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|>|^ Cl-LriVATIOX AXD AXALTSIS OF PLANTS. jT T 



out very large rootlets, which will sometimes hrcak a pot if not removed in time to a 

 larger one. They grow well in a good, sandy loam, which should be well packed in 

 among the rootlets. It is sometimes of advantage in transplanting to give them an 

 entirely new soil, care being taken not to hurt the live roots, and dead ones being cut 

 out with ;i sharp knife or scissors. The Agapanthus is among the few plants that grow 

 niinx- \ ahiaMe with age. Even the leaves can be kept green, if desired, from year to year 

 without apparent detriment; one or two will perhaps fall off in a season, but these will 

 be replaced liy others. It is slovs^ to evince any sign of disease, and should therefore be 

 all the more carefully tended. Its enemies are most frequently the scales, and occasionally 

 the mealy bugs. The season of blooming varies from spring to fall in different plants, 

 mainly according to ti-eatment, and not infrequently they will flower twice in the same 

 season. After flowering they should be given a season of rest by being supplied with 

 less water for one or two months, whereupon they will perhaps again show signs of new 

 growth, when they should receive a more liberal allowance of water. While blooming, 

 thev require a free use of liquid manure. Being natives of a warm climate, they delight 

 in a moderate heat, and will not thri\c at a lower range than fifty-five degrees. 



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^ L TER NA JsTTHERJl S. 



^->, NDER this name, formed probably from the changing haliit of 

 A the lea\ es m respect to color, is introduced a pretty, low-growing 

 - 1 oi dwaifish plant of the Amaranth family. It delights in a rich, 

 s ukU soil and in an abundance of water, when freely growing in a 

 waun .itmospheiL, in or out of doors. Under the sun's heat, the leaves 

 assume m succession many different colors, as green, brown, pink, car- 

 mine, orange, and yellow, frequently rivaling the various shades of our 

 forest leaves in autumn, or the beauties of the rainbow, whence it is sometimes 

 called Rainbow Plant. Being small and easily kept under control with the 

 kuife, scissors, or even the fingers, they are much used for number, name or 

 phrase work in fancy parterres; and the outline of such words, phrases or 

 numbers can be easily maintained through an entire season by clipping, as the)' 

 not only arc not injured thereby, but receive the added advantage of a more compact 

 growth. They will endure a greater degree of heat than almost any other plant, and 

 their colors become deeper and more beautiful in the full glare of the sunlight. Though 

 but of recent introduction, they have already sported into many handsome varieties. Of 

 these the best known are: A. tricolor, which derives its distinctive appellation from the 

 three most frequently-recurring colors, a rose ground with yellow bands and purple 

 veins. A. magnifica, because larger, stronger, and more magnificent in every respect, 

 including color. A. spatulata, from the spatulatc, that is, obovate, oblong, or battledore- 

 like form of the leaves, which are commonly a bright crimson and green. A. grandis, 

 among the most recent varieties, is so called because of its still stronger habit of growth, 

 and superior effectiveness in combination, the leaves being bronze with rich magenta tips. 



