We need more low-growing shrubby plants of unique and distinct foliage, to be used for ribbon gardening. It is not necessary that they be flowering plants, although everything that bears flowers is welcomed - but something of compact, speedy growth - and not over one foot in height. The varieties of Ackyranthes are generally used for this purpose, and among them we have always preferred for color the Ackyranthes Verschaffeltii. The Agriculturist in a recent notice of it says:

"The Achyranthes Verschaffeltii, in its varieties, is a useful plant, and as it does not seem to have become very popular, the florists are quite likely to have a stock of it left over. The probable reason for its lack of popularity is that if not cut now and then it gets a ragged and "leggy " look, which is not attractive; but, if properly treated, it makes a good show. The original plant is of a dull purplish-red; the variety Gilsoni, which originated in this country, is much brighter, the stems and the veinings of the leaves being of a fine crimson. Still another variety is the Golden-veined - Aureo-reticulata of the catalogues - in which there is no trace of red, the leaf being a bright green, handsomely variegated by yellow veins and blotches. This, with either of the other two, will make an excellent contrast. The plants may be set eight or twelve inches apart, and,' if necessary, be cut back at the time of planting. The different lines of color must be kept distinct by cutting, and the outline kept in proper form by the knife. Frequent cutting back makes the plants grow bushy, as a branch soon starts from the axil of each leaf.

The young growth is much more fresh and brilliant than the older leaves."