270 



when strong, should be planted at once where they are to remain ; 

 but when rather small and weak, it is better to plant them in nursery- 

 rows, half a foot asunder, to remain a year, and then transplant them 

 for good where they are to stand. 



The planting of cuttings of the stalks is mostly practised for the 

 double scarlet sort, when it increases but sparingly by offsets of the 

 root. It is performed in summer, when the stalks are well advanced 

 in growth, but before they flower, or have become hard and woody. 

 Some of them should be cut off close to the bottom, and divided into 

 lengths of from three to five joints, planting them in an easterly 

 border of rich moist loamy earth, two-thirds of their length into the 

 ground, leaving only one joint or eye out, watering them directly, 

 and repeating it occasionally with necessary shade in hot weather. 

 They will be well rooted, and form proper plants for transplanting 

 in the autumn. If the cuttings, as soon as planted, are covered 

 down close with hand-glasses, it will greatly promote their rooting, 

 so as to form stronger plants before the winter season comes on. 



The only culture they require afterwards is clearing them from 

 weeds in summer, and supporting with stakes them which need it, 

 cutting down and clearing away the decayed stalks in the autumn. 



Of the third sort, as being rather more tender, some plants should 

 be planted in pots, for moving under the protection of a frame or 

 green-house in the winter season. 



They are all very ornamental for the pleasure-grounds, particu- 

 larly the doubles, and prosper in any common soil, remaining in all 

 weathers unhurt, being of many years duration in root; and, when 

 of some standing, send up many stalks every spring, terminated by 

 numerous flowers, making a fine appearance in summer. The Scarlet 

 Double Lychnis claims the preference, though the single scarlet sort 

 is also very showy. And all the other species in their respective 

 double-flowered states are ornamental. They are all kept in the 

 nurseries for sale. In planting out, the tallest growers should be 

 placed the most backward, and the others more towards the front. 



