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 sufficient. 



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 effective, but not so valuable as 

 C. cordifolia. 



CucTJMis PERENNis (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, 

 rough, 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. Por 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 cannabina. — The male plant of this has 

 long been known as a very strong and effective herb — ■ 



