The Dwarf Lupin - Lupinus Nanus

The Dwarf Lupin is a very pretty plant, with blue or purple flowers, intermingled with a tint of rose-color and white. Its leaves are cut so as to resemble expanded fingers. It is about a foot in height, and bears long spikes of flowers, as seen in the engraving. The blossoms are of long duration, and this, with its compact habit of growth, makes it a fine plant for masses. The seed should be planted where the flowers are to remain. It is a native of California, and was discovered by Douglas in 1834.

PETUNIA PUNCTATA.

DWARF LUPIN.

Dwarf Pines

There are several varieties of the pine family that are extremely valuable in the formation of groups and masses of low evergreens, among them one under name of pinus pumilio, or dwarf mountain pine, is most commonly in use. It is classed by many as identical with pinus pumilio mughus, or mugho pine, but the specimens we have had to deal with under the latter name have been of a more compact and diminutive growth, although the leaf and color are the same.

For positions where a compact, round-headed plant from six to twelve feet high is wanted, and for forming a foreground to large masses of round-headed pines, or for use in small yards, the dwarf mountain pine is exceedingly valuable. It is perfectly hardy, of a deep rich green color, and when grown by itself, fully exposed, it forms a very compact small tree. In -small pieces of rock-work, and for crowning slight elevations at the turn of roads, etc., we have found its use very effective.

Dwarf Red Dutch

The best of the red or purple kinds. It may be sown in the open ground, in April; afterwards, planted out two feet apart, and will head late in the fall. The plant is of dwarf habit, blackish-crimson in color, and pro-duees a globular, compact, and solid head. The red varieties are generally only used for pickles, although some few people boil them with salt pork, and so make a very savory, but rather dirty-looking mess of food.

Dwarf Trailing Lobelia, (Lobelia Gracilis)

Delicate blue; three inches; blooms a long time.

The Dwarf Weeping Cherry. Cera-Sus Pumila

For small grounds, points on the outskirts of a group, or other positions where a limited space only can be allowed, this is one of the prettiest of weepers. Its branches are slender and decidedly drooping, growing freely, and forming a charmingly graceful little round head.

Fig. 88. - Dwarf Weeping Cherry.

Dwarfing Apples

You will find much useful information in Barry's Fruit Garden. All kinds of apples may be dwarfed on either the Paradise or Doucain stocks - which are seldom raised in this country, but are for the most part imported from France, where they are raised from seed.

We have a larger pear yet for the "Country Gentleman," which will go far to fill the barrel in which he "bottles daylight!"

Saxonies will pardon us if we do not insert his little poem, which has merit; but we are crowded with matter of greater interest to our readers.