimson or blood-colored flowers makes a fine contrast with the orange. The seeds are used as a sub- stitute for capers, and the flowers sometimes eaten as salads. VERBENA. Loudon says, it is a genus of weedy plants, which was in fact the case before the introduction of Verbena chammdrifoUa. with the exception of the Verbena aubletia, and Lamberiii. Verbena chanuedrifolia, Germander- leaved. — Synonym. V. Melindres, Scarlet-flowered Vervain. — This plant is a native of Buenos Ayres, growing through a very extensive tract of country. The dazzling, brilliant, scarlet flowers cannot be exceeded by any other plant yet introduced into this country; and blooming from May to November, in the open air, with us, makes it one of the most desirable plants in cultivation. From the above species have been raised innumerable splen- did varieties, of every color and tint, excepting yellow and blue. Some varieties are of a bluish-purple, ruby-purple, lilac and 214 breck's book of flowers, dark-purple, rose, scarlet, crimson, white, white with red eye, scarlet with purple eye, rosy with red eye, shaded, striped, &c.; in fact, every shade of the colors named. The habits of all are similar, naturally prostrate creeping plants, taking root freely wherever the stems come in contact with the ground, and send- ing forth innumerable clusters of their many-hued, brilliant flowers from May to November. It is kept with difRculty through the winter, except in rooms or in the green-house. In the cellar the roots soon perish ; nor are any of them quite hardy enough to stand the winter. They are all so easily raised from cuttings that they can be obtained at any green-house, for about two dollars a dozen for small plants, which, when turned into the ground in June, soon make large plants, and by October will be three feet across. They continue to flower after severe frosts, and are among the last lingering flowers of autumn. They flower from seed sown in the open ground, in May, the same season, commencing their bloom in August. Seedling plants produce seed in abundance, but those that have been a long time propagated from cuttings lose that power in a great measure. There is no end to the variety from seedling plants. To have them come early in flower, the seed may be brought forward in the frame. No plant equals the Verbena for masses, particularly when grown in beds cut out on lawns, as the bril- liancy of the flowers contrasts finely with the green grass. VIOLA, Viola tricolor has already been treated of as a biennial or perennial ; it may also be considered as an annual, as it flowers finely the first year. — See page 157. ZERANTHEMUM ZINNIA. 215 ZERANTHEMUM. Zerayithemum, from Greek words signifying dry and a flower, on account of the dry nature of the leaves of the calyx, which retain their color and form for many years. T^eranthemum annum, — Purple Everlasting, — and a variety with white flowers, are popular border annuals, of easy culture in light, rich soil. Like the Helichrysums, they are valued for their properties of retaining their colors and form, when gathered and dried, and much prized in forming winter bou- quets for vases, &c. ZINNIA. Handsome border annual plants, requiring the same cultiva- tion as the Marigold. Zinnia elegans, with its varieties, are all handsome flowering plants ; in bloom from July to October ; two or three feet high. The colors of some of the varieties are very brilliant, and par- ticularly the scarlets. The colors are white, pale to dark yellow, orange to scarlet; shades from rose to crimson, from crim- son to light purple, lilac, &c. The flowers are handsome when it first commences the process of blooming ; the cen- tral, or disk part of it, which contains the florets, as they begin to form seed, assume a conic shape, and a brown, husky appear- ance, which gives the flower a coarse, unsightly look. DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF HARDY SHRUBS AND LOW TREES, SUITABLE FOR THE SHRUBBERY. ^SCULUS. Horse Chestnut. The common Horse Chestnut is a well known ornamental tree, of rapid growth ; beautiful when in blossom, it being cov- ered with spikes of delicate white or pink flowers, which are produced from its elegant digitate leaves. There are some of the species which make a beautiful show in shrubberies, when in flower in the spring. They flourish in any soil and situation. The M. discolor seldom grows above six feet high, and, therefore, will stand pretty forward. ^. carnea, from sixteen to twenty feet. ^. rubicunda, from ten to twelve ; and M. pavia, from six to eight. The difierent sorts are easily propagated by grafting, and may all be united on the common kind. No plants are better calculated for shrubberies ; for, although they are deciduous, the variation in foliage from the ordinary shrubs has a charming effect. ACUBA. Acuha japonica. — Gold-Dust Tree. — This is an evergreen shrub, having large, handsome foliage, with golden spots or blotches. In this climate it is somewhat tender, particularly when young. AMORPHA AMELANCHIER. 