Chapter M: A. S. Salm-Dyck. Monographia generum Aloes et Mesembryanthemi (14)

=A. neo-caledonicum= (New Caledonian).* _fl._ small, white,
on a much-branched, many-flowered panicle. May. _l._ tufted,
linear-lanceolate, barred with black linear markings near the base.
_h._ 1-1/2ft. New Caledonia, 1877.

=A. paniculatum= (panicled).* _fl._ white; racemes divided;
pedicels clustered; inner sepals crenulate. May. _l._ narrowly
lanceolate. _h._ 3ft. New South Wales, 1800. _A. minus_ is a small
form of this species.

=A. pendulum= (pendulous).* _fl._ white, clustered in threes,
pendulous. June to August. _l._ linear, keeled, shorter than the
branched scape. _h._ 1-1/2ft. New Holland, 1822.

=ARTHROPTERIS.= _See_ =Nephrodium= and =Nephrolepis=.

=ARTHROSTEMMA= (from _arthron_, a joint, and _stemon_, a stamen; in reference to the stamens or connectives being jointed). ORD. _Melastomaceæ_. Beautiful stove or greenhouse evergreen shrubs. Tube of calyx turbinate or campanulate, usually clothed with bristles, pili, or scales; lobes four, lanceolate, permanent, without any appendages between them; petals four. A mixture of loam, peat, and sand, suits them best; and cuttings of small firm side shoots will root, in April or August, under a hand glass in sandy soil. Only three or four out of the half-dozen species belonging to this genus have been as yet introduced.

=A. fragile= (brittle). _fl._ rosy; cymes loose, terminal,
few-flowered; calyx glandular. July. _l._ ovate-cordate, acute,
five-nerved, serrated; branches tetragonal, beset with glandular
hairs. _h._ 3ft. Mexico, 1846. Stove species.

=A. nitida= (glossy-leaved). _fl._ lilac; peduncles axillary
towards the top of the branches, three-flowered, longer than the
petioles. June. _l._ ovate, acute, serrulated, glabrous on both
surfaces, shining above, but glandularly hispid on the nerves
beneath. Stems shrubby, erect, and are, as well as the branches,
tetragonally winged, beset with coloured hairs. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft.
Buenos Ayres, 1829 greenhouse species.

=A. versicolor= (changeable-flowered). _fl._, petals obovate,
ciliated, at first white, but at length becoming reddish,
terminal, solitary. September. _l._ petiolate, ovate, serrulated,
five-nerved, discoloured beneath. Plant shrubby; hairy. _h._ 1ft.
Brazil (on the sea shore), 1825. Stove species.

=ARTHROTAXIS.= _See_ =Athrotaxis=.

=ARTICHOKE, GLOBE.= (_Cynara Scolymus_, a cultivated form of _C. Cardunculus_). As a vegetable, the Globe Artichoke is cultivated for the use of the immature flower-heads, and is highly esteemed. A good open position, free from overhanging trees, is best suited for its culture generally, but, by planting successional suckers in different aspects, the season may be considerably prolonged. The soil must be of good depth, rich, and not too heavy. It may be greatly improved for Artichoke culture by the addition of sea-weeds or salt applied as manure.

_Preparation of Soil._ Trench the ground two spits deep if possible, mixing a liberal dressing of well-rotted manure in autumn, and ridge up for the winter, to sweeten. Crude manure full of straw, leaves, and sticks, often induce fungoid growths, and are most injurious to the crowns of the plants. Clay or stiff loam is about the worst soil on which to attempt the culture of this vegetable; this drawback may, however, to some extent be alleviated by the addition and thorough amalgamation of a light free soil or liberal dressings of sandy road drifts, or similar materials. An ill-drained soil is also fatal to good results. During hot, dry weather, the plants are greatly benefited by copious applications of clear water and dilute liquid manure; and this must be especially attended to on such soils as are liable to burn or dry up in summer.

_Cultivation._ When the beds have been properly prepared, the plants should be put in them in April or May. Place three together in rows between 3ft. and 4ft. apart, and about 3ft. from plant to plant. Water-in carefully to settle the soil around the roots, and apply a mulching of half-decayed manure, to prevent an undue evaporation of moisture. During hot, dry weather, give liberal supplies of water, and the plants will become established as fine stools the first season. A few heads will probably be produced the first year; but there will not be much of a crop until the second season, when five or six good heads will be got from each plant, and for three or four years the produce will be large if the beds are properly attended to; after which time it will become desirable to make up new plantations. In October or November, it will be necessary to apply a good mulching of straw or fern to the beds, to protect the plants from frost. In April, all this litter should be cleaned off, a dressing of rotten manure applied, and the beds forked over and kept clean for the rest of the season, treating as before described. Great care must be taken to remove the heads as soon as they are in a fit state; and, when the whole of them are removed from the stems, cut the latter out as low as possible. Globe Artichokes will keep for some considerable time if laid in a cool place, although they will deteriorate in quality. These plants may be used in the background of flower borders in the kitchen garden, their handsome foliage being peculiarly well adapted for such purposes, whilst their economical value is also secured. See Fig. 151. Where there is plenty of room in light, warm sheds, orchard houses, or other places where frost can be kept out, some stools can be taken up with the root intact in the early part of November, placed in boxes of soil, and well watered-in. When drained, the boxes may be put in any of those positions for their winter quarters, and, if kept moist, will develop much earlier than the outdoor crops, provided they are planted out early in April on a warm border, and protected with mats when the weather is cold. Propagation may be effected by seeds, or by suckers from the old stools, the latter being the better plan. In the former case, sow the seeds in March, on a gentle hotbed, and prick the seedlings off singly, when large enough, into small pots. Harden off by the last week in May, and plant out in threes as previously recommended, protecting the plants from late frosts. During the growing season, give an abundance of water and liquid manure mulching, to prevent undue evaporation. In November, well cover with dry litter which will not heat; and, in hard frosts, or heavy snow, throw a few mats over the beds, uncovering at the same time as recommended above for the older plants. To propagate by rooted offsets or suckers, take up and divide the stools, when they have made a fair amount of growth in April or early in May, separating the suckers with as many roots and as much soil adhering to them as possible. The old woody portions are of little use, but they may be replanted to give off a fresh supply of suckers for the next year, if required. Propagation by suckers, if they are to be obtained, has many advantages; but care must be taken, in removing them from old plants, that some roots are attached, or growth will be uncertain. Seeds generally produce a large percentage of plants that are useless, and this is not found out until the flower-heads appear. On the other hand, suckers reproduce the parent plant, and if these are previously selected, the superior stock is thereby perpetuated.

_Sorts._ The Green and Purple are the best for ordinary purposes; and of these preference should be given to the former. _See also_ =Cynara=.

