20 



our ciimate is so extremely congenial to its habits ; that it ex- 

 pands with the utmost luxuriance, attaining a degree of beauty 

 in its development, if not unequalled, at least not to be sur- 

 passed. 



For the gratification of amateurs, we annually plant speci- 

 men beds covering two or three acres, comprising all the rarest 

 varieties, for the purpose of inspeciion and selection. It will 

 be perceived that our collection is particularly rich in the 

 splendid Variegated, Mottled, Spotted, and Shaded varieties. 



The course we have adopted for its culture, although ex- 

 tremely simple, has been eminently successful, and the direc- 

 tions we shall now give are in accordance therewith. Make 

 the ground mellow to the depth of eighteen inches, digging in 

 at the same time a liberal supply of manure. Plant the dwarf 

 kinds at three, and the tall ones at four feet distant ; and 

 before pLicing the roots, dig in a shovel full of manure at each 

 hole destined to receive them. The root should be placed 

 two inches beneath the surface — measuring from the base of 

 the old stem. Most persons allow but one stalk to grow and 

 of course select the strongest — cutting away the weaker ones. 

 When planted along a walk or avenue, a triple range presents 

 a very beautiful appearance, the most dwarf being selected for 

 the first row, those of greater stature for the second, and 

 the tallest for the third row — indeed this manner of arrange- 

 ment may be extended to five or six rows. Another mode is 

 to plant them in clumps, either circular, square, or as the 

 taste may suggest, the tallest varieties being selected for the 

 centre. In either of these arrangements, a judicious selection 

 of the various colors is requisite, in order to unite to their 

 brilliant display, the advantage of a tasteful combination. 



When the plants are about a foot high, a pole should be 

 placed by each, proportioned to the usual height it attains, 

 which should be driven into the ground about a foot from the ■ 

 stalk, so as not to interfere with the roots. The poles or 

 stakes will necessarily vary from three to eight feet in height 

 above the surface ; and be firmly placed, should penetrate the 

 ground from twelve to eighteen inches. Those for the taller 

 plants will require of course to be of greater thickness and 