217 AMORPHA. Indigo Shrub. Amovpha, from Greek words denoting the deformity of the corolla. Amorpha futicosa. — Bastard Indigo. — This shrub is a native of South Carolina, and once used in that State as an indigo plant, but now neglected. It is an ornamental shrub, about six feet high, with spikes of purplish flowers in July. It is of easy cultivation, and propagated by seeds or cuttings. AMELANCHIER. Shad Bush. This is a genus of ornamental shrubs, or small trees, of which one or two species are conspicuous ornaments of our woods and swamps in May. Mr. Emerson, in his " Trees of Massachu- setts," says, that "There are two remarkable distinct varieties of A. canadensis, or Swamp Pyrus, of Torrey and Gray, found in Massachusetts. Both are called the Shad Bush, from flower- ing when the shad begin to ascend the streams. The first is called, " A. botryapiu7n, — or June Berry, — This is a small, grace- ful tree, from fifteen to twenty feet high, with a few slender, distant branches, usually growing in upland woods. It has large white flowers, in pendulous racemes, expanding about the first of May, or a little later, according to the season, just as the leaves are beginning to open, with small, purple or faint crimson bracts at the base of the partial flower-stalks, and often near the flowers. The union of the crimson or purple of the scales and stipules with the pure white flowers, and the glossy, silken, scattering pairs of the opening leaves, give delicate beauty to this early, welcome promise of the woods. "J., ovalis. — Swamp Sugar Pear, — This is a smaller tree 19 218 beeck's book or flowers. than the preceding, but sometimes rises twelve or fifteen feet high. It is usually, however, a shrub." The general appearance of both is similar, but it appears that there are botanical distinctions sufficient to arrange them in two species. They are deserving a place in every shrub- bery. A. sanguinea, — or Scarlet-wooded Amelanchier, — bears a strong resemblance to the Snowy Mespilus, and is very orna- mental. It seldom grows over four feet. A. Jlorida. — This species bears a good deal of resemblance to the smiguinea, except in the racemes of flowers, which are produced after the manner of the bird-cherry. AM YGDALUS. Amygdalus, — the Greek name for the Almond. The species are fruit-trees, or ornamental trees and shrubs, much esteemed for the gay color and early appearance of their flowers. A. Persica plena, — Double-flowering Peach, — is very beautiful in the shrubbery. The flowers are large and full, like small roses. There is a white and pink variety. Unless the trees are kept headed down, or pruned in well, they become straggling and unsightly. Particular attention should there- fore be paid to this point. A. pumila plena. — Double Dwarf Almond. — This is a beautiful dwarf shrub, loaded in the spring with its elegant flowers, resembling small roses. It is not inferior to any shrub whatever, when in blossom, and makes a fine appearance in the shrubbery ; easily propagated by suckers. A most beautiful way of growing it is by budding it upon the plum stock. In this way it is much more hardy than when grown on its own roots. Thus a magnificent head may be formed, at any distance from the ground that may be desired. The Double Peach may also be budded on plum AMPELOPSIS. 