and are equally valuable for trellis-work, while the dwarf varieties
are first-class bedding plants, and of great service for ribboning.
The seeds may be sown in pots in September or in the open ground early
in spring. A light sandy or gravelly soil is the best to produce a
wealth of bloom. Height, 6 ft. and 1 ft.
Nectarines.--Require the same treatment as the Peach. In fact, the
Nectarine stone sometimes produces a Peach, and a Peach stone often
produces a Nectarine. Fairchild's, Humboldt, Lord Napier, and Red
Roman are useful varieties. They should stand 20 ft. apart.
Neilla.--These shrubs thrive in ordinary soil, and are increased by
cuttings of the young wood. They flower in July. N. Torreyi bears
white Spiraea-like flowers, which are very effective. Height, 6 ft.
Nemesia.--A most beautiful half-hardy annual of the Antirrhinum class.
Sow the seed early in spring on a hotbed, and plant out in May in
rich, light soil. Cuttings of the young wood will strike under glass.
Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 2-1/2 ft.
Nemophila.--Pretty, neat, and compact hardy annuals, well worth
cultivating. They succeed best in a moist and shady situation, delight
in peat or vegetable mould, and when grown in circles are very
striking. If wanted to flower early, sow the seed in autumn, or on a
hotbed in spring; and if required for late blooming, sow in the open
in March. Treated thus they flower from June to September. Height, 1
ft.
Nepeta Glechoma Variegata.--A very useful plant for hanging baskets.
It can be trained as a pyramid or allowed to hang down; in many cases
it is employed as edgings. It is of easy culture, and does well as a
window plant or in a cool greenhouse. The soil should be light and
dry. It flowers in July, and may be increased by root-division.
Nerine Sarniense.--See "Guernsey Lily."
Nertera Depressa (Coral Berry).--This pretty Moss-like plant is
fairly hardy, and is eminently suited for a sheltered position on the
rockery. The soil should consist of leaf-mould and sand, and overhead
sprinkling with soft water is very beneficial. In cold districts it is
better to grow it in the greenhouse. The flowers are produced in
July, succeeded by orange-coloured berries. It is easily increased by
dividing it early in the spring. Height, 3 in.
Neuvusia Alabamensis.--A tamarix-like shrub, bearing clusters of white
flowers early in spring. Will grow in any soil or situation. Increased
by cuttings placed in sand under glass.
Nicotiana (Tobacco Plants).--Very showy half-hardy annuals. N.
Affinis bears long, tubular, sweet-scented, white flowers in July, and
grows to the height of 3 ft. N. Virginica produces immense leaves and
pink flowers, and the plants are 4 to 5 ft. high. The seed is sown
on a hotbed in spring, and when the second or third leaf appears the