Herbaceous Plants 277 



shade. A splendid plant for the border, but must not be 

 disturbed very often. Easily propagated by seeds sown in 

 open ground as soon as ripe. When seedlings are two years 

 old they may be transferred to the border. It is called the 

 gas plant because of an explosion which occurs when a lighted 

 match or lamp is held close up to the open flowers. This 

 was supposed to be an explosion of gas, but close investiga- 

 tion has shown that it is the result of the combustion of an 

 easily ignited wax secreted in the petals. 



Gaillardia {Gaillardia aristata vars.). — This genus is 

 notable for the profusion and duration of its flowers, which 

 appear in constant succession all summer and autumn. 

 The flowers are large and showy, adding to the gorgeous 

 effect of the flower border. They thrive in a light, well- 

 drained soil, in a sunny exposure. The plants winter-kill 

 on heavy moisture-laden soils. Gaillardias are propagated 

 usually from seed sown in cold frames in August or Septem- 

 ber, or in early spring under glass. The improved varieties 

 do not reproduce themselves from seed, but are multiplied 

 by division or by root cuttings. 



Golden Marguerite {Anthemis tindoria). — An excellent 

 hardy border plant, thriving in almost any soil if planted in 

 full exposure to the sun. Plants of bushy habit, 2 to 3 feet, 

 with much divided leaves and large daisy-like golden- 

 yellow or pale yellow flowers. 



Hollyhock {Althaea rosea).— This tall, stately plant was 

 a favorite in old gardens, but the ravages of the rust have 

 caused many persons to discard it. Its excellence for 

 mass effects and for breaking the sky line in flower bor- 

 ders is altogether too well known, however, for it to wholly 

 disappear. Seed from vigorous, healthy plants grown with- 

 out check in good soil will probably escape the disease unless 

 diseased plants in the near vicinity are allowed to remain. 

 Spraying thoroughly both sides of the leaves of healthy 



