glass and in heat. It flowers in April. Height, 10 ft.
Windflowers.--See "Anemones."
Winter Aconite (Eranthis Hyemalis).--This is one of the very first
of flowers to bloom, being in advance of the Snowdrop. In the bleakest
days of winter this little flower covers the ground with its gilt
spangles. Plant in early autumn. Any soil or situation suits it, but
it does best in a light mould and a moist, shady position, or under
trees. Most effective when planted in masses. The tubers may remain
permanently in the ground, or they may be lifted and divided in
summer, as soon as the foliage dies down. Flowers are produced from
December to February.
Winter Cherry.--See "Physalis."
Winter Heliotrope.--See "Tussilago."
Wire-worms.--Before using mould for potting purposes it is advisable
to examine it carefully and pick out any Wire-worms that are in it.
For the border the best traps are small potatoes with a hole cut in
them, buried at intervals just beneath the surface of the soil.
Wistaria.--This noble wall plant may be abundantly produced, as a long
layer will root at every joint. It will also grow from cuttings of the
plant and root. Though of slow growth at first, when well established
it is very free-growing and perfectly hardy. It may also be grown as a
small tree for the lawn or centres of large beds by keeping the long
twining shoots pinched in.
Witch Hazel.--See "Hamamelis."
Withania Origanifolia (Pampas Lily-of-the-Valley).--A hardy climbing
plant, attaining a height of 20 or 30 ft. in a very short period. The
foliage is small, but very dense and of a dark green, the flowers
being white. It may be raised from seed, and when once established the
roots may remain undisturbed for any length of time, merely removing
the stems as soon as they are destroyed by frost.
Wolf's Bane.--See "Aconite."
Wood, to Preserve.--In order to prevent wooden posts, piles, etc.,
from rotting, dip the parts to be sunk in the earth in the following
composition:--Fine, hard sand, three hundred parts; powdered chalk,
forty parts; resin, fifty parts; linseed oil, four parts. Heat these
together in a boiler, then add red lead, one part; sulphuric acid, one
part. Mix well together, and use while hot. If too thick, more linseed
oil may be added. This composition when dry attains the consistency of
varnish, and becomes extremely hard.
Wood Lily.--See "Trillium."
Woodruff.--See "Asperula."