Early in September, when the autumn flowers are at their finest, some of the Starworts are in bloom. Even in August they have already begun, with the beautiful low-growing _Aster acris_, one of the brightest of flowers of lilac or pale purple colouring. From the time this pretty plant is in bloom to near the end of October, and even later, there is a constant succession of these welcome Michaelmas Daisies. The number of kinds good for garden use is now so great that the growers’ plant lists are only bewildering, and those who do not know their Daisies should see them in some good nursery or private garden and make their own notes. As in the case of Phloxes, the improvement in the garden kinds is of recent years, for I can remember the time when it was a rare thing to see in a garden any other Michaelmas Daisy than a very poor form of _Novi-Belgii_, a plant of such mean quality that, if it came up as a seedling in our gardens to-day, it would be sent at once to the rubbish heap. When the learner begins to acquire a Daisy-eye he will see what a large proportion of the garden kinds are related to this same _Novi-Belgii_, the Starwort of New England. The greater number of the garden varieties are derived from North American species, but they hybridise so freely that it is now impossible to group the garden plants with any degree of botanical accuracy. But the amateur may well be content with a generally useful garden classification, and he will probably learn to know his _Novi-Belgii_ first. Then he will come to those _Novi-Belgii_ that are from the species _lævis_, rather wider and brighter green of leaf and only half the height. Then, once known, he cannot mistake _Novæ-Angliæ_, with its hairy and slightly viscid stem and foliage, and strong smell, and its two distinct colourings--rich purples and reddish pinks. Then again, if he observes his plants in early summer, he can never mistake the heart-shaped root-leaves of _cordifolius_ for any other. This is one of the most beautiful of the mid-season Starworts, with its myriads of small flowers gracefully disposed on the large spreading panicles. Of this the best known and most useful are _A. cordifolius elegans_ and a paler-coloured and most dainty variety called _Diana_. Once seen he can never forget the low-growing early _A. acris_ or the good garden varieties of _A. Amellus_, both from European species. Several other kinds, both tall and short, early and late, will be added to those named, but these may be taken as perhaps the best to begin with.