TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. 39 



showiest genera of tender plants for autumn-blooming and 

 worthy of a place in every garden. For full cultural 

 details the reader cannot do better than consult Mr. J. B. 

 Wroe's excellent monograph on " Dahlias and their Culti- 

 vation," issued by the publishers of this work. 



Dracunculus. ]). vulgare (the Dragon Plant) was 

 formerly included in the genus Arum as Arum dracunculus. 

 It is a curious plant, with mottled stems, green leaves, 

 and green and violet spathes or flowers. Requires similar 

 culture to the Arum. 



Eranthis. This is the generic name of the Winter 

 Aconite, a dwarf tuberous plant which flowers early in the 

 year, and is well suited for naturalising in woodlands, in 

 turf under trees, or grouping in the mixed border. It is 

 perhaps best grown in turf, as there is less likelihood of 

 the small tubers being disturbed than when grown in a 

 border. Increased by offsets. 



Eremurus. A genus of very handsome tuberous- 

 rooted flowering perennials, belonging to the Lily order 

 (Liliaceae). Many of them are of stately and noble growth, 

 but they are unfortunately not hardy enough to succeed 

 really well outdoors except in a few favoured districts. 

 Those who live in mild, sheltered districts may grow these 

 plants in positions sheltered from north and east winds. 

 To ensure success it is advisable to prepare a special well- 

 drained bed, fully three feet deep, and composed of good 

 sandy loam, decayed cow manure, and leaf -mould. In 

 this plant the roots three to four feet apart in autumn, 

 keeping the crown just out of the soil. In winter mulch 

 around each plant with decayed tree leaves, and when 

 growth begins actively in spring top-dress with rotten 

 manure and leaf-mould. In the event of frosty weather 

 occurring after growth has begun protect the young shoots 

 with dry bracken or litter. The plants often fail to flower 



