ox BEDDING PLANTS. 



187 



for the same. Carpeting plants, such as the Alternantheras, are 

 also used, and when judiciously arranged, give a finished appear- 

 ance to the beds. In fact, the modes of arranging the plants 

 at command are endless ; yet the same object is kept in view, 

 viz., an attractive and effective display, avoiding all formality, but 

 at the same time aiming at a neat, symmetrical appearance when 

 completed. 



Abutilons. — If these are planted outside in June they will 

 flower freely throughout the summer ; the flowers are bell-shaped 

 and pendulous. Abutilons are readily propagated by cuttings of 

 the young wood struck in a mild bottom-heat in September. 

 Several ornamental-foliaged varieties are grown for bedding 

 purposes : A. Thomsojii, 3ft. to 4ft. high, with leaves freely 

 blotched with yellow ; A. vexillaruivi (A. megapotamicuni)^ 3ft., 

 flowers with dark red sepals, pale yellow petals, and dark brown 

 stamens, the variety variegatum being very attractive ; and 

 A. Sellowiammi i}iar7Jioratum^ with large leaves beautifully mottled 

 with bright yellow. 



Acacia (Albizzia) lophantha is a handsome plant for 

 mixed sub-tropical bedding. It is of quick growth, and produces 

 an abundance of graceful bipinnate leaves. Seed sown in heat 

 in February will yield plants suitable for transferring to the open 

 beds in June. 



Caxnas. — These are splendid plants, admirably adapted either 

 for massing in beds by themselves or for mixing amongst other 

 subjects. They are of stately growth, producing massive, broad 

 foliage, varying in colour from rich green to chocolate-crimson, 

 and having noble heads of yellow, orange, or crimson-scarlet 

 flowers. Seed may be sown in February in heat either in pans 

 or singly in small pots. Previous to sowing it should be steeped 

 for twenty-four hours in lukewarm water : this will tend to soften 

 the seed and stimulate its germinating properties. The seed- 

 lings must be grown on quickly, and thoroughly hardened before 

 planting out, and they will flower the first season. They prefer 

 a rich, porous soil, which ought to be dug and manured two or 

 three weeks before planting. In the autumn the tubers must be 

 taken up and gradually dried previous to storing away for the 

 winter under the stages in the houses, or in dry sheds w^here 

 they will be safe from frost. They may be divided and potted 

 up in early spring and placed in heat ; they will soon grow away 

 freely, and make nice plants fit for planting out in June. 

 Numerous hybrids are now grown, most of which have been 

 reared by M. Crozy, of Lyons. ]Madame Crozy is of compact 

 habit, has green foliage, and handsome apricot-coloured flowers. 

 Paul Bert has dark foliage, shaded with purple, and flowers of a 

 golden-amber colour. ]Menelik is of dwarf habit, with fine rich 



