October 10, 1885 
THE HARDENING WORLD 
so 
nitural size of the flowers and leaves, none could 
fail to be struck with admiration at the beauty of such 
an object, even the most apathetic must pause to con¬ 
template such a lovely work of nature. Many have 
viewed it no doubt at the Harrow School Sanatorium, 
and longed for the possession of such in their own 
gardens. As there is no reason why their wishes 
where it will not get dug up while dormant ; it likes 
to be left undisturbed, and we fear the use of the spade 
or fork about it before it could get thoroughly es¬ 
tablished will account for many failures — once 
established it is by no means capricious. In planting 
it is above all things necessary that a shady moist 
situation should be selected, and if not on the shady 
plant seems to give the preference to loam, that at 
Harrow being almost clay. Any time between October 
and May will do for planting, and in planting it is best 
to plant pot-roots, which are easily obtainable ; when 
planted they should be carefully marked, so that they 
he not disturbed, and although they will put forth a 
few shoots the first season, but little must be expected 
The Flame Nasturtium on the Porch of the Sanatorium at Harrow School. 
should not be gratified, if they only go to Work in the 
matter intelligently, let us endeavour to point out a 
few of the likes and dislikes of the plant, on the 
observance of which success or failure with it mainly 
depends. 
Tropjeolum speeiosum has fleshy roots (like those of 
the Bindweed) which lie dormant in the ground all the 
winter, and in spring send forth their annual growth, 
it is therefore necessary that it should be planted 
side of any structure (which is preferable), at least 
■where trees or some other screen stands between it and 
the midday sun. It certainly prefers shade and grows 
infinitely better, and last much longer there than in 
the sun. 
As regards soil, our observation pioves to us that 
the quality of it is not of so much consequence as was 
at one time supposed, any moist soil on what is 
commonly called a cool sub-soil being suitable, but the 
of them until the next and ensuing summers, when 
their fleshy rhizomes have become firmly established in 
the ground, after which time the plants will take care 
of themselves, growing and training themselves, and 
even finding their own supports if any other climbers 
or shrubs be near enough to cling to. The Flame 
Nasturtium, therefore, is an admirable plant fortrailing 
among rockeries, ferneries, or rambling over shrubs, 
and decking them with its bright flowers in summer, 
