COMMON GARDEN FLOWERS. 



289 



and there, thus occupying no material space of 

 ground. 



We would now draw attention to the vegetables 

 grown as salads. These are, we venture to think, 

 well worthy of more attention than they generally 

 receive in small gardens. Lettuces could be grown 

 between other crops that are in an early stage of 

 growth, and be well out of the way before any harm 

 is done to either crop. Attention will be needed in 

 order to obtain a succession; this, by sowing and 

 transplanting every few weeks, can be, generally 

 speaking, well secured throughout the summer 

 months. Endive can be arranged for during the 

 late autumn and early part of the winter with a 

 little protection. Some few rows of Beet-root will 

 be found of much service, being easily cultivated of 

 sufficient size for all requirements. Radishes can be 

 sown in patches wherever there is an odd piece of 

 ground vacant. The common Watercress should 

 not be overlooked ; it wiU thrive well in any moist 

 comer of the garden, especially if shaded from the 

 noonday sun. When once sown, it will generally 

 reproduce itself every season, with scarcely any at- 

 tention to its culture. Mustard and Cress for small 

 salad is of the easiest culture. In nearly every case 

 when the growing of salads is attempted, the great 

 thing to aim at is not to have too much of any one 

 thing in fit condition for using at one and the same 

 time. Small crops in various stages of growth will 

 be by far the best course to pursue. 



Some few kinds of herbs wUl invariably afford a 

 more than usual amount of satisfaction, being far 

 preferable to the purchases generally made of such 

 products. Parsley, for instance, should receive pro- 

 minent notice, being in almost daily demand. It 

 wiU thrive well and present a good appearance when 

 arranged as an edging next to the tiles at the sides of 

 the paths. Mint, too, is of easy culture, not requiring 

 much attention. Thyme, Chamomile, Fennel, Sage, 

 and Tarragon, all herbs of a permanent character, 

 should each have a small space devoted to their cul- 

 tm-e. Sweet and bush Basil, Marjoram, winter and 

 summer Savorj', Balm, and Borage can all be raised 

 from seed annualh-, and should be allowed for ac- 

 cording to the requirements. All these minor crops 

 have already received special treatment in detail. 



We would urge upon those who love their own 

 productions, that have been grown under their imme- 

 diate observation, to purchase at least a stout one- 

 light garden frame. It would be useful, as previ- 

 ously advised, for wintering Cauliflowers, after the 

 removal of which it would also come into use for 

 Cucumbers, during the summer months, and then be 

 prepared for the Cauliflowers again. 



Detailed and most .explicit directions for the cul- 

 ture of aU descriptions of vegetable products wiU 

 19 



be found in other articles, the perusal of which 

 will be most profitable to the owner of even a 

 small garden ; it is not necessary, therefore, for 

 us to enter into such matters here. The same may 

 be said of the culture of fruits ; we have here men- 

 tioned those that would be of most value, with only 

 a few general hints which may be of service in this 

 pajtioular class of garden ; the pruning of fruits, with 

 illustrations and details of cultivation, will also be 

 found elsewhere in this work. A list of the most 

 suitable vegetables and fruits for a small garden, 

 and a list of the best kinds of plants for the conser- 

 vatory attached to the house, with such further 

 details as may be necessary to Obtaining in a small' 

 space the greatest result without too close and bur- 

 densome attention, wiU sufficiently complete this 

 series of articles. 



COMMOlSr GARDEN FLOWEES. 



Iiily of the Valley {Convallaria majalis). — ■ 

 This is no doubt the most popular and best known 

 of the whole family of Lilyworts, and with the 

 single exception of the Violet — if even that is an 

 exception — it is the most delightfully fragrant plant' 

 in all the garden. It is a native of Britain, and' 

 indigenous to various parts of the country, and is also 

 found wild over large tracts of the colder parts of 

 Europe and Asia. It is mostly found in shady 

 woods, and where it finds a congenial home the roots 

 will run almost like Spear-grass, soon overspread 

 and take full possession of large areas, covering 

 them with dense canopies of leaves, and these again 

 are silvered over throughout the months of May and 

 June with the gracefully-bearing flower-stems that 

 ring out from their bending steejlles their silvern 

 bells, more redolent of sweetness, however, than 

 productive of sound. The name Convallaria is 

 said to be derived from eonvallis, a valley, and rica, 

 a mantle, and is therefore at once descriptive of the 

 density of growth and the favoured natural habitat 

 of the plant. The English name, Lily of the Valley,, 

 is thus but a literal rendering of the botanical name ■• 

 Convallaria. 



There is but one species, majalis, for the so-called 

 C. hifolia is a widely "different plant, with two 

 leaves only, and has been transferred to the genus 

 Maianthemum. There are, however, several very* 

 distinct varieties, and among these the larger one, ■ 

 major, which has larger, stronger flower - stems, 

 with mole numerous and larger bells, and much 

 broader leaves of more substance, is by far the best. 

 This is also known as the German or Continental 

 variety; ' It; however, retains its character in thiS' 