219 Stocks, and, properly pruned, will make a great show when in flower. AMPELOPSIS. Virginian Creeper. Ampelopsis quinquefoUa. — American Woodbine. — " This is the most ornamental plant of its genus. It recommends itself by its hardiness, the rapidity of its growth, and the luxu- riance and beauty of its foliage. It is a native of our woods, and climbs rocks and trees to a great height. In cultivation it is often made to cover walls of houses, forty or fifty feet high, clinging by rootlets which proceed from its tendrils. The flower is of a reddish-green, and not showy, which is suc- ceeded by clusters of dark-blue, nearly black, berries when mature. At the same period the fruit-stalks and tendrils assume a rich crimson or red color. " The great variety of rich colors, shades of scarlet, crim- son, and purple, which the leaves and stems of this plant assume, and the situations in which we see it, climbing up the trunks and spreading along the branches of trees, covering- walls and heaps of stones, forming natural festoons from tree to tree, or trained on the sides and along the piazzas of dwell- ing-houses, make it one of the conspicuous ornaments of the autumnal months. Often, in October, it may be seen mingling its scarlet and orange leaves, thirty or forty feet from the ground, with the -green leaves of the still unchanged tree on which it climbed." — {Emerson.) This luxuriant climber is easily propagated by layers and cuttings. It flourishes best in a rich, moist soil. Examples of the surprising luxuriance of this plant may be seen on a number of dwelling houses in Beacon street, Boston, and on many other buildings in that city. 220 breck's book of flowers. ANDROMEDA. Andromeda. — Named in allusion to the virgin, Andromeda, who, like this plant, was confined in a marsh, and surrounded by the monsters of the water. The species are neat plants, and some of them considerable shrubs; all requiring- a moist situation and peat earth. A. polifolia. — Water Andromeda. — This beautiful little shrub is from twelve to eighteen inches high, found in wet, mossy bogs, in various parts of the state, and to the extreme north of this continent. The flowers are red before they open, but, when fully expanded, of a rosy hue. It flowers in June. There are a great number of North American species, which might be introduced into the shrubbery with good effect. Most of them are dwarfs, and succeed well with the same treatment that is given to the Azalea. A. speciosa and all its varieties are very beautiful, and flower in great profusion, and continue in leaf nearly the whole year, although they are not, strictly, evergreen shrubs. They grow about three feet high. They are all propagated by seed, layers, or cuttings. ARISTOLOCHIA. Birth-wort. Aristolochia sipho. — Pipe Vine. — A singular climbing plant, with handsome, broad foliage, with brownish purple, and very curious, somewhat pipe-shaped flowers. It grows fifteen or twenty feet high ; blooms in June and July ; propagated from layers and cuttings. It flourishes in any good, strong soil. AZALEA, This is a genus of highly ornamental shrubs, of which many species are indigenous. AZALEA. 221 The only species common in the vicinity of Boston is A. vis- cosa, which may be found in abundance among the brush-wood in low grounds, and is much admired for the fragrance of its flowers, which are produced in terminal, umbel-like corymbs ; mostly pure white, but sometimes varj^ing to blush or varie- gated; hairy and glutinous on the outside ; stamens longer than the corolla, which in all the species is bell or funnel form, terminating in five unequal segments. As we advance further into the interior, thirty or forty miles, the beautiful A. midiflora occasionally presents itself to the enraptured traveller, tempting him for a while to forget the objects of his journey, and admire the elegance and fragrance of its flowers. This, as well as A. viscosa, is called by the country people Swamp Pink, probably on account of the odor of the flowers, which has some resemblance to the Garden. Pink. By them they are eagerly sought after, and form a con- spicuous part of the decoration of the mantel-piece, in its sea- son, the month of June. The color is commonly a fine pink, varying to a deep red, which is rare. Their beauty is much increased by the length of the thread-like stamens, being much longer than the corolla, which is naked or destitute of a calyx, from which its specific name is given, nudijiora, or naked- flowered. There are as many as a dozen indigenous species, besides many varieties to be found in different parts of our country ; all handsome, and worthy the attention of the florist. •' The Azalea is a well-known plant throughout Belgium, and forms one of the most splendid decorations of the flower- garden. It is generally considered to be the most beautiful genus of the flowering shrubs. The neat form and bushy growth, the vast profusion of its flowers, the extensive variety and splendor of colors in the flowers, their appearance at a season when ievf other flowers are in bloom, and the little trouble which the plant requires when grown