88 FARM: HOMES, LN"-DOORS AND OUT-DOORS. 



waxen bells before the summer flowers have even dreamed 

 of blossoming. The bulbs are very small, and are sold, 

 cheaply, by the dozen or the hundred. 



Among Pceonies, in place of the solitary double red sort 

 that used to bo the pride of every well-regulated country 

 garden, are now found a hundred varieties. Doubtless 

 three or four of the best sorts would satisfy the demands 

 of a small garden. They are brilliant, showy flowers, and 

 are often as fragrant as roses. 



Festiva ha3 a carmine center shading out into white. 



Virginalis, clear white. 



Amabilis, rose, with white center. 



Pattsii, rich, deep crimson. 



Blush, large, rosy pink. 



Pceonies require three years to become of good size, but 

 after that they increase rapidly, and require so much 

 space that it is well to cut away some of their tubers, or 

 " toes," every spring, and present them to some one who 

 is not so fortunate as to possess them. 



Hollyhocks are among the dear old standard flowers 

 that should never be lost sight of. There are rich double 

 sorts in all colors, and in view of their tall, sentinel air, 

 they might be planted at either side of the gate, or in 

 clumps in the grass plat. For three months and more 

 they are in constant flower. If grown from seed they 

 will not flower until the sec^|d year. 



Larkspur is a desirable flower, because of its lovely 

 shades of blue and its brave habit of blossoming early and 

 late. 



Two or three sorts of Perennial Phlox should be chosen; 

 and they will look best if planted in a cluster on the 

 sward or against the leafy verdure of a hedge. White 

 Lady and Chloris, the latter a vivid red, might be 

 planted together. 



Lychnis is a brilliant and showy perennial, growing 



