200 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE FARM 
They never let go. Slow as is this method of propagation, it 
still means a steady annual increase and results in mutual 
crowding. Each offset tends to form a clump, and each 
clump a thicket. Some plants like—cockle-mint and pearl 
achille, increase in this way so quickly that, for best results 
in flower production, they need to be dug up, divided and 
replanted every second year. Most herbaceous perennials 
need this treatment every few years. Both the number and 
the kind of offsets produced give a hint of the future behavior 
of the plants. Iftherebe only a fewlittle offsets close against 
the base of the old stem, as in the tall lobelias (Lobelia cardt- 
nalisand L. syphilitica) one knows the plants will spread slowly 
and stay where placed; but if the underground shoots are 
both very long and numerous, as in the panicled white aster, 
one knows the plant is likely to spread. He who digs them 
should dig observantly, learning thereby how to plant them 
again in a new place. 
Excellent for planting are these offsets of herbaceous 
perennials. Nature carefully prepares them and fully equips 
them for rapid and complete development. There are no 
years of long waiting for results. They will give their full 
effect the first season. So, while we are waiting for the trees 
to attain their dignity and for the shrubs to grow to blooming 
size, we plant herbaceous perennials. Native wild perennials 
are best suited to informal planting. In using them about 
our grounds, there are just a few things that need always to be 
remembered: 
1. To plant the best of them in masses, many of a kind 
together, for too great variety is wearisome. 
2. Toplant the tallest growing forms at the back and the 
lowest at the front, so that the lowest foliage masses will 
drop gently down to the greensward. 
*3. To plant each kind where its requirements of light and 
moisture will be met. 
