Part 27

=A. Kalbreyeri= (Kalbreyer's).* _l._ palmate, about 2-1/2ft. across; leaflets nine, obovate-oblong, acuminate, sinuate, thick, glabrous, rich deep green, those furthest from the stem are much larger than those next the axis; petiole cylindrical, thickened at the top. New Grenada, 1881. A very handsome climbing species.

=A. lanceolatum= (lanceolate). _fl._, spathe lanceolate, deflexed, yellowish green; spadix dark brown. _l._ lanceolate, stalked, green, 1ft. long, narrowed to the base. There appears to be much confusion as regards this and many varieties of _A. Harrisii_; and the specific designation is indiscriminately applied to lanceolate-leaved forms generally. The true species was introduced to Kew from the West Indies. SYN. _A. Wildenowii_.

=A. leuconeurum= (white-nerved). Green. Mexico, 1862.

=A. Lindenianum= (Linden's).* _fl._ fragrant, spathe very pretty, white, not reflexed, but the pointed apex slightly arches over and shelters the white or purplish spadix. October. _l._ deeply cordate, of a roundish outline; petioles long. _h._ 3ft. Columbia, 1866. SYN. _A. Lindigi_ (of gardens).

=A. Lindigi= (Lindig's). A garden synonym of _A. Lindenianum_.

=A. macrolobum= (large-lobed).* _l._ large, deflexed, cordate, acuminate, with an open sinus at the base, and about three acute marginal lobes, dark green, marked with about five pale green ribs; petioles green, terete. Stem erect, short. A fine hybrid.

=A. nymphæifolium= (Nymphæa-leaved). _fl._, spathe white; spadix purplish. Venezuela, 1854.

=A. ornatum= (adorned).* _fl._, spathe linear-oblong, white, 5in. to 6in. long, on terete green scapes, enclosing cylindrical purplish spadices of about the same length as the spathes, and studded with white points arranged spirally. Spring. _l._ ovate or oblong-cordate, on slender terete petioles. _h._ 2-1/2ft. Venezuela, 1869.

=A. regale= (royal).* _l._ large, cordate-acuminate, 1ft. to 3ft. long, dull metallic green, with white veins; young leaves tinged with rose, on long smooth footstalks. East Peru, 1866. An excellent species for conservatory or window decoration during summer.

=A. Scherzerianum= (Scherzer's).* _fl._ on bright red peduncles, which spring from among the base of the leafstalks; spathe ovate-oblong, 3in. long and nearly 2in. broad, intense and brilliant scarlet; spadix orange coloured. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, 12in. to 18in. long, and 2in. or more broad, deep rich green, leathery. Costa Rica. A very compact dwarf-growing evergreen about 1ft. high. It continues in beauty about four months. See Fig. 110.

=A. S. album= (white). A synonym of _A. Scherzerianum Williamsii_.

=A. S. maximum= (greater).* A very fine variety, with "gigantic flower spathes, which measure about 9in. in length by 4in. in breadth, and are of the most brilliant scarlet colour." See Fig. 111.

=A. S. pygmæum= (small).* Altogether smaller than the type, with narrow leaves, which are from 4in. to 6in. long, and about 1/2in. broad. It is one of the best varieties, and produces flowers very freely. 1880.

=A. S. Rothschildianum= (Rothschild's). _fl._, spathe creamy white, spotted with crimson; spadix yellow. 1880. Exactly intermediate between its parent plants--the typical species and the following variety.

=A. S. Wardii= (Ward's).* _fl._, spathe 6in. long, 4in. broad, very brilliant. _l._ broader and more robust than those of the typical species. A splendid variety.

=A. S. Williamsii= (Williams's).* _fl._, spathe white; spadix yellowish. May. _l._ lanceolate-acuminate. Costa Rica, 1874. SYN. _A. Scherzerianum album_.

=A. signatum= (well-marked). _l._ apparently three-lobed; front lobe about 1ft. long and 4in. wide; the two side ones 4in. long, and about 6in. from the midrib to the extremity, dark green; petioles about 1ft. long. Venezuela, 1858.

=A. spathiphyllum= (Spathiphyllum). _fl._, spathe about 1-3/4in. long, and nearly as much broad, erect, boat-shaped, broadly ovate, white; spadix nearly 1in. long, very obtuse, pale yellow. _l._ narrow lanceolate, 16in. to 24in. long, and about 2in. wide, bright green above, pale greyish green beneath; midrib prominent; petiole 3in. to 6in. long, trigonous. _h._ 1-1/2ft. Tropical America, 1875.

