Asclepias — Asplcnium. 69 



its flat, ribbon-like leaves do not of themselves present 

 any very striking appearance. Useful for the margins of 

 artificial waters, etc., to which it may be brought from its 

 wild haunts. It should, however, if possible, be kept in 

 one spot and not allowed to spread too much. 



*Asclepias Cornuti. — A handsome hardy perennial 

 from N. America, sending up from its running, under- 

 ground rootstock a number of erect, unbranched stems, 

 from 4 ft. to 6^ ft. high, thickly covered with large oppo- 

 site oval leaves. The flowers are of a light rose-colour, 

 and agreeably fragrant, and are borne in large umbels 

 at the tops of the stems. The plant does well in 

 almost any kind of soil or position, and is well adapted 

 for planting in places which do not require much atten- 

 tion. As it spreads very rapidly at the root, it is better 

 to exclude it from small beds or gardens, which would 

 soon be overrun by it. Several other species are in 

 cultivation, the best of which are A. spcciosa (Douglasii). 

 A. incaniata, and A. tube rasa. 



*Asparagus Broussoneti (Giant Asparagus). — A 

 vigorous, climbing asparagus, with a tapering, shrubby 

 stem, 10 or 12 ft. high. The flowers are small and in- 

 conspicuous, and are followed by numerous small red 

 berries. An excellent subject for tall trellises, rustic 

 bowers, stumps of trees, tall poles, etc. Canary Islands. 



Asplenium Nidus-avis. — This is a remarkable fern, 

 which has been placed out of doors in the garden in 

 summer, from early in June to October ; but it is not 

 vigorous or hardy enough to be generally recommended 

 for this purpose. However, as it may have been noticed 

 in abundance at Battersea Park, I allude to it here. The 



