In the general scheme of gardening for pleasure, a background of green is always necessary for a proper display of color in our delphiniums. Recently the writer saw a background consisting of a wall covered with heavy vines over which some large trees of a drooping habit draped themselves-all of which, by eliminating any stiff outlines, lent an air of naturalness to the scene and accentuated the color of the flowers in the foreground. Because a garden scene composed entirely of blues would be much too cold, we introduce other flowers-yellow ones are ideal-for the purpose of mitigating the blue and supplying a few warm tones. Pleasing indeed are the pictures that may be made by these groupings. Anemone hupehens'ts, a mauve-pink anemone that flowers in August, has proved itself particularly adaptable, being a happy complement to delphiniums of opal coloring.

Clumps of the yellow Day Lily, or perhaps the popular Regal Lily, and, of course, some Evening Primrose and Jacob's Ladder are used; or, if more striking colors are wanted, crimson hollyhocks and orange lilies together with the blue and purple delphiniums will create a scene of the richest splendor. Those who have planted that variety of delphinium known as "Formosum belladonna" against a trellis of climbing roses know that this creates one of the most charming pictures ever devised. But, getting down to more practical matters-what kind of soil does the delphinium prefer? It is absolutely necessary that it be well drained; and this may be done to heavy soils by adding one-third each of sand, leaf mold and ordinary garden loam.

In September, sow the seeds in shallow boxes in a cold frame, placing them about three inches apart; cover them with leaf mold and see that they are well watered. They need to be kept in a dark, cool place for about two weeks. After they have germinated, let them have some light, but at the same time, keep them well shaded for about a month. Then, when they are large enough, transplant them to the garden where, after putting some leaf mold around them, as well as some coal ashes to assist in the drainage, and covering them for the winter with corn stalks or branches-never a heavy covering of manure-they ought to come through pretty well.

The added knowledge of delphiniums made possible by enthusiasts for the flower has made this world a brighter and happier place in which to live. May the good work go on, and, in the meantime, there is no reason why all of us should not be successful in growing the "Queen of Blue Flowers" and enjoying its charms.