Edraianthus Dalmaticus.--A charming little herbaceous perennial which
proves quite hardy in our climate, and well deserves a place in the
rockery. Plant in deep, rich loam, and cover the surface of the crown
with 1/2 in. of coarse sand. It may be propagated from off-sets, taken
with as much root as possible as soon as flowering ceases. Winter the
young plants in a cold frame, and do not give them too much water, or
they will rot. They will bloom in July and August. Height, 4 in.
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.