" N. B. C," of Bucyrus, Ohio, says: "For the last four or five years I have planted, and given to two or three friends, seeds of the following plants: Aconitum nap. (Monkshood), Belladonna atrop. (Nightshade), Digitalis purpur. (Foxglove), Conium mac. Hyoscyamus niger (Henbane). I have always obtained the seed from three different dealers. But the result was the same, invariably - a total failure, not a seed of any variety growing. Last year one of my lady friends had a few plants of digitalis, and she fondly looks for blossoms the coming summer. All the above are, I think, indigenous to the United States and Europe, and I have tried to imitate as far as possible the natural conditions and habitat of the plant, but without success. Can you put me on the track of some specific information as to the proper method of planting and managing such seeds? Is the subject one of sufficient general interest to justify a few brief hints in the Gardeners' Monthly? I am anxious to raise these plants, as it is difficult to find medicinal portions of them in market that are satisfactory."

[The failure could scarcely be from bad seed, for most of those named keep good for several years. Most likely the failure comes from deep sowing. Plant as early in spring as possible, make the merest scratch in the ground, cover the seed slightly; then press the earth very firmly, and partially shade. There will be little failure under this plan. Occasionally seeds of these plants lie over in the ground till the second season. - Ed. G. M.]