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ATTRACTIVE HOMES. 



BY CLARA M. NICHOLS, LYNN. 



There are so many reasons why flowers should be cultivated, 

 that I have ventured a few liints to those who have had less 

 experience than myself. WJiat shall wo cultivate ? is the first 

 question that occurs to the novice, and this cannot be better 

 answered than by referring him to the list that the Essex 

 Agricultural Society offer premiums for, with the addition of 

 two varieties, — Asters and Carnations ; of the latter there are 

 three kinds, Dianthus, Caryophyllus, Picotee (Dianthus Cary- 

 ophyllus), Pink (Dianthus Hortensis), either or all of which 

 will give good satisfaction. 



Perhaps there is no better woy to impart the knowledge 

 most desired, than to give our own experience in the flower 

 garden. In purchasing seeds, I have been better pleased with 

 separate colors than with mixed, as it is not necessary to have 

 many colors to make attractive beds. 



Of Phlox Drumraondi, scarlet and white will be more 

 pleasing to the eye than any bed we can get from mixed seed ; 

 but whatever is used, always have one-half white. Of Zinnias, 

 you can use more colors to advantage. I plant scarlet, orange, 

 salmon and white ; these I set in form of a hedge, in double 

 rows, nine inches apart, and a foot apart in the rows. 



Of Asters, there are so many varieties to select from, that 

 one, in looking over a catalogue, will be puzzled' to know what 

 to choose. After some years' experience we have settled on 

 the following kinds : New Rose, two colors, carmine and 

 white; Cocardeau or New Crown, carmine, violet, each with 

 white centre ; Imbrique Pompon, crimson and white ; and the 

 Hedge Hog or Needle, quilled, very curious and fineT 



