BEE CULTURE, 119 
not a great favorite with grazing animals, and may be planted 
on the roadsides and commons where stock are allowed to 
run at large. Four pounds of seed per acre are an abund- 
ance, and it may be sown at any time, after which it needs 
no further attention, and will replant itself. It thrives well 
among the timber, or in open places. 
Simpson honey-plant (Figwort) is quite desirable, but of 
slow growth. The best method of cultivating is by sprout- 
ing in hot-beds and transplanting. The growth is slow, but 
once well rooted, 1t may be perpetuated for years, and fur- 
nishes honey quite plentifully. The plants attain considera- 
ble dimensions. The flower is quite small and unassuming, 
but the stalk grows tall and is very graceful in appearance. 
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) can be planted any time and any 
where. It makes a vigorous growth, and possesses much 
vitality. Bees work on it early and late, and the honey is 
excellent. Four pounds of seed per acre. It may be sown 
any time. 
We doubt not there are many plants accessible to all bee- 
keepers, and each adapted more especially to particular or 
peculiar localities, quite as good as any we have named. 
But we have already enumerated sufficient from which a very 
desirable selection can be made for any locality, and all of 
which will prove very profitable. By all means give each a 
trial, and select the best for all purposes, after which give 
those the preference. As farmers are constantly testing the 
best grains suited to their particular wants, or the best for- 
age for their especial grades of stock, so should bee-keepers 
be equally generous to their bees, and considerate of them- 
selves and their best interests to give at least a liberal 
thought to the subject. 
HONEY PLANTS FOR DECORATIVE PURPOSES. 
Unless actually seen, no idea can be formed of the beauti- 
ful and pleasing effect which can be produced by honey 
plants, when artistically and tastefully arranged. Even the 
most common of our wild plants, with a little thought and 
trouble, can be made to transform a very homely lawn into a 
seeming paradise, and the addition of a column here, with its 
niches supplied with variegated wild flowers, and a trellis 
