BORDER PLANTS 41 



holds its place in the face of a new creation that is 

 manifestly superior to it, but I am constrained to say 

 that in the majority of such instances it is narrowness of 

 means rather than sentiment which leads to its being 

 retained. A new and improved variety presents an ir- 

 resistible appeal to the flower-lover. The greater his 

 success as a plantsman the more strongly he yearns for 

 the best material on which to exercise his skill. 



The influence of flower-shows has also to be taken 

 into account. It is well known that judges are impressed 

 favourably by beautiful novelties. Prizes have a way 

 of going to stands which, with equally good flowers, have 

 the most novelties in them. Indubitably flower-shows 

 exercise great sway over gardens. Prize-winners come 

 to be looked upon as leaders, and allowed to " set the 

 fashion." The varieties which the cup-holder grows 

 attract the notice of a host of followers, who feel that 

 they must grow them too. 



The most profitable part of the trade of a commercial 

 florist is that which deals with novelties, and the con- 

 sequence is that flower-lovers are provided with a copious 

 and unceasing stream of varieties under new names. 

 They are not always genuine novelties ; the opportunity 

 of getting a higher price sometimes tempts an unscrupu- 

 lous florist to send out an old variety under a fresh name ; 

 but the principal firms are too jealous of their reputation 

 to descend to sharp practice. 



It will be worth while to take the principal flower- 

 garden plants in alphabetical order and see what are the 

 best creations in them ; the opportunity may be seized 

 of dealing with the principal cultural points. 



ACONITUM (MONKSHOOD). The poisonous nature 

 of this handsome plant, and the fact that there have been 



