UNIVERSITY OF B.C. LIBRARY DUPL 3 9424 05045 696 8 STOkAGt ITEW FRCCfcS£ING-ONE Lpl-bl7^ U.B.C. LIBRARY MttUmm / / Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from University of British Columbia Library http://www.archive.org/details/bulbstuberousroOOalle BULBS AND Tuberous - Rooted Plants THEIR History, Description, Methods of Propagation AND COMPLETE Directions for Their Successful Culture IN THE Garden, Dwelling and Greenhouse BY C. L. ALLEN ILLUSTRATED NEW \n^\K ORANUK .TUD:^ ( )MPANY 1917 Copyright, 1893, By orange judd company Printed in U. S. A. PREFACE. The growing of bulbs to produce flowers in their greatest perfection, is a brancli of gardening peculiar to itself, and one in which the minor, yet important details, are not generally understood. It is one of the objects of this book to show how the growing of bulbs can be made a pleasure, or a profitable industry, by giving com- plete cultural instructions in detail. The flowering of bulbs is a very simple matter. The bulb, when it comes from the hands of the grower, contain? within itself the food for the future flower, and it does not require the gardeners' skill to develop it. There are a few necessary })oints to be considered, and these we have so plainly stated, that many of the supposed difficulties in their cultivation have been removed. Causes of failure have been explained so fully, that with but little trouble, there need be no fear of loss in their cultivation. The orrowins: of bulbs, other than the charms their flowers possess, has many advantages over that of any other class of flowering j)lants ; among others, and a very great one, is that many of them produce their flowers in very early spring, at a season when few other plants are in blossom, and yet when flowers are doubly valuable from their rarity. At this season, in a sheltered, sunny s])ot, a few clumps of Snow-drops, Crocus and Scillas will pre- sent a mass of color, in graceful forms, while the snow yet lingers in shaded places ; before these are gone, the Hyacinths refresh us with their grateful fragrance; iv PREFACE. these are soon followed by the Narcissus and showy Tulips, and all before other yegetation is fairly started. In rapid succession follow the Crown- imperials, the Iris, and, before these are gone, the Gladiolus and Lilies com- mence their long succession of bloom. Interspersed with these is a host of other bulbs, equally valuable for their flowers, but whose names are rarely mentioned. Another advantage that bulbs possess, is their long period of rest, which leaves the gronnd, half the year, free for other plants. The bulbs may be removed from their places of bloom into the reserve garden to ripen, which makes their places free for the introduction of annuals, or other flowering plants. Beginners have an impression that there are many difficulties to be met, in the man- agement of bulbs, which must be overcome, in order to have them produce their flowers to perfection ; whereas, in reality, no other plants are so easy to manage, none more showy, and none succeed as well under all circum- stances, as the different classes of bulbs and tuberous- rooted plants. To facilitate reference, the various gen- era are alphabetically arranged in this volume, except the Amaryllis group, which have been brought togttlicr on Pages 10 to 26, for the convenience of the readcr- A copious index will be found at the end of the book. C. L. ALLEN. FLORA^i Park, N. Y. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Acliinienes, A{;:ip;iiitlms, . Allium ncapolitarmni. . Amaryllis, Aiiemuiie coroiuiriu, Ful^jeiis, . Japoiiiea, Arum «lracMiiiculii.s, . Hahiaiia, li«'};onia, Tiiberous-rootecl, J{»'ssera, JJlat 38 43 2.V2 47 43 2t;o 2G8-2("J 51 55 152 U8 U3 73 77 80 83, ^A 87 93 ilG lOJ n7 115 l.TJ 11 13J IM 24 J ir,3 1U5 2:.2 11"? VI Lilies, Bateman's and Chalcedonian, Blackberry, bo try Us, . . Brown's (L. Bi'ownii), disease, • fungus, in Bermuda, Field of, sclerotiuni, . Speciosuin Rubruni, . Lily of the Valley, Mllla, .... Montbretia, Narcissus, Group of, . Type of HDop Petticoat, Ornitliogaluni arabicuni, . Oxalis, Pancratium calathinum, . Peony, Fine-leaved, Moutan, or Tree, Ranunculus, Types of, . Richardia, Seilla, Snowdrop, Snowflake, Sparaxis, Sprekelia, Squill, Siberian, Tigridia, Trillium, Tritonia, Tuberose, Double, Tulips, Types of, Vallota i)urpurea Zepliyrantlies, 204 252 304 199 302 303 190 306 223 61* 43, 232 234 237 241 245 247 249 256 254 264 266 273 96 96 274 11 273 276 279 234 259 282 24 11 Bulbs and Tuberous-Rooted Plants. ACHIMENES. This genus of tro2)ical plants is a \rery interesting one for the greenhouse or conservatory, but of no practi- cal use out of doors in temperate or cold climates. The species come chiefly from Mexico and Guatemala ; a few only have been introduced from the West Indies. They are, strictly speaking, greenhouse tuberous-rooted peren- nials, six to eighteen inclies high, with branching and hairy stems. The funnel-shaped flowers, about two inches in diameter, crimson, scarlet, pur])le and white, are produced very freely, giving the plants a striking appearance. The flowers are delicate, will not endure handling, and therefore are of but little use as cut flowers. This genus derives its name from c/ieimaino, to suffer from cold, alluding to its tenderness. The tubers should be thickly planted about the 1st of Febiniary, in shallow pans of light, sandy soil, mixed with sphagnum or peat, carefully watered and given a slight bottom heat. When the ])lants are aijout an inch high, they should be transplanted into blooming })an8, or pots, pans eight inches in diameter being ])referable ; these will be sufficiently large for four or five plants. They should bo placed in a house where the temperature does not fall below G0° at night, and near the glass, in order that the plants may grow strong and stocky. 1 BULBS AKD TUBEROUS-EOOTED PLA:n1S. CYPES OF IMPROVED ACHIMEKES, ACHIMENES. 3 Close atteDtion must 'be paid to watering ; the soil should alwaj's be damp, but never wet, syringing frequently to keep off red spiders ; it is better to sh:ide a littk* at noon, if the sun is very hr>t. When the plants are about five inches high they should be tied to small, inconspicuous stakes ; in tying, care should be taken to i)lace the sticks so that the pan will be a symmetrical mass of green. The plants will begin to flower in June, when they should be kept partially shaded, and no longer syringed, and, in watering, one must avoid wetting the foliage. They will keep in flower several weeks. After flowering, water should be gradually withheld, and when the leaves turn yellow the pans should be set under a bench, and the tubers must not be di.sturl)ed until it is time to start again the following season. With a little care in drying off and starting, a succession of bloom may be had the entire year. This may not be desirable, however, as in winter there are other plants of interest .^ufHcicnt to fill all the space in the greenhouse. The following are the most desirable of the many species and varieties that have been introduced and favorably mentioned : SPECIES. A. Candida. — A tall-growing, much -branched spe- cies, with \ni\v. white flowers. A. coccinea. — One of the first introduced, a native of Jamaica ; flowers bright scarlet. A. hirsuta. — Rose flowers with a yellow eye ; ])lant hairy. A. multiflora. — Many flowond ; pale lilac. A. picta. — The painted-leaved Achimencs ; flowers scarlet, with a yellow eye. HYBRID VARIETIES. Advance.— Flowers reddish purple, lighter at the eye; dwarf, and free of habit. 4 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLAINTS. Excelsior. — Eicli violet purple ; very large and free, with compact habit. Rollisonii. — Flowers large, deep lavender-blue, yel- low throat, spotted with deep crimson ; very effective. Aurora. — Rich rosy scarlet, with yellow throat ; very large. Diadem. — Orimson-lake, shaded carmine, with deep yellow eye. Meteor. — Flowers rather large, bright crimson-scar- let, yellow eye, spotted carmine ; very dwarf and free. Hendersoni. — Rich orange-salmon, with yellow eye. Magnet. — Deep orange, spotted with crimson, with a distinct carmine zone ; a very free flowering and beau- tiful sort. Admiration. — Deep rose, spotted with carmine, white throat. Leopard. — Bright magenta rose, freely spotted at the throat. Rosea Magnifica. — Bright rose, with a yellow eye, very finely spotted ; a charming variety. Unique. — Rosy-pink, deep yellow eye, spotted crim- son ; a very beautiful variety. Ambrose Verschaffelt. — Flowers of good size, pure white, with a daik-rayed center. Madame A. Verschaffelt. — Flowers large, pure white ground, heavily veined with purple ; a very attractive variety. ACIS. A genus of very pretty dwarf bulbous plants, suit- able for the rockery, in sunny, sheltered situations. This genus was formerly included with Leucoium, from which it is readily distinguished by its dwarf slender habit, the narrowness of its leaves, and the smallness of the flowers. They are not as hardy, nor as ornamental, as the Leucoium, but are well worth cultivating. The best of the species are : ACIS. — AGAPAXTHUS. O A. autumnalis. — A pretty little plant, with pink flowers, produced in autumn before the leaves. It is a native of Spain, and properly a greenhouse plant. A. trichophyllum. — A small species, growing only a few inches high. The flowers are white, and produced in the spring. It must be grown in a frame and pro- tected against frost. A. roseus. — A very rare species, with rose-colored, drooping flowers, produced in autumn. Named after Acis, Shepherd of Sicily, Son of Fau- nus and the Nymph Simoethis. AGAPANTHUS. African TAly, This splendid genus is noticed because it will be expected, from the fact of its being popularly known as the African Lily. It docs not, strictly speaking, how- ever, belong citlier to bulbs or tuberous-rooted plants. Tliis genus derives its name from agapCy love, and anthos, a flower, Love Flower being one popular name. The Agapantlius has been in cultivation more than two hundred years, but is rarely met, although one of tho most beautiful plants to be found for dis])lay in pots or tubs upon the lawn, or in the border. This is the mor« singular, because it is so easily managed, pro})agated and preserved. It does well anywhere, is an ornament tc the greenhouse, will thrive equally well in the <)]>er. border, and may be wintered safely in the cellar, or an} place free from frost. All the species grow freely in good loam, which should be moderately rich ; their great requirement, when not at rest, is water; this they must have in lib- eral quantities. They recjuire considerable room ; com- mencing with a single j)lant in a six-inch pot, it will need repotting aunually, giving it barely room to extend a BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. its stems and roots. The stronger the plant, the more freely will it flower, providing it has proper care, and all that is necessary is to give it liquid manure, two or three times during its period of growth, with an abund- ance of water ; it is better to set the pot, or tub, in which it is grown, into a larger one, when it commences to throw up its flower spikes, then keep the space A CLUSTER OF AGAPANTHUS FLOWERS. between the two at all times filled with water. Treated in this way, we have seen a plant with more than a dozen spikes of bloom, some of which numbered more than two hundred and fifty fl )wors. After the season of flowering is past, gradually withliold water, and upon the approach of cold weather remove to its winter quar- ters, where it may remain until time to put it out of doors AGAPANTHUS. — AJAX. 7 for anofclier season's growth. It is by no means an uii- si^i^htly object in the grcenliousc during winter, because of its long graceful foliage; but it should not be stimu- lated into growth. It is propagated b}' division, or more readily from seed, when it can be obtained fresh. Sow the seed in the greenhouse, in pans ; prick out when the plants are three inches high, and grow until the plants are large enough to flower, shifting as required. If not neglected, they will flower the third year. The number of species is quite limited. Although quite a number of varieties are otfereil, tlie variation between them is very slight. The following are all that are desiral)le. A. umbellatus. — The tvj^e, a native of the Cape of Good Hope. A. u. albidus. — A variety with pure white flowers, but differing in no other respect from the tyj.e. It is quite scarce, and good flowering plants are rarely met. A. u. variegatus. — This is well worth gn>wing, for its foliage alone. It is not as vigorous a grower as the species, but its leaves are almost pure white, with a few green bands. It grows freely, though the leaves are not as broad or as long as are those of the typo ; but with such a growth of graceful foliage, so beautifully variegated, and crowned with an umbel of delicate blue flowers, the plant is an ornament to any situation in which it may be placed. A. u. flore-pleno.— Tliis double-flowering form is identical, in all other respects, with tiie s])ecies. We have not seen this variety, but it is described as being very beautiful, the douljle flowers being more lasting and valuable for bouquets, or other floral work. AJAX. A synonym of Narcissus Pseudo-yarcifaront of many seedlings. H. pyrrochroum (Flame-colored). — Flowers deep red, of good size, four or five on a scape ; throat shading to a greenish yellow. % 18 B¥LBS AND TLBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS, H. reticulatum. — This is one of the most beauti- ful of the species; flowers a delicate, soft pink and white, about three inches in diameter; veins darker, and giving to the whole flower a netted and interesting appearance ; scape five or six flowered. Leaves dark green, with a pure ivory-white midrib. A native of Brazil, introduced in 1677. H. solandriflorum (Solandra-flowered). — This is a noble species, producing from four to eight long trum- pet-shaped flowers, on a tall scape ; color creamy white, greenish on the outside, and beautifully shaded with pink. H. vittata (Striped). — One of the most hardy and remarkable of the species. Flowers clear white, with double red stripes on each petal. This is a fruitful parent of many of the finest varieties. H. reginae (Mexican Lily). — Dark red, with orange and white ; showy. Defiance. — A remarkable hybrid form; a strong grower and continuous bloomer, flowering repeatedly daring the season. Flowers bright carmine, a vein of white running through each petal ; very large and firm ; one of the most valuable for floral decorations. BRUNSVIGIA. A genus of handsome bulbs, formerly classed with the Amaryllis. The bulbs are very large, and need special treatment to bring them into flower. They require complete rest during winter, when they must not be watered, but during their period of growth they cannot well have too much water. They flower from June to September, according to the species. The flow- ers are large and showy, but the bulb is so large and the plants occupy so much room, that they are not consid- ered worth growing. There are about a dozen species, all natives of the Cape of Good Hope. BRUXSVIGIA. — CRIi^UM. 19 B. Josephinese (Spi. B. gigantea). — This is the largest and handsomest of the species, and the one most geiieially grown ; flowers scarlet, produced in a many- llowered iiml)el. B. toxicaria (Poison Bulb). — Flowers pink, pro- duced in a many-flowered umbel; leaves erect and shin- ing. The genus is of so little consequence, to other than the botanist, that a further enumeration of the species here would be of little interest to the florist. CRIXUM. This is a large genus of Amaryllis-like plants, re markable both for the size, number and beauty of theii flowers, and for the enormous size of the plants. Tha bulbs of the Crinums are of great size and height, tho flowers springing from the sides of their long necks. The leaves of some of the species are of gigantic dimen- sions, extending from three to six feet in length, and avera£^in2: from three to six inches in width. The flower stalks of some of the species are proportionately large, nearly two inches in diameter, rising to the heiglit of from three to four feet, and terminating with a largo umbel of froln fifteen to thirty flowers. The flowers are mostly pure white, or a delicate mixture of rose of ])alo red and white, some of them nearly a foot in lengtii and from six to nine inches across. Some of the speeios are nearly hardy, and all are remarkably tenacious of life ; the bulbs of C. capense will remain out of the earth, dry, for two years, without apparent injury. Most of the species are of tropical origin ; they are, however, easy of culture, and free flowering, the only objection to them being their size, which is not proportionate to their beauty. They are, however, in many respect;* especially interesting, and when the time comes that plants are grown for what there is in them, rather than for what can be made from them, in the way of profit, 20 BULBS Aiq'D TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. we shall expect to see many of the Crinums pretty gener- ally cultivated. There are a large number of species, and some hybrid varieties ; the following are the most important for the garden and greenhouse. C. amabile. — The first one in the list is the most important, and we do not know of a more magnificent plant than this, when in bloom; certainly it has no superior in the great class of bulbs. Those who have never seen it in flower cannot form the least idea what Crinums are like, or what their capabilities are. This fine species is a native of the East Indies. The bulbs are very large, being two feet long, with a diameter of from six to eight inches near the base, tapering to a long neck, from the side of which the flower stalk pro- ceeds. This is about an inch in diameter, and from two to four feet in height, terminating with an umbel of from twenty to thirty flowers, averaging in length from six to ten inches. The outside of the flower is of a bright rose color, the inside pale flesh. This will grow and flower freely in the greenhouse, with ordinary care, if watered freely when growing, sparingly when at rest. It is evergreen. C. capense. — This species is generally listed in the seedsman's catalogues as Amaryllis longifolia. There are two varieties, rose colored, and white. These flower freely in the border in midsummer, and can be stored like Dahlias, during winter. C. Zey lanicum. — This noble species from Ceylon is more dwarf growing, but with immense leaves, and clusters of superb purple flowers. It is a greenhouse species, but will flower freely with a little care. These plants are well worth a place in any collection of plants. They grow readily from seed, which should be sown singly in pots as soon as ripe, or from offsets, which are sparingly produced. This species has often been sold as C. ornatum, a synonym of C. Moorei, NEEIl^^E. 21 NERINE. TJie Guernsey Lily, This is an interesting genus of greenhouse bulbs, but not useful in a commercial sense. They are but little gi'own, notwitlistanding their remarkable beauty, because of the impression tluit they are dithcult subjects to man- age. This difficulty would be readily overcome if the flowers had a market value. The Nerine, to flower well, must be grown in considerable heat in autumn, and have as light and airy a situation as the greenhouse affords, and must, at all times, have a liberal supply of water. The plants must be treated in this way until nearly spring, gradually withholding water until May, when complete rest should be given them. They will come into flower about the first of September, j)revious to which time watering should again commence. This method ap[)lies particularly to N. sarnie?isis, the more important of the species. N. sarniensis, — This species is a native of the Cape of Good lIo])e, but has become naturalized on the Island of Guernsey, and is grown in immense (juantities for the English market. There is no bulb more easily managed than this, when first imported. If we could get bulbs direct, as soon as riiie, say about the first of August, and pot them, they would immediatel}' come into flower, with scarcely a failure, but we cannot grow them later, excepting in the manner stated. It would be much the cheaper way to buy bulbs, annually, from Guernsey, if they could be had in time. There is but little difference in the shape of the flowers, which are j)eculiar to themselves, in the species; the colors range from clear pink to brilliant scarlet. 22 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. SPREKELIA. • Jacobean Lily, S. formosissima {A^narylUs formosissima).^ There is but one species of this genus under cultivation to any extent. This is an old garden favorite, whose brilliant crimson flowers are seemingly, in the sun, dusted with gold, making them attractive objects. The flowers are produced before the leaves. The bulbs should be planted as soon as the ground is in condition to work, and the flowers will appear early in June. Give them ordinary garden culture, take up and store in the same manner as Gladiolus, in a dry, dark room, where there is no frost. This species is a native of Mexico. The variety, S. f. longipetala, with lighter colored flowers, is by no means as showy. See engraving on Page 11. S. Cybister, said to be a remarkable species, was introduced from Bolivia in 1840, but is now lost. STERNBERGIA. Amaryllis lutea (Mount Etna Lily.) — A small genus of half-hardy ornamental bulbs, producing their flowers in autumn before the leaves. They grow readily in the border, but should have the protection of a frame, in order that they can develop their foliage after flower- ing, which they cannot do, north of Virginia, out of doors. The really distinct species are : S. colchiciflora (Colchicum-flowered). — Flowers yellowish-white ; blooming in autumn. S. lutea. — This is a charming plant, flowers a clear bright yellow, like very large Crocuses ; several appear from the same bulb about the first of October. If both were protected against frost, they would make their leaf growth in the spring. Both species are worth growing, even if the bulbs had to be renewed annually. VALLOTA. M VALLOTA. Scarborough Lily, This genus stands quite alone in the world ; there is but one species, V, jturpurea, and that utterly refuses to mix, or hybridize, with otliers of the natural order to which it belongs ; it defies the florist's skill, preferring to retain the beautiful form and color that was originally given it. For this we are thankful. While we recognize cheerfully the florist's skill, we are glad that one flower is already perfect. See engraving on next page. The Vallota is a grand phmt for pot culture. It thrives under almost all circumstances, but properly treated, it has no superior among autumn blooming plants. The only care it wants is to be let alone, after it is potted. A single bulb should not have a pot larger than three-inch size, and should not be shifted to a larger until the offsets and roots have completely used up the soil, then shift into a pot but one size larger. Do not disturb the offsets or the bulbs in any way, until a plant of the desired size is wanted. "When a six-inch pot has been filled, and a further shift is necessary, use a seed-pan, which will be plenty deep enough, as the tops of the bulbs should be level with the surface of tlie soil, and they will be much easier to handle. It is an evergreen plant, but can be wintered in any light room free from frost, with an occasional slight watering. We once grew a twelve-inch pan of this ])lant, and had, at one time, forty-one sj)ikes, with from five to eiglit brilliant scarlet blooms on each. There are i\sb varieties in general cultivation ; one has a round, tiie other a flattened bulb, the former giving a trifie larger flowers, and a little white at the base of the petals. 2^ BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. VALLOTA PURPUREA. ZEPHTBU^niBS. 25 ZEPHYRANTHES. For the open border this genus fnrnishes some of the most useful bulbs in cultivation ; they are easily managed, requiring the same treatment as the Ghidiolus ; they should be planted at the same time, only rather more closely. Two of the species are continual bloomers. They are particularly adapted for open air culture, and are, in faet, of but little use, relatively, elsewhere. See engraving, Page 11. There are a number of species and varieties ; tlio truly useful ones are : Z. Atamasco. — A native of Virginia and south- ward, where it is popularly known as the Atamasco Lily. It is also known as AmanjUia Atamasco ; flowers white, changing to light pink, singly on stems about one foot high. Til is rarely blooms more than once in a season. Z. Candida {Amaryllis Candida). — Peruvian Swamp Lily. This is one of the most useful of the species. The bulbs are small, produced in bunches ; flowers about two inches across, pure white, on stems eight inches high. This is a capital border i)lant; it forms a solid mass of grass-like foliage, and is in constant bloom from July until killed down by frost. Its pure white flowers, ris- ing just above the l)rigl»t green foliage, form a striking and pleasing contrast. The bulbs should be separated in tlie s})ring and planted in masses, or as a border, two inciies apart each way. Take up in the fall, after a heavy frost, and store the same as the Gladiolus. Z. rosea (Fairy Lily). — This should be treated in precisely tlie same manner as the above, excepting that the bulbs should be ])lant(Ml five inelies apart each wav. The two species should be planti'd in rows, side by side, or in masses close together, in order to ])roduce that har- mony of color, that white, bright pink and grocn always 26 BULBS A^B TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. affords. The flowers of tliis species are larger than those of the others named, produced singly on long slender stems ; color a clear, delicate 2'>ink ; a mass, or a border of these bulbs will furnish flowers the entire summer. The ANEMONE EULGENS. bulbs are one inch in diameter, and increase very rapidly. Of the numerous other species of Zephyranthes, but few adapt themselves to our climate. AMMOCHARIS. A synonym of Brunsvigia. See Page 18. ANEMONE. 27 axi:moxe. Of this very extensive and widely distributed genus, wo sliall mainly notice the tuberous-rooted species, which TYPKS OF ANEMONE COKONAllIA. are usually classi-d witli biill)s, as they are distributeil in the same manner. These liavc been but little grown in 28 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. this country, as our climate is not at all congenial to them, both too hot and too cold, either extreme being fatal to them. Where they can be grown successfully they make charming plants, producing a mass of very gorgeous flowers. They succeed fairly well here, in moist, partially shaded situations, or in a frame where the tubers can be planted about the first of February, safely protected against frost, and where they can also be pro- tected against mid-day sun. In France they are usually planted in autumn, but in America a better plan is to plant as early in spring as they can be put in the ground. As soon as the tops die down take uj) the tubers and store in a dry room free from frost. There are both double and single forms, and varieties innumerable. Either can be produced from seed, the plants flowering the second year ; it is, however, quite as advisable to plant the tubers. A. coronaria (Poppy Anemone). — A native of the Levant. This is a parent of most of the popular varie- ties. The flowers are about two inches in diameter, white, scarlet and purple, with all the variations these colors will produce. The varieties make a fine display in spring. They can be grown in the greenhouse in pots, flowering during the winter, if desired. But they seem to be born for the open air, which is their appro- priate home and place. (See engraving. Page 27.) A. hortensis. — Varying but little from the preced- ing ; it is also the parent of many varieties, both double and single. Many other so-called species are but varie- ties of these. A. fulgens. — This is one of the most showy species of the genus. Its color is of the most intense dazzling scarlet that it is possible to conceive. As it is one of the earliest flowers of the year, and so exceedingly beautiful withal, it deserves a place in every garden. (See engraving. Page 26.) ANEMONE. 29 A. japonica. — Although not a bulb or a tuber, this plant is so closely related to a prominent class of tubers, that it deserves a notice in this connection. ANEMONE JAPONICA, This hardy herbaceous apecies is, without question, the most useful of any members of the genus. It is au ttutumn bloomer, and seldom expands its flowers before 30 BULBS AND TUBEKOUS-EOOTED PLAKTS. the first of October. The flowers of the species are pinkish, or, rather, purplish red, very large, but some- what loose in appearance. In the garden they produce a fine effect, and will stand considerable frost without injury. Of this species there is a florists' variety, Hon- orine Jolert, wliich is unequalled in beauty by any autumn flowering plant in the garden. The flowers are large, white, regular and even, with a clear yellow cen- ter ; it is of taller growth than the s^Decies, and for a mass in the flower garden is unsurpassed for autumn decoration. (See engraving. Page 29.) AKOMATHEOA. A genus of very pretty South African bulbs belong- ing to the Iris family, remarkable for the brilliancy of their flowers, and for their delicate grass-like foliage. The bulbs should be planted in January, and given a sunny situation in the greenhouse, where they can fully develop their bright green foliage ; if their growth is not checked they will commence flowering in May. A. cruenta. — The best species; its brilliant scarlet flowers are produced in succession, on slender stems, the entire season. As a pot plant, there is nothing more showy, but it is useless for any other purpose. It does well in the window garden. ANTHOLYZA. This genus of Cape bulbs furnishes some very showy flowers, bearing a close resemblance to the Gladiolus, and belongs to the same natural order, Iridacem. The great defect of this bulb is its lack of adaptation, being too large to be grown profitably in the greenhouse, and it is not sufficiently hardy to be grown out of doors. It may well be placed with that largo class of plants which are very beautiful but not otherwise desirable. AFIOS. — AEIS^MA« 8] APIOS. Ground NuL A. tuberosa. — The only species is a beautiful, free- flowering, climbing phmt, common near the coast from Maine to tlie Carolinas. It grows, when given support, from six to eiglit feet high, producing axillary clusters of purplish-brown, very fragrant flowers, not unlike the Wistaria, to which it is allied. It is readily propagated by division of its tubers, which are freely produced on underground stems, and are edible. It is perfectly hardy, and when once ])lanted it will take care of itself. For a moist, partially shaded situation, we do uot know of a more desirable climbing plant. ARIS^MA. Dragon and Ani7n, This genus embraces a great variety of forms, some beautiful in flower and leaf, some hideous in flower, but in plant most remarkable, as the plant is but a strong stem, spotted, and terminal, with but few leaves, "which are sometimes much divided. Our native species are very beautiful in foliage, flower and fruit. They grow ia shaded place.^, in d(>op, rich soil, and of a large size. A. Dracontium (Common Green Dragon). — This species is abundant in damp woods in many parts of the country; it has handsome hastate leaves and green flowers. This is a beautiful ])lant under cultivation ; ifc should be grown in the shade with ferns, then the effect is pleasing. A. triphyllum (Indian Turnip). It is quite as generally known as Jack-in-the-Pulpit, and is well worth growing, both for the flowers and its fruit. In a shaded, moist situation, it grows niuoli larger than in the woods. 83 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLANTS. AEUM DRACUNCfULUS, ARUM.— AKUM LILY. — ASCLEPLiS. 33 The roots of this species are yery acrid; a thin slice placed on the naked skin will very soon draw a blister. ARUM. A. Dracunculus (Dragon Plant). — Growing from three to four feet high, with a large blackish-purple flower, appearing before tlie foliage, whicli is very orna- mental. It is a handsome 2)lant for decorative purposes when grown in a pot, after the flower has been removed. They are very ornamental in the border, and will grow with little care, preferring a deep rich soil. Plant, and treat as other spring bulbs. ARUxM LILY. See Richardia cethiopica, ASCLEPIAS. The following species is the only one that is proj)er to include in our list. A. tuberosa (Butterfly Weed, from its showy flow- ers, and Pleurisy Root, because of its supposed medical properties). — This is a hardy herbaceous perennial, thriving in light sandy or gravelly soil. Its showy trusses of bright orange flowers are produced nearly the entire summer. It is a desirable plant for the shrub- bery border, where it may remain for an indefinite period, without being disturbed. In fact, it should never bo disturbed, as it is impatient of removal, and c.annot well be j)ropagated by division. It grows readily from seed, which should be sown where it is wanted to grow. For purposes of sale it is best grown in small ])ots, in which tubers will be formed that can be handled without loss. Proi)agation can also be effected by terminal root-cut- tings. This species is confined exclusively to America. ATAMA8C0 LILY. See ZephyranChcs. Page 25. 8 34 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. BABIANA. All the Babianas have handsome flowers, and most of them have hairy ler.ves ; the colore of their flowerr are various, the blue predominating, bii': so brillian^ that a splendid display for fully two months of the year may be had from these bulbs alone. They arc all natives of the arid plains neai* the Cape of Grood Hope, where they are exposed to alternrie sea- sons of excessive rain and excessive croutL, the ground during the dry season being so loose and ^.owclery that the bulbs often li,: partly bare, and exposed to the heat of tho ziuh All .he kinds of Babiana aro propa- gate;^, by off set c :r from seeu; the rapidilj wit.- ^. Liich they may be multiplie"! by offsets make3 this the better plan of ; ropagation, partic- ularly as the varieties from seed are very varialle. TLe only place xor these Lulb^. is in the greenhouso, as their time for flowering is from February until May, A light, loose soil suits them jest, and they require strong light and an abundance oi v.ate.. The bulbs should be planted or repotted about the first of December^ putting from len to twelve in a six-inch pot ; after potting, withhold water until there is an appearance of growth, when it should be applied liber- ally, and the pots placed in position for flowering. A^^^i BABIANA RUBRO-CYANEA. ( BABIANA. 35 all the flowers are passed, gradually withhold water, in order that the bulbs may ripen off. When the foliage has died down, place the pots in some out-of-the-way place, where the soil may remain as dry as powder until time for repotting. While these bulbs require the most liberal waterings when in growth, there is nothing so fatal to them, when at rest, as water. There are an immense number of sjiecies and varie- ties under cultivation ; the following list includes all that are desirable. B. alba sulphurea. — Rich delicate sulphur white. B. atro-cyanea. — Bluish-purple, with white mark- ings. B. bicolor. — White and blue in alternate petals, rich and striking. B. disticha. — Two ranked, very striking blue. B. fragrans. — Richly perfumed. B. pallida. — Pretty, pure clear lilac and white, chaste and beautiful. B. plicata. — Very fragrant, pale violet, the lower segments spotted yellow and brown. B. purpurea. — Violet rose, with mauve and white markings. B. ringens. — Rich purple wide-mouthed flowers. B. rosea grandis. — Very fine, rosy-purple and white. B. rosea major. — Magenta, marked white. B. rubro-cyanea. — Rich blue and red, ^ery striking. B. speciosa. — Rich mauve and purple. B. stricta. — Beautiful porcelain blue. B. stricta purpurea. — Rosy pur})le and mauve. B. Thunbergii. — Many-s})iked, i)urple. B. tubiflora. — KiLh yellow and red. B. tubiflora tubata. — Long-tubed, yellow and white. B. villosa. — Dark magenta crimson. 36 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. In addition to this dozen and a half of the more showy species of Babiana, the following florists' varieties are well worthy of cultivation : Attraction. — Kich Syrian purple, tinged with white. Celia. — Rich rose, marked with white. General Scott. — Rich magenta, suffused with white. General Slade. — Charming magenta. Lady Carey. — Mauve and white. BABY'S BREATH. The popular name of Muscari hotryoides, BARBADOES LILY. Synonym of Hippeastrum equestre. See Page 13. BARNARDIA. Chinese Squill. This is an exceedingly rare genus, which fact shows that it is of but little importance in the floral world. It was introduced into Europe by Thunberg, from China, in 1824. There are but two species, B. scilloides and B. japonicum, the former with pink, the latter with purple flowers ; both delicate and graceful. The leaves are broad and long, resembling those of the Ornithogalum ' in fact, the latter was called B. japonicum by Thunberg. They require the same treatment as the tender varieties of Scilla. BEGONIA. Tuberous- Rooted Begonia. But few plants have been so rapidly improved bj the florist's kindly aid, as the Tuberous Begonias, since the introduction of the species from South America; and but few are more deservedly popular, either for the BEGONIA. 3? greenTiouse or for garden decoration. Upon their intro- duction into this country they were not supposed, Ijy our florists, to he ahle to withstand our rare atniosj)here, drying winds and hurning suns. The few that thought differently persevered in their cultivation unti^ they es- tahlished the fact that they would not only endure our climatic conditions, hut that they were just what tlies;* l)lants rcfpiired for tlieir full development. The i»^e-i that a low temperature and moist atmosidiere were nec- essary to the successful cultivation of the Tuberous Te- gonias, was abandoned during the season of 180*2, which was one of the driest and hottest known for manv vears. In the nursery row — the proper place to ju."!ge of a plant's usefulness — it appeared during that 3'ear to the best possiljle advantage. It showed, also, just what must be done to insure success, and that it can withstand ex- treme heat and excessive drouth as well as almost any other bedding plant. The principal point learned in re- gard to its culture is, that it must be treated as a plant and not as a bulb. The enthusiastic florist, seeing the many good qualities of the plant, has led amateurs to believe it could be treated as a l)ull), and })lanted out in the same manner as the Gladiolus or Tigridia, and kept dormant during the winter in the same manner. This is a great mistake, as the tul)ers will not endure as long a period of rest, and cannot be exposed to the air for a long time without seriously injuring their vitality. The tubers must be kept in dry earth or sand, until they show signs of growth, which will not be later than the first of ^larch, then they may be started into rapid growth. After the cnts are fully developed the tubers may be divi«l('d; each eye will make a plant. Then tliey are to be treated in nil resj>ects like greenhouse ])lants, and grown on until the ])roper season for their ])lanting out. ^Khis is not l)efor(» tbe first of June, as liegonias are (piite sensitive to cold nights, but not at L: LL.J L 1 '^ L LllO L' t-liOOTED PLANTS. SINGLE AXD DOUBLE TUBEROUS BEGOKIAS. BEGONIA. 