MY HEPATICAS .- One of the interesting things for the botanist
or the gardener to do at this time of year, is to remove to some
spot in his garden a few of the most attractive wild plants which
abound in our woods, swamps and fields. Last year, I removed
some plants of blood-root, tooth-wort, spring beauty, phlox,
squirrel corn, several species of violets and several varieties of
hepaticas. These are near the house and are a constant source
of delight to the children, visitors, members of the household,
and I hardly need add to the person who transplanted the flowers.
These were removed as they were found with a little earth about
the roots.

Two or three plants of the hepatica were chosen for the pure
white of their flowers, others for their delicate pink color, others
for the large size of their flowers, others for the deep blue of the
flowers; still others were selected for their double flowers. This
spring the hepaticas are all true in their peculiarities. One of the
blue varieties has already begun to sport. One stem bore two
flowers near the top and another three. On a much larger scale
I am collecting plants for a wild garden on the bank of a brook
and a small pond near the green-house. Here we have a variety
of soil from pond to muck or dry sand; from perpetual shade to
a full exposure of the bright sun. Here are ferns and grasses,
some shrubs and some of the most interesting hardy wild
plants. It is a favorite spot for all who live at the College .- W.
F. Beal, Michigan Agricultural College.