inverted flower-pot over the whole, in order to exclude the light; the
plants are sometimes blanched in the open by covering them with old
tan or fine ashes. The flowers must be kept picked off, for they soon
run to seed, and if unattended to become troublesome.
Daphne.--Beautiful shrubs, mostly evergreens, bearing elegant flowers
followed by bright-red poisonous berries. D. Mezereum is the most
common variety, and is very suitable for the front of shrubberies. The
Chinese variety D. Odorata is too tender for outdoors, but makes a
fine ornament for the greenhouse. The dwarf kinds, bearing fragrant
pink flowers, are rather tender, but are very useful for rockeries
occupying sheltered positions. They all need a peaty soil, and may
be increased by grafting on to the common Spurge Laurel. Different
varieties flower at various periods, from February to October. Height,
9 in. to 6 ft, but the majority are from 2 ft. to 3 ft. high.
Datura.--Ornamental half-hardy annuals. The seeds of all the species
must be sown on a hotbed early in spring. When the plants are strong
enough transplant them in the border, where they will bloom more
freely than in pots. The seeds of D. Ceratocaula will sometimes remain
several years in the ground before they germinate. They flower in
July. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.
Day Flower.--See "Commelina."
Day Lily.--See "Hemerocallis."
Delphinium (Larkspur).--The gorgeous spikes of flowers produced by
these plants render them invaluable for the border. They like a deep
soil, highly enriched. The perennials may be divided at the root in
autumn, care being taken not to injure the young fleshy sprouts. The
annuals are readily raised from seed. The quickest way to grow the
perennial varieties from seed is to sow in a frame with a slight
bottom-heat, at any time from March to August; but sowings made in the
open from April to June will succeed. Keep the ground moist, and shade
from the sun till the plants are up, then transplant to nursery beds
for the summer, afterwards transferring them to their final quarters.
Flower in June and July. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 6 ft.
Dentaria Digitata (Toothwort).--This tuberous hardy perennial grows
well in old leaf-mould, and is very suitable for the base portion of
rock-work, where it can obtain both shade from the midday sun and
moisture. It is readily increased by cutting the roots into pieces
about 1-1/2 in. long, and replanting them where they are intended to
bloom, putting 1 in. or so of sand round them. They flower in May.
Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Desfontania Spinosa.--A fine, evergreen wall shrub with holly-like
leaves, and long, pendulous scarlet and orange flowers in June. It
grows best in a compost of loam, peat, and sand, with a south or west
aspect. It is propagated by cuttings under glass. Height, 10 ft.
Desmodium Canadense.--This is a fine border hardy perennial, producing