ENCYCLOPAEDIA 
OF HORTICULTURE. 
Sowerbx2a—continued. 
linear-filiform, terete, all short or some nearly as long as the 
stem, bordered at base and sometimes up to 2in. with scarious, 
sheathing margins. Stem simple, slender, lft. to 2ft. high. 1792. 
(A. B. R. 81; B. M. 1104; T. L.S. v. 6.) 
S. laxiflora (loose-flowered). f., perianth segments about Hn. 
long, much narrower than in S. juncea; umbels loose, June. 
l. crowded at the base of the stem, but sometimes extending 
some way up, the sheath less prominent and not at all scafious. 
Stems lft. to 2ft. high, sometimes slightly branched at the base. 
1839. (B. R. 1841, 10.) 
SOW THISTLE. See Sonchus. 
Fig. 506. OPHIOGLOSSUM VULGATUM, showing Creeping Rootstock 
and Barren and Fertile Fronds. 
SPADES. These are the most essential of tools in 
use throughout the whole year in every garden, whether 
large or small, Although often considered as being a 
subject of comparatively little importance, digging, or 
the art of using a Spade, is really quite the reverse. A 
great difference is noticeable in the way workmen use a 
Spade. The proper method of doing so is only learned 
by experience; even amongst several workmen in a 
garden, one or two may generally be selected who are more 
to be trusted than any of the others for digging amongst 
plants, or where it is important tò secure an even surface. 
It is of great advantage when a workman can dig in 
either direction—that is, use the Spade with either the 
right or the left hand on top of the handle. Garden 
ground may require digging to leave the surface even, 
or, in autumn, it may be advantageous to merely turn 
and throw it up rough, for exposure to the weather. 
Spades—continued. 
Digging with a Spade is sometimes a dangerous pro- 
ceeding near the roots of plants; in this case, it is 
generally preferable to use a fork instead. Spades 
should always be cleaned after being used, and placed 
in the tool-shed: it is impossible to work properly with 
them if they are allowed to get rusty by being left 
lying about. There are several sizes of Spades made ; 
some, purposely intended for digging drains, have narrow 
blades, which are rather long in proportion. A medium 
size, usually known as No. 3, is that most generally 
useful for digging garden ground. Larger or smaller 
sizes are sometimes preferred when the soil to be dug 
is either very light or very heavy. 
SPADICEOUS. Bearing, or partaking of the nature 
of, a Spadix. 
Fic. 507. ARUM DracuncuLus, showing the Spadix (s) projecting 
from the Spathe (sp), which is open above, but remains closed 
below around the Piwens. 
SPADIX (from the Greek spadix, a Palm branch 
bearing fruit). A form of inflorescence, usually having 
the rachis rather fleshy, with the flowers imbedded in 
Fig. 508. ANTHURIUM SCHERZERIANUM MAXIMUM, showi! 
unbranched Spadix (s) lying on an open Spathe (sp). 
an 
