Chapter M: A. S. Salm-Dyck. Monographia generum Aloes et Mesembryanthemi (12)

=APPLE-BLOSSOM WEEVIL= (_Anthonomus pomorum_). This is a small beetle of a reddish-brown colour, with three inconspicuous stripes of a paler colour behind the head; the wing cases show a large pitchy-coloured blotch, with oblique striæ and yellowish spots thereon. The female busily engages herself in piercing the flower buds; while the male may be usually seen flying about the trees during the breeding season, which, of course, varies according to the earlier or later expansion of the buds. The female, by means of strong jaws at the end of the long proboscis, bores a hole in the bud, in which she lays a single egg, finally closing the opening, then passing on to other buds. The laying season lasts for two or three weeks, or, indeed, as long as the buds remain unexpanded; eggs are never laid in open blossoms. In warm weather, the eggs are hatched in six or seven days, usually about the end of April, into small, white, legless maggots, which feed upon the stamens and pistil; hence, although the petals are normally coloured, and expand, the flowers ultimately wither, and in some seasons very serious consequences have arisen from these injurious little pests. The maggot is fleshy, whitish, with a few hairs and a black, hard head; in a few days, it turns into a brown chrysalis or pupa, which, in turn, is changed into the Weevil, only about a month having elapsed from the deposition of the egg till the Weevil is developed. It feeds upon the foliage during summer, and hybernates in crannies of the bark, or under the soil at the base of the trees, during winter, waking up in the following spring to go through the same performances as its parents.

_Remedies._ Some of the methods advised for the extirpation of the American Blight will prove very useful for the destruction of this pest. Clear away all useless portions of the bark and rubbish round about the tree during the winter, and many will be destroyed. Place bandages of tarred cloth around the stem in spring; this will prevent the females crawling up, as they seldom fly. If a white cloth is placed beneath the tree affected when in bud, and the tree is severely shaken, a large number will be caught, as the Weevil falls to the ground when alarmed. Timely thinning of the trees, allowing the free admission of light and air, is also a very effectual preventive, as it has been proved that the greatest ravages are committed where neglect of this has been the rule; and that, on the other hand, in proportion to its being done, the pest has been lessened in numbers.

=APPLE MUSSEL SCALE= (_Aspidiotus conchiformis_). This insect attacks the bark of Apple and Pear-trees. It is in outward appearance like the half of a mussel shell. Under the scale is the insect. It is closely allied to the true scale insects, and has similar habits. The scales are about 1/8in. long, brown, and wider at one end than at the other. The female is like a fat, green, fleshy maggot, without jointed limbs. The eggs of this curious insect are not laid, but simply remain in the body of the mother until she dies, thus leaving a protecting shield or case from which the hatched larvæ emerge. To get rid of this insect, therefore, the females containing eggs should be destroyed. It differs from most other species in the absence of the long tail filaments. If numerous, this Scale causes the trees to become sickly and unfruitful. It is difficult to extirpate.

_Soft-soap Lather._ When the leaves fall, in autumn, the trees should be treated with a stiff sash-tool, and all the Scale rubbed off, keeping the brush just moist, and not rubbing the buds. Applied for two seasons, this should clear the trees. All loose bark should be removed.

_Seal Oil_ is sometimes recommended as a good remedy: but oils are rather unsafe applications to the bark of trees, especially of the young branches.

=APPLE OR CODLIN GRUB= (_Carpocapsa pomonana_). During the month of May, the well-known Codlin Moth (see Fig. 127) lays its eggs in the calyces, usually one in each, of the young, quickly-growing apple. The moth itself is a small insect; the fore-wings are grey, prettily speckled with delicate, darker streaks, and with a curved golden mark on the hinder part, inclosing one of a reddish-brown colour. The hind wings are usually dark, as is also the body. The caterpillar, when hatched, is white, with black head and neck, and with four rows of black marks along the whole body. The colours soon, however, become less decided, taking an indistinct brownish or grey hue. After being hatched, the caterpillar gnaws its way down the fruit, keeping clear of the core, and gradually forces its gallery towards the rind of the fruit, which it finally pierces, the opening serving as the outlet for the dirt. When nearly full grown, it pierces the core and feeds upon the pips, which injury speedily causes the fruit to drop. The insect then emerges therefrom, and finds a suitable shelter in a cranny of the bark, where it spins a cocoon; and, according to British authorities, it remains in the larval state for some weeks, finally assuming the chrysalis form, and thus passing the winter; the moth emerges the following season. Shortly after development, the moths pair, the female depositing eggs in the fruit in June or July, according to the season.

Practically, there is no preventive; but the following hints will serve to greatly reduce the numbers. All apples that fall ere they are ripe should be picked up as promptly as possible, and be given to the pigs; or pigs should be turned into the orchard to clear off the fallen fruit. The following is the only serviceable remedy:

_Hayband Trap._ This is simply a loosely made hayband twisted around the stems of the trees, about 1ft. from the ground. The grubs, in searching for a suitable place in which to make a cocoon, will generally choose the bands. At the end of the season, all the haybands should be collected and burnt, and the stems of the trees from which they were removed should be cleared of any cocoons which may adhere to them. All loose bark and other rubbish should be removed from the tree trunks, and also from the ground below.

=APPLE OR CODLIN GRUB TRAP.= An exceedingly ingenious and effective method of alluring that obnoxious pest, the Apple Grub. The trap (Fig. 128) consists of two, three, or more thin pieces of board, 12in. to 20in. in length, and 2in. to 4in. wide, with a screw (_a_) through their centre. The screw must be long enough to be firmly driven into the trunk of the tree, so as to hold the boards in position. Small slips of wood (_b_) are inserted between the boards, to keep them sufficiently open to allow of the entry of the grubs, as shown at _d_. The boards are cut on each side of the screw, as at _c_, to facilitate their separation when fastened together by the silken threads of the grubs, and to better expose the latter when the trap is opened. This handy trap, which is of American origin, is very cheap. A great number of them may be collected with little trouble, submitted to a killing heat, and replaced again; and they can be used either on the ground or on the trees. As regards killing the grubs when caught, Mr Weir, the inventor, says: "The quickest and best way is to have a large tin pan, bent in on one side, so as to fit closely to the trunk of the tree. When you reach the tree, drop upon your knees, place the depression in the pan against the trunk of the tree, hold it there by pressing your body against it, and you have both hands free to open the trap. When opening it, many of the pupæ or chrysalids will fall into the pan. The trap must be turned clear around, as many will be found between it and the bark. A person will open and kill the worms in from four hundred to eight hundred traps in a day."

B, OPEN. A, SHUT.]

=APPOSITE.= Placed side by side.

=APPROXIMATE=, =APPROXIMATED=, =APPROXIMATING=. Near together.

