trees transformed into shimmering waves of mauve and white, March. 

 with Primrose tips which promise a further pleasure, and white Crocus 

 and purple Violets already opening their fragrant flowers. The Colour 

 Crocuses look as much at home as the small wild one of the pff ec t 

 Swiss Alps. There the white one with a deep purple stem is 

 the commonest, but a few of the mauve are generally inter- 

 spersed. A little damp seems to suit them, as wherever there is a 

 dimple on the slope or a terrace shaded by trees, the ground 

 will be almost as white as if snow were lying. 



To obtain the most brilliant effects, plant " Cloth of 

 Gold " a name which truly describes it or " Cloth of Gold " 

 mixed with Purpurea grandiflora, making together a truly regal 

 carpet if planted in large masses. Intermixed too much they are 

 apt at a distance to give a speckly result. A graduated stream 

 of white and mauve and purple winding through the grass 

 and round stems of trees looks beautiful. Mont Blanc, Madame 

 Mina, and Purpurea grand'tflora may be used if the small 

 expense of about 2s. a hundred be not a consideration, or cheap 

 lots can be had at lod. a hundred in separate colours only in 

 mixed kinds ; but these economies are generally regretted after- 

 wards. In this way they are used largely in the London parks, 

 and many more gardens might imitate the plan with great 

 advantage ; while the beds are still bare, filled with their 

 dormant plants, there are stretches of grass which should be 

 made at this time to burst into lovely blossom. The only 

 penalty attached to this pleasure is that the grass must remain 

 unmown till May, but that is a small one if the places are 

 chosen with wisdom. I find a good tool for planting 

 them is an ordinary weeding spud; a hole about 3 in. 

 deep is quickly made with it, and a basket of good soil and sand 