=ARTICHOKE, JERUSALEM= (_Helianthus tuberosus_). A hardy tuberous-rooted herbaceous perennial, native of Brazil. The roots are used as a vegetable principally during the winter, sometimes as a dish, but more generally for flavouring purposes. Plants will grow in almost any position, but the best results and largest tubers are obtained where they receive plenty of room and liberal treatment. Their culture has been recommended as a substitute for the potato, but they are not likely to take the place of this vegetable, the flavour being disliked by many persons. A few are, however, generally acceptable.

_Cultivation._ To ensure the most successful results, trench over a piece of ground in autumn, and give a light dressing of manure. Fork over in March; at the same time plant good-shaped tubers (see Fig. 152) in rows about 3ft. apart, and allow from 18in. to 2ft. between the tubers in the rows. Keep clear of weeds; and, as soon as the foliage is yellow, in the latter part of the autumn, the roots will be fit for use. The best plan with this crop is to leave it in the ground till wanted, or till the end of February, and then to take up every tuber, replanting those which are wanted for stock, and storing the others away in a cold dry place. When they commence growth, they turn black, and are of little use for cooking, save for flavouring soups. This vegetable has of late years grown into favour as a marketable crop, and the demand seems to be increasing. Considering its very easy culture, it is fairly remunerative. _See also_ =Helianthus=.

=ARTICULATE, ARTICULATED.= Jointed; having joints.

=ARTILLERY PLANT.= _See_ =Pilea microphylla=.

=ARTOCARPEÆ.= A tribe of the large order _Urticaceæ_.

=ARTOCARPUS= (from _artos_, bread, and _carpos_, fruit; the fruit, when baked, resembling bread). Bread Fruit. SYNS. _Polyphema_, _Rademachia_, _Rima_. ORD. _Urticaceæ_. TRIBE _Artocarpeæ_. Included in this most remarkable tribe, in addition to the Bread Fruit Tree, is the virulent poisonous _Antiaris toxicaria_, and the economic Cow Tree (_Brosimum Galactodendron_), of Caraccas. A genus of stove evergreen trees, requiring a high and very moist atmosphere, a copious supply of water, perfect drainage, and a compost of two parts rich loam and one of leaf mould, with the addition of a little silver sand. Under all conditions, this genus is difficult to propagate; the young and slender lateral growths are adapted for cuttings; and suckers may be utilised when procurable, which is very rare.

=A. Cannoni= (Cannon's).* _l._ alternate, petiolate; petiole and
midrib bright red; upper surface glossy, of a rich, full bronzy
crimson hue, beautifully tinted with purple; under surface bright
vinous red. The leaves vary much in form; some are simple and
cordate at the base, with the apex irregularly lobate; some have
the apex regularly three-lobed, with short, entire lobes; and
others, again, are deep three-lobed, being divided nearly to the
base, the segments, of which the centre one is largest, being
slightly sinuate-lobed. _h._ 7ft. Society Islands, 1877. This is a
most distinct and handsome ornamental-leaved plant.

=A. incisa= (incised).* True Bread Fruit. _l._ from 2ft. to 3ft.
long, deeply lobed or incised, deep green on the upper side, paler
below. _h._ 50ft. South Sea Islands, 1793. This is a noble tree
when full grown, and forms a most distinct and beautiful stove
plant. The extraordinary fruit is produced from the axils of the
leaves in large globular heads, and is highly valued as an article
of food in its native country.

=A. integrifolia= (entire-leaved). _l._ oblong, undivided,
sinuated, scabrous, downy beneath. _h._ 30ft. India, 1778.

=A. laciniata metallica= (laciniate, metallic). _l._ bronzy above,
reddish purple beneath. Polynesia.

=ARUM= (formerly _aron_, and probably of Egyptian extraction). ORD. _Aroideæ_. A large genus of ornamental or curious, hardy, greenhouse or stove perennials, with thick rhizomes and pedate or hastate leaves. Spathe large, convolute; spadix naked and club-shaped at the top. They are all of easy culture, and the indoor species will thrive with such treatment as is given to _Alocasias_, _Caladiums_, &c. Rich soil is one of the first conditions of success. Like most plants grown for the beauty of their foliage, rapid and free growth is necessary. A compost of good rich loam, with a third of sweet manure, thoroughly rotted, or leaf mould, with some sharp sand, is very suitable. Plenty of moisture is necessary during the growing season, after which the tender kinds should be kept moderately dry, warm, and at rest during the winter. The hardy kinds may be left in the ground. Propagated by seeds or division of the roots--usually the latter. The best time to divide them is just as they commence their new growth, securing as many roots as possible to each division. Any rootless pieces should be placed in heat shortly after removal; this hastens the formation of roots and excites top growth. Arums are useful in sub-tropical gardening, and are otherwise interesting plants both for indoors and outside cultivation; and the hardy kinds are very suitable for naturalising in woodlands, &c. There are many other species besides those here described, but the following list comprises the best. Sub-sections of the genus will be found treated separately, such as =Amorphophallus= (which _see_), &c.

=A. bulbosum= (bulbous). Synonymous with _A. ternatum_.

=A. Dracontium= (Green Dragon). _fl._, spadix subulate, longer than
the oblong convolute green spathe. June. _l._ pedate, entire. _h._
2ft. North America, 1759. Hardy.

=A. Dracunculus= (Common Dragon).* _fl._, spadix lanceolate,
shorter than the ovate, flat, smooth, brown spathe. July. _l._
pedate, entire. _h._ 3ft. South Europe, 1548. Hardy. SYN.
_Dracunculus vulgaris_. See Fig. 154.

=A. indicum= (Indian). _See_ =Colocasia indica=.

=A. italicum= (Italian).* _fl._, spathe ventricose below, opening
nearly flat and very broad above; apex often falling over very
shortly after expansion, sometimes greenish yellow, at others
nearly white; spadix yellowish or creamy white, club-shaped, about
one-third as long as the spathe. Spring. _l._ appearing before
winter, radical, triangular-hastate. _h._ 9in. to 2ft. Channel
Islands and Cornwall, &c. Hardy.

=A. i. marmorata= (marbled).* _l._ marbled with yellow. A very
pretty and effective hardy border plant.

=A. maculatum= (spotted). Lords and Ladies; Cuckoo Pint. _fl._,
spathe ventricose below and above, constricted in the middle, with
inflexed edges when open, spotted with dull purple; spadix usually
purple, shorter than the spathe. Spring. _l._ vernal radical,
hastate-sagittate, with deflexed lobes. _h._ 9in. Britain, &c. This
species is admirably adapted for a corner in the wild garden. See
Fig. 153.

=A. Malyi= (Maly's). _fl._ whitish. Montenegro, 1860.

=A. Nickelli= (Nickel's). Levant, 1859. A form of _A. italicum_.

=A. orientale= (eastern). _fl._ resembling those of _A. maculatum_.
June. _l._ brownish, simple, ovate, slightly sagittate. _h._ 1ft.
Tauria, 1820. Hardy.

