st be
admitted that they are conspicuously successful on dry soils and in
sunny positions. This will account for the surprising displays
occasionally seen on old walls and in large wild rockeries, where they
are perfectly at home, apparently indifferent to the starving conditions
in which their lot is cast.

The fact that the plant possesses such sturdy independence of character
greatly enhances its value and usefulness. Nothing more handsome can be
imagined in a border than the gigantic spikes of the Tall varieties, and
they make a magnificent decoration for vases at a season when flowers
suitable for cutting are much needed. The Intermediate Antirrhinums,
like the Tall class, combine advantages for both bedding purposes and
for cutting, perhaps in a still greater degree. The varieties are so
numerous and charming that an enthusiast has suggested the desirability
of devoting a garden to Antirrhinums alone. Although the Tom Thumb
section is also frequently employed for bedding, these dwarf-growing
varieties are better adapted for ribbon borders, or as an edging to
carriage drives.

Antirrhinums may be grown as half-hardy annuals or as perennials, but
the former is the simplest course for obtaining plants for summer
bedding. Sow the seeds in pans or boxes from January to March, and prick
off the seedlings as soon as large enough to handle. Grow on steadily
and gradually harden off in readiness for planting out after the
Wallflowers and other spring bedders have been removed. After flowering
it will save trouble to consign the plants to the waste heap and again
raise a sufficient supply to fill their places in the following spring.
When grown as perennials, seed should be sown in July or August. Leave
the plants in the seed-bed until ready for transfer to final positions.
These will stand the winter and come into flower earlier than plants
from spring-sown seed.

==AQUILEGIA==

==Columbine. Hardy perennial==

Since the introduction of the long-spurred hybrid varieties the
Aquilegia has become exceedingly popular. Like the Nasturtium, it is
particularly accommodating in character, and will thrive on poor soil
and amid surroundings altogether uncongenial to many other subjects.
Several of the fine varieties which have been recently introduced are,
however, worthy of a place in the best of borders. Sow in February or
early in March in a frame, and plant out when strong enough, or sow in
June in an open border. If th