OHAPTEE IY. 



PERENNIALS AND BIENNIALS. 



" Well they reward the toil. 

 The sight is pleased, the scent regaled ; 

 Each opening blossom freely breathes around 

 Its gratitude, and thanks us with its sweets." 



Perennial plants are those which live and blossom through many 

 successive seasons. If planted very early in the border, or brought for- 

 ward in the hotbed or in window gardens, they bloom the first season, 

 and many of them are hardy enough to withstand the coldest winters of 

 northern New England, while others require protection, and the tender 

 ones must be housed in the cellar to await the return of spring. 



Perennials die down every year, but the faithful old roots live, and 

 when the sun awakes them from their wintry sleep, they spring up anew, 

 and delight our senses. 



These plants are very deserving of the attention of the amateur florist. 

 They ask but little at one's hands, and will grow and bloom for many 

 years under great neglect. Yet if their roots are not divided, and their 

 food renewed after a few years they will dwindle away, and finally 

 perish. 



Many kinds are raised from seeds. Others by cuttings or increase of 

 the roots ; and once in three or four years they require to be taken up, 

 divided, and reset. They flourish best in a light, rich soil. 



Dicentra spectabilis, an importation from China, stands at the head 

 of the list for its beauty, grace and hardy qualities. Linnaeus knew of 

 its loveliness, and named it Corydalis formosa. Mr. Fortune introduced 



