In this Department, under the head of Annuals, we describe not only the true Annuals, 
that is, those flowers that bud, blossom and ripen their seed the first summer and then die, but 
some Biennials and Perennials that flower the first season, and then live on for a year or more, 
like the Pansy, Dianthus and Antirrhinum. The Annuals are valuable treasures to both the 
amateur and professional gardener. There is no forgotten spot in the garden, none which 
early flowering bulbs or other spring flowers have left unoccupied that need remain bare 
during the summer; no bed but can be made brilliant with these favorites, for there is no 
situation or soil in which some of the varieties will not flourish. Some members delight in 
shade, others in sunshine; some are pleased with a cool clay bed, like the Pansy; while others 
are never so comfortable as in a sandy soil and burning sun, like that little salamander, Portu- 
l.ica. Still others seem perfectly indifferent, and will grow and flower under almost any circum¬ 
stances. The seed, too, is so cheap as to be within the reach of all, while a good collection 
of bedding plants would not come within the resources of many; and yet very few beds filled 
with expensive bedding plants look better than a good bed of our best Annuals, like Phlox, 
Petunia or Portulaca, and for a vase or basket many of our Annuals are unsurpassed. To the 
Annuals, also, we are indebted mainly for our brightest and best flowers in the late summer and 
autumn months. Without the Phlox and Petunia and Portulaca and Aster and Stock, our 
autumn gardens would be poor indeed, and how we would miss the sweet fragrance of the 
Alyssum, Mignonette and Sweet Pea if any ill-luck should deprive us of these sweet favorites. In 
this section we have a fine collection of Climbers, like the Morning Glory and Cobcea scandens, 
and also the Everlasting Flowers and most of the Ornamental Grasses. 
ADONIS. 
The Adonis has very pretty narrow leaves. The flow¬ 
ers are very brilliant, but not numerous. Rather a pretty 
plant for a retired corner, as it will flourish almost any 
where. It will grow well in the shade or under trees, 
and this wc consider its principal merit. A good strong 
plant is very pretty. Grows about one foot in height. 
Adonis aestivalis, summer ; scarlet; i foot, . . 5 
autumnalis, autumn ; blood red ; 1 foot, ... 5 
AGERATUM. 
A Mexi can flower, of a brush-like appearance, not 
showy in the garden, but prized by florists because it 
