r health, but also prove
fitting points of vantage. In planting Yuccas it must never be forgotten
that perfect drainage is the all important requisite, and if it is not
afforded the stock will never thrive, but ultimately die from rot or
canker. Another matter, when referred to, will perhaps complete all that
is special about the culture, or rather planting, of Yuccas. Begin with
young stuff; I know nothing that transplants worse than this class of
shrubs after they have become considerably grown. Their spare, wiry
roots, when taken out of a sandy soil, do not carry a "ball," and from
the great depth to which they run they are seldom taken up without more
than ordinary damage. Young specimens, 6in., 9in., or not more than
12in. high, should be preferred, and of these sizes the least will prove
the safest. Yuccas are readily propagated at the proper season; and in
specifying the season it is needful to point out that of offsets, from
which young stock is soonest obtained, there are two kinds. Some spring
from immediately below the earth, and may more properly be termed
suckers; the others grow on the visible part of the stem or caudex,
often close to the oldest leaves; these should be cut off with a sharp
knife, in early summer, and if they have a little of the parent bark
attached to them all the better. If they are planted in a shady place,
in sweet sandy loam, they will make good roots before winter, and may be
allowed to make the following summer's growth in the same position. In
the succeeding autumn it will be a good plan to put them in their
permanent places. The suckers will be found to have more or less root;
they should be taken in spring from the parent specimen, the roots
should be carefully preserved, and the pushing parts planted just level
with the surface.

FLOWERING PERIODS.

As an aid to readers desirous of making a selection of plants which will
secure a succession of bloom the year through, we here give a list of
those described in the preceding pages, arranged according to their
average periods of flowering.

January.

Anemone fulgens, Aralia Sieboldi, Bulbocodium vernum, Cheiranthus
Cheiri, Crocus medius, Eranthis hyemalis, Helleborus abchasicus, H.
antiquorum, H. Bocconi, H. colchicus, H. cupreus, H. foetidus, H.
guttatus, H. niger, H. orientalis, H. olympicus, Jasminum nudiflorum,
Petasites vulgaris, Saxifraga Burseriana.

February.

Anemone blanda, A. fulgens, A. stellata, Ara