CULTIVATION AND ANALYSIS OF PLANTS. 



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f-^ HOWY Dicentra, scientifically known as Dicentra spectabilis, has been 



with many other pretty plants imported within the last thirty or more 

 ( 'u/^iy*^)) ^/^ years, by indefatigable collectors, from Japan and northern China, 

 c^ t^^^/^rf^-S:2,*° ^"""^^^ '■'^^ Flora of Europe and America. It belongs to the Fumi- 

 <C ji- Jt^V^ ^ >i^\l tory family, and is very hardy, being able to endure the frosts of the 

 severest winters of our Northern States. It will, however, be grateful 

 for a slight covering of leaves or other protection, and will repay its benefac- 

 tor by a growth of greater vigor the ensuing season. Low, damp situations do 

 not suit it, as it likes a dry, airy location, with plenty of room and a rich soil to 

 grow in. It is a very fine ornamental plant when standing alone, and, like rare 

 exceptions in the human family, it assumes a milder and more mellow beaut\- 

 witli advancing years. The long racemes of heart-shaped flowers — hence the popular 

 name of Bleeding Heart — curving away from the center of the plant give it a peculiarly 

 attractive appearance, while the leaves, resembling some varieties of the Fern familj-, 

 cooperate to enhance its beauty. Fading early, care should be taken to plant it where the 

 vigorous and abundant foliage of other plants will gracefully cover up its disappearance. 

 To grow in pots for winter use it is best to cut off a few shoots from the old root in 

 early fall ; which, being properly cared for, will gratify the owner b)' its few but pretty 

 racemes in the early spring. It is best propagated in all cases from divisions of the roots; 

 though it may, but with no slight difficulty, be raised from either seeds or cuttings. The 

 Dicentra has a somewhat peculiar history, having for many years after its introduction been 

 considered a plant exclusively adapted to hothouse culture, and its hardy properties having 

 been discovered merely by the accident of being left out all winter in the flower garden 

 at Cantrell Hall, the seat of the Childers, near Doncaster, England. 



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H.OMMONLY called Burning Bush, from the bright-red leaves of 

 some of the varieties, the Dractena has long been in cultivation, and 

 ;*^ IS \ei} generally admired as one of the most conspicuous of the 

 - -^ Liliaceous family. The gum of commerce, called dragon's blood, is 

 a pioduct of this and some allied plants, being obtained by incision 

 ~ *^ '■/' of the stems. The characteristic attraction of these plants consists in 



'•*^ the gi iceful habit and enduring properties of their leafage. The Dracsena 

 laco and other varieties are elegant indoor plants, alone or in groups. The 

 palm-like stem, with surmounting tuft, cannot fail to attract attention; while the 

 bright, transparent radiance of the leaves will delight the most indifferent 

 beholder. It is much used for hanging baskets and vases, and when partially 

 shaded among green foliage it is rarely eclipsed by the most brilliant of Flora's 

 gems. Content to grow in almost any soil, it thrives much better in one that is largely 

 composed of peat or liog-carth. Much water is acceptable, and during the season of 



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