43 



Aquilegia Alpina, Ranunculacetv, Columbine. The several spe- 

 cies are very ornamental, grow in any moderate good soil and 

 increase plentifully by seed. 



Arabis Eosea Cruciferce. These species of plants of which there 

 are seven are chiefly adapted for ornamenting rock work in 

 Europe, being natives of many parts of the world. 



Aralia. A class of handsome foliage plants chiefly from 

 Japan, much used in Europe for subtropical or fine leaf garden- 

 ing, of these the Aralia papyrifera or China rice paper plant, 

 from hot moist parts of China, does well in the Deccan and is 

 reproduced by off-sets, is very hardy only requiring plenty of 

 room, rich soil and abundance of water. 



Ardisia Crenulata, Myrsinacece. These are handsome species 

 of plants of easy culture in a good soil, and easily increased by 

 cuttings from the root, the A. Elegans, lanceolata, solanacea, are 

 natives of India. 



Argemone, Papaveracece. Hardy Annuals and perennials grow- 

 ing easily from seed in any common soil. The seeds yield an oil 

 used for common purposes, and the fresh root bruised and applied 

 to the part stung by a scorpion affords relief. 



Aristolochia,Aristolochiacece. These are mostly climbing plants, 

 some of the species natives of India, growing in any good soil the 

 A. Acuminata bearing large drooping flowers of a dark purple 

 colour, the root is exceedingly bitter, and is said to be an antidote 

 to the bite of poisonous snakes. 



Arums. This is a large family comprising Alocasia, Colocasia, 

 Caladium, Calla, Anthurium, Diffenbachia, about which confu- 

 sion often arises, Colocasia has enormous leaves on tall stems, the 

 type of which we may make Colocasm Esculenta, an Indian plant 

 so much used in Bangalore foliage and called an Arum, there are 

 several kinds, Colocasia, Atroviolacea, C. Alboviolacea and C. 

 Macrorhriza variegata. Following the Alocasia in degree comes 

 the Calla or Bichardia, the Nile Lily, with its beautiful large rich 

 green leaves and large pure white spathe so well known here. 

 Alocasia is next in size to Calla and has also a distinct stem from 



