THE GREATER BOG-PLANTS 191 
rivalry with that of Emodi. In both species the seed is 
abundant and fertile, ready of germination, and one can 
in no time raise a thriving stock of either. These May- 
Apples require no treatment except to be planted in 
some good nook to themselves, in rich soil of either peat 
or loam, and there to be left quite undisturbed for many 
years. Of course, their broad, thin-textured leaves being 
a great beauty, and their juicy stems being brittle, they 
are grateful for a corner where they will not be flogged 
and victimised by harsh winds. 
The place for Aster is elsewhere; but here I must at 
last give due meed of honour to Aster pyrenaeus. Why 
do so few people seem to know, or to grow, this lovely 
and priceless Michaelmas Daisy? A tall, stalwart, bushy 
grower, very leafy, with lush bright green foliage, Aster 
pyrenaeus carries from midsummer on into autumn 
enormous, flattened pyramids of flowers. These are large, 
of loose graceful build, and of a bright blue lavender, 
very clear, and very clearly contrasting with the central 
boss of clean gold. Few plants of this size are more 
attractive, and very few Asters have the same clarity and 
effectiveness of colouring. But I have not yet arrived at 
the supreme merit of Aster pyrenaeus. For it will grow 
everywhere—literally everywhere. And it will grow best 
of all in shallow water or in the wettest part of the bog. 
I have it in dense masses in rich dry land. I have it in 
masses in the wild wood. I have it in masses above the 
marsh, and I have it in masses in five inches of water. 
Nor does this treasure make itself a nuisance by spreading 
or seeding. It grows from one crown into a wide cluster, 
and that is all. When you want to increase your stock, 
all you have to do is to mangle off the outskirts of a big 
clump with your trowel. Every piece will grow. 
Other big things that will prove effective are the new 
Saussurea atriplicifolia, for a dry, elevated bank of rich 