=A. palæstinum= (Palestine).* _fl._, spathe 7in. to 11in. long,
purplish blotched or spotted outside, rich velvety black inside and
yellowish white at the base of the tube; spadix much shorter than
the spathe; petiole usually rising 8in. or 9in. above the leaves.
May. _l._ four or five, triangular-hastate, acute, from 6in. to
14in. long, and from 3-1/2in. to 7-1/2in. broad; petioles 12in. to
18in. long. Jerusalem, 1864. Tender.

=A. pictum= (painted). _h._ 2ft. Corsica, 1801. Hardy.

=A. proboscideum= (proboscis-like).* _fl._, spathe greenish purple,
navicular, horizontal, terminated by a straight tail; scapes
arising from among the petioles. May. _l._ radical, about four,
cordate-elliptic, entire. _h._ 6in. South Europe, 1823. Hardy.

=A. spectabile= (showy). _fl._, spathe ovate-oblong, acuminate,
dark purplish inside, longer than the purplish spadix. _l._ broadly
hastate-sagittate. _h._ 1ft. Asia Minor. Half-hardy.

=A. spirale= (spiral). _fl._, spadix lanceolate, shorter than
the oblong-lanceolate spirally twisted brown spathe. May. _l._
linear-lanceolate. Plant stemless. _h._ 1ft. China, 1816. Tender.

=A. tenuifolium= (narrow-leaved).* _fl._, spadix subulate, longer
than the white lanceolate spathe. April. _l._ linear-lanceolate.
Plant stemless. _h._ 1ft. South Europe, 1570. Hardy.

=A. ternatum= (three-leafleted). A synonym of _Pinellia tuberifera_.

=A. variolatum= (variegated). Dalmatia, 1859. Hardy.

=A. venosum= (veined). A synonym of _Sauromatum guttatum_.

=A. Zelebori= (Zelebor's). A form of _A. maculatum_.

=ARUM LILY.= _See_ =Richardia æthiopica=.

=ARUNDINARIA= (altered from _arundo_, a reed). ORD. _Gramineæ_. A small genus of hardy or nearly hardy shrubby grasses, having strong jointed stems, and frequently included under _Bambusa_. For sub-tropical gardening purposes more particularly it is exceedingly ornamental as an isolated tuft. It thrives best in a deep, rich soil, and requires plenty of water when in a growing state. Increased by division of the roots.

=A. falcata= (sickle-shaped).* _l._ linear-lanceolate, very acute,
shortly stalked, very light green. Stems freely branched, deep
green, and very slender. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. India. An extremely
handsome species for greenhouse decoration; also for outdoor work,
particularly in the South of England, &c. SYN. _Bambusa gracilis_,
of gardens.

=A. Maximowiczii= (Maximowicz's). This Japanese species is believed
to be allied to, if not identical with, _Bambusa Simonii_. Quite
hardy.

=A. Metake= (Metake). _l._ lanceolate, with very sharp points,
dark green, persistent, narrowed into a short leafstalk, 6in. to
12in. long; sheath ample. _h._ 4ft. to 6ft. Japan. A handsome,
hardy, dwarf, much-branched species, forming grand specimens, and
producing flowers very freely. SYN. _Bambusa japonica_.

=ARUNDO= (origin of word doubtful; stated by some authorities to be from _arundo_, a reed; and others as from the Celtic _arn_, signifying water). Reed. ORD. _Gramineæ_. A very ornamental group of half or quite hardy plants, of very easy culture in ordinary garden soil, preferring damp situations. Panicle loose; calyx two-valved, unequal, many-flowered; corolla of two very unequal valves; all, except the lower and imperfect one, surrounded by a tuft of hairs. Fruit free, covered by the corolla. Arundos are very valuable either for conservatory decoration, sub*-tropical gardening, or cultivation in clumps on the turf of the flower-garden or pleasure ground, and the margins of lakes. Although well worth growing, all are inferior to their ally, the Pampas Grass. Propagated by seeds or divisions, the spring being the best time to adopt either method of increase.

=A. conspicua= (conspicuous).* _fl._ silky-white, on large drooping
racemes, and lasting in beauty for several months. _h._ 3ft. to
8ft., but in a good deep and sandy loam it sometimes attains the
height of 12ft. New Zealand, 1843. This fine species grows in dense
tufts, from which arise numerous leathery, narrow, smooth (or
slightly rough), long curving leaves, and erect, slender culms. The
plant is not sufficiently hardy to withstand a severe winter, and
should, therefore, be protected with mats, or be grown in tubs, so
that it can be removed under shelter before the approach of winter.
These precautions are unnecessary in the more southern counties of
England.

=A. Donax= (Donax).* Great Reed. _fl._ reddish, ultimately whitish,
in numerous spikelets, forming a large compact panicle 12in. to
16in. long. Autumn. _l._ alternate, lanceolate-acute, large, and
ornamental, glaucous green, arching. _h._ about 12ft. South Europe,
1648. This also requires protection during winter in the colder
counties. See Fig. 156.

=A. D. versicolor= (various-coloured).* _h._ 3ft. South Europe.
Although much smaller, this variety is far superior to the type
for gardening purposes, and has its leaves ribboned with white. It
requires a deep, well drained, sandy loam to thrive well, and a
thorough winter protection of cocoa-fibre refuse or coal ashes. For
isolated tufts or groups, few plants can equal it. It is propagated
by placing a stem in water, which induces little rooted plants to
start from the joints; these should be separated, potted off, and
kept in frames until thoroughly established.

=A. mauritanica= (Mediterranean Reed). This is a rare greenhouse
species, closely allied to _A. Donax_, but inferior to it.

=ARYTERA.= A synonym of =Ratonia= (which _see_).

=ASAFœTIDA.= _See_ =Narthex Asafœtida=.

=ASARABACCA.= _See_ =Asarum europæum=.

=ASARUM= (from _a_, not, and _saron_, feminine; derivation doubtful). ORD. _Aristolochiaceæ_. Curious hardy herbaceous perennials, with bell-shaped, three-cleft perianths. They should be planted at the foot of the rockery, or in borders or woodlands, as they are not very showy, but are, nevertheless, worth growing, and easily propagated by divisions, in spring.

=A. canadense= (Canadian).* _fl._ brown, campanulate, on a short
peduncle, sometimes nearly buried. May and June. _l._ in pairs,
broadly reniform. _h._ 1ft. Canada, &c., 1713.

=A. caudatum= (tailed).* _fl._ brownish-red, with attenuated
or caudate calyx lobes. July. _l_. cordate-reniform, hooded,
sub-acute, or bluntish, slightly pubescent. California, 1880. A
rare and pretty species. See Fig. 157.

=A. europæum= (European). A sarabacca. _fl._ dull brown, solitary,
rather large, drooping; segments of perianth incurved. May. _l._
two on each stem, roundish-reniform, stalked, slightly waved. _h._
1ft. England.

