HEARTICULTURE

April

This is a very treacherous month for the Gardener. Perhaps the most
characteristic April flower is the April Hope Plant (_Anchoria
Sanguinia_), whose delicate leaves begin to show early in the month.
Though one of the most fragile of plants in appearance, it is possessed
of extraordinary vitality. Were it not for this, it would soon fall a
prey to a capricious but rapacious weed known as the
_April-foolia-Flirtatia Mittifolia_, so called from its mitten-shaped
leaves. This curious plant when in full bloom shows a heart-shaped
flower, so inviting in appearance that unwary people are seized with an
irresistible desire to pluck it. Instead of the anticipated pleasure,
however, they receive a sharp, stinging sensation, not unlike that of a
nettle. As with the Nettle, too, if the flower be firmly grasped and
crushed in the hand, the sting will be deadened. This plant should be
avoided by inexperienced gardeners. It is believed by some that the
sting caused by the _Flirtatia Mittifolia_ may be cured by crushing
another flower of the species and applying it to the wound as a counter
irritant. Another and more reliable cure is a plant called _Newflamea_,
which blooms in May. The seed of this beautiful flower may be sown in
the middle of April, in sheltered places. The constant care and
attention which it requires will be amply rewarded by the beauty and
fragrance of its blossom, which appears with the first May sunshine. The
seed should be kept always on hand, as it can, with attention, be grown
at any time, and has a wonderfully stimulating effect upon its
admirers.

[Illustration]

APRILFOOLIA

_Jiltia Mittifolia_

SKIDOO Family.

Some of the failures with this plant have been heartbreaking.

[Illustration]

NOTINTHEMONEY

_Dopia Tipfoolia_

JONAH Family

A trailer. Considered unlucky to pick them. Of all the blooming things,
these are the most discouraging. From the many descriptions of this
plant it seems a sort of Horse Chestnut. Its color and form are bad.
Enthusiasts have been known to watch for results for years without one
plant showing. Related to the Hope Plant.]

[Illustration]

ENGAGEMENTS

"_'Tis spring!" he cried, as a tender spray
Put out its buds on the first of_ MAY

HEARTICULTURE

May

The Gardener now begins to reap the reward of his toil of the past few
weeks. With the bright blossoms of the Hope Vines and the Newflamea
Plant, the Gar