280 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



soides, P. SiebokUi, aud P. Japonica do well, and some other 

 sorts can with little care be safely wintered. Those noted thrive 

 without any covering being necessary, and I have been surprised 

 that the old-fashioned Polyanthus has not been more freely 

 planted than it is. Nothing is more charming than a good edging 

 of primulas, and in the open border, when planted singly or in 

 clusters, they always command attention to the exclusion of other 

 flowers in spite of the great wealth of bloom that we have in 

 spring. The forms of Primula Sieboldii are all welcome additions 

 and as soon as well known will be extensively planted. 



There continues a great improvement in the Hybrid Pyrethrums 

 and many deep shades of yellow and copper are appearing among 

 the newer double sorts. In light soils we find these perennials 

 first class in every way. 



Scabiosa Caucasica is one of the most desirable plants in the 

 entire collection, producing a profusion of large showy lavender 

 flowers, each on a good stem for cutting. There is a shade of 

 color in this flower quite beyond description, which is particularly 

 beautiful. For cutting purposes this is invaluable. 



Silene Virginica, the Fire Pink, I have no difficulty in growing, 

 and this can be particularly noted as one of the most brilliant 

 flowers that we have ; a dazzling cardinal. 



In Spiraeas the palmata section is coming rapidly to the front 

 as well they may, their sturdy habit of growth and showy spikes 

 of rich red rendering them among the best of their class. 



Solidago rigida is the most satisfactory of the Golden-rods, 

 producing heavy trusses of rich golden yellow flowers. This is 

 less weedy than most sorts and altogether is very satisfactory. 



The Silver Thyme is quite hardy with us and forms a neat 

 carpet plant, with particularly showy silver and green variegated 

 foliage. 



Tricyrtis hirta, the Toad Lily, is among the most curious plants 

 we have, giving a remarkable amount of bloom just in advance 

 of hard frost in most grotesquely formed aud colored flowers. 



Among the Veronicas or Speedwells I must not fail to mention 

 the following as quite indispensable : V. amethystina, a dense 

 bushy plant with innumerable clusters of deepest amethyst blue ; 

 F. longijolia var. subsessilis, with long spikes of richest blue in 

 late summer and continuing nearly to frost; V. rvpestris, forming 



