220 



HARDY PLANTS POR THE 



and grow up. A gentle hollow^ or among shrubs on the 

 sides of some sheltered glade^ will prove the best places. 

 The establishment of a palm among our somewhat mono- 

 tonous shrubbery and garden vegetation is surely worthy 

 of a little trouble,, and the precautions indicated will prove 

 quite sufhcient. 



Crambe cordifolia. — This is unquestionably one of the 

 finest of perfectly hardy and large-leaved herbaceous plants. 

 It is as easily grown as the common Seakale — easier^ if 

 anything ; and in heavy rich ground makes a splendid head 

 of leaves^ surmounted in summer by a dense spray of very 

 small flowers. Doubtless^ if these be pinched off, a larger 

 development of the fine glossy leaves may be expected^ but 

 as the shoots are so vigorously shot up and converted into 

 a distinct and pretty inflorescence^ many will prefer to 

 leave the plant to nature.^"* In planting it/ the deeper 

 and richer the soil^ the finer the result. It will prove a 

 capital thing for every group of fine-leaved hardy plants^ 

 and may also be planted wherever a bold though low 

 type of vegetation is desired. There is another species^ 

 C. juncea^ which is also eff'ectivCj but not so valuable as 

 C. cordifolia. 



Cucui^iis PERENxis (Perennial Cucumber). — This has not 

 the quality of leaf which we could desire^ but it will prove 

 interesting to many. It is perfectly hardy^ and possesses^, 

 so to speak^ great trailing power. Its leaves are strong, 

 roughs and of a glaucous colour ; and the shoots run about 

 freely if the plant be in very rich soil. Where bold trailing 

 plants for high trellis-work^ or rough banks^ or shaggy 

 rockwork are desired^ it will be found distinct ; but withal 

 we cannot give it a place in the front rank^ and the small 

 select garden without any of the above-mentioned appen- 

 dages will certainly be better without it. For the botanical 

 garden and curious collections it is indispensable. It is 

 strong and lasting when well established^ and may be 

 allowed to fall over rough banks^ stumps^ or be trained up 

 trellis-work^ &c. 



Datisca cannabixa. — The male plant of this has 

 long been known as a very strong and effective herb — 



