374 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUILE. 



clusters, produced very rich effect in the border. The plant has a 

 neat dwarf and compact habit, the height ranging from eighteen to 

 twenty-four inches, according to the character of the soil. I intend 

 growing it very largely, for there can be no question as to its value 

 for bedding purposes, and for the mixed border, and it only requires 

 to be known to be planted largely in private gardens. I know of 

 no more valuable bedding-plant for amateurs, as it can be grown in 

 quantities without the aid of glass, or, at the most, the shelter of a cold 

 frame m the spring, to protect the young growth from spring frosts, 

 and enable the cultivator to push the plants on, and have them of 

 a good size by the time they can be planted out with safety. The 

 roots can be wintered in any dry place where they will be safe from 

 frost ; and if there is no glatjs, they may be potted in March, 

 and placed in a warm, sheltered position, and be protected at night 

 with mats or canvas ; or, if there is any difficulty in adopting this 

 course, they can be planted in tlie border or beds, and when the 

 young growth makes its appearance above the surface, a flower-pot 

 turned over them in the evening will afford ample protection. 



There is, I understand, a form similar in character and the shape 

 of its flowers, with pure yellow flowers ; but of this I cannot say 

 much at present. It will, in all probability, be of considerable value 

 as a yellow bedder. It would be interesting to know what has 

 become of Dahlia scapigera, a species with white flowers, similar in 

 shape to D. coccinea. It was introduced to the Birmingham Horti- 

 cultural Society's Gardens through the Berlin Royal Gardens, about 

 fifty years ago, and .was figured in the " Botanist," vol. iv., t. 161. 

 The flowers are pure white, and the average height of the plant is 

 two feet. Like the rest of the genus, it is a native of Mexico. 



THE GARDEN GUIDE FOR DECEMBER. 



How beautiful this night ! the bslmiest sigh, 

 Which TerDal zephyrs breathe in evening's ear, 

 W^ere diecord to the speakiog quietude 

 That wri<p« this moveless scent. Heaven's ebon Taalt 

 Studded with stars unutterably briuht, 

 Through which the moon's unclouded grandeur rolls, 

 Seems lilie a canopy which love had spread 

 To curtain her sleeping world. Yon gentle hills, 

 Eobed ia a garment ot untrodden snow^ 

 Yon darksome rocks, whence ioicIe« depend, 

 So stainless that their white and glittering spires 

 Tinge not the moon's pure beam — yon castled steep. 

 Whose banner hangeth o'er the time-worn tower 

 So idly, that wrapt fancy deemeth it 

 A metaphor of peace ; — all form a scene 

 Where musing sohtude might love to lift 

 Her soul above this sphere of earthliness ; 

 Where silence undisturbed might watch alone. 

 So cold, so bright, so still. 



Shbllit. 



URICULAS. — Remove the old decayed leaves, but in doing so be carefal 

 not to injure the plants. The plants must never be dust-dry, let the 

 weather be ever so severe. Beware of damp, and during frost avoid 

 watering until a favourable change occurs, if possible. 



EcsH Fruits may be propagated by cuttings of ripe stout shoots of 

 last year, and the buds to be removed from the bottom of the cutting to within four 

 inches of the top, so as to form a clear stem and prevent suckers. Lay on a thick 



