The National tribune., 1882-03-04


so as to produce all the effects desired in the
way of ornament One of the most effective
features we have seen was group composed of
five trees of the Lawrence pear on a finely kept
lawn. The Crab apples, Of which there are
many varieties, are beautiful, and of such mod
crate growth as to make them particularly
adapted for limited pleasure grounds. For iso-
lated specimens on lawn selections can be made
from the list of pear trees which will equal any
trees in beauty of form and foliage.
THE SUNFLOwER, (Helianthus annuus This
well-known annual plant probably derives it's
common name from the brilliant color and ray
like appearance of its conspicuous flowers, for
although poets have attempted to make the
flower turn on its stem in order that it should
follow the course of the sun, it persistently re-
fuses to do so.
The sunfiower is a native of South America,
and grows six or more feet in height. 1t pos
sesses many valuable properties which are
applied to useful purposes. The flowers yield
fine yellow dye which is said to be lasting
they are also favorable resort for bees, and
superior honey and wax is thus obtained. The
seeds are greedily eaten by poultry Of all kinds,
and are very fattening. They contain twenty
per cent. of oil, which is yielded by expression ;
this oil is bland and edible, makes a fine, soft
quality of soap, and burns well. The plant is
much cultivated in Russia for the sake of the
oil, and the resultant cake is considered highly
nutritious as food for cattle. The shelled seed
is ground into flour, which makes very good
cake and bread. The leaves, manufactured into
cigars, have pectoral qualities when smoked. The
stalks, when treated like hemp, produce a fine,
silky fiber, which is said to be fitted for working
up with silk. The ashes of the burnt stalks yield
ten per cent. Of potash. As field crop it's cuI-
ture is similar to that for Indian corn Fifty bush
els can be produced on an acre. Sunf1ower
plantations are said to be specially efcacious in
destroying malaria, but the assertion is not
supported by comparative experiments. All
plants are more OF less conducive to this end,
those of rapid growth and possessing
ample foliage.
ORNAMENTAL GRASsES.-For permanent par
lor ornaments the dried flowers of grasses are
much used, and are very beautiful and graceful.
One Of the most popular grasses for this purpose
is the South American Pampas grass Gynerium
argenteum, its large white plumes forming
prominent feature in florists establishments
during the fall and winter months 1t is too
tender for severe climates, although with but
little protection it succeeds well south of the Po
tomac good substitute, and one which is
quite hardy over a large portion of the country,
is the Erianthus RaCennB, seeds Of which are
offered for sale in most of our seed lists. When
in full vigor it is very striking plant, sending
up stems 8 or 10 feet high, with snowy tufted
plumes at their tops. When cut before the
flowers commence to open these are but little
inferior to the Pampas grass, and may be grown
IN every yard if desired. fitting companion
to the above is the Japan grass, Eulale Japonica
some striped-leaved varieties of this are exceed
ingly beautiful. Plants of these may be had at
but little cost they are perfectly hardy, furnish
beautiful tufts of fower-heads which harmonic
perfectly with the Erianthus in decorating vases,
&c. These plants are easily procured, and when
once established ON the lawn or in the flower
garden they will furnish all that need be desired
for the decoration of rooms
HARDY PERMANENT CLIMBING PLANTS
We have been asked to furnish list of "good
hardy climbing plants" In reply, we append the
following list, with remarks upon their peculiari-
lies and habits
Trumpet FIo,Cer, (Tec0ma radicans This is a
robust plant, fitted only for large arbors or for
covering walls. It is also well adapted for plant
ng against old and mutilated trees. 1t produces
profusion of dense clusters of flowers which /
are favorite haunts Of the humming bird; it has
5he valuable property of adhering firmly to
walls; it must however, be occasionally pruned
'r it will, from its weight, ultimately break down
The overhanging branches.
Golden Bignonia, (Bignonia capreolata. This
S fine Towering plant not quite hardy in north
'rn localities. 1t supports itself by tendrils and
mas great adhering powers. 1t is nearly ever
green, the foliage usually remaining on the vines
until late in spring
Virginia Creeper, (Ampelopsis quinquefolia) also
jailed American ivy.-This is a well-known plant
If great beauty of foliage, more especially in
he fall; at this season it assumes crimson
Tue, which deepens into scarlet, producing a
pleasing contrast with the evergreen foliage as is
'ften seen in the woods when it takes possession
If the common cedar, a tree for which it seems
o have natural partiality. Its delicate tendrils
lasp very minute projections and hence it may