39 all to heat. At that time the plants should he fully six inches in height, and proportionately strong. Such ])lants will make a grand (lisj)]ay tlie entire season, rather delighting in great lieat. Tliis was plainly shown the past season on Mr. Griffin's grounds on Long Island, where tlie strong plants, which were first set, grew vig- orously, while the younger stock from seed sown too late, failed to grow in a satisfactory manner. Those intending to grow Tuljerous Begonias from seed, should sow early in January. The amateur can start the tubers in the ordinary window, and grow them on until time to i^lant out, but to grow from seed will require the use of a greenhouse. Propagation is elTected rai)idly and easily from seed, which is produced freely; a single cai)sule is said to con- tain more than one tiiousand seeds, wiiich, witli proper care, will produce nearly as many i)lants. The seeds of the Tuberous Begonia are so excessively fine as to resem- ble tobacco dust more than covers contaiiiin^ the nrcrm of a future plant. And it is well to remark, in this l>lace, that the seed produced in our greenhouses or in the open ground, is much better, both as regards size and i)lumpness, than any we have been able to get from England, the sujiposed paradise of the Tuberous Begonia, and the germinating properties are much greater. The seed should be sown in the greenhouse in Jan- uary, in pans filled with very light soil. A mixture of powdered sphagnum, sand, and the finest manure ju)ssi- ble, thorouglily mixed, is the most suital)le. 'IMiis should be pressed lirinly down, and tiie seed scatteri'd thinly over the surface. Then wet thoroughly with a fine rose, and cover to the depth of one-eighth of an inch with the same mixture of soil, or with ground 8})hagnum alone; cover each pan witli a pane of glass, to prevent evaporation, and give them an even temju'ra- ture of about 70°. This degree of heat is (piitc sulli- 40 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. cient, it should not be allowed to drop below 65°. A higher temperature will cause the plauts to grow spin- dling and weak. After the seeds have germinated it is important to keep the soil evenly moist ; if it is allowed to become dry beneath the surface the plants will rapidly damp off. It is the better plan to place the pots, or pans, in which the seeds are sown, in larger pans of water up to an inch below the level of the soil, for a few minutes, which will afford the necessary moisture at the roots of the young plants, and leave the tops dry, which will, in a great measure, prevent the plants from damping off. It is an injury to all the Begonias to wet the leaves. When the plants have made their first pair of leaves, they should be pricked out into shallow boxes, or potted singly, in a soil a little heavier than that in which the seed was sown. Then grow on in about the same tem- perature, shading at first from the midday sun, but always giving them an abundance of light and air. Shift into larger pots when the ones in which they are grow- ing are filled with roots. In this way plants from four to six inches in height can be had to plant out into the border by June 1st, which is sufficiently early, as they do not like cool nights. When a really fine plant is secured, it can be increased slowly by cuttings or by division, when the young shoots start in spring. The specialists in this plant keep all their extra fiiie and free flowering plants for seed purposes, or for show plants, and do not divide the tubers for several years. But the main supply for garden decoration is kept up by young tubers grown from seed. Tuberous Begonias flower freely the first year from seed, but for brilliant effects older plants are to be preferred. After flowering, the plants will naturally show a disposition to rest ; they should then be gradually dried off, and the tubers kept in dry sand until about the first BEGONIA. 41 of April, when they may be repotted in a rich soil. Use pots sufficiently large to accommodate the tuber without crowding the roots. If wanted for show plants, the pots must be quite large. For a vigorous two-year-old plant a ten inch pot will be necessary. If the plants are to be transferred to the border, a six-inch pot will be sufficiently large to accommodate them until they are planted out. For the greenhouse or conservatory, the tubers should be started as soon as they show signs of growth, which will be early in February. Like all other florists' flowers, the varieties of the Tuberous Begonias have been, by crossing and recross- ing, increased to a wonderful extent, so that the named varieties first noticed have been lost sight of. The fol- lowing species are parents of the now popular sorts, or classes, both of the double and single varieties. B. boliviensis — Introduced by Messrs. Yeitch & Son, London, in 18G4. It has small drooping flowers, of a bri_2:ht cinnabar-scarlet color. B. Pearcei. — So called in honor of Mr. Pearce, the collector for Messrs. Veitch & Son ; flowers about one inch to one and one-quarter inches across, clear yellow ; foliage beautifully marbled. B. Veitchii — This was found in Peru at an eleva- tion of 12,500 feet, and is one of the most beautiful of the species. Its flowers are of an immense size, of an inimitable, vivid vermillion-cinnabar red. B. rosseflora. — A species of but little value, with flowers of a j>ale red color. B. Davisii.— A very dwarf-growing species, with scarlet flowers, and smooth glossy foliage. This has proved of great value to the hybridists, who have, by judicious crossing of this species with other strains derived from the l^)livicnsis and Veitchii types, pro- duced a vast number of varieties, !)oth single and dnuhle flowered, possessing the characteristics of a remarkably 42 BULBS a:n"d tuberous-rooted plants. dwarf and compacfc habit, with moderate-sized but brightly-colored flowers. B. Frcebelii. — A tuberous-rooted species, intro- duced in 1872 from Ecuador; is of a remarkably dwarf habit, with small but very bright scarlet or light crimson colored and very showy flowers. This species does not ally itself with any other, therefore cannot be used in hybridization. It seeds itself very freely when fertilized by its own pollen, and the seedlings are mostly true to the type, varying somewhat in size and color. BELLADONNA LILY. Synonym of Amaryllis Belladonna, See Page 10. BELLEVALIA. The Roman Squill, This genus contains but one species, B, romana, a native of Italy. This is a very pretty plant, closely resembling the Hyacinth ; flowers small, whitish, or violet, tinged with green. They are of extremely easy culture, perfectly hardy, and propagated freely by oifsets, or by seeds which should be sown :..: joon as ripe. There is no particular need of this in the garden, its place being already filled by the Hyacinth and the Scilla, which, being well known, are more easily obtained, and are, in every respect, quite as desirable. :^ESSERA. This beautiful bulb was first introduced into Enor- land in 1837, but for many years its cultivation was not attended with much, if any, success. It has recently been again introduced into this country from Mexico, its native habitat, and has been extensiyely sent out among other novelties. A more satisfactory ilttle plant cannot well be found. When treated in the same manner as the Gladiolus, it will flower the entire summer, and even after BESSERA. 43 MILLA — BESSERA — CALOCnORTUB, 44 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. two or three degrees of frost it will continue to furnisli its heads of graceful, drooping flowers, bright scarlet, with creamy-white stripes through each petal. The bulb is about the size of a crocus corm, and is readily produced by see'Js, or slowly by offsets. The bulbs should be kept warm p.nd dry through the winter. The Bessera requires the same conditions of cultivation, and the same care when at rest as the Tigridia. The flower stecis are from twelve to twenty inches in height, producing an umbel of from twelve to thirty flowers, very useful in all natural arrangements of loose flowers ; they are especially fitted, by contrast, to go with the Milla biflora, with its unique pure white flowers and graceful habit. The upper flow- ers in the engraving (Page 43) are those of the Bessera. BLANDFORDIA. A genus of very beautiful Australian bulbs that have long been known, and but Little cultivated. They are e'-olusively greenhouse, evergreen bulbs, and require some degree of attention at all times, for which cause they are but little grown, excepting in large collections, and where plants are not grown for their commercial value. Although the plant belongs to the LiUaccce, its habit of growth and general appearance more closely resembles Amaryllidacece. It is a tuberous-rooted plant, in consequence of which, its habit is entirely dissimilar from that of bulbs. Its flowers are of gorgeous colors, produced on short, strong stems, in regular umbels. The plant requires regular greenhouse treatment, and to be watered sparingly when not in active growth. Prop- agation is readily effected by offsets. There are several species, all of the same general character. B. Cunninghamii, with coppery red flowers, and B. grandiflora, with orange and yellow flowers, fully represent the species. BLOOD FLOWER. See HsDmanthus. BRAVOA— BRODI^A — BULBOCODIUli. 45 BLOOD-ROOT. See Sanguinaria. BRAVOA. This genus contains but a solitary species, B, gcin- inijlora, a very beautiful and graceful little pseudo- bulb, a native of Mexico. It is half hardy, flowering freely in the borders, but requiring protection during winter. The numerous flowers are bright red, or crim- son, borne on slender stalks about one foot high, in clusters. The leaves are narrow, produced in a tuft, from the center of which the flower-stalk arises. It is rarely seen in cultivation, although well deserving it. The plant is propagated by division. BRODI^A. A genus of very pretty half-hardy bulbs, with small, tubular flowers, mostly blue, borne in large clusters or umbels. The leaves are rush-like, from two to four in number; tlie flower stem proceeds from the root, usually straight, slender but strung. The species are of easy culture, either in pots or in the border. Increased freely by offsets, which should be left undisturbed with the parent bulbs till they reach a flowering state, when there will be a natural division, then separate and replant in autumn. BRUNSVIGIA, See Page 18. BULBOCODIUM. These are very pretty bulbous plants, somewhat resem])ling the crocus. There are, in the genus, two distinct classes, one flowering in the spring, the other in autumn. B. vernum. — Among the earliest of spring-flower- ing plants, the flowers preceding the foliage; and, like 46 BULBS AN^D TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLANTS. the majority of bulbs, it delights in a rich sandy loam. In such positions it flowers freely and increases rapidly by division. When in favorable positions the bulbs will increase so rapidly that they should be separated and replanted every second or third year. The flowers are crocus-like, of a purple-violet color, with white spots, usually two or three from a bulb. There is a desirable variety, with purple flowers striped with white. B. versicolor. — Flowers in August, but is rarely seen. In general character and habit it resembles the spring-flowering species, which is the more highly esteemed because it is a spring flower. None of the crocus tribe would be extensively cultivated but for the fact of their being about the first to welcome spring. BlJTTERFLY WEED. See Asdepias tulerosa, Page 33. CALADIUM. The Caladium has but few rivals in the list of orna- mental leaved plants, if taken at the height of its beauty, which is in midsummer. In point of general usefulness it does not rank very high, as it is only adapted for the greenhouse. The delicate texture of its leaves will not permit of other than the most careful handling, and they must have the humid atmosphere which the green- house alone affords. High temperature, great moisture, without direct sunshine, and protection from cold drafts, are the conditions favorable to its perfect development. The genus is found in the tropical swamps of Brazilj growing in soil as rich as decayed vegetation, aided by tropical suns, can make it. While the roots cannot have too much moisture, nothing is more fatal to the foliage than water. Like most tropical plants, it desires alternate seasons, or periods, of active growth and abso- lute rest. The Caladium is not a difficult subject to grow to perfection, when liberally treated. But it will CALADIUM. 47 not tolerate neglect in any form. Its mission is to grow beautiful, and grow it will if it is surrounded with con- ditions favorable to its development. When it starts, it is for the greatest possible size of leaf, and the most beautiful and positive markings. These will be secured if the plant is in no way restricted ; it must not receive a check, either from want of heat, moisture, or from FANCY-LEAVED CALADIUM. cold drafts ; and while the atmosphere in which it grows should always be moist, water should always be given at the root, and never on the leaf. If the plant receives a check, it will never after make a satisfactory growth. 48 BULBS AXD TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. Fine specimen plants can be obtained by potting a number of small tubers in a large pot^, in case a large tuber of a desired kind is not at hand, but it is better to pot a single tuber. In potting, soil is of less importance than method. The finest specimens we have ever seen on exhibition were potted in soil taken from the rubbish heap, which was a mixture of everything from the greenhouse. Good drainage is of the first importance. The tubers must commence their growth before potting, if success is to be attained. This will be about the first of March; then they should be potted and placed in position for active growth. For purposes of sale^ the large tubers, after getting well started, may be cut into pieces, a single sprout to each; these should be put in three-inch pots, shifting into a large size if the growth demands it. If the plants can have a slight bottom heat, growth will be accelerated. Water should be applied sparingly at first, but when the pots are filled with roots, too much cannot be given them. Liquid manure should be given at least twice a week. As growth advances, temperature and humidity should likewise increase. Shade the leaves from the midday sun, otherwise give them all the light possible. After the plants have perfected their growth, and the leaves begin to wither, gradually withhold water, but keep up the temperature until the tuber and soil are thoroughly dry; then place the pots in a dry, warm place, until the following spring, when the operation is to be repeated. The varieties of the Caladium are almost innumer- able, the result of growing from cross-fertilized seed. Growing the Caladium from seed is a simple matter. Sow the seed in pans or boxes, soon as ripe; prick out into thumb-pots when an inch high, and grow on in the manner as is recommended for the tubers. Give them a rest wlien they show, by the drooping of tlie leaves, that they require it. For Caladiuni esculenium see Colocasia. CALIPHRURIA— CALLIPROBA — CALLA 49 CALIPHRURIA. The two species that go to make up this genus, (7. Ilartwegiana and C. subede?itata, were formerly included in the genus Eucharis, They are of the same general character, and requir'^', in all respects, the same treatment. The flowers are greenisli-white, petals reflexed, and the tube much deeper than that of the Eucharis. CALLA. See Richardia. CALLIPKORA. A synonym of Brodia3a, Page 45. CALOCIIORTUS. Mariposa Lily, This very interesting genus of bulbs was discovered in California, in 182G. Tlie flowers somewhat resemble the Tulip in shape, and are popularly called, in some ]>laces, California Tulips. The colors of the flowers are various, white, purple and yellow, with superb rich markings. They are free-flowering bulbs, when grown in a moderately light soil, not very wet. They are best grown when treated in the same manner as most summer flowering bulbs, being ])lanted in the oj)en border, when the soil is in good condition for working. They look best in masses, or clumps, with their colors mixed ; in this way there is a constant change in the appearance of the bed, always some new feature, and during the sum- nuT, from July until Se]»tenil)or, a rare display. The bulbs should be kept warm and dry during the winter, covered with dry moss or sand. They are rapidly increased by offsets, or from seed. Tlie latter method is rather slow, as they do not flower until the third year. If well j)rotected against frost and water, the bulbs are best left iu the ground during winter. 50 BULBS AND TUBEEOUS-KOOTED PLANTS. There are many so-called species, but what toe specific differences are is rather liard to define. Varie- ties would seem tlie more correct term to use. Of these, the following are the most desirable. C. albus {Cyclohothra alba). — This is one of the most beautiful of this genus ; snow white, with a rich blotch. C. pulchellus (Cyclobothra). — Flowers drooping, globose, colored yellow with greenish purple markings. See the lower flowers in engraving on Page 43. C. purpureus (Cyclobothra). — A very pretty spe- cies with purple flowers. C. luteus. — Rich yellow, w^ith crimson patch and a blotch of greenish sulphur at the base of each petal. C. Eenthami. — Yellow, with numbers of brown spots at tiie base. C. macrocarpus. — Deep purple lilac; peculiar and rich. C. Greenii. — Fine large lilac, splashed and cov- ered with orange ; ricli and striking. C. splendens. — Blue and white; large and showy. C. magenteus. — White, marked with rosy red. C. venustus. — This is often called the California tulip; handsome Avhite flowers, with a yellow base stained with crimson. C. Nuttallii. — White, blotched witli purple. Syn. with C. LelchtlMi. CALOSCORDUM. A very pretty bulb from Chusan, producing its umbels of rose-colored flowers, in the manner of the Nerine. It requires the same treatment as the Calo- chortus. CALOSTEMMA. A small genus of handsome greenhouse bulbs from New Holland. The flowers are funnel-shaped, yellow. CAMASSIA. CAMASSIA £SCUL£1on and scarlet, deep green foliage. Admiral Courbet. — Flowers light yellow, speckled and blotched with orange scarlet, light green foliage. Edouard Andre. — Deep carmine flowers, choco- late foliage. Flamboyant. — Flowers crimson lake shaded orange, deep metallic green foliage. G. Couston. — Flowers light primrose yellow, mot- tled bright orange. J. Cardioux. — Flowers brilliant cardinal red. Louise Chretien. — -Flowers clear yellow, speckled and splashed with orange. Mme. de Liabaud. — A grand variety; flowers dee}) carmine lake, sea-green foliage. Revol Massot. — Flowers carmine red, lower pet- als blotched with irolden yellow. Ulrich Bruner.— Flowers orange red, lower petals striped yellow, deep green foliage. As flowering plants, the dwarf varieties, Crozy's Cannas, arc the most desirable. Hut for the sub-troj)iral garden, some of the taller growing sorts, particularly those with bronze leaves, are by far the most effective. 58 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLANTS. CARPOLYSA. A very pretty Cape of Good Hope bulb, allied to and requiring the same treatment as the Ixia. There is but one species discovered, the G, spiralis. The flowers are produced in an umbel, being white tinged with pink. The plant lias no real merit for cultivation. CHLIDANTHUS. This is a very pretty Amaryllis-like flower, bright yellow, and fragrant. Tlie bulbs should be planted in the same manner as the Gladiolus, but in a dry and well- drained soil, as they are impatient of water. The bulbs should be kept dry and warm during winter. C. fragrans is the only sjiecies, and this can only be found in botan- ical collections. CHORETIS. See Hymenocallis. CLIMBING LILY, See Gloriosa. CLIVIA. A very pretty genus, represented by one species only, C. nohilis, a native of the Cape of Good Hope. It is nearly related to the Amaryllis. It is a greenhouse plant, and when once established, flowers profusely. The flow- ers are drooping, from forty to fifty on a well-furnished spike, of a delicate flesh-color throughout the greater part of the tube, heightening to a deep red. The plants are increased rapidly by division. They require but little care, heat being about the only essential. When at rest they can be kept under the stage, or bench, and watered only occasionally. COBURGIA. See Stenomessen. COLCniCUM — COLOCASIAo 59 COLCIIICUM. Meadow Saffron. The flowers of the various kinds of Colchicum so closely resemble the different sorts of Crocus as not to be di:5tinguishiible to the common observer; the differ- ence being a botanical one, and consists in their liav- ing six stamens instead of three, and three styles instead of one. The species are indigenous in the temperate clim.ites of Europe, and are largely cultivated for their medical properties. They prefer wet meadows, which they often cover with their purj)le cmcus-like blossoms. The flowers come up througii the ground without the leaves, in autumn. The leaves do not appear until spring; then they should have careful attention, as, if they are cut off or injured in any manner the bulb will not make suflicient growth to flower the following •lutumn. They prefer a light soil, which should either be protected with a light mulching, after the foliage has died down in early summer, or by a growth of some annual, in order to keep the ground cool. It is better to let them remain in the ground undisturbed for several years. If a removal becomes necessary, from any cause, it is better to replant with as little delay as possible. All the species have the same general character; a par- ticular description of each is unnecessary. COLOCASIA. Among the species that make up this genus may bo found some very interesting plants for greenhouse culti- vation and for the sub-tro})ical garden. The genus is closely allied to Caladium, and most of the species are known under that name. C. macrorhiza (Alocasia inacrorhiza), — A native of the Sandwich Islands, where it is largely cultivated as an article of food, and is j)opularly known as Taro. The root-stalks contain large (pumtities of starch, and 60 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. furnish a staple article of diet among the natives. The leaves are likewise used as a vegetable. A variety of this species, G. m. variegata, is an interesting greenhouse plant, remarkable for the bold and distinct markings of the leaves, consisting of light green and pure white. Its cultivation should be the same as the Oaladium. C. esculenta (Caladium esculentum). This is the Tanyah of the Southern States, and was formerly con- siderably used by the negroes as an article of food. The roots are boiled and eaten like potatoes. The tubers increase in length annually by the new growth, like those of the Calla, and this new growth is not eaten, it being too acrid. The part used is the previous year's growth. This species makes a beautiful plant for lawn decoration, either planted singly, in clumps, or for bor- ders of sub-tropical groups. Its requirements are a deep rich soil, and plenty of moisture. If these are provided a single plant will grow six feet in height, with leaves four feet long and three feet wide. To secure a speci- men of this kind the plant should have a pail of water given it every day that it does not rain. The market is supplied with the tubers of this species from Florida, where it is extensively grown on marshy ground. A variety from Cuba is found in the markets, but it is not as desirable, as the leaves are smaller and the stems purplish. C. odorata. — This has large cordate leaves, with rounded lobes, and forms a stem-like root, often several feet in height. It is a splendid plant for garden decoration. There are several other species and varieties, but there have been so many changes in their classification, that much confusion exists in regard to their nomencla- ture, the same species being, at different times^ called Oaladium, Alocasia and Colocasia, COMMELINA— COlS^ANXnERA— CONVALLARIA. 61 COMMELINA. Day Flower, A genus of very pretty native plants, annuals and perennials, hardy and greenhouse trailers ; common throughout the Southern States. The only species of value as a flowering plant is C. ccelestis, which makes an excellent border ^dant. Its flowers are blue, and of more intensity than pcrliaps can be found in any other vegetable form. The tubers should be taken up in autumn, and given the same attention as is paid to the Dahlia, only that in spring they may be planted without first being started into growth. CONANTHERA. Cummingia, A very rare bulb, native of Chili, and of difficult culture. The plants grow in winter, flowering in April, after which they require rest the entire summer. In their native habitat the natives use the roots — which taste, when cooked, not unlike sweet chestnuts — as an article of food. The flowers are blue, but are not of sufficient importance to compensate for the room they would require in the greenhouse. CONVALLAKIA. Lily of the Valley. Of this genus there is but one species, Convallaria majalis, so common in our gardens, and one of the most important in the list of florists' flowers. The species is widely disseminated, being found plentiful in England, but by far the most common in the province of Hanover, CJermany, where it completely covers the ground, in the woods, and will ngnt for possession in the cultivated fields. At the time of flowering, the air is scented for a considerable distance by the agreeable per- b2 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. LILY OF THE VALLEY* COl^VALLAEIA. 63 fume. The woods about Hanover, as well as in other parts of Germany, are regularly visited on Whit Monday by numerous parties from the cities, who go to gather tliese May-flowers {Maihlumen), and the forest, on that day, is a scene of festivity and mirth. From the earliest dawn to the closing of the day the roads leading to the forests are thronged by persons of all ages, and nearly every liouse is furnished with the Whitsuntide boucjuet of Lilies of the Valley. An apparently identical species is found in our country, on the higher Alleghanies to the Southward. Although not a bulb, its position, commercially, entitles it to the same place in this book that it occupies with the florist and seedsman in their business, which is an important one. The value of the Lily of the Valley pips used for forcing, by the florists, is more than double of that of any one kind of bulb. There are a num- ber of florists in this country, each of wdiom force half a million 2)ips annually. So systematic has become the method of forcing, that the flowers can be obtained every week in the year from our leading florists. For this purpose a supply is constantly kept in cold storage, at a temperature just above freezing point, and brouglit forward in lots of from 5,000 to 50,000, as the market demands. The supply is wholly from Germany, and there are two varieties, or, rather, trade sorts. One is known as Hamburg, the other, Berlin pips, the differ- ence between the two being considerable. The Ham- burg pips are larger, and later in coming into flower. The Berlin pips are much sought because of earliness, the size of the pips making no difference in the length of the spike, or the number of bells on the same. The difference between the two classes arises from tlie conditions of soil and locality only. Hamburg pips are grown near Berlin, and Berlin ])ii)s near Handjurg. From any dealer in either city both varieties can be 64 BULBS Al^D TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. obtained. Where the soil is very heavy and wet, the season of growth will be longer, and the pips larger and stronger. This is the character of much of the land near Hamburg; but for that market many pips are grown miles away, where the soil is of a lighter or sandy nature, more like that of Berlin. The pips ripen earlier, are not as large, and are, in all respects, like those from Berlin, where the soil is light. Pips, for market, must be three years old, to produce satisfactory spikes of bloom. In a heavy soil, pips two years old will be as large as those, grown in a lighter soil, will become in three years, but they will not do for the florist, as the spikes will contain but half as many bells as they should. Two-years-old pips are often sent to this market ; they have sold well, because they look well, but the results were disappointing, and the fault has generally been laid to the grower, when it is due to those who wish to sell cheap. The perfection of soil for pips would be a rather heavy loam, made rich, and the location should be on a southern slope, where it would be dry, warm and airy. There the pips would grow strong and ripen quickly, consequently they would get sufficient rest to force early. Such a condition of soil and climate is found in some of the valleys of the Harz mountains, where the Lily of the Valley is extensively grown, and for early forcing there is none better, if as good. These pips bring the highest price of any in the market. In other words, the dealers charge a higher price for these than for any others, simply because they are better, although the Hamburg merchant is very careful not to mention locality as the cause of good pips, prefering his own reputation to stand for that. In evidence of this we would say, that one of the largest and most successful florists, near New York, last year tried, as an experiment, twenty-five thousand of these pips, and they gave him ninety-five CONTALLARIA. ' 65 per cent, of perfect flowers in December, something pre- viously unheard of in the culture of this flower, at that season. This result came because the pips had their needed icst after being fully matured and ripened. Had they been four weeks longer in growing, as they are in some other localities, they would not have endured the forcing necessary to produce early flowers. Pijjs grown where they mature later, are equally as good for late winter or spring flowers, and better for very late flowers, after having been in cold storage. The culture of the Lily of the Valley is simple, yet, if not understood, failure will surely result. The method generally pursued is to place the pips in shallow boxes, say four inches deep, although three inches is quite sufficient, in soil or sphagnum, it matters but little what, as the pips do not throw out new roots, but sub- sist wholly on the food stored up in their growth, and the water given during the forcing period. One inch apart each way is sufficient space ; some grow them even closer, but we should not recommend it. The best way is to set the flat, or box, on the bench, at an angle of about forty-five degrees, put half an inch of soil, or moss, or a mixture of both, at the end, then a row of pips^ and alternate one inch apart, until the box is filled ; the top of the pip should be but little below the surface. When full, water thoroughly. Place the boxes, as filled, in a cold frame or shed, where they can have a little frost, but not severe freezing. Some mulching should be thrown over the tops, to prevent freezing, as well as to keep the air from them. They should remain in this condition, at least, four weeks, when they may be brought into the forcing house as wanted. The putting of the pips into the boxes should commence as soon as they arrive from Europe, as they are liable to get heated, more or less, in passage, which starts them into growth. The longer they remain unpacked, unless they are placed 5 6ij BULBS AlTD TUBEKOUS-ROOTED PLAKTS. in cold storage, where tliey cannot start, the more dan- ger there is of their starting, and if started before they are put into boxes they will not perfect their flowers. A wide difference of opinion exists as to the temper- ature into which they should be placed. But the most approved plan seems to be to start them in a low temper- ature, say from 50° to 60°, and running it up as high as 90° before they come into flower; after that j)lace them in a cooler house, say from 60° to 70°, to harden off. Most growers keep them dark until considerable growth is made, to draw them up as much as possible. We have seen them flower to perfection when the boxes were placed underneath the benches, on the pips, bringing them into full light after the first bells were opened. But good strong spikes of bloom are best obtained when tliey have plenty of light and air, and with a temperature of 85° to 90° after they are first started. They may be started and flowered in pots very suc- cessfully, by following the same course of treatment from the start. Twenty-five pips can be grown in a seven-inch pot, and, when they are well grown, they meet a ready sale in the markets. Although there is but one species, there are several varieties, among them a pink-flowered sort, and a doul)le-flowered variety, neither being useful nor beautiful. COOPERIA. A genus of bulbs allied to the Zephyranthes, but of larger bulb, stronger habit of growth, and producing larger flowers. The flowei-s are mostly white, and they open quite flat, always first expanding at night, but when once open they remain until the petals fall. They are, properly, winter-flowering plants, and it is difficult to keep the bulbs in a condition for summer flowering. C. pedunculata. — Decidedly the best of the species for the garden ; its flowers are produced solitary, but in COEBULARIA — CRINUM — CROCUS. 67 succession, so that a clump of them will be in continu- ous bloom from June until September. They can be increased raiiidly from seeds or from offsets. The bulbs must be kept dry and cool, but away from frost during winter, and planted with other summer flowering bulbs in spring. They also flower well during winter in tlie house, but they will not there take the i)lace of winter- flowering bulbs. CORBULARIA. A synonym for Narcissus Bulhocodium. CRINUM. See Page 19. CROCUS. This well-known genus of early spring and autumn flowers contains about ninety distinct species, but few of which, however, are now included among our garden flowers. The many choice varieties which are the results of hybridization, have taken the place of the six3cies. The crocus is divided into two distinct classes, the sirring and the autumn flowering. The spring-flowering crocus, Crocus versicolor^ is of the easiest culture ; but it is well to remark, that the too common practice of putting them into poor and badly prepared ground, is simi)ly doing them great injustice. While they will flower with little or no care, they amply repay the best possible attention ; a well-prepared bed of deep rich soil is their delight. In such a soil the number of flowers will, at least, be doubled, and their size materially increased. They also want a dry situation ; one where water stands during winter is fatal to the solid bulb or corm. Many complaints are made by amateurs of their Crocuses not flowering; there is really but one cause of failure when a new bed is made, and newly inqjorted corms are planted ; that is, the work is too long delayed. 68 BULBS AKB TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLANTS. If Crocuses are to be planted at all, they must be planted at the proper time, which is as soon as the corms can be procured in the autumn after their arrival from Europe. They usually commence growth by the first of Septem- SPRIN'G FLOWERING CROCUS. ber, and if planting is long deferred the germ is destroyed ; for grow they will, whether in or out of the soil. Planting should not be deferred later than the first of October, if the best results are to be attained. CROCUS. G9 The corms should be planted, at least, three inches deep, for as the new corms form above or beyond the old ones, they will, in a few years, push themselves out of the ground if planted too near the surface. The corms may remain where planted for three or four years, without removal, or as long as they continue to flower well. "When a change becomes necessary, take up and replant tlie same day if possible, and do it as soon as convenient after the foliage has dried up. One of the peculiarities of Crocuses is, that when they are in flower the seed-vessel is still under ground, almost close to the corm ; and it is not till some weeks after the flower has decayed that it emerges, on a white peduncle, and ripens its seeds above the ground. Cro- cuses should not be planted in a shaded situation, as they require full sunlight to mature their foliage, upon which their next season's flowering depends. In plant- ing them, there are two important considerations ; the first is situation. Shade must ever be avoided, for with- out sunshine the Crocus is witliont a home. Select some warm cozy corner, where the sun delights to linger, and there plant the corms. The next consideration is selection, and that is, in a large measure, a matter of taste. The quality of the corms, however, is very im- ])ortant, and should, in all cases, be of the best. We always advise the ]danting of named varieties; not that a plant is any better for its having a name, but for the fact tliat small-sized inferior bulbs are put into the mixtures, while the best bulbs are sold under names. And it is as well to remark here that the Dutch bulb-growers do not grow anything in mixture ; everything is under name, and mixtures are of surplus stock and second quality of bulbs. Color, and arrangement in planting, is a matter of choice. Having determined upon that, select the best bulbs to secure your object. A few of the best are : 70 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. White. — Mont Blanc, La Neige, and Queen Vic- toria. Yellow. — Large Yellow, Largest Size. Blue. — Large Blue, and Lord Palmerston. Purple. — III this class the blues might have been placed, as a really blue crocus does not exist; those named simply approach the blue. Purple with white markings, white and yellow are the predominating col- ors of the crocus, and these contrast finely together. The best pui-ples are : Large Purple. — Ohas. Dickens, Sir John Frank- lin, and Othello. The following are fine marked and striped, and are remarkable for the size of their flowers. General Garibaldi. — White, striped with purple. La Majesteuse. — Large, violet-striped, on a deli- cately tinted very firm ground. Ne Plus Ultra. — Blue, with white border. Lady Stanhope. — Violet, light border. Pride of Albion. — Very large and fine, white, ;riped with lilac. Sir Walter Scott. — Finely striped, purple and white, one of the best. Prince of Wales. — Violet and white. The Crocus for the Window Garden. — The Crocus does admirably as a pot plant, but to insure suc- cess the corms should be planted, five or six in a five- inch pot, as soon as they can be obtained in autumn. Plunge the pots in coal ashes outside until they are filled with roots, which will be by the first of December, when they may be brought into the house, gradually bringing them to the light, but at no time giving them heat. Full light and a temperature not above 50°, will bring them into flower, each bulb giving several blooms. High temperature will surely blast the flowers. Autumn Flowering Crocus. — These are rarely seen in cultivation, from the fact of their coming into CROCUS — CROWK IMPERIAL — CUMMIKGIA. 