=APRICOT= (_Armeniaca vulgaris_). The Apricot, or, as it was formerly written, "Abricock," is a much esteemed and luscious fruit. It is said to have been introduced into this country during the reign of Henry VIII. The Apricot is one of the earliest flowering of fruit-trees (see Fig. 129), and is generally in bloom during February. This fact is a great drawback, as it is a difficult matter to save the flowers from destruction by the spring winds and frosts. The fruit (see Fig. 130) contains less acid than most stone fruits, and in appearance it is perhaps the handsomest of all. Success with its culture in many gardens is by no means certain, but with careful preparation of borders and protection of the flowers in spring, satisfactory results are often obtained. Large quantities of fruit are annually imported to this country from France; but their quality and flavour cannot be compared with that of good home-grown produce.

_Propagation_ is effected by seeds or budding. The stones, selected from the best varieties, may be sown as soon as the fruit is ripe, in August or September, in light rich soil, and covered with about 2in. of earth, over which a little litter should be spread during winter. After one season's growth, the plants should be lifted, and the tap roots slightly cut back if the trees are intended for walls. They should then be planted in nursery lines, allowing about a yard between the rows, and 2ft. from plant to plant.

Budding is the most general mode of propagating Apricots. They are frequently budded from the beginning to the middle of June on seedling, and also on plum stocks, of which latter the Mussell, Saint Julien, Brussels, and Black Damson are the best. For dwarf trees, the stock should be budded about 1ft. from the ground. There are many disadvantages in having a great length of stem. "Rider" trees require a stem from 3-1/2ft. to 6ft.; half-riders, 2-1/2ft. to 3ft. Grafting by the Whip method is sometimes employed, but, for many reasons, it is much inferior to Budding.

_Planting, &c._ South-west and western aspects suit the Apricot best, but the fruit has been ripened in warm localities on walls facing several points north. Large areas of garden wall (see Figs. 131 and 132), the walls of stables, barns, outbuildings, and two sides of at least hundreds of cottages, might thus be utilised for the cultivation of this tree. If well drained, almost any garden soil will bring these fruits to perfection; light, fibrous, rather sandy loam will, however, prove most satisfactory. There should be a considerable depth of soil; a yard is not too much, provided it be on a dry base, which is most important. Heavy soils may be improved for Apricot culture by the addition of an equal portion of light loam, mortar rubbish, or charred refuse. In furnishing walls, the distance apart may vary from 2ft. between Cordons, to 12ft., 15ft., or even 20ft. between Fan-shaped trees. The roots should be carefully arranged, interlayered at all points with fine soil, and the whole covered to a depth of 3in. or 4in. Not only should the roots have a good covering of suitable earth, but a secondary one of litter, or other light material, should be added, to render them frost proof in winter, and drought and heat proof in summer. Newly planted trees should, on no account, be allowed to get dry at the root. A thorough soaking of soft rain, or manure water, will often save a crop, and restore the trees, when all other surface remedies or appliances fail. Surface sprinklings overhead with the garden engine, in the afternoons of bright days, are beneficial, and help to keep the foliage clean and healthy. So soon as the trees are cleared of their fruit, attention should be directed to the maturation of the wood. All superfluous shoots should be removed, any excess of growth left on the shoots cut back, and every effort made to perfect the wood already made, rather than force the tree to make more. Unless the weather be very dry, water should not be applied after this stage.

_Protection._ It is almost hopeless to expect a crop unless the blossoms are protected, by mats or other means, from spring frosts. Temporary wooden copings, from 1ft. to 2ft. wide, laid on iron brackets, are indispensable for warding off storms, and keeping other coverings away from the flowers. These should not be put up till the trees are just bursting into bloom, and may safely be removed about the end of May. A few fish or other nets, spread over the trees, afford considerable resistance to the radiation of heat. This is assuredly one of the easiest, if not one of the most efficient, modes of protection. Frigi-domo and other thick shadings are sometimes used, but they require to be removed from the trees in the day time. The thinner nets mentioned are generally not in use for other purposes at this time of year, and may remain over the trees altogether. Glass copings are the best, but, being rather expensive, they cannot be used by the majority of cultivators. They have, however, been applied with good results to trees that had previously failed.

_Cropping, &c._ Thinning of the fruit needs early and careful attention. The average of 3in. apart may be chosen for a maximum yield. As the fruit approach maturity, overhanging leaves, or branches of young wood, must be removed, to admit sun and light to properly ripen and colour them. Apricots for preserving should be gathered quite dry, and with the sun upon them. For dessert, they should be plucked in the morning, and placed in a cool room till wanted.

_Under Glass._ The Apricot will hardly bear forcing. It is more sensitive to heat than almost any other of our semi-hardy fruits. Practically, it is found that a confined atmosphere, or the slightest excess of heat, brings its blooms off in showers, and this, of course, mars all prospect of fruit. But in cold climates and northern latitudes under glass is the best and only means of growing them. Should red-spider appear, it is proof that the roots or the atmosphere, probably both, have been too dry; more moisture, and syringing over the leaves, are the surest remedies. The borders need to be about 2ft. or 2ft. 6in. deep, of any light rich soil. Fresh planted trees should be frequently syringed overhead before and after the flowering period. After they have become fully established, less overhead sprinkling is needed. During all the earlier stages of growth, and until the fruit are stoned, an artificial temperature of 45deg. should not be exceeded. After that stage, the fruit will bear a heat of 50deg. or 55deg. It is hardly safe or desirable to exceed the latter under glass, and unless abundance of air is given, 55deg. may bring off the fruit, even at an advanced stage. A thorough soaking, at intervals of fourteen days during the height of the growing season, may be applied; and, should the trees be heavily cropped, manure water may be given at every alternate watering. It is also a good practice to mulch the surface of heavily cropped trees with 3in. or 4in. of good dung. The fruit should, however, be freely thinned to distances of from 4in. to 6in. apart at the most. There are three general methods of growing them under glass: The trees may be trained on trellises or walls; grown as natural standards, tall or dwarf; and as bushes, either planted out or in pots.

_Varieties._ The varieties of Apricot, unlike most other fruit, are not numerous; and the following will be found in every way representative and satisfactory:

=Blanche=, or =White Masculine=. A small and delicate fruited sort.
Fruit pale whitish-yellow, tinged with brownish-red next the sun,
covered with a fine white down; rich, delicate, and sugary.

=Blenheim=, or =Shipley's=.* Very early and prolific. Colour deep
yellow; flesh medium, rich, and juicy. Ripe in July.

=Breda.=* A small sort, of excellent quality. Colour deep orange;
flesh firm, juicy, and rich. Hardiest sort grown.

=Kaisha.=* Fruit round, much smaller than Moorpark. Colour pale
citron; flesh tender, rich, juicy; flavour delicate and delicious;
kernel very sweet.

=Large Red.= The deepest coloured of all. Fruit very large; colour
deep reddish-orange; flesh rich and juicy; kernel bitter.

=Moorpark.=* The sort most generally grown; large, handsome, and of
excellent quality. Colour brownish-orange; flesh rich, juicy, and
sweet. It is one of the best and most useful sorts in cultivation.

=Peach=, or =Grosse Peche=. Distinct and very desirable. Fruit very
large; flesh rich, firm, and juicy. One of the very best.