in a suitable soil and a good situation, all combine to cause the plant to be much 19=^ 222 breck's book of flowers. admired, sought after, and introduced into nearly every pleas- ure-ground in Belgium. " The varieties of this handsome genus are very numerous, and have been raised in a short period. Twenty years since, there were only a very feAv moderate species, having small, insignificant flowers." Now there are many varieties, with brilliant flowers, in large clusters, continuing through the month of June. The colors are white, yellow, orange, scarlet, and pink, with every intermediate shade. Notwithstanding the exceeding beauty of this tribe of shrubs, and their perfect hardiness, they are rarely to be seen in our gardens. Azaleas require a moist, peaty soil, or black, sandy loam, and rather shady situation. Plants may be freely raised from seed, or from layers and suckers. If taken from the woods, the best way is to cut them oflT close to the ground. They will throw up numerous shoots, and form fine healthy plants. BERBERIS. Barberry. Many of the species are cultivated in the gardens of Europe on account of the beauty of their fruit, flowers, or foliage. Some few species are known among us, but none prettiei than our common Barberry, or Berberis vulgaris. This shrub is too common in the vicinity of Boston ; but where it is not found growing in such profusion, it will most assuredly be found a valuable addition to the shrubbery. " Every one who is an observer of nature, must have been struck, in June, with the beauty of the arching, upper shoots of the barberry, springing from a mass of rich green, and sus- taining numerous, pendent racemes of splendid yellow flowers. It is hardly less attractive when its blossoms have been sue- BIGNONU. 223 ceeded by clusters of scarlet fruit. The Barberry is a bush usually four or five, but often seven or eight, feet high." It has often been said, and very generally believed, that Bar- berry bushes were prejudicial to rye, causing it to blast ; but this has not been our experience, having grown heavy crops of rye in fields with Barberry bushes on all sides of it. B. dulcis is more dwarf in its habits, the foliage more deli- cate, and almost evergreen ; the flowers dark-orange, scattered along the branches, among the foliage. It is a very pretty plant, and makes a handsome hedge. All the species are easily propagated by suckers. BIGNONIA. Trumpet Flower, The species are trees or shrubs, inhabitants of hot climates. The flowers are produced in panicles, and are large, handsome, and of various colors. The hardy species will grow in almost any good soil, and easily propagated by layers or cuttings of the root. Bigrionia radicans. — Scarlet Trumpet Flower. — This is a magnificent climbing plant, producing large, trumpet-shaped, orange-scarlet flowers, of great beauty, from July to October. They are produced in clusters ; handsome in bud, as well as when fully expanded, which, when contrasted with the elegant glossy, pinnate foliage, presents a most splendid sight when trained to a pillar or trellis. The plaiit is a little tender in some locations, and will do best to be laid down and covered over, or secured with straw or mats. This is the only species generally cultivated, in this neigh- borhood, in the open air. B. grandiflora will succeed in a more southern climate, and perhaps at the north with some protection. 224 breck's book of flowers. BUXUS. Box. Bums sempervirens. — Garden Box. — This is a delicate shrub, which may be pruned to any shape to please the fancy. It is an evergreen, and easily propagated by cuttings. It is in general use, and the best material for forming edgings to beds, walks, &c. Plants may be trained singly into almost any shape, and will make large shrubs, in some locations. It is nec- essary to plant Box for shrubs in a shady place, which will gen- erally require to be matted in the winter. There are varieties with yellow and white striped leaves, called the gold and silver striped. There are a number of species, among which are the Dwarf and Tree Box. The last kind is suitable for the shrub- bery, as it will grow and thrive well under the drip of trees. CATALPA. Catalpa syringifolia. — This is a North American shrub, or tree, from the south-west and south. It has large, handsome, white, variegated flowers, in clusters, in July, that are suc- ceeded by long seed-vessels, having some resemblance to bean- pods. The leaves are large and luxuriant, coming out very late. If planted in a warm, sheltered place, it will flower finely when it has become ten or twelve feet high, although its ordinary height is twenty feet or more. It makes a vigorous, succulent growth, which is very often winter-killed. The tree is not verj- regular in its growth, but, when planted among other trees, or shrubs, it makes a fine appearance. CALYCANTHUS. All this genus are natives of North America. They are very easy of culture, growing freely in peat or loam, or both. CAPRIFOLIUM. 