i8 4 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



walks, and if clipped immediately after it has passed out of flower, it will 

 keep in good order for a number of years before it requires replanting. 

 The type is represented by a plant of compact growth about 12 

 inches high, bearing flowers of a pale purplish red colour, freely 

 produced on slender, wiry stems that are not easily damaged by rough 

 usage. Alba (the white form), carnea (pink), and pallida (flesh-coloured) 

 differ only in colour from the first named ; but a variety called nana, 

 possessing a dwarf and neat habit, not exceeding 6 inches in height, is 

 quite distinct. E. v. rubra is the tallest of the group, attaining a 

 height of 1 8 inches when in full growth, with flowers of a bright red 

 colour. 



E. Veitchii is a lovely white hybrid obtained from crossing E. arborea 

 and E. codonodes. This novelty we have as yet only seen as pot speci- 

 mens, but from its general appearance it gives promise of being a valuable 

 addition to an already extensive collection. 



Common Heather or Ling. E. vulgaris (Calluna vulgaris], is 

 too well known to need description, clothing our hills and moors, 

 where during the autumn months it transforms the whole landscape 

 into a rich purple mass, presenting a picture of rare beauty not easily 

 forgotten, especially by those who view it for the first time on a bright 

 autumn day on the slopes of the Grampians. There are numerous 

 varieties of this popular Heath, some of which make excellent subjects 

 for grouping in the grounds either in large masses of one colour or 

 judiciously mixed in beds. The white varieties are in much demand, 

 and must be a source of industry in some districts, judging from the 

 quantities that are to be seen on sale as cut flowers. 



White Heather for luck, besides being the badge of a Highland 

 clan, is in much demand for wedding bouquets, and there are few 

 sportsmen who will not sacrifice the chances of a good shot to stoop 

 and pluck a sprig of white Heather when discovered amid a sea of the 

 common purple variety. In the selection of the finest of a long list of 

 varieties of E. vulgaris, we would give first place to E. v. Hammondii, 

 closely followed by E. v. Alportii and E. v. Serin, the former being 

 a very free growing variety about 18 inches high, with white 

 flowers produced on fairly long spikes and forming a less compact 

 but more graceful-looking bed than many of the others. E. v. Alportii 

 is a very pretty dark red variety growing about i foot high, and 

 where beds of mixed colours are favoured, this makes a fine companion 

 for E. v. Hammondii. E. v. Serlii is conspicuous even when not in 

 flower owing to the mossy appearance of its foliage which is further 

 enhanced on the appearance of the flowers, which are pure white, 

 of fine form and substance. The whole plant does not exceed 12 

 inches in height. E. v. alba and E. v. alba minor partly convey 

 in the names their general description. Argentea has beautiful silvery 

 foliage, and aurea golden. On a first acquaintance with the last 

 named one might be forgiven for assuming that the plant was in 

 an unhealthy condition, the appearance from a little distance being 

 a sickly yellow colour in the foliage. Cuprea possesses a distinct 



