of loam and peat, or in four parts rotten loam, two parts rotten cow
dung, and one part silver sand; delights in shade, and will not bear
too much water. It makes an effective border to beds, and is readily
propagated by off-sets taken early in autumn, or in February or March,
by division of roots immediately after flowering, or from seed sown in
March on gentle heat in firmly pressed light, rich soil, covered with
a piece of glass and shaded from the sun till the plants are well up,
when sun and air is needed. When large enough to handle, prick them
out in a cold frame 6 in. apart, and keep them there through the
winter. Take care to press the soil well round the roots of off-sets.
October is a good time for making new borders. The half-hardy kinds
require the protection of a house in winter. Height, 6 in.

Avena Sterilis.--A very singular hardy-annual ornamental grass,
generally known as Animated Oats. Very useful in a green state for
mixing with cut flowers. Sow in March or early in April. Height, 3 ft.

Azaleas (_Greenhouse_).--A good soil for these deciduous shrubs is
made by mixing a fair quantity of silver sand with good fibrous peat.
The plants must never be allowed to become too wet nor too dry, and
must be shaded from excessive sunshine. After they have flowered
remove the remains of the blooms, place the plants out of doors in
the sun to ripen the wood, or in a temperature of 60 degrees or
65 degrees, and syringe them freely twice a day. If they require
shifting, it must be done directly the flowers have fallen. Cuttings
taken off close to the plant will root in sand under a glass placed in
heat. A. Indica is a plant of great beauty. Stand it in the open air
in summer, in a partially shaded position. In winter remove it to a
cool part of the greenhouse. The hardy varieties should receive the
same treatment as rhododendrons. Flowers in June. Height, 4 ft.