=ASCENDING.= Directed upwards; as the stem, which is the ascending axis.

=ASCLEPIADEÆ.= A large order of, for the most part, lactescent, climbing shrubs. Flowers sub-umbellate, fascicled or racemose, interpetiolar; pollen collected in the form of waxy masses, coalescing to the cells of the anthers; follicles two, one of which is abortive. Leaves entire, usually opposite.

=ASCLEPIAS= (the Greek name of Æsculapius of the Latins). Swallow-wort. ORD. _Asclepiadeæ_. Erect, hardy, herbaceous or sub-shrubby perennials, except where otherwise specified. Corolla five-parted, reflexed; umbels interpetiolar; corona seated on the upper part of the tube of the filaments, five-leaved. Leaves opposite, verticillate, sometimes alternate. Most of the hardy species are very handsome border plants, thriving in peaty, or light rich soil, and are increased by dividing the roots in spring, and sometimes also by seeds. The doubtfully hardy or rarer species should always be grown in a peat soil, and have a little protection during severe frost, by mulching the roots. The most important of the greenhouse and stove species is _A. curassavica_. In order to obtain good bushy specimens of this, it will be necessary to cut the plants back annually, after keeping them slightly dry, and resting for a month or two in midwinter. When growth has sufficiently advanced, they should be shaken out and repotted. At this stage, a close, moist atmosphere will be needful to produce the usually very free growth. The points of the shoots must be nipped out, in order to promote a bushy habit. When the pots have become filled with roots, liquid manure may be applied; but it must be quite clear and not over strong. All the indoor species grow best in good fibry loam and leaf mould, and require to be potted firmly. Cuttings should be secured in spring, struck in gentle heat, under a bell glass, and as soon as they are well rooted, potted into 60-size pots. A shift must be given as often as the pots become filled with roots, up to the time when the plant commences flowering. Seeds may be sown in pots in spring, pricked out singly when large enough, and then treated similarly to cuttings.

=A. acuminata= (taper-pointed).* _fl._ red and white; umbels
lateral, solitary, erect. July. _l._ ovate, sub-cordate,
acuminated, on short petioles; superior ones sessile, glabrous, but
rough on the edges. Stems erect, glabrous, simple. _h._ 2ft. New
Jersey, 1826. Hardy, herbaceous.

=A. amœna= (pleasing).* _fl._ beautiful purple; umbels terminal,
erect; appendages of corona exserted, red. July. _l._ opposite,
almost sessile, oblong-oval, downy beneath, with a large purple
middle nerve. Stem simple, with two rows of down. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft.
New England, 1732. Hardy, herbaceous.

=A. Cornuti= (Cornuti's).* Synonymous with _A. syriaca_.

=A. curassavica= (Curassavian). Redhead. _fl._ reddish
orange-scarlet; umbels erect, solitary, lateral. July to September.
_l._ opposite, oblong-lanceolate, tapering at both ends. Stem
rather downy, simple, seldom a little branched. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft.
Tropical America, 1692. The white-flowered variety is a very pretty
contrast. Stove herbaceous.

=A. Douglasii= (Douglas's).* _fl._ large, waxy, purplish-lilac,
sweet-scented, in many-flowered umbels. Summer. _l._ opposite,
ovate-cordate, acuminated, 6-1/2in. long by 5in. or more wide,
glabrous above, downy beneath. Stem thick, woolly, simple. _h._
2ft. to 3ft. West America, 1846.

=A. hybrida= (hybrid). A synonym of _A. purpurascens_.

=A. incarnata= (flesh-coloured).* _fl._ red or purplish; umbels
numerous, usually twin. July. _l._ opposite, lanceolate, rather
woolly on both surfaces. Stem erect, branched and tomentose at
the top. _h._ 2ft. Canada (on the banks of rivers), 1710. Hardy,
herbaceous.

=A. mexicana= (Mexican). _fl._ white; umbels many-flowered. July.
_l._ verticillate, linear-lanceolate, with revolute edges; lower
ones four to six in a whorl; upper ones three in a whorl, or
opposite. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. Mexico, 1821. Greenhouse evergreen.

=A. phytolaccoides= (Phytolacca-like). _fl._ purple; corona white,
with truncate leaflets; umbels lateral and terminal, solitary, on
long peduncles, drooping. July. _l._ broad, ovate-oblong, acute,
glabrous, paler beneath. Stem erect, simple, spotted with purple.
_h._ 3ft. to 4ft. Virginia and Carolina (on the mountains), 1812.

=A. purpurascens= (purplish). _fl._ purple; umbels erect. July.
_l._ opposite, large, ovate, with a purplish middle nerve, villous
beneath. Stem simple, rather hairy at top, brownish green at
bottom. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. Virginia (in shady swamps), 1732. Hardy.
SYN. _A. hybrida_.

=A. quadrifolia= (four-leaved).* _fl._ white, small, sweet-scented,
with red nectaries; umbels twin, terminal, loose-flowered; pedicels
filiform. July. _l._ ovate, acuminated, petiolate; those in the
middle of the stem larger, and four in a whorl; the rest opposite.
Stems erect, simple, glabrous. _h._ 1ft. New York, 1820. Hardy
species.

=A. rubra= (red), _fl._ red; umbels compound, July, August. _l._
alternate, ovate, acuminated. Stem erect, simple. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft.
Virginia, 1825.

=A. Sullivanti= (Sullivant's). Similar to _A. syriaca_, but having
larger and deeper coloured flowers.

=A. syriaca= (Syrian).* _fl._ pale purple, sweet scented, in large,
loose, drooping umbels. July. _l._ opposite, lanceolate-oblong, or
oval, gradually acute, tomentose beneath. Stems simple. _h._ 3ft.
to 5ft. North America, 1629. SYN. _A. Cornuti_.

=A. tuberosa= (tuberous).* _fl._ bright orange, very showy;
umbels disposed in a terminal sub-corymb. July to September. _l._
scattered, oblong-lanceolate, hairy. Stems erectish, divaricately
branched at top, very hairy. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. North America (in
stony, sandy fields and woods), 1690. A desirable hardy herbaceous
border plant. See Fig. 158.

=A. variegata= (variegated). _fl._, petals and foliola of corona
white, fructification red, in dense umbels, very handsome; umbels
almost sessile; pedicels hairy. July. _l._ opposite, ovate,
petiolate, wrinkled, naked. Stems simple. erect, variegated with
purple. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. New York to Carolina (on dry, sandy
hills), 1597.

=A. verticillata= (whorled). _fl._, corolla with yellowish green
petals and white nectaries; umbels many-flowered. July and
August. _l._ very narrow, linear, thick, quite glabrous, usually
verticillate, but sometimes scattered. Stems erect, often branched,
having a downy line on one side. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. New Jersey, 1759.

=ASCYRON.= _See_ =Hypericum Ascyron=.

