42 HARDY PERENNIALS AND 



crops. I ought, however, to say that beds more exposed,, 

 together with the fact that the Daisy roots have to be trans- 

 planted in October or November, never flower so early, from 

 which it will be seen that the treatment explained hardly applies 

 to such bedding ; but where a breadth of bloom is required, say,. 

 for cutting purposes, I know no better plan. As cut bloom the 

 daisy is charming in glass trays on a bed of moss, or even in 

 small bouquets, mixed with the foliage of pinks, carnations, and 

 rosemary. Such an arrangement has at least the merit of sweet 

 simplicity, and somehow has also the effect of carrying our 

 thoughts with a bound to spring-time. 



The ancient names for this " old-fashioned " flower were 

 " Little Daisies " and " Bruisewoorte." The latter name, accord- 

 ing to Gerarde, was applied for the following reasons : " The 

 leaues stamped, taketh away bruses and swellings proceeding of 

 some stroke, if they be stamped and laide thereon, whereupon it 

 was called in olde time Bruise-woorte. The iuice put into the 

 eies cleereth them, and taketh away the watering ;" and here is a 

 dog note : " The same given to little dogs with milke, keepeth 

 them from growing great." 



Flowering period, February to July. 



Bocconia Cordata. 



Syn. MACLEAYA CORDATA ; Nat. Ord. PAPAVERACEJE. 

 A HARDY herbaceous perennial from China. It is a tall and 

 handsome plant ; its fine features are its stately habit, finely- 

 cut foliage, and noble panicles of buds and flowers ; during the 

 whole progress of its growth it is a pleasing object, but in the 

 autumn, when at the height of 7ft. it has become topped with 

 lax clusters of flowers, over 2ft. long, it is simply grand. There 

 are other names in trade lists, as B. japonica and B. alba, but 

 they are identical with B. cordata ; possibly there may be a little 

 difference in the shades of the flowers, but nothing to warrant 

 another name. Having grown the so-called species or varieties, 

 I have hitherto found no difference whatever ; and of the hardy 

 species of this genus, I believe B. cordata is the only one at 

 present grown in English gardens. During spring and early 

 summer this subject makes rapid growth, pushing forth its 

 thick leafy stems, which are attractive, not only by reason of 

 their somewhat unusual form, but also because of their tender 

 and unseasonable appearance, especially during spring ; it is 

 rare, however, that the late frosts do any damage to its foliage. 

 It continues to grow with remarkable vigour until, at the height 

 of 5ft. or more, the flower panicles begin to develop ; these 

 usually add 2ft. or more to its tallness. 



The flowers are very small but numerous, of an ivory-white 

 colour ; they are more beautiful in the unopened state, when the 