71 flower when our gardens are filled with flowers useful for cutting, more showy, and in every sense more attractive. However beautiful a flower may be in its grassy bed, if it cannot be made to appear beautiful as a cut flower, it lias but a small place in the garden. The species of til is class are : C. sativus (Saffron Crocus). — A very handsome plant, w'ith flowers of a pale purple or violet, readily dis- tinguished from all the other species, by the prominence of its stigmas. These stigmas, when dried, form the saffron of commerce. The flowers and leaves of the Saffron Crocus appear simultaneously in September. It is a very ornamental species, and requires no further cai-e than planting in spring in any good garden soil, its preference being for one of a sandy nature. C. serotinus. — A purple-flowered species from the Crimea, occasionally found among the rocks by the sea shore in Portugal. C. speciosus (Showy Crocus). — The most beauti- ful of all the Crocuses, from the large size of its flowers, which appear, in October, without the leaves; the latter are not protruded until the flowers are withered. The withered flowers remain on the plant till the ripening of the seed, which takes place the following April or May. It differs from all other Crocuses, in thriving under the shade of trees, and in preferring a situation near the water. CROWN IMPERIAL. See Fritillaria. CUMMINGIA. A synonym of Conanthera. See Page 61. CYANELLA. A genus of very pretty little Cape of Good Hope bulbs, with white, blue, yellow and red flowers, appear- 72 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLANTS. ing in July or August. The flowers are something like those of the Ixia, but smaller, and are produced in clus- ters of ten or twelve, on long pedicels spreading widely from the main stem. The bulbs do best when left in the ground during winter, but they must be protected against frost, or water, by a cold frame, or liberal mulching. CYCLAMEN. When well managed, there are few winter flowering bulbs more pleasing or attractive than the Cyclamen. They are not classed among popular plants, from the fact that their blooms have no commercial value. But for objects of interest, they have but few rivals in the greenhouse or conservatory. When brought from the greenhouse to the window garden they continue to pro- duce their charming flowers longer than most other plants. The genus Cyclamen contains but few species, just how many it is difficult to say, as it is a question upon which authorities differ, from the fact that many varieties are included in the list of so-called species. It is, however, to (7. Persicum that we are indebted for the many types and varieties that are commercially known and sold under the generic name Cyclamen. The genus has long been under cultivation as a flow- ering plant, as we find it beautifully illustrated as early as 1612, and from the drawings then made we can recog- nize the most improved varieties of the present day. The origin of one common name. Sowbread, is so old that it is past finding out. Pliny said the roots poisoned swine, whence the name Sowbread, or poison, was given it. The more general, as well as the more reasonable, inference is that it derived this name from the fact of swine being fond of the roots, and that they are whole- some, rather than injurious. The only practicable way of growing the Cyclamen is from seed, which is produced freely. It germinates CYCLAMEN. 73 the more rapidly if sowd as soon as ripe. As the plants are wanted for winter and spring use, the seed should be sown in pots or pans about the first of December, and given a gentle bottom heat and a humid atmosphere. The soil in which the seed is sown should be light, open Rf^^A-vi] Mm ^ PERSIAN" CYCLAMEN". and friable, in order that the seedlings may be ])ricked out at the proper time, without injury to their roots. This work cannot be done all at one time, as some of the seeds will germinate much sooner tlian others, and, when up, the plants make a more rapid growth. The 74 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLANTS. seedlings should be pricked out into thumb pots when their first leaves are not more than half an inch in diam- eter. The young bulbs then will be about the size of small peas, and, in potting, these should not be placed below the surface of the soil, which should be coarse, light and rich, with pieces of pots, finely broken, inter- mixed, and be well drained. Although the Cyclamen demands a moist atmosphere, and the soil in the pots must not get dry while the plants are in a growing state, there is nothing more injurious to them than water, if it stands about the roots, or the soil becomes sodden. From the time the seed is sown until the plants are in flower, they must never receive a check. Growth must be rapid and steady. Frequent shif tings will be neces- sary, at least as often as the pots are nicely filled with roots, and in shifting, remove from one pot to another but one size larger, always using the same kind of soil. During summer the plants may be grown in a shaded frame, outside, or in the greenhouse, which is, by far, the most convenient. If in the latter, the glass should be whitewashed, as they must be protected against the direct rays of the sun, as well as dry atmosphere. As early as the October after the seed is sown, the plants will have filled five-inch pots, the bulbs an inch and a half in diameter, and flowering beautifully, each plant producing from fifty to a hundred blossoms. The colors will be from pure white to the darkest purplish crimson, with all the variations these colors will produce; the more pleasing being pure white v/ith crimson eye, or white with delicate pink spots. The only enemy the Cyclamen has to encounter is the thrip, and this will not be troublesome if the plants are kept in continuous growth. Should the appearance of thrip become manifest by the curling of the leaf, remove it as quickly as possible; allow no foliage on the plant that is not perfectly healthy, and this pest will soon disappear. CYCLAMEN. 75 The summer after flowering, the pots should be plunged in some shaded border, away from drip, and given no f iirtlier thouglit until the first of October, when tliey should Ije repotted. AVlien this is done give them entirely fresh soil, witli as little injury as possible to the old roots, carefully removing such as are dead or dis- eased. Put the bulbs in the same sized pots from which they were taken, and shift on into larger ones, as may become necessary, always bearing in mind the important fact that the plants do best with their bulbs wholly above the soil. THE SPECIES ARE I C. persicum. — The species described above. A native of Peisia. Except in rare or botanical collections, the other species are not often met. C. africanum (African).— This species is of deli- cate ha])it. with fine, large blush-white flowers. C. cilicicum. — A native of Cilecia, and resembles C. europani III. C. Coum. — A native of Asia Minor; with mostly deep red inodorous flowers ; of this there are several varieties. C. europaeum. — This species is v,-idcly distributed throughout Ciitral and Southern Eurojic. Flowers mostly bright red and very fragrant. C. ^TzncMvn (Greek). — From the mountains of Greece. I-'lowers pure white, with a bright purple spot at tlie base. The bulbs of this species arc very large, and often irrogu^ar in form. C. hederaefolium (Ivy-leaved Cyclamen). — In many respects this is one of the most magnificent of all tlie Cyclamens. Its hal)it is not so graceful as that of C. /H-rsinf7n, neither is it as free-lloweriiig, but it is niorc vigorous and hardy. It is found wihl in some parts of England. It is very handsome in foliage, the 76 BULBS AND TUBEKOUS-ROOTED PLANTS. leaves being quite ornamental and produced in the great- est profusion. The flowers precede the leaves and con= tinue from August to October. C. ibericum (Iberian). — A native of the Caucasus ; flowers bright red in the type, with a bright purple spot at the base. C. neapolitanum (Neapolitan). — A close alliance with C* europceum, CYPELLA. A handsome greenhouse bulb, of easy culture. The flowers are yellow, with a dark stripe down each petal. (7. Herherti, the only species, is a native of South Amer- ica. This is one of a large class of bulbs, beautiful, but not popular. It cannot be grown outside of the green- house, other than in the most temperate climates, and it has not a commercial value that will warrant green- house care. CYKTANTHUS. A small genus of deciduous and evergreen bulbs, from the Cape of Good Hope. While the flowers of the Cyrtanthus are all beautiful, and some singularly so, the difiiculty in producing them, and in preserving the bulbs, is so great, in proportion, that they are rarely met. They require treatment so different from nearly all other plants, that a house must be devoted to them alone, if success is to be attained. The ordinary green- house is too cold and damp ; the stove house is too warm and damp. Hence the difficulty in their management. DAFFODIL. See Narcissus. DAHLIA. But few of the many genera of flowering plants have had so many ups and downs, in the way of popular! t}^ as the Dahlia. When first introduced, the single forms DAHLIA, 7r 1/ ^ TYPES OF DOUBLE DAHLIAS. 78 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. created a most wonderful sensation. The fact of the Marchioness of Bute, one of the most enthusiastic patrons of botany, having introduced it into England from Madrid in 1789, was a sufficient indorsement of its beauty and usefulness, to make it at once one of the most popular flowering plants. When the Dahlia was first introduced into Spain, it was named by Abbe Cavanilles, director of the Eoyal Gardens, in honor of Dr. Andrew Dahl, a Swedish botanist. After that, Prof. Wildenow, of Berlin, laboring under the impression that the name adopted by Cavanilles had been previously applied to another plant, discontinued the name Dahlia, and substituted that of Georgina, in honor of Prof. George, of St. Petersburgh. For a number of years it was known under the latter name, and is so termed in some of Loudon's writings. Its cultivation, however, did not become very gen- eral until the illustrious naturalists, Humboldt and Bonpland, in descending from the tableland in Mexico towards tbe coast of the Pacific ocean, rediscovered it growing on the prairies, at a height of nearly five thou- sand feet above the level of the sea. The plants then discovered were transmitted to the botanical garden at Mexico, and in 1804 transferred to the various public gardens throughout Europe, But little progress was made in their cultivation, or in the development of the species, for several years thereafter. The following account of the origin of the double forms we take from the "History of the Dahlia," by Kobert Hogg, Esq., of London, published in 1853. ** Several cultivators on the continent, observing the natural disposition of the Dahlia to sport from its orig- inal form, began now to direct their attention to raising new varieties, and treating it as a florists' flower. Many attempts were made to procure double flowers, but Avith- out success. In 1806, the gardener at Malmaison for- DAHLIA. 79 warded to the gardener at St. Cloud all tlie three varie- ties which were tlieii known, namely, D. coccmea, D. inu'purea and D. crocata. These produced seeds, which were sown, hut, notwithstanding all the attempts which were made year after year, they still remained single. In Belgium, however, they were more success- ful ; for we learn that in 1812, M. Donkelaar, botanic gardener at Louvain, having sown a quantity of seeds, raised plants which the first year produced all single flowers. Disappointed, but not discouraged, he from these saved a second quantity, which, in their turn, pro- duced semi-double flowers ; and, emboldened with the success which attained this second essay, he, from the best of these semi-double flowers, produced a furtlier supply of seed, the produce of which, in the following year, presented him with three plants which bore flowers ])erfectlN' double. Tliese were, therefore, the first reallv double flowers ever produced. After this there were many varieties raised, of all shades and depths of color, and from this time the Dahlia began to attract for itself a measure of interest, whicli has gone on increasing, and which, even at the present day, seems to be as great and unabating as if it were a plant of the most recent intro- duction, and whicli was still a novelty in the midst of us." The popularity of the Dahlia, at that period, was quite as great in this country as in Europe. Exhibitions of this flower alone were held in the principal cities, and every encouragement was given to the ]>roduction of new varieties. From that time, until wilhin the past few years, when the single forms were again introduced, its popularity waned, while the enthusiasm for the single forms knew no bounds. Again the double forms are attracting as much attention as they did thirty years ago ; new varieties are being brought out, and the older ones reinstated to tl eir former ])osition in the garden. For garden display, we have no flower that can be BO successfully and satiiifactorily grown aa the Dahlia. 80 BULBS AKD TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLAIS^TS. It is of tlie easiest culture, and a proper selection will furnish, for two or tliree months of the season, a gor- geous mass of bloom. The double Dahlias are divided TYPES OF SIKGLE DAHLIAS. into several classes by the florists. For general display we prefer the Pompon or small-flowered sorts. They usually bear more and longer-stemmed flowers, standing DAHLIA. 81 well out from the plant in regular outline. These are far more useful for cut flowers, as they can be more gracefully arranged. Single Dahlias. — Where large masses of flowers are desired these will give the greatest satisfaction, as their flowers possess the most gorgeous colors, while the l)lants are more graceful and pleasing. Notwithstanding that the plant is of perennial habit, and is rapidly increased by cuttings, or division of tubers, it is quite as satisfactory when treated as an annual. When treated in tliis manner, seeds from the choicest varieties alone should be saved, such as have tlie largest and best formed flow- ers, of the most positive colors and best defined mark- ings. Seed sown in a frame, oj hotbed, or even in pots in the house, early in April, make fine blooming plants in August, and will continue in flower until killed by frost. Se})tember is really the month for the Dahlia ; it is then in perfection ; our hot, dry summers are not such as the Dahlia delights in, and the single forms seem more sensitive to the summer's sun than do the double ones. We should advise keeping over a few of the most desirable forms and colors, from which to save seed. But where a large mass is required, depend wholly ui)on seedlings, which should be planted sufficiently close to spare a few of the poorer ones, of which there will always be a goodly number. These can be thrown out when the first flowers appear, and the renuiinder will soon si)read so as to cover the ground. The plants should be set in rows four feet aj)art, and two feet apart in the rows. In this way a harmony of color will be secured that cannot be effected by artificial arrangement. This may seem strange, as the gardener would naturally think that witli his colors all assorted he could plant with more artistic skill than nature would employ. Not so, however, 'in a bed of seedlings ; there will scarcely be two alike, with every color, from the most positive to 6 82 BULBS AND TUBEKOUS-IIOOTED PLANTS. the most delicate neutral tint, and so perfectly blended that nothing but the most perfect harmony is visible. The raising of Dahlias from seed is one of the pleas- ures of gardening, and we cannot understand why the practice is not more common, since it is attended with so little difficulty in proportion to the success gained. The certainty of getting some very fine varieties is well bal- anced by getting some that are not worth growing, but these are easily thrown away, giving the remaining plants a better opportunity for development. To get choice seed is the important work ; this, many growers think, can only be obtained by cross-fertilization, from which opinion we dissent. Our opinion, based on years of experience, is that selection is the more important work. To choose for seed-bearing plants such as have the greatest vigor, grace of habit, and, withal, such as have the most desiiable flowers, as regards color, form and markings. Seed from medium or poor flowen sliould never be saved, neither should seeds from a plant that has produced other than perfect flowers, and these should be grov/n away from the ornamental border, as but few flowers should be left on the ]>lant for seed ; tlie other of the buds to be taken off, in order that the seed may have the full strengtli of the plant for its develop- ment. The seed of the single Dahlia should be saved in August, if possible; if left until the nights are cool the flowers will have a tendency to become double ; the floral discs will elongate, to protect the seed from the cold, which they do not do in hot weather. It is a sin- gular fact that a low temperature is favorable for double forms. In hot climates the flowers of the Dahlia will not remain double, and they can only be produced by getting tubers annually from cold climates ; and it is nearly as difficult to retain tlie single forms in cool climates. Cultivation and Propagation. — While the Dahlia will grow wherever planted, whether the soil be heavy or DAHLIA. 83 light, rich or poor, there is no plant that more highly appreciates good generous treatment. To produce good double flowers in profusion, the soil must be strong, deep and rich. The plant is a gross feeder and requires plenty of light, room and air. With these requisites an individual plant will yield an enormous number of flow- ers, proportionato in size and color. For exhibition flowers, disbudding is necessary ; leave but a single bud on a leading branch, and, should the veather be warm and dry, ar- tificial watering will greatly enhance the size and sub- stance of the flower. The soil should be worked often and deep. The Dahlia is not a weed, but a noble plant, and as such should receive proper attention. Propagation is effected in the spring by division of the tubers, which should be started on wet moss or sand about three weeks before it is time for planting out in the border. The eyes will develop into sprouts; then, with a fine oaw cut up the tubers, leaving but a single ey? en each piece, as shown in the illustration, ])lant in the same manner as the potato. For the rapid increase of desired varieties for purposes of sale, tlie tubers should be put in the propagating bench about the first of January, and cuttings taken off when tliey liave made two joints; these will root freely witli slight bot- tom heat. When nicely rooted pot off in tliuml pots. SPIiOUTKl) DAHLIA TrilKH. 84 I3ULBS AKD TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLAKTS. and carry on into larger 2^ots as their growth demands, and then plant out as soon as the weather will permit. For purposes of trade, what are known as. dry pot roots are very convenient, as they can be distributed through the mails as easily as any small bulbs, and they make plants, in every respect, equal to those grown from UNDIVIDED CLUMP OF DAHLIA TUBERS. larger tubers. These are grown from cuttings in three- inch pots, which are plunged in ashes in a frame, to jjre- vent their roots from penetrating the soil, and grown on during the summer, drying off in October. When dry, they can eitlier be sliaken out of pots and stored away, like tlie large tubers, or kept in the pots until wanted. Taking up and Storing-. — After the frost has killed the tops, and before tiiere is danger of the ground freezing up, the tubers cau be taken uj) and stored in a DACBEXYA. 85 dry room free from frost. Any treatment which will keep the potato during the winter, will keep the Dahlia e(iiially well. We prefer not to take the tuhers up for at least -a week after a frost, as they will rij^en niiicli hotter after the tops have been killed than before, and the tubers are not so liable to shrivel up during rest. The species from which all the varieties, both doiiljle and single, have originated, are as follows: D. coccinea (Scarlet). — One of the species first introduced, and also the one of modern introduction ; type of tlie single varieties. D. excelsa. — One of the strongest growing species ; the stem strong and woody, rising over twenty feet. D. gracilis (Slender). — One of the most beautiful of the single forms ; flowers bright orange-scarlet. D. imperialis (Im])erial). — A very beautiful spe-- cies in its nalive home, but its flowers api)ear so late, tluit it is of little value in our gardens. D. Juarezii (Cactus Dahlia). — This has generally been regarded a species, but it is really a garden variety, which originated in Mexico. It is one of the most showy and free-ilowering of the tribe. Of this tyi)e there are several named varieties, one of which is pure white, and all are distinct and very desirable. D. Mercki. — A small-flowered species, with white and yellow or lilac and yellow flowers. D. variabilis (Variable). — This is su])posed to be one of the species first introduced, and parent of most of the garden varieties. DAUBENYA. A small genus of very pretty Cape of Good Hope bul])s requiring greenhouse culture, but needing so much room for successful development that their culture is not desirable. 86 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. DAY FLOWEE. See Commelyna, Page 61. DOG'S TOOTH VIOLET. See Erythronium, Page 88. DRAGOIM PLANT. See Arisaema and Arum, Pages 31 to 33. DRIMIA. A small genus of uninteresting Cape of Good Hope bulbs formerly included in the genus Laclienalia. The flowers are small and not conspicuous. This genus is only mentioned, like many others, to caution amateurs against its cultivation. DUTCH BULBS, OR HOLLAND BULBS. This term is applied by the trade, to such bulbs as are largely grown in Holland, and includes Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocus, Crown Imperials and Narcissus, all but the latter being grown almost exclusively in that country. ELISENA. This genus contains bnt one cultivated species, E. hngipetala, a native of Peru, and allied to Pancratium. The flowers are borne in clusters on a slender scaj^e nearly three feet in height, and closely resemble those of the Ismene. Its pure white, delicately formed flowers, have a pleasing fragrance, and are worth all it costs to produce them. They require greenhouse treatment, to be kept very wet when in active growth, and perfectly dry when at rest. ERANTHIS. Winter Aconite. A small genus of tuberous-rooted, hardy herbaceous plants, natives of Italy and Siberia. EKAXTHIS — ERINOSMA. 87 E. hy emails. — The only cultivated species. It has a pretty little yellow flower, Taluable for its early blooming, and contrasting w^ell with the Snowdrop, its only companion in earliness, excepting, possibly, the SMla siberica, wiiicli appears before the others are entirely passed. The yellow, Tvhite and blue flowers of ERANTHIS HYEMALIS. the three genera, all delicate and low growing, form, when planted in close contact, in early spring a cheering mass of bloom. The Eranthis grows about three inches high, producing solitary terminal flowers. The tu})ers soon lose their vitality when out of the ground ; they increase rapidly, and recjuirc but little attention after once planting. ERINOSMA. See Leucoium. 88 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLA:^TS. EEIOSPERMUM. A small genus of Cape of Good Hope bulbs, produc- ing their flowers before the leaves ; they have neither beauty nor interest enough to warrant their cultivation. ERYTHRONIUxM. Dog''s Tooth Violet. A small genus of very beautiful liliaceous plants, found throughout temperate North America. One spe- cies is common in Europe. Why it should be called a violet, to which it has not the slightest resemblance, is one of the mysteries that surround plant nomenclature. Although they are native plants, they do not thrive well when taken from their wild homes in the moist woods. They will, however, succeed well, if planted in moist soil in partial shade, but they must have that protection which nature affords them, a covering of leaves in autumn ; this protects against cold in winter and drouth in summer, both of which they resent. The species are : E. dens-canis (Dog's Tooth Violet). — This s])ecies is common in the South of Europe, and is perfectly hardy in English gardens, but needs protection in Amer- ica. The flowers are variable, from white to deep pur- ple. When once planted, the bulbs should never be removed, unless absolutely necessary ; and when they are taken up, they should be replanted as soon as possi- ble, as, if suffered to dry, they shrivel up and soon decay. The flowers appear in Ma}', and contrast finely with their beautifully variegated foliage. Propagation is effected by offsets. E. americanum (Yellow Adder's Tongue). — This is the well-known species of our Avoods ; flowers droop- ing, brown outside, bright yellow w^ithin ; there seems to be several varieties, with larger or smaller flowers, all of the same general character, the difference probably being caused by the locality in which they grow; their foliage is beautifully spotted. EUCHAKIS. 89 E. albidum (White Dog's Tootli Violet). — A rare species occasionally met in Iowa and Southward ; its llowcrs are white, or nearly so, and the foliage is plain, five from the markings that distinguisii most of the spe- cies. A variety of this has been discovered at Lake ►Superior, with yellow flowers. E. grandiflorum. — A species occasionally met in the Northwestern States, and in its glory in the Xorth- crn Rocky Mountains. It has larger flowers than E. a.nericanum, but does not differ materially, from a flor- ists' standpoint, in other respects. EUCHARIS. This genns is of recent cultivation, having been introduced from New Grenada in 1851, where the species are found growing in the marshes m tropical luxuriance. 'J'he flowers are remarkable for their i)urity, beauty Mtid delightful fragrance. As flowers for florists' use, or for greenhouse dr-coration, they have no equals in the list of bulbs. All the species require the humid atmosphere of the hothouse, the oi-dinary temperature of the greenhouse being too low for tlieir perfect development. The flow- ers are produced in trusses of from four to ten, accord- ing: to the stren":th of the bulb and the conditions of growth. I'he impression that generally prevailed soon after their introduction, that they were dilflcult subjects to manage, was soon dispelled, and their culture becanio not only common, but very profitable, until the Eucharis insect made its appearance, since which time most grow- ers have become so discouraged, by repeated failures, that they have abandoned their cultivation. l>ut for the ravages of this pest the cultivation of the Eucharis would be attended with as little difliculty as that of alnu»st any ])opular ])lant. In fact, but few subjects aie more easily managed, water and heat being their chief rccpiisites. Unlike uumy other plants, they enjoy massing, and to 90 BULBS AKD TUBEROUS-EOOTED PLAN: . grow them to the greatest perfection they should be car- ried on from single bulbs, without division, until they fill tubs three feet in diameter. With a sufficient num- ber of these a succession of bloom can be obtained nearly the whole season. The bulbs need but little rest, and this can be so regulated, by the withholding of heat and moisture, as to keep up the succession. Potting may be done at any time, care being necessary so as not to injure the roots. The soil which best suits them is a good strong loam, with plenty of coarse sand, and made very rich with thoroughly rotted manure ; that from the cow- stable being preferable. Vf hile in a growing state water cannot be too freely applied, when sufficient drainage has been provided. Liquid manure should be given, at least, twice a week, and the plants syringed twice a day to keep off thrip and red spiders. The temperature of the house should not fall below 70° during winter, and during that season give them all the sunshine possible. To secure flowers in the winter months water si:)aringly from August to October. E. amazonica. — The type. The variety, grandi- flora, is the larger, and b}/ far the most desirable. E. Candida. — A smaller flowered species; flowers from three to six in an umbel, produced on spikes about two feet high ; leaves solitary on each bulb. E. Sanderiana. — This differs from E. grandiflora in the filaments and inside of the tube being yellow. In all other respects and in general habit it is like the species referred to. EUCOMIS. A small genus of coarse-growing Cape of Good Hope bulbs, the only merit of which is the pleasant fragrance of their flowers. E. bifolia. — The best known of the species has but two leaves, which lay flat upon the ground; flowers are greenish, produced on short racemes. TEEESIA. 90a FREEST A REFR.VCTA AIBA. y05 BULBS AND TUBEEOUS-ROOTED PLANTS. FREESIA. The Freesia bulb is very easily managed, but it admits of but one condition of growth. That is in a cool greenhouse, and without any attempt at forcing. The bulbs may be planted at any time from August to- October ; after that they begin to dry up and lose their vitality. They can be grown in boxes or pots; if in boxes they should not be less than four inches deep, five would be better, as they root and form new bulbs deeply. Although the bulbs are small, they succeed best when allowed considerable room. The first size should be placed two inches apart each way, and covered Avith one inch of soil. If in pots, put from five to seven bulbs in a six-inch pot. Press the soil firmly over them, and put the pots or boxes under the bench, giving them only suf- ficient water to keep the soil moist, but not wet. Let them remain until the tops appear above the surface, then remove to the bench where they are to grov/. It is best to grow in pots, because, in case of vigorous growth, the pots can be placed so as to give the ])lants the re- quired room. The temperature of the house should not, at any time, rise above 70° F., and good ventilation should be secured. Never allow the soil to become dry. After flowering they should be given more heat, to ripen the bulbs. The too common practice of putting the plants under the bench to ripen off is not a good one, as the bulbs produced will be small and weak. In common with all other bulbs, the preparation for next year's flowers are completed this ; it is, therefore, important to give the bulbs every possible help, not only to develop size, but blooming qualities. The species are F, refracia, yellow, with the pure white variety, alha, and F, LeicliU linii, cream with orange throat, which has been classed a species, the two forming the genus. All the species are fragrant, but the florist grows only F, rcfracta alia- EUCROSIA — EURYCLES — FERRARIA. 91 EUCROSIA. The only species is E. hicolor, which is a very showy bulb from the Peruvian Andes. The flowers are bright vermilion, with a purplish stripe on the outside of the petals, produced in terminal clusters on the slender scapes about a foot higb. They should be grown in a warm greenhouse, where they produce their flowers in summer. In winter they require perfect rest ; in all respects treat the same as the Amaryllis or the Hippe- astrum, to which natural order they belong. EURYCLES. A small genus of bulbs, natives of Australia, and allied to Pancratium. This plant will succeed only with hothouse treatment. The flowers are white, and produced in compact umbels in May. The length of time tbey occupy space in the hothouse, and the care required, is not remunerated by their flowers. EVENING FLOWER. See Ilesperantha, Page 137. FEATHERED HYACINTH. See Muscari. FERRARIA. A small genus of Cape bulbs, valued more higlily for their singular appearance than for their real beauty. They are of the easiest culture, -flowering freely in pots in the greenhouse in Ai)ril. Tlie bulbs are small. From four to six can be put into a six-inch pot in autumn, and they will commence to grow in February, when they require plenty of air, sunlight and water. Soon after flowering the foliage dies down, when the pots should ])e put away in a dry place and remain until the time for growth to again commence. They can then be repotted, or grown on in the same pots, and continued on as long 92 BULBS AKD TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. as they flower well. They succeed well in a cold frame, but must be protected against frost and water during winter. They are increased rapidly by offsets. F. Ferrariola {F. anthei^osa). — Flowers green and brown. F. uncinata. — A curious species; flowers green, with a bright blue mark in the center. F. at rata. — Very brilliant purple flowers. F. divaricata. — Flowers purple and green. F. obtusifolia. — This is entirely distinct from the other species by the remarkable color of its flowers, and its potato-like root. It grows about eighteen inches high, and branches in the form of a bush. It flowers in June and July, and the bulbs may be taken up in the autumn and kept during winter like those of the Tigridia, and planted out again in early spring. This species is deserving of cultivation, from the great beauty and profusion of its flowers. FLAG FLOWER. A popular name of the Iris. FLAME LILY. See Pyrolirion. FLEUR DE LIS AND FLOWER DE LUCE. See Iris. FRENCH TULIP. The popular name of Tulipa sylvestris. FRITILLARIA. Guinea-hen Floiuer. Clieclcered Lily. All of the Fritillarias have drooping bell-shaped flowers, Avith honey drops in the cavity of each petal. This nectar is particularly abundant in the Crown Im- perialj so much so as to drop if the flowers ar«^ ^hakep- FRITILLARIA. 93 CEOWN IMPERIAL. 94 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. All the species are desirable border plauts, as tliey are among the earliest of spring flowers, and remarkably showy. Most of the species are rich in spots or mark- ings ; some are checked in the manner and as regular as the chess-board. All are of the easiest culture, and require only to be plante'd in any gooi soil moderately rich and made Hglit. While tliey are included in our list of hardy bulbs, and are hardy in the general accepta- tion of the term, they are greatly benefited by a liberal mulching of leaves during winter, quite as much to pro- tect against alternate freezing and thawing, as against cold. The bulbs do not require frequent changing, but can remain a number of years after planting without removal. As they soon die down after flowering, annu- als or bedding plants can be planted in the same bed, thus keeping up a succession of flowers, without injury, in fact, w^ith benefit to the bulb. There are many spe- cies and varieties. F. Meleagris. — This is the well-known Guinea-hen flower, a native of England, growing naturally in moist meadows or near rivers, and does not attain its full 'ze if grown in dry soil. There are several varieties^ ditt'er- ing only in the color of the flowers, which are variable from purple to nearly white. The bulb is small, white and flat, each bulb producing but a smgle flower. F. imperialis (The Crown Imperial). This spe- cies is a native of Persia, and was introduced into Eng- land previous to 159G, as Gerard mentions it in his Herbal of that date, praising it on account of **^its stately beautifulness," and accords it ''the first place in the garden of delight." This is the least cultivated, and, perhaps, the least known or popular of all the bulbs, yet it is one of the most noble of spring-flowering species, and should be found in every collection, no matter how small. It usually attains a lieight of from two to three feet, bearing an umbel of bell-shaped flowers, red or GAGEA— GALAXTHUS. 95 yellow, of both single and double forms, on the top of a naked flower-stcni, and over them is a crown of leaves, making it one of the mo.'t beautiful objects in the gar- den. The flowers precede those of the hyacinth, wbicli adds to their many attractions (See Engraving, Page 93). While all tbe sj)ecies are objects of interest in the garden, those described above fully represent the genus. GAGEA. A considerable genus of half-hardy bulbs, allied to the Tulip. The flowers are yellow, i)r()duced in umbels on short stems, and ai)i)ear about (he same time as the Crocus. They are, practically, of no use in this country, not being sufticiently hardy for open air culture, aud not worthy a place in the greenhouse. GAL AN THUS. Snowdrop, These elegant little flowers, the first to open in spring, should be found in every garden, not only because they are the earliest spring flower, but because they are the loveliest. It is not an uncommon thing to have Snowdrops in flower in February, at least two weeks ahead of the Crocus, particularly if jjlanted in some well-protected sunny border, a ])lace where they should always be found. The Snowdrop thrives in almost any situation or soil ; it will live and bloom anywhere, sur- viving more hard treatment than any other plant, excepting grass, yet there are ])ut few flowers that more highly appreciate good care and culture. The bulbs should be planted as early in the autumn as they can he secured, as they sutler much if left Ioult out of ground. Tluy should be ]»lanted in sm.ill ('lum))s and left to (^nv for themselves, whicli they will do, \\hetli(r ]>laiited in sun or shade, under the trees or in the grass; in f'act. where anything will grow the Snowdrop will thrive. Hy 96 BULBS AKB TUBEKOUS-BOOTED PLAKTS. planting in different exposures, a succession may be had from February to May„ It is, however, for early flowers that they are planted ; they tell us when spring is com- ing, and that more showy forms are soon to follow^ The- few species that make uj) this genus are : SI^OWDBOr — SNOWFLAKE. G. nivalis. — The single form is the common Snow- drop, a native of England, where it is found in woods and shady dells ; the double form is a garden variety of this species, and is usually smaller than the wild single plant. GALAXIA — GALTOKIA. 97 G. plicatus (Folded, or Russian Snowdrop). — The bulb of this species is mucli larger than tiiat of the com- mon Snowdrop, but the flower is smaller, and the petals forming the inner part are of a deep green. The leaves are broader than of the common kind, and they are curiously folded at the edges, whence the specific name, which signifies plaited or folded. G. Elwesii. — A large-flowered form similar to the preceding ; the leaves are twisted, instead of being folded. It was introduced from Asia Minor in 18T5, and is regarded as the finest of the genus. GALAXIA. A small genus of very i)retty greenhouse bulbs, natives of Southern Africa ; generally with large, showy yeHow flowers. 1'hcy can be successfully grown in a cold frame, if secure from frost, flowering in midsum- mer. Tliey flower freely in the cool greenhouse, but are not of sufficient value to entitle them to the room and care required. Tliey are produced freely from offsets. They may be treated like the Gladiolus, but the bulbs must he kept cool and dark, and free from frost. GALTOOTA. \^ITyacinthus caiidicans .]' G. candicans, the only species, a native of South Africa, is one of our most ornamental border jnants, grow- ing from four to six feet higli, bearing from twenty to one hundred large bell-shaped flowers of a creamy wliite color, on drooping foot stalks. While it is quite as hardy as any of the species, and is of perennial habit, it sliould never be treated as such if its capabilities are to be fully brought out. It needs to be grown from seed, which grow readily when sown in the same manner as the seeds of the most common garden vegetables. In light, rich soil, flowering bulbs will be nuide the first 7 98 BULBS AKD TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. year; take up and store the same as Gladiolus; plant out the following spring, and by the first of August the flower stalks will appear ; these should be immediately cut off, at least from a portion of the bulbs, as soon as they appear, in order to throw the whole strength of the plant into the bulb for the next season's flowering. The second year from seed sowing its greatest perfection is attained, and spikes such as we have described will be the rule. After once flowering dig up and throw away, as they will never after produce flowers worthy the name. It is not worth while for the owners of small gardens to grow their own bulbs, because of their cheapness, but they should always plant such as have been produced in the manner described. Well grown bulbs will be from two to three inches in diameter. GANYMEDES, or RUSH DAFFODIL. See Narcissus triandrus. GARLIC. See Allium. Page 9. GASTRONEMA. See Cyr tan thus. Page 76. GEISSORHIZA. Tile-Root. A considerable genus of beautiful little bulbous plants, which, were formerly considered to belong to Ixia. They are all remarkable for their bulbo-iubers, or rhizomes, which resemble fleshy stems, and are cov- ered with several skins, or coatings, which lie over each other, like scales, or the tiles of a house, beginning from below. It is from this peculiarity that the plants take their English name of Tile-root. They have but four GEISSORHIZA. 