=ASCYRUM= (from _a_, without, and _skyros_, hard; that is to say, a plant which is soft to the touch). ORD. _Hypericinæ_. A genus of elegant little herbs and sub-shrubs, with sessile, entire leaves, destitute of pellucid dots, but usually furnished with black dots beneath. Flowers resembling _Hypericum_. They require to be protected during winter by a frame; for this purpose they should be grown in pots, as they never exist long in the open border. A compost of peat, pure leaf soil, and sand, in equal portions, suits them well; young cuttings of the shrubby kinds will root in sand under a hand bell glass. Propagated by careful divisions of the roots in spring. All may be raised from seeds.

=A. amplexicaule= (stem-clasping). _fl._ yellow, few, axillary, and
terminal; corymbs naked. July. _l._ stem-clasping, ovate, cordate,
sinuately-curled. Stem dichotomously panicled. _h._ 2ft. North
America, 1823. The flowers and leaves are longer in this than in
any other of the species.

=A. Crux Andreæ.=* St. Andrew's Cross. _fl._, petals narrow-pale,
yellow, nearly sessile, in terminal corymbs. July. _l._
ovate-linear, obtuse, usually in bundles in the axils. Stem
shrubby, round. _h._ 1ft. North America (in sandy fields), 1759.
This proves to be quite hardy in many situations.

=A. hypericoides= (Hypericum-like). _fl._ yellow. August. _l._
linear-oblong, obtuse. _h._ 2ft. North America, 1759.

=A. stans= (standing). St. Peter's Wort. _fl._ yellow. August. _l._
oval or oblong, somewhat clasping. _h._ 2ft. North America, 1816.

=ASHES.= The earthy or mineral particles of combustible substances, remaining after combustion. Ashes are amongst the most economical manures.

_Vegetable Ashes_ are generally the best application for manuring boggy, cold, and, consequently, sour and unprofitable land, in quantities of about forty bushels per acre, thinly and evenly distributed. The annual exhaustion of salts from large crops of grain, roots, and grass, is from 180lb. to more than 250lb. per acre; and the aggregate of a few years will so far impoverish the soil in one or more of the principles necessary to sustain a luxuriant vegetation, that it will cease to yield remunerating returns. The ashes of vegetables consist of such elements as are always required for their perfect maturity, and it is evident they must furnish one of the best saline manures which can be supplied for their growth; they contain, in fact, every element, and generally in the right proportions, for insuring a full and rapid growth. Both gardener and farmer will therefore perceive the great value of Ashes to their crops.

_Coal Ashes._ The bituminous and anthracite coals afford Ashes, and, although inferior in quality to those made from wood and vegetables, are, like them, a valuable manure, and they should be applied to the land in a similar manner. If they contain many cinders, from not having been thoroughly burned, they are more suited to heavy than to light soils. Coal Ashes, if very fine, may be sprinkled half an inch deep on the surface, over peas and beans, &c., to preserve them from mice; they may also be used for garden and greenhouse walks, where bricks or tiles are absent, being tidy in appearance, and an excellent substitute for other and more expensive material.

_Peat Ashes._ Peat approaching to purity, when thrown out of its bed and thoroughly dried, may be burned to an imperfect Ash, and when it does not reach this point, it will become thoroughly charred, and reduced to cinders. The process of burning should be as slow as possible. In either form, it is a valuable dressing for the soil.

=ASH-TREE.= _See_ =Fraxinus=.

=ASIATIC POISON BULB.= _See_ =Crinum asiaticum=.

=ASIMINA= (meaning unknown). ORD. _Anonaceæ_. Hardy shrubs, with oblong, cuneated, usually deciduous leaves. Flowers sometimes rising before the leaves, usually solitary and axillary. They thrive freely in a mixture of sand and peat. Propagated by layers put down in the autumn, or by seed, procured from their native country. Seedlings should be raised in pots, and sheltered in winter, until they have acquired a considerable size.

=A. triloba= (three-lobed).* _fl._ campanulate, the three outer
petals pale purplish, and the three inner ones smaller, purplish
on the outside as well as the inside at the base and apex, with
the middle yellow, about 2in. diameter, produced between the upper
leaves. May. _l._ oblong-cuneated, often acuminated, and, as well
as the branches, smoothish. _h._ 10ft. Pennsylvania, 1736. A small
tree or shrub. See Fig. 159.

=ASKALLON= (the Eschallot). _See_ =Allium ascalonicum=.

=ASPALATHUS= (from _a_, not, and _spao_, to extract; in reference to the difficulty of extracting its thorns from a wound). Including _Sarcophyllus_. ORD. _Leguminosæ_. Shrubs or sub-shrubs, natives, with one exception, of the Cape of Good Hope. Flowers usually yellow, furnished with three bracteoles, or a leaf comprised of three leaflets. Leaves of three to five leaflets, disposed palmately, rarely pinnately, having scarcely any or very short petioles. All the species are pretty when in flower, and thrive in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. Young cuttings of half-ripened wood will strike in April, in sand, under bell glasses, which must be wiped dry occasionally. But little water is needed. Over a hundred species are known; those introduced are very rarely seen in cultivation.

=ASPARAGUS= (from _a_, intensive, and _sparasso_, to tear; in reference to the strong prickles of some species). ORD. _Liliaceæ_. Erect or climbing herbs or shrubs, with very small scale-like leaves, and a profusion of numerous slender fascicled-needle, rather spiny branchlets. Flowers axillary, inconspicuous. Fruit baccate. The indoor species will all thrive well in a warm greenhouse temperature, provided they have partial shade, a good supply of moisture at the roots, and are not kept too close, in a moderately rich sandy compost. The hardy species are propagated chiefly by seeds and divisions of the roots. Rich sandy loam is necessary, and otherwise they may be treated as ordinary perennials. Some of the species belonging to this genus are among the most elegant of foliage plants for cutting purposes. _A. decumbens_ and _A. scandens_ make excellent plants for Wardian cases, and may be cut in freely if they exceed their limits.

ASPARAGUS (_A. officinalis_) AS A VEGETABLE. The value and importance of this plant as a vegetable cannot be over-estimated; it is extensively grown, and, when properly managed, produces a fairly lucrative crop.

_Soil and Bed._ The first thing to be done in the preparation of an Asparagus bed to stand for any length of time, is to secure an efficient drainage; and on wet soils this is best effected by placing a layer of brick rubbish over the whole of the bottom, and connecting this with a drain. On gravelly or other soils which are drained naturally, of course, this is not needed; but if really good crops are a _desideratum_, water should not stand within 3ft. of the surface. In all cases, the ground must be dug to a depth of 18in., and, if stiff, a goodly amount of road sweepings, or other gritty materials, should be well mixed with the staple soil. Asparagus requires a good soil, neither too heavy nor too light.