225 mixed. The flowers are dark-brown color, and very fragrant, resembling the odor of ripe melons. The wood is also very- fragrant. Calycanthus Jlorida. — Carolina Allspice. — This is a well- known species, from three to five feet high, flowering from June to August. There are also a number of other species, but all nearly resemble the last, except in height and the style of the leaves. C.fertalis has glaucous leaves; C. Icsvigatits smooth leaves ; both about three feet high ; all easily propa- gated from suckers or layers. CAPRIFOLIUM. Honeysuckle. A beautiful genus, of well-known climbing shrubs, growing from fifteen to twenty feet high, some of them producing their flowers in succession through all the summer and autumnal months. They are all valuable for pillars, arbors, trellises, &c. Many of the species are natives of North America ; among them is the splendid Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle, a native of the Southern States, but found to be hardy here, and in gen- eral cultivation. Its trumpet-shaped flowers are produced in clusters, of a rich scarlet without, and orange within ; in bloom from June to October. Caprifolium Jlavum. — Yellow Trumpet Monthly Honey- suckle. — This is also a native of the South, but long cultivated in Europe, and from ihence introduced here. This continues to bloom all the season. C. sempervirens. — Evergreen Scarlet Monthly Honeysuckle. — This is also a native of North America, perfectly hardy here ; the foliage is evergreen ; the flowers trumpet-shaped, of a rich scarlet without, tinged with orange within. The plant grows rapidly, throws out a multitude of branches, and has a singularly rich appearance, from the deep-green of its leaves and the splendor of its scarlet flowers. 226 breck's book of flowers. C. hirsuta. — Hairy Honeysuckle. — This is a native of Massachusetts, found on damp, rocky banks, often growing to the height of fifteen to thirty feet ; the flowers are of a pale- yellow without, hairy, and of a rich orange within ; flowers, June and July. C. periclymenum. — Woodbine. — This is a vigorous-grow- ing English species; flowers pale-yellow, in June; highly fragrant. The variety belgicum, or Dutch Sweet-scented Honeysuckle, is a well-known fragrant climber, giving a profusion of bloom in June, which emits a delightful odor to all the neighborhood; flowers yellow, variegated with red or purple. The Dutch Monthly Sweet-scented Honeysuckle is another variety, with flowers somewhat like the last, but are produced in succession through the summer and autumn, until hard frosts. The buds, before they expand, are of a dark-red, or purple. When the flower opens, the interior is pure white, which changes to a cream color, and from that to an orange, giving the cluster a variegated and rich appearance. A vari- ety has oak-shaped leaves. C.Jlexuosum, or Chinese Honeysuckle. — A very desirable variety, with evergreen leaves, and delicate flowers through the season ; stem flexuous and twining. Like many others of the Chinese plants, it readily supports the rigor of our winters, and, blooming with an exhaustless profusion, presents, from May till late in autumn, rich wreaths of flowers, various in tint, and of an exquisite orange-flower perfume. The buds are purple ; as they expand, the spotless white of its gaping corolla is exhibited, with its protruding stamens tipped with yellow anthers. On exposure to the air, the flowers gradually assume a cream-like tint, and, finally, a perfect orange color ; and, as they mature in succession from the base to the extremity of the branch, the colors are all present on the same shoot. The stems and nerves of the leaves are pur- ple ; it is nearly evergreen. In rich loam, the growth is luxu- riant. CEANOTHUS CELASTRUS. 