green colour; the flower stems have
but few leaves, so it will be judged that the plant has but a weedy
appearance, but this is compensated for by the rich and numerous large
dark orange flowers, 3in. across; the ray is single, and the centre,
which is large and prominent, is a rich chocolate brown.

This subject, to be effective, should be grown in large specimens; mine
is about 3ft. in diameter, and the level mass of flowers, as I have
often noticed them in twilight, were grandly beautiful. I can well
understand that many have not cared for this cone flower when they have
judged it from a small plant which has sent up its first, and perhaps
abnormal, bloom. It is especially a subject that should be seen in bold
clumps, and in moderately rich soil it will soon become such. Moreover,
the flowers are very effective in a cut state, when loosely arranged in
vases, only needing something in the way of tall grasses to blend with
in order to form an antique "posy."

Autumn is the best time to plant it; its long roots denote that it
enjoys deep soil, and, when planted, the roots of this, as well as all
others then being transplanted, should be made firm, otherwise the frost
will lift them out and the droughts will finish them off. Many plants
are lost in this manner, and, indeed, many short-rooted kinds are
scarcely saved by the greatest care. The stem-rooting character of this
plant affords ready means of propagation by root divisions.

Flowering period, from September till strong frosts.

Salix Reticulata.

WRINKLED _or_ NETTED WILLOW; _Nat. Ord._
SALICACEAE.

A native deciduous shrub, of creeping or prostrate habit, not growing
higher than 2in. As the flowers are inconspicuous and only interesting
to the botanist or when under the microscope, let me at once say I
mention this subject because of its beautiful habit and distinct quality
of foliage. When grown on rockwork, no other plant can compare with it,
and where choice spring bulbs are planted, this handsome creeper may be
allowed, without injury to such roots, to broadly establish itself; so
grown, its little stout leaves, thickly produced, flatly on the surface,
are much admired.

The flowers or catkins stand well above the foliage, but are
unattractive, being of a dusky brown colour; the leaves are dark green,
downy, of much substance, 11/2in. long, and nearly 1in. broad, but the
size of foliage varies according to the conditions under which the
speci