=Royal.=* Not unlike Moorpark, but with a more robust constitution,
and less given to limb dying. Fruit large, dull, yellow, rich, and
juicy.

=Turkey.=* A good variety. Colour pale yellow; flavour rich and
juicy; flesh firm.

For modes of Training and Budding, Diseases, Insect Pests, &c., full information will be found under each individual title.

=APTERANTHES.= _See_ =Boucerosia=.

=APTEROUS.= Without wings.

=AQUATIC PLANTS.= The culture of Aquatic Plants, both indoors and in the open air, has been greatly neglected of late years; they are, therefore, rarely seen to perfection in places other than where their culture is made a speciality. Generally speaking, they are most easily grown. The following stove and greenhouse genera are well worth attention: _Aponogeton_, _Cyperus_, _Damasonium_, _Herpestis_, _Limnocharis_, _Nelumbium_, _Nymphœa_, _Ouvirandra_, _Pistia_, _Pontederia_, _Salvinia_, _Thalia_, _Trianea_, _Victoria_. Many species belonging to some of the foregoing genera are hardy, as are also the following: _Alisma_, _Butomus_, _Calla_, _Hottonia_, _Menyanthes_, _Nuphar_, _Polygonum_, _Sagittaria_, _Trapa_, _Typha_, _Villarsia_.

=AQUATICUS.= Living in water.

=AQUATILIS.= Living under water.

=AQUIFOLIACEÆ.= _See_ =Ilicineæ=.

=AQUILEGIA= (from _aquila_, an eagle; in reference to the form of the petals). Columbine. ORD. _Ranunculaceæ_. Erect hardy perennial herbs with fibrous roots. Flowers solitary or panicled, drooping; sepals five, petaloid, deciduous; petals five, concave, spurred; spurs very large, produced downwards into hollow tubes, and frequently curved at the extremity; carpels five, sessile, free. Radical leaves on long stalks, twice or thrice ternate, with trifid-toothed, usually blunt segments. Too much praise can scarcely be lavished upon this elegant genus of plants. They prefer a moist and sheltered situation, with exposure to the sun. The more robust species will thrive in ordinary garden soil, but the rarer and more delicate kinds require a good friable sandy loam and leaf soil, with good drainage. Seed is produced in abundance, and must be sown very thinly, as soon as practicable after being ripe, in a shady place or in pans in a cold frame. When up, and strong enough to remove, the seedlings may be planted out where they are to bloom, allowing every plant at least 9in. each way. The strong-growing kinds may be placed in the border, the dwarf ones on the rockery. When in bloom, the inferior sorts should be weeded out, retaining only the best varieties. To obtain seed true of any species, it is absolutely necessary to plant the separate kinds far apart, and cover them with fine muslin, to prevent the access of insects to the flowers, as none are more easily cross-fertilised. Division of the root is the only way to perpetuate any particular variety with certainty, unless seed is saved in the way mentioned, or imported from the native habitats of particular species. There are many beautiful hybrids, as well as species, in cultivation.

=A. alpina= (alpine).* _fl._ from 2in. to 3in. in diameter
when expanded, deep blue or blue and white, on leafy, two to
three-flowered stems; spurs straight, but somewhat incurved at the
apex, one-half shorter than the petal limb. May. _l._ with segments
deeply divided into linear lobes. _h._ 1ft. Alps of Switzerland, in
shady humid places, 1731. Plant this on the rockery.

=A. arctica= (Arctic). A form of _A. formosa_.

=A. atropurpurea= (dark purple). _fl._ dark purple or bluish
violet, about 1in. or 1-1/2in. in diameter when expanded, two or
three in a head; spurs straight, equal in length with the petals'
limb; sepals about as long as the petals. May. _l._ petioled,
biternate. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. Siberia. Border plant.

=A. aurea= (golden).* A synonym of _A. chrysantha flavescens_.

=A. Bertoloni= (Bertoloni's).* _fl._ about 1in. across, blue-violet
throughout; sepals about 3/4in. long, rounded; petals about the
same length; spurs very short, knobbed; stems two to four flowered.
June and July. _l._ small, dark green, and glaucous. A very pretty
little alpine, growing about 1ft. high. SYN. _A. Reuteri_.

=A. cærulea= (sky-blue).* _fl._ several on a stem, blue and white,
sometimes more or less tinted with lilac or claret, rarely pure
white, when expanded 2-1/2in. to 3in. in diameter; spur very
slender, nearly straight, green tipped, about 2in. long. April to
July. _l._ large, biternate. _h._ 9in. to 15in. Rocky Mountains,
1864. A very lovely species for the border or base of the rockery.
SYNS. _A. leptoceras_, _A. macrantha_. See Fig. 133.

=A. c. alba= (white).* _fl._ the same size and form as the type,
white throughout. Rocky Mountains. A very rare and lovely variety;
sometimes met with under the name of _A. grandiflora_.

=A. c. hybrida= (hybrid).* _fl._ blue and white, not so wide across
as the type, but more numerous, and the plant has a much more
vigorous habit. Of garden origin.

=A. californica= (Californian).* A form of _A. formosa_.

=A. canadensis= (Canadian).* _fl._ scarlet, mixed with yellow, less
than 1in. in diameter; spur straight, longer than the limb; styles
and stamens protruding; sepals acutish, a little longer than the
petals' limb. April to June. _l._, segments three-parted, bluntish,
and deeply toothed at the apex. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. North America,
1640. Border or rockery; very pretty. See Fig. 134.

=A. chrysantha= (yellow-flowered).* _fl._, sepals primrose yellow,
spreading horizontally in full expansion, nearly or quite 1in.
long, tinted claret at the tip; limb of petals deeper yellow, not
quite so long; spur straight, very slender, divergent, 1-1/2in.
to 2in. long; stems many-flowered. May to August. _l._ biternate.
_h._ 3ft. to 4ft. California, 1873. One of the finest of all hardy
perennials for the border.

=A. c. flavescens= (yellow). _fl._ of a uniform bright canary
yellow, tinged with red; spur somewhat shorter than in _A.
canadensis_, and slightly incurved. California, 1872. SYN. _A.
aurea_.

=A. eximia= (choice). Synonymous with _A. formosa_.

=A. formosa= (handsome).* _fl._, sepals bright red, usually less
than 1in. long, with an obtuse green tip; limb of petals yellow,
about half as long as the sepals; spurs 1/2in. to 3/4in. long,
slender in the lower half, nearly straight, distinctly knobbed at
the tip; stems many-flowered. May to September. _l._ biternate.
_h._ 2ft. to 4ft. North America. Border. The following are synonyms
and varieties: _A. arctica_, _A. californica_, _A. eximia_, and _A.
f. truncata_, revealing only trivial differences. There is a very
beautiful hybrid known in gardens as _A. californica hybrida_, with
the sepals and petals yellowish, or tinged with orange, while the
long slender spurs are orange red; it is one of the handsomest of
all. All the forms are very showy, and well worth growing.