_Manuring._ After the soil has been well trenched, and has lain long enough to settle down, a good dressing of manure--thoroughly rotted, and not too rank, at the rate of from twenty to thirty tons to the acre, dug into the surface of the beds-will be found very beneficial. If possible, this should be introduced in January; and then, if the weather permits, the beds should be forked two or three times by the end of March, so as to render the soil as friable as possible. A very good manure, and one that is easily obtained, is common garden salt. This may be given annually to established beds. A moderate dressing should be applied just before growth commences in spring, but a little will do no harm at other times during the summer. It is best scattered on with the hand, and a showery day should be selected, as it will then soon disappear. Salt, besides acting as a manure, has also the properties of keeping the beds cool and moist in hot weather, and of preventing the growth of weeds.

_Planting._ Asparagus can be planted during March and April, the latter month being the best time for the work. The soil having been thoroughly prepared, the next point is to decide on the size of the beds; this depends on the size of garden, and the class of "grass" desired. When very large and fine stocks are the object in view, the best results will accrue if the plants are fully a yard apart each way; but this means a comparatively small crop. A good plan is to make the beds 3ft. wide, planting two rows, at a distance of 1ft. from each other, and allowing 18in. between each plant, placing them in alternate order. An 18in. alley should be allowed between the beds. The roots used for making the beds should be one year old, and fresh from the ground. In planting, pull out a wide drill with a hoe, or other tool, to the depth of about 3in. or 4in., and spread out the roots all round. Carefully shake the soil in amongst the roots, and, if dry, apply some water through a coarse-rosed watering pot, to settle the earth around them. At intervals, as necessary, give other waterings till September, when they should be discontinued. At all times, keep the beds free from weeds, removing them by the hand to prevent injury to the crowns of the plants. If the ground is good, no liquid manure will be needed the first year. As soon as the foliage turns yellow, cut it off, cleanly rake over the beds, and leave till about January, when a top-dressing of from 1in. to 3in. of thoroughly rotted manure may be applied with advantage. At the end of February, rake off the bed all loose straw or other _debris_, and throw on them a little of the soil from the alleys, raking down, and finishing off the edges squarely and neatly. During this and succeeding years, apply liquid manure and clear water, from time to time, as required; and, provided the manure is not of too great strength, there is scarcely any limit to its application; but, in many instances, beds which have only received an annual dressing have given a good return. Each year they must be cut over and dressed as before described, but care must be taken to keep them flat on the surface, otherwise the plants will die out for want of moisture. When the produce appears, the beds should be kept cut over until the 20th of June, after which, cutting should cease, or they will be rendered comparatively unproductive. Cutting can commence the second or third year, or as soon as there is any "grass" worth taking. Several methods of growing these plants could be cited, but that which we have recommended will be found most satisfactory.

_Seeds._ Plants are raised by sowing seeds in rows across the kitchen garden, or selected quarter, about the month of April. The seedlings make a growth, and form good plants during the first season. In March or April of the following year, or the year after, they may be removed, and planted out permanently, as already alluded to. Many cultivators prefer growing their own plants from seed; because during the transit of the roots from any distance to where they are to be grown, a frequent and injurious exhaustion takes place, and particularly so when they are carelessly packed.

_Forcing._ Asparagus can, if properly treated, be obtained from December onwards; and at Christmas time the produce is very valuable; but, in order to obtain it at this season, it will be necessary to resort to forcing. Prepare some beds to secure a lasting heat, and on these place about 3in. of ordinary garden soil, not very stiff. Then take the roots, and place them crown upwards, and moderately close together, shaking the soil well amongst the roots, and covering about a couple of inches deep. Water well, to settle the whole, and put on the lights, allowing a little ventilation, to let out any steam which may arise. Unless the weather be very cold indeed, give a little air at all times, and only cover the lights in actual frost. From time to time, apply fresh linings of hot manure, and in cold rains, or wind, cover the outsides of the frames with old sacks, or other things which will keep in the heat. A regular and steady temperature of 60deg. will force this plant with better results than a higher one. Houses that are fitted with hot-water pipes to give bottom heat can be used equally as well as manure beds, and so long as the soil is kept moist, the heat thus obtained is as good as any for the purpose, and much less trouble than fermenting materials. To keep up a regular supply, a succession of beds will be necessary. Asparagus can be forced, or rather forwarded, in pots or boxes, in a warm greenhouse or vinery, and, of course, when the plants are done with, they can be cast away. We give an illustration (Fig. 160) of a bearing crown fit for gentle forcing; but, of course, it must not be left so bare of earth as appears here, which is done for the purpose of clearness.

_Varieties._ Connover's Colossal, and Giant, are the most esteemed. Strains are frequently largely advertised as improvements on the sorts above-mentioned, and the charges are higher accordingly. The difference may be generally attributed to the culture the plants receive more than to an improved variety. When saving seed for home sowing, they should be taken from the strongest growths, or deterioration will ensue.

=A. æthiopicus ternifolius= (ternate). _fl._ white, in
shortly-stalked racemes, very profuse. August. _l._, false ones in
threes, flattened, narrow, linear; prickles solitary, reversed;
branches angular. _h._ 30ft. South Africa, 1872. A greenhouse
evergreen.

=A. Broussoneti= (Broussonet's).* _fl._ very small, succeeded
by small red berries. May. _l._, lower ones solitary, the
others ternate, 1in. long, needle-shaped, persistent, distant,
glaucescent; stipules with reflected spines at the base. Summer.
Stem tapering, streaked, shrubby. _h._ 10ft. Canary Islands, 1822.
A very pretty hardy climber.

=A. Cooperi= (Cooper's). _fl._ axillary, one to three, from the
same nodes as the false leaves; perianth cream-coloured, one line
long. April and May. _l._ minute, deltoid, scariose, reddish-brown;
false leaves six to fifteen to a node, subulate, moderately firm,
1/4in. to 3/8in. long, spreading or ascending. _h._ 10ft. to 12ft.
Africa, 1862. A greenhouse climber, with a shrubby terete main
stem, 1-1/2in. to 2in. thick at the base, sending out crowds of
spreading branches, which bear abundant slender, firm, alternate
branchlets; nodes of branches and branchlets, furnished with
distinct red-brown, subulate prickles, those of the main stems
1/4in. long, deflexed, but not curved.

=A. decumbens= (decumbent).* Stem unarmed, decumbent, much
branched; branches wavy; leaves setaceous, in threes. Cape of Good
Hope, 1792. A greenhouse evergreen herbaceous perennial.

=A. falcatus= (hooked-leaved). _l._ fascicled, linear, falcate;
branches round; prickles solitary, recurved; peduncles
one-flowered, clustered. _h._ 3ft. India, 1792. A greenhouse
evergreen perennial.

=A. officinalis= (officinal). Common Asparagus. _fl._
greenish-white, drooping. August. _l._ setaceous, fasciculate,
flexible, unarmed. Stem herbaceous, mostly erect, rounded, very
much branched. _h._ 1ft. Said to grow on "Asparagus Island,"
Kynance Cove, Lizard, but we have never found it there, and it has
probably long since been exterminated.

