46 PERENNIALS. [Mavcjl, 



They flower very early, and make good edgings, where they 

 are kept in order ; flowering profusely from April to June, 

 and again in autumn. 



Yiiccay Adam's needle. This is a very showy and orna- 

 mental genus ] their character forming a picturesque contrast 

 in the flower garden ; foliage long, narrow, lanceolate, and 

 stiff"; with white campanulate flowers, about two inches in 

 diameter, in conical spikes from two to four feet long, arising 

 from the centre of the plant, containing frequently from two 

 to four hundred florets. They are principally native plants. 

 Y. strictaj Y. superha, Y. aloifblia, Y. angustifoUa, Y. glori- 

 osa, Y. recurvifblia, and Y. jilamentma, are all fine species, 

 and will grow in any common soil. When in flower, if pro- 

 tected from the sun by an awning, they will be of considera- 

 ble duration. There are variegated varieties of stricta and 

 aloifblia^ which look very handsome in foliage, but are at 

 present very rare, and it will be a number of years before 

 they are plentiful. There ought, at least, to be one specimen 

 of each in every garden. 



We have given the names and characters of a few her- 

 baceous plants, all or most of them easily obtained, many of 

 them extremely handsome, and such as agree best with, 

 transplanting at this season of the year ; for several others, 

 such as Peebnias, or any other strong tuberous or bulbous 

 sorts, see October. Where they are in pots, they can be 

 planted at any time, the weather permitting, provided the 

 ball of earth is not broken. But where they are only to be 

 removed, the best time is in October or November, or just 

 as vegetation commences in the spring. That herbaceous 

 plants may look to the best advantage, and flower w^ll, they 

 must not be allowed to get into large stools ; but, as soon 

 as they are above one foot in diameter, they should be di- 

 vided. 



Very frequently, those who perform this operation take 

 the spade, and cut a piece off all round, which, to a degree, 

 improves the look of the plant ; but this is only half justice. 

 It should be lifted entirely, fresh soil given, or removed a 

 few feet, and planted a little deeper than it was before, as 

 the plant tends apparently to grow out of the soil when al- 

 lowed to stand long. If the weather becomes dry shortly 

 after transplanting, give them a few waterings, until they 

 have taken fresh rootS; which will be within two weeks. 



