Purpurea (Vallota Purpurea or Scarborough Lily) is a very beautiful free bloomer.  October and November or March and April are the most favourable times for potting, but established plants should be re-potted in June or July.

Ambrosia Mexicana.—­A hardy annual of the simplest culture.  Sow the seed in spring in any fine garden soil.  Height, 1-1/2 ft.

American Plants.—­These thrive most in a peat or bog soil, but where this cannot be obtained a good fertile loam, with a dressing of fresh cow manure once in two years, may be used; or leaf-mould and soil from the surface of pasture land, in the proportions of three parts of the former to one of the latter.  The soil should be chopped up and used in a rough condition.  Sickly plants with yellowish foliage may be restored by applying liquid manure once a week during the month of July.  A light top-dressing of cow manure applied annually, and keeping the roots free from stagnant water, will preserve the plants in good health.

Ammobium.—­Pretty hardy perennials which may be very easily raised from seed on a sandy soil.  Flower in June.  Height, 2 ft.

Ampelopsis.—­Handsome and rapid climbers, with noble foliage, some changing to a deep crimson in autumn.  The Veitchii clings to the wall without nailing, and produces a profusion of lovely leaves which change colour.  Any of the varieties may be grown in common garden soil, and may be increased by layers.

Anagallis (Pimpernel.)—­Very pretty.  Sow the hardy annuals in the open early in March; the biennials or half-hardy perennials in pots in a greenhouse or a frame, and plant out when strong enough.  May also be increased by cuttings planted in ordinary soil under glass.  Flower in July.  Height, 6 in.

Anchusa.—­Anchusa Capensis is best raised in a frame and treated as a greenhouse plant, though in reality it is a hardy perennial.  The annual and biennial kinds succeed well if sown in the open in rich soil.  All are ornamental and open their flowers in June.  Height, 1-1/2 ft. (See also “Bugloss.”)

Andromeda.—­An ornamental evergreen shrub, commonly known as the Marsh Cystus, and thriving in a peat soil with partial shade.  May be grown from seed sown directly it is ripe and only lightly covered with soil, as the seed rots if too much mould is placed over it.  Place the seedlings in a cold frame and let them have plenty of air.  It is more generally increased by layers in September, which must not be disturbed for a year.  Drought will kill it, so the roots must never be allowed to get dry.  It flowers in April and May.  Height, 2 ft.

Androsace.—­Pretty little plants, mostly hardy, but some require the protection of a frame.  They grow best in small pots in a mixture of turfy loam and peat.  Water them very cautiously.  They flower at different seasons, some blooming as early as April, while others do not put forth flower till August.  They can be increased by division as well as by seed.  Height, 6 in.