It is gratifying to note how the taste for floriculture has developed and is increasing from year to year and becoming universal. Therefore a few words of encouragement and advice will not be out of place and may help to stimulate horticultural excellence more and more. From wealthy gentlemen's pleasure grounds down to a laborer's modest home, flowers are planted, and often afford great delight. Of course where professional gardeners have charge of grounds and have sufficient room under glass where plants can be raised, prepared and fully established by planting time, about the middle of May, the grounds are beautiful from the start; but where plants have to be bought, and florists are forced on account of the large competition to sell them for two or three cents a piece, then plants are small and often have a hard struggle for life, and likely one-half of them perish or make a poor appearance up to the month of August, especially if on high, cold ground. If the weather be damp and cool, as we have had it this season, or a drought sets in, the poor plants have no color or shape, and such flower beds are an eye-sore instead of an ornament. It would be a great deal better if they were sodded over.

A few good flower beds will, undoubtedly, give more satisfaction than ever so many poor ones. For those who cannot conveniently raise indoor plants suitable for planting it would be better to choose hardy plants which stand the winter and are an ornament as soon as vegetation starts, such as AEgopodium podograria fol. variegatum, the variegated Goat-foot; Cineraria stelleriana, Vinca variegata, both large and small leafed; the small constant Ribbon-grass, Euonymus repens, Santolina, variegated Thyme or Golden Feather.

The first named is, likely, the very best and most reliable if properly set out, which is done by planting two to three small roots about every 3 inches in parallel lines with the grass border 6 inches off. By removing the coarsest and imperfect leaves from time to time it will make a beautiful border. The second year the spade needs to be run down on each side to stop the plants from running out of their places. It stands clipping, and new leaves start all summer. Plants from 5-inch pots are the cheapest in the end. Geraniums are probably the most reliable plants to fill out the middle space. Such flower beds will repay one's work in affording pleasure the whole season. Long beds near to paths or roads on a curve or gentle bend will not fail to produce a striking effect. Broad strips of Alternanthera paronychoides major on both sides nearest to the grass border, a single row of Cuphea hyssopifolia next, and a broad strip of Coleus Golden Bedder in the centre are, for those who have the facility to procure suitable plants at planting time, of the best they can choose. On a lawn large plants of Agaves, Yuccas or Dracaenas properly distributed are indispensable.

Vases and tubs skilfully planted and set between large beds of all forms, and a fountain near centre, will materially add to the attractions. There are three things absolutely necessary to procure good flower beds, viz.: very rich earth, established plants and skilful planting. But ingenuity is the keystone of all operations.

Kingston, N. Y.