Saffron, Spring.—See "Bulbocodium."

Sage.—This useful herb likes a rich, light soil, and is propagated by division of the root, by cuttings, or by seed.

Saintpaulia Ionantha.—The leaves of this plant spread themselves laterally just over the soil, forming a rosette, in the centre of which spring up large violet-like flowers. It is a continuous bloomer. A rather light, rich soil or vegetable mould suits it best. The seed, which is very minute, should be sown early in spring, in gentle heat: to prevent it being washed away, the pots may stand up to the rims in water for a while when the ground wants moisture. Height, 1 ft.

St. John's Wort.—See "Hypericum."

Salix Reticulata.—A dwarf creeping plant whose dark green leaves eminently fit it for the rock-work or carpet bedding. It will grow in any soil, but prefers a moist one, and produces unattractive brown flowers in September. Propagated in spring by detaching rooted portions from the parent plant and planting them in moist, sandy loam. Height, 2 in.

Salpiglossis.—Very beautiful half-hardy annuals which are greatly prized for cut bloom. A light but not over-rich soil suits them best. The seed may be sown in the open border early in spring, or preferably on a hotbed at the same period. For early flowering raise the plants in the autumn, and winter them in a frame or greenhouse. Flowers are produced in July and August. Height, 2 ft.

Salsafy (Vegetable Oyster).—Sow the seed in any good garden soil—deep sandy loam is best—towards the end of April in drills 1 ft. apart, and thin the plants out to a distance of 6 in. from each other. The roots may remain in the ground till required for use, or be lifted in October and stored in the same way as Beet or Carrots. They are prepared for table in the same manner as Parsnips, and are also used for flavoring soups.

Salvia.—Very showy flowers, well worth cultivating, and easily grown in a rich, light soil. The annuals and biennials may be sown in the open early in spring. The herbaceous kinds are increased by dividing the roots; the shrubby varieties by cuttings of the young wood planted under glass in March; while the stove species require to be placed in heat. They flower in August in the open. Heights vary, according to the kinds, but S. Coccinea and S. Patens, which are most commonly met with in gardens, grow to a height of 2 ft.

Sambucus (The Elder).—Useful deciduous shrubs. S. Nigra Aurea has golden foliage, and is suitable for town gardens. The silvery variegated variety (Variegata), is fine for contrasting with others. They may all be propagated by cuttings or by division. Flower in June.

Sand Wort.—See "Arenaria."

Sanguinaria Canadensis (Bloodroot).—A hardy perennial, curious both in leaf and flower. It requires a light, sandy soil, shade, and moisture; is propagated by seed sown in July, also by division of the tuberous roots, and it blooms in March. The tubers should be planted 5 in. deep and 3 in. apart. Height, 6 in.

Santolina.—This hardy evergreen shrub grows freely in any soil. It flowers in July, and is increased by cuttings. Height, 2 ft.

Sanvitalia.—Interesting, hardy annual trailers, which may be readily raised from seed sown in March or April, and merely require ordinary treatment. They produce their golden and brown and yellow flowers in July. Height, 1 ft.

Saponaria.—These grow best in a mixture of sandy loam and peat or decayed vegetable soil. The annuals may be sown either in autumn, and wintered in a frame, or in the open in April. The perennials are increased by seed or by division of the root, and young cuttings of the branching species root freely if planted under glass. S. Ocymoides, on account of its trailing nature, and S. Calabrica make fine rock-work plants. The leaves of S. Officinalis, or Soap Plant, if stirred in water form a lather strong enough to remove grease spots. They bloom in June and July. Height, 6 in. to 2 ft.

Sarracenia.—Curious herbaceous plants, requiring to be grown in pots of rough peat, filled up with sphagnum moss, in a moderately cool house having a moist atmosphere. They flower in June, and are increased by division. Height, from 9 in. to 1 ft.

Sauromatum Guttatum.—This makes a good window or cool greenhouse plant. Pot the tuber in good loam and leaf-soil, and keep the mould only just damp until the foliage, which follows the flowers, appears. When the foliage fails, keep the tubers dry till spring. If grown out of doors the tubers must be lifted before frost sets in.

Savoys.—Sow the seed in March or April, and when the plants are 2 in. high remove them to a nursery-bed, selecting the strongest first. Let them remain till they are about 6 in. high, then transplant them, 18 in. apart, in well-manured soil. Their flavour is greatly improved if they are frozen before being cut for use.

Saxifrage.—These beautiful Alpine perennials delight in a light, sandy soil, and are easily propagated by seed or division. It is most convenient to grow the rare and tender kinds in pots, as they require the protection of a frame in winter. Saxifraga Sibthorpii is very suitable for the lower and damper parts of rock-work; it is hardy, and sheds its seed freely. S. Umbrosa (London Pride) makes a neat border, and is also useful for rock-work. S. Sarmentosa (Mother-of-Thousands) is a fine hanging plant for greenhouse or window. They flower in April. Height, mostly 4 in. to 6 in., but some grow as high as 1-1/2 ft.

