Salvia — Scirpits — ScafortJiia. 185 



*Salvia argentea (S. patula). — A handsome biennial 

 about 3^ ft. high, forming broad spreading rosettes of 

 large, oval, heart-shaped leaves, densely covered with 

 long silky hairs of a silvery whiteness, and bearing large 

 panicles of white flowers. An excellent subject for 

 grouping on grass-plats or the uneven parts of pleasure- 

 grounds. Where the effect of the foliage only is desired 

 the flower-stems should be pinched off as soon as they 

 appear ; the leaves will then preserve their freshness and 

 silvery colour throughout the year. A light, sandy, or 

 gravelly soil is the most suitable. Easily propagated by 

 sowing in autumn, and keeping the seedlings in a cold 

 frame through the winter, giving them air as often as 

 possible, and watering very moderately. This plant is 

 most effective during its first summer, and before it makes 

 an attempt to flower. S. Europe. 



*Scirpus lacustris {Bulrush). — This giant rush 

 sends up numerous smooth green stems as thick as the 

 finger at the base, and from 3 ft. to 8 ft. high. In still 

 water the bases of these are covered with leafless sheaths, 

 but in running water the uppermost sheath produces at 

 its extremity a leaf of several inches in length, in addition 

 to which numerous barren tufts of leaves, often of great 

 length, and resembling those of Sparganiutn ctffine, are 

 also produced. When in flower, the stems are crowned 

 with short, umbel-like, chestnut-coloured panicles. It is 

 very effective on the margins of lakes or streams, asso- 

 ciated with other tall and imposing aquatic plants. 



Seaforthia elegans. — One of the most beautiful of 

 the Palm family, from the northern parts of Australia, 

 where it attains a height of about 30 ft., but in this 