=A. splendidum= (splendid).* _l._ cordate, with an open sinus, the lobes meeting behind; "the course of the nerves is marked by a broadish band of deep lustrous velvety green, the intervening spaces of about equal width being in striking contrast, of a pale yellowish green; the leaf surface is scabrous, and the portions between the ribs strongly bullate, as if raised in papillose blisters; the veins on the under surface are angular, with tooth-like projections at intervals, while the whole under surface is punctuated with small pallid dots" (W. Bull). Stem short, thick. South America, 1882. A very beautiful species, quite distinct from any others of the genus. See Fig. 112.

=A. subsignatum= (nearly allied to Signatum).* _l._ thick and fleshy, hastate, with blunt points, 12in. to 18in. long, and as much in breadth at the widest part; dark shining green above, paler beneath; petioles about 1ft. long. _h._ 1-1/2ft. Costa Rica, 1861. An excellent species.

=A. tetragonum= (four-angled). _l._ erect, commences very narrow, 1ft. wide at its broadest part; margins undulate, deep shining green on the upper surface, paler below; petioles short, quadrangular. Tropical America, 1860. An excellent sub-tropical species.

=A. triumphans= (superior). _fl._, spathe narrow, green; spadix stout, greenish-white; peduncle quadrangular. _l._ alternate, elongately cordate, bright green; ribs prominent, and of a paler hue. Stem erect. Brazil, 1882. A handsome plant.

=A. Veitchii= (Veitch's).* _l._ ovate-oblong, greatly elongated, 2ft. to 3ft. long, with a breadth of less than one-third of these dimensions, leathery, deep green, with a glossy metallic surface when first expanded that becomes paler with age; the principal nerves are arched and deeply sunk, imparting a curiously waved appearance to the surface. _h._ 2-1/2ft. Columbia, 1877. Rare but very handsome.

=A. Waluiewi= (Walujew's).* _l._ broadly cordate, 12in. to 14in. long, 8in. to 10in. broad, olive metallic green, when young, bright reddish crimson; petioles four to five-angled. _h._ 2ft. Venezuela, 1880. A very distinct and noble species.

=A. Waroqueanum= (Waroque's).* _l._ elongated, from 24in. to sometimes 36in. long, and 8in. to 11in. broad, very rich deep green, of a velvety lustre; midribs and veins light, forming a very pleasing contrast. Columbia, 1878. A very free grower.

=A. Wildenowii= (Wildenow's). A synonym of _A. lanceolatum_.

It may be here remarked that by far the majority of species enumerated in the _Supplement_ of Johnson's Dictionary are chiefly of botanical interest, and will, therefore, never become extensively cultivated.

=ANTHYLLIS= (from _anthos_, a flower, and _ioulos_, down; flowers usually downy). Kidney Vetch. ORD. _Leguminosæ_. Herbaceous or sub-shrubby plants, of variable habit. Flowers in spikes or heads; calyx tubular, five toothed, permanent after flowering, more or less inflated. Petals nearly equal. Although not extensively grown, all the species are very beautiful when in flower, the hardy sorts being admirably adapted for rockwork. The herbaceous perennials may be easily propagated by seed or division. The seeds of the annual kinds should be sown in a rather dry, warm situation in the open ground. The shrubby evergreens will need the protection of a frame or cool greenhouse in cold northern climates, and are best grown in a mixture of loam, sand, and peat. Young cuttings of most species will root in a pot of sandy soil, with a bell glass placed over them, in a cool house or frame.

=A. Barba-Jovis= (Jupiter's beard).* _fl._ pale yellow, numerous, in globose, bracteate heads. March. _l._ pinnate, and are as well as the branches, clothed with silky tomentum; leaflets nine to thirteen, oblong-linear. _h._ 4ft. to 8ft. Spain, 1640. Shrub.

=A. erinacea= (prickly).* _fl._ bluish-purple; heads few flowered, on short peduncles, bracteate. April. _l._ very few, oval, or oblong. _h._ 6in. to 12in. Spain, 1759. A much branched, spiny, almost leafless, and slow-growing species; hardy in a dry sunny position on the rockery. SYN. _Erinacea hispanica_.

=A. Hermanniæ= (Hermann's). _fl._ yellow; heads few flowered, nearly sessile in the axils of the upper leaves. April. _l._ almost sessile, simple, or trifoliate; leaflets oblong-cuneated, glabrous or clothed with adpressed pubescence. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. Corsica, 1739. Shrubby, much branched.