99 leaves, all of which spring from the root, and are narrow and bristly. The stems are simple, or branched, pro- ducing one or two flowers each, resembling tlie Ixia. The bulbs are all small, some not larger than peas, and are, in all respects, to be managed like the Ixias. They make beautiful pot plants, or can be successfully grown in cold frames, in very sandy soil, and where water will not stand over them. They are as impatient of moisture as of cold; in fact, they will not endure either. They are natives of Abyssinia and the Cape of Good Ilope. The species commonly met are ; G. excisa. — A small growing species, formerly known as Ixia excisa. Flowers white, lined with pink, and with a green center; they will only open in full sunshine. G. obtusao — A stronger growing species, with straw or buff-colored flowers. G. Rochensis. — One of the most beautiful of the genus, and formerly called Plaid Ixiac Tlie bulbs arc veiy small, and will not remain long in a dry state without injury. The flowers are quite brilliant, the colors being blue, white and crimson. G. obtusata. — An elegant species, from the abund- ance and size of the flowers, generally producing six or eight rich cream-colored flowers, streaked with pink on the outside. They are without fragrance. G. secunda. — Of this species there are two varie- ties, one with blue, the other with white flowers. They flower early, and can only be successfully grown in the greenhouse. G. vaginata. — The most showy and useful of the species. The flowers appear in August and can be grown in a dry border, with a ])rotection of leaves during win- ter. They are yellow, tii)ped with dark pur])h! or hhick. The remaining species are rarely met, exce])ting in botanical collections. i 100 BULBS AND TUBEKOUS-EOOTED PLANTS. GESNERA. The Gesnera has long been classed with greenhouse bulbous plants. The species form a varied and most interesting class, which can only be grown in the green- house or stove-house. They are all natives of South America and Mexico, and are quite as remarkable for the beauty of their foliage, which is singularly marked and has a velvet-like appearance, as for their flowers. The brilliant, mostly scarlet and yellow flowers, are pro- duced on long branching stalks. To grow them success- fully they must have plenty of heat and moisture, but in watering avoid wetting the leaves. They are easily managed, so far as their period of bloom is concerned. By applying or withholding water, after a period of rest, a succession of bloom may be kept up with a few plants the entire season. Propagation is readily effected by cuttings of young shoots, or by leaf cuttings if the leaf be taken off with a bud at its base, or by division of the tubers, which should be made when starting into growth. They are also easily grown from seed, which should be sown in paus of sphagnum, made very fine and mixed with clean sand, as soon as ripe. The pans should be covered with glass to avoid evaporation, and placed in a warm house. As soon as the second pair of leaves is formed prick out into thumb pots and grow on in a humid atmos- phere. The plants will show when they need rest, by the drooping and drying up of their foliage ; then grad- ually withhold water until the tops die down, after which put them away in a dry, warm place, until their period of growth again arrives, which they will show by their starting ; then repot, and divide if desirable. There are upwards of fifty species, all desirable. GETHYLLIS. The most diminutive genus of the Amaryllidacece. The si)ecies are little bulbs from the Cape of Good GLADIOLUS. 101 Hope, and are easily grown in the greenhouse in liglit open soil. The flowers are small, pure white, quite fragrant, and produced on stalks that do not exceed six inches in height. They are quite rapidly increased by offsets. These should be separated from the jmrent bulb r.t any time during winter, when it is at rest. G. spiralis. — A jiretty plant, with singularly twisted foliage. G. afra. — Botanically this is a curious plant, having twelve fertile stamens, while all others of this natural order have but six. The flowers are very fragrant, and are succeeded by transparent yellow berries of a pleasant odor^ and said to be edible. GLADIOLUS. Although the Gladiolus has not the poetic and his- toric associations that distinguish the Lily, it is, never- theless, more remarkable in many respects. It is better adapted for general cultivation than the Lily, or any other of the many rare and beautiful kinds of bulbs. Between the Gladiolus and the Lily there is a stranoo contrast. Of all the forms of the Gladiolus under culti- vation, embracing, as they do, some of the grandest and most beautiful, as well as the most showy of floral forms, rarely do we see the original species, all the varieties that claim our attention being hybrid forms, or tlieir descendants, wonderfully changed by cross-fertilization. So great have been these changes, that the original forms are entirely changed and greatly surpassed in the beauty of the flowers, as regards size, form, color and markings. On the other hand, in the creation of the Lily, nature so perfected her work that any improvement on the species has not come within the possibilities of human clTurt. From tlie standpoint of classification tlie Gladiolus lias not been improved by the changes consequent uj)on liybridization. Some systematic botanists regard tho 102 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLANTS. TYPES OF GLADIOLUS. GLADIOLUS. 103 florists' work as an unwarrantable interference with nature's plans ; consequently^ all changes of forms are regarded as monstrosities. But flowers are grown for the gratification of the eye. to satisfy the thirst for the beautiful, and in that sense they are useful, whether in a natural or deyeiop<3 ment of its flowers, the capabilities of the flower were at once manifest. The changes in form, size and combina- tion of colors were marvelously rapid, and so pleasing that the work was pushed with an enthusiasm tliat knew no bounds. Tlie labor and care in cross-fertiliza- tion was so little in comparison with results obtained, tliut varieties almost innumerable were given distinctive names, many of which have long since been lost sight of, and their places filled by yet more beautiful forms. Tlie work is still going on, and there is, seemingly, no limit to the changes that can be produced. The first cross between the species resulted in tlio well known G. yandavensis, about which there has been much controversy and great misunderstanding. It has been regarded by many as a species, or as a distinct race ; whence or how it sprang no one seemed t<) know, although to us its origin seemed as clear as that of any hyl)ri(l form. Louis Van Houtte, the late and most distinguished nurseryman and author, whose authority was undisputed 113 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS, on all other subjects, said that it was produced at Ghent, and was a cross between G. psittacinus and G. cardinalis. However satisfactory this statement may have been to florists in general, it by no means settled the parentage of that noble class. The late Hon. and Eev. William Herbert, an acknowledged authority on bulbs, said Mr. Van Houtte was in error, because, after repeated attempts to hybridize these species he, Mr. Herbert, could not succeed, consequently it was an impossibility, and that Mr. Van Houtte must have been mistaken as to the origin of G gandavensis. All the English author- ities agreed with Mr. Herbert, and in every treatise on the Gladiolus his opinion was quoted as correct. We can easily understand why results can be reached lii one country, that are impossible in another. The difference in climatic influences are sufficient to prevent in one case, what it is easy to accomplish in another. Certain it is, that in the origin of G, gandavensis, a new race began, and to it we are indebted for the fine garden varieties now so extensively cultivated. While crosses between this hybrid and the species are easily effected, it has not been necessary to resort to further hybridiza- tion to accomplish the most wonderful results. We wish, at this point, to correct the common error of calling the new varieties that annually appear, '^ly- brids." They are not, in any sense, hybrids, and rarely are they the results of cross-fertilization. They are simply choice seedlings, creatures of accident. We have raised from seed, either especially cross-fertilized, or carefully selected from the best named sorts, or from seed taken at random from our fields, in all, more than a million corms ; among the number some of the best known varieties are, Isaac Buchanan, Martha Washing- ton, Bayard Taylor and Charlotte Cushman. In all our efforts to produce a desired effect we have failed, and, instead, we have been favored with some remarkably GLADIOLUS. 113 good forms that we did not anticipate. From seeds saved from the best flowers, we have secured excellent results; while from seeds gathered at random, we have had some of the best flowers we have ever grown. From a long and varied experience in growing the Gladiolus from seed, we are fully convinced of the folly of attempt- ing to secure any given form or color by any artificial means ; convinced that form and color are wholly beyond control ; that the offspring are liable to have any of the colors of the original species, or any combination or vari- ation of color that the originals could produce. It is held, and, as a rule, correctly, that by persistent selec- tion of any given form, a tyj^e can be secured; that if we save seed from the best, or only the purest white, we can finally secure seed that will give only white flowers ; or at least we can finally secure a pure white variety. Tiie same is said of the yellows or scarlets. Our experi- ence witli Gladiolus has been the reverse. For instance, Isaac Buchanan is the nearest a clear golden yellow of an} known variety, if we except one found among our seedlings recently, and the seed from which it was pro- duced was not taken from a yellow flower. Again, anxong tlie seedlings we annually find ty])es almost like Hrenchleyensis, which rarely, if ever, produces seed, and which we have never attempted to save. Yet we get flowers from the first flowering of every bed of seed- lings almost identical. Tlie same is true in every respect with John Bull, a standard white variety. We are, therefore, forced to believe that new forms result from conditions little understood. Certain it is that good cultivation, in a congenial soil and climate, will be the best rewarded. There is no other pleasure in gardening equal to that which comes from the growing of Gladiolus from seed. The certainty of getting some remarkably fine varieties is absolute ; that in a bed, uo matter how large, 8 114 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. there will be no two alike ; that all will be showy, and that some will be so grotesque as to cause us to tender our sympathies to the afflicted parents, are not only among the possibilities, but the probabilities of growing seedlings. By long growing of a given variety we find its constitution is liable to become impaired, that many sorts sicken and die. All varieties will soon run out unless propagation from offsets is constantly kept up. Seedlings have usually greater vitality for a number of years than the sorts grown from offsets, and, unless a certain variety of merit is to be perpetuated, it is de- cidedly better to increase our stock from seed. For mixtures furnished *^the trade," we resort to this method wholly. Flowering bulbs can be produced as quickly from seed as from bulblets, with a certainty of greater variety, and a chance of some remarkable forms. Selecting Gladiolus Seed. — While there is no certainty that the seed saved and sown will produce remarkable results, it is decidedly better to save seed from the best and most vigorous forms. That is a prin- ciple in seed-saving, and should be respected with the Gladiolus. It is a good indication to strive for the best, whatever may be the result. Bad habits in anything should not be encouraged ; therefore, in selecting seeds, take from the plants, with characters such as one would like to see in the offspring, health, form and well-defined colors, this is in the true line of improvement, whether successful or not. The Seed Bed. — The ground should be worked well and deep, whatever the character of the soil, and as nearly level as convenient to avoid washing out, in case of heavy rain. Prepare, in all respects, the same as for any garden vegetable ; sow the seeds thickly in rows, sufficiently far enough apart to work with the hoe ; cover the seeds with fine soil, half an inch deep. Then cover the whole bed with newly cut grass, fine hay, or GLADIOLUS. 115 lattice frames that will exclude nearly all the sun. This will keep the soil moist and prevent baking, two essen- tial conditions. If the seed is o^ood and the conditions are favorable, the young plants will appear thickly in from two to three weeks. When well up remove the cover- ing, and at all times keep the soil well worked and free from weeds. If the weather is not too dry their growth will not be checked until frost, when they should be lifted and stored in a dry, dark room, free from frost, but cool. Ours are stored in a drv cellar, heated only in case of necessity. The bet- tor plan is to put them in shallow box- es, so that the corms will not be more than two inches in depth; it is not necessary to j)ut any soil with them, orcovcringovcr them. If the seed bed is in good condi- tion, and the season favorable for their growth, the corms will be from one- gladiolus corm with full fcurth to an inch in (mowx offsets. diameter, the latter rarely. Fully three-fourths of them will bloom the second year. Propagation by Offsets. — Increase of desirable varieties is effected by the small corms or bulblets that form at the base of the new corm ; some varieties increase very ra])idly, others slowly, and many of our best seed- liuLTs have failed to produce any, conse((uently the vari- ety is soon lost. It matters not how desirable the variety 116 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. may be ; if it does not produce offsets when it first flowers, it never will, and, with very rare exceptions, it is thrown among the mixtures. Why one variety increases so fast, and another not at all, is another of the mysteries that attends the cultivation of the Gladiolus. We have taken from a single corm of Brenchleyensis, not half an inch in diameter when planted, more than two hundred little corms, while we should consider ourselves fortunate in getting a dozen from many of the other varieties. Most of the yellows increase with equal rapid- ity. This will, in a measure, account for the differences in price of many old-established varieties. Noticeably among these is Princess Mary of Cambridge, a truly splendid flower, which does not increase with us by off- sets, and its increase in Europe is but slow. La Candeur increases rapidly with us and but slowly in France. We find, in this country, that its increase in some sections is far more rapid than in others. The little corms, or sets, may be sown as early in the spring as the soil can be put in suitable condition. Prepare the ground the same as for peas, sow in the drills quite thickly, say one hundred to the foot of drill; cover with half an inch of fine soil, work in the same manner as recommended for the seed bed, only mulching is unnecessary. Take up as soon as the leaves begin to wither, which is usually about the middle of September, store in the same manner as the young seedlings. The bulbs from the offsets will be somewhat larger than those from seed, but no greater proportion of them will flower the second year. General Cultivation of the Gladiolus. — Forearly flowers plant the corms as soon as the ground is in condi- tion for planting, no matter how early ; even though the surface may freeze slightly after planting, it will not injure tlie corms in the least. It is the better plan to reserve the larger and stronger corms for late flowering. GLADIOLUS. 117 altbougli they will bloom earlier than the smaller ones if plantjd at the same time. Although the Gladiolus is a desirable flower at all seasons, and can be had in the open border from June until Xovember, in the latitude of New York, it appears to the best advantage late in tlie season, when the weather is cool, and the atmosphere moist. During August and the early part of September tlie hot sun and drying winds seriously affect the flowers. Tiie spikes are short, the individual blooms small and withered, and, moreover, they do not endure nearly so long. It does not matter so much about the heat, if they can have proportionate moisture. For small plats, where the flowers are wanted in midsummer, plantings should be made, so that when the flower stalks appear they can have protection from the sun during the hottest part of the day. This can easily be done with a light screen, white paper or very thin muslin answering very well. For succession of bloom freciuent plantings are desira- ble. This can be accom- ])lis]ied in the same bed, by planting, first, the corms in rows, say one foot apart, two inches apart in the rows, and two weeks later planting another row between the first two, which will allow i)lenty of room for growth. Later plantings can ])e made wherever there is a vacant spot, always beai'ing in mind the iin})ortance of giving tiicm an open, airy situation. For late planting small bulbs will not answer, as they are liable to get so dried HALF GROWX GLADIOLUS CORM WITH TUE OLD CORM ATTACHED. 118 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-EOOTED PLANTS. out that their vitality becomes impaired. For this pur pose choose the strongest corms, keep them in a dark cellar, and as cold as possible so long as the temperature does not fall below the freezing point. The latest plant- ing can be made the middle of July. It is better, how- ever, not to defer a general late planting after July 5tli. A light frost, such as would destroy many tender plants, does not injure the Gladiolus, and, by throwing a sheet, or other light covering over the plants, they will with- stand several degrees of frost. All lovers of these noble flowers should grow suffi- cient corms, either from seed or from offsets, that a liberal use can be made of them. In the vegetable gar- den there are always vacant spots, where a hundred, or more, bulbs can be planted, after some other crop has been secured. There is no other flower so useful for parlor decoration, or for any purpose where cut flowers are desired. If cut when the first flower opens, the spike will develop its blooms quite as well in water in the house, as out of doors; in fact, better than if left in the open sun. Field Culture of Gladiolus. — There is no better phice to show the capabilities of any plant than in the field, where it can have all the attention, in the way of good cultivation, it needs, with the elements all in its favor. The Gladiolus is no exception to the rule ; no other plant needs so frequent visits from the cultivator, none appreciates them more. But the cultivator must not be set to work deep. When the teeth go down so as to mutilate the roots, great injury is done. All that is required is to keep the surface of the soil light, which prevents it from drying up. Work deep before planting, but always shallow afterwards. The soil is prepared as for potatoes, without the' use of stimulating manures. The rows are furrowed out thirty inches apart with a small plow, following this with GLADIOLUS. 110 the fertilizer distributor, after wliicli we scatter the corms in the drill at the rate of from ten to twenty to the foot, then cover with the same implement that is used for corn or potatoes, and the work is complete. When the leaves begin to break through the surface, we go over the field with a fine wire-tooth harrow ; this effect- ually gets rid of the first crop of weeds, after which the cultivator is kept going. In a season prolific of weeds we have been compelled to go over the ground ten times. Under any circumstances, we go through the rows with cultivator after every rain, whether there are weeds to kill or not. This keeps the soil in the best possible con- dition, keeps down the weeds, and saves an immense amount of hand labor. We commence to take up our corms about the middle of September, using a subsoil plow to lift them ; then they are taken from the rows, the tops cut close to the corm, and are then put away in racks in the cellar, eight feet deep, with plenty of space for air between, each rack containing about five hundred flowering corms. This plan of cultivation and storing of the corms we consider the best that can be adopted, and the nearer it can be imitated in the garden, the nearer the grower will reach perfect success. Soils for Gladiolus. — What soils are best is an oft-repeated question, to which we must reply that, as far as this is concerned, the best is the one we have. The Gladiolus dislikes a heavy clay, but will thrive in almost any other, its preference being for a light loam, or a moist, sandy soil. If the ground be heavy, work it thoroughly and plant shallow, not more than two inches below the surface. If the soil be light, work in tlie same manner, only cover the corms with four inches of soil. It is ))est to use what is termed sod-ground when practicable, or to plant in soil that has been heavily manured for a previous crop. Fresh manure will prove injurious. It is also important, in planting, not to 120 BULBS AKD TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. return to the same soil in less than three years. Disease will always follow repeated plantings in the same soil. This is one reason why failures and loss of plants are so frequent. Deterioration in Gladiolus. — The question is often asked, ''Does the Gladiolus run out, or deteriorate, and does it ever revert back to the species ? " Many amateurs have asserted that theirs have changed ; that where two years ago they had none other than the best, now they had none but the poorest. We have ever held this to be impossible ; but that a chauge in the general appearance of the bed might come because of the fact that some varieties increase rapidly by division, while others rapidly die out because of feeble constitutions. "But," says a great admirer of the Gladiolus, "I never had in my collection any such colors as are now the predominating ones in my garden ; they are not as good as the original Gandavensis." We replied that is simply an impossibility, unless aided by human hands. Two years after, he again commenced with an entirely new collection ; as yet he has not made his report, which we are fearful will be as unfavorable as the first. We will give the reasons for our fears. Three years ago we planted our stock of Adanson, one of the grand- est of the rosy-lilac kinds, consisting of several thousand corms, which we knew to be absolutely free from mix- ture. When they came into flower, to our surprise, more than one-half of the lot was as far from the type as it was possible to get, having a color we had never before seen, something like that of Psittacinus, while the form was not unlike that of Adanson. In this matter we could not be deceived, as we had never a flower of the kind on the place. That season, as well as last year, we marked every bulb that was true to its description, and this year the same change is as apparent as before. What is more singular, this interpolator is nowhere else GLADIOLUS. 121 to be found in our fields. ^Vhile this change is serious, it affords a rich field for study. From this incident, we shall no longer say that the Gladiolus does not sport or revert towards the species. This is, however, the only incident of the kind we have ever noticed. Forcing the Gladiolus. — The Gladiolus, for deco- rative purposes during the winter season, has been of late considerably used ; many growers having been very successful in bringing it in at the proper time, making it a profitable branch of their industry. This had tlie tendency to induce others, who had not sufficient knowl- edge of its requirements to make a success of the enter- l>rise, to plant on a large scale. Like all other under- takings, with hope, rather than exjierience, as a guide, it lias not been as 2:)rofitable as might be desired. But few men have been entirely successful ; among the few is John Thoi'])e, of Pearl River, N. Y., who knows tlie Gladiolus well, and knowing, acts accordingly. The flowers he produced reached the full measure of their capabilities, llis article from the Garden and Forest, will give all the information required to successfully force the Ghidiolus. AVe quote the article entire. ** The (fhidiolus, when grown as a forced flower, is appreciated to a greater extent than when grown out of doors. Like many other flowers, it is better under the protec- tion of glass when well cared for, as the flowers are larger, the colors purer and the spikes longer. To force (il.'idiolus successfully, however, recpiires attention at just the right time, and its wants should always be antici- l)ated and supplied. Here is the routine of my prac- tice : Tlie bulbs I forced this year were also forced last year. They were then planted February 8th, and the first twenty-five flowers were cut May 30th. This year's work began December 27th by j)otting each bulb in a four-inch pot, using sandy loam, without manure, and placing the bulb on the top, pressing it down to hold it 122 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLAKTS. without any other covering ; they were watered and then placed underneath the benches of a Carnation-house until the beginning of February. At that time those plants which had grown to the height of four inches were brought to the light and again watered. Placing them close together on a bench near the light, a little water was given from time to time, retarding the top growth, and encouraging root-action as much as possible. By the twentieth of the month the plants were gone over, and all those of an even size were planted together in rows about a foot apart, and nine inches apart in the rows. After planting those of one size, then another batch a size less was handled. This selecting into sizes pays for all the trouble it costs in preventing strong plants from overcrowding the weaker ones. My soil is rather a heavy sandy loam, and in this the bulbs were planted, the depth of the entire bed being a little more than four inches. The bulbs were scarcely covered even at this time, and this, I find, prevents the damping off of the plants during dull days, when they have com- menced to grow rapidly, and are checked either by dark weather or by a cold spell. By the middle of March each plant was tied securely to prevent its falling over, which is generally ruinous to the flower-spike ; a light mulching of stable-manure was then put on and well watered. From that time until the flowers were cut a good soaking of liquid manure was given each week. The Gladiolus delights in moisture when well along in growth, but in its earlier stages too much water is death to it. Tlip first twenty-five flowers were cut for Easter, 3r six weeks earlier than last year. The temperature v/as never higher than 50° at night, and during the day- time the house was ventilated whenever it could be kept above 70° F. Three tilings I find are necessary to success- fully force the Gladiolus : 1. The pots must be well filled with roots before the plants are finally set out. GLADIOLUS. 123 2. The nearer the bulbs are to the surface the less liable are the plants to clamp off. 3. Tlie bulbs must be well ripened — and if sO, small one? are as good as very large ones." We would add to tlie above a list of varieties host adapted for forcing, saying selection should be made from tlie kinds that come earliest into flower out of doors, and, at the same time, such as have the most positive colors and best defined markings. x\mong those are tlie following, which are as numy varieties as it is profitable to grow; Shakespeare.— The best in the list, both as a flower and a grower; flowers large, on a long and well- opened spike, creamy white, with delicate caruiine-rose markings, and a heavy blotch on the lower divisions. La Candeur. — A grnnd flower, nearly pure white when grown under glass, having a long spike of well- opened flowers of good shape and substance. Romulus. — One of the earliest flowers; dark red, with purc^ white ])lotch and markings on lower petals. Brenchleyensis. — One of the best and cheapest; a long spike of vermillion-scarlet flowers; one of the easiest to force. Eugene Scribe. — This is always a pleasing flower, and greatly improved when grown under glass. The flowers are large, a delicate rose color, linely variegated with darker rose; spike v(»ry long, with the flowers well- arranged and well-()])('i.:' !. It is decidedly the best- variegal(Ml form under cultivation. Isaac Buchanan. — A cl.^ar, fine yellow, with but little nuirking on the lover (division. John Bull. — A good wliite, when grown und(T glass; it is early, and largely employed because of its chenpno'=5. Napoleon III. — A medium-sized bright scarlet flower, lower divisions striped with creamy white. 124 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. The first six mentioned are considered tlie best, and all that are really profitable to grow under glass; they include all the desired colors, and are the best of their respective classes. Varieties for General Cultivation. — The selec- tion of varieties for general cultivation is an individual matter depending wholly upon the number required and the taste of the one making the selection. As with all other plants, tastes differ, one preferring self-colored flowers, as far as possible; others the more positive and well-defined colors; again, others preferring the neutral tints only. Unfortunately, catalogue descriptions are misleading. Our named varieties in the G'.mdavensis section being largely of French origin, a corruption of the French language has been used in the description, which, in many cases, does not describe; and in very many instances the same description is given to a great number of varieties that are entirely different in their general characters. For instance, the flowers of Ceres, Shakespeare, or Princess of Wales, would answer the description given to either, although there is a vast dif- ference in the general appearance of the three flowers. If a fine display of good flowers is desired, it is bet- ter to select wisely from the named sorts, and then keep up a stock by growing from the offsets; although it is more expensive at the start, in the end, if the offsets are carefully saved and grown, the expense will be very light compared with that of the more generally grown bedding plants, that must be renewed annually. The following twenty-five varieties, from a list of nearly five hundred, are the best of tke Gandavensis section for general cultivation; they fairly represent the class for color, and are all vigorous growers. Abricote. — Apricot-rose color, with a large, well- formed flower. Adanson. — Fine rose, with darker rose markings, and white blotch and lines. GLADIOLUS. 125 Africani. — A magnificent variGt}^ slaty-brown on Bcarlct ground, with a conspicuous white blotch on lower divisions. A fine spike. Angele. — An efTective flower; white, slightly marked with crimson. Brenchleyensis. — One of the oldest varieties, and one of the best. Bright Vermillion scarlet. Ceres. — White, lower divisions heavily marked with rose. Emma Thursby. — American; white ground, with deep rose markings and blotches tlirough all the petals. One of tlie most showy and effective of the variegated sorts. Eugene Scribe. — Delicate rose, variegated with darker rose ; one of the best. Gen. Phil. Sheridan. — American ; a grand flower, fire red with a distinct white line running through each petal, and a pure white blotch on the lower petals. Golden Gem. — Xew American; a very long spike of ricli goklen yellow flowers, slightly tinged with rose at the base of the petals. The best yellow yet introduced. Hesperide. — White ground, blotched and flaked with rosy salmon. Isaac Buchanan. — American; a clear rich yellow, sliglitly tinted with rose on the lower petals. La Candeur. — Clear white, with a delicate pink tint on the edge of jjetals; a fine long and well-shaped spike. Lamarck. — Clear cherr}^ with white lines. Le Poussin. — Clear light red, witli pure white throat, rather dwarf, flowers medium sized, but very effect ivo. Martha Washington. — American; a tall growing form, of branching habit: flowers clear light yellow,, slightly shaded with carmine, very large, and somewliat loosely arranged on a long spike. This shows to the 126 BULBS Ai^D TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLAINTS. best advantage when cut and put in a vase, as the sun is liable to discolor the flowers. Mme. Monneret. — A clear, delicate rose, short spike, very fine for a late blooaier. Meyerbeer. — One of the very best, flowers well arranged, large, spike long. Color crimson-scarlet flamed with vermilion. Napoleon III. — Fine scarlet, heavy, with strii)6 on the lower petals. Nestor. — Light yellow ground, with darker yellow stripes and markings. President Lincoln. — American ; blush-white back- ground, with the edges of the petals suffused with bright rose, the lower divisions heavily blotched and finely hned with crimson. Flowers very large, and well arranged in a long spike. Not a showy variety, but remarkably pleasing. Romulus. — Very showy, fine dark red, with pure white blotch and markings. Snow White. — American; the nearest pure white variety yet offered for sale. Under ordinary circum- stances nearly the entire flower is a perfect paper- white, with a slight cream shade on lower half of the lower petal. The spikes are of fair size, flowers well arranged. Schiller. — Sulphur, with large carmine blotch and markings. Shakespeare. — Ivory white ground, suffused car- mine-rose, large rosy blotch on lower division; early and constant. One of the best. The Lemoine Hybrids. — The birth of the Le- moine Hybrids marked a new era in Grladiolus culture ; the hybrids of Gandavensis and their offspring had, seemingly, reached their summit of perfection. Genius, like a vine without support, was swaying to and fro for a subject upon which it could bestow its limitless treas- ures of grace and beauty, and keep alive the warm inter- GLADIOLUS. 127 est so long centered in this noble class of plants, a class the systematic botanist respects as highly as the florist, because the wonderful developments in form, and the marvellous changes, separations and variations in colors, had not, from nature's standpoint, in any way trans- formed a natural form into a monstrosity. To M. Victor Lemoine, of Nancy, France, we are indebted for a new race, that bears his name; a^race so distinct and so gorgeously colored as to awaken the most lively interest in cross-fertilization, with the full assur- ance that variation has by no means exhausted her resources. Mr. Wm. Falconer, wliose delineation of floral forms is always accurate, speaks of these so truth- fully, in the American Florist, that we quote as follows : '*^Lemoine's hybrids' are a race of Gladiolus that was obtained by M. Victor Lemoine, of France, by crossing Gladiolus purjmreo-auraius with a variety of G, Ganda- lensis. Some of these hybrids are very beautiful. The attempt is made to secure brilliance of color, and at the same time retain the characteristic form of Purpurco- auratus, for there is quite an inclination among seed- lings to partake strongly of the Gandavensis form. The flowers are small, sometimes cam])anulate, and frequently hooded, but their most ])ositive character is the rich crimson-purple blotch on the two, or often three, lower segments. The ])lants are vigorous and healthy, but somewhat slender; the flower spikes are moderately long, but often slender, and the blossoms are more remotely placed in the s])ikes than is usual in the Gan- davensis, or are crowded near the end of the sjiike. ''These hybrids have the reputation of being hardy, but they are not. Simply because we meet occasional instances where they may have survived the winter, is no proof at all of their hardiness. In cultivating them ]>lant them out early in the season and let them stay in the ground lute. In the fall they seem to be ripe long 128 BULBS AND TUBEEOUS-ROOTED PLANTS. before they are really fit to dig. Our object is to get the little bulbs well ripened, for, unlike the bulblets of most other species that nestle close to the base of the large bulb, these shoot off a little way and seem to be softer than other bulblets, and they are more difficult to keep over winter. "Their intense colors, dark purple, crimson and gold, may appeal strongly in favor of them as cut flowers ; at the same time, theie are so many of lilacs, purples, dirty yellows and dirty whitish colors among them, that they cannot find popular favor. And they have another fault, the buds do not open well in water. I am in- formed that Lemoine has got something extraordinary in this line in the way of brilliant colors, and even a blue one." We cannot agree wholly with Mr. Falconer in regard to colors, although his is but the expression of popular opinion. To be pleasing, positive, bold colors are not necessary, essential as they may be for display. Some of the neutral tints, "dirty" colors, of this type, are decidedly interesting when closely examined, as all flow- ers should be, to be understood and appreciated. The following list includes the most striking colors and beau- tiful forms of this class, and fairly represents the type. Enfant de Nancy. — Flowers medium size; pur- plish-red, lower petals deep crimson. Color and blotch- ing entirely unknown heretofore in Gladiolus. Engesseri. — Very deep pink ; lower petals blotched bright maroon. Froebeli. — Flesh-colored, streaked with pink; carmine blotch, bordered with yellow. John Thorpe. — Splendid plant ; beautiful brilliant red, blotched with flame, bordered with sulphur, center of petals lined with yellow. Lafayette. — Flowers very large ; yellowish salmon, large crimson blotches on the lower petals. GLADIOLUS. 