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BEAUTIFUL GARDEN FLOWERS. 
ACTiEA spicata (Baneberry ; Herb Christopher ). — 
An ornamental native perennial 1 foot liigli, with 
stoutisli black rootstocks, much divided leaves, and 
erect racemes of white flowers in May. These are 
succeeded by black poisonous berries in autumn. In 
the variety rubra the berries are red, and in A. alba 
they are white. The Baneberries like .moist sandy 
peat, loam, and leafsoil in shady spots, and may be 
increased by division in early autumn or spring. 
ADONIS (Pheasant' s Eye). — Graceful plants suit- 
able either for the rock-garden or flower border, 
in ordinary soil ; they appear to be more at home in 
partially shaded spots. The “ Bed Morocco ” or 
“Scarlet Adonis” (A. autumnalis ) is a native annual 
about a foot high, with green leaves finely divided into 
slender segments. Its scarlet blossoms appear from 
July to September, and will last a long time in water 
when cut. A. aestivalis from South Europe is also an 
annual, with scarlet or deep crimson floivers in June. 
Both kinds may be raised from seeds. 
Amongst the perennial kinds the following are 
most useful : A. amurensis, from North China ; leaves 
feathery ; flowers bright yellow, usually appearing in 
January and February. The double-flowered form 
with numerous petals is superior to the type. 
A. distorta } an alpine species, flowers yellow in April. 
A. pyrenaica produces its yellow blooms about July. 
When once established, the plants are best left un- 
disturbed for a few seasons. A. vernalis is a beautiful 
European plant, 1 to 2 feet high, with bright yellow 
flowers often 3 inches or more across, from March to 
May, looking extremely effective just on top of the 
