28 
THE MANUAL OF GARDENING. 
The manure generally used in plant culture is stable dung, 
thoroughly decomposed by age, so that when a spade is passed 
through it, it will cut clearly, and when partially dried, may be 
rubbed into minute particles; there are frequently vast quantities 
of grass and weed seeds, incorporated with such manure, which 
may prove troublesome if a chance be not given them to vegetate 
by frequently turning the mass, and exposing it to the atmo- 
sphere. 
Acacia. — The Acacia , or Mimosa, as they are indifferently 
termed by amateurs, embrace a great many species, whose habit 
is to bloom during winter and spring; a considerable number of 
them are very pretty, producing yellow flowers, varying in shade 
or tint. The following are beautiful kinds: verlicillala, pulchella, 
Jlorabunda, linearis , diffusa , armata; some of these have the 
flowers in globular heads, others in cylindrical spikes. The A. 
Julibrissin is a fine showy species, growing as large as a full- 
sized apple tree, and withstands the winter in the south. We 
have seen them in gardens in Alabama and Mississippi, 20 to 30 
feet high. It affords a dense shade on a bright day, but when 
it threatens rain, the leaflets close their lower surfaces, till the 
sun again appears. 
Agapanthus Umbellatus is a showy plant, producing um- 
bels of sky-blue flowers. The scape in vigorous plants ascends 
two feet or upwards, and when several bulbs are united in a 
group, the effect of their combined umbels of cerulean blue, is 
charming. It thrives best in strong, rich, garden mould, and 
should be kept in pots of ample size ; figured in the Floral Maga- 
zine. 
Amaryllis. — A genus of bulbous-rooted plants, many of 
which yield pretty, and some magnificent flowers; among the 
latter are several hybrids, produced by crossing the original 
species. A. Johnsoni, A. regina, A. aulica , A. vitata and A. 
purpurea , (at this time called Yalatta purpurea) the last figured 
in the Floral Magazine, are fine kinds. The Amaryllis is easily 
managed, if care be taken to give plenty of water whilst it is in 
free growth, reducing the quantity as it declines, and keep the 
bulbs in a dry state whilst they are dormant. . 
Aster Argofhyllis, the Musk Plant, is desirable on account 
of the curious musky odour, imparted by the leaves when rubbed. 
Its flowers, or the general appearance of the plant, are by no 
means attractive, but it is, nevertheless, quite a favourite. 
Aucuba Japonica. — See page 45. 
Azalea. — There are now many varieties of this splendid 
plant ; those from China are not sufficiently hardy to withstand 
the climate of the middle states, but are easily kept in an ordi- 
nary sitting room. Few plants are more attractive, and no col- 
