208 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 



this, it must be observed that many annuals commonly reputed tender, 

 and needing to be raised in heat, do very well indeed on a more 

 rough and ready method. In proof of this, sow Per ilia nankinensis 

 in the first week of May where it is required, and in the month of 

 July you will probably determine that Perilla does not greatly need 

 the careful nursing it usually obtains in heated houses through the 

 spring. Even the really tender Castor- oil Plant (Ricinus) will thrive 

 amazingly if sown in the open ground the first week in May. Having 

 no check, as plants put out from pots must have, the growth will be 

 regular and sturdy, and they will attain magnificent dimensions, and 

 flower freely if the season is favourable. 



We cannot afford space to say all we should wish on this interest- 

 ing subject ; but we will add a remark for the benefit of such as desire 

 to derive from their gardens a maximum of entertainment and in- 

 struction. We recommend not only a free use of annuals, where 

 they can be appropriately employed for purposes of embellishment, 

 but also the setting apart for a collection of them a border or plot, 

 one part of which is sunny and another part somewhat shaded. On 

 this border sow clumps of annuals, of as many kinds as possible, and 

 affix to each clump a label that will last the season out, or enter the 

 names in a book in the order in which the clumps are arranged, for 

 purposes of ready reference. This border will afford immense delight, 

 for many annuals that are not popular because not particularly showy 

 will be found to be worthy of admiration for their subdued and refined 

 appearance, their elegant forms, and their delicate blendings of colour. 

 Amongst them are many magnificent subjects that might well em- 

 blazon the terrace garden, but the less showy ones will probably be 

 held in highest esteem by the genuine lover of floral beauty. We 

 know of nothing more pleasing, especially as an incident in a quiet 

 garden walk, than to pass along a border where such gems are to be 

 found as Saponaria calabrica^ Leptosiphon roseus, Platystemon cali- 

 fornicuS) Calandrinia grandiflora^ White, Yellow, and Purple Sweet 

 Sultan, Erysimum Perowskianum, Eucharidium concinnum, Eutoca 

 viscida^ Double Sanvitalia, Gypsophila elegans, Kaulfussia amelloides, 

 Silene pendula compacta, and Viscaria oculata. These, however, are 

 but a few, selected almost at random, from amongst dozens that are 

 equally beautiful, that might be had to make the ground glitter from 

 earliest spring to latest autumn. 