=A. fragrans= (fragrant).* _fl._ white or pale claret purple,
finely pubescent, very fragrant; sepals about 1-1/2in. long, not
reflexing, twice longer than the broad petals' limb; spur slender,
slightly curved, knobbed at the top, same length as the petals;
stems few-flowered. May to July. _l._ biternate. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to
2ft. Himalayas, 1839. This requires a warm position.

=A. glandulosa= (glandular).* _fl._, sepals bright lilac blue,
about 1-1/2in. long, more than twice the length of the petals'
limb; petals white; spur 1/4in. long, or but little more, stout,
much incurved; stems one to three-flowered. Spring. _l._ biternate.
_h._ 8in. to 12in. Siberia, 1822. Extremely pretty. See Fig. 135.

=A. g. jucunda= (pleasant). _fl._ rather smaller. Very handsome
little plants, freely hybridised, and it is necessary to keep
raising fresh batches, as they are scarcely more than biennial.

=A. glauca= (glaucous). _fl._ white, tinted claret, fragrant;
sepals 1in. long, not reflexing; limb of petals 3/4in. long;
spur straight, or a little curved, about 1/3in. long; stem three
to four-flowered. June. _l._ biternate. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft.
Himalayas, 1839. Rather tender; plant in a warm dry position.

=A. leptoceras= (slender-horned). A synonym of _A. cærulea_.

=A. macrantha= (large-flowered). A synonym of _A. cærulea_.

=A. olympica= (Olympic).* _fl._ large, delicate mauve blue; petals
white, rather shorter than the sepals; spur stout, short, obtuse.
_l._ bi- or triternate, glaucous. _h._ 1-1/2ft. 1880. Mount
Olympus. See Fig. 136.

=A. pyrenaica= (Pyrenean).* _fl._, sepals bright lilac blue, about
1in. long, but not quite as much broad; limb of petals about 1/2in.
long, and half as broad; spur slender, nearly straight, or rather
incurved, nearly or quite 3/4in. long, scarcely knobbed at the end;
stem one to three-flowered, with small and little compound deep
green leaves. Summer. _h._ 9in. to 12in. Pyrenees, 1818. Plant on
the rockery.

=A. Reuteri= (Reuter's). Synonymous with _A. Bertoloni_.

=A. sibirica= (Siberian).* _fl._ bright lilac; sepals very blunt,
1in. or a little more in length, spreading or slightly reflexing
when fully expanded; limb of petals sometimes white, about 1/2in.
long; spur stout, much incurved, 1/2in. to 3/4in. long; stems
many-flowered, glabrous. Summer. _l._ biternate. _h._ 1ft. Siberia,
1806. Rockery species. Here are referred, by Mr. Baker, _A.
bicolor_, _A. Garnieriana_, and _A. speciosa_. See Fig. 137.

=A. thalictrifolia= (Thalictrum-leaved). _fl._, sepals oblong,
acute, lilac blue, about 1/2in. long; limb of petals about as long,
and rounded at the top; spurs slender, not quite as long as the
sepals; stems about three-flowered. Summer. _l._ with three-stalked
segments cut into deep oblong lobes. _h._ 2ft. Tyrol, 1879. Entire
plant clothed with fine pubescence.

=A. viridiflora= (green-flowered). _fl._, sepals oval-oblong,
shorter than the petals; spurs straight and longer than the petals;
stems two to three-flowered. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. Siberia, 1780.
Border. Rather a pleasing and sweet-scented green-flowered species,
but not very ornamental.

=A. vulgaris= (common). Common Columbine. _fl._ variously coloured;
sepals ovate acute, about 1in. long, and half as broad; limb of the
petal rarely exceeding 3/4in. long, and half as much broad, rounded
at the apex; spur much incurved, stout, knobbed at the end, as long
as the petals; stems many-flowered. Spring and early summer. _l._
biternate. England, &c. There are numerous varieties of this very
handsome species, both double and single-flowered.

=A. v. alba= (white). _fl._ pure white.

=A. v. a. fl.-pl.= Double white flowers.

=A. v. cærulea nana fl.-pl.= Very dwarf, with double deep blue
flowers.

=A. v. hybrida= (hybrid). _fl._, sepals lilac purple,
oblong-lanceolate, less than 1in. long; limb of the petals white,
about 1/2in. long; spur scarcely incurved.

=A. v. Vervæneana.= This variety has pretty yellow mottled foliage.

=A. v. Wittmanniana= (Wittmann's). _fl._ large, bright lilac
purple; sepals ovate-acute, 1in. to 1-1/4in. long, more than half
as much broad; limb of petals white, about half the length of
sepals; spur curved. A very fine variety.

The following names are also met with in gardens, some of which
represent specific forms, but none are effective as garden
ornaments: _advena_, _Burgeriana_, _Haylodgensis_ (hybrid),
_grata_, _longissima_, _nevadensis_, _oxysepala_, &c.

=AQUOSUS.= Watery.

=ARABIS= (origin of the word not clear). Wall Cress; Rock Cress. ORD. _Cruciferæ_. Hardy perennial trailers, except where otherwise stated. Flowers mostly white; racemes terminal; pedicels bractless. Radical leaves usually stalked; cauline ones sessile or stem-clasping, entire or toothed, rarely lobed. Most members of this genus are peculiarly well adapted for rockwork and the alpine garden, both from their natural hardihood as well as their early and profuse flowering habits. They are of the easiest possible culture in any dry soil. The perennial species may either be increased by divisions of the root, by cuttings, placed in a shady border during the summer, or by seed. The latter may be sown outside, or in pans, in spring, when most of them will germinate in two or three weeks. The annuals and biennials are for the most part devoid of any cultural beauty.

=A. albida= (whitish).* _fl._ white; racemes terminal; pedicels
longer than the calyx. January to May. _l._ few-toothed, hoary, or
downy with branched hairs; radical ones obovate-oblong; cauline
ones cordately sagittate, clasping the stem. _h._ 6in. to 9in.
Tauria and Caucasus, 1798. SYN. _A. caucasica_.

=A. a. variegata= (variegated).* A very pretty variegated form for
edgings.

=A. alpina= (alpine).* _fl._ white, smaller than those of _A.
albida_; racemes terminal; pedicels longer than the calyx, which
is smoothish. March to May. _l._ many-toothed, lanceolate, acute,
villous with branched hairs; radical ones somewhat stalked; cauline
ones cordate, clasping the stem. _h._ 6in. European rocks, in
sunny places, 1596. There are one or two varieties, including a
variegated-leaved form, in cultivation. See Fig. 138.

=A. arenosa= (sand-loving).* _fl._ rose coloured, very rarely white
or bluish; petals obovate; pedicels spreading. April to July. _l._
villous, with forked hairs; radical ones pinnatifid, with the upper
lobes much larger than the lower; cauline ones deeply toothed. Stem
branched, hispid, with simple hairs. _h._ 6in. Middle Europe, 1798.
See Fig. 139.

