HERBS, TUBERS AND BULBS. 311 



the influence of the climate of the region in which they 

 have lived for an unknown number of centuries. Some 

 kinds of plants seem to submit more readily to artificial 

 conditions than others, but the most satisfactory results 

 "will usually be secured by keeping very near to nature in 

 dealing with the plants of any country or clime. 



AcanthacecB (Aeantlms Family). — MoBtly tropical herbs; a le\i 

 climbers, as in T!mnbergia, but the most highly prized belong to the 

 genus Acanthus, these being large, stately, ornamental perennials, much 

 admired for their beautiful foliage. Very useful plants for bedding out 

 in summer. Propagated by seeds sown under glass, or by divisiou of 

 the roots whUe the plants are in a semi-dormant condition in fall or 

 winter. 



Antarantacece (Amaranth Family). — A large family ; mostly low 

 annual herbs ; a few shrubs, and only a few genera considered worthy 

 of ctiltivation, and among these are the well known Amarantus, Geh- 

 sia, Gomphrena, AUemanthera, and Iresme or Achyranthes. The species 

 of the two last named genera are perennials, and of which there ai'e 

 many varieties in cultivation, valued for their handsomely colored foU- 

 age. To insure a perpetuation of the bright color and variegation of the 

 leaves, the plants should be propagated by cuttings taken from stock 

 plants kept over for the purpose. Cuttings taken ofE in March and 

 April wiU usually become sufficiently strong and well supplied with 

 roots for planting out later in spring. 



A-maryllidacetB (Amaryllis Family). — A very large family of ele- 

 gant ornamental plants, mostly bulbous, but a few, such as the Agave 

 (American Aloe) have stems and large fleshy roots. The most familiar 

 genera are the Amaryllis, Oi-inum, Fancratium, jlvareissus, OalantJms 

 (Snowdrop), Hippeasfrum, and Hcemanthus. A few, such as the Narcis- 

 sus and Galanihus, are hardy, but they are mainly greenhouse plants. 

 New varieties are raised from seeds, and as these ai'e rather fleshy they 

 should not be covered very deep, especially if soil is used for this pur- 

 pose. I have had excellent success by scattering the seed over the 

 surface of leaf mold, and then spreading over them a few shreds of 

 moss, covering all with a bell glass or a pane of window glass laid flat 

 on the top of the seed-pan or pot. The young plants may be potted off 

 as soon as they are large enough to be readily handled. All of the dif- 

 ferent genera requii-e a deep rich soil with good di-aiuage, whether cid- 

 tivated in pots or in the garden. Varieties are propagated by offsets, 

 which are usually produced in great abundance, although in a few kinds 

 the old bulbs produce buds rather slowly and spaiingly. 



ApocynacecB (Dogbane Family). — A family composed of trees, erect 

 and twining shrubs, and many low herbs, mostly containing an acrid, 