Scabious.—Ornamental and floriferous hardy biennials, which grow freely in common soil. The seed may be sown at any time between March and midsummer; transplant in the autumn. They bloom in June. Height, 1 ft to 3 ft. (See also "Cephalaria.")

Scale.—Red Scale may be easily overcome with a strong solution of soft soap applied with a sponge. White Scale is harder to deal with. Syringe frequently with strong soapsuds heated to 120 degrees. If the plant is badly attacked it is best to destroy it.

Schizanthus.—Extremely beautiful and showy annuals. A rather poor, light soil is most suitable for their growth. For early flowering sow the seed in autumn, and keep the young plants in a frame or greenhouse throughout the winter. For a succession of bloom sow in the open border early in the spring. They flower in July and August. Height, 2 ft.

Schizopetalum.—This singular and delightfully fragrant annual does best in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, or sandy loam and leaf-mould. Sow the seed in pots in the spring, place in a greenhouse, and when large enough to handle, plant out in the open border, or it may be kept in an airy part of the house, where it will bloom in June. Height, 1 ft.

Schizostylis Coccinea (Crimson Flag, or Kaffre Lily).—A most lovely autumn-blooming plant, producing abundant spikes of Izia-like flowers about 2 ft. high. It is suitable for pot-culture or planting outdoors, and is quite hardy. It requires a rich, light soil.

Scillas (Squills).—Very useful spring-flowering bulbs. They are hardy, and do well in any position in light soil. When mixed with Crocuses and Snowdrops they produce a very charming effect. To get perfection of bloom they require deep planting. S. Siberica especially looks well when grown in pots with Snowdrops. Scilla roots are poisonous. General height, 1 ft.

Scorzonera.—Sow in March in light soil in rows 18 in. apart. Thin the plants out to about 7 in. one from the other. They may perhaps be ready for use in August, but to have large roots they should be left till they are two years old. They may remain in the ground till wanted for use, or they may be lifted in October and stored like Beet, etc. This vegetable is scraped and thrown into cold water for a few hours, then boiled in the same way as Carrots and Parsnips.

Scutellaria.—These plants will grow in any good soil. The hardy perennials flower in July. The greenhouse varieties merely require protecting in the winter. They all bear division of the root, and are easily raised from seed. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Scyphanthus.—An elegant and curious trailer, which is best grown in a loamy soil. It may be increased from seed sown in April, and it flowers in August. Height, 2 ft.

Sea Cabbage.—See "Crambe Cordifolia."

Seakale.—The readiest way of propagating this useful vegetable is by off-sets, but it may be raised from seed sown in March or April in rows 1 ft. apart. Thin out the young plants to 6 in. in the rows, and transplant in February or March into well-trenched, deep, rich soil in rows 2 ft. apart and the plants 15 in. asunder. Keep the plants to one crown, or shoot, and remove all flower-shoots as they appear. In dry weather give a liberal quantity of liquid manure. Cropping may commence after the roots have been planted two years.

Sea Lavender.—See "Statice."

Sea Milkweed.—See "Glaux."

Sedum (Stonecrop).—This well-known hardy perennial is suitable for pots or rock-work. It delights in a light, sandy soil, and is readily increased by division or cuttings. It flowers in June or July. Height, 3 in.

Seed-Sowing.—Two of the most important points in the sowing of seed are the proper condition of the ground and the regular and uniform depth at which the seed is sown. Seeds require light, heat, air, and moisture for their germination. The ground should be light, and in such a condition that the young roots can easily penetrate it, and in all cases should be freshly dug so as to communicate air and moisture: it should be neither too wet nor too dry. The most favourable time for seed-sowing is just before a gentle rain. If sown too early on cold, wet ground, the seed is apt to rot; when sown too shallow in a dry time, there may not be sufficient moisture to cause it to sprout. The seed should be sown evenly. The size of a seed is a nearly safe guide as to the depth at which it should be sown. For instance, Beans and Peas of all kinds should be sown about a couple of inches deep, while very small flower-seeds merely require to be just covered. As to the time for sowing, see "Annuals," "Biennials," and "Perennials."

Seeds, the Protection of.—In order to protect seeds against birds, insects, and rodents, soak them in water containing 20 or 25 per cent, of mineral oil. Vegetable seeds, such as Haricot Beans and Peas, should be soaked for twelve hours, and the pips of Apples and Pears for double that time. For soaking the finer seeds, bitter liquids, such as that of Quassia and Gentian, should be used.

Sempervivum (Houseleek).—The hardy kinds are well known, and may often be seen growing on the roofs of cottages and on walls. They make good rock-work plants, and are easily increased by off-sets. The more tender kinds are suitable for the greenhouse. These should be planted in sandy loam and old brick rubbish. They require but very little water; more may be given when they are in flower. Cuttings, after being laid aside for a day or two to dry, will soon make root. Height, 6 in.

Senecio Pulcher (Noble Crimson Groundsel).—A warm position and a deep, rich, well-drained soil are needed for this flower. It may be propagated by cutting the roots into pieces 5 or 6 in. long, and dibbling them into light soil. It is also increased by the rootlets, which send up small growths in spring. Protect from damp and frost, and keep a sharp look-out for slugs. The flowers are produced in autumn. Height, 3 ft.

