54 



THE PLOTTER GARDEN. 



the embryos from which they are produced, are of com- 

 paratively feebler vitality. In a lot of old seed, the 

 germs of the finest flowers are mostly dead ; those which 

 do come up being only the robuster and coarser indi- 

 viduals. 



It is better not to disturb an anemone-bed too often. 

 At the end of four or five years, when the roots have 

 become crowded and the soil requires a partial renewal, 

 they may be taken up as soon as the foliage is qmte 

 withered, to be replanted in a fresh spot as early as con- 

 venient. Anemone roots are dormant for a much shorter 

 period than most other tubers ; consequently, no time must- 

 be lost. A fortnight's, or even a week's delay, especially in 

 the time of taking up, may seriously impair the next 

 season's bloom. At the time of lifting the roots, remove 

 an inch or so of the surface soil, give the bed a not too 

 rough raking, and throw over it a coating of fresh well- 

 pulverized loam, equal to that abstracted. If the weather 

 be dry, water with very diluted liquid manure ; wait for a 

 few weeks patiently, and you will find your old anemone- 

 bed covered with plants springing from the fragments of 

 tubers left in the ground, which will bloom vigorously in 

 due season. In short, you will have two beds for one. 

 Double anemones require the same soil and treatment. 

 Do not wait till September or October, but plant your 

 roots as soon as you can get your collection together. 

 Remember, anemones do not like to remain long above- 

 ground. It is not usual to name the choice varieties 

 that are raised, either of single or double anemones. In 

 fact, they would make a list long enough to reach from 

 London to York, extensible, at the florist's will, to John 

 o' Groat's house and the Orkney Isles. 



The Japan Anemone, A. Jajponica, is an elegant and 

 useful acquisition recently introduced from Japan. It 

 is perfectly hard}', thrives in any good light soil that is 

 not too dry, producing an abundance of its pinky- 

 purple flowers throughout the autumn. It rarely ripens 

 seed, but may be readily propagated by division of 

 the root, a very small portion of which will grow. Is 



