r
you come to the layer of leaves. This slakes the lime and hastens the
decomposition of the vegetable matter. After letting it stand for
about six weeks, begin at the top of the heap and turn it completely
over, so that what was at the bottom will be at the top. Repeat this
operation from time to time at intervals of six or seven weeks, until
it has become perfectly friable and will powder through a garden-fork
like dust. It will then be ready for use. This compost is invigorating
to flowers of all kinds, and is so ready for them to assimilate.

Comptonia Asplenifolia.--This ornamental deciduous shrub is quite
hardy, but requires a light, sandy loam or peat soil and a shady
situation. It is increased by layers. Blooms in April. Height, 4 ft.

Cone Flower.--_See_ "Echinacea."

Conifers.--Conifers (so called because they bear cones in place of
ordinary seed) are mostly of tall growth, yet among the class are many
low--growing evergreens well adapted for the lawn or border. Indeed,
any of the specimens may be utilised in this way, but of course must
be removed from the shrubbery or border before they attain undue
proportions. They are hardy, and, generally speaking, not particular
as to soil or situation. Firs, Pines, Cedars, etc., come under this
heading, and mention is made in other parts of this work of those most
suitable for the amateur's requirements.

Convallaria Prolificans.--This is one of the most beautiful hardy
perennials known. It has large, deep-green foliage, with erect and
much-branched flower-stems. The flowers are white, internally flushed
rose; are very fragrant, and are produced from May to September. The
plant will grow in any ordinary soil, and may be increased by dividing
the root. Height, 2-1/2 ft.

Convolvulus (_Morning Glory_).--Showy plants. The tender species are
well adapted for the stove or conservatory, and are best grown in loam
and peat: cuttings strike freely in sand under a glass. The half-hardy
annual kinds should be sown on a gentle hotbed in February, and when
large enough transferred to the open; or they may be sown in the open
in April. Hardy kinds merely require sowing in the open, early in
spring. The stove and greenhouse annuals and biennials require to be
sown in heat, and treated as other stove and greenhouse annuals and
biennials. Flowering season, May to July. Height, 6 in. to 15 ft.

Coral Plant.--_See_ "Erythrina."

Corchorus.--_See_ "Kerria."

Cordyline.--A stove