=A. plumosus= (plumed).* _fl._ white, small, produced from the
tips of the branchlets. Spring. _l._, true ones in the form of
minute deltoid scales, with an acute ultimately reflexed point;
the false ones are grouped in tufts, each being 1/8in. to 1/4in.
long, bristle-shaped, and finely pointed. South Africa, 1876. An
elegant evergreen climber, with smooth stems and numerous spreading
branches. It forms an excellent plant when trained in pots, and is
invaluable for cutting.

=A. p. nanus= (dwarf).* A very elegant dwarf variety of above.
Stems tufted, slender, and gracefully arching. South Africa, 1880.
For bouquets, the cut sprays of both type and variety have the
advantage of much greater persistency than any fern, retaining
their freshness in water from three to four weeks. See Fig. 161,
for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons.

=A. racemosus= (racemose). _fl._ greenish-white, in many-flowered
axillary racemes. May. _l._ bundled, linear-subulate, falcate;
branches striated; prickles solitary. _h._ 3ft. India, 1808.
Greenhouse evergreen shrub.

=A. ramosissimus= (very branching). _fl._ solitary, at the tips of
the branchlets; pedicels hardly perpendicular, one and a-half to
two lines long; cream coloured. June. _l._ obscurely spurred at the
base; false leaves three to eight-nate, flattened; linear-falcate
acute, 1/4in. to 3/8in. long, spreading. South Africa, 1862. A wide
climbing, copiously branched, slender greenhouse shrub, with very
numerous spreading or ascending branches and branchlets.

=A. scandens= (climbing).* _fl._ whitish, axillary on the ultimate
branchlets, succeeded by round orange-coloured berries. The annual,
much-branched, unarmed stems bear, usually in threes, numerous
small linear-pointed leaves, which on the ultimate branches spread
nearly in one plane. Cape of Good Hope, 1795. An elegant climbing
greenhouse perennial.

=A. virgatus= (twiggy).* A remarkably elegant feathery looking
plant, of shrubby habit. The stems, which issue from the crown of
the stout fleshy roots, are of a dark green colour, and bear at
the upper end a corymbose head of erect branches, of which the
lowest is the youngest or most recently developed. These branches
are again twice branched, the ultimate branchlets being furnished
with needle-shaped false leaves, 1/2in. long, which usually grow in
threes. South Africa, 1862.

=ASPARAGUS BEETLE= (_Crioceris asparagi_), or "Cross-bearer." This beautiful little insect is blue-black or greenish; the thorax is red with two black spots, and the wing-cases are yellow, with a black cross on them; the legs and antennæ are black. The short grey larva is flat underneath, arched on the back, and covered with hairs. The sides are of an olive hue, and the little legs and head are black. It ejects a drop of blackish fluid from the mouth when touched. When full grown, which takes about a fortnight, the larva measures about two lines in length; the average length of the perfect Beetle is about three lines. Although this insect does not actually destroy the plants, it inflicts much damage on the foliage, and checks the growth of the stems after they have attained some size, in consequence of which the foliage becomes much less in the next season. The eggs are fixed to the shoots, and are small, dark, pointed bodies. The larvæ do the harm, as they feed on the bark and tender portions of the plants. The mature Beetles should be picked off by hand, and, by commencing early enough in the season, their numbers will be greatly reduced. Syringing the plants with water, heated to a temperature that will not injure the plants, is found a useful method for removing the grubs.

_White Hellebore._ Freshly-ground White Hellebore, sprinkled over the foliage while it is damp, and repeating the operation at intervals of about eight days for a season, will generally effect a riddance; but the following will usually be found better in such cases. Neither must be applied until after cutting ceases, as they are very poisonous.

_Paris Green._ This, mixed and used as for Cherry Fly (_see_ =Black Fly=), will generally got rid of the Beetle, if applied about thrice each season for two years. It should, however, only be used in severe cases.

_Soot_, applied in the same manner as White Hellebore, and in liberal quantities, will, in a season or two, clear the beds. If a bushel of salt be mixed with each twenty bushels of soot, it will enhance the effect.

=ASPARAGUS KNIFE.= The Asparagus Knife consists of a strong blade fixed in a handle. There are, or were, three kinds employed: In one form, the blade was blunt on both sides, straight, with a sharp tip, and not unlike a small chisel. Another had its blade slightly hooked, and serrated at one end. But the best is that now almost universally employed, and which is illustrated by Fig. 162.

=ASPASIA= (from _aspazomai_, I embrace; the column embraced by the labellum). ORD. _Orchidaceæ_. A genus of elegant stove Epidendrum-like epiphytal orchids, with the lip united to the column, and broad, thin pseudo-bulbs. The name Aspasia is now and then met with attached to a totally different genus. Salisbury gave it to a liliaceous plant which is now referred to _Ornithogalum_. For culture and propagation, _see_ =Stanhopea=.

=A. epidendroides= (Epidendrum-like).* _fl._ whitish yellow; sepals
linear oblong, acute; petals obtuse, concave, lateral lobes of
lip roundish, entire, middle lobe crenated emarginate. February.
Pseudo-bulbs oblong, two-edged. _h._ 1ft. Panama, 1833.

=A. lunata= (crescent-marked).* _fl._ green, white, and brown,
solitary; sepals and petals linear obtuse, spreading; lip
three-lobed, lateral lobes short, middle one flat, nearly square,
wavy. February. Pseudo-bulbs oblong, two-edged. _h._ 1ft. Rio
Janeiro, 1843.

=A. papilionacea= (butterfly-like).* _fl._, sepals and petals
yellowish, mottled with brown lines on their internal inferior
halves; lip fiddle-shape, its back very great, elliptic, apiculate;
an orange-coloured area stands at its base, a wide violet disc
before and around it. _h._ 9in. Costa Rica, 1876. Distinguished
from _A. lunata_ in having thirteen keels at the base of the lip,
which is higher inserted, and in the echinulate anther. It is a
beautiful but rare novelty.

=A. psittacina= (parrot-like).* _fl._, sepals and petals light
green, with brown transverse bars, which sometimes consist
of separate stripes, at other times of confluent ones; the
fiddle-shaped lip shows two keels and a few purplish dots over its
top; the column is brown at its top, then violet, and white at the
base. Ecuador, 1878. It has a raceme of several flowers, usually
one-sided, bent over.

=A. variegata= (variegated).* _fl._ green, spotted with yellowish
red; sepals linear oblong; petals somewhat rhomboid, acute; lateral
lobes of lip recurved, middle one fleshy, serrated. February. _h._
9in. Panama, 1836. Deliciously sweet-scented in the morning.

=ASPEN.= _See_ =Populus tremula=.

=ASPERA.= Rough, with hairs or points.

