The gayest note in the color harmony of August is the Parasolia. This beautiful plant, which blooms in every color of the rainbow, abounds in the hottest weather, and like its sister Sunworshipper, the Sunflower (whom the poet Moore has immortalized),—

"Turns to her God when he sets
The same glance that she turned when he rose."

So faithful, indeed, is the Parasolia in this respect that a distinguished scientist, formerly superintendent of the National Weather Bureau, once confessed (in a private interview printed confidentially in the Evening Post) that his success in telling whether or no the sun were shining was entirely due to his watching the flowers of the Parasolia.

At sunset the Parasolia folds its gayly tinted petals for the night, giving place to that delicious variety of Night-Blooming Serious, the Hammock Plant, which may be seen swaying gently in the moonlight often far into the night.

PARASOLIA

Preservia Complexionis

Frivolia Family.

Opens only when the sun is shining.

THE HONK-WEED

Noisesome

One of those strange noisesome car-nervious plants. Makes a weird sound when game is in sight. Glows at night. A great worry to farmers, as chickens, pigs, and other animals have been known to die from contact with this plant.

To reach his fruit he had to step
On a fern-leaf ladder the first of SEP

HEARTICULTURE

September

A slight falling off will be noticed this month, especially in the leaves, and the garden will need the most careful attention. The Engagement Vines often become very much entangled, so that it is hard to tell which is which. Straightening them out is a delicate operation, and in some cases the shears are necessary.

The Heart Trees especially should be watched this month, to guard against blight.

The Golf Plant (Crawlia Bragadosia) a dull though persistent creeper, related to the Gillieflower, thrives well in September, and indeed in all the Autumn months. It is much fancied by up-to-date gardeners. Like the poison ivy, it is quite innocuous to many people, but to some it is a powerful irritant, causing them to break out in the most violent manner. From the fruit of this plant is distilled a strong stimulant called Bogey, highly prized by its cultivators, but looked upon with contempt by outsiders, who regard the Golf Plant as the greatest pest in the vegetable kingdom.

THE RUBBER PLANT

Snoopia Vulgaris

Eyebulgia Family.

Grows wild if planted near a window.