Senna, Bladder.—See "Colutea."

Sensitive Plant.—See "Mimosa."

Shallots.—Plant the bulbs in November, or in February or March, in rows 9 in. apart, and the bulbs 6 in. one from the other. In July, when the tops are dying down, lift the bulbs, lay them in the sunshine to dry, then store them in a cool place.

Shamrock.—See "Trifolium Repens."

Sheep Scabious.—See "Jasione."

Shortia Galacifolia.—A hardy, creeping Alpine evergreen, having oval leaves, slightly notched at the margins, which turn to a brilliant crimson during the autumn and winter months. In April and May it produces pearly-white flowers, somewhat Campanulate in form. It may be planted in early autumn or spring. A light, rich soil suits it best, and it delights in partial shade. It is a lovely plant for rock-work. Height, 6 in.

Shrubs.—Deciduous shrubs may be transplanted at any time during late autumn or winter when the ground is not too wet. Evergreen shrubs may be moved either early in autumn or in April or May, damp, warm, but not sunny weather being most suitable for the operation. They rejoice in a clean, healthy soil, such as good loam; animal manure does not agree with them, but wood ashes, or charcoal powder with a little guano, may be used. Cuttings of shrubs or trees may be taken in September, placed in a mixture of sandy loam and leaf-mould with 1/2 in. of sand on top, and covered with a hand-glass; 5 to 8 in. is a good length for the cuttings, all of which, with the exception of about 1 in., should be buried, and preferably with a heel of old wood. Keep the soil just damp and give shade.

Shrubs for Lawns.—Monkey Puzzle (Araucaria Imbricata)—mix wood ashes and burnt refuse with the soil; Thujopsis Delabrata, Thujopsis Borealis (of taller growth), Irish Yews, Cupressus Lawsoniana Erecta Viridis, Thujas Orientalis, Vervaeneana, Semperaurescens, Standard Rhododendrons, Standard and Pyramid Hollies, Yucca Gloriosa (a perfect picture), Yucca Recurva (the best hardy plant for vases). The Cercis tree is also well adapted for lawns.

Sicyos.—This hardy annual somewhat resembles the Cucumber, but is scarcely worth growing except as a curiosity. The seeds are sown on a hotbed in spring, potted off when strong enough, and transferred to the open border early in June. It is a climber, and flowers in August. Height, 3 ft.

Sidalcea.—Very pretty hardy perennials, of easy culture. S. Candida has pure white flowers closely arranged on the upper part of the stems. S. Malvaeflora bears beautifully fringed, satiny pink flowers. They will grow in any good soil from seed sown in autumn and protected during the winter, or they may be increased by division of the roots. Height, 3 ft.

Silene (Catchfly).—Elegant plants, delighting in a light, rich soil. Sow the seeds of the annual varieties early in April where they are intended to bloom. Silene Pendula, when sown in the autumn, makes a pleasing show of pink flowers in the spring. The roots of the herbaceous kinds may be divided in spring. The shrubby sorts are increased by cuttings planted under a hand-glass. The dwarfs make fine rock-work ornaments. Flowers are produced in June and July. Height, 2 in. to 1-1/2 ft.

Silphium Aurantiacum.—A good and hardy border perennial, which produces during July and August large deep orange-yellow flowers resembling a Sunflower. It is very useful for cutting, will grow anywhere, and can be increased by dividing the root. Height, 4 ft.

Sisyrinchium Grandifolium(Satin Flower, or Rush Lily).—A light loam suits this plant, which is moderately hardy. The soil should be moist, but not wet. It does not like being disturbed, but when necessary the crowns may be divided in autumn, taking care to spread the roots well out. It blooms in April or May. Height, 1 ft.

Skimmia.—Neat-growing, dwarf evergreen shrubs having Laurel-like leaves, and producing a profusion of scarlet berries in winter. They succeed in any ordinary soil, but thrive best in peat and loam; and are propagated by cuttings placed in heat under glass.

Slugs.—A sharp watch should be kept over all slugs, and constant visits paid to the garden at daybreak for their destruction. If fresh cabbage leaves are strewed about in the evening the slugs will congregate under them, and in the morning they may be gathered up and dropped into strong brine. The ground may also be dusted with fresh lime, which is fatal to them, but in wet weather the lime soon loses its power.

Smilax.—A greenhouse climbing plant that is admired for its foliage rather than its bloom. A mixture of peat and loam or leaf-mould and sandy loam suits it. Train the shoots up string, and freely water the plant in summer; during the autumn and winter it does not need much moisture. Keep the temperature of the house up to 60 degrees throughout the winter. It is readily increased by cuttings. It flowers in July. Fine for table decoration. Height, 4 ft.

Snails.—To prevent snails crawling up walls or fruit trees daub the ground with a thick paste of soot and train oil. There is no remedy so effectual for their destruction as hand-picking.

Snake's Head Lilies.—See "Fritillarias."

Snapdragon.—See "Antirrhinum."

Sneezewort.—See "Achillea."

Snowball Tree.—See "Viburnum."

Snowberry.—See "Symphoricarpus."