Winter Meeting. 249 



The I^arcissus is the tenth flower considered. The nnmeroiis and 

 very beautiful species of ISTarcissus are amongst our most popular spring 

 flowers. A rather deep and somewhat stiff soil is preferred by these 

 plants, but they are very tolerant of soil and location. If partially 

 shaded by trees the blooms will retain, their freshness for a longer 

 period. These plants will stand massing and may be naturalized in 

 the grass and will grow readily by the side of ponds and other water 

 courses. They are propagated by oft'sets which should be removed and 

 plants lifted if desired in August. The Narcissus, like the Lily, should 

 be mulched in the fall, 



The last two flowers on my list are natives of Missouri and the west 

 generally. The first of these is the Evening Primrose (Oenothera Mis- 

 souriensis). This plant grows all over the western states, particularly 

 on the prairies. One of the finest floral effects I ever saw was pro- 

 duced by these flowers. It consisted of a ribbon of yellow stretching 

 diagonally across a field indicating the course of an old abandoned road. 

 The gorgeous yellow of the blossoms was toned down somewhat by the 

 fading twilight, producing an indescribalily beautiful landscape. 

 Needless to say this floral exhibit was not appreciated by the owner of 

 the field. These plants show best massed and are utterly useless as cut 

 flowers. Propagate by seed or division in early spring. The Prim- 

 rose prefers a rather light soil and mil stand drouth and exposure to 

 full sunlight. It blooms in July and August. 



The last flower on my list is our common Spiderwort (Trades- 

 cantia Virginica). This plant with its dark blue blossoms is particu- 

 larly desirable amongst the grass, where the contrast between the blue 

 of the flowers and the green of the grass is very pleasing. The Spider- 

 wort will grow in almost any soil or situation, but is especially well 

 adapted to damp places. 



This completes the list, and now before closing, I will sav a few 

 words about the planting and cultivation of this type of plants. First, 

 in regard to the places to plant; flowerbeds should not be indulged in 

 unless you have the time and inclination to look after them. A neg- 

 lected, untended flower bed looks worse -than no bed at all. Plant in 

 the fence corners and the shrubbery borders where nothing else is 



