xxvi RIVERSIDE LETTERS 205 



dued green with stems of a coral colour ; it 

 is a very satisfactory plant, and when grown 

 on the edge of a wall, coming up through a 

 carpeting of stone-crop, as mine is, nothing 

 can exceed its beauty. The flowers of CE. 

 mis. as they go off change to a rich orange 

 colour, which in no way injures the general 

 effect in the daytime. I care not for the 

 tall biennial CEnothera biennis. as the fading 



o 



blooms on this are too much in evidence, 

 suggesting a slatternly woman in curl-papers. 

 The little perennial, CE. fructicosa, com- 

 monly known as "sun-drops," is a capital 

 plant for the border ; its blossoms last well 

 through the day and are produced in great 

 abundance ; but it must have either a wet 

 season or plenty of watering to keep it 

 thriving in perfection, as if it gets dry it 

 droops and looks miserable directly. It 

 blooms earlier in the year than most of its 

 family do, in May and June with me. 

 Then there is a delightful annual sort, 

 CE. odorata, sweet-scented as its name 