227 Some beautiful varieties of the Scarlet Trumpet Honey- suckle were imported by us a few years since, that have given great satisfaction. One of the finest is C. Jloribiinda, having clusters of large, trumpet-shaped, orange-scarlet flowers, yel- low inside. The White Italian Honeysuckle has pale-yellow, almost white, flowers. There are many other fine varieties and spe- cies of this beautiful tribe, but not much known. CEANOTHUS. Ceanothus Americanus. — New Jersey Tea. — A delicate, flowering, native shrub ; a low and bulby plant, flowering in June and July, from one to three feet high, found growing on the margin of woods, in dry, sandy soil. The minute white flowers are crowded in clusters, and are very pretty. The leaves have been used as a substitute for tea. CELASTRUS. Celastrus scandens. — Wax-work. Climbingf Sfaflf. — A strong, woody vine, twining around small trees, and over rocks and bushes, growing in moist situations and beside stone walls ; very ornamental when in fruit. This native climber should be introduced into every garden, for the covering of arbors, walls, or trellis-work, or to be trained to a pillar in the shrubbery. The foliage is handsome, of a deep-green. The flowers are white, in panicled clusters, and not remarkable for show. The fruit or berries very ornamental. The fruit is a berry, enclosed in a round, three-valved capsule, as a walnut is en- closed in the hull. When the fruit is ripe, the valves, or hulls, turn backward, without falling off", and disclose a berry, of a deep-scarlet, finely contrasted with the orange color of the valves. It is a very vigorous climber, and will grow from fifteen to 228 beeck's book of flowers. twenty feet high. The stem is very slender, rarely more than an inch thick. CLEMATIS, Many of the Clematis are shrubby plants, but have all been noticed among the herbaceous tribe. CERASUS. Cherry. The scientific name is derived from a town on the Black Sea, from whence this tree was supposed to be introduced. A few species, with numerous varieties, produce valuable fruits, while nearly all are remarkable for the abundance of their early flowers. The Double-flowering Cherry, Cerasus communis plena, is a very desirable addition to the shrubbery, on account of its im- mense number of large, double, pure white flowers, which cover the tree in the early part of May. The flowers are like small white roses, very full and beautiful. By proper training, it can be kept in a low, shrubby state, if desirable. It will grow in any garden soil, and is propagated by budding or grafting. The Weeping Cherry is formed by budding a delicate drooping species of Bird Cherry upon the Mazard stock, at any height that may suit the fancy. By inserting a number of buds, at the desired height, a large drooping head may be formed, which continues to increase in diameter, but not much in height. Its pendent branches, covered with delicate foliage, are at all times a pleasant sight, but more particularly when covered with its profusion of bloom. A number of indigenous species might be introduced into the shrubbery, or pleasure-ground, with good effect. Cerasus Virginiana. — Choke Cherry. — This is an orna- mental shrub, interesting, whether in flower or fruit. It grows . CERCIS CHIONANTHUS. 229 from two to fifteen feet high. In May it is covered with a profusion of white flowers, in dense racemes, and in July and August the branches are bent down witli a profusion of fruit. C. Pennsylvanica. — The Northern Red Cherry. — This is a small, slender tree, with delicate foliage, and handsome white flowers. The fruit is deep-red, and not very abundant. C. scrotma. — The Black Cherry. — This is a well-known tree, handsome in flower and fruit. In the shrubbery, it should be planted in the background. The only drawback to the beauty of this tree, is, that it is peculiarly subject to the rav- ages of the caterpillar. They are sure to make this tree their favorite home ; and, unless special pains is taken to dislodge them early in the season, the tree, for ornamental purposes, is utterly spoiled. CERCIS. Cercis canadensis. — Judas Tree — Red Bud. — This is a curious shrub, or low tree, indigenous to the southern part of the United States ; often seen in large collections of plants, in gardens in New England. It is curious, from being covered with bunches of flowers, of a rose color, before the leaves begin to appear. They give a brilliant appearance to the whole tree, except at the extremities of the branches. The Red Bud is beautiful in the spring, and not without interest, in full foliage, in the summer. CHIONANTHUS. Chioiianthus Virginica, or Fringe Tree. — This is a fine deciduous shrub, or small tree, sometimes growing twenty feet or