EVERT WOMAN HER OWN FLOWER GARDENER. 87 



By grasses are meant all those plants which have a round, jointed, 

 and hollow stem, surrounded at each joint with a single leaf, long, 

 narrow and pointed, and whose seeds are contained in chaffy husks. 

 This numerous family embraces even the tall Bamboo of India and the 

 tropical climates, which affords building material for houses, furniture 

 and carriages, and yet is brother to the meadow fox-tail grass. 



The Ornamental Grasses are attracting more attention every year, 

 and they are especially adapted to planting en masse, or in single beds 

 on the lawn. 



They are easily grown from seeds, which cost but a trifle. The per- 

 ennial kinds are more desirable on account of their permanency; but 

 there are many annual and biennial species well worthy of cultivation, 

 even in the smallest garden. They add much to the attractiveness of 

 bouquet or vase, and are truly numbered among the indispensables. 



Andropogon Argenteum has silvery colored leaves and plumes of 

 flowers ; is quite hardy, grows four feet high, and is raised either from 

 seeds or the division of its roots. 



Andropogon bombycinus is a lovely novelty ; with plumes covered 

 with silky hairs of a metallic whiteness. It is a hardy perennial from 

 Persia, growing one foot high. 



Arundo donax versicolor has striped foliage, and is one of the most 

 beautiful of grasses. It is not quite hardy, but should be covered with 

 sods, or placed in a dry cellar during winter. 



Chloropsis Blanchardia is a very elegant species, with rose colored 

 spikes. It is also tender, requires protection in a northern climate. 



Bromus brizaeformis is a hardy species, with drooping panicles ; grows 

 one foot high. 



Chascolytrum erectum is also hardy, and very ornamental ; is a native 

 of Chili ; grows eighteen inches. 



Chloris myriostachies is a new variety, with velvety flower heads; 

 hardy ; grows three feet. 



Cyperus Paramatta belongs to the sedge family, and is very attractive. 



Erianthus Ravennal is one of the most desirable species cultivated. 

 It is quite hardy, and forms large clumps from which the stems rise to 

 the height of ten to twelve feet, and are crowned with silvery plumes of 

 twenty inches in length. A clump of this beautiful grass in full bloom, 

 is an object of universal admiration. Its flowers are pure white, with a 

 silvery lustre. 



