96 ©n tbe proper "Clse of Iberbaceous plants. 



defined masses in shady thickets, as the May-apple; close 

 to the roots of trees, as the hepatica; in more open places, 

 as many lilies; or in sheltered positions among crumbling 

 rocks, as Solomon's-seal and maiden-hair fern. Ferns thrive 

 best in moist and shady woods on alluvial soil. 



The richest herbaceous flora is generally found in the 

 most sheltered positions, where the soil is moist and loose, 

 and where the leaves of deciduous trees collect, as among 

 the low undergrowth of shrubs common in all well pre- 

 served woods. It is comparatively easy to establish plants 

 of this class, and success is most certain among such trees 

 as birch, dogwood, and oak, the roots of which penetrate 

 deep into the soil and which enrich the surface annually 

 with a new covering of leaves. 



Besides our own wild flowers many exotic species are 

 excellent for naturalizing in woods and thickets, such as 

 oxlips, wild tulips, Turk's-cap lily, golden anemone, and 

 lesser celandine. Plants of a spreading habit producing 

 seeds in abundance may be sown late in autumn in the 

 place where they are to flower, or they may be planted in 

 scattered groups in spring, and once introduced will spread 

 naturally under favorable conditions. Species which grow 

 in clumps or in small groups should be planted in prepared 

 beds of well decayed leaf -mould. It is necessary in all cases 

 to be sure that the roots are perfect, and to press the soil 

 firmly around the plants. In rocky woods many delicate 

 and beautiful species may be grown in deep crevices of 

 l'ocks filled with moist vegetable soil. 



The smaller the species, the greater the masses necessary 

 to produce a good effect. Groups or masses of wild flowers 