129 Lemoinei. — Fine, good size flowers, closely set on the spike, which is about one foot long ; upper petals of a creamy white color, tinted salmon-red, the lower ones spotted with deep purplish-crimson, bordered with bright yellow and salmony red. Marie Lemoine. — Long spike of fine well-ex- panded flowers ; upper divisions of a pale creamy color, flushed with salmon-lilac, the lower divisions spotted l)urplish-violet, and bordered deep yellow. Masque de Fer. — Flowers very open, medium size ; bronze-red, the two lower lateral divisions entirely velvety black, with a yellow arrow in the center of the spot ; ])lant dwarf. Obelisk. — Flowers large, violet; lower petals blotched brown, spotted with sulphur. Rochambeau. — Flowers large, salmon, lower petals dark sahuon ; blotched purple. Stanley. — Red ; lower petals dark yellow, blotched with blood-red. Talma. — Pale lilac; lower divisions violet-brown. Victor Hugo. — Flowers very large; rose colored, lower |)etal.s dark suli)hur, blotched with vermillion. We cannot dismiss this class without saying that for display, or for decorative pui'poses, they do not com- pare favoral)ly with the Gandavensis section. The Max Leichtlin Hybrids. — The surprise cre- ftted by the introduction of the Lemoine Hybrids had no sooner died away, than another class of equal mag- nitude was announced, of a cross between (i Saunde/\sii and a variety of G. Gandavensis, which was effected by the celebrated bulb grower, Max Leichtlin, of Baden Baden, Germany. These hybrids are remarkable in many respects, and in all respects tliey are su])erior to either parent. For size and shape of flowers tliey liave no equals in the various classes; some of the individual flowers are immense, fully five inches across; the spikes 9 130 BULBS AKD TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. are long and the flowers well arranged. Thus far the variety of colors is not great, and but very few of them are striking, positive or well delined ; no good whites, scarlets or yellows. Besides, the flowers are wanting in substance; they bruise easily, and do not seem to de- velop well in vases. But it must be remembered this is a new race and has not reached its capabilities ; it has only outlined them. Further efforts will undoubt- edly give to them enormous size and remarkable shape, color and substance. Seedlings have already been pro- duced from them, showing considerable improvement. With the colors of Meyerbeer, Golden Gem, Snow White and General Phil. Sheridan transmitted into their forms, we shall have a race that will make further improvement seem impossible. Mr. Leichtlin sold his entire product to a French house, which, in turn, sold to Messrs. Hal- lock & Son, of Long Island, N. Y. GLORIOSA. ClimMng Lily. This bulb has but a slight claim to the name of lily, other than its alliance, and the term climbing is some- what strained. The Gloriosa is a very handsome genus of greenhouse plants, of a sub-climbing character, bear- ing the same relation to climbing plants as does the Ivy- leaved Geranium, having only a slight tendency to climb. They require the same treatment as the Gesnera, and should liave a light trellis for support. Their flowers bear as close a resemblance to Lilinm plLiladelpMcum, as to almost any other form. They are curiously shaped, of a bright orange, blue or yellow color, and flovvej- in the greenhouse the entire summer. They are mostly natives of South Africa, and are increased by offsets. The species commonly met are : G. superba. — A slender growing plant, but tall and showy. Under favorable circumstances it will attain GLOXINIA, 131 a height of from six to eight feet. The first appearance of tlie flowers is disappointing, because of the predomi- nance of green. But the green, in a great measure, is soon changed to bright orange. G. simplex. — A species from Portugal, has flowers of a delicate blue color, and is of delicate habit, rarely reaching a height of two feet. G. virescens. — This flower is nearly all green when first opened, but changes to yellow when older. It is a native of Mozambique. G. nepalensis. — A native of Nepal ; is the hardi- est of the species, although not as showy as G. superha. It grows about two feet high; flowers bright yellow. GLOXINIA. Nearly all the species that make np this splendid genus of flowering plants are natives of Soutii America, and are usually found in deep ravines, on rather high mountain elevations, and always in damp, much shaded situations. When we take into account their distinct- ness, their continuous flowering habit, tlie excpiisite colors they ])ossess, their forms of matchless beauty, and the ease with which they may be grown, it will at once be admitted that few plants so well deserve the attention they require as the Gloxinias. They flower continuously through the spring and summer, and, when grown in l)ots, are very valuable for decorative purposes, while the flowers are exceedingly useful for small vases and for all j)ur})oses where cut flowers are used. With the Gloxinia, as with many other flowers, selection and hybridization, ton^ethor with a number ()f accidental sports, have removed the oris^inal species fron) cultivation. The original forms, with their drooping flowers, liave been superseded by flowers with the corolla almost regular, and perfectly erect; this latter peculiar- ity is an important improvement, as the border and 132 BULBS a:n^d tuberous-rooted plants. throat of the corolla are fully presented to the eye, show- ing, at a glance, the full beauty of the flower. Cultiva- tion has wrought wonderful changes in the general char- acter of this flower ; forms have been greatly improved, colors intensified, substance enhanced, and the number of flowers on a given plant greatly increased. The most interesting class of Gloxinias are the spotted varieties, the origin of which is quite as interest- HYBRID GLOXINIAS. ing as the flowers themselves. Their origin is described in the Garden as follows : '*It has frequently occurred tliat a certain family, or species, which may not have shown, during a series of years, any great tendency to sport, all at once gives us something novel and beautiful. M. Vallerand, with whom the spotted varieties origi- nated, assiduously crossed the best known varieties, but. GLOXINIA. 133 althoiigli he annually raised a large number of seedlings, lie could not succeed in obtaining anything better than those already in cultivation. Being discouraged at find- ing his best efforts so poorly rewarded, he had deter- mined to relinquish the attempt. His seedlings that season (1877) had nearly all bloomed, with the same result. There remained but a few weak plants to flower. Curiously enough, on the weakened and latest seedling appeared a single flower, so distinct and beautifully marked that M. Vallerand declared that he was quite taken by surprise. It may be easily imagined how that plant was cherished, the flower carefully fertilized, and precaution taken to destroy every other bloom near it. The seed ripened, and from this sprang many other charmins^ forms." Another interesting form has appeared in Ghfcciuia Gesjierioides, a cross sent out by Messrs. Carter, of Lon- don, between the Gloxinia and the Gesnera. It is but little known in this country, but is described as follows : **This desirable novelty is the result of hybridizing the Gloxinia with the Gesnera, and the peculiar properties of both species are fully united, for while carrying the graceful habit and beautifully colored foliage of the Gesnera, it produces the magnificent flowers so identified with the Gloxinia." AVe make no attempt at a description of the natural species, as they are no longer in cultivation ; neither the florists' varieties, as these are innumerable. The great pleasure in growing the Gloxinia comes from seedlings, which are so readily and easily produced, and which fur- nisli such an endless variety of form and color, all desir- able, that named varieties are not essential to the most beautiful collection. The cultivation of the Gloxinia is very simple, and nowliere have we seen it so well mannged as ])y William Falconer, Esq., of Glen Cove, Long Island. AVc give his 134 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLAINTS. method, graphically portrayed in his own language, as follows : *^In March (1884) I bought a dollar packet of Gloxinia seeds, the finest strain in the market, and containing no more seeds than an ordinary fifty cent packet. I sowed them in a shallow seed-pan that was well drained and filled with light, sandy, fine soil, and kept in a warm greenhouse on a shelf near the glass. In two weeks' time a good many of the seedlings were up; and in about three weeks the whole crop appeared ; but it was about five weeks from sowing time before I ven- tured to prick them off. Then I pricked them off singly into other shallow seed pans prepared as before, and afterwards, as soon as their leaves began to crowd each other, transplanted them into boxes, there to remain until the end of May. *^By this time I had much frame room, and I made up a hotbed, waited until the heat was on the decline, then prepared it by filling in four or five inches deep with light, mellow soil, as if I were going to raise a lot of Stocks or Asters, and planted out my Gloxinias in it, about nine inches apart each way. I have kept them covered with sashes shaded with whitewash. They are kept close at night, and in the daytime, according to the warmness and brightness of the day, the sashes are tilted up from two to six inches, but at no time do I allow sunshine to get on the plants. Any dampening leaf or decaying matter is removed as soon as observed, and I never water or syringe the plants overhead ; indeed, any watering required is done most carefully by intro- ducing the waterpot spout between the plants and under the leaves. '^During their whole life the plants have been kept close to the glass, shaded from sunshine, and dry over- head. These plants are to-day — the middle of July- exceed ingly strong and luxuriant, their leaves crowded and overlapping each other, and they are blooming beau- GOLDEN LILY — GEIFFINIA. 135 tifully, and I expect to have them in flower till Septem- ber. Then I shall let them dry up gradually till they lose their leaves, when I shall lift the roots, store them in earth in a shallow box, and keep them dry over win- ter. Next spring they will be available for pot culture for early flowers, or for again i)lauting in frames. I pre- fer one and two-year-old plants to those that are older, hence would raise a fresh lot from seed every year." The tubers should bo started into growth about the first of March, or earlier, if they have sprouted. Give them three-inch pots, filled with light, sandy soil, made rich with thoroughly rotted manure. Place them in the warm greenhouse, shaded from the sun, but as near the liglit as possible. Sliift into larger pots, as required. The atmosphere should always bo warm and moist, and the plants sliould never suffer for want of water, but the leaves should never be wet on their upper surface. After flowering, water should generally be withheld until tlie plants are dry, then set away in some warm, dry place, until it is time to start into growth again. Any desired variety may be propagated by division of the tubers, or from leaf cuttings, in the same manner as the Kex vari- eties of the Begonia. The Gloxinia was named in honor of P. B, Gloxin, a botanist of Colmar. GOLDEN LILY. See Lycoris. GRAPE HYACINTH. Sec Muscari. GREEN DRAGON. See Arisaema, Page 31. GRIFFINIA. A small genus of handson\c greenliouso bulbs from South America, belonging to tlie natural order, Amaryl 136 BULBS AKD TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLANTS. UdacecB, and producing large umbels of handsome bright purple flowers. They grow readily if treated the same as Hippeastrum (See Page 13). There are but three species generally cultivated. G. hyacinthina. — Flowers blue and white. G. parviflora. — Flowers pale purple. G. intermedia. — Bright blue flowers. GEOUND NUT. See Apios, Page 31. GUERNSEY LILY. See Sarniensis, Page 21. GUINEA-HEN FLOAYER. See Fritillaria, Page 92. HABRANTHUS. This genus is now classed with Hippeastrum (Page 13), and is closely allied to Zephyranthes (Page 25). HJEMANTHUS. Blood Floiver, A genus of South American bulbs, more curious than beautiful ; in fact, but one species, H. coccineus, is really worth cultivating, and this is remarkably showy. Its flowers, when fully expanded, form a perfect globe ; each individual flower is small, but the mass of brilliant scarlet is a very showy object. The leaves of most of the species are very broad, long and thick, requiring con- siderable room. They need high heat and plenty of water wlien in active growth, which is only about four months of the year; the remainder of the time they demand rest. The flowers precede the leaves, in September. HAREBELL. See Scilla nutans* HAYLOCKIA — HEKBERTIA, 137 HAYLOCKIA. A small bulb from Buenos Ayres, allied to Cooperia and Zephyranthes. Flowers beautiful straw-color, pro- duced in September. The leaves remain green the entire winter, making it necessary to have greenhouse room, although it is not at all particular as to treatment. The foliage dies in spring. Propagation by seeds or offsets. HERBERTIA. A small genus of rare bulbs found near the Straits of Magellan, in South America. It requires pot culture. The flowers are somewhat like the Iris, of various colors, blue, white and pink. The bulbs are not in cultivation for the trade. HESPERANTHA. Evening Flower, A small genus of Cape of Good Hope bulbs allied to the Ixia, and thriving under thfe same general treatment. The flowers arc small, but rather pretty, arranged in loose spikes; they expand during tlie evening, and are sweet scented, but remain closed during the day. The position they occupy does not warrant a description of the species. hespeposcokdo:n'. A synonym of Brodia3a, Page 45. HEXAGLOTTIS. This genus closely resembles Ilomeria, aiul belongs to a class that does not warrant cultivation. The flow- ers are yellow, and rather pretty. The bulbs of one of the species, IL jlcxiiosa, are roasted aiul oaten, forming a large portion of the food of the Hottentots. HIPPEASTIJUM. Sec Page 13. 138 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-KOOTBD PLANTS. HOLLAND BULBS. See Fritillaria, Hyacinth, Narcissus and Tulip. HOMERIA. This is another of the many genera of Cape bulbs, belonging to L'idacese, and formerly included in the genus Moraea. They are all ornamental, and remarka- ble for the abundance and long continuance of their flowers, lasting the entire summer. They require the protection of a frame during winter, but no other care is necessary to produce their flowers in the greatest abundance, or for the increase of their bulbs, which is by offsets. H. lineata. — The most common of the species; flowers coppery red, with a metallic luster, produced in abundance from June to September. H. elegans (spicata). — A beautiful species with orange-yellow flowers. The other species do not materially differ from those described. They all have scarlet or yellow flowers, and are worthy of cultivation. HONEY GARLIC. See Nectaroscordum. HYACINTH. Prominent in the list of bulbs is the Hyacinth, and the one, moreover, which is most grown for early spring flowers in the garden, and for pot culture in the window garden. Although it is one of the best known bulbs, there are only three or four distinct species in the genus, and all our garden varieties have come from Hya- cintlius orienfalis, a species that contains several varie- ties, the seeds from wliich, by cross-fertilization, which is readily affected, have produced varieties almost innu- merable. The early history of the garden Hyacinth is HYACINTH. 139 but little known; Gerard, in his ^'Herbal," 1596, speaks of it as of a well-known flower, without saying when it was introduced, and he describes and figures several double varieties of the original species, which lie says, simply, was brought from the East. The varieties HOUSE BLOOMING HYACINTHS. then known were bine, white or pink, which were the only colors known in the Ilyacinfh until ahout Ihe com- nicnci'mtMit of the present century, when a few pale yel- h)W, or, rather, lenion-eolored kinds were raised from seed. From tlicse, by careful selection and cross-fertili- zation, great improvement in coKjr, as well as form, has been made. 140 BULBS AKD TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. Field Culture of Hyacinth Bulbs. — Much has been said and written in regard to the cultivation of the Hyacinth. We shall give all the information known in regard to culture, as is practiced in Holland, informa- tion we have received from the best growers, and on their own grounds. It is well to remark here that the conditions of soil, in which the Hyacinth finds so con- genial a home in Holland, can rarely be found elsewhere. And further, that the Hyacinth will perfect its bloom, from bulbs grown in Holland, in any soil, or in water, even, providing all other conditions are favorable. Deep in the hidden scales of the bulb commenced last year those wonderful preparations, which will surely develop the flower this year, under almost any circumstances. The important part of cultivation consists in bringing the bulb up to the proper condition for flowering when we receive it. The Hyacinth likes a very sandy, well-prepared, fine and light soil, entirely free from stone or gravel, conse- quently looking as though it had been passed through a fine sieve. All kinds of loam or stiff soil, which bind so closely together that, when dry, the wind cannot sepa- rate their particles, as it does those of sand, must be avoided. In Holland a soil is considered particularly good which is light gray, and which resembles fine, very sandy and light garden mold. This soil, which is very light of itself, is made still lighter by the addition of the thin sand of the Dutch downs, which is of a pale yellow color, and very fine. The only manure used is from tlie cow-stable, which must be quite pure, and not mixed with straw or any other substance. In preparing the Hyacinth beds, particular attention is paid to the following rules : 1. Tliat no stimulating fertilizer must be mixed with the soil for a period of four years previous to planting. 2. That Hyacinths must not be grown in the same soil oftener than once in HYACINTH, 141 four years. The latter rule must be respected ; because, if planted a year earlier, the decayed remains of the old bulbs would bring disease to the newly planted bulbs. "The usual custom in Holland is to plant a bed the first year with Ilyacintlis, the second with Tulips, the third with Polyanthus Narcissus, and it is considered desira- ble to plant something similar the fourth year. The bed is generally jirepared for Hyacinths the fourth sea- son. Between December and February the ground is dug two or three feet deep. In March the soil is covered to the depth of three inches with cow manure, then spaded in a foot deep. During the summer, yegetables, or annuals, which do not exhaust the soil, are grown on the bed. Tlie following autumn the soil is dug two feet dee}), taking care to let tlie manure, which was put on in the spring, remains a foot deep in the earth. In tlie beginning of October, planting commences in the following manner : The whole piece of ground allotted for Hyacinths is divided into beds about five feet in width. The soil is taken from the surface of the first bed to the depth of from three to five inches, according to the size of the bulbs to be planted, and conveyed to the further side of the last bed in the piece of ground to be planted. The first bed then is carefully raked over and divided into rows a foot ai)art, and the bulbs j)laced on these rows, without pressing down, about six inches apart. The second bed is dug out in like manner, and the eartli which is taken from it is used for covering the i)ull)s in the first bed ; and in this manner they proceed to the last bed, whieh is covered with the earth of the lirst bed. Very large, strong growing bulbs are ])lanted six inches deep, and further apart ; while small bulbs, such as are incapable of ])roducing flowers, are scattered closely in the rows, and not covered so deeply. Tlie weather should be dry during the time of })lanting, as (;ontinued wet weather is liable to cause rut. 142 BUI3S AND TUBEROUS-EOOTED PLANTS. After planting, tlie beds are kept clear of weeds, nicely raked and made ready for covering on the approach of frost, wliicli usually occurs about the first of Decem- ber. The covering is made of reeds, which grow in immense quantities on the banks of the canals and ditches everywhere found in Holland. The first cover- ing is of the partially decayed reeds used the previous season ; upon these the new reeds are placed, to the depth of several inches, and kejot down by means of pegs. When the covering is completed the beds are as neat and orderly as the ones in which their owners sleej). About the first of March, when frost is no longer aj^pre- hended, the covering of the beds is taken off, tind the surface carefully cleaned and raked, after which tliey are watered with a mixture of cow dung and water, which forms a liglit crust, and prevents the wind from disturbing the surface of the beds. This is a necessary work, as, owing to the lightness of the soil, it would drift, when dry, about as freely as snow. The only cul- tivation given is to keep the beds clean from weeds until the time of flowering, in April. At this time the plants are carefully examined, and if, by accident, there should be a wrong variety in the bed, it is marked for removal. There are no beds of mixed bulbs, of any class whatever, grown in Holland, excepting in rare instances, where specialists are growing from seed to ;[ja-ociire new varie- ties. Every variety has its name, and is grown and stored in such a systematic manner that there is but little chance for a bulb to get out of place. In all cases, "mixtures," as quoted in dealers' catalogues, are made up of equal proportions of colors, from bulbs of second size, and of inferior quality. Of this more will be writ- ten in treating of selection. After the bulbs have flowered the flower-stalks are cut off, which throws the whole strength of the plant into the bulb; the flower spikes are usually tiirown into HYACIXTH. 143 the ditches, because, should they be left on the land, they would cause the bulbs to rot. They cannot be used, even as a manure for trees, or any other pkmts, because, if tliey are not poisonous, they at least always contain a corrosive substance, and to such a degree that in the month of October, if they are worked among for a few hours, they will have a worse effect on the laborer than the Poison Ivy ; the skin becomes red and inflamed, and the pain is so intense that it prevents sleep. The manner of harvesting the bulbs in Holland is as follows : First, all the leaves are cut just under the surface of the beds, with a shar}) shuffle-hoe, immediately after \fhich the bulbs are taken up with the hands, the laborer sitting on the ground all the time. When taken up they are put in shallow trenches, close together, and covered with earth, where they remain from one to three weeks to ripen, after which they are brought into the store rooms and placed thinly to dry. I'hey are then cleaned, the tops cut closely to the bulb, and the bulbs assorted according to (juulity and size. Propagation of the Hyacinth. — There are two artificial methods of pr()i)agating the Hyacinth in Hol- land. The first is by means of cross-cuts made through the base of the bulbs, reaching half way u\) the bulb. These cuts are made as soon as the bulbs are taken from their beds, before they are i)ut in the trenches for curing, the strongest and most healthy bulbs being chosen, as they ])roduce the largest nnmber of offsets. After tlie bulbs are cut they are laid in the trenches to ripen, the same a^ the other bulbs. These cuts soon open wide, and send out young ])ulbs thickly along the scales ])efore autumn. They are i>lantcd in this state in beds by themselves, and the next year, after having been dried on tlie slielves, tliey are separated and trimmed. 'l'''C first year after cutting, the bulbs make very little, if any, foliage, as the old bulb has no longer any influence, and 144 BULBS AN^D TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. the young bulbs exhaust their energies in perfecting their own increase. After the first season's growth in the bed, they are taken up and handled in precisely the same manner as the old bulbs. It requires from three to five years' growth to make bulbs of merchantable size, which means, for the best bulbs, as large as they can be grown, without natural division, after which they produce but inferior spikes of bloom. The other method of propagation is by hollowing out the base of the bulb, leaving a narrow rim, and scooping out the center about one-fourth of its depth. This work is performed in August, in clear, dry weather, as in wet weather the bulbs will be very liable to rot. It is very desirable, as in propagating by cross-cuts, that the bulbs chosen for this purpose should be very strong and healthy. The hollowed-out part of the bulb ought not to be touched after the cutting, either by the finger or anything else, and the most common and best way is to strew a dry board witli fine, dry sand, lay the bulbs upon it, and to turn the hollowed-out part to the sun. After lying some time, the heart, which extends as far as the point of the bulb, becomes detached by the heat of the sun, and is carefully removed with a smooth stick, being careful not to bruise the scales of the bulb. The Dulbs are then kept in a dry place exposed to the sun, until it is time to plant out in autumn. In the mean- time small bulbs, in great quantities, will be formed all along the lines of the scales. When this kind of propa- gating proves successful, it is far more rapid than by cross-cuts, but the young bulbs are not as large, and they will require an additional growth of one or two years to make salable bulbs. Garden Culture of Hyacinths. — Hyacinths can be grow^n in the open air successfully, and with as little difficulty as any flowering bulbs. The only real enemy they have is frost While classed with hardy bulbs. HYACINTH. 145 they are not Lardy, and their cuUiyation would be more general if this fact were so stated in the catalogues, upon which the amateur, in a great measure, depends for his information. The Hyacinth may live, but it will not thrive in the open border unless thoroughly protected. Many growers have become discouraged, from losses due to freezing, which they have, unwisely, attributed to some other cause ; not knowing what the trouble was, they had no remedy; consequently they have abandoned, in a great measure, its cultivation as a border plant. A greater mistake is not common. They need never fail, and their absence from the garden is a loss that cannot be supplied by any other flower. The catalogues are equally responsible for another mistake of equal magnitude, luimely : that a special soil is necessary for the perfect develo[)ment of the flower. While the Hyacinth cannot be propagated profitably in other than a sandy soil, it can be grown, or flowered, in any soil. It is not the quality, but the condition of the soil, that is essential. And the only conditions nec- essary are to i)lant the bulbs sufficiently early in a deep and rich soil to allow them a chance to make a good root growth ; then to protect thoroughly against frost. Whether the soil is clayey, loamy or sandy, the result will be tlie same. A minor consideration is to afford the bed good drainage, if in a situation where water has a tendency to stand at any time. If the soil is heavy the bulbs should not be covered more than from two to three inches; if light, from four to six inches. Be governed, as to depth of jdanting, by the lightness or heaviness of soil, and remember, the soil one has is the best one has ; there is no choice, and need be none. As frost is the only obstacle to success, how can this be guarded against ? Simply enough, as a rule, for usually where there is a garden there are ti-ees, the newly fallen leavfes of which arc the best and the 10 146 BULBS AN"D TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. most natural protection. Cover tlie bed to the depth of six inches, as well as a margin of two feet on either side of the bed, with leaves, which can be kept in place by pieces of board or branches of trees, and the work is complete. This covering should be gradually removed upon the approach of warm weather, as the plants will be above ground before the frost is out of unprotected places. The climate on the coast, from Canada to Vir- ginia, is the worst possible for the Hyacinth, because of the alternate freezing and thawing so common in early spring. To guard against this, a suitable mat should be in readiness to throw over the bed after the winter cov- ering has been removed. No further cultural instruc- tions are necessary for the Hyacinth in the open border, observing what we have said in regard to manures, as used in Holland. It is by no means essential to have tho ground as rich to flower the bulb as it was to produce it, as the flower is already formed, and whether the soil be rich or jDoor, the same number of flowers will appear on the stem ; but, of course, under favorable conditions, they will be larger and stronger than under the reverse. Selection of Varieties of Hyacinths. — Where required for use in large quantities. Hyacinths of good quality and striking colors may be had at very low rates. This is an important consideration, as many amateurs are deterred from making as good a display as they miglit wish, because of the expense, which is thought disproportionate to the effect produced. For many years we have grown the Hyacinth with varied degrees of success. We have planted bulbs that were sold at retail at two dollars each ; beside them w^e have had those grow- ing that only cost one dollar per dozen, and we must say that none but the professional bulb-grower would notice the difference. The contrast in prices is still greater now, as good bulbs can be bought at four dollars per hundred, retail. HYACINTH. 14? Many persons make the growing of H3'acintlis a Iiobby. This is very commen(hil)le, for it stimulates tlie ])rodiiction of new varietie^^, with a view toward inij)rove- ment; and whenever a new variety is brouglit out, it is eagerly sought, at a high price, to tlie great encouragement of the producer, and to the convenience of the general consumer, for, as soon as the novelty is worn off, the price is reduced to that of the standard sorts. It is a mistake, in the selection of Ilyacinths for the open border, to choose the largest bulbs, which are usually the highest priced ; it is much better to get what is known as second- sized bulbs, not simply because they are cheaper, but because they are better, as they will not break u}) into small bulbs, as the larger ones invariably do after the first year, each part producing a weak spike with but few bells, but the small bells will grow on for two or three years, giving a fine spike each year. We do not advise the use of mixed bulbs, but, rather, what are usu- ally termed "Bedding Ilyacinths," which simply means second or third sized bulbs of the standard varieties, such as have been in cultivation for the last hundred vears, and within that period but little real improvement has been made in Hyacinths, either as regards size, form or color, excepting so far as douijle forms may be con>i(l- ered an imi)rovement, notwithstanding there are annually brought out a score or more of ** novelties." These bulbs differ only from the first size, in not having been grown so long, by one or two years, which allows of their being sold materially cheaper. Growing Hyacinths in Pots.— For pot culture there is no plant that succeeds better, or gives more gen- eral satisfaction, than the llyacinth ; certainly there is none other more easily managed. For this j)urpose select solid, heavy bulbs, without regard to size ; second- sized bulbs will generally prove (piite as satisfaclory as thu larger OiU^° For u sialic bulb a five-inch pot iij 148 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. suflQciently large. Fill it with any good potting mold, a light, rich one being preferable. Eemove a little soil from the central surface, and into this opening lightly press the bulb, so as not to have the soil hard beneath it, but pack the earth firmly around it, leaving about one- third of the bulb visible. If the bulb is pressed too firmly in the soil, when the roots begin to grow, instead of penetrating, they will lift the bulb out of its proper position. After potting set the pots in any sheltered position, where they will not get too much water, and cover with soil, or, what is better, coal ashes, to the depth of six or eight inches ; over this throw leaves or coarse litter, to prevent freezing, so that they may be brought into the house as required. It is a common practice to put them in a cellar or shed. This is not a good plan, however, as the soil is apt to get too dry after the roots start, from the ill effects of which the plants never fully recover. For a succession of bloom, bring in as many as desired about December first, and every two weeks thereafter until February first. If the bulbs have been kept from the frost, as they should have been, they will have made considerable top growth, in which case bring them gradually to the light until they get their natural color, after which they will stand all the light and heat the living room will afford. It will aug- ment the beauty of the flowers and prolong their period of usefulness to grow them in a low temperature, although they thrive in any other, provided watering is proportionate. The best time for potting is as soon as possible after the bulbs arrive from Holland, when they have had a sufficient period of rest, and are ready for the first period of root growth. The quicker the pots are filled with roots, the sooner the bulbs will come into flower after they are brought into the house. Besides, Avithout a healthy root-growth, there will never be a healthy flower sjjike ; the flowers opening close down to HYACIXTH. 14i> the bulb, instead of being raised on a long generous spike, being the result of insufficient root action. Blooming Hyacinths in Glasses. — For flower- ing in glasses, the largest and heaviest bulbs alone should be chosen, as, in a great measure, thc}^ derive their nour- ishment from their own substance, which is quite suffi- cient to develop their flowers, if all other conditions are favorable. For this purjiose, as in growing the bulbs in pots, a healthy root growth is of the first importance. To secure this it is an excellent plan, about November 1st, to place the bulbs in a box of wet sand, say two inches in depth. The bulbs should not be pressed into the sand more than half an inch. Put the box where it is cool and dark, and the roots will start in a few days ; when they are half an inch in length, the bulbs may be put in the glasses where they are to grow. Place the glasses, after they are filled with water enough to just touch the bulb, in a dark closet until the roots touch the bottoms of the glasses, then bring to the light, but never where the glasses will receive the full rays of the sun, the effect of which is to heat the water to a fatal degree. A rather low temperature and free access of pure air are among the essential conditions of growth. The temperature should be free from fluctuations. The mantlepiece is an untit place, while the window-sash, where the glasses get the full force of the sun by day, and the cold drafts of air at night, is the worst place possible, and the one where they are the most freciuently met. The nearer they can be ke])t in a temperature of say 50° F., the better will be the results. For flowering in glasses the single varieties are always to be ])referred, as they come into ilowcr more (juickly and seem to thrive better under unnatural conditions. Varieties. — 'Vhv varieties of tlie Hyacinth are extremely numerous, l)ut it is a pleasure to say that the Dutch dcscrijitions arc remarkably accurate, and that 150 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. variety synonyms are exceedingly rare. In making a choice for the garden, individual taste in color alone is to be considered ; there is not so much difference in DOUBLE HYACINTH. form or habit in most of the varieties as to make it an important point in selection. The single varieties are greatly to bo preferred to the double ; they have longer HYACINTH. 151 and better furnished spikes, and, as a rule, their colors are better defined. Two exceptions to this rule may be niade in favor of La Tour D'Auvergne, a double white, and Regina Victoria, a double red. Tlie former is our first choice, whether in the garden or for pot culture; tlio hitter is a good second. For general cultivation and for all purposes, the fol- lowing twenty-five sorts we consider the most desirable, being very distinct in their respective colors. "We do not a;] mire neutral tints in the Hyacinth, as they give the tlower a dirty a})])earance. There are but few truly good yellows, either single or double ; some of the colors are good, but the spikes are short and the bells scattered. All in the following list possess the most positive and striking colors: SEXOLE RED AXD PINK HYACINTHS. Lord Macaulay. — Clear rose with carmine stripes, a gnod show variety. Madame Hodgson. — Pale pink, a large and well- formed spike and a sure bloomer. Robert Steiger. — A fine spike, bright red; one of the best for bedding, or decorative purposes. Von Schiller. — Clear salmon pink, with crimson stripes ; a fine pot plant for decorative purposes. SINGLE WHITE. Alba Superbissima. — A pure white, large and compact spike ; a fine bedding variety. La Grandesse. — Pure white, a long and hand- some sj)ike; one of the best for exhibition })uri)oses. Mont Blanc. — Pure white, a long and well-formed spike suitaijle for all methods of culture. SINGLE BLUE. Charles Dickens. — Liijht clear blue shaded with lilac; a long, well-formed spike and one of the best in cultivation. 152 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLANTS. Grand Lilas. — Porcelain blue; a very pleasing variety. Mimosa. — Dark purple ; very distinct, contrasting finely with the red and white sorts ; a valuable bedder. SINGLE LILAC AND MAUVE. Haydn. — Lilac-mauve, very distinct; good spike and form. La Unique. — Dark violet ; a very fine spike. SINGLE YELLOW. Bird of Paradise. — Clear yellow, and long spike; one of the best of the yellows. Ida. — Beautiful primrose yellow, large bells on a compact spike ; an excellent variety. La Citronniere. — Pale yellow; a splendid flower. DOUBLE LED AND ROSE. Bouquet Tendre (Waterloo). — Deep red on a good spike, and early ; an old and pleasing variety. Lord Wellington. — Pale rose, large bells and hand- some s})ike ; a showy and handsome variety. Regina Victoria. — Fine clear dark-rosy pink; a long spike and bells somewhat loosely arranged, but very pleasing. DOUBLE WHITE. Anna Maria. — Light blush with purple center ; a good spike and distinct. La Tour D'Auvergne. — A clear white with large bells well arranged on a long spike ; one of the best. Prince of Waterloo. — Pure white, long and hand- some spike of well-arranged bells. DOUBLE BLUE. Blocksberg. — Porcelain with a white stripe, large bells and a good spike ; a standard sort. Laurens Koster. — Fine dark blue, close handsome spike ; one of the very best double sorts. HYACINTH. 153 DOUBLE YELLOW. Jaune Supreme. — Pure citron yellow, very double; a fair spike. Ophir D'Or. — Deep yellow; an extra fine flower. Hyacinths for Pots. — The foregoing selection can- not be surpassed for pot culture excepting, perhaps, that some of the higher priced sorts may possibly give a little larger spike, but for general cultivation those named will give entire satisfaction. Hyacinths for Glasses. — The following twelve sorts we believe to be the best for glasses, but these can- not be depended upon for good spikes because of the un- natural condition in w^hich they are grown and the lia- bility there is of their suffering from neglect : Madame Hodgson and Robert Sfcigcr, single red ; Alba Sujwrbis- si/na, single white; Grand Van Vanqiieur and Mo7it Blanc, single white ; Charles Dickens, single blue ; Grand Lilas, single porcelain-blue ; Mimosa, single dark blue ; Bird of Paradise, single yellow; La Tour D'^Anvergne, double white ; Bouquet Tendre, double red ; Laurens Koster, double blue. After Hyacinths have been grown, either in pots or glasses, the bulbs are of no further use, and should be thrown away. Roman Hyacinth. — This is a distinct species, Ili/arinfhns romanus, a native of Greece, largely culti- vated in the south of France, and far more extensively grown in this country for cut flowers than the well-known Dutch Hyacinth. It is readily forced, and the bulb, although much smaller than that of the ordinary Hya- cinth, produces several flower stalks. Of this species there is a blue and a pink variety, ])0]nilarly known as Parisian Hyacinths. These arc but little used, because of their colors, white being the only color in that form that the florists can use to advantage, and for house or con- servatory decoration their flowers do not contrast as favorably with the foliage as do those of the white. 