Egg-Plant (Aubergine).—­The fruit of the egg-plant is edible.  The seed is sown in March or April in pots of well-drained, light, rich soil, and placed in a cucumber frame or on a hotbed with a temperature of 75 degrees.  When the plants are fairly up they are potted off separately, and when they have started into growth the points are pinched out, so as to induce a bushy habit.  It is necessary to keep the roots well supplied with water.  When the fruit is set, the growth is stopped at the first joint beyond it.  They are mostly treated as greenhouse pot-plants, but may be grown in the open if planted on a south border, in ridges like those made for cucumbers, and covered with hand-glasses till established.  The Aubergine is a tender annual.  Height, 2 ft.

Eggs of Insects, to Destroy.—­Into 3 gallons of water stir 1/4 peck of lime, 1/2 lb. of sulphur, and 1/2 lb. of tobacco.  When settled, syringe the trees and walls with the clear liquid.  More water may be added afterwards.

Eichhornia Crassipes Major.—­A pretty and curious plant which may be grown in bowls of water like the Chinese Lily.  The stalks are bladders about the size of a greengage, which enable the plant to float.  The flowers are soft lilac-rose in colour, and sparkle as if polished, each one being about 2 in. in diameter.  A little soil at the bottom of the bowl is beneficial.  It will flourish out of doors in summer.

Elder.—­See “Sambucus.”

Eleagnus.—­Effective variegated shrubs which prove perfectly hardy in the south of England.  They grow in any ordinary soil, and are increased by cuttings.  Height, 10 ft.

Elsholtzia Cristata.—­Hardy annuals of great value where there are bees, the flowers being very sweet.  Sow in the open in spring.  Height, 1 ft.

Empetrum.—­Small hardy evergreen shrubs requiring an elevated and exposed position, and a dry, barren soil.  They flower in May, and are propagated by layers.  Height, 1 ft.

Endive.—­Sow at intervals from May till the end of August, but the principal sowing, to stand the winter, should be made the first week in August, giving the plants the protection of a frame.  When the early sown ones are 2 in. high transplant them to a rich nursery bed.  When 4 in. high lift them carefully, with the soil round the roots, and place them in drills about 3 in. deep and 1 ft. apart each way.  Water well immediately after planting, and keep the soil moist.

Epacris.—­Pretty Heath-like shrubs.  They like a sandy peat soil, and plenty of moisture.  The pots in which they grow should be provided with ample drainage and stood in a larger-sized pot, with wet moss between the two.  As soon they have done blooming cut them back freely, and when the fresh shoots are 2 or 3 in. long, pot them off, placing them in a close, cool pit for three or four weeks.  Gradually harden off, then place them in a sunny situation out of doors, and remove them to the conservatory in October.  They only need sufficient heat to keep out the frost.  Cuttings of the young wood placed in sand with a little bottom-heat will strike.