=A. blepharophylla= (fringed-leaved).* _fl._ rosy purple; petals
roundish, narrowing to the base, with slender claws. Spring. _l._
naked, except the margins, which are fringed with very stiff hairs;
radical ones spathulate; cauline ones oblong, sessile. _h._ 3in. to
4in. California, 1874. This succeeds best in a cool frame, where it
will flower in January.

=A. caucasica= (Caucasus). A synonym of _A. albida_.

=A. lucida= (shining).* _fl._ white; petals entire, narrowed at the
base, twice as long as the calyx. Summer. _l._ obovate, thickish,
shining, clasping the stem. _h._ 4in. to 6in. Hungary, 1790. A very
pretty species, with a dwarf habit; it is especially adapted for
edgings, borders, or rockwork.

=A. l. variegata= (variegated).* A great improvement upon the type,
being broadly edged with yellow, and the green somewhat lighter.
When grown in tufts or as edging, it is very effective, and should
be prevented from flowering. This exceedingly desirable variety
is a gem for the rockwork, and when seen in crevices, or in bold
tufts, it is very striking. It must be increased by slips or
rootlets, which should be taken in early summer.

=A. mollis= (soft). _fl._ white, in terminal racemes. May to July.
_l._ grossly toothed, somewhat pubescent, with small stellate
hairs; lower ones on long petioles, cordate-roundish; cauline ones
ovate-cordate, clasping the stem. _h._ 2ft. Caucasus, 1823.

=A. petræa= (rock).* _fl._ white; petals ovate, with stalks.
June. _l._ smooth, ciliated or scabrous, with simple or bifid
radical ones on longish stalks, entire, toothed; cauline ones
oblong-linear, entire, or toothed. _h._ 3in. or 4in. Britain.

=A. præcox= (early). _fl._ white; petals obovately cuneated,
double the length of the calyx. April to June. _l._ oblong, acute,
sessile, quite entire, smooth. Stem covered with close pressed
rigid hairs. _h._ 6in. to 9in. Hungary.

=A. procurrens= (procurrent). _fl._ white; petals obovate, double
the length of the calyx. May and June. _l._ ovate, quite entire,
smooth, ciliated with two-parted hairs; radical ones narrowed into
a petiole; cauline ones sessile, pointed. Stolons creeping. _h._
9in. Servia, 1819. There is a brilliantly variegated form of this
pretty species well worth growing.

=A. rosea= (rosy).* _fl._ rosy purple; petals oblong, somewhat
wedge-shaped, double the length of the calyx; pedicels longer
than the calyx. May to July. _l._, cauline ones oblong, somewhat
cordate, and rather stem-clasping, scabrous with branched hairs.
_h._ 1ft. Calabria, 1832.

=A. verna= (spring). _fl._ small, purple, with a white claw;
pedicels shorter than the calyx. May to June. _l._, cauline ones
cordate, clasping the stem, toothed, scabrous with three-parted
hairs. _h._ 3in. to 6in. South Europe, 1710. The best annual
species.

=ARACEÆ= or =AROIDEÆ=. An extensive order of herbaceous plants, with tuberous rhizomes. Flowers on a spadix, unisexual or hermaphrodite, protected by a spathe. Leaves large, radical. Well known genera belonging to this order are: _Alocasia_, _Arum_, _Caladium_, _Colocasia_, and _Dieffenbachia_.

=ARACHIS= (from _a_, without, and _rachis_, a branch; plant branchless). Ground or Earth Nut. ORD. _Leguminosæ_. A stove annual, of economical value. Corolla resupinate; calyx a long tube, with a bilabiate limb; ovary stipitate, inclosed in the tube of the calyx; the stipe at first short, but afterwards becoming elongated. Sandy loam is the soil most suitable for their cultivation. Seeds should be sown in heat; and, when the plants have grown to a sufficient size, they should be potted off singly, and placed among other stove annuals. After the plant has finished flowering, and the pods begin to lengthen, the pedicels force them into the earth, where they ripen their seeds.

=A. hypogæa= (underground). Monkey Nut. _fl._ yellow, five to seven
together in the axils of the leaves. May. _l._ abruptly-pinnate,
bearing two pairs of leaflets, without any tendril; stipulas
elongated, adnate to the petioles. _h._ 1ft., or procumbent. South
America, 1812. See Fig. 140.

=ARACHNIMORPHA.= A synonym of =Rondeletia= (which _see_).

=ARACHNOID.= Resembling a cobweb in appearance; seeming to be covered with cobweb, in consequence of the entanglement of long, white hairs.

=ARALIA= (meaning unknown). ORD. _Araliaceæ_. This widely-grown genus includes stove, greenhouse, and hardy, herbaceous and shrubby plants. Flowers inconspicuous, umbellate, the umbels usually disposed in panicles; petals five, inserted on the margin of the disk; stamens five (see Fig. 142). Leaves usually compound. These plants are of moderately free growth, and the majority are easy to manage. Those requiring indoor treatment thrive well under the ordinary routine of management. One most important requirement, however, is that they must be kept well supplied with water at the roots. The finer, or stove varieties, should be potted in a mixture of sandy loam and peat, with the addition of a little fibrous leaf soil, and sufficient sand to keep the whole porous. The stronger growing kinds thrive in a richer compost. Propagation by cuttings of the roots is a common and very successful method. To obtain the roots, one of the strongest plants should be turned out of the pot, and the roots should be cleared of soil by shaking or washing it out; the requisite number of pieces should then be selected. As each piece is removed, it should have the end nearest the stem cut horizontally, to distinguish it from the other or furthermost end. In planting cuttings of the roots, it is best to place the end nearest the stem uppermost. The pieces may be left about 2in. long, and should be inserted in pots, well drained, and filled with sandy soil, leaving the tops of the cuttings about level with the surface of the soil. A square of glass must be placed over the top of each pot, plunging them in moderate bottom heat. The stems of the plants from which the roots have been taken may be cut into pieces 1in. or 1-1/2in. long, leaving an eye or bud near the top; a slice of half the shoot may be taken off opposite the bud. When prepared, these pieces should be pressed into pots of sand or sandy soil, and plunged into bottom heat. The stems may be cut down without disturbing the roots; in that case, if the pots are plunged in bottom heat, and kept moderately supplied with water, they will probably throw up several suckers or shoots from the roots. These, if taken off with a portion of root to each, and placed in small sized pots, will, with a little care, soon make useful plants. All the hardy species and most of the greenhouse ones are propagated readily by cuttings or pieces of roots. Some of the stove species, however, are very difficult to increase, except by grafting. Among these are _A. leptophylla_, _A. Veitchii_, &c. These should be worked on stocks of _A. Guilfoylei_ or _A. reticulata_, the latter being the better of the two. Cuttings of either of these strike readily, and stocks fit for grafting are easily procured. In sheltered and warm positions, the greenhouse species are admirably suited for sub-tropical gardening, either planted singly or in groups. _See_ also =Dimorphanthus=, =Fatsia=, =Hedera=, =Heptapleurum=, =Monopanax=, =Oreopanax=, and =Panax=.

=A. canescens= (greyish). A garden synonym of _A. chinensis_.

