ABRONIA, Nat. Ord. Nyctaginacea. 



BRONIAS are trailing plants, with prostrate branches, several feet in 

 length, and bearing clusters of sweet-scented flowers ; somewhat 

 resembling the Verbena, both in flower and habit of plant, though 

 more robust. The Abronias are natives of California, and in their 

 natural home make a beautiful flowery carpet. The yellow variety, 

 arenaria, delights in the most barren sand hills, and on the borders 

 of the Pacific Ocean, within a few feet of 

 high water, with no other sign of vegeta- 

 tion around, we have seen the clean white 

 sand hills made gay by this pretty plant, 

 which is known on the coast of California 

 as the Sand-plant. Umbellata is a deli- 

 cate pink with a good deal of fragrance. 

 The seed does not always germinate freely, and the plants in some sections do not seem to grow 

 with their native vigor. Start the seed under glass, first removing the husky covering. The 

 Abronias, when they succeed, are deservedly admired, and therefore have some warm friends. 



ADONIS, Nat. Ord. Ranunculacece. 



The Adonis, a native of Europe, is of the easiest culture. The finely cut foliage is ratht-r 

 pretty. The flowers, by no means abundant, are of an intensely deep blood red color, and cup 

 shaped. The legend is that this flower sprang from the blood of 

 Adonis, when he was wounded by the boar. It will grow well in 

 the shade or under trees, and this we consider its principal recom- 

 mendation. A clump under a tree or in a shady corner of the 

 garden, or under a hedge, or near a rustic summer house, is desir- 

 able, but we would not recommend it for 

 small gardens or limited collections. It 

 is an every day plant and will fill a modest 

 place very satisfactorily ; but if we attempt 

 to make much of it, or put it on exhibi- 

 tion it will disappoint and mortify us. 

 Flowers, like people, have places where 

 they do themselves and their friends credit, 

 while in other situations there is gene- 

 ral disappointment and mortification. Seeds may be sown in the garden, and plants should be 

 about a foot apart. 



AGERATUM, Nat. Ord. Composite. 



A Mexican flower, of a brush-like appearance, not showy in the garden, but prized by florists, 

 because it bears a great many flowers, and keeps in bloom a long time, and is, therefore, desirable 

 for bouquet making. In fact, there are very few flowers that will work up to better advantage, 

 and give a more chaste appearance to a small 

 bouquet than the white or delicately tinted blue 

 Ageratum, and as it will grow well in the house, 

 is Always a favorite with both amateurs and 

 florists. Its name has reference to the long con- 

 tinued flowering of the plant, and also of the fact 

 that the flowers will remain fresh for a long time 

 after being gathered, and a very liberal transla- 

 tion would be ever-young. It is well to start 

 the seeds under glass, and then transplant to the 

 flowering fled. Take up the smallest plants in October, and pot them for winter use. If no 

 glass is to be had, select a mellow soil and a sheltered spot for the seed bed, and cover the seeds 

 but slightly. Set plants six or eight inches apart to form a bed in the garden. A few seeds 

 sown the latter part of August, if the soil is kept moist and shaded, will make young plants fit for 

 potting for winter flowers. 