154 BULBS AND TUBEROUS -ROOTED PLANTS. The Roman Hyacinth is specially adapted for forcing, and can be had from Christmas until spring, with very little effort. The common method of growing it for cut ROMAN HYACTNTHo flowers is to put the l)ulbs, as soon as received from France, in flats or shallow boxes, say three inches apart, using the soil that is most convenient. Let the top of HYACIJ^TH. 155 the bulb be even with the surface of the soil ; water tlioroughly, then place the flats in a cold frame, or shed, away from frost. They should remain in this condition at least four weeks before they are brought in for forcing. Heat should be applied gradually, beginning at 50° and running up to 60° or 70° F. To get flowers for Christ- mas, a little higher temperature will be required than is best to employ for a general crop. For a succession, bring in a new batch every two weeks. The Roman Hyacinth can be most successfully grown in the window-garden, and is more desirable than the large-flowTrcd varieties, because of its coming into bloom much earlicrc For this purpose a four-inch pot can be used to advantage. Use any soil from tlie garden ; put throe bulbs in each pot, and treat in all other respects as the Dutch Hyacinth, only that the Roman can be started by the first of November, and in a favorable situation will flower by Christmas. They can just as well be brought on in shallow boxes if a greater number is re- quired. The only care necessary in the house is to pro- vide water when required, and to keep up as even a tem- perature as possible. A check from want of water, or because of too low a temperature will prevent a perfect development of flowers. After flowering, the florists throw the bulbs into the rubbish heap, which is the only thing to do, as after forcing they are not worth saving. If grown more carefully in flats or pots until the bulbs are matured, then planted in the open border, they will flower moderately well for a number of years. But the room required is of more value than the cost of the bulbs. Dutch-Roman Hyacinth. — The Dutch growers arc now competing with the French growers with the above named variety, which is claimed to be superior. Tliose who have given it a fair trial do not admit its superiority, and say tliat it is simply a selection of small bulbs of extra early Dutch Hyacinth. We think this is a 166 BULBS AND TUBEEODS-ROOTED PLANTS. mistake, and belieye the "Dutch -Romans" to be a distinct variety of Hyacinthus orientatis, known as aliulus (small white) quite distinct from the Eoman. Our best growers speak well of this for a second crop, both as regards qual- ity of flower, and the price for which it can be obtained. It requires to be treated in the same manner as is recom- mended for the Roman Hyacinth. The Persian Hyacinth. — This is botanically known as Hyacinthus ametliystinus, and is one of the most beautiful of the species, because of its exquisitely- colored flowers, varying from white to lake. It is by no means showy, neither will it compare for general useful- ness with any of the other species. Its flowers are small, on a delicate stem ; its grace and color is what commends it. It is a native of Spain, Italy and Russia. It closely resembles the Scilla, and has been included in that genus as 8, patula. Treat the same as the Dutch Hyacinth. The Varieties and Synonyms of Hyacinths are given in the following table: Californian Hyacinth. — See Brodisea. Page 45. Cape Hyacinth. — See Scilla brachyphilla. Dutch Hyacinth. — See Page 138. Dutch-Roman Hyacinth. — See Page 155. Fair Haired Hyacinth. — See Muscari comosum. Grape Hyacinth. — See Muscari botryoides. Persian Hyacinth. — See above. Roman Hyacinth. — ^See Page 153. Star Hyacinth. — See Scilla amoena. Starch Hyacinth. — See Muscari racemosum. Tassel Hyacinth. — See Muscari comosum. White Cape Hyacinth.— See Galtonia candicans. Page 97. Wild American Hyacinth.— See Camassia escu- lenta, and C. Fraseri (Page 51). Wild Hyacinth. — See Scilla nutans. Winter Hyacinth. — See Scilla autumnalis. HYDKOT^NIA — HYMENOCALLIS. 157 The Hyacintn i fabled co . * ve sprung forth from the blood of the fuir-huired Hyacinthus, when accidentally killed by the quoit of Apollo. Others derive it from Cynthus, one of the names of the god himself, associated with violets — a name, too, that might be taken to be ex- pressive of the surpassing beauty and delightful fragrance of the Hyacinth. HYDROT.ENIA. A synonym of Tigridia. IIYMENOCALLIS. Many of the species that comprise this family were formerly included in Choretis, Ismene and Pancratium. H. rotafa and //. speciosa are native bulbs, common from North Carolina to Florida, and also in the West Indies. They are so closely allied to Pancratium as not to be dis- tinguished by the casual observer. They are all swamp plants, and require to be grown in the green- house. Large numbers are sold under the name of Cuban Lilies. The flowers, in all the species, are white or yellow, and of the same general character. The Mexican Lily (//. Choretis) is a native of Texas and Mexico. It grows freely in a light sandy soil in the open border, or may be grown in pots in the greenhouse. The flowers are very beautiful, pure white, with a green eye and a greenish stripe. The bulbs require rest from November until May, during which time they should be kept dry and in a frost ])roof room. The Peruvian Daffodil (Ismeno) is remarkably hand- some, and should be grown as generally as the (iladiolus, or other summer-flowering bulbs. It thrives in the poorest sandy soil, if dry; the only condition it does not like is too much moisture. The bulbs can be taken \\\) in the autumn, and stored during winter in the same nuinner as the Gladiolus. One of the two cultivated species is U. A/nancaes, the sacred flower of the Peru- 158 BULBS AKD TUBEROUS- ROOTED PLAXTS. viaiis, in honor of wliicli they hold every year a kind of religions ceremoii}^, in which holy images are strangely mixed up with scenes of dancing and feasting. On the 24.th of June the in habitants of Lima sally forth, on horseback, in carriages and on foot, and, passing throngh the Almecla, or common promenade, they proceed to some hills abcnt two miles from the city, which, though nsnally bare of vegetation, are then yellow with the flow- ers of the Amancaes. On the sandy or volcanic soil of tliese hills innnmerable booths are erected ; and here the visitors take refreshment, after walkino- to and fro, and decorating themselves and their horses with the flowers of the Amancaes. The amnsements of the day consist prineii)ally of music and dancing, and tnese are strangely mixed up with religious ceremonies. In the evening the crowds retnrn to the city, so laden with flowers as to look, in the light of the setting sun, like a stream of molten gold. The other Peruvian Daffodil is If. cala- thinnm, a very handsome species from Buenos Ayres, wdiich has large, 23ure white, delightfully fragrant flow- ers. Its culture is the same as the foregoing, l)nt it is a more vigorous plant, and will grow in other than sand, which the first named species will not. It makes a charming pot plant. HYPOXIS. Star Grass. A small genus of tuberous-rooted plants widely dis- seminated, and differing considerably in character. The only S2)ecies worthy of cultivation is H. ereda, our com- mon Star-grass, which is a beautiful little plant indige- nous from the Atlantic to the Great Plains, and south- ward. Its flowers are bright yellow with brownish stripe on the outside of the ]ietals, and though they are small, yet from their great abundance and the length of time they continue, tliey are worthy a place in every garden. IMANTOPUYLLUM — INDIAN SHOT. 159 They are among our earliest "v\'ilcl flowers, and none are more l)oautiful. In the hekls tlie flower stems are from four inches to a foot in liiii^lit. Under cultivation the flowers are larger and the stems or scapes grow higher. They increase rapidly by offsets. IMANTOPUYLLUM. No little confusion has existed in the nomenclature of plants of this genus. The genus has been considered a synonym of Olivia, both names having been given to tlie same species. Between /. miniatiim and G. nohilis, "wliicli liave been considered the same species, there is a marked difference in the flowers; those of the former are erect and much larger than tliose of the latter, which are drooping and of a darker color. In general api)earance tliey closely resemble each other, and the same treatment i.s required for both. See Olivia, Page 58. I. cyrtanthiflorum, (Oyrtanthus-flowered). — Flow- ers clear, rich salmon, or light flame-colored. This is a «upi)o.lants, in May, are a mass of blue, bright yellow, })urple of ail shades, white, ami all the shades of color that the vari- ous combinations will produce. When care and system have been employd in ))lanting, a mass of (Jcrman Iris is a gorgeous sight. This species is perfectly hardy, '.)iit will l>e greatly benelited by a light mulching uf loaves 164 BULBS AKD TUBEKOUS-ROOTED PLANTS. or coarse litfcer in autumn. It is not at all particular as to soil, preferring a rather heavy and moist one, but will give great satisfaction in any soil or situation. The tubers may be planted, either in spring or early autumn, the latter being preferable, as they start very early in the spring. Plant about a foot apart each way, and they will soon completely cover the ground. Propagation is by division, or from seed. The rapidity with which plants can be produced from seed, and the great variation of color in the seedlings, none of which are poor, has been the means of increasing this class to an almost unlimited extent. A choice of these the buyer must make for himself, color or combination being the principal object, there being a marked uniformity in the size of the plants. I. cristata (Crested). — This is a native American species of very dwarf habit, abundant in the mountain regions of Virginia, Kentucky and southward. The flowers are a delicate lilac, with yellow throat, and finely crested, appearing early in May. As a border plant it has no superior ; it is perfectly hardy and wonderfully floriferous. It is rapidly increased by division, and wi^l thrive anywhere. There are more than fifty other spe- cies of this tuberous-rooted class. Japanese Iris {Iris IcBvigata, I, Kcempferi). — This forms a distinct type, and is the most valuable of the genus for garden decoration. The plants are per- fectly hardy, and strong growers. The flower stalks, if planted in good soil, will grow fully four feet high, with abundance of bloom. The flowers are proportionately large ; they open perfectly flat, are from six to ten inches in diameter, some single, some double, in various shades of color ; pure white, dark purple, maroon, violet and plum, witli very distinct pencilings and markings; some are strangely and beautifully marbled. To have these in perfectiiui the soil should be moist, deep and r.ib They are gross feeders, but pay for their keeping. IRIS. TYPES OF THE JAPANESE IRIS. KS BULBS AXD TUBEROUS-liOOTED PLANTS, While tliey succeed finely in broad snnliglit, tlie warm sun of June, when the}' are in Hoover, quickly destroys the delicate flowers. To guard against this, they should be slightly protected on the south and west. If they can be planted in moist ground, near the edge of a stream, perfection will be reached. If planted in good soil, they should be divided as often as once in three years, as they do not bloom as well when the roots be- come massed, possibly because they cannot get suffi- cient nourishment when in large clumps. A portion only, should bo divided each year, as it takes one year to make strong crowns for the next year's flowers. This species is also grown readily from seed, which should be sown in ejirly spring, in drills, as we sow peas ; trans- plant the following spring into rows three feet apart, the plants one foot apart in the rows. With good culti- vation, nearly every plant will flower the second year. A large mass of these seedlings, no two of w^hicli will be precisely alike, but all good, has no superior in the floral world. After the first flowTrs apjoear, such as are the least desirable can be throAvn out, giving the remainder a better chance to grow% which they will do so rapidly as to form a perfect mass in two years thereafter. ISMENE. See Peruvian ])atfodil (UymenocaUis Amancaes), Page 157. IXIA. This interesting genus of Cape bulbs now includes about thirty species, and very many garden varieties, the result of cross-fertilization, a work that, in this case, has been unusually successful, as the size of the flowers has been materially increased without loss of vigor in the plant, or in the wonderful colors and markings of the flowers. Since the introduction of thij genus, some twelve others have been formed out of it; in doing t^i.s ixiA. 1G7 oome very fine distinctions were made by the specialist. 'i he species are all of great beauty, producing flowers of many colors, — pink, rose, crimson, orange, yellow, cream-coLr, white and variegated. In many varieties these colors ore strangely blended, but always clear, and the markings entirely distinct. They make sj^lendid pot plants for the conservatory or greenhouse ; in fact, there are but few plants more showy. They should be potted, say twelve in a six inch pot, in rich, light soil, in October, and set aside until they commence to grow, ■when thev should be brought into full light, in a moder- ately warm greenhouse. They will come into flower in midwinter, aiul remain objects of great beauty for some weeks. After flowering, and the bulbs have perfected their growth, they should be dried off, and kept dry and dark until the iirst of October, when they should be repotted. The offsets, which are produced freely, should be thrown away, as they do not flower until the second year, and the bulbs are so cheap that it does not pay to grow them. These bulbs can also be grown in a cold frame, but they must be insured against both frost and excessive moisture. If grown in a frame, the bulbs should be jdanted two inches apart and three inches deep. Few of the species are in cultivation, the garden varieties having sui)ersedcd them. The following, how- ever, are well worth growing: I. aulica. — Tall, pink, eighteen inches, or two feet liigh, ilowering in April and May. I. conica. — An orange colored species, about a foot high, flowering in April and May. I. crispa. — A curled leaved blue sort, flowering in April and May. I. erecta. — White, ab(>ut one and one-half feet liigh, flowering in May and .June. Tiiere is also a flesh- colored {ntranuda), and yellow (lutea) variety. I. incarnata. — Rich flesh-colored, floweriiij^ in June and July, nine inches high. 168 BULBS AND TUBEROUS ROOTED PLANTS. I. leucantha. — Fine white, May flowering, eight- een inches high. I. linearis. — Linear-shaped leaves, flowers white, flowering in April and May. I. maculata. — A white and brown spo^tted species, about a foot high, flowering in May and June. I. monadelpha. — Tiiis blue Ixia has the flowers gathered together in bundles, and is dwarf and beautiful. I. ochroleuca. — A cream-colored species. I. patens. — This is a spreading-flowered pink spe- cies, blooming in April, about one foot high. I. Scillaris.— A various colored squill-like flower, and one of the very earliest, flowering in January and February. IXIOLIRION. A small genus of very pretty little plants, natives of Syria, producing, in early spring, delicate tufts of pale blue flowers. They are rarely seen in cultivation, their 4^1ace being taken by more showy plants. They grow as freely as the Crocus, and are increased by offsets. JACK IN THE PULPIT. See Ariscema tripliyllum, Page 31. JACOBEAN LILY. See Sprekelia, Page 22. JONQUIL. See Narcissus Jonquilla. LACHENALIA. Cape Cowslips, A rather large genus of rather pretty Cape bulbs of easy culture, preferring a light sandy soil and the cool greenhouse. The plants are small, flower-scapes erect, bearing numerous pendulous flowers, yellow and green, or scarlet and green ; more curious than beautiful. The LAPEYROUSIA — LEUCOCORYNE. 1G9 foliage of some of the species is prettily variegated. They are readily increased by offsets. Like all Cape bulbs, they require active growth, or absolute rest. Being the first bulbs to flower in the winter is an inducement to their cultivation. The best of the species are : L. anguinea. — White, with variegated foliage. L. luteola. — Yellow. L. pendula. — Scarlet and green. L. tricolor. — Red, green and yellow; very pretty. L. uniflora. — Green. LAPEYROUSIA. Fei/rousia or Oveicla. A small genus of Cape bulbs, flowers white, blue, violet or pink. Closely resembling the Ixias, Page 166 ; the plants reciuire the same general treatment. When ])lants are grown for their real beauty, these will become generally cultivated. LEUCOCORYNE. A genus of small, low-growing Liliaceous plants, with large flowers, from South America; blooming in early autumn if treated in the same manner as the Glad- iolus; they are also beautiful pot plants for the conserva- tory. If planted closely together in the border, their white and lilac flowers make a beautiful display. LEUCOIUM. The Snowjlalce, or Eruiosma. This genus of handsome spring and summer flower- ing bulbs was formerly included with Acis and Erinos- nia, but was separated by Dean Herbert, the acknowl- edged autliority on bul])s and tulicrous-rooted i)lantji. The genus now iiichidi's tl. f(>llowiug species : L. vernum (Spring Snowilake, or St. Agnes* flower). — A hardy bulb, growing from twelve to cigliteeu 170 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLANTS. inches high, producing very elegant and deliglitfully fra- grant flowers, pure white, with a green spot on each petal near the point. The flowers resemble the Snow- drop, but are much larger, and appear about a month later. It is one of the most desirable of early flowering bulbs, and is suitable for rock-work or borders. The plants delight in a sheltered, partially shaded situation, and a light, well drained soil. This species is indigenous to Central Europe, abounding in woods and shaded sit- uations. It was introduced in 1596, and was dedicated to St. Agnes. In Parkinson's Herbal it is described as the Great Early Bulbous Violet. It is rapidly propa- gated by ofi'sets. See Engraving, Page 96. L. sestivum (The Summer Snowflake). — A very pretty drooping floAver, with bright green spots on its white petals ; but it is much less ornamental than the spring Snowflake. The leaves of this species are of a bright yellowish green ; a rather uncommon condition, as the leaves of most bulbs have a bluish tinge, except when they are beginning to decay. It is a native of Europe, flowers in June, and is propagated by offsets. Cultiva- tion is the same as for the foregoing species. LIBERTIA. A beautiful genus of Iridaceous plants, natives of Austi-alia, Tasmania, Xew Zealand and China. But few of the species are what might be termed half-hardy. They are charming plants when they can be grown in the border, but will not endure much frost. They are not adapted to greenhouse culture. L. formosa. — A beautiful plant, either for sum- mer or winter, owing to the color of its foliage, which is a dark shining green, and it i)roduces spikes of flowers of snowy whiteness, with a delicacy of some of the finer Orchids. It is neat, dwarf and compact, and has flow- ers much larger than those of the other species. LILY. 171 L. ixioides. — A handsome IN'ew Zcalnnd evergreen species, with narrow grassy foliage and small white flow- ers. The plants require a warm border of . light soil ; they will also thrive in tlie rockery, and are rapidly propagated by seeds, or careful division in spring. LILY. Lilium, We give to the lily a large space, because it is first in importance in the bulb garden, in the history of flow- ering plants, and in the hearts of all true lovers of the beautiful in floral form and color. It is, moreover, the best representative of the natural order to which it belongs, which includes not only the most remarkable hardy herbaceous plants, but also greenhouse plants and important vegetables. The order Liliaccce contains more than one hundred and eighty genera, and nearly twenty-five hundred species, the best known of whicli, besides the Lily, are tlie Hyacinth, Tulip, Agapanthus, Frittilaria, Scilla and the Onion. The Lily derives its name from the Celtic word, li, signifying whiteness ; the Lily having long been considered an emblem of white- ness and purity. The genus Lilium embraces about fifty distinct spe- cies, most of which belong to the northern hemisphere, and, with the exception of the few found in the moun- tains of sub-troi)ical Asia, all the species belong to the temperate regions. North America furnishes a large number of ornamental and useful species, all of which are highly honored in foreign lands. Japan lias furnished, by far, the largest number of beau- tiful species under cultivation, as L. nnrdtnm, L. speriosfnn (erroneously known as L. hu(rif(iUi(iit), L. lA'irhtliniiy L. Ijiutniii, L. fit/ritiuni, and L. cln/ans (Thunhenjiununi), with its synonyms. The Lilinni candidnmy the chaste brauty and grace of which is not 172 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLAKTS. equalled by that of any other flower, comes from the Levant. Asia furnishes the L. chalcedonictun and the L. monadel2)lmm, the latter varying in some respects slightly, and sold under several specific names ; Siberia furnishes the lovely little L. tenuifolium, which is there used as an article of food ; most of the other spe- cies are scattered over Europe. Tlius, it will be seen, the species have a wide geographical range. "With the exception of those found in Japan and California, within certain limits the species bear a close resemblance in their generic characters. In Japan nearly every form and color the genus affords is to be found, with some peculiarities exclusively her own ; characters that go to make up flowers superior in point of true beauty and loveliness to any of the species native elsewhere, always excepting L. candidum, which has no equal. In each of the species there is a marked variation in the color and shape of the flowers, in the height and gen- eral habit of the plant ; though not enough to be termed specific, yet sufficient to establish a variety entitled to a distinctive name. By systematic selection the grower has been enabled to multiply varieties to an almost un- limited extent. One dealer in Holland has listed in his catalogue fifty varieties of Thunbergianum, nearly as many of Umbellatum, thirty-five varieties of Speciosum (Lancifolium), twelve of Tigrinum, eight of Candidum, and so on through the list. In either case from one to six varieties would fairly represent the species and avoid great confusion in nomenclature. The multiplication of varieties of the Lily has caused the beginner sad annoy- ance ; hisunpracticed eye fails to discern the fine shades and markings, that seem so important to the enthusi- astic grower, and he naturally concludes that he has but one variety under several names. In a measure, he is correct, as is any one that buys any number of scarlet Pelargoniums, or Verbenas, to which the grower has given LILY. 173 as many distinctive names, when none otlier could possi- bly see the points of difference. The Lily is one of the few plants that we think has never been improved by hybridization, or cross-fertilization. Efforts without number have been made in tliis direction, many of which we have watched with the greatest interest and with the closest attention, yet we cannot note a single instance where there has been the slightest improvement in the flower, in any respect. On the contrary, we have usually noticed a decrease in the vigor of the plant, and the quality of the flower. It seems to us that every step in this direction has been a step backward ; that nature has exhausted her resources in the perfection of the species, and regards as an interference all efforts of man to improve her work. Tliere are now under cultivation many seedlings from the si)ecies that, in some points of marking, are to be preferred to the parent ; this wx con- sider the result of their natural tendency to variation, rather than the result of any systematic effort for im- ])rovement. High cultivation, which includes careful l)rotection against cold, heat, drouth and water, all of which points will be duly considered, is the great secret of improvement ; a proper amount of attention in tliis direction will increase the vigor of the plants, the size, number and general character of the flowers. It does not seem necessary to improve, or, rather, to attempt an improvement on that which is already perfect, as the Lily is, wherever found in its native habitat. Nature has endowed tiie Lily with every ele- ment of grace and beauty, not only in outline, but in color, or the hap])y blending of colors, in forms most varied and beautiful, in fragrance delightful; in short, in all tlie characters essential to real beauty. Certainly, the ease with which many varieties produced their nipid increase, has ))laced them in the list of common plants, as though a plant must be difficult to manage, or 174 BULBS A:^D TUBEROUS-ROOTPID PLANTS. that any given color loses its beauty in ])roportion to the increase of its quantity. As an example, we do not think there is a more beautiful form in the garden than the Tigrinum, when properly grown ; neither do we think there is a color more showy or pleasing than that of its flowers, and^ if rare, none would be more eagerly sought. Yet this plant is usually regarded as a weed. The limit of perfection with the Lily, as with many other plants, is to give it all the attention necessary, both in place and cultivation, to enable it to reach that perfec- tion which marks its growth, unaided, in its own habitat. x\ny change of color, or form, from the original, disturbs that harmony of arrangement necessary to the highest development of beaut}^ Cultivation of the Lily. — Many amateurs and professional gardeners experience considerable difficulty in cultivating the more valuable varieties, which include many of those of recent introduction, and, notwithstand- ing that seemingly every precaution is taken to protect and secure them from injury during the winter season, it is found that very many perish ; and others, though preserved alive, are maintained in such a sickly condi- tion that they never yield a perfect flower. It is but natural to suppose that for these injurious effects there must be an exciting, vital cause. Tliis we have long and patiently sought for, and will explicitly give the results of our investigation as briefly as possible; and having shown the cause of failure, the remedy will be obvious. Lilies are not Hardy. — The principal cause of failure in cultivating Lilies lies in over-estimating their hardiness, their power to endure the rigors of the winter. It is the general opinion of those authorized to speak for the Lily, that, with but few exceptions, tlie species are perfectly hardy in a temperate climate. This o})inion, which is supposed to be correct, finds its way into the LILY. 175 seedsmen's catalognes, prominent in the cultural instrac- tions, and the trustful beginner, not taking the proper precautions, loses his ])ulbs. So well established lias this opinion become, that failure wholly due to frost is attributed to some unknown cause. This opinion is founded on the fact that the species denominated hardy are natives of either cold, or temperate climates. A more erroneous opinion, or one frauglit with more danger to the plant, could not well be entertained. The species that are truly hardy in New York, other than those indigenous to the soil, are remarkably few ; indeed, they are the excei)tion rather than the rule. While it is true . that some of the species are found in tlie coldest parts of the habitable globe, growing most luxuriantly, it is e(|ually true that those same species, grown in temperate climates, are not hardy to a degree which renders it safe to ])l{int tliem in our borders without protection. It is but jn-oper to remark, at this time, that there is no climate so severe on every class of bulbs, such as are usually considered hardy, and left in the open border during winter, as that of the Middle Atlantic States. This is jiarticularly applicable to the Atlantic coast, from Massachusetts to A'irginia, where the ther- mometer often indicates forty degrees of frost when there is not a particle of snow on the ground for the pro- tection of vegetation. In these localities the frost pene- trates the earth to a great depth, and is soon thawed out. ' These constant chan;?es from freezin*:: to thawiufr cause the earth to contract and expand to such a degree as to fre({uently tear the bulbs in i)ieces. AVe have known whole fields destroved in this manner. This sliows the median ical cfTcct of freezing. Xow let us be more specific SilK-riii alfcu'ds us a 'striking illustration of climatic inlhu'iiccs on growth and preservation of bul])s. There the bi'autiful little Tenuifolium is indige- nous, and there it is largely employed as an article uf 176 BULBS AND TUBEKOUS-ROOTED PLANTS. food. In its native habitat it is perfectly hardy ; at least, it is never injured by the excessive cold. Here it is not hardy, and must be protected against frost in order to secure blooms. Why? Simply because, in its Sibe- rian home, the first indication of winter is a snowstorm that covers the ground so deeply that frost rarely, if ever, enters the ground at all. In our temperate clime the earth is frozen to a depth entirely unknown there, notwithstanding their climate is much the colder. The same is true in regard to the Martagon, the bulbs of which are largely used by the Cossacks as a vegetable; with them it is perfectly hardy ; with us, in a much milder climate, it will rarely survive but a single season, unless protected, but with that precaution, it grows with much more vigor here than in its native home. In England all the Turks' Cap Lilies grow to a size unknown where they are indigenous. This is be- cause, in England, the frost never reaches them, and the other conditions of growth are more favorable. The White Turks' Cap Lily, Lilium Martagon album, in the northern part of New York, in the North- ern States, and in Lower Canada, thrives with all the vigor of a native jolant. We have known this bulb, in one locality, to increase so fast that it crowded out other bulbs in the garden, and was regarded as a native plant. Near the ocean it is rarely seen, in fact, cannot be grown, excepting it be protected from frost, either by a frame, or by mulching. Away from the Atlantic coast, and in Germany, its native home, the snow affords ample protection. hi many sections of our country, where the ground is usually covered with snow during winter, Lilies of all kinds grow to tlie greatest i)erfcction. We have seen finer bulbs of tlie Anratum, Brownii, Clialcedonicum, Martagon and other species grown in Vermont, where they were protected by snow, than we have ever seen grown in any other country. Here the Auratum is LILY. 177 {ilwa3's health}', and increases rapidly, Avhich it does not do in less favored situations. There are many other plants protected by snow in the same, or in a similar, manner. We notice on the Alps, at an elevation that permits of only four months of spring, summer and autumn, that the Primula auricula grows in the greatest luxuriance and profusion. There the frost never reaches it, as it is constantly and completely protected with snow through eight montlis of winter. In the valleys below, where tliere is no snow and but little frost, the same plant will not live through the winter without arti- ficial protection. It is not so much the cold that injures or destroys many of the species, as the disintegration which follows alternate freezins: and thawins^. We have often had bulbs of the Tigrinum, Umbellatum and Spe- ciosum (Lancifolium) renuiin on the surface during win- ter, without fatal injury, while those in the ground were comi)letely destroyed. The question may be asked, and it is a pertinent one, *'Do not our native Lilies have the same elements to contend against as those not indigenous to our soil, and having them, escape uninjured?" Certainly, yes; but nature always protects her own, and in collecting our native species, we see how wisely and beautifully it is done. The L. snperhum is rarely found, excepting in woods, or marshy grounds ; the low-growing trees or shrubs form a com})lete net-work of roots above and beneath the bulbs, affording the most ample protection against the action of the fiost, should it j)em^trate the heavy mulching of leaves that nature has j)r()viiled for their ])rotecti()n. The L. cmuuloise, or common Lilv of northern meadows, forms its bulbs very deep, usually beyond the reach of frost, and has for a covering a lieavy turf, than which there can be no better i)rotcction. 'i'his Lily, in our cultivated fields or nursery grounds, is by no means hardy. 178 BULBS MUD TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLAXTS. ^sop told the gardener of his master, Xanthus, that *'The earth is stepmother to those plants which were incorporated into her soil, bnt a mother to those which are her own free production." This may suggest the reason why our own species are capable of with- standing the severity of our winters, while those from foreign countries are not. Whatever may be the cause of failure, we find, by our own experience and observation, that where Lilies are protected so that frost cannot reach them, they will invariably succeed, and thrive in proportion as the other conditions of growth are more or less favorable ; while those left unprotected, if in an exposed situation, are quite as sure to die. Let us state a single instance, in corroboration of the facts as stated. A friend and neighbor had a pecu' liar fondness for bulbs. Lilies in particular. Of these his choice was the L. speciosttm {lancifoUum). He planted, in early spring, in a bed four feet in diameter, a dozen bulbs of the different varieties. They grew moderately well, as they should in good soil, his being kept covered with grass cut from the lawn. Soon after the first frost he covered the bed, to the depth of six inches, with coarse manure, extending over the grass to double the size of the bed. The following seasons there was an enormous growth ; some of the plants were nearly six feet high, their stems being an inch or more in diam- eter at the base, bearing from twenty to thirty flowers each, of a size and substance rarely seen. This bed was allowed to remain undisturbed for several years, the ])lants keeping up their vigor of growth, and increasing with the most wonderful rapidity ; in fact, when they were removed the ground seemed all bulbs. The mulching, or the protecting of a bed of Lilies, is a simple and inexpensive matter. The best and most natural mulching we have ever used is a covering, say LILY. 179 six inches in depth, of newly fallen leaves, kept in place ])}• some brush or a few pieces of board. Any coarse hay is also an excellent protection ; cornstalks answer a very good purpose ; in short, whatever material is the most convenient that will accomplish the purpose, is the best. Wet Soil Injurious. — The next important cause of failure in Lily culture is in planting in wet situations, much water around the bulbs in winter being about as injurious to the plant as much frost. In situations where water covers the ground for any great length of time when the bulbs are at rest, or during winter, they will not be likely to succeed, and are liable to perish. Tiiere are many gardens noted for their productiveness, which cannot be planted before the first of May, because of too much moisture ; such a one is not the congenial home of the Lily. The remedy is to plant in a raised bed. This should be, when finished, at least eighteen inches above the level, and is best made in the following niamer : Lay out a bed of the required size and desired shape ; upon this i)lace any rough stones, about a foot high, irregularly, so that the spaces between them will not be more than their diameter; fill these spaces with good strong soil even with the tops of the stones ; i)artly rotted turf is the best; oikthis soil place the bulbs, about eighteen inches apart each way ; then Ijetween the bulbs ])lace stones of about six inches in diameter, in the same irregular manner as the first layer; then cover the whole with the same preparation of soil that was placed between the first layer of stones, and the work is comjdete. The bulbs should not l)e })laced nearer than a foot from the edge of the bed, which should be sloi)ing and neatly sodded, and should always be as closely cut as the lawn during summer. This bed will rcijuire the same mulch- ing during the winter as though the bulbs were planted in the ordinary border. With these ju'eeautions all gar- den Lilies can be gn>wn in perfection, and will reward 180 BULBS AKD TUBEROUS-EOOTED PLANTS. the grower liberally for all the care and attention given. For a vigorous growth of plant and a perfect devel- opment of the flower a few other ^precautions are neces- sary, although fair success may be obtained without them. Witli the Lily, as with every other plant, the better the treatment the better will be the result; and nowhere is neglect more apparent than in the garden, as theie we want, at all times, a display that can only be hal by persistent effort and constant care. The Lily occupies a prominent position, and can be had in bloom for nearly four months in the season ; it is, therefore, important that it should not suffer from neglect of any kind. It is important, too, that we should have the very best results obtainable. A plant with from thirty to forty perfectly developed flowers is an object of pride to its owner, when compared, as is often the case, with one of the same variety with not more than one-fifth the number, and these of poorly grown flowers. Lilies of all kinds dislike extremes ; they suffer from too much water, and are quite as impatient of heat as of extreme cold. We have shown how they can be pro- tected against moisture ; how to protect againt heat is tlie next consideration. To protect against heat at the root, which is often a serious" injury to the plant, the surface of the bed should be carefully mulched during sammer, in order to keep the ground cool and moist. '^J'his is not only necessary for the full development of the flower, but also for the growth of the bulb, the plant's storeliouse of food, by the aid of which it com- mences operations the coming season, both as to the development of seed and the increase of bulbs, for the extension and perpetuation of the i)lant. For this pur- ])ose any sightly mulch is suitable; fresh cut grass from the lawn answers a good purj)ose, as do leaves, or litter of any kind. We have seen Lilies, heavily mulched with leaves, grown in the shrubbery border, that, for LILY. 181 size and vigor, far surpassed our ideas of the capability of the plant. AVe have seen the L. snperhiim, grow n in this manner, more than eiglit feet high, with a corres- ponding size of stalk and number of flowers. In fact, we do not know of a grander object in the garden than a group of this Lily grown under such circumstances. In a moderately wet season a mulch of living plants is not only beneficial, but ornamental as well ; for this purpose we should recommend the use of some low-grow- ing plant, the Verbena, Dwarf Petunia, or any other plant that will not offend the eye and cover the ground quickl}^ continuing in flower the whole season. AVe have known good effects to come from mulching L. longiflorum with Tansies. In a dr}' season living plants will not do as well as some other forms