=A. Chabrierii= (Chabrier's).* _l._ alternate, pinnate, about a
foot long; pinnæ opposite, 6in. to 9in. long, linear-lanceolate,
deep green, with a heavy crimson midrib. 1882. Suitable for table
decoration. A charming stove species.

=A. chinensis= (Chinese).* _fl._ white; panicles terminal;
peduncles umbelliferous. _l._ petiolate, coriaceous, woolly on both
surfaces when young (only); pinnæ seven, ovate, serrated at the
apex, erect and distinct. _h._ 5ft. to 6ft. 1838. This species, if
planted in a soil with a dry porous bottom, will prove to be hardy.
SYN. _A. canescens_, of gardens. See Fig. 141.

=A. concinna= (neat). _l._ unequally pinnate; pinnæ lobed and
serrate. Stem spotted. New Caledonia, 1879. A handsome stove
species, but very rare. SYNS. _A. spectabilis_, _Delarbrea
spectabilis_.

=A. crassifolia= (thick-leaved). A synonym of _Pseudopanax
crassifolium_.

=A. edulis= (edible).* _fl._ numerous, white; umbels globose,
axillary and terminal, united into simple or compound racemes.
Summer. _l._, lower ones pinnate, with five leaflets, or three
pinnate, with divisions of three to five leaflets; upper ones
generally simple, with stalked leaflets, having a cordate base,
ovate, acute, finely toothed, downy. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. Japan, 1843.
Hardy, herbaceous, perennial, hairy, and spineless.

=A. elegantissima= (most elegant).* _l._ digitate, on long dark
green footstalks, which are mottled with white; leaflets seven
to ten, filiform, and, being pendulous, impart a very graceful
character to the plant. Stem straight, erect. South Sea Islands,
1873. Stove species, excellent for table decoration.

=A. filicifolia= (fern-leaved).* _l._, leafstalks sheathing at
the base, and terete in the upper part, expanding into a broad
leafy limb which is impari-pinnately divided; pinnæ opposite,
deeply pinnatifid, bright green, with a purplish midrib. Stem
and leafstalks purplish, thickly marked with oblong white spots.
Polynesia, 1876.

=A. gracillima= (most graceful). Synonymous with _A. Veitchii
gracillima_.

=A. Guilfoylei= (Guilfoyle's).* _l._ pinnate, on long smooth terete
petioles; leaflets oblong-elliptic, bluntish, from three to seven,
they are sometimes obscurely lobed, and irregularly spinose,
serrate, varying in size from 2in. to 3in. long, neatly and
evenly margined with creamy white, the surface being in addition
occasionally splashed with grey. Stem erect, copiously dotted with
lenticular markings. South Sea Islands, 1876. Stove species.

=A. heteromorpha= (many-formed).* _l._ sometimes ovate-lanceolate
and serrated, and at others bifid or even trifid at the apex, about
6in. to 8in. or 9in. long, bright shining green. A very desirable
species, of robust and compact habit.

=A. japonica= (Japanese). Another name for _Fatsia japonica_.

=A. Kerchoveana= (Count Kerchove's). _l._ digitate, almost
circular in outline; leaflets nine to eleven, spreading,
elliptic-lanceolate, conspicuously serrated or undulated margins,
of a deep glossy green relieved by a pale midrib. 1883. A very
elegant slender-stemmed plant from the South Sea Islands, and
likely to prove valuable for decorative purposes. Stove species.

=A. leptophylla= (slender-leaved).* _l._ compound, bearing often
seven or more petiolate leaflets of a somewhat pendent character,
and dark green in colour. 1862. An elegant stove or greenhouse
slender growing species.

=A. longipes= (long-stalked). _l._ digitate, long stalked, and
rather distant; leaflets oblanceolate acuminate, slightly undulated
at the edge; petioles elongated. Stems simple. North Australia,
1882. A very distinct erect-growing evergreen stove species.

=A. maculata= (spotted). _l._ of a light green colour; leaflets
oblong-acuminate, in about four pairs. Stem erect, which, as well
as the stalks of the leaves, is of a blackish-purple hue, thickly
spotted with green dots. This peculiar colouring is very distinct
and conspicuous. South Pacific Islands. Stove species.

=A. Maximowiczii= (Maximowicz's).* _l._ on long stalks, palmately
five to seven-lobed; lobes lanceolate, 3-1/2in. long, serrate.
Japan, 1874. An elegant and distinct hardy shrub, with erect spiny
stem. SYN. _Acanthopanax ricinifolium_.

=A. monstrosa= (monstrous).* _l._ pendent, pinnate; leaflets three
to seven, oblong elliptic, deeply and irregularly serrated (this
serration sometimes takes most fantastic forms), broadly margined
with creamy white, the surface blotched with grey. South Sea
Islands, 1880. Stove species.

=A. nudicaulis= (naked-stemmed).* _fl._ greenish; scape trifid
at the apex, shorter than the leaf, each division bearing a
many-flowered umbel. June. _l._ radical, the divisions pinnately
five foliate; leaflets oblong-oval, with a long tapering point,
serrate. Root horizontal, very long. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. North
America, 1731. Quite hardy, herbaceous perennial.

=A. Osyana= (Osyan).* Resembling _A. leptophylla_, but with
leaflets deeply bifid at the ends; surface colour bright green;
primary veins and tips of the leaflets chocolate brown. South Sea
Islands, 1870. Very elegant stove species.

=A. pentaphylla= (five-leaved).* _l._ digitate, or sometimes only
three leaflets are produced, each varying from 6in. to 10in.
in length, and from 1in. to 2in. in breadth, deeply lobed or
pinnatifid, bright shining green. Stem arboreous, prickly. _h._
20ft. Japan. SYN. _Panax spinosa_.

=A. p. variegata= (variegated). _l._ broadly edged with creamy
white. Japan, 1874.

=A. quercifolia= (oak-leaved).* _l._ opposite, trifoliate; leaflets
deeply sinuate; lower petioles about 3in. long, light shining
green. New Britain, 1880. Very pretty stove species.

=A. racemosa= (raceme-flowering).* _fl._ greenish-white, petals
spreading; peduncles axillary, disposed in a terminal raceme,
umbelliferous. June. _l._ petioles tripartite, the partitions
bearing each three to five ovate or cordate, acuminated, serrated,
smoothish leaflets. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. North America, 1658. Hardy
herbaceous species, highly ornamental. See Fig. 142.

=A. reticulata= (netted). _l._ alternate, strap-shaped when young,
becoming larger with age, dark green, reticulated with a lighter
shade of the same colour. A very handsome species, requiring stove
heat during winter. In spring and summer it is admirably suited
for conservatory or indoor decoration, having a light and graceful
aspect.

=A. rotunda= (round). _l._ sometimes of a single leaflet only,
which is spreading, orbicular, cordate at the base, margined with
distinct white tipped teeth; at other times, especially when
approaching maturity, the leaves are trifoliate, the leaflets being
rounded and toothed, and the terminal one being about double the
size of the lateral ones. Stems erect, brownish-green, spotted when
young with pale elongate blotches. Polynesia, 1882.