more high, but flowering when six or eight feet high. It has large leaves, six or eight inches long, and from two to three inches wide ; the flowers white, in numerous long bunches, and have a fringe-like appearance. It is a native of North Amer- 20 230 breck's book of flowers. ica, and found growing upon the mountains at the South, and is very hardy. A light loam suits it well, but propagation is dif- ficult. It succeeds when budded or grafted on the ash. CLETHRA. This genus is composed mostljr of American plants, and succeeds well when transplanted to the shrubbery. Clethra ahiifolia. — Alder-leaved Clethra. — A shrub, from two to eight feet high, showing a long spike of white fragrant flowers, towards the end of summer. It is generally found abundantly in wet, boggy places, and by the side of sluggish streams. Emerson says : " This beautiful plant may be easily cultivated, and is much improved by cultivation, the spikes being increased in length, and in, the size of the flowers. It grows readily in any garden soil, and may be propagated by layers or cuttings." — * — COLUTEA. Bladder Senna. Cohitea, an ancient name of a bush w^ith sweet-scented flowers. The genus includes a number of species of shrubs, with yellow or orange, pea-shaped flowers, which are succeeded by seed-vessels like bladders. C.arborescens grows about ten feet high, with yellow flowers, in June and July. C. omenta, four feet high, with reddish flowers ; and C. Pocockii, with dark-yellow flowers. All are free growers, and well adapted to introduce into extensive shrub- beries. CORNUS. Cornel — Dogwood. Cornus, from cornu, a horn ; the wood being thought to be as hard and durable as horn. The larger species of this genus COENTTS, 231 are very ornamental and hardy shrubs, mostly North American plants, and are prized, not only for their flowers and berries of different colors, but for their green, red, purple, or striped barks, which have a fine effect in winter, especially among ever- greens. Cornus alternifolia. — Alternate-leaved Cornel. — "A beau- tiful shrub, six or eight feet high ; sometimes a graceful small tree, of fifteen, twenty, or even twenty-five feet high, throwing off, at one or more points, several branches, which, slightly ascending, diverge, and form nearly horizontal umbrageous stages, or flats of leaves, so closely arranged as to give almost a perfect shade. Recent shoots, of a shining light-yellowish- green, with oblong scattered dots. The older branches, of a rich polished green, striped with gray. Flowers in an irregu- larly branched head, yellowish-white ; fruit, blue-black. A beautiful plant, with a variety of character. It grows naturally in most woods, or on the sides of hills ; but, when cultivated, flourishes in almost any kind of soil, and even in dry situa- tions. It flowers in May and June, and the fruit ripens in October." C. floTida. — The Flowering Dogwood. — This species is more of a tree than any of those described, and one of the most desirable of all the genus. It is a conspicuous object, in some of our woods, the last of May. The tree is then loaded with a profusion of its large, showy, white flowers, which are produced at the ends of the branches. What is generally taken for the flower is not in reality such. The flowers are small, and without much interest, except to the botanist. Twelve or more of them are clustered together in a head, and surrounded by a whorl of four large white floral leaves, which constitutes the principal beauty of the flower. These floral leaves are nerved, somewhat heart-shaped, shaded with flesh color, or purple ; the fruit is of a bright-scarlet. " The leaves early begin to change to purple, and turn to a rich scarlet, or crimson, above, with a light-russet beneath ; or to crimson and buff, or orange ground, above, with a glaucous- 232 breck's book of flowkrs. purple beneath. These, surrounding the scarlet bunches of berries, make the tree as beautiful an object, at the close of autumn, as it was in the opening summer." C. circinata, — Round-leaved Cornel. — "A spreading shrub, usually not erect, from four to six, sometimes eight or ten, feet high, with straight, slender, spreading branches. Young shoots, green, profusely blotched with purple; old shoots, pale, yellow- ish-green, or purplish, thickly dotted with prominent, wart-like dots, or sometimes smooth." The flowers white, in roundish, spreading, terminal heads, or cymes, in May ; fruit blue, turning to whitish color ; ripe in