There are perhaps few species of which there are more varieties, ranging from pure white to the darkest and richest purple. These varieties can be bought at the seed stores; but we have found that seed raised in this country can not be depended on to produce any distinct variety, sufficient care not being taken in growing and preserving the seed. Last year we obtained some thirty varieties from Paris, every one of which came as named.

The plant grows from one to two feet high, with an erect, branching stem, hoary leaves, and long spikes of flowers. The size and richness of these flowers vary greatly in the different varieties, and some of them are very splendid. The species is a native of the south of Europe, by the seashore, whence it was introduced in 1831; but the principal varieties have been originated in England and Germany. The German varieties are particularly beautiful.

For very early flowers, a few plants may be raised in a hot-bed, or in a pot in the house, to be transplanted into the open ground as soon as the weather is sufficiently warm. For sowing in the open ground, the soil should be dug deep, and very finely pulverized with the rake. The seed may then be sown in drills, and slightly covered with fine earth. As soon as the plants show their third pair of leaves, if too thick in the bed, they may be carefully transplanted, leaving the plants in the bed about ten inches apart Transplanting should be done on a damp day, and with care, so as not to disturb the roots, or they will receive a check from which it will take them a long time to recover.