Sisyrinchium Grandifolium(Satin Flower, or Rush Lily).--A light loam
suits this plant, which is moderately hardy. The soil should be moist,
but not wet. It does not like being disturbed, but when necessary the
crowns may be divided in autumn, taking care to spread the roots well
out. It blooms in April or May. Height, 1 ft.
Skimmia.--Neat-growing, dwarf evergreen shrubs having Laurel-like
leaves, and producing a profusion of scarlet berries in winter. They
succeed in any ordinary soil, but thrive best in peat and loam; and
are propagated by cuttings placed in heat under glass.
Slugs.--A sharp watch should be kept over all slugs, and constant
visits paid to the garden at daybreak for their destruction. If
fresh cabbage leaves are strewed about in the evening the slugs will
congregate under them, and in the morning they may be gathered up and
dropped into strong brine. The ground may also be dusted with fresh
lime, which is fatal to them, but in wet weather the lime soon loses
its power.
Smilax.--A greenhouse climbing plant that is admired for its foliage
rather than its bloom. A mixture of peat and loam or leaf-mould and
sandy loam suits it. Train the shoots up string, and freely water the
plant in summer; during the autumn and winter it does not need
much moisture. Keep the temperature of the house up to 60 degrees
throughout the winter. It is readily increased by cuttings. It flowers
in July. Fine for table decoration. Height, 4 ft.
Snails.--To prevent snails crawling up walls or fruit trees daub the
ground with a thick paste of soot and train oil. There is no remedy so
effectual for their destruction as hand-picking.
Snake's Head Lilies.--See "Fritillarias."
Snapdragon.--See "Antirrhinum."
Sneezewort.--See "Achillea."
Snowball Tree.--See "Viburnum."
Snowberry.--See "Symphoricarpus."
Snowdrops (Galanthus).--These are most effective in clumps. They may
be planted at any time from September to December, and left alone for
three or four years, when they may be taken up and divided. They grow
best in a light, rich soil.
Snowdrop Tree.--See "Halesia."
Snowflake.--See "Leucojum."
Snow in Summer.--See "Arabis."