VARIOUS PLANTS. 



The grasses furnish unique effects and some of them 

 should be used in our compositions. I have in mind the 

 beautifully colored Ribbon-grass, the small - growing Bam- 

 boos, the Snakegrass (Briza), the variegated Reed (Arundo) 

 and some small kinds of New Zealand Flax (Phormium). 

 The Pampas-grass must be left out. It is of dimensions un- 

 suited for our grounds and its foliage is too sharp to be 

 placed in contact with the little hands we have to protect. 



Of succulents we may put out some on the driest and 

 hottest spot in our garden. Cactus with its dazzling flowers 

 is well suited for show as well as to illustrate the peculiar- 

 ities of its genus. Hen-and-Chickens (Sempervivums and 

 Echeverias) should be set out in limited number. The chil- 

 dren may be permitted to plant and replant them as often as 

 they feel the necessity of doing so. They will outlive all the 

 trials to which they are subjected. 



A half -barrel with water plants could well be sunk into 

 the ground. A small growing Water-lily and a few Water- 

 hyacinths will make their home in its boundaries. A Par- 

 rotsfeather (Myriophyllum), will also live in such company 

 and overreach the border in graceful runners. 



As the space for a small rockery can not be spared, we 

 should select just two or three large boulders, so large that 

 the children cannot shake them in their place. Set close to 

 them a few Primroses, a Kenilworth Ivy and a few Saxi- 

 fragas as well as Stone Crop (Sedum). It will suggest im- 

 pressions which will grow with the child as it develops under 



