grown in any kind of soil, and almost in any position, but it
loves sunshine. If its fine lambtail-shaped flowers are desired, it
should be grown on the flat, but, for its grand red autumnal leaf tints,
it should be on the upper parts of rockwork. It is self-propagating, as
already hinted.

The flowers prove capital for dressing epergnes. I had not seen them so
used, until the other day a lady visitor fancied a few spikes, and when
I called at her house a day or two later saw them mixed with white
flowers and late flowering forget-me-nots--they were charming.

Flowering period, August to the time of frosts.

Polygonum Cuspidatum.

CUSPID KNOTWEED; _Nat. Ord._ POLYGONACEAE.

A recent introduction from China, perfectly hardy, shrub-like but
herbaceous; a rampant grower, attaining the height of 6ft. or 7ft., and
spreading fast by means of root suckers. During the early spring it
pushes its fleshy shoots, and the coloured leaves, which are nearly red,
are very pleasing; as they unfold they are seen to be richly veined, and
are as handsome as the beautiful Fittonias, so much admired as hothouse
plants.

The long slender stems grow apace, and when the growth has been
completed the flowers issue from the axils of the leaves; they are in
the form of drooping feathery panicles, 4in. to 5in. long, creamy white,
and produced in clusters, lasting for three weeks or more in good
condition. The leaves are 3in. to 4in. long, nearly heart-shaped but
pointed, entire, and stalked, of good substance, and a pale green
colour; they are alternately and beautifully arranged along the
gracefully-arching stems. The specimens are attractive even when not in
bloom. If the roots are allowed to run in their own way for two or three
years they form a charming thicket, which must prove a pleasant feature
in any large garden.

All through the summer its branches are used as dressings for large
vases, and, either alone or with bold flowers, they prove most useful.
In the shrubbery, where it can bend over the grass, from its distinct
colour and graceful habit, it proves not only an effective but a
convenient subject, as it allows the mowing machine to work without
hindrance or damage. It is a capital plant for the small town garden.
After sending to a friend several hampers of plants season after season,
all without satisfactory results, owing to the exceptionally bad
atmosphere of the neighbourhood, I sent him some of this, and it has