50 Subtropical Gardening. 



growing to a height of 3^ ft., and bearing rosy-flesh- 

 coloured flowers in spikes of a foot or more in length. It 

 is perfectly hardy, very free in growth, and is quite distinct 

 from any of the other species, forming roundish masses 

 of dark -green leaves, with rather a profusion of glistening 

 spines, by which it is known immediately from its rela- 

 tives. As a permanent object, fit to plant in a nook 

 in the pleasure-ground or on the grass, associated with 

 the nobler grasses or other plants, there is nothing to 

 surpass it. I know of no hardy foliage-plant so tho- 

 roughly neat in its habit at all times. It does not often 

 flower ; and if it should throw up a spike, it will perhaps 

 be no loss to cut it off, as its leaves are its best ornament, 

 though the flowers too are interesting. Never at any 

 time does it require the least attention; it will stand 

 any exposure ; and is, in a word, invaluable as a hardy 

 ornamental plant. It will thrive best in good and deep 

 soil. South of Europe. 



*Acanthus spinosus. — This species appears to flower 

 well more regularly than any other. Its leaves are rather 

 narrow, and very deeply divided into almost triangular 

 segments : they are also covered with short spines. The 

 flowering-stems are about 3 ft. high, and bear dense 

 spikes of purplish flowers. Useful for borders, or group- 

 ing with the other kinds and plants of similar character 

 and size. South of Europe. 



*Adiantum pedatum. — This fern, which abounds in 

 the woods of Canada and the United States, is unques- 

 tionably one of the most elegant of those which are able 

 to endure the climate of Britain, and grows from 16 ins. to 

 20 ins. high. From the tops of the erect black stems 