=ASPERULA= (from _asper_, rough; in allusion to the leaves). Woodruff. ORD. _Rubiaceæ_. Hardy herbs, rarely small shrubs. Flowers terminal and axillary, in fascicles. Leaves opposite, with one, two, or three stipulas on each side; they are therefore called four to eight in a whorl, but between the uppermost leaves there are no stipulas. Stems and branches usually tetragonal. Most of the species are very pretty when in flower, and are, therefore, well adapted for borders, rockwork, and shady places, in almost any garden soil. Propagated by divisions of the roots during spring and early summer. Herbaceous perennials, except where otherwise stated.

=A. azurea-setosa= (blue-bristly). A synonym of _A. orientalis_.

=A. calabrica= (Calabrian). A synonym of _Putoria calabrica_.

=A. cynanchica= (Cynanche-like). _fl._ on erect branches, forming a
fastigiate corymb, white or bluish-coloured, elegantly marked with
red lines, or sometimes pure white. Summer. _l._ four in a whorl;
floral ones lanceolate-linear, acuminately awned; lower ones small,
oblong, upper ones opposite. Plant glabrous, erectish. _h._ 9in. to
12in. England.

=A. hirta= (hairy). _fl._ white at first, changing to pink, with
oblong divisions. July and August. _l._ usually six in a whorl,
four towards the upper part, linear, hairy, deep green. _h._ 3in.
Pyrenees, 1817. A charming but rare little alpine, thriving best in
a rather damp position on the rockery.

=A. longiflora= (long-flowered).* _fl._ whitish, yellowish inside,
and reddish outside; tube of corolla elongated; fascicles terminal,
pedunculate; bracteas small, subulate. Summer. _l._ four in a
whorl, linear; lower ones small, obovate; upper ones opposite.
Stems weak, numerous, from the same neck, erectish, glabrous. _h._
6in. Hungary, 1821.

=A. montana= (mountain).* _fl._, corollas pink, four-cleft,
scabrous externally; in fascicles. June, July. _l._ linear; lower
ones six in a whorl; middle ones four; upper ones opposite; floral
leaves linear. Stem weak, glabrous. _h._ 6in. to 8in. Hungary, 1801.

=A. odorata= (sweet-scented).* Sweet Woodruff. _fl._ snowy white;
corymbs terminal, pedunculate, usually trifid, each division
bearing about four flowers. May, June. _l._ eight in a whorl,
lanceolate, smooth, with serrulately scabrous edges. Stems
tetragonal, simple, erect, or ascending. _h._ 6in. to 12in.
Britain. This very pretty little plant is scentless when fresh,
but, when dried, it diffuses an odour like that of spring grass;
and when kept among clothes, it not only imparts an agreeable
perfume to them, but preserves them from insects.

=A. orientalis= (Oriental).* _fl._ sky blue, in terminal heads;
bracts of involucre shorter than the flowers. Summer. _l._
lanceolate, bristly, about eight in a whorl. _h._ 1ft. Caucasus,
1867. A charming little, profuse blooming, hardy annual, bearing
clusters of fragrant flowers, admirably adapted for bouquet making.
SYN. _A. azurea-setosa_. See Fig. 163.

=A. taurina= (bull). _fl._, corollas white, elongated; corymbs
pedunculate, axillary, fasciculately umbellate, involucrated;
bracteas ciliated. April to June. _l._ four in a whorl,
ovate-lanceolate, three-nerved, with finely ciliated margins. Plant
smoothish, erect. _h._ 1ft. South Europe, 1739.

=A. tinctoria= (Dyers'). _fl._ white, reddish on the outside;
usually trifid. June. _l._ linear; lower ones six in a whorl;
middle ones four; and the uppermost ones opposite; floral leaves
ovate. Plant procumbent, unless supported. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. long,
purplish. Europe, 1764.

=ASPHALT.= Artificial Asphalt is now generally used in England for footpaths, &c. The recipes are various, one of the best being the following: Lime rubbish two parts, coal ashes one part (both must be very dry), sifted very fine; mix them, and leave a hole in the middle of the heap, wherein pour boiling hot coal tar; mix well together. When as stiff as mortar, lay it down, 3in. thick, on a dry and previously well-levelled surface. A boy should follow with dry, finely-sifted sand, distributing just enough to prevent his boots sticking to the tar. Two men should be employed for the tarring, whilst another should attend to the boiling operation. Only just enough tar to last ten minutes must be taken from the furnace at one time, as, if it be not boiling, the walks will become soft under the action of very hot sun. This may be repeated every three years. It is imperative that the surface, lime, coal ashes and sand be perfectly dry, and that the days selected for the operation be very fine, the hotter the better. Another excellent plan is that of using gas lime and coal ashes. There must be a firm foundation and smooth surface. Spread the gas lime to about 1-1/2in. deep, and level with the back of a spade. Over this place a thin layer of coal dust, and well roll. The work is then complete.

=ASPHODEL.= _See_ =Asphodelus=.

=ASPHODELINE.= ORD. _Liliaceæ_. A genus of plants allied to _Asphodelus_, but distinguished from it by having erect leafy stems. They thrive in any ordinary garden soil. Propagated by division.

=A. brevicaulis= (short-stemmed). _fl._ in lax, often panicled
racemes, yellow, veined with green. _l._ subulate, ascending, lower
ones 4in. to 6in. long. Stem slender, often flexuose. Orient.

=A. damascena= (Damascene). _fl._ white, in dense generally simple
racemes, 6in. to 12in. long. _l._ in dense rosette, 6in. to 9in.
long, subulate. Stem simple, erect. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. Asia
Minor.

=A. liburnica= (Liburnian). _fl._ yellow, striped with green, in
generally simple lax racemes, 6in. to 9in. long. Stem simple,
erect, strict, 1ft. to 2ft. high, upper half naked. South Europe.

=A. lutea= (yellow). _fl._ yellow, fragrant, in a dense, very long,
straight, simple raceme, in the axils of buff-coloured bracts,
which are nearly as long as the flowers. Summer. _l._ numerous,
awl-shaped, triangular, furrowed, smooth, dark green, marked with
lines of a paler tint; root leaves tufted. Stem 3ft. or 4ft.
high. Sicily, 1596. The best known and handsomest species. SYN.
_Asphodelus luteus_.

=A. l. fl.-pl.= This resembles the species, but the flowers are
double, and last much longer than those of the typical form; it is
a very pretty plant.

=A. taurica= (Taurian). _fl._ white, striped with green, in
generally simple dense racemes, 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in.
wide. Stem simple, erect, 1ft. to 2ft. high, densely leafy at base
of raceme. Asia Minor, &c. SYN. _Asphodelus tauricus_.

=A. tenuior= (slenderer). _fl._ yellow, in simple lax-flowered
racemes, 3in. to 4in. long, 2in. wide. Stem simple lower half leaf,
upper naked, 1ft. Orient. SYN. _Asphodelus tenuior_.