SELECT LISTS OF PLANTS. 257 



appear before or with the leaves sexes in separate catkins ; the males 

 long cylindrical, as shown in figure 95 (common White Birch) ; the 

 females similar, but more dense or shorter ; both drooping when nearly 

 mature. Seeds small, nut-like, winged. The species are usually propa- 

 gated by seed, which ripen early in autumn, and may be kept dry over 

 winter and sown very early in spring ; or they may be preserved in moist 

 sand and stored in a cold place to prevent fermentation. The seed-bed 

 should be shaded, also the young seedlings, until they are a few inches 

 high. The seedlings should be transplanted when a year old. Varieties 

 are readily increased by budding and grafting .upon seedling stocks in 

 the nursery. (See Selecting Stocks, Chapter XVIII.) 



Btgnonia, (Trumpet-Flower). A very large genus of climbing 

 shrubs, mostly natives of warm climates ; consequently requiring the 

 protection of a greenhouse when cultivated in cold ones. In most of 

 our recent botanical works the species are separated and those with a 

 certain form of flower are called Tecomas, and the other Bignonias. The 

 latter is the most common name, and applied indiscriminately to the 

 species in cultivation. Our common will Trumpet-creeper of the Mid- 

 dle States (Tecoma radicans), is a good type of the Tecomas ; while the 

 Southern evergreen Trumpet-creeper (Bignonia caprcolata), may be taken 

 as a type of the true Bignonias. All are readily propagated by seed, 

 cuttings, layers, and some of the hardy species from cuttings of the 

 larger roots. The evergreen species may be increased by cuttings of the 

 half-ripened shoots placed in sand under a bell glass or in close frames 

 in a greenhouse. 



Borbonia. Ornamental tender shrubs from the Cape of Good Hope, 

 bearing handsome, pea-shaped flowers. Increased by cuttings of the 

 half-ripened shoots taken off late in winter and planted in sand and kept 

 in only moderate heat. 



Boronta.A genus of ornamental greenhouse shrubs, mostly from 

 New Holland. They only require moderate heat and should be planted 

 out in summer. Propagated by cuttings of the half -ripened wood 

 placed in a frame and given plenty of air, with a temperature not above 

 sixty degrees, and only sufficient water to prevent wilting. 



Souvardla. A small genus of slender evergreen shrubs indigenous 

 to Mexico and South America.' They are extensively cultivated for cut- 

 flowers during the winter months. There are both single and double 

 flowering varieties and of various colors, from brilliant scarlet to the 

 purest white. They are all rather difficult to propagate by cuttings of 

 the shoots, but are readily and rapidly increased by cuttings of the roots. 

 To obtain the latter, an old plant or one of good size should be taken 

 out of the pot, the soil shaken off, and the roots divided into pieces 

 about one inch long. These cuttings should then be placed in shallow 

 boxes filled with sand or sandy loam, and covered about one-half inch 

 deep. Apply water sufficient to settle the soil, and set aside for a week 

 or two where they will receive but moderate heat while the callus and 



