626 HOME AND HOUSEHOLD. 



is a beautiful, attractive, and compensating affair. A pretty 

 flower in a window never fails to attract attention, and gladdens 

 the eyes of many besides its owners. 



List and description of hardy varieties of Annuals, Climbers, 

 and Bulbs : 



ANNUALS. 



Asters. This family of plants bears distinct marks of prog- 

 ress, with many varieties that are always hardy. They are 

 great favorites. The kinds commonly seen are of French or 

 German origin, and, under favorable circumstances, bloom con- 

 tinually until frosts come. The seed should be sown early in 

 spring, and the young plants transplanted from one to two feet 

 apart, and the taller varieties should be supported by stakes or 

 trellises. 



Begonia. This plant, with its ornamental foliage of brilliant 

 coloring, is sought for parlor decorations, ferneries, and green- 

 houses. Some varieties produce magnificent flowers : some are 

 propagated from seed ; others from cuttings ; and all require 

 rich soil. 



Chrysanthemum. The old-fashioned varieties, which pro- 

 duce flowers, white, yellow, and variegated, both single and 

 double, are always reliable and desirable. This flower has 

 become very fashionable and popular. In some of the new and 

 beautiful varieties seen in florists' windows, it is difficult to 

 recognize the chrysanthemum of our childhood. This is a most 

 desirable autumn flower. 



Candytuft. This is a hardy annual, one foot high. Seed 

 sown in the autumn produces flowers early in spring. When 

 sown in April, it flowers from July to September, and some 

 kinds until frost comes. This flower is prettiest in beds or 

 masses, and is indispensable for cuttings and bouquets. All 

 varieties are hardy and easy to cultivate, and bloom profusely. 



Carnation. This is a half-hardy perennial, one and a half 

 feet high. The seed will not produce all double flowers, though 

 some will be double, with all the shades, coloring, and fragrance 

 of the original flower. Sow under glass, in greenhouse or hot- 

 bed, and transplant to bed, two feet apart. This is one of the 

 most esteemed flowers in the florist's collection, and cannot be 