=A. Scheffleri= (Scheffler's). _l._ on long petioles, digitate;
leaflets five, petiolulate, lanceolate, attenuated at the base,
serrulated, glabrous on both surfaces. Stem shrubby, smooth. New
Zealand. Greenhouse species.

=A. spectabilis= (showy). A synonym of _A. concinna_.

=A. spinosa= (thorny).* Angelica Tree. _l._ doubly and triply
pinnate; leaflets ovate, acuminated, deeply serrated. Stem simple,
prickly (as are also the petioles), forming into an umbrella-like
head, deciduous. _h._ 8ft. to 12ft. North America, 1688. A very
fine hardy species for sheltered spots.

=A. spinulosa= (small-spined). _l._ alternate, pinnate; pinnæ ovate
acuminate, dark green, margined with little reddish-crimson spines
or prickles. Stems and petioles spotted and suffused with crimson.
1880. A bold and robust stove plant.

=A. ternata= (three-leafleted).* _l._ opposite, ternate; leaflets
oblong-lanceolate; margins in some cases deeply serrate, in others
sinuate, light green. New Britain, 1879. A slender growing species.

=A. trifolia= (three-leaved). A synonym of _Pseudopanax Lessonii_.

=A. Veitchii= (Veitch's).* _l._ digitate, with about eleven
filiform undulated leaflets, glossy green above, dark red beneath;
petioles long and slender. New Caledonia, 1867. A very handsome
(said to be the best) species, with slender, erect growing stem.
See Fig. 143, for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons.

=A. V. gracillima= (most graceful).* _l._ alternate, spreading;
leaflets nearly linear, but slightly narrowed at both ends, having
a prominent ivory-white central rib. South Sea Islands, 1876. An
erect growing species, with an elegantly graceful habit. It is
allied to _A. reticulata_, but is more handsome. This charming
variety is undoubtedly the finest for table decoration, and is
frequently grafted upon stocks of the typical form. It enjoys
plenty of heat. SYN. _A. gracillima_.

=ARALIACEÆ.= An order of trees, shrubs, or (rarely) herbaceous plants, often pubescent, and sometimes spiny. Flowers variously disposed, hermaphrodite or unisexual, regular; petals usually five, and valvate. Leaves alternate, or (rarely) opposite. This order is closely allied to _Umbelliferæ_; and the best known genera are _Aralia_ and _Hedera_.

=ARAR-TREE.= A common name for =Callitris quadrivalvis= (which _see_).

=ARAUCARIA= (from _Araucanos_, its name in Chili). SYN. _Eutacta_. ORD. _Coniferæ_. A noble genus of diœcious or sub-diœcious evergreen trees, with usually imbricated persistent flat sessile scale-like leaves. Male cones large, cylindrical, terminal; female ones very large, globular, terminal, with dense ligneous deciduous scales, each bearing a solitary seed. The majority of the species are not, unfortunately, sufficiently hardy to withstand our winters out of doors. Few trees can compete with them in symmetry and elegant proportion for conservatory decoration, where they may be grown in large tubs, or planted out. Small plants grown in pots are most serviceable for table and other decorative purposes. They thrive in a good fibrous loam, mixed with leaf soil and sand. Propagation by means of seed is the surest and most satisfactory method; the seed should be sown in pans or boxes, or if in large quantities, in a bed, with but gentle heat; they usually take some time to germinate. Cuttings are procured by taking off the leading shoots, and fixing them firmly in a pot of sand; they first require a cool place, but may afterwards be subjected to slight warmth. When rooted, they should be potted off into the soil above mentioned. The young growths which afterwards shoot from the plant, whence the cutting, may be taken off and treated in much the same manner. These are the only methods of propagation worth pursuing.

=A. Balansæ= (Balansa's). _male cones_ cylindrical-conical, 2in.
_female cones_ elliptic globose, 4in.; scales obovate, cuneate.
_l._ arcuately-uncinate, ovate triangular, imbricated round the
distichous, simple branchlets. _h._ 130ft. to 160ft. New Caledonia,
1875. A fine greenhouse plumosely branched tree.

=A. Bidwillii= (Bidwill's).* Bunya-Bunya Pine; Moreton Bay Pine.
_cones_ sub-globose, longest diameter 10in. to 12in., shortest 9in.
to 10in. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, in two nearly horizontal rows,
acuminated, slightly convex above, concave beneath, leathery, deep
shining green. _h._ 150ft. Moreton Bay. Habit very regular and
symmetrical. Greenhouse species.

=A. brasiliensis= (Brazilian). _l._ oblong-lanceolate, much
attenuated at the point, loosely imbricated, deep green; lower part
of the trunk usually free from branches, terminating in a rounded
head. _h._ 70ft. to 100ft. Brazil, 1819. _A. b. gracilis_, and _A.
b. Ridolfiana_ are two forms of this species.

=A. columnaris= (columnar). A synonym of _A. Cookii_.

=A. Cookii= (Cook's).* _l._ awl-shaped, short, densely imbricated
around the frondose branches. Described by Mr. Abbay as having
"a somewhat curious habit, even when growing alone, of shedding
their branches for five-sixths or more of their height, and then
replacing them by a smaller and more bushy growth, so that the tree
at a distance presents a very columnar appearance, the resemblance
being increased by the summit being crowned with a mass of foliage
somewhat like a capital." _h._ 200ft. New Caledonia, 1851. SYN. _A.
columnaris_.

=A. Cunninghami= (Cunningham's).* _l._ on the sterile branches
needle-shaped, obscurely quadrangular, rigid, acute; on the fertile
branches shorter, stouter, closely appressed, bright green; upper
branches ascending, lower ones horizontal. _h._ 100ft. Moreton Bay.
This fine species we have found to be quite hardy on the south-west
coast of England.

=A. C. glauca= (milky-green). A very handsome variety, with silvery
glaucous leaves.

=A. excelsa= (lofty).* The Norfolk Island Pine. _l._ awl-shaped,
curved, sharply acuminated, bright green, densely packed on the
frondose, deltoid, horizontal, or pendulous branches. When well
grown, this is a beautifully symmetrical greenhouse or conservatory
species, attaining to a height of 150ft., and a circumference of
20ft. or more. Norfolk Island. This is especially desirable in a
small state. There are several varieties known, the best being: _A.
e. glauca_, having lighter green, and very glaucous foliage; and
_A. e. robusta_, which is larger in all its parts. See Fig. 144.

=A. Goldieana= (Goldie's).* Allied to _A. Rulei_. _l._ produced in
whorls, pendulous, dark green, varying in size. New Caledonia. Most
distinct and elegant for conservatory decoration.