of mulch, as they draw too much moisture from the Lilies, instead of protecting them. For field culture a mulching of coarse hay or straw answers well, but in the garden that, or any other dry mulch, would ap])ear unsightly. Partial Shade Necessary. — The next precaution is to have the Lily bed partially shaded, either by shrub- bery, or so situated that tlie buildings will afford the necessary shade ; or the plants may be protected from the middiiy sun by a light lattice roofing, say six feet above the ])lants. An excellent i)lan is to put up a light frame sufficiently large to surround the bed, and cover with some very light and open canvas or cloth, to be used in excessively hot weather. This will not only pi'olong the Bcason of flowering, but the flowers will l)e much larger, the colors and markings more clearly defined, and the petals will expand ])erfectly, without tliat tendency to dry up or wither at the jtoints, and the whole jilant will be stroiiL^er and ninri' productive. Best Soil For Lilies. — Wliat soils do Lilies re- quire, or in what kind do they succeed best ? These questions arc frequently asked, and seem to be uf great 182 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. importance ; to many they seem vital points. Our opin- ion, based upon the experience of many years, is, thiit the condition of the soil is of far greater importance thati its character, and it is upon the former that success largely depends. We have grown Lilies in every variety of soil, from the lightest sand to the heaviest clay, and have met both success and failure in all their various char- acters. Our preference is for a light loam, because in it propagation is more rapid, and, in all cases, perfect flowers are results of perfect development of the plant ; should we not have such a soil, we plant in whatever we have, knowing full well that the soil that will yield an abundant croj^ of garden vegetables, or field crops, will also produce Lilies and other flowers in profusion. It is a great mistake to think that each and every 3:)lant must have a soil with certain specific characters in whioh to grow, in order to attain perfect development. It is ';me that any given plant will do better in a soil congenial to it, one similar to that of its native habitat, but it is equally true that it will do well in a variety of soils where other conditions are favorable. Plants do not live on soil alone ; they live in the soil, it is their home. The soil contains certain elementary substances that con- tribute to the growth of plants ; the atmosjolicre con- tains an equal number; the two acting in harmony pro- duce the plant. These conditions, in any given localit}^ always exist ; consequently, whether you have a clayey or a sandy soil, you will have in the atmosphere condi- tions favorable to it, so, in either case, the results will be the same. In the one case von will be obliged to use more labor, in the other more manure, to accomplish the same purpose. But can all the species be successfully grown in the same soil ? We answer, yes, as nearly as those of any other genus of plants with which we are ;ic(iU5iintecl. Make a heavy soil rich, and. provide good drainage^ LILY. 183 and you will get an abundance of beautiful Lilies. Make a light soil ricli, and carefully protect from the burn- ing sun, — the soil by a proper mulch, and the flowers by a suitable screen, — and the same results will follow. How To Plant. — The next consideration of im- portance is, how to i)lant, and upon this much depends. It is a part of the work but little understood, consc- ([uently most generally neglected. To prepare a proper home for the Lily, the soil should be thrown out to the depth of two feet ; at the bottom there should be, at least, six inches in depth of well rotted manure, that from the cow stable being preferable. The manure should be thorouglily packed down, and upon it put twelve inches of well rotted sod, or good garden soil, then one inch of clean sand. Uiion this bed place the bulbs, and cover them with clean sand, then fill up with the same kind of soil as is below the bulbs, rotted sod ijcing preferable ; no manure should ever come in con- tact with the bulbs, as it only tends to decay rather than to strengthen them. The mission of the bulb is to sustain the plant until there is root and leaf development sufhcient to carry on the work. The bulb is sim^^ly a storehouse of food laid up by the plant this year, for tiie commencement of its labors the next. The i)lant derives its sustenance far away from the bulb, and will increase in size and strength in proportion to the amount of food in store for it, until it has reached its maximum growth. If a good, strong, healthy bulb is planted in a good rich soil, a correspondingly strong plant will be the result; which, in its turn, Avill make a number of strong bulbs for tiie j)erpetuation of the species. It is quite as impor- tant to have the soil above the bulb as rich as it is below, as most nf tlie species feed near the surface, through tlicir tliniisaiids of roots thrown out from the stem just ahovc the hull), 'i'he soil should he well drained. The size and number of the bulbs fornu'd this year will depeiul upon the plants' resources. If liberal depos- 184 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. its of food have been made, tlie increase will be in exact ratio. Stimulating food will not do; it may, for a period, show good results, but in the end a loss of vital- ity and decay will be apparent. When To Plant. —Our next consideration is when to plant, and it is an important one. Planting at the wrong time is a frequent cause of failure. There is but a short period of the year when the bulbs are truly at rest, and it is at that period that removals should be made. These periods differ with the species. The Lilium candidum should be removed in July, and re- planted as soon thereafter as possible. This Lily makes a growth in autumn, upon which the bloom of the com- ing season depends. None of the species are as impa- tient of rest as this. The Liliu7n excelsum, an allied species, does not mature as early, but is nearly as impa- tient of rest ; we find the best time to remove this bulb is in September. This rule will also apply to L. 3Iarta- gon (Turk's Cap), and its varieties. All the other spe- cies can be taken up in October, and replanted, or kept in store for sale; none of them should remain long out of ground, but as soon as possible pack in leaf mold, until the ground is in condition for planting in spring. In removals from one part of the garden to another, in the formation of new beds, we prefer taking up in spring, after growth has commenced ; take up, divide, and replant as quickly as possible. We have never lost a bulb by removal at this time. Under no circumstances should Lily bulbs remain long out of ground, or get dry. In importing new varieties, and for purposes of sale, it is necessary to keep them dry longer than is expedient ; every day they are out of the ground materially weakens them, often beyond their power of recuperation. Better, by far, to take up a Lily when in full flower, than have a dry and shriveled bulb ; in fact, we have often taken up Lilies when in flower, without their sus- LILY. 185 tainiiif^ the least injury. AVe do not wonder that grow- ers get discouraged, in their efforts to establish a bed of Lilies, when we see them purcliaso a collection of bulbs that have been kept in dry sawdust, or exposed to the dry atmosphere of a heated room from October until May. Such bulbs will not recover until lon^^ after the hopes of the gardener have blasted, and he has bestowed his blighted affections on some other plant. When Lilies have become well established, and show, by their flowers, that they have a congenial home, frequent removals arc not desirable ; the bed should remain undisturbed as long as the plants bl)om satisfac- torily. It is well to remove the small bulbs tliat form at tlie base of the stem in early spring, and transfer them to a well prepared bed, to perfect their growth, after which they may be placed in a permanent bed. In planting the small bulbs, it is the better plan not to remove them from the stem, but to lay the i)ortion of the stem, with the bulbs attached, lengthwise in the drill, and cover about two inches wdth good fibrous soil, free from fresh manure ; the decaying stem and mass of roots that surround the young bulbs will, in their decay, nuitei'ially assist in the development of the young bulbs. Lilies in Autumn. — While it is best to i)lant the bull)s as we have above stated, there is a notable excep- tion, which, like all otiiers, confirms the rule. An ex- periment, the result of accident, has shown us that Ijlies of all kinds can \)e liad in autumn, as well as in midsummer. 'J'hc following is the result of our experi- ence, as we reported it in the Garden and Forest, Oito- ber, 1892 : "Last spring one of our seedsmen had a num- ber of cases of assorted Lilies left over from spring sales. After their journey from Japan in Xovember of tlie pre- vious ycc r, md having been kept perfectly dry until the middle of May, the ])rospect of flowers from tliese bulbs was poor indeed. In hopes of saving something out of 186 BULBS AKD TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. them, we planted tlie lot about May 20tb. To our snr prise, nearly all of them came up and made a vigorous struggle for life. The result was that this morning (October 10th) we have gathered from a bed of L. ti- grinum splendens as fine spikes as ever were cut in July. The plants of L. sjjeciosum did nearl}^ as well, but their flowers were over last week, excepting L. speciosum prcecox, which are in bloom, although the flowers are considerably damaged by the storm. L. longiflorum bloomed well, but were all gone a month ago. The plants of L. auratum behaved as they always do; some came up quickly, and flowered in August, and there have been flowers in the row every day since, while some are just coming up. These we shall pot for the greenhouse if there are enough to make it pay. This experience has taught us that the season of Lilies can be kept up until after a hard frost, with but little trouble, and add greatly to the display of autumn flowers. From the show these Tiger Lilies are making, it is evident they should not be allowed to bloom at any other season, as their deep, rich orange-crimsou flowers are now in harmony with all their surroundings. For autumn flowers the bulbs should be taken up in November, packed away u\ dry sand or sphagnum moss, and stored ill some dry cool place until about May loth. The low price of the bulbs of the L. tigrUmm should make them popular autumn flowers, when they can be had with so little trouble and expense." Selection of Lilies. — In the cultivation of Lilies, the selection of varieties is an important consideration. It depends wholly upon the taste of the individual, the amount of money to be expended, and the amount of room to be devoted to their culture, all of which p;)ints must be determined by him. We shall describe accu- rately all known species and distinct varieties, witliout, in the least, advising as to choice. It is, hov/cvor, well LILY. 187 to remark that in making a selection one cannot well go wrong, as there is not one in the long list which is iinwortliy of a place in any choice collection of plants ; but some are much more desirable than others, as is the case with every class of plants. Whoever makes a start in Lily culture, and is successful, — as he will be, if he follows the instruction given, — will be sure to embrace in his collection as many varieties as his space and means will afford. The expense attending the collection of a large number of the rarer s])ccies, deters many from making a beginning. But the investment, heavy as it may seem at the start, is, in reality, a good one, as jilants that are steadily and rapidly increasing in number, though they may seem exi)ensive, are, in the end, much cheaper than those that must be renewed annually, as in the case of the [)oi)ular l)edding plants, and numy others of interest. The annual increase of bulbs, when ])roj)erly cared for, will not only soon repay the original cost, but will yield a large i)rofit. The higher priced bulbs, when their requirements are respected, increase as rapidly as many of the cheiiper ones, which makes their cultivation profitable. Forcing Lilies For Winter Flowers. — But two of the many species of Lilies arc grown in })ots for win- ter flowers, mainly because none others excepting L. ranilidnni and L. lonijijloyim, and its varieties succeed well when grown in this nainu r, and because the flowers of the other varieties are not in demand for decorative ])urposes. Other than white Lilies seem to be oul of jtlace in floral designs or for table decoration, exce2)ting in the summer time. '-ilium can., dum, which is ]io])ularly known as Annunciation Lily, the former Katei- Tj'ly, is largely grown by llorists for decorative purposes nnd for lloral desigui:, the single flower being admirably adapted to 188 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. this purpose. It is not difficult to successfully grow the plant. The method employed by those who grow this Lily largely and well, is to pot the bulbs singly in eight inch pots, as soon as the bulbs can be obtained, the earlier the better, and when possible using a rich, lively loam, avoiding fresh manure; plunge the pots to the rim in a frame where they can have free sunlight and air. Their annual autumn growth will soon commence, when water should be freely given, and growth encour- aged as much as possible, which will continue until the ground is frozen. Upon the approach of frost, cover the pots with newly fallen leaves, and cover the frames wdth sash or shutters, using care to exclude heat, which might stimulate untimely growth, and to keep out the frost, or rather, hard freezing, in order that the pots can be taken into the greenhouse as required, during winter. The pots can be brought in at any time after the plants have had a short rest. It is better, however, not to start them too soon, but to commence about the first of January, and bring them in as required for a succession. They are best grown in a cool house, where they can have an abundance of light and air. When crowded, in a warm house, they grow up long and weak, and quickly become the prey of insect enemies. In a cool house, say with a temperature of 60° F. by day, and 40° by night, they will come into bloom in ten weeks. They can be made to bloom in much less time, but at the expense of health to both plant and flower. Home grown bulbs are greatly to be preferred to imported ones, the latter quite frequently being injured by heating in transit. Another reason for this prefer- ence being that all vegetation is more rapid in tliis cli- m.ate than in France, where these bulbs are principally grown for the American market. Here the bulbs have a longer period of rest, and develop their growth in a much shorter period. The consequence is, the bulbs LILY. 189 grown here will come into flower mucli sooner after being brought into the house, than do those from foreign countries. While this is the best method of growing them, the more common one is to take the bulbs, as imported, pot tlicm from tlie first of October to the first of December, plunging them in the same manner, and in all respects treat in the same way. This does not give the bulbs a chance to fill the pots with roots, or to make tlie preliminary growth so essential to their perfect develoi)ment. If the florist grows his own bulbs he can have them potted by the first of August, and they will very soon commence their season's work. Treatment After Flowering in the Green- house.— Soon after flowering, the pots can be put in any out-of-the-way place, either in a cool shed, or under the benches, there to remain until tliey can be planted in the field for future use. There tliey should be liber- ally treated, both as regards care in cultivation, and in having a liberal supply of plant food. Bulbs that have been forced should have a rest of, at least, two years in the field, before they can be successfully grown again in the grt'cnhouse. The Bermuda Lily. — This is tlie popular name of L. lotujijiorum, var. eximUim, first brought })r()in- inently to the attention of the florists, by 11. K. Harris, of Philadel})hia, under the name of L. Ilarrisii. It was also sent out under the name of L. jloribunduui. It is often called Easter Lily. These bulbs are almost exclusively grown for forcing purposes on the Island of Bermuda, where they perfect their growth early in July. This fact is important, as bulbs matured at that time will perfect their flowers in the f^reenhouse fullv two months earlier than those grown at tiie North, wliere they do not ripen unlil Octo- ber. 'I'he methods of cultivating this, the most showy of Lilies for Easter decoration, are variable, each tlorist 190 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLAi^TS. A FIELD OF LILIES 11^^ BERMUDA. BERMUDA LILY. 191 having a plan of Lis own ; or, at least, in visiting many of the largest growers, we hear very different opinions expressed, in regard to the size of the bulb to be grown, for the greatest profit ; the teni])eratiire required to bring them forward to tlie best advantage, and whether they are best grown in pots or on benches. We find tlie better plan is to pot the bulbs as soon as received from Bermuda, and that a careful selection of sizes is a matter of great imi)ortance. It was, for some years, tliouglit that tlie larger the bulbs, the greater would be the chances of success in their flowering ; but now tlie smaller sizes are more generally used. It is found that well-matured bulbs, of from three to five inches in circumference, well grown in a five-inch pot, will give from one to tliree flowers each, and that the small bulbs will produce their flowers in a much shorter time than the largest sized ones. As the flower stems are cut, for decorative purposes, close to the jiot, as soon as two or three flowers are opened, the plant from the small bulb will bring very nearly as much as the other, which costs three times ;is much at the start, and as much more to grow. Tlie plant sells for a given price ])er flower, and, as there are not usually more than three oDcn at a time, tlie unopened buds are of no value. The ])rofits of a grower depend largely upon how much he can cut, or grow, on a given space, and in growing Lilies he finds he can get double the number of st;dks from a bench ])lant('d with small bulbs, from what he could if planted with the largest ones, consecpiently tli(\v are far the more profitable. There is another important consideration in the use of small bulbs, viz., the time in which they can be brought into flower. One fiorist, last season, cut his first flowers at ** Thanksgiving," and they came on rap- i«lly thereafter. At this senson flowers for flecorative purposes are in good demand, conseciuently they bring 192 BULBS AN^D TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLAN"TS. satisfactory prices. As Christmas is one of the best sea- sons for the sale of these flowers, it is an object to get them in at that time, and the small bulbs are the only ones that can be depended upon to furnish them. When the bulbs are shipped from Bermuda, they are in separate grades, as from three to five, and up to from nine to twelve inches in circumference. Each of these grades should be made into two classes, the larger and smaller to be potted separately; for instance, those between four and five inches should be put in six ii^cli pots, those from three to four inches will do well in five inch pots. Tlie larger sizes will require large pots, but, except for large plants for exhibition or decorative pur- poses, an eight inch ])ot is sufficiently large for any of the bulbs. There is a peculiarity about this bulb not common to any other. Each seems to have a time of its own to develop its flowers. In bringing forward a hun- dred pots, where the bulbs were carefully selected as to size, and all given the same treatment, there will be a marked difference in their time of coming into flower. For this reason, the practice of growing them in boxes or j)lanting them out on the benches, was abandoned, there being a great loss in room to await the flowering of the late ones, after the main crop had been cut. When planted singly, in pots, they can be removed as soon as the stems are cut, and their places filled by others to keep up a succession. In potting, soils of various character are used, not as a matter of choice, but of necessity ; the location of the florist must decide that matter, as he is limited in his choice. However, they will succeed in any good potting soil, all other conditions being favorable. In potting, do not ])ress the bulb down so as to have the soil beneath it hard, as the roots will not penetrate it freely, and do not have the bulb more than half an inch below the rim of the pot. Plunge the pots in coal ashes in a cold BERMUDA LILY. 193 frame, and cover them witli the same to the depth of one or two inches, and over this a light covering of leaves or fine hay, to prevent evaporation, and to kee]) the bulbs moist and cool. They should be kept perfectly dark, and awa;^' from the air, which Y/ould have a tendeucy to stimulate leaf -growth, which is undesirable until the bulbs have had ample time to make root-growth, after their natural and desired rest, before the stem starts, whicii is one of the most important considerations in bulb culture. For early flowers the i)ots can be brought into the greenhouse by the middle of September, or as soon as active growth has commenced, but never before the plant lias made a growth of, at least, an inch above the pot. At this stage growth must be encouraged and steadily maintained, a check is to them a serious matter, which will be plainly shown by blight, some insect enemy and the absence of flowers. For a healthful, vigorous growth, a free circulation of air, even temperature and groat care in watering, are rules that must be strictly observed. They do not require a high temperature, neither will they submit to a low one. For general cultivation in the greenhouse, a temperature of from 70° to 80° by day, and from 00° to 70° by night, will produce the best results. But to be sure of a crop of flowers for Christ- mas, a temperature of, at least, 5° higher, should be maintained after the first four weeks. For decorative purposes, where large specimen plants are desired, the largest bulbs should be ])lanted, and if they have two or more divisions, all the better, as a number of stems, with three or four flowers eacii, is a more showy object than a single one can ])ossibly bt». For this purpose it does not do to put several bulbs in the same pot, because of the uncertainty of their coming into flower at the same time. Specimen ])lants will not bear crowding ; tlicy must have ])h'nty of room for a freo ('irculati(Ui of air around them, and a lower temjuTalure \'6 194 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. given them. To be strong tliey must be grown slowly; too much heat and little air will make a spindling plant, that will not iinfrequently drop its buds. When grown slowl}^, the flowers will have more substance, they will be larger, and there will be a larger number open at one time, and will be mere endnring, which greatly enhances their valne. Lilies For Easter. — The same rules sliould be observed in forcing flowers for Easter; the larger bulbs should be potted for this purpose, using eight inch pots. Should the plants make a very vigorous growth, seem- ingly too large for the pot, do not make a shift, nndcr any circumstances, but supply the additional food re- quired, by liquid cow manure, which sliould be used lib- erally twice a week. L. longiflorum. — The type should be treated in the same manner. The only difference between the varie- ties being, that the Longiflorum is later in coming into flower, and is not so tall; its flowers are smaller, but more enduring, and will bear transportation better. A temperature 10° lower would be better for this Lily. This is grown more for the Easter trade, which is the harvest of this industry. The Bermuda grown bulhs come into flower quicker than the Dutch grown ones, because they are ripened earlier, but the Dutch bulbs, we think, are preferable, as the plants are more dwarf, and quite as floriferous. These should be potted as soon as received, in Octo!>er, and the flowers can then be had for the E;ister tr;ide, and for decorative purposes for some weeks thereafter, when the Eximiur.is are gone. The Use of Bulbs After Forcing. — After the bulbs are done flowei'ing. water should he withheld for about ten days ; they should then be placed in a cold frame, or sheltered spot, the balls })acke(l close together, with suffi(;ient soil thrown over them to fill up the inter- stices ; then cover with three or four inches of dry leaves, LILY. 195 and if in midwinter, they must be covered with sash ; if in sprin.i^, the covering of leaves alone will be sufficient to protect against frost. The bulbs so treated will flower freely again in August, in the open ground, })ut would not do as well to force for the succeeding winter, if wanted for that purpose, and would require another year's growth to be in proper condition ; for that reason it is the most economical plan to use the Bermuda grown bulbs, which have been specially prepared for winter forcing. The common practice is to throw the bulljs away, but they can be grown for summer flowers, if wanted. Species and Varieties. — The following list in- cludes all that are really useful for general cultivation, or all that have distinctive charactei'istics. Many varie- tal names we have passed unnoticed, because of their insignificance, and because they are sim[)ly synonyms, ai)plied to increase the number of varieties for i)ur})oses of sale, rather than to assist the gardener in a choice. It is often the case that a given species or variety has had several names given it, by different growers or col- lectors, who supposed themselves the only possessors. Wherever a name has been omitted the reader must rest assured the variety or species is noticed under some other name. For the sake of com})leteness we have noticed many varieties that are not of great importance to a col- lection, as will be seen by the notice we give of them. L. auratum (Golden-rayed Lily of Japan). — This species is very i)opular and well known. It is due to the varieties to say that for the open border they are the grandest of all Lilies. For floral decoration, or in anv arrangement of cut flowers, tiiey do not com pare at all I'avorabh' with many of the species. In a small room its fragrance is overpowering and sickening, and soon after cutting it has a t^omewhat wiltccl a])pcaranc'^. Tn the garden it stands long without fading, and i(s friM'an*'.' 196 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. is not objectionable. The L. auratum has disappointed more of its admirers than almost any other Lily, because of its failure to adapt itself to our soil and climate. Our experience with these bulbs proves that they are not hardy, in a sense that other Lilies are. They must be protected, both against cold and standing water, both in open soils, and where the water does not stand over them during their periods of rest. When guarded at all, in these points, they are as long-lived, and will grow as vigorously us any other Lily. They are, moreover, impatient of heat, and to be grown successfully they should be in partial shade, and the ground covered in summer with newly cut grass or some other suitable mulch. The flowers of this species vary more in shape, color and markings than any of the other Lilies, so much so that some growers have selected a large number with decided markiugs and forms, and have awarded them varietal names. In growing large numbers, and watching their habits closely, we do not think this prac- tice warrantable, because the character of the flowers depends so much upon the conditions of growth, that under changed conditions they are not constant; that a bulb which has given very large flowers this year, may give inferior ones the next, and the reverse. We have also noticed, in our selection from beds of those with a red instead of the yellow band, tiiat the color is not con- stant, and the following year the band will again be yellow. There are, how^ever, some distinct varieties, which we shall notice in their order, from the seeds of which the bulbs we receive from Japan are grown. The seeds from these varieties are undoubtedly cross-fertilized, which will account for the vast number of forms and colors we find among the imported bulbs. The same law holds good with this Lily as with all other plants, that where cross-fertilization has once been effected LILY. 197 that marked "ariations will be noticeable in all future generations. The type reaches a height of from three to four feet, bearing from four to twelve ivory-wliite flowers, witli a distinct central band of briglit yellow, with numerous dec}^ purple spots ; when fully expanded the flowers are from eight to twelve inches across. When planted in a deep, rich soil, the stalks often assume a fasciated form, ]ir<)ducing an immense number of flowers; the greatest number we have ever seen on a single stem being one hundred and twenty-six. Like all other monstrosities, number is at the expense of beauty. What are known to the trade as home-grown bulbs arc greatly to be pie- ferrcd to newly imported ones, which are apt to be taken up before th. are fully ripened, besides losing much of their vitality by long transit, in a dry state. All the forms of L. anratum succeed admirably when grown in pots, because then they are not likely to be injured by frost, or from a surfeit of water. Var. rubra vittatum. — This form differs from the type by having a band of rich bright crimson, ifistead of the yellow, and in the spots, which have a brighter tint. Var. cruentum. — Tiiis is a dwarf form, bearing large flowers, with a rather dingy maroon stripe, darken- ing towards the center, with puri)lish-crims()n sj)ots. Var. Emperor. — A grand flower, of good shape and substance, with reddish spots and center. Var. rubro-pictum. — When this flower first opens it is very beautiful ; the bright yellow band changes to crimson at the ends of the petals ; the spots are of the same crimson tint. Var. pictum. — Same as the last, oxcepting the tip only, or lower end of the petal, being marked with crimson. Var. virginale. — This is un(|Uestionably the grand- est of all the L. anratum varieties, au 1 if it were not 198 BULBS AISTD TUBEROUS-EOOTED PLANTS. for its rarity, whicli greatly enhances its cost^ all other varieties would only be grown to make a collection complete. In this flower there is no other color but pure yellow and white ; it is rarely spotted, the spots, when present, being tinted with yellow; the petals are uni- form, very heavy and papillose at the base of all the divis- ions, giving it a beautiful crested appearance. Var. Wittei. — This variety v.as introduced by E. II. Krelage, who fancied he saw in it distinct characters from those so pronounced in L. a. virginale; if such there are, none but an expert could detect them. L. avenaceum (Oat-like). — A native of the colder parts of Japan, whore there are about nine months winter and three of extreme heat, yet it will not withstand the rigors of northern winters without protection. It grows about two feet high, producing from three to eight spot- ted flowers, in general appearance resembling our native Canadense species. L. Batemannise. — This is an exceptionally fine Lily, growing, when properly treated, from three to four feet high, bearing from six to twelve semi-cup shaped flowers, unspotted, of a clear apricot color. It comes into flower about Julj 20th, developing slowly and con- tinuing a long tim^, the flowers remaining fresh until they drop. Whethe.*' it is a true species or garden hybrid is unknown. It is probably the former. Its cultivation is the most simple, growing freely in nlmost any soil or situation, increasing very rapidly by offsets. We should place this among the best six for general cultivation, bnth as regards effect and beauty. See upper flower in the engraving, on Page 204. L. Batisua. — A synonym of L. Wallichianwn. L. belladonna. — A variety described by Max Leichtlin, from a drawing sent from i\\U country. Wo have seen this Lily in bloom in the garden of the bite P. Hanson, who claimed it as one of his seedlings, but LILY. 199 brown's lily. 200 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. did not give its parentage. The stock is probably lost. L. bicolor. — A variety of L. elegans. Page 208. L. biligulatum. — A synonym of L. elegans smi' (jnmea. See Page 208. L. Bloomerianum. — See L. Humholdtii, Page 213. L. Bourgsei. — A variety of L. pardalinum (219). Lf. brevif olium. — A variety of L. elegans, Page 209. L. Brownii. — Much confusion exists in regard to the origin of this noble Lily. Some consider it a dis- tinct type ; other, and good authorities, too, say it is identical with L. japoiiicum. Certain it is, that a close relation exists between the two, as well 2iZ with L. Col- cliesterii, and also L. Takesima. Many regard L. longi- florum the parent of them all. AVhatover its parentage may be, and from whatever source it may have derived its name, there is no disputing the fact of its being one of the grandest of Lilies. When properly managed, it attains a height of four feet, bearing from two to fonr flowers eight inches in length, pure ivory white inside, and a rich chocolate brown on the outside of its petals. The contrast in its colors^ when first opened, is remark- ably pleasing, and gives the flower an indescribable rich- ness. This Lily is but little grown, from the mistaken idea that it is difficult to manage, and because of its high price. Neither reason sliould stand in the way of its general cultivation. Its management is not at all difficult, its requirements being a good rich soil, free from stimulating manures; a situation where water does not cover the ground at any time; and sure protec- tion against frost. The bulbs increase rapidly, when grown under these conditions, which soon renders cheap a bed of rare flowers. These bulbs are impatient of rest, out of ground, consequently long voyages nre fatal to them. Bulbs should be obtained directly from the grower, and planted as soon as received ; it matters but little as to season, preferring the period of rest for their LILY. 201 removal, as with all other Lilies. Frequent removals are injurious. So long as tliey flower well do not disturb them. See Enirraving on Page 199. L. bulbiferum. — This species was known and described by Parkinson in 1629, and from that day until tlie present it has never had a fixed place in the family of Lilies, and is known under a great variety of names. L. croceum and L. umhellatiiin being the more common appellations. This cuni"usion arises from the fact of its name being misleading. Its name would imply bulb- hearing at the axils of its leaves, as is the case with the L. tigrimim, the ordinary Tiger Lily, which it rarely, if ever, dues. Sometimes, if the flower-heads be removed early in the season, small bulbs will form at the axils of the leaves, but this is not sufficient to warrant its dis- tinctive name. It is a native of Central Europe, grows from two to three feet high, bearing an umbel of from four to eight large, broad -petaled, cui)-shaped flowers, of a rich, dark clierry red color, iiaving an orange blotch, and a few black dots in the center. It is what might, Mitli considerable propriety, be termed hardy. It is a strong, vigorous grower, very showy, and thriving under nearly all rircunisfnnces. L. Buschianum. — A variety of L. concohr. L. californicum. — A variety of L. pardalinum, L. callosum. — An early, small flowering Lily from Jajian, where its bulbs are grown, like those of L. ti- (jriinim, as an article of food ; flowers are bright red, })rodiiced in a raceme of from four to eight. A variety, fifenoplnjUinn, from Eastern Siberia, is of a taller and stronger habit. Tliis variety closely resembles L. h-iiui- fdliinn, but has not the same grace and brilliancy of color. L. canadense. — This is the species so coininon in our meadows, and known as tlie Meadow Lily. It grows from two to four feet high, bearing from one to ten 302 BULBS AND TUBEKOUS-ROOTED PLAKTS. drooping, bell-shaped yellow flowers, shaded with orange. Like all indigenous plants, it is easily grown, and capa- ble of improvement by good cultivation. Its varieties are : Var. rubrum. — A strong grower, free flowering; color bright crimson, with small spots. In clumps, under cultivation, it is exceedingly beautiful. Var. flavum. — This has the same general habit as the foregoing ; its flowers are bright yellow, slighti;y tinged with crimson, and spotted with brown. Var. parvum. — A form common in California, growing from four to six feet high, and bears in a raceme on long stalks, a great number of pendulous, small yel- low dotted flowers, with broad, blunt petals ; foliage in whorls. Var. parviflorum. — A form closely resembling the above, differing in its lower growth and smaller flowers. Var. maritimum. — Is a small-flowered maritime Lily, found in low, peaty meadows on the coast near San Francisco. The flowers are deep reddish orange- brown, spotted dark purple inside. Like most of the California Lilies, this variety does not like the Eastern climate of America, and does not succeed well there. L. candidum. — This species is older than history, as the first notice made of plants speaks of it as a "well- known plant." It is the loveliest, as well as the oldest, and if we were to have but one Lily, Candidum would be the one. As a garden flower the cultivation of Candidum is most simple. It will thrive in any fairly good soil, but to insure a free growth and a profusion of flowers, the soil should be rich, deep and moist. It is, therefore, best to make suitable arrangements for the bed by first selecting a favoraljle situation, and then put- ting it in the most perfect condition by digging dec}) and ennching thoroughly. Plantings should always be made in August, when the bulbs are at rest; very soon LILY. 2C3 thereafter they commence their autumn growth of leaves, upon which, in a great measure, depends their next season's flowering. After planting, it is best to leave them undisturbed so long as they bloom in a satisfactory manner. Wm. Eobinson, of the Garden , says : '*It is one of the kinds that dislike coddling or being meddled with, and thrives best when left undisturbed for years in good garden soil. Any attempt to deal with it in the same mnnner as with the more delicate ones, generally results in faihire." In our climate, where we liave such extremes of weather during winter, with but little snow, mulching, as recommended in our cultural instructions, is an absolute necessity. Shaded, or partially shaded, situations, are often recommended for Lilies, and, as a rule, such are best; but for Candid um an oi)cn, sunny position, where it can have a free circulation of air, is preferable. Shelter from our cold, northerly winds is desirable, as in much exposed places it often fails to flower, owing to the destruction of the incipient flower- buds, by frost in May. For directions for pot culture or for forcing in the greenhouse, see cultural instructions. Page 188. The varieties of Lilium candidum are : Var. foliis aureo marginatis. — A form in whicli a broad golden margin to the foliage prevails; very ])eautiful for grecnl.ouse culture. The flower is the same, in all res])ects, as that of the species, excei)ting that it is a clearer white with little less substance. Var. striatum. — A form with fine purple streaks running through flower and foliage. More singular than beautiful. Var. flore pleno {L. spicatnm mnnstrosum). — An aljnormal form, the flowers being abortive, tlie leaves assuming tlie characlci" of a llowci- on llu' upper part of the stalk. Except as a curiosity it is of no value. Var. peregrinum. — A more slender growing form, but little known or cultivated. 