154 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



which quickly injure them ; but, at the same time, these pests are easily 

 kept under by vaporising. 



Clematis. The different forms of Clematis are well known as 

 beautiful, hardy climbers, but one species (and a good one too) requires 

 the protection of a greenhouse. This is Clematis mdivisa, a native of 

 New Zealand ; its white, starry blossoms, an inch or so across, are 

 borne in great profusion in March. It is a free-growing climber, and 

 for training to the roof or rafter of a greenhouse is most useful. 0. i. 

 lolata is a good form of it. 



Cobssa SCandens. A very strong-growing climbing plant, suit- 

 able for clothing large spaces. The purplish-coloured, bell-shaped blos- 

 soms appear freely during the summer months. There is a pretty variety 

 of this with variegated leaves. 



Cockscomb. See Celosia. 



ColeilS. A class of plants with prettily marked leaves, some of 

 which form a pleasing feature in the greenhouse during the summer. 

 They are of very easy culture, and cuttings strike readily in the spring- 

 in heat. 



Cordyline ailStralis is a plant of symmetrical growth, with 

 long ribbon-like leaves. It is suitable for vases, pedestals, or pro- 

 minent positions, as the long, arching leaves are then seen to great 

 advantage. 



Cyclamen persicum (Persian Cyclamen). The forms of Cyclamen 

 now in cultivation are endless, and the difference is not restricted to the 

 flowers alone, as the leaves are richly marked. During the winter the 

 Cyclamen is particularly valuable, and is obtained from seed sown in 

 July. When large enough to handle, the plants must be potted singly 

 into small pots, and shifted on when necessary. Pots five inches or six 

 inches in diameter are large enough for them to flower in. Good flower- 

 ing plants can be obtained in from fifteen to eighteen months from the 

 sowing of the seed. After blooming, the old corms should be kept 

 rather dry for a time, then, about July, they must be shaken clear of 

 the old soil and repotted. A mixture of two-parts loam to one-part 

 leaf-mould, with a fair sprinkling of well-decayed cow manure and 

 sand, will suit the Cyclamen well. There is a pretty group with 

 fringed flowers. 



Cyperus alternifolius. This is about eighteen inches high, the 

 bright green stems being terminated by a quantity of long, narrow 

 leaves, arranged like the ribs of an umbrella. There is also a variety 

 with variegated leaves. Being nearly related to the Sedges, this 

 Cyperus needs a copious supply of water. 



Daphne indica. This Daphne is a general favourite, because of 

 the delicious fragrance of its flowers. It is a neat-growing little ever- 

 green that flowers in the depth of winter. A mixture of loam, peat, 

 and sand, and a shady position in the greenhouse, suit it well. 



Echeveria. Succulent plants of symmetrical growth, and near 

 relatives of the House-leek. A prominent feature of some of the kinds 

 is the metallic or bluish tint, while one, E. fulgens, has pretty nodding 

 clusters of red and yellow blossoms. 



