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BEAUTIFUL GARDEN FLOWERS. 
the pulp of which are embedded the flat yellowish 
seeds from which new plants are easily raised when 
sown in spring in gentle heat. Another species is 
P. Allcelcengi, similar in appearance, but smaller in 
every way — especially in the blood-red calyx which is 
only about an inch in length. These plants have been 
called “ Chinese Lanterns ” owing to the appearance 
of their calices when drooping from the branches. 
Besides seeds, both kinds are readily increased by 
division in spring, and also from cuttings. 
PHYTOLACCA ( Polce Weed .) — Distinct and beauti- 
ful perennials easily grown in good garden soil. Not 
only are the cylindrical spikes of flowers attractive in 
themselves, but the succeeding masses of purple-violet 
.berries, and the red-tinted foliage in autumn render 
the plants conspicuous throughout the whole season. 
They are increased by division in spring, or from 
.seeds sown at the same period under glass. The best 
known species are : P. acinosa, 3 to 4 feet high, with 
oblong elliptic leaves and white or blush flowers on 
••erect spikes 6 to 8 inches long. P. decandra, known 
as the “ Red Ink Plant ” and “ Pigeon Berry ” a bold 
growing species 3 to 10 feet high, has rather an un- 
pleasant odour, probably from its large fleshy and 
poisonous roots. The ovate leaves are about 6 inches 
long, and change to a beautiful purple in autumn. The 
.■spikes of white flowers are succeeded in due course by 
the deep purple berries which contain a crimson juice 
like red ink. P. icosandra growls 2 to 3 feet high, and 
has tliickisli elliptic oblong tapering leaves 4 to 9 inches 
long, and spikes of pinkisli-white flowers. These are 
followed by fruits resembling over-ripe Blackberries. 