October. C. stolonifera. — Red-stemmed Cornel. — "A handsome plant, conspicuous at all seasons of the year, but especially towards the end of winter, for its rich red, almost blood- colored stems and shoots. The main stem is usually prostrate upon the ground, beneath withered leaves, throwing down roots, and sending up slender, erect branches, from five to six or eight feet high ; flowers white, in spreading cymose clusters ; fruit white, or lead colored." C. pariiculata. — Panicled Cornel. — A shrub, about six feet high, with erect branches, dotted, or speckled. " The cymes, or heads of flowers, are very numerous, on long, slen- der, pale-yellow stems, with irregular branches." Flowers, white, in May and June, succeeded by white fruit, which ma- tures in August and September, when the fruit-stalk is of a delicate pale-scarlet." CRAT^GUS. The Thorn. In relation to this genus Mr. Emerson remarks: — "It is found that a greater variety of beautiful small trees and orna- mental shrubs can be formed of the several species of Thorn, than of any kind of tree whatever. Thus they give persons, whose grounds are not extensive, the means of ornamenting CYDONIA. 233 their grounds with great facility. If trained as trees, they have an appearance of singular neatness united with a good degree of vigor ; and the readiness with which they are pruned and grafted renders them susceptible of almost any shape which the fancy of the owner would have them assume. Some of the species, native to Massachusetts, often take, even in a state of nature, the shape of handsome low trees. Of these, the flowers and foliage have great beauty, and the scarlet haws, which remain on into winter, till, ripened by frost, they are gathered by the birds, give them additional charms. Into these tall species all the others, very various, and many of them very beautiful, may be grafted; and not only thorns, but pears and other fruits, may be readily made to grow on the Thorn." The four principal species, natives of our State, are, Cratcegtis coccinnea, Scarlet-fruited Thorn ; C. tomentosa, the Pear-leaved Thorn ; C. crvs-galli, the Cockspur Thorn, and C. punctata, the Dotted-fruited Thorn; — all handsome, with white, fragrant flowers, in clusters. C. oxyacanlha is the common Hawthorn of England, which is also an ornamental shrub, as well as a very important one for the formation of hedges. Of this species there are a num- ber of beautiful varieties, which should be in every collection, viz., rosea, with deep-red flowers ; double -white and double- red, which are very beautiful, besides some others not so well known. CYDONIA. Japan Quince. Cydonia Japonica, formerly Pyrus Japojiica, is indigenous to .Japan, and embraces two varieties, the scarlet and variegated flowering. When in bloom, there is no plant that equals it in splendor. The Cydonia may be seen budding and bursting into bloom in April. The flowers are in aggregated clusters, along the branches, interspersed with the young leaves. The 20* 234 breck's book of flowers. hue of the scarlet color is most brilliant, and no artist can find a tint that will convey an adequate idea of its splendor. The paler variety is also much admired. The flowers of this are of a fine blush, shaded with red, and, when contrasted with the other, forms an agreeable relief. The perfect hardiness of the shrub, and the brilliancy of the flowers, must ever render it an agreeable appendage to the shrubberj', lawn, or flower-garden. It is generaly propagated by layering and by suckers. It suc- ceeds in any good garden loam. It commences flowering when the plants are quite small. It grows from six to eight feet high. A writer says : " One of the most pleasing and pictu- resque objects we recollect ever to have seen, was a large Cydonia, whilst in full bloom, partially imbedded in a late snow ; the branches weighed down thereby, and the rich, bril- liant blossoms, peeping through their chaste covering." CYTISUS. Laburnum. A genus of ornamental trees and shrubs, of which the La- burnums are generally well known as highly ornamental. Cytisus laburnum. — Golden Chain. — A tall and elegant shrub, or low tree, which, when in bloom, is laden with long, pendulous clusters of golden pea-shaped flowers, similar in shape to those of the Robinia, or Acacia. It is exceedingly rich and beautiful when in bloom, the last of May and June; grows from ten to thirty feet high. The Purple-flowering Laburnum, C. purpurea, has dull- purple flowers ; grows three feet high. C. Ze7