=A. imbricata= (imbricated).* The Monkey Puzzle. _fl._, male and
female catkins on separate trees; the males are six or seven in
a cluster, pedunculate, yellow, and oval with numerous scales,
imbricated, long, and recurved at the points; the female catkins
are oval, with numerous wedge-shaped scales, with narrow oblong
brittle points; they are produced at the ends of the branches.
_cones_, when fully ripe globular, from 3in. to 4in. in diameter,
dark brown. The branches are horizontal, inflexed, and ascending at
the extremities, and are produced in whorls. _l._ ovate-lanceolate,
sessile, thickened at the base, stiff, leathery, straight,
somewhat keeled-shaped below, and strongly mucronate at the apex;
verticillate, with seven or eight in a whorl, imbricate, and
closely encircling the branches, concave, glabrous, shining, marked
with longitudinal lines, dotted on both sides. _h._ 50ft. to 100ft.
Chili, 1796. A well known hardy tree, of striking aspect, and
indispensable to Arboreta and shrubberies. See Fig. 145.

=A. Rulei= (Rule's).* _male cones_ oblong obtuse; _female cones_
oval. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, with a prominent dorsal nerve, more
closely appressed, and less sharply pointed than in the foregoing
species; imbricated in four rows. Branches horizontal; branchlets
often quite pendulous. _h._ 50ft. Papuan Archipelago.

=A. R. elegans= (elegant).* _l._ smaller; whorls of branches closer
together; branchlets more slender. An elegant form; and, from its
comparative dwarf and graceful habit, should be very generally
grown.

=ARBOR.= A tree. A perennial plant, having a distinct bole or trunk, from which the main branches grow.

=ARBORESCENT.= Having a tendency to become a tree.

=ARBORETUM.= A collection of hardy trees formed for pleasure or instruction, and which, when well managed, is a source of much interesting study. They afford shelter, improve the local climate, renovate bad soils, &c., and also, by concealing or hiding disagreeable objects, heighten the effect of agreeable ones, create beauty, and add value. A properly arranged Arboretum should be constructed with a view to picturesque beauty, and not systematically, as is usually the case in Botanic Gardens, although scientific purposes are best served by a systematic arrangement.

=ARBOR-VITÆ.= _See_ =Thuja=.

=ARBOUR.= A seat surrounded by lattice work, covered by Vines, Wistarias, or other climbing plants.

=ARBUTUS= (from _arboise_, Celtic for austere bush; in allusion to the austere quality of the fruit). Strawberry Tree. ORD. _Ericaceæ_. Trees and shrubs, with evergreen alternate laurel-like leaves. Corolla globose, or ovately campanulate; petals five, reflexed. Very ornamental subjects for lawns and shrubberies, thriving well in a light sandy or peaty soil. They may be propagated by seeds, which should be sown in sand during March; by budding, and by inarching; the first mentioned method is the one most generally employed, with good results. The various sorts may be grafted, budded, or inarched upon _A. Unedo_. The greenhouse species are rare in cultivation, but their management does not materially differ from other plants requiring a similar temperature.

=A. Andrachne= (Andrachne).* _fl._ greenish-white; panicles
terminal, erect, clothed with viscid down. March and April. _l._
oblong, bluntish, entire in some, a little serrated in others,
glabrous. _h._ 10ft. to 14ft. Greece, 1724. A fine ornamental tree.

=A. A. serratifolia= (saw-edge-leaved). _fl._ yellowish, disposed
in rather large terminal clusters. _l._ serrated, and narrower than
those of the species. SYN. _A. serratifolia_.

=A. andrachnoides= (Andrachne-like). A synonym of _A. hybrida_.

=A. canariensis= (Canary). _fl._ greenish-white; panicles erect,
hispid. May. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, serrated, glaucous beneath.
_h._ 8ft. to 10ft. Canary Islands, 1796. Greenhouse.

=A. densiflora= (thickly-flowered).* _fl._ white; corolla oval;
pedicels furnished with three bracteas at the base; panicle
terminal, composed of closely packed racemes. _l._ 4in. to 5in.
long, on long petioles, oblong, acute, sharply toothed, coriaceous,
glabrous above and shining, but downy beneath, the middle nerve
with rusty villi; branches angular, hairy. _h._ 20ft. Mexico, 1826.
Greenhouse.

=A. hybrida= (hybrid).* _fl._ white; panicle terminal, pendulous,
downy. September to December. _l._ oblong, acute, serrated,
glabrous; branches pilose. _h._ 10ft. to 0ft. A half-hardy garden
hybrid; it originated about 1800. SYN. _A. andrachnoides_.

=A. Menziesi= (Menzies').* _fl._ white; racemes axillary and
terminal, panicled, dense-flowered. September. _l._ broad-oval,
quite entire, glabrous, on long petioles. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft.
North-west America, 1827. A noble hardy tree. _A. laurifolia_ comes
close to this species. SYN. _A. procera_.

=A. mollis= (soft). _fl._ rosy, drooping; panicle terminal,
crowded, racemose. June. _l._ oblong-acute, sharply toothed,
coriaceous, clothed with soft pubescence above, and white tomentum
beneath. _h._ 6ft. Mexico. Greenhouse shrub.

=A. mucronata= (mucronate). A synonym of _Pernettya mucronata_.

=A. pilosa= (pilose). A synonym of _Pernettya pilosa_.

=A. procera= (tall).* A synonym of _A. Menziesi_.

=A. serratifolia= (saw-edge-leaved). A synonym of _A. Andrachne
serratifolia_.

=A. Unedo= (Unedo).* The Strawberry Tree. _fl._ white, deep red in
some of the varieties, nodding, in terminal racemose, bracteate
panicles. September. _fr._ large, scarlet, nearly globose,
granular, edible. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, glabrous, serrulated;
branchlets clothed with glandular hairs. _h._ 8ft. to 10ft. West
of Ireland, and South Europe. There are several varieties of this
plant in cultivation. It is one of the greatest ornaments in the
months of October and November--the season when it is in flower,
and when, also, the fruit of the former year is ripe.

=A. Xalapensis= (Xalapan). _fl._ reddish white; corolla ovate;
panicle terminal, composed of many racemes. April. _l._ petiolate,
oblong, acute, quite entire, about 2in. long, glabrous above, but
clothed with brownish tomentum beneath; epidermis separating,
brownish purple. Young branches glabrous, but beset with ramentæ.
_h._ 6ft. to 9ft. Mexico. Greenhouse species.

=ARCHEGONIUM.= The female organ in ferns, &c., analogous with the ovary in flowering plants.

=ARCTOSTAPHYLOS= (from _arktos_, a bear, and _staphyle_, a grape; bears eat the fruit of some species). ORD. _Ericaceæ_. Handsome hardy or half-hardy shrubs or sub-shrubs, agreeing in generic characters with _Arbutus_, except that the fruit is five-celled and the cells one-seeded, and not granular on the outside. For culture, &c., _see_ =Arbutus=.

=A. alpina= (alpine).* Black Bearberry. _fl._ white or
flesh-coloured, in terminal, reflexed racemes; pedicels rather
hairy. April. _l._ obovate, acute, wrinkled, serrated, deciduous.
Stems procumbent, trailing. Scotland (but rare), &c. SYN. _Arbutus
alpina_.