204 BULBS AND TUBErtOUS-ROOTED PLANTS. L. carniolicum. — A native of the Levant, Austria and Lombardy. A strong grower, stems rising from two to three feet. Flowers appearing very early, last of May or early in June ; delightfully fragrant, color bright orange-scarlet, spotted with black. BATEMAN S, AND THE CHALCEDONIAN LILY. L. carolinianum. — Allied to L. superhum^ which see. L. Catesbsei. — A native of South Carolina and Florida, witli fine grass-like foliage and very slender flower stalk. Flowers closely resembling L. philadelplii' LILY. 205 cum ; it is very tender, will not endure even a Virginian winter. Bulbs delicate, and impatient of removal. It is only valuable in botanical collections. L. cattaneae. — A variety of L. Maiiagon, Page 216. L. Chaixii. — A variety of L. croceum, Page 206. L. chalcedonicum. — A very old and handsome Lily, rarely met in our gardens, from the fact of its not being suflPiciently hardy to survive our winter. With but little care in protecting it, it would thrive with the same luxuriance as L. ca/ididnm, and, like that species, it dis- likes removals. In England this Lily grows from three to four feet high, bearing several pendulous, vermilion- rod, tiirban-shai)ed flowers in July. With us it flowers in June, and is well worth a place in every collection (See lower flo\ver< in engraving on ojiposite page). Var. pyrenaicum. — A variety from the moun- tains of Albania, is described by D. T. Fish as having fiery red flowers, and by Dr. Wallace as having yellow llowers. Mr. Fish refers to L. flavum, which he calls a '•yellow beauty." The two forms undoubtedly exist, with a sligbt confusion in nomenclature. L. citrinum. — A variety of L. elegans. L. colchicum. — See L. mo?ia(JeIj)huin, Page 217. L. columbianum. — A native of Oregon, growing at a high elevation, in dry, sandy soil. It has a very graceful form, growing from three to four feet high ; ilowers quite numerous, pendulous, and of a bright yel- low color. It thrives much better Eoist than most of the Pjicitlc Const siieoies. L. concolor. — A very dwarf and beautiful species from Japan. Its bulbs have a tendency to break up ; a bulb not more than an inch in diameter will frequently throw up five or six stems ; this will, in a measure, be avoided by leaving the bull)s where ])lanted for a number of vears. 'IMie i)lant grows from two to twelve inches high, and ])roduces from one to three crimson, erect, 206 BULBS AKD TUBEKOUS-KOOTED PLANTS. star-sliaped flowers, sliglitl}^ spotted. Of this species we notice the following varieties : Var. Coridion. — In all respects like the species, excepting that the flowers are a trifle larger, and of a rich yellow color, slightly flaked with brown. Var. sinicum. — A Chinese variety, growing from two to three feet high, bearing fi'om four to six larger and more spotted flowers, from a somewhat larger bulb than that of the species. But little known in this country. Var. pulchellum. — A Siberian variety, flowering much earlier, growing from one and one-half to tw^o feet high, bearing a star-shaped crimson flower, very similar to that of the species, but with narrower and smaller petals. Var. Buschianum. — Scarlet with black spots. Var. Partheneion. — A form so closely allied to L. concolor, that a specific name should not have been given it. L. cordifolium (Heart-shaped). — This is strictly a greenhouse plant, as it will not thrive out of doors ; a native of Japan, growing from five to ten feet high ; in flower it is one of the most majestic of all known Lilies. The flowers are produced in racemes from fifteen to twenty-four inches long, with from six to twelve flowers in a raceme. See also under Giganteum, Page 212. L. Coridion. — See L. concolor, Page 200. L. corymbiflorum. — A form of L. speciosum. L. croceum (Orange). — This is an old and com- mon inhabitant of our gardens, and one of the most hardy. It is a native of the colder mountain districts of Europe, and will thrive in almost any soil or situation. It grows about two feet high, producing enormous heads of large, rich orange-colored flowo's. The introduction of the Japanese species has nea.i-ly driven this Lily from many of our gardens. LILY. 207 Var. -Chaixii. — A rather pleasiug form bearing but one or two flowers on a spike, not more than fifteen inches high. Is'ot mucli cultivated. Bermuda Lily. — A common name for L. longifio- rum, var. exiuiiuin, Pages 189 and 215. L. cruentum. — A variety of L. speciosum. L. dalrriaticum.— A sub-variety of Z. Martagon, L. Davidi. — A synonym of Partheneion, Page 206. L. davuficum. — Tliis species resembles L. tiibiflo- rum, m its large, erect, open, bell-sliaped flowers, which are deep red, yellowisli in tlie center, and dark spotted. It is one of the most desirable of its class, flowering well ill })artial shade. Like others nearly allied, this species lias many varieties, most of which are described under other s})ecios. Easter Lily. — A common name for L. longifiorum eximixin, formerly applied to L. ccmdidum, Page 202. L. elegans. — An early flowering Lily, and one of the best for general cultivation, for early flowers and for display. It was formerly sent out under the name of L. Thunhergianum, which is now regarded as a sub- variety of tlie species. It is a variable species, there now being listed more than a score of varieties, and piobablv as many sub-varieties. The type grows about one foot high, with stout, erect stems, furnished with numerous narrow^ leaves, and terminated witli an umbel of dark orauire-red flowers, from five to six inclies across. Dr. Wallace, the celebrated authority on Lilies, has made the following very excellent classification of the varieties : Grou}) A. Var. armeniacum ( vemiiitnm). — One of the latest flowering; a rich vermilion orange-colored form, with- out spots, known at once by its i)eculiar twisted foliage; it grows about one foot high. 208 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. Var. fulgens. — Also about one foot high, with spotted, reddish flowers. Var. fulgens flore pleno (staminatum), — The double form of the foregoing Yari»»y, remarkable more as a curiosity than for its beauty. Var. fulgens atrosanguineum. — This is really a fine variety, being more robust in habit than the original Fulgens, and of a deeper, rich blood-red tint. Var. fulgens alternans. — A light tinted form of Fulgens, suffused and flaked with lighter tints. Var. sanguineum {hiligulatum). — An early form, inclined somewhat to be cup-shaped in flower, but with narrow petals ; reddish-brown flower, with a few dark spots. Var. alutaceum. — Known under a great variety of names by the Dutch growers; a very distinct dwarf form, about six inches high, with rich apricot-colored flowers, systematically spotted. A larger form of this is known under the name Grandiflorum, with more robust habit, and larger, richer colored flowers. Var. Prince of Orange. — The most beautiful spotted variety, of a soft, pleasing, light buff tint ; also dwarf. Group B. Var. bicolor (pictiim). — One of the handsomest of the forms, but the petals are flimsy, and its beauties are soon over; a stout-growing form, from one to two feet high, bearing several large, broad-petaled, few-spotted, slightly cup-shaped flowers, yellow tinted, but tipped and splashed with crimson tints, and when quite fresh, with a lilac sheen. Var. aurantiacum verum. — This is a noble plant and a distinct variety. Unfortunately, when we buy it, it is not always as true as its name would indicate. We consider it the peer of Excelsum ; its flowers are large, LILY. 209 vreW arranged, of excellont form, and of a clear yellowish salmon color. Var. mariTioratum. — A very early form, broad- petaled, of a deep, rich crimson color, flaked and tij^ped with oranfre; spotted. Yar. marmoratum aureum. — Another very early variety; more spotted than the last, the yellow pre- dominating, with red margins. Yar. Alice Wilson. — This is decidedly the finest Lily in this class, and rivals the !Monadelphum in rich- ness of color and general effect as a border plant. It grows al)ont two feet high, producing from three to eight large, well-opened, finely-shaped flowers, of a deep, clear lemon color, with small spots. Like all of its class, it is easy to manage, and is readily increased by offsets, a decided advantage. Yar. Maurii. — A very large flower", orange-crim- Bon, heavily and distinctly spotted, and richly shaded. Yar. Van Houttei. — A richly tinted, deep scarlet form, with a yellow blotch in the center, and sometimes at the tip ; broad-petaled ; very beautiful, contrasting grandly with tlie Alice Wilson. Yar. Horsmanni. — A deep blood-red, broad-pet- aled form, spotted; one of the handsomest and most richly tinted. Group C. Yar. brevifolium. — Distinguished by its very ehort, acutely-pointed, broad, thick leaves, only one and one-half to two and one-half inches long; very early flowering; flowers cup-shaped, and of a liglit reddish tint, with a purplish gloss; spotted, tips flaked with yellow. Yar. splendens. — This form, in its relation to the species, is rightly named, growing two and one-half feet high, with a stout stem, and L. iunheIl(itnin-V\kc UA'iage; 210 BULBS A-^B TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLAKTS. Ycrj light green, three incJics long, having an nmbel of deeply-cupped, very large flowers, of a rich apricot yel- low with purple spots. It is particularly desirable because it is the earliest flowering variety in the group. Var. Wilsoni {pardinum).—A. very desirable vari- ety because of its being the latest to flower, thus keep- ing up a succession. It is a strong grower, two feet high, stem bronzed below, green above, the leaves quite short, glossy, of a very deep green, and curled down- wards; the flowers very large, deeply cupped, apricot tinted, with a broad yellow band down the center of the petal. We cannot dismiss the Elegans and Auratum species without noticing the ease with wliich they are grown from seed. The tendency to variation in form and color, by cross-fertilization, has increased the number of varieties to an almost unlimited extent. This has offered the growers a fine opportunity to gratify a very natura'. desire to honor their friends by naming a flower to com- memorate their memories, no less than the gratification that comes from the production of a desirable form, which is to be known as the result of the labors of thei- own hands, guided by their knowledge and skill in gar- dening. However commendable this zeal may be, it is liable to be overdone, working a real injury to the ama- teur who does not detect sufficient variation in many forms to entitle them to distinctive varietal names. In tliose already noticed, the casual observer, or those who desire Lilies simply for display, would not sanction more than three or four distinct types, and he or they would very naturally think that these names were applied sim- ply for purposes of sale. In a measure, this is true ; in reality, not ; an enthusiast will always see more to admire in any form, than an ordinary observer, and if the form is a creature of his own bend and liands his vi>'ion is doubly active. On the other hand, the beginner will take 1 LILY. 211 a higlih" rGcommencIed variety, and will, to his surprise, find it will answer the description given, at least, to a dozen other varieties of the same species; for that reason we liave omitted descrij^tions of very many desirable named sorts. L. excelsum (testaceum) (IsaheUinum) . — This is a superb Lily, with a mixed history and a variety of names. It has been generally supposed to be a hybrid be- tween L. cand'uhim and L. clialccdonicum. There is but little evidence to support the theory, and it is said to have first been seen in a bed of seedlings in Erfurt in 184G. Dr. Wallace says of it : "It has been thought not to have a Ja})anese origin, because no bulbs of it have ever been traced as coming over from the Islands of the Western Sea, so productive of new and graceful forms; but we have seen, more than once, in Japanese drawings executed for us years ago by some of the best artists in Yeddo [Tokio], of all the Lilies of Japan, forms rejD- resented bearing a very strong resemblance to Excelsum. It is true that among these Lilies there are some most wonderful forms and gorgeous pieces of coloring, such as would lead many to disbelieve in the veracity of the artist ; but, on the other hand, we can point to other Lily furms which we know well, depicted therein with fair accuracy, while the birds and insects portrayed in some numbers, we recognize to liave been truthfully delineated. Our own conclusion is that, as yet, we have scarcely touched the rich treasure of wonderful Lilies which Japan will one day send to us." Whatever nuiy have been the origin of Excelsum, how, or where, or when it was born, makes but little dilference, and does not alter the fact that in grace, form, color and fra- grance it has but few o(iiials, and no sujjerior in this noble family of ])lants. It is, mon^over, of easy culture, succeeding Ijest in a loamy soil and in a partially shaded situation. It has often been asserted that this Lily had 213 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-EOOTED PLANTS. a feeble constitution ; that finder the most favorable cir- cumstances it would soon die out. We are confident this is a mistake, and the oft-repeated failures with it have been the results of over estimating its hardiness. Another cause of failure arises from planting bulbs that have been kept too long out of the ground ; in a dry state they lose vitality very quickly. The stems grow from three to five feet high, and produce from three to twelve beautifully reflexed flowers of a rich buff color, delicately spotted. In flowering, it follows soon after Candidum. L. eximium. — See L. longifiorum, Page 215. L. fulgens. — A form of L. elegans, Page 208. L. giganteum. — This is a majestic plant, but like L. cordifolmm, it should not be classed with garden Lilies, at least not in America. Its place is the greenhouse, where, with proper management, it is a grand plant. As manj attempts are made to grow this plant, and usually without success, w^ quote Dr. Wal- lace, regarding its character. ^^A peculiarity of this species (and, we believe, of L. cordifolmm also) is, that seedling bulbs or offsets grow on, increasing in size, till in a period of from three to five years a large bulb is formed, in the case of L. giganteum, from five to seven inches in length, and ten to fifteen inches in diameter; hitherto the foliage has been broad and low growing ; but when the bulb has attained the size mentioned, it throws up in the spring a much thicker bud — by many likened to a young cabbage — whence a stout stem arises, sometimes six inches in diameter and from five to ten feet high, studded with numerous flowers, resembling somewhat the flowering spike of an Aloe, forming a striking and beautiful object. In the meanwhile the bulb, exhausted by the process, decays and disappears, leaving from three to five small offsets, which, in due course, increase in size, and, under favorable circum- stances, repeat the performance. We should not have LILY. 213 said so much in regard to this Lily, but for the fact that it is quite as important to say what a plant will not do, as well as what it will do. L. Glehnii. — A yariety of L. cordifolium, Page 206, but little cultivated. L. Hansoni. — Xaraed in honor of the late P. Han- son, of Brooklyn, N. Y., an enthusiastic bulb grower, by Max Leiclitlin, one of the best authorities on Lilies. A well defined species growing from two to four feet high, foliage bright green, in whorls, producing froui four to twelve dark yellow flowers, remarkable for the thickness of petal and wax-like appearance. It will thrive as luxuriantly as the common Tiger Lily, and is quite as hardy. It increases rather slowly, by offsets and division ; flowers in June. In every collection of as many as twelve Lilies this should be included. L. Horsmanni. — A variety of L. elegans^ Page 209. L. Humboldtii. — This is the most showy and graceful, and the most useful of all the species found on the Pacific coast. It adapts itself to our climate fairly well. Like most of the California species, it wants to grow during our winter, and rest during our summer; yet we have had it do well enough to warrant having it in a general collection. If the situation is favorable, such as j)artial shade and a deep, rich soil, it will grow six feet high, producing from thirty to forty flowers, bright orange-red, spotted with black. Disappointment will surely follow the growing of this Lily, unless it is thor- ouirhlv protected against frost. There is but one vari- ety, OceUatuin, which is not as vigorous a grower as the species; it has larger flowers, the spots of wiiich are sur- rounded with a yellow circle; it is a distinct form, but little known. L. isabellinum. — A synonym of L. excelsiitn. L. jama-jure. — The Japanese name for L. Tnke- si ma. 214 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. L. japonicum. — A synonym for L. KramerL L. jocundum. — A synonym of L. pseudo-tigrinum. L. Kraetzeri. — A variety of L. speciosum album. L. Krameri. — In habit this form resembles a small-growing L. auratum; a more graceful or pleasing Lily is rarely met. It is a native of the mountains of Japan, although often referred to as a Japanese hybrid. It is a delicate, low-growing form, producing from one to five blush-white, varying to clear pink, flowers, some- what of the form of Auratum, and very fragrant. It will grow well in all dry soils, with ample protection against frost. L. lancifolium. — A synonym of L. elegans, Page 207, also of L. speciosum, Page 222. L. Ledebourii. — A variety of L. monadelplium. L. Leichtlinii. — A most beautiful species, m habit resembling L. tigrinum, growing from three to five feet high, bearing from ten to thirty clear yellow, drooping flowers, with small black spots. It is a free grower, pi-o- duced rapidly from seed. It has a habit peculiar to itself, its shooting stem often running along a foot or more beneath the soil before making its appearance ; care should be taken in digging about the bed until t'.ie stems have had sufficient time to appear above grouiK-. L. Leichtlinii majus. — Properly known as L. pseudO'tigrimcm, Page 221. L. Lishmanni. — Included in L. tignnum. L. longifloruni. — It is one of the most beautiful and valuable Lilies for the open border, as well as the one mostly employed for forcing. The typical form grows about two feet high, the stems being terminated with from one to eight long, tubular, waxy-white flow- ers, intensely fragrant. Tlierc are several varieties of this Lily, one of which, eximium, for a few years, seemed to be the only one used for forcing by the florists. .Many of the best growers have, of late, discarded it, and LILY. 215 are again using the type for forcing for the cut flower trade. They find the flowers of the longijlorum have more suhstance than those of the eximium (Bermuda Lily, See Page 189), and are not so liable to be injured in handling and carrying. Besides, the flowers are not so large, which, in many kinds of floral work, is a point in their favor. For metliods of forcing, see Page 191. Tbe varieties of L. longijlorum are as follows : Var. eximium. — Tliis is characterized by its flowers appearing at right angles with the stem, by its larger and more numerous flowers, and by its earliness, coming into bloom about two weeks earlier than the type. This is the one known in the trade as the Bermuda Lily, and because of its many flowers, it was also sent out as L. florihundnm. It is also called Easter Lily, Page J 94. Var. Takesima. — Tliis is a distinct variety, and may be readily distinguished by its purplish stems, and a violet tint on tlie outside of the flower, which shows very plainly in the unopened bud, but is not noticed after the flower is fully developed. Var. Wilsonii. — This is the grandest of all the varieties for the open border, or for a specimen plant in the greenhouse ; it grows nearly four feet high, corres- pondingly strong, bearing from four to eight flowers, well o])ened, about nine inches in length. Var. Madame Von Siebold. — We have not seen tliis flower, but from descrij)tions, should regard it a synonym of L. I., var. WiUonii. It is claimed, however, that there is a difference in the size and shape of the flower. L. lucldum. — A native of Oregon and AVasliington, introduced by Mr. Kellogg It seems an intermediate form between Z. supcrhum and L, canndcnse. We do not think there is more dilTerence between them than the dilTert-nce in climate would nuike, that when grown on the Atlantic coast u few years it would have aU the 216 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. characteristics of X. canadense, and that if the latter were grown in Oregon it would assume the form of L, lucidum. L. macrophyllum. — A species too little known to Wfirrant a description, or to he recommended for culti- Yation. It is found in Cashmere. Said to be very beau- tiful and fragrant. L. Mad. Von. Siebold. — See L. longiflorum (215) L. maritimum. — See X. canadense, Page 201. L. marmoratum. — See L, elegans, Page 209. L. Martagon (The Turk's Cap Lily).— This old inhabitant of the garden is a plant we could do very well without. The type has no real beauty. It grows about three feet high, bearing numerous flowers of pleasing shape, but of a dull, lifeless color. See Page 176. Var. album. — A beautiful flower, pure white, small, but very graceful. See Page 176. Var. dalmaticum. — The grandest of the group, and having but few superiors in the genus. Under favorable circumstances it will grow six feet hii;h, and yield an enormous number of beautifully reflexed flowers, of a shining blackish-purple. The home of all the Turk's Cap Lilies is in England. At Wares' nursery, Tottenham, we saw these Lilies growing so grandly that we scarcely recognized them, and supposed them to be new varieties. Our summers' sun and winters' cold do not agree with these forms, and to have them approach perfection they need a heavy mulching in winter, and a light one, with partial shade, in summer. Var. Cattaneae. — A synonym of Dalmaticum. Var. hirsutum. — This is a strong growing form with hairy stems. Var. glabrum. — A synonym of Martagon album. L. Maurii. — A variety of L. elegans, Page 209. L. Maximowiczii. — A synonym of L, pseudo' tigrinum, Page 221. LILY. 217 L. medeoloides. — A Japanese fomi, with the habifc of L. coucolor iuid L. pulchellnin. It is a very difficult subject to manage from imported bulbs, which are so small, and with such delicate, thin scales, that they easily perish. A good stock can only be procured in this country by growing them from seeds. L. Melpomene. — A seedling form from L, sped- ostim rubrum, to wiiich it is referred. L. Michauxii. — A synonym of L, carolinianum. L. monadelphum. — This truly magnifi(!ent Lily has had a difficult time in establishing its name. From time to time it has aj)peared under several names, and various varieties have appeared under its name. The chief difference in the varieties being, that some are spotted, others plain, and that some have larger flowers than the type. These variations will be noticed in the varieties. In tiie open border the Monadelphum grows from two to three feet high, with a terminal cluster of from six to twenty turban-shaped flowers, ranging in color from a rich canary-yellow to a pale lemon-yellow. This Lily and its varieties arc of Asiatic origin; all suc- ceed well in rich soil, in partial shade, where water does not stand. It may be well to state here, that our descrip- tion of forms is as they are gr»)wn and appear m America ; that the same forms described in other countries are fr(>m the stand[K)int of their appearance there, and the differences between the two are very great. In the open IxM'der the English-grown Lilies far surpass ours, as we usually gr.)w them, while our greenhouse si)ecimens far surpass theirs. So much for climatic influences. The following are the varieties of Monadelphum : Vars. colchicum, Szovitsianum, Loddigesia- num. — These are strictly synonyms, rather tl.an varie- ties, neither having any distinctive character n )t pos- sessed by the others, that the difference in culture and situatii)n will produce any variation noticeable in form 318 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. or color. In any ordinary collection anv one of the vari* efcies will satisfactorily represent tbp species. Var. Ledebourii. — A more dwarf growing variety, noticed by Dr. Wallace ; but very little is known of the plant. L. neilgherrense. — This magnificent Lily is a native of India, and is called, by Mr. Fish, an Indian example of L. longijiorimi. He says, *'It is a native of the higher altitudes of the Neilgherries, abont eight thousand feet above the sea level. The stem is stout and strong, rising in height from two to three feet ; the leaves are more numerous, and broader than in L. elegans (lancifoUum). The flowers average from five to seven on a plant, measuring from eight to twelve inches in length, are deliciously fragrant, the prevailing color being white, tinged with primrose." This form is but very little known in this country. L. nepalense. — A name not unfrequently noticed in foreign catalogues, but a plant not known to be grown in Europe. A native of the Himalayas. L. odorum. — This noble form is figured, and de- scribed by Mrs. Bury in '^Hexandrian Plants," under the name of L. japonicum, as follows : "Z. japotiicum is a larger, and may, perhaps, be designated a coarser, plant, than L. candidum or L. longifio7'um, to both of which it is nearly allied. The purple markings on the back, together with the tinge of Limeric-tan color dif- fused through the petals, especially on their first expan- sion, give a charming richness of appearance, which is enhanced by the deep shade of the firm hollow bells, and massive looking pistils and stamens." If Mrs. Bury's illustration is accurate, and her book is high authority, this species is identical with L. Colcliesteri, Certainly the difference between it and L. Broivnii is bnt slight. L. pallidifolium. — A variety of L. pardalmum. L. pardalinum (The Panther Lily). — The most showv and useful of the Lilies from California, and one LILY. 219 of the few that adapts itself to the Atlantic climate, and thrives with all tlie luxuriance of a native plant. Ifc grows from four to six feet high, bearing from four to ten drooping flowers, of a brilliant orange-red color, not unlike some of the brighter forms of Superbum. We note the following varieties ; Var. Bourgaei. — The strongest growing and best of its class. It attains a height of seven feet, and gives from twenty to thirty flowers, which appear about two weeks later than the species ; in form and color there is not a marked difference between the two. They are alike easy of culture. Var. pallidifolium. — A small-growing form, with liorhter colored flowers. Var. Robinsoni. — Has the same general habit as B()urga?i ; folinge more full and heavy, flowers bright vermilion, shading to yellow in the center, and thickly spotted. Var. californicum. — Identical with the type when grown under the same circumstances. L. pardinum. — A synonym of L. Wihoni, of group *'C," in Klegans, Page 210, to which it belongs. L. Parryi. — This is decidedly the foremost of the Californian Lilies when placed in congenial soil and cli- iiKite. Wo have grown this Lily largely and with much satisfaction, but we are free to admit that we knew noth- ing of its beauty and capabilities until we saw it at AVare's nursery, Tottenham, England. There it was in perfection, growing fully five feet high, bearing several flowers of immense size, fully as large as Longiflorum, and of the most beautiful form and color, a rich canary- yellow, finely spotted. In fact, we did not know the Lily when shown to us, with a request for our opinion. Fortunately, the label saved us from showing our ignor- ance, if it did not our surprise. Then, more than ever, we wanted to say to every one in America, **if you want 220 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-EOOTED PLAIs^TS. Lilies that will honor the name, keep the frost awa^j from them." L. Partheneion. — A variety of L. concolo7\ Page 206. L. parvum. — A variety of L. canademse, Page 202. L. peregrinum. — A variety of L, candidum, Page 203. L. philadelphicum. — A species common to the Northeastern States, growing from one to one and one- half feet high, bearing from one to three upright flowers, orange-red spotted with black. This species is (piite indif- ferent to cultivation, and does not thrive as well as when in its native woods and fields. It contrasts well with the grass and native wood plants, bat poorly in the gar- den surrounded with higher floral forms. Yar. Wausharaicum. — Rather a stronger form, with brighter colors, owing, probably, to more favorable natural conditions. Var. grandiflorum. — Sent out by some dealers, and said to be much larger and more floriferous, growing from four to five feet high, producing from six to ten flowers in an umbel, of an intense vermilion-red. L. phillippinense. — A species but little known, described as growing about two feet high, and bearing a solitary flower remarkable for its sweetness. ; trumpet- shaped, white ; stem and foliage very light. Not in cultivation. L. polyphyllum. — A Himalayan species, growing from two to four feet high, and having large turban- shaped flowers of a wiixy-white color, copiously spotted and lined with purple. Not in general cultivation. L. pomponium. — Another species about which there is no little confusion in regard to description. In fact, there are two distinct forms bearing the same name. William Robinson, of the Garden, has cleared away much of the mist that has ciiclouded its rq):il;;tiou, as ULY. 221 follows : '' This lovely Lily must not be confounded with the L. pojnj)Oiiium, usually sold as such ; this latter being simply the red variety of L. j^ijrenaicum, L. pom- pohium is elegant in growth, possesses a vigorous con- stitution, and blooms earlier than the numerous varieties of L. chalcedonicinn and L. jjyrenaivum, to which it is related. It grows about three feet in height, is of erect habit, and has long linear leaves. The flowers are pro- duced in a lax raceme, one foot through, and a well established plant will bear as many as twenty flowers. It is a native of the Maritime Alps." The variety, py- retiaicum, is a similar, but smaller plant, with small yellow flowers. A native of the Pyrenees, as its name would imply. The variety, albanum, is an Iberian form, like the yeWow vyre?iaicifm, but with a little larger leaves, and pollen of a different color ; the odor is sweet, like that of honey, where*is the savor of the garden form is rather nauseous. All the varieties are easily grown in the open border, increasing quite rapidly. L. ponticum. — See L, M. Szovitsiamim, Page 217. L. Prince of Orange. — A variety of L. elegtnis, Page 208. L. pseudo-tigrinum. — This form has had some little difficulty in keeping a name, having been sold as A. Foriunei, and later, in fact, now, as L. Maximoiviczii, It is, in every respect excepting color, identical with L. Lei'htlinii, growing from four to five feet high, bear- in ir from six to twelve light red flowers, with numerous snudl black spots. It is variable in the form, as well as in the color of its flowers ; some of the stems are quite downy, others smooth. The color of the flowers seems to be somewhat governed by the character of the soil in which it grows. It is propagated readily from seed, as well as by offsets. A peculiar feature of this Lily is the length of time it continues in bloom, a strong plant remaining in flower for upwards of four weeks. 222 BULBS Al^D TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. L. puberulum. — A synonym of Pallidifolium, a variety of L. pardalinum, Page 218. L. pulchellum. — Avariety of X. concolor^ Page 206. L. pumilum. — A synonym of L. callostim, Page 201. L. punctatum. — A variety of several species, but best known as belonging to L, speciosum, to which it is referred. Lr. puniceum. — A synonym of L. tenuifoUtim. L. pyrenaicum. — See Z. pomponium, Page 221. L. Robinsonianum. — A variety of L. pardalinum, Page 218. L. Roezlii. — A synonym of Angustifolium, a vari- ety of pardalmuTriy Page 218. L. sinicum. — See under Concolor, Page 206. Lf. speciosum. — As a whole, this species of Lilies far surpasses any other species of herbaceous plants, for the garden, or for the greenhouse. Among Lilies there are none to compare, excepting L. candidum, which has no peer. By common consent, Speciosum was regarded the species; all other forms were varieties. This mat- ters not, so long as it is so understood, that we do not get the varieties mixed. So in our descriptions we shall consider Speciosum a type, notwithstanding the fact that, when introduced by Dr. Siebold, it referred to what is now considered L. s. ruhrum. The extreme beauty of the Speciosum species has tempted the growers to multiply varieties to an almost unlimited extent; far beyond the limit of reason, to say the least, as names have been given plants for differences that exist only in the imagination. One dealer lists thirty-four varieties, four times as many as the most enthusiastic admirer could find, uninfluenced by the hope of gain. We shall note such varieties as have some individual features that commend them to the reader, in whose interest this book is written. SPECIOSUM LILY. 223 ,lLirM : ITCIOSl'M UURUUM. 224 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. Yar. rubrum. — This was the first introduction, and was figured in Paxton^s Ilagazine of Botany for January, 1838, and described, in part, as follows : *'A most magnificent species of Lily; ^ not only handsome' (as Dr. Lindley observed, in the Botanical Register, Page 2,000) beyond all we before knew in gardens (among Lilies), on account of the clear, deep rose-color of its flowers, which seem all rugged with rubies and garnets, and sparkling with crystal points, but it has the sweet fragrance of the Petunia.'' Much confusion exists in regard to the variety names, some dealers call- ing it Rubrum, others Roseumi, many sending it out under both names. Having grown many thousands of the supposed different varieties, we have never been able to note sufficient difference in color to warrant the two names. It is true, that in a bed of either, one will find some darker, some lighter, the cause of which seems to us to be, that it is a seedling and intermediate between Purpuratum and Punctatum. As the former is truly represented by the colored illustration in Paxton^s Mag- azine of Botany, and the one we designate as true Kubrum, while the latter is also figured in the same vol- ume, and is as perfect an illustration of the flower as it is possible for the lithographic art to produce, and it is there called Roseum (synonym Punctatum). Therefore the variety sold as Purpuratum might, with propriety, be called Rubrum. Punctatum was, from its introduction, called Roseum. Seedlings from these varieties would very naturally produce, not only the two varieties under consideration, but many others that have been honored with varietal names. See Engraving, Page 223. Var. roseum (syn. punctatum). — Paxton describes this as follows : ^'In the exquisite loveliness of its flow- ers, their superior size, and the stronger and more robust habits of the plant, this charming variety almost outvies the splendid species {L. speciosum). The dazzling bril- SPECIOSUM LILY. 225 liancy of hue for which the species just mentioned is so deservedly admired, alone maintains its ascendency, for in every other respect our present subject is decidedly unequalled." This certainly described Punctatum as we have it, and as it was first called Roseum, we can see no reason for its later appellation. Var. album. — Tliis is a pure white form; except- ing in color, it is well described in var. riilnim. Var. prsecox. — This dillers from the above, in hav- ing its pure white petals slightly tinged with pink, in being a stronger grower, producing, when well estab- lished, twelve to fifteen flowers on a single stem ; the ])etals are regular and much reflexed, often clasi)ing the stem ; in the center of the tlower the petals are studded with delicate little projections, like crystal points. Of it there seem to be several so-called varieties. One has yellow anthers instead of brown ; in other respects they are identical. Seedlings from this or the foregoing white form are as numerous as are those of the spotted varieties, which makes the nomenclature of this group decidedlv uncertain. Var. vest ale. — A svnonvni of var. album. Var. punctatum. — A synonym of var. roseum. Var. macranthum. — A synonym of var. ruhrum. Var. melpomene. — A seedling variety raised by the late C. M. Hovey, of Boston. It is somewhat darker than true Rubrum, but by no means an iniprovement on the type. Mr. Ilovey was quite successful in growing the L. speciosum from seed, and at one time had, of his own production, varieties named for each of the Muses; but with the exception of Melpomene, none are in existence. Vars. monstrosum, of Album, Rul)rum and Punc- tatum, are sin)})ly fasciated forms, unworthy a ])lace in the garden, exc('})ting for the curiosity there is in mon- strosities. There is an interesting feature in tliese fus- 15 226 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-EOOTED PLANTS. ciatod forms wortliy of notice. AVe find, in good rich soil, and with good cultivation, these forms invariably revert back to the type after one or two years. Var. corymbiflorum. — A synonym for the varie- ties of Monstrosum. These varieties include all that have any distinctive traits ; other varieties listed in cata- ioo'ues present only such differences as may be seen with any of the varieties, when grown under different conditions. L. spectabile. — A synonym of L. Cateshcei, Page 204. L. splendens. — A variety of L. elegans. Page 209. L. stenophyllum. — A. variety of L, callosum, Page 201. L. superbum. — Our common Swamp Lily; were it not common it would receive the attention it so riclily deserves. In its native habitat, we have known a specimen ten feet high with sixty-three flowers. As a rule, it ^rows from four to six feet high, with from four to twelve flowers. It is a S})lendid plant to grow among shrubbery. In such situations the ground should be mulched heavily to keep it moist, and clnmjis from six to eight feet high, bearing an immense number of orange- red flowers tipped with bright crimson, will be the re- sult. These noble plants, lifting themselves far above the Rhododendrons and Azaleas, have a majestic appear- ance. The variety r.arolinianum is described as an inter- mediate form between Superbum and Oanadense ; it is but little known. We do not think that any of our native Lilies, as cultivated, are very well known in other countries, judging from the following, which we take from Dr. Wallace's notes on Lilies. In speaking of the Superbum, he says : *^A very valuable, late, graceful Lily, in growth so like Canadense, that it is difficult to distinguish them, except by means of the immature flower buds, which are rounded in Superbum, but trian- LILY. 227 gular in Canadense. Properly an eastern (indigenous American) form, but stretching westward, and inter- mingling with the western varieties, so tliat it becomes difficult to separate the intermediate forms." In the cultivated forms there is as wide a difference between these two species as there is between either of them and the Martagons. The Superbum grows twice as high, has double tlie number of flowers, which have their petals so much reflexed that they clasp the stems, wliile those of the Canadense are always bell-shaped, and the l)uds of the former are quite as angular as are those of tlie latter. L. Szovitszianum. — A synonym of L. