1892.] ESSAYS. 125 



produce such fine varieties and large flowers. The seed is very 

 fine and should receive the same treatment as recommended for 

 Begonias. 



The Canna : A new class of these plants was introduced from 

 France in 1884, which are of a dwarf bushy habit, making them 

 desirable both for growing in pots and bedding out. Grown in 

 pots they bloom very freely, the flowers being of large size, 

 much resembling a gladiolus, and are very showy. 



They are increased by division of the tubers or they can be 

 readily grown from seed ; if seed is sown it is best to take off" 

 the hard outer covering. 



The older varieties are well known and need no mention here. 

 The tubers must be taken up in the fall and kept dry and warm 

 during the winter. They are then divided and planted the 

 latter part of ^lay, in a deep rich soil, the richer the better. If 

 they are started before setting out it will be a great advantage, 

 as they cannot be exposed to danger from frost. 



Oxahs : Summer flowering Oxalis are useful for edging 

 borders of flower-beds and walks. Oralis Deppei (tetraphylla) 

 with white flowers, and O, lasiandra, pink, are the two best 

 varieties for the above purposes. 



Ipomiea pandurata has not given much satisfaction as yet ; 

 but it may be that it requires more than a year to get established. 



The Calochortus is a handsome bulbous plant from California. 

 They have flowers somewhat resembling the tulip in shape, and 

 are white, purple and spotted in color. They should be planted 

 about the last of May, in a sandy loam. Plant them 3 inches 

 deep. Calochortus pulchellus is a bright yellow species known 

 in catalogues as Cyclobothra. 



Milla Bijlora, white : Bessera elegans, flowers purple, scar- 

 let and white. The bulbs are half-hardy and can be wintered 

 out doors with protection ; but it is easy to take them up and 

 keep them in a dry cellar. 



The Tuberose (Polyanthus tuherosa) is a native of the East 

 Indies. The double flowering form was oljtained from seed in 

 Holland. The recently introduced variety known as the 

 '* Pearl" is a sport that originated on the grounds of Mr. John 

 Henderson of Flushing, L. I. This variety is far superior to 



