Osmanthus.—­These elegant hardy evergreen shrubs succeed best in light, sandy loam, and like a dry situation.  They may be increased by cuttings of the young shoots with a little old wood attached, or they may be grafted on to common Privet.  The variegated varieties are very beautiful.  They grow well on chalk soils.  Height, 4 ft. to 6 ft.

Othera Japonica.—­A newly introduced evergreen shrub very similar to the Holly.  It is perfectly hardy and may be treated in the same manner as that plant.

Ourisia Coccinea.—­A hardy herbaceous, surface-creeping perennial of singular beauty as regards both leaf and flower.  The soil in which it is grown must be well drained, a peat one being preferable; and the position it occupies must be well shaded from the rays of the midday sun.  It flowers from May onwards to September, the cut bloom being admirable for mixing with fern leaves.  As soon as new life starts in spring the roots may be divided.  Height, 9 in.

Oxalis.—­A genus of very pretty bulbous plants that thrive well in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, or will grow in any light soil.  Most of the tender kinds may be reared in a frame if protected from frost in the winter.  After they have done flowering they should be kept dry until they begin to grow afresh.  They are increased by off-sets from the bulb.  The hardy species should be planted in a shady border, where they will grow and flower freely.  The seeds of these may be sown in the open in spring.  Some of the varieties have fibrous roots:  these will bear dividing.  They are equally suitable for pots, borders, or rock-work.  Height, 9 in. to 3 ft.

Ox-Tongue.—­See “Bugloss.”

Oxythopis Campestris.—­A hardy perennial with lemon-yellow flowers in June and July.  It will grow in any good garden soil, and is propagated by seed only, which should be sown where the plants are intended to be grown.  Height, 6 in.

P

Pachysandra.—­This early hardy perennial has ornamental foliage and blooms in April.  It will succeed in almost any soil, and may be increased by suckers from the roots.  Height, 1 ft.

Paeonies.—­These beautiful flowering plants are mostly hardy enough to endure our winters.  The herbaceous kinds are increased by dividing the plants at the roots, leaving a bud on each slip.  The shrubby species are multiplied by cuttings taken in August or September, with a piece of the old wood attached, and planted in a sheltered situation.  Tree Paeonies require protection in winter, and may be propagated by grafting on to the others, by suckers, or by layers.  New varieties are raised from seed.  A rich, loamy soil suits them best.  Height, 2 ft.

Palms from Seed.—­Soak the seed in tepid water for twenty-four hours, then put them singly 1 in. deep in 2-in. pots filled with equal parts of loam, leaf-mould, and sand.  Cover the pots with glass and stand them in the warmest part of a hothouse.  Shade from strong sunshine, and keep the soil just moist.  Re-pot as soon as the roots have filled the old ones.