evergreen, very suitable for covering a low wall, or for conservatory
decoration. It delights in a compost of loam and peat, and is
propagated by cuttings planted in a sandy soil on gentle heat. Height,
2 ft.
Eurybia.--Very pretty flowering shrubs for walls, borders, or
rockeries. They require a light, rich soil, and may be increased by
seeds sown early in spring on a gentle hotbed. Height, 2 ft.
Eutaxia Myrtifolia.--Pretty evergreen shrubs, suitable for the
greenhouse. They thrive best in a mixture of peat and loam, and
require the pots to be well drained. To have nice bushy plants they
must be pinched back well. Cuttings will strike in sand under glass.
They flower in August. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Eutoca.--Exceedingly pretty hardy annuals. Sow the seed in light soil
early in spring where it is to flower, and thin out so that the plants
have plenty of room. They bloom in July. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Evening Primrose.--See "Oenothera."
Everlasting Peas.--See "Peas, Everlasting."
F
Fabacea.--See "Thermopsis."
Fatsia Japonica.--See "Aralia."
Feather Grass.--See "Stipa Pennata."
Fennel.--Sow the seed in April, cover lightly with fine mould, and
when the plants are strong enough set them out 1 ft. apart. Cut off
the flower-stalks as soon as they appear, to prevent them running to
seed. The bed will last for years. (See also "Ferula.")
Fenzlia.--Elegant half-hardy annuals. Sow the seed on a peat soil. If
this be done in autumn, they will flower in April or May; if sown in
spring, they will bloom in autumn. Height, 6 in.
Ferns.--Most Ferns delight in a loose soil, an abundance of moisture,
and a warm, humid atmosphere. The stove and greenhouse kinds are best
cultivated in a mixture of sandy loam and peat. The hardy kinds grow
best among rock-work or in a shady border: a light, sandy soil suits
them. They may be increased by dividing the roots.
Ferns from Seed.--Collect the spore-fronds towards the end of summer,
just as the spore-cases begin to open. Place them on a sheet of paper
in a box for a few days, keeping it in a dry place. Most of the spores
will fall out, the others may be rubbed out with the hand. These
spores will keep good a long time, but are best sown within a year.