HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS 117 



to remain until autumn, and then be transplanted into rich, 

 deeply-dug ground. This ensures very sturdy plants, that are 

 certain to bloom well. They may last several years, indeed 

 become quite perennial, if they are prevented from ripening seed 

 by having the decaying flower heads pinched off; but it is very 

 little trouble to raise fresh plants every year, and all things con- 

 sidered, they give greater satisfaction. One little hint to the 

 reader who gardens in the country, especially near a wood, or 

 a sandhill 'ware rabbits. These pests will destroy the work of 

 several months among Sweet Williams, Carnations, Wallflowers, 

 and other popular things in a night or two if they are permitted 

 free entrance to the garden. They should be wired out, or snared. 



Some seedsmen offer seed of a strain of what they call " Auri- 

 cula-eyed " Sweet Williams. This is the type that the florist 

 specialised in years gone by. It is not every seedsman who has 

 a really high-class strain, but some firms of repute have it and 

 give close attention to keeping it true and good by careful selection 

 for the benefit of certain regular customers. There are also double 

 Sweet Williams. 



The origin of the popular name has excited the curiosity of 

 some lovers of the flower, but they have found it difficult to 

 trace it. As a matter of fact, the name Sweet William was 

 applied to more than one plant in past times, notably the Wall- 

 flower, which belongs to an entirely different genus. The plant 

 is related to the Carnations and Pinks, and as the specific name 

 " barbatus " means " bearded," the cognomen of " bearded pink " is 

 quite justified. By whatever name it may be called, and whatever 

 the derivation of its several names, the plant must be grown, for, 

 in the words of Cowley 



"Sweet William small has form and aspect bright." 



Tulips. The revival of the Tulip has led to the introduction 

 of a large number of beautiful varieties, many, of them tall and 



