OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 119 



fringed, ribbed, and somewhat bronzed. Perhaps it is most 

 useful in a cut state ; the sprays, even if they have but one or two 

 iowers on them, are charming for vase work. I may say the 

 calyx is persistent, and after the petals have fallen they not only 

 increase in size, but turn a fine red colour, and so render the 

 sprays additionally effective. 



To grow this plant well it should have a deep soil ; it also loves 

 moisture, and, as already hinted, partial shade ; it is a steady 



It may be propagated by division, the best time being early 

 in the year, just before growth commences. 

 Flowering period, June to August. 



Gynerium Argenteum. 



PAMPAS or SILVERY GRASS; Nat. Ord. GRAMINE^. 

 THIS handsome grass is well known, at least, its feathery plumes 

 are, from the fact of their being imported largely in a dry state 

 for decorative purposes. It has not been grown long in this 

 country, and, perhaps, it is not generally known that it endures 

 our climate as an outdoor plant ; in most parts of Great Britain, 

 however, it proves hardy. As far north as Yorkshire I have seen 

 it in the form of specimens 8ft. high ; my own examples are yet 

 young two and three years old and are only just beginning to 

 flower, at the height of 3ft. to 4ft., diameter about the same. It 

 is a native of South America, occurring mostly on the prairies; it 

 is also found in other parts where there are swamps and high 

 temperatures. This would lead us to have doubts as to its 

 suitableness for English gardens, but facts prove it to have elastic 

 qualities in this respect. It proves at all times to be a noble 

 ornament in gardens of moderate size. 



In its growing or green state it is a distinct and pleasing 

 object, but it is at its greatest beauty when it has ripened its tall 

 and silky plumes, which glisten in the sunshine and are of a 

 silvery- grey colour, and when also the very long and narrow 

 grass has become browned and falls gracefully, more or less 

 curling under the tufts. All its parts are persistent, and, as a 

 specimen of ripe grass, it is not only ornamental in itself, but it 

 gives a warm effect to its surroundings during winter. Under 

 favourable conditions it will grow 10ft. or 12ft. high, but it is 

 seldom that it attains a height jof more than 8ft. or 9ft. As an 

 illustration (Fig. 46) is given, further description is not needed. 

 I may add that if it is not " laid " by heavy snows, it keeps in 

 good form until the new grass begins to grow in the following 

 spring. 



I find it to do well in light earth, well enriched with stable 



