as to admit of its absorbing a thorough dose of water now and then, while in winter it was protected with dry leaves and a piece of tarpaulin. Similar protection, plenty of water in summer, and a warm and sheltered position, are all that are necessary for success with this very striking subject. It is not difficult to obtain, and may be raised from seed, though that is a slow way. It should be planted in some isolated spot, and not as a rule in the “flower-garden proper,” as it must not be disturbed after being well planted, and would associate badly with the ordinary occupants of the parterre. The plant cannot have too much sun or warmth, but makes little progress if its huge leaves are torn by storms. In places with any diversity of surface it will be easy to select a spot well open to the sun and yet sheltered by surrounding objects (shrubs, clumps, etc.). The figure shows more the habit of the plant than the character of its huge compound fleshy spike, on which the small seeds are thickly scattered.
*Gymnocladus canadensis (Kentucky Coffee-tree).—A remarkable hardy forest tree, which, kept in a young state, will furnish a fine head of foliage. It has twice-divided leaves, the leaflets of which stand vertically. On young trees the leaves are more than 3 ft. long, and on subjects confined to a single stem and cut down every year they would prove even larger than that. It grows wild in Canada, but more abundantly and larger in Kentucky and Tennessee, where it used to be employed as a substitute for coffee—hence the common name. It loves a rich deep soil, and is propagated by seeds and cuttings of the roots. It will prove very suitable for planting in similar positions to those recommended for the Ailantus.
Hedychium Gardnerianum.—A stove herbaceous plant from the East Indies, growing from 3¼ ft. to 6½ ft. high, with broadly lance-shaped clasping leaves in two rows, and bearing, in autumn, lemon-coloured flowers with a strong Jonquille perfume, in terminal spikes nearly a foot long. Another species, H. aurantiacum, has handsome orange flowers. These handsome plants may have been seen flowering in the open air in the gardens at Battersea Park, very pleasing and effective in shady nooks—not planted out but kept in the pots in which they were grown. They should be put out about the end of May.
*Helianthus annuus (Sun-flower).—This common and familiar annual plant may be usefully employed in adorning the rougher parts of pleasure-grounds in warm positions, where it will thrive to best advantage. Although very hardy and capable of being grown in almost any soils, it prefers those that are substantial and free.
*Helianthus orgyalis.—A very distinct-looking hardy plant, growing 6 ft. or 8 ft. high. Its distinctiveness arises from the fact that the leaves are recurved in a peculiarly graceful manner. At the top of the shoots, indeed, their aspect is most striking, from their springing up in great profusion and then bending gracefully down. It will form a capital subject for groups of fine-leaved, hardy plants, or for isolation by wood-walks, etc. As it is apt to come up rather thickly, the cultivator will act judiciously by thinning out the shoots when very young, so that those which remain may prove stronger and better furnished with leaves. N. America.
*Hemerocallis fulva.—This is one of those fine old plants formerly grown in almost every garden, but which
