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THE MANUAL OF GARDENING. 
CHAPTER VII. 
HARDY HERBACEOUS, BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS- 
ROOTED PLANTS. — The ornaments of the garden usually 
classed under these heads, are multitudinous; and when united 
with those termed annuals, in many cases where the grounds are 
of very limited extent, form the principal decoration. In all 
gardens, however large, they are important, the more so from 
their variety, the different periods of bloom, and their hardy nature, 
and consequently little care demanded by them. Plants of this 
character usually occupy (except it be some of the tall growing 
ones) the space in front of the shrubbery, and next adjoining the 
walks ; and if planted with due regard to their relative height, 
so as to bring the dwarfest nearest the eye, and the tallest grad- 
ually receding, a more agreeable effect is produced. 
They should also be planted with sufficient space between each 
specimen, especially those in front, to admit groups of annual 
flowers, many of which are of vivid colour, and others as the 
mignonetto, highly odoriferous; of which a few seeds should be scat- 
tered in every niche which may be found vacant. Hyacinths , Tu- 
lips, Narcissus and Crocus , may also be interspersed in clumps with 
good effect. In the autumn when vegetation has ceased, it will 
be found of advantage to place a stick firmly fixed in the earth, 
beside each plant or bulb, to mark the spot it occupies, else when 
digging in the spring they will be liable to injury. If the soil is 
heavy, and consequently strongly acted on by frost, benefit will 
be found in spreading a coat of long manure over the surface, to 
protect the more delicate ones from being drawn ; the manure 
may be dug in the spring, and thus effect a double purpose. 
Aconite, or Monkshood. — There are several varieties of this 
plant; the most common is deep blue, and its flowers resemble a 
hood. It is extremely poisonous in all its parts; even its smell 
is said to be injurious. It is hardy, and looks well in borders. 
It is propagated by parting the roots in the autumn. 
The Winter Aconite ( Eranthis hyemalis ,) is one of our 
earliest flowering plants, producing its little yellow flowers as 
early as February, or even January. It is a tuberous root, and 
looks well in small clumps, alternating with the snow-drop, as it 
blossoms at the same time. The roots should be taken up when 
the leaves and flowers are faded, not sooner, or its tubes wili be 
injured ; but it must not be kept long out of the ground, or the 
tubers will perish. It is propagated by dividing the roots when 
planted. 
Althe sinensis, the Hollyhock , likes good rich soil, and grows 
to the height of ten or twelve feet. The Chinese is a hardy pe- 
