be soaked for twenty-four hours
before it is sown. New Zealand Spinach may be sown in the open during
May, choosing the warmest spot for its growth; but it is best to
sow it in heat in March, keeping the soil fairly moist, and, after
hardening it off, to plant it out in June, 3 ft. apart Sow Perpetual
Spinach or Spinach Beet in March in drills 1 ft. apart. Cut the leaves
frequently, when a fresh crop will be produced.

Spiraeas.--Placed in the open ground these make splendid plants, and
are not particular as to soil, though a moist, rich one is preferable.
For forcing, plant the clumps in 6-in. pots, and keep them in a cool
frame until they are well rooted. They may then be removed indoors
and forced rapidly, supplying them with an abundance of water.
Their elegant flower spikes are invaluable for bouquets and table
decoration. The shrubby kinds are increased by layers or cuttings of
the young wood, the herbaceous varieties by division of the roots
in autumn. Spiraea Aruncus, if potted early in the autumn, is very
valuable for winter decoration. Spiraeas bloom at different periods,
from May to August, and vary in height, 3 or 4 ft. being the general
growth.

Spruce Firs.--_See_ "Abies."

Stachys Coccinea.--This scarlet hardy annual is fine for bees. It may
be grown in any soil from seed sown in March or April. Height, 1 ft.

Stachys Lanata.--A hardy perennial which will grow in any soil, and
bears division. It flowers in July. Height, 2 ft.

Staphylea Colchica_(Mexican Bladder Nut)._--This beautiful
free-flowering shrub will grow in any garden soil, and produces
bunches of fragrant, delicate white flowers in June. It forces well,
and may be made to flower at Easter by potting it in rich, light soil,
placing it in a cold frame till the middle of January, keeping
the roots moist, then bringing it into the warm house. It may be
propagated by suckers from the roots, by layers, or by cuttings taken
in autumn.

Star Flower.--_See_ "Trientalis."

Star of Bethlehem.--_See_ "Ornithogalum."

Statice _(Sea Lavender)._--The greenhouse and frame varieties succeed
best in sandy loam and peat, and may be increased by cuttings placed
under a bell-glass or in a warm pit. The hardy herbaceous kinds are
very suitable for the front of flower borders, and may be freely
increased by seeds or division. The annuals, if sown in March, will
produce flowers in July. Statices require a good amount of water, but
thorough drainage must b