Aster

No family of plants bears such distinct marks of progress as the aster, and none are more eagerly sought. An almost endless variety, always reliable, it is not strange that they should become a necessity. The kinds found in the flower garden are usually French or German, and when circumstances for their growth are favorable, present a constant varying succession of blossoms till frost comes. The taller varieties should be supported by stakes or trellises. The seed should be sown early in spring, and the young plants transplanted from one to two feet apart, according to the height and size.

Begonia

Ornamental foliage, green-house and stove plants, with many-colored, succulent leaves, oblique at their base. Very useful for ferneries, green-houses, and parlor decoration. Some of the varieties, in addition to their beautiful foliage, produce magnificent blossoms. They have been so much improved, and so many new flowering sorts introduced, that we almost fail to recognize the species. Some are propagated from seed only, others from cuttings. All require a rich soil.

Camellia

All species of camellias are universally admired on account of their beautiful, rose-like flowers and elegant dark-green, shining, laural-like leaves. They are hardy green-house shrubs of easy culture, requiring only to be protected from frost. The best soil for them is an equal quantity of good sandy loam and peat. They are propagated by inarching, cuttings, grafting, and from seed, the latter being the only method of obtaining new varieties. When the plants are not growing, they should receive but little water, and when growing freely, can scarcely receive too much. A regular succession of flowers may be obtained from autumn till July, if attention be given to removing the potted and growing plants from a warm to a cooler atmosphere. When the growth is completed, and the flower-buds formed, a cool, sheltered situation is best, for they will be seriously injured if exposed to the rays of the sun.

Calceolaria

A favorite and universally-admired genus, remarkable for its large, beautifully spotted blossoms, which are very showy, and from which an almost countless number of hybrids have been raised. They are perennial, are grown in pots in the conservatory, green-house, and garden; but few flowers are held in greater esteem. They prefer a turfy loam, a mixture of peat and sand, or a rich, open garden mold, and are propagated from seed or cuttings. Some of them are herbaceous perennials, others shrubby evergreens.

Carnation

No flower can surpass in delicacy of marking, form, or delicious fragrance, the richly-hued carnation. It has always been one of the most esteemed of the florist's collection, and there is no flower more desirable for the garden. The seed will not produce all double flowers, though a good percentage will be double, and of all shades and colors, many being very fragrant. Sow under glass in green-house or hot-bed, and when of sufficient size, transplant two feet apart each way. New and choice varieties are obtained from seed. Half-hardy perennial; one and a half feet high.