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CULTIVATION AND ANALYSIS OF PLANTS. 
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DICENTRA. 
-HOWY Dicentra, scientifically known as Dicentra spectabilis, has been 
with many other pretty plants imported within the last thirty or more 
SS Ne WwW years, by indefatigable collectors, from Japan and northern China, 
2. to enrich the Flora of Europe and America. It belongs to the Fumi- 
tory family, and is very hardy, being able to endure the frosts of the 
4 severest winters of our Northern States. It will, however, be grateful 
for a slight covering of leaves or other protection, and will repay its benefac- 
tor by a growth of greater vigor the ensuing season. Low, damp situations do 
not suit it, as it likes a dry, airy location, with plenty of room and a rich soil to 
grow in. It is a very fine ornamental plant when standing alone, and, like rare 
exceptions in the human family, it assumes a milder and more mellow beauty 
with advancing years. The long racemes of heart-shaped flowers— hence the popular 
name of Bleeding Heart—curving away from the center of the plant give it a peculiarly 
attractive appearance, while the leaves, resembling some varieties of the Fern family, 
codperate to enhance its beauty. Fading early, care should be taken to plant it where the 
vigorous and abundant foliage of other plants will gracefully cover up its disappearance. 
To grow in pots for winter use it is best to cut off a few shoots from the old root in 
early fall; which, being properly cared for, will gratify the owner by its few but pretty 
racemes in the early spring. It is best propagated in all cases from divisions of the roots; 
though it may, but with no slight difficulty, be raised from either seeds or cuttings. The 
Dicentra has a somewhat peculiar history, having for many years after its introduction been 
considered a plant exclusively adapted to hothouse culture, and its hardy properties having 
been discovered merely by the accident of being left out all winter in the flower garden 
at Cantrell Hall, the seat of the Childers, near Doncaster, England. 
DRACZENA. 
OMMONLY called Burning Bush, from the bright-red leaves of 
wf some of the varieties, the Dracena has long been in cultivation, and 
EX\\ As is very generally admired as one of the most conspicuous of the 
Liliaceous family. The gum of commerce, called dragon’s blood, is 
a product of this and some allied plants, being obtained by incision 
: of the stems. The characteristic attraction of these plants consists in 
the graceful habit and enduring properties of their leafage. The Dracena 
draco and other varieties are elegant indoor plants, alone or in groups. The 
palm-like stem, with surmounting tuft, cannot fail to attract attention; while the 
bright, transparent radiance of the leaves will delight the most indifferent 
beholder. It is much used for hanging baskets and vases, and when partially 
shaded among green foliage it is rarely eclipsed by the most brilliant of Flora’s 
gems. Content to grow in almost any soil, it thrives much better in one that is largely 
composed of peat or bog-earth. Much water is acceptable, and during the season of 
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