36 



ALTERNANTHERA ALYSSUM. 



SOIL, WATERING AND VARIETIES. 



They require a light rich soil composed of loam, 

 leaf-mold and sand. 



They need plenty of water and rather a high 

 temperature, with full exposure to the sun to bring 

 out their colors. 



Cuttings root freely either in sand or soil 



Alternanthera Am&iia, leaves yellow, brown and rose. 



A. Latifolia, broad, smooth, autumn-tinted leaves. 



A. Magnified, leaves broad, yellow, scarlet and green. 



A. Parychoides, leaves tinted green, crimson and straw-colon 



A. Spathulata, leaves tinted carmine and green. 



A. Versicolor, leaves tinted light rose to deep crimson. 



ALYSSUM. 



The name of this plant si nifi \s to allay anger, 

 and is derived from an idea the ancients entertained 

 of its properties. It grows wild in many parts of 

 Europe, and especially on the shores of the Medi- 

 terranean. The Sweet Alyssum, as it is commonly 

 called, is a modest little plant with pure white 

 blossoms, whose delicate fragrance, reminds one of 

 the peculiar aroma of the hay-fields. The annual 

 varieties grow six inches, and the perennial a foot 

 in height. It can be had in bloom at all seasons, 

 by seeding or from cuttings made at the proper 

 times, and its flowers are very useful in making up 

 bouquets, softening the brighter colors and en- 

 hancing their beauty. 



