116 



FLOWERS. 



Flowers are divided into annuals^ which flower and die 

 the year they are sown ; biennials^ which flower the second 

 year, and then die ; and perennials^ which do not, general- 

 ly, flower the first year, but die dow^n to the ground annu- 

 ally, and spring up again every succeeding spring for a 

 number of years. 



In the following alpliabetical list, flowering trees and 

 shrubs are included. We shall select such plants, shrubs, 

 and trees, as are of easy cultivation, generally hardy — such 

 as have singular foliage, fragrant odours, or beautiful flowers 

 — such as make a handsome appearance. As to placing 

 them :n the garden, or elsewhere, to advantage, we leave 

 it to the convenience and taste of the proprietor. 



Alth.sa frvt ex— Hibiscus Swiacus — is a beautiful shrub, 

 but requires a warm, sheltered situation in the Northern 

 States. It is easily raised from the seeds, sov»'n in the 

 spring. The young plants must be well protected during 

 the winter. 



Almond, double-flov/ering — Amygdalus pmnila — is a 

 shrub, which is, generally, in the spring, loaded with beau- 

 tiful flowers, resembling small roses. When in bloom, it is 

 not inferior to any shrub v>^hatever, and makes a fine ap- 

 pearance in a border. It is propagated by suckers. 



Amaranthus superbus — annual — superb — flowers late 

 -tender — plant the seed in May, or before, if the season 

 be mild. 



Amaranthus tricolor. — This plant is annual, and is 

 admired for its beautiful foliage, red, green and yellovf — ten- 

 der. The seed is found in little tufts about the stalk, and 

 should be sown in May, or before, if the weather be warm. 



Animated oats — Avena sensiiiva — are annual, and re- 

 semble the common oats, while growing. The seeds are 

 clothed with a stiff down, and have appendages like the 

 legs of some insect, with apparent joints. They are af- 

 fected by the changes of the w^eather, and, of course, are 

 continually moving. If they be wet, they will turn over 

 several times, and twist about. If w^et, and held to a light- 

 ed lamp, they exhibit such motions of apparent agony, as 

 an insect would, placed in a like situation. 



Aster, China. — It is annual, and produces many flovrers, 

 beautiful to the sight. There are m.any species, as red, 

 white, purple, striped, quiiled, &c. The seed should be 

 sown early in the spring. It flowers late in the season, 

 and endures some frost, but vrill not stand a severe one. 



Auricula.— This is one of the flowers, the species of 



