432 



THE CANADIAN HORTICULTURIST. 



years, particularly species with long, willowy 

 branches so heavy that when in bloom that 

 they sweep the ground. 



For cutting the spiraeas are eminently de- 

 sirable; a few graceful sprays in bouquets o^ 

 bright-colored flowers soften and harmonize 

 the whole, adding the exquisiteness and deli- 

 cacy to the general effect, and the long> 

 graceful flower-wreathed branches of the 

 drooping sorts are eff"ective for decorating. 



The spring flowering species of spiraeas 

 have an opulence of bloom that makes the 

 bushes a mass of white, like drifts of snow. 

 As a whole, white-flowered, early-blooming 

 species are ones most admired and most 

 generally planted, but many of the summer- 

 blooming kinds are valuable as furnishing 

 variety and color in the hardy border, and 

 because they successfully withstand the heat 

 and drouth. 



A large collection of spiraeas would ne- 

 cessitate extensive grounds, but a dozen 

 species would give variety and afford con- 

 tinuous bloom, and half a dozen choice ones 

 would make a very good assortment. If you 

 have only room for one, two, or three, it may 



be hard to make a selection, but you can 

 scarcely fail to obtain some satisfactory 

 kinds, for all are beautiful, desirable and 

 highly ornamental. 



One feature which makes the spiraeas 

 particularly desirable for general planting is 

 the moderate price at which they can be 

 procured. Many a one whose taste is not 

 at all proportioned to the length of her 

 purse looks with longing, if not with envy, 

 at the beautiful shrubs which adorn the 

 grounds of her more wealthy neighbor, 

 knowing that she cannot even hope to have 

 similar ones, but spiraeas are not at all ex-' 

 pensive. The price varies from fifteen to 

 fifty cents,. some of the most beautiful species 

 being obtainable at the minimum price. 



In the fall, after the year's growth has 

 been hardened by light frosts and the leaves 

 have fallen, is the best time for transplant- 

 ing spiraeas. New plants may be propa- 

 gated, if desired, by making cuttings of 

 soft wood during the summer, rooting them 

 in sand, or by separating from the main 

 plant some of the numerous shoots which 

 spring from the root. — Vick' s Magazine. 



A LOVE AFFAIR IN THE GARDEN, 



With whom did he fall in love ? Rose Geranium. 



Was she handsome? An American Beauty. 



Did she have many admirers? Phlox. 



What was his name ? Basil. 



How did he propose? Aster. 



What time of day was their first meeting ? Morn- 

 ing Glory. 



What was the color of her eyes ? Violet. 



What was the color of her cheeks ? Pink. 



What did he wear upon his hands? Fox Gloves. 



What fastened his coat ? Bachelors' buttons. 



What had she upon her feet ? Lady slippers. 



Her parents were worldly and what had she 

 been told to do ? Marigold. 



What did her lover offer her ? Tulips. 



What was the result ? Love in a Tangle. 



Faithful to her parents' commands, what did she 

 say ? Tov:ch me not. 



What did he say, pleading with her? Honeydew. 



What did she hope would efface their love ? 

 Thyme. 



He fell down upon his knees before her and what 

 did she say to him ? Johnny jump up. 



What did he do ? Rose. 



What did they both have when they parted ? 

 Bleeding hearts. 



What did he think of adopting ? Monkshoods. 



What did she think of becoming? Veiled nun. 



When, after many months the parents relented, 

 what did the lovers find ? Sweet peas. 



What hour was set for the wedding? Four 

 o'clock. 



Who were her bridesmaids ? Violet, Lily, 

 Marguerite and Daisy. 



Who was the best man ? Sweet William. 



What did the mother say to the bride ? Forget- 

 me-not. 



Where did they make their home ? Cape Jessa- 

 mine. 



What did they find in married life? Heartsease. 



— Designer. 



