6o Hardy Plants for 



dance in some parts of Britain, particularly in the north and 

 north-west. It is also freely found in Ireland, and is abundant in 

 the Lake District, growing high up amongst T. alpinum, and a 

 taller and coarser species. In the Jardin des Plantes, I ascertained 

 that T. foetidum, a dwarf, slightly glaucous species, with Mtry 

 elegantly divided leaves, is much better than even the best form of 

 T. minus. Once established, the only thing that need be done is 

 to pinch off the growing flower stems, and thus keep the poor 

 little flowers out of sight. The -Italian Isopyrum thalictroides is 

 dwarfer in growth and with a similar aspect, tliough the leaflets are 

 larger. It is grown in most botanic gardens, and may doubtless be 

 had in profusion in its native country. It would form a gracefial 

 dwarf fern-like fringe, but is not equal to the pretty T. foetidum 

 when once firmly established in nice cushiony tufts. It is doubtful 

 if we shall ever surpass or equal that as a little fern-like plant for 

 the flower garden. The Isopyrum must also have its young flower 

 shoots pinched carefully off". There is another fern-like plant use- 

 ful in the same way, quite distinct in aspect from either of the fore- 

 going, and likely to furnish a most useful fern-like effect. It is Spiraea 

 filipendula, the dropwort — either the single or the double kind will 

 do, the last the best. The plant is found frequently wild in England. 

 The leaves are cut into deeply toothed segments, will of course 

 stand any amount of exposure, are pleasing in outline, lasting in 

 character, and certain to produce a good fern-like effect of the 

 pinnated type. Pinch off the stems and you will tlien have no 

 further trouble in producing a dense green margin with this plant. 

 The leaves will grow from five to eight inches long, according to 

 the soil. The flower gardener who is at all inclined towards variety 

 and interest, can of course make a tasteful use of these plants. 

 The leaflets of T. foetidum may be used among flowers with good 

 effect. They are of a more lasting character than tliose of the 

 maiden-hair fern. 



Anthkiscus fumakioides is a lovely fern-like plant, as hardy 

 as the common parsnip, a native of Croatia, and fresh as an emerald 



