300 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



sary to sow seeds in pans in a cold frame in March, and when the seedlings 

 are of sufficient size prick them out into the border, choosing a rich bit 

 of ground, and there they may remain until the following spring. Then 

 they must be lifted, potted, and placed in the open air until the flower- 

 spikes are seen. It is wise then to transfer them to the greenhouse. 

 The species is quite tall, six feet to seven feet, but by selection a dwarf 

 strain has been got, and the blue and white colouring of the flowers is 

 very pretty. In potting the plants, pot firmly, and use for soil a mixture 

 of half sandy loam, and a quarter-part each of road-grit and leaf-mould. 

 It is most important to give water judiciously. An over-supply for any 

 length of time will result in absolute failure, and a little soot water 

 occasionally will assist growth. When the spikes are running up weak 

 liquid manure should be given, but prepared chiefly from cow droppings, 

 not stable drainings. 



Canna. Of late years the production of a race of Cannas of dwarfer 

 growth, and with larger flowers than those formerly used for bedding 

 out during the summer, has led to their frequent use for the greenhouse 

 during the summer and early autumn months. Many of the flowers are 

 of gorgeous colours, and though the individual blooms do not last long, 

 a succession is maintained for a considerable time. The plants need 

 liberal treatment, a suitable compost being two-parts loam to one-part 

 each of leaf-mould and manure. As the pots get full of roots, liquid 

 manure given occasionally is of value. In winter the Cannas go to rest, 

 when the soil must only be kept slightly moist, but quite free from frost. 

 On the return of spring, shake the roots almost free from the old soil, 

 and when an increase of stock is required, divide the underground stems, 

 leaving, however, a bud, or eye, to each. Then repot, but take care not 

 to over -water until growth recommences. 



Carex. Pretty grassy plants of which there are two or three forms 

 with variegated leaves that are valuable for grouping, and will succeed 

 in the dwelling-house for a long time. They are of easy culture, and 

 need plenty of water when growing. Soil : loam and leaf-soil. 



Cassia COrymbosa. An evergreen shrub with shining green pinnate 

 leaves and clusters of golden-yellow flowers. It blooms over a consider- 

 able period of the year. Soil : loam and peat. 



Castor Oil Plants. See Ricinus. 



Celosia. The brilliantly coloured plume-like flowers of Celosia 

 pyramidalis are much admired, and the plants are welcome in the green- 

 house, or bedded out of doors. The colours vary from pale yellow to 

 crimson through various intermediate shades, some of the tints being 

 remarkably vivid. Another Celosia is the Cockscomb, whose large, 

 velvety-like crimson heads are strangely picturesque. All the Celosias 

 are sown in a gentle heat in spring, and grown on freely in good, rich 

 soil. They are not very easy to grow. 



Celsia. There are two species of Celsia, both of which are valuable 

 for the decoration of the greenhouse. Celsia cretica grows to a height 

 of four to five feet, and is studded for the greater part of that distance 

 with golden-yellow blossoms, while C. Arcturus is only about half the 



