20 The Canadian Horticulturist. 



considerable study, as it will mar one's grounds if not properly placed. 



One great advantage of the Foxglove is that seedlings come up of their 

 own accord in countless numbers, where all the flowers are not cut, so that 

 it is only necessary to do the thinning out and transplanting in order to 

 keep up the supply. However, there is one objection, that is, the losing of 

 many of the finest kinds, as one cannot tell what the seedlings will produce 

 unless grown in separate clumps of single colors. 



The wild garden and our parks afford excellent opportunities for intro- 

 ducing the Foxglove, and when once established, one need not fear of its 

 becoming much crowded out by the other subjects. While its beauty and 

 appearance are so out of the ordinary growth, its time of flowering will be 

 eagerly looked for each season when once the finer introductions become 

 known. 



A package of mixed seeds of the latest hybrids may be had for 50 cents 

 of some of the larger seed houses, and will give nearly all of the desirable 

 varieties. Sown first in a pan or box, and afterward transplanted to 18 

 inches apart, they will give a fine display. 



The best soil is a loose loam, thoroughly enriched and well drained. 



ARUM MACULATUM: OR THE SPOTTED ARUM. 



By Hermann Simmers, Toronto. 



I WILL endeavor to give a few brief points, not only to encourage the 

 culture of the Arums, but also to further the knowledge of their excel- 

 lence, and to try and persuade the readers of The Horticulturist to 

 study the habits of these and other plants. 



The " Spotted Calla," or Arum niaculatum, is naturally abundant in 

 most parts of Europe, growing chiefly in moist, shady woods and under 

 hedges. This variety having been brought to such perfection as a house 

 plant, differs, of course, in size from the wild variety, and has been so much 

 improved that it grows nearly twice as large as the wild variety ; the leaves 

 are densely spotted with small white blotches, giving it the appearance of a 

 sickly plant, but still having a pleasing effect, when understood by the cul- 

 turist. It has a tuberous, perennial root, its leaves are all radical, on long 

 stalks, strongly arrow-shaped; the root has a burning acrid taste, which, 

 however, it loses in drying or boiling. In a fresh state it is a drastic purga- 

 tive, too violent for medicinal use; and, indeed, it, as well as the leaves, is an 

 active poison, yet a nourishing farina is prepared from it, after the acrid 

 juice has been removed. A cosmetic is made from the plants in France, 

 and in Switzerland they are used as a substitute for soap. Aside from these 

 technical points, I will proceed to describe their culture in the house or con- 



