Myrsiphyllum Asparagoides.—­See “Smilax.”

Myrtle (Myrtus).—­Will strike readily if the cuttings be placed in a bottle of water till roots grow, and then planted; or young cuttings will strike in sandy soil under a hand-glass.  They succeed best in a mixture of sandy loam and peat and on a south wall.  Near the sea they prove quite hardy.  Height, 6 ft.

N

Narcissus.—­See “Daffodils.”

Nasturtiums.—­These are among the most useful of our hardy annuals, producing a display of the brightest of colours throughout the entire summer.  The tall-growing climbers make a gay background to a border, and are equally valuable for trellis-work, while the dwarf varieties are first-class bedding plants, and of great service for ribboning.  The seeds may be sown in pots in September or in the open ground early in spring.  A light sandy or gravelly soil is the best to produce a wealth of bloom.  Height, 6 ft. and 1 ft.

Nectarines.—­Require the same treatment as the Peach.  In fact, the Nectarine stone sometimes produces a Peach, and a Peach stone often produces a Nectarine.  Fairchild’s, Humboldt, Lord Napier, and Red Roman are useful varieties.  They should stand 20 ft. apart.

Neilla.—­These shrubs thrive in ordinary soil, and are increased by cuttings of the young wood.  They flower in July.  N. Torreyi bears white Spiraea-like flowers, which are very effective.  Height, 6 ft.

Nemesia.—­A most beautiful half-hardy annual of the Antirrhinum class.  Sow the seed early in spring on a hotbed, and plant out in May in rich, light soil.  Cuttings of the young wood will strike under glass.  Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 2-1/2 ft.

Nemophila.—­Pretty, neat, and compact hardy annuals, well worth cultivating.  They succeed best in a moist and shady situation, delight in peat or vegetable mould, and when grown in circles are very striking.  If wanted to flower early, sow the seed in autumn, or on a hotbed in spring; and if required for late blooming, sow in the open in March.  Treated thus they flower from June to September.  Height, 1 ft.

Nepeta Glechoma Variegata.—­A very useful plant for hanging baskets.  It can be trained as a pyramid or allowed to hang down; in many cases it is employed as edgings.  It is of easy culture, and does well as a window plant or in a cool greenhouse.  The soil should be light and dry.  It flowers in July, and may be increased by root-division.

Nerine Sarniense.—­See “Guernsey Lily.”

Nertera Depressa (Coral Berry).—­This pretty Moss-like plant is fairly hardy, and is eminently suited for a sheltered position on the rockery.  The soil should consist of leaf-mould and sand, and overhead sprinkling with soft water is very beneficial.  In cold districts it is better to grow it in the greenhouse.  The flowers are produced in July, succeeded by orange-coloured berries.  It is easily increased by dividing it early in the spring.  Height, 3 in.