REPORTS. 13 



Soni'e Asters have florets entirely quilled. The eeed which comes 

 from the Aster, should be taken from the centre, or principal 

 stem only, as the flowers on the lateral branches are never so 

 large or double, and consequently produce inferior plants. This 

 seed should be sown in the Spring, on a warm border or a gentle 

 hot-bed, and when the plants are three inches high they should 

 be transplanted, and kept shaded from the sun, and properly 

 watered till they have rooted. 



The Immortelles, are a beautiful species of flower. They can 

 be preserved in bouquets of dried flowers. To meet with success 

 in their culture, care should be used in careful preservation of 

 flower-seeds from year to year. All flower-bed.H must be kept 

 free from weeds. 



The Holly-hock is sometimes overlooked, as being too common, 

 We admire this flower in the garden. But they should be plant- 

 ed so as to stand together, so as to form little groves in some re- 

 tired corner, or even before kitchen windows, and we should aim 

 to have a great variety of colors and kinds. 



Dahlias are worthy of much attention. They are gorgeous, 

 and of great variety, and form a charming adornment, for large 

 plants. They are raised from bulbs, which, in the Fall, should b-e 

 carefully housed in a dry place, and be kept from freezing. Each 

 plant requires but one bulb, New species can be procureci from 

 the seeds, which are found among the petals. Dahlias need to 

 have their bulbs changed, something like the potato, to retain 

 their beauty from year to year. They flourish well beneath' a 

 slight shade, but need rich soil. The Dahlia was formerly a 

 South American plant, and introduced into Europe by the Span- 

 iards in 1786. 



Then there are the Verbenas, the purple and white Candy Tuft 

 — the Larkspur, The Perrennial Phlox, — the Mourning Bride,— 

 London Pride, — the Bell Flower, — all worthy of cultivation. 



