otched, alternated with
long spines, and surrounded with shorter ones. The leaves of the root
are 9in. to 12in. long, and 2in. wide in the broadest parts; pinnate,
waved, and spined, like the holly or thistle. The leaves of the stem are
similar in shape, but very much smaller. The whole plant, and especially
if there are several together, has a stately appearance, and attracts
much attention; it is a good border plant, but it will be more at home,
and show to equal advantage in openings in the front parts of the
shrubbery, because it enjoys a little shade, and the shelter from high
winds is a necessity, it being top heavy; if tied, it is robbed of its
natural and beautiful form.

It thrives well in sandy loam. Slugs are fond of it, and eat into the
collar or crown, and therefore they should be looked for, especially in
winter, during open weather. To propagate it, the roots should be
divided as soon as the plants have done flowering, they then become
established before winter sets in. Plant in the permanent quarters, and
shade with leafy branches for a fortnight.

Flowering period, June and July.

Muhlenbeckia Complexa.

_Nat. Ord._ POLYGONACEAE.

[Illustration: FIG. 64. MUHLENBECKIA COMPLEXA.

(One-fourth natural size; fruit, natural size.)]

A hardy climber, of great beauty; during November its nearly black stems
are well furnished with its peculiar small dark green leaves, which,
even when without flowers or fruit, render it an object of first-class
merit as a decorative subject. The illustration (Fig. 64) is fairly
representative of all its parts; still, it can give no idea of the
effect of a specimen climbing 4ft. to 6ft. high, diffuse and spreading
withal. Although I have grown this handsome climber several years, my
experience and information respecting it are very limited indeed; its
hardiness and beauty are the inducements which have led me to recommend
it for the pleasure garden. As a matter of fact, I have never bloomed
it, and I am indebted to a lady for the wax-like and flower-shaped
fruits illustrated; they were produced in a warm vinery, and I have
otherwise learned that in this climate the plant only flowers outside
during very warm summers. I have also information from one of H. M.
Botanic Gardens that this species "was introduced from South America,
but when and by whom I am unable to say. It requires a warm, sheltered
position. Before the severe winters came it used to be covered with