The Valentine Plants are very sensitive to environment and temperature, and occasionally produce a flower, remarkably like that of the Poppia or Proposal Plant, to which it is said by some to be allied.

   There is another variety of the Valentine Plant, much dreaded by Hearticulturists, and unfortunately only too common, known as

    Valentina Vulgaria

   . In well-kept gardens it is regarded as a weed and destroyed whenever it appears. The flower is gaudy in color and emits a most offensive odor. A powerful irritant to all the senses, it is to some people quite poisonous, though rarely fatal in its effects.

   The Social Climber (

    Aspira Socialis

   ) or Push Vine, which blooms in the most inclement weather and in the most Uninviting Places, is often seen during this month. By fastidious gardeners it is considered an undesirable visitor, and though impossible to exclude it altogether, if kept well in check during the winter it will be less troublesome in the summer months. The Push Vine is the toughest of all the Aspiration Vines, and under favorable circumstances attains a great height.

   Lovelornia Desperatia

    Epistolaria

   Family.

   Blooms only one day in the year, but if the blossoms are tenderly kept they will retain their sweetness for a long time.

   This plant speaks for itself.

    From seeds he'd stored in an acorn jar

    He selected with care on the first of

    MAR

   It is still too cold to set out the young Hope Plants. Hope poles for their support should be out in readiness and stuck in the ground at proper intervals. For this purpose the best poles are Spruce, or Heart of Oak, or if the Hope Plants live till midsummer, the Sea Beach. Weeping Willow, and Pine, of course, should be avoided.

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