variety, the Clandestina Epistolaria, is especially shy, being rarely seen above the ground. This is a particularly sweet variety, but in Formal Gardens it is not encouraged, as its fruit is believed by many to be bad in taste and often dangerous in its effect.

THE COSEY CORNIA

Hot Air Plant

Cuddle Family.

A sort of in-door variety of the Hammock Vine.

ACTORINES

Frivolia Family

An artificial plant. Delicious when young. A popular delicacy for late suppers. Apt to run wild and often can be picked up where one least expects it. Usually rather expensive to cultivate. Grows in clusters along the road.

When the snow came down like a soft white fleece
He potted his plants on the first of DEC

HEARTICULTURE

December

The Hearticulturist may take his well-earned rest in December, as the few hardy shrubs that venture out this month are well able to take care of themselves.

Most noticeable of these is the Marrygold, a dwarf growth of foreign importation, and erroneously supposed to be a sport of the original Heart Tree. The Marrygold has a showy yellow flower resembling the Dandelion, to which many believe it related, the petals often taking the form of a crown or coronet. The leaves are covered with sharp stinging spines like those of the Nettle, and the odor is most pungent. However, though a disagreeable plant, it has nevertheless a certain vogue, and serves to enliven an otherwise dull season.

It is a relief to turn from the pungent Marrygold and the vulgar Push Vine to the graceful Puff Plant (Powderminosia Delicatea). This dainty flower, though not an out-door bloomer, bears a wintry looking blossom of snowy white with a rare fragrance. It is an exquisitely feminine flower, being often seen in ornamental pots in boudoirs or on dressing-tables, and is eagerly sought after by ladies at fashionable balls and other gay functions of the jolly month of December.