=A. montana= (mountain).* _fl._ pink or purplish, in dense heads, on peduncles, with a leafy involucre. June. _l._ pinnate, and are as well as the branches, silky and hoary; leaflets numerous, oval-oblong, acute, small, entire. _h._ 3in. to 6in. Alps of Europe, 1769. A very handsome little rock plant, with a dwarf and tufted habit.

=A. tetraphylla= (four-leaved). _fl._ white; heads axillary, sessile, few flowered. July. _l._ pinnate, the terminal leaflets ovate and large, the other three small and acute. South Europe, 1640. A procumbent annual.

=A. Vulneraria= (Common Woundwort).* _fl._ generally yellow, sometimes white, red, or pinkish, in crowded twin heads. Summer. _l._ pinnate, with five or more unequal leaflets; the lower ones smallest. An elegant native herbaceous, perennial, admirably adapted for rockwork. It is plentiful in most dry pastures. There are several varieties, the best of which is _alba_.

=ANTIARIS TOXICARIA.= This is the famous Upas tree of Java, from which is obtained poison of a most deadly nature. It belongs to the NAT. ORD. _Urticaceæ_.

=ANTIGONON= (from _anti_, against, or opposite, and _gonia_, an angle). ORD. _Polygonaceæ_. Elegant stove climbers. Flowers racemose, cirrhose at the apex of the rachides; petals five, three outer ones broadly cordate, two inner oblong. Leaves alternate, cordate. Although extremely handsome plants, they are difficult to flower. They seem to succeed best when planted out in a very thoroughly drained border over hot-water pipes or flues, the long climbing stems being trained near the glass in full light.

=A. amabile= (lovely).* _fl._ bright rose, profusely borne in axillary and terminal racemes. _l._ 3in. to 5in. long, ovate-cordate, and deeply lobed at the base. It is of free slender growth, the young shoots are pubescent, and having a slight reddish tinge. An exceedingly attractive and effective species.

=A. guatemalensis= (Guatemala). Probably the same as _A. insigne_.

=A. insigne= (remarkable).* _fl._ very numerous, borne in tufts along the sides of long racemes or panicles, which terminate in branched tendrils; the calyx, which is the showy part of the flower, has five membranous sepals, the three outer are of a beautiful rosy pink colour, about 1in. in length by rather less in breadth, cordate at the base, oblong, rounded towards the apex; the two inner sepals about the same length as the outer ones, but much narrower, falcate, lanceolate; pedicels 3/4in. long. _l._ broadly ovate oblong, deeply cordate at the base, with two rounded lobes; 4in. by 3in., the upper ones smaller, supported on short terete downy stalks. Stems slender, angular, pubescent. Columbia, 1876.

_A. leptopus_ (slender-stemmed). _fl._ numerous; the outer three sepals of a beautiful rose colour, the centre of a much deeper tint; racemes secund, bearing several coloured bracts as well as flowers, and end in a branched tendril. _l._ alternate, cordate, petiolate. Stem slender, sub-pubescent. Mexico, 1868.

=ANTIGRAMME.= _See_ =Scolopendrium=.

=ANTIRRHINUM= (from _anti_, like, and _rhin_, a nose or snout; alluding to the shape of the corolla). Snapdragon. ORD. _Scrophulariaceæ_. Hardy herbaceous plants. Flowers in terminal racemes, or solitary and axillary; corolla personate; tube ample, saccate at the base; lobes of the upper lip erect; lower lip spreading, having the middle lobes smaller than the lateral ones, with an ample bearded palate, which closes the throat. Seed pod or capsule two-celled, upper cell bursting by one pore, lower by two many-toothed pores. See Fig. 113. Leaves entire, rarely lobed. The genus contains several very handsome species, suitable for borders and the rockery, while innumerable varieties have originated from _A. majus_, which are very popular, and extremely useful for bedding purposes; these may be increased by cuttings or seeds; if it is desired to increase certain colours or varieties, the former is the only sure method to adopt. They should be taken in September, when they will readily root in a cold frame, or under a hand glass, or they may be rapidly propagated in gentle heat in spring. Seeds should be sown in July or August, when they will produce good plants by the following season; or if sown in March in warmth, the plants will bloom late in the same year. The "Tom Thumb" strain is especially desirable for bedding, being very dwarf and free. All the other species may be increased by cuttings and seeds treated in the same way. Light soil, well enriched with manure, is most suitable for all of them, especially for the varieties of _A. majus_.

=A. angustifolium= (narrow-leaved). Synonymous with _A. siculum_.

=A. Asarina= (Asarina).* _fl._ axillary, solitary; corolla 1-1/2in. long, white, sometimes tinged with red; palate yellow; tube glabrous, compressed on the back, marked by purple spots, and bearded by yellow hairs inside. June. _l._ opposite, on long petioles, five-nerved, five-lobed, cordate, and crenated. South France, &c., 1699. A greyish clammy procumbent plant, requiring a warm position on the rockery. See Fig. 114.

=A. hispanicum= (Spanish). _fl._ in loose spikes; corolla hardly an inch long, purple, with a golden yellow palate; tube villous. Summer. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, contracted at the base, bluntish; lower ones opposite; superior ones alternate, narrower. _h._ 1ft. Spain, 1878. SYN. _A. latifolium_.

=A. latifolium= (broad-leaved). Synonymous with _A. hispanicum_.

=A. majus= (large).* Greater, or Common Snapdragon. _fl._ racemose, approximate; corolla 1in. to 2in. long, shades infinite; palate yellow at top, very prominent; tube downy outside. Spring, summer, and autumn. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, 1in. to 3in. long; upper ones narrower, attenuated at both ends, glabrous. Branches erect, usually branched again. _h._ 2ft. Europe (naturalised in Britain). The named varieties are numerous, but it is unnecessary to enumerate any, as an equal amount of variation can be obtained from seed. See Fig. 115.

=A. molle= (soft).* _fl._ few, at the tops of the branchlets; corolla 1in. long, whitish, with a yellow palate; upper lip striped with purple. July. _l._ opposite, petiolate, clothed with glandular and clammy hairs, about 1/2in. long, and little more than 1/4in. broad; branches procumbent, slender, clothed with woolly hairs. Pyrenees, 1752. A very pretty plant, which should have a warm position on the rockery. _A. sempervirens_ comes close to this species.

=A. Orontium= (Orontium). _fl._ axillary, distant; corolla rose-coloured or white, striped with purple; tube furnished with a few glandular hairs; palate veined with purple; sepals linear-lanceolate, large. June. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acutish, attenuated at both ends, glabrous, 2in. long. _h._ 6in. to 12in. Europe (British cornfields). Annual. See Fig. 116.

=A. O. grandiflorum= (large-flowered). A variety with larger, paler, and more approximate flowers, and with broader leaves, than the type. Europe (British cornfields).

=A. siculum= (Sicilian). _fl._ in loose racemes; corolla hardly 1in. long, white or yellowish, rarely purple; tube rather hairy; lobes of the upper lip and the middle lobe of the lower lip emarginate. July. _l._ 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, linear-lanceolate, opposite, alternate or three in a whorl, narrowed into petioles at the base. Branches erect. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. Sicily, 1804. SYN. _A. angustifolium_.

=A. tortuosum= (twisted).* _fl._ disposed in spiked racemes, approximating by threes and fours; corolla (the largest of the genus) purple; tube short; upper lip large. June. _l._ linear, acute, opposite or three in a whorl, 2in. long, attenuated at both ends; upper ones very narrow. Branches erect. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. Italy.

=ANTONIA.= A synonym of =Rhynchoglossum= (which _see_).

=ANTROPHYUM= (from _antron_, a cavern, and _phuo_, to grow; referring to its place of growth). Including _Polytænium_. ORD. _Filices_. A small genus of stove ferns, very rarely seen in cultivation, all with simple fronds, of firm but fleshy texture, and copious, uniform, hexagonal areolæ. Sori carried along the veins, imperfectly reticulated. For culture, &c., _see_ =Ferns=.

=A. cayennense= (Cayenne). _sti._ 1in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, lanceolate-oblong, narrowed at both ends; edge thickened, entire; areolæ half as broad as long. _sori_ sub-superficial, often forked. Guiana, &c.

=A. coriaceum= (leathery). _fronds_ 6in. to 8in. long, about 1/2in. broad, narrowed very gradually from the centre to the base, very acute at the apex, very thick; areolæ very long and narrow, distinctly raised on the upper surface. _sori_ quite immersed, sometimes confluent. Himalayas, &c.

=A. lanceolatum= (lance-leaved).* _fronds_ 1ft. or more long, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, point acute, edge entire, the lower half narrowed very gradually to the base; areolæ two or three times as long as broad, about three rows between the midrib and the edge. _sori_ slender, superficial, often joining. West Indies, southwards to New Grenada, 1793.

=ANTS= (_Formicidæ_). Well-known pests, easily distinguished from all other insects. There are a great number of species, differing more or less in habits; but, as a rule, they dwell underground in communities, and construct extensive ant-cities, which are occupied by three classes--the neuters or workers (by far the most numerous), the males, and the females. There are often, in addition to these, larger and stronger neuters, known as the "soldiers," or defenders of the community. Ants have a long, slender body, supported on long and slender legs. The head bears a pair of elbowed horns or antennæ, constantly waving about and touching everything the insect comes across. They have powerful mandibles for cutting, sawing, and biting, and it is with these instruments that Ants do mischief in gardens. The winged males and females become mature in summer, and on a warm day they ascend in a body into the air; after a short time, they fall to the ground, the females at once free themselves from the henceforth useless wings, and begin to form new colonies. Vast numbers of eggs are laid, from which issue larvæ, and these soon become pupæ, and then perfect Ants. Some kinds are injurious from their habit (in some species) of collecting aphides together, and farming them for the sake of the honey secreted by the aphides, and that passes out from their honey-tubes (thus helping to perpetuate the stock of these most injurious insects); and also from the mechanical damage they do in pots, and other receptacles for plants. They likewise cause unsightly hills on lawns and paths, and the large black species that live in decayed wood often injure the framing of greenhouses, &c., when the woodwork has become somewhat decayed. Where fruit, such as peaches or wall pears, are grown, Ants will at times inflict damage, and, therefore, they should be kept away; but this is a comparatively easy matter, as the placing of an obnoxious substance along the base of the walls and around the stems of the trees will deter them. For the extirpation of Ants from indoors, the Arsenical solution described below is most efficacious, but it is extremely dangerous.

* * * * *

_Lime._ Air-slaked lime plentifully dusted, in warm, dry, weather, over and around the hills and other places infested, will cause the Ants to vacate them in a short time. A thick chalk line drawn round a smooth tree, or across an upright board or post, will render it impassable.

_Arsenic._ This must be used with the utmost caution, as it is a poison most fatal to animal life. Recipe: 1oz. of ordinary arsenic is placed in an old iron pot with a quart of water, and then boiled until reduced to a pint or a little more of liquid, to which is added 1/2lb. of coarse sugar. This mixture can either be dropped about the runs and around the nests, or placed in saucers in the Ants' haunts.

_Ferrocyanide of Potassium._ This is also very dangerous: Ferrocyanide of potassium, 1dr.; raspings of quassia, 1dr.; and enough sugar to form a syrup. Use in the same way as the preceding.

_Calomel and Sugar._ Mix together one part of calomel and ten parts of finely-powdered loaf sugar, and lay it in little heaps about their nests and runs; the Ants will eat it and die. Spring is the best season for this method.

_Guano_, when fresh, if sprinkled on and around their quarters, is said to be efficacious in driving them away.

_Camphor._ If a piece of camphor, about the size of a filbert, be placed in two quarts of hot water, and this, when cool enough, applied to pot or other plants infested with Ants, the insects will be driven off without injury to the plants.

_Bones._ Lay a quantity of partially-picked boiled bones in the haunts, and they will be quickly covered with insects. As soon as this occurs, throw the bones into hot water. Before laying them down again, let all superfluous moisture drain off. This is a cheap remedy, and, if persisted in, is very effectual.

_Carbolic Acid._ This, if of good strength, diluted with about ten or twelve times its bulk of water, and well sprinkled over paths or other places where there is no vegetation, will keep the Ants away. It has, however, an objectionable smell.

_Paraffin Oil._ Paraffin, mixed with six times its bulk of water, and sprinkled over the nests every few days, will kill and drive away Ants; but the smell is disagreeable.

_Quassia._ 4oz. of quassia chips, boiled in a gallon of water for about ten minutes, and 4oz. of soap added to the liquor as it cools, if used like the preceding, is fairly effectual; but this, like the other remedies, must be persisted in for some time.

Fly pans or saucers, nearly filled with thin honey or sweet oil, attract Ants, and they are drowned in them. Ants are very hard to clear effectually out of a place, and therefore it is very desirable, in all attempts to be rid of them, to persist in the above remedies. When not living close to the roots or stems of plants, the best and surest remedy of all is to flood them out or scald them in with boiling water. The specifics are endless, but the best are mentioned above.

=ANTWERP HOLLYHOCK.= _See_ =Althæa ficifolia=.