OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWEKS. 



135 



and beautiful decoration imaginable for a lady's hair. This 

 variety is at its best in the month of December, being a little 

 earlier than the typical form. 



All these kinds should be grown in moist and rather shady 

 quarters ; under trees not too densely f oliaged will suit them j 

 the soil should be a deep rich loam. I may mention that all my 

 Hellebores are grown under " nurses," i.e., suitable small trees. 

 I use walnut. About eighteen species and varieties are planted 

 under six small trees, 4ft. high. The reasons why I use walnut 

 are, that they leaf late in spring and lose their leaves early in 



FIG. 49. HELLEBORTTS NIGER MAXIMITS. 

 (One-quarter natural size.) 



autumn, so affording the greater amount of light during the 

 flowering time of the Hellebores, and screening them in summer 

 from the sun with their ample but not over thick foliage ; a cut 

 under the trees once a year with a sharp spade keeps them dwarf 

 and prevents their making too many strong roots. With- 

 out saying that Hellebores should be grown in this way, it will 

 serve to show how they may be conveniently shaded. Nothing 

 could well look more happy under such treatment, and, once 

 properly planted, they give no further trouble than a mulching 

 of rotten manure in spring, when all the kinds have finished 

 flowering. Christmas Roses are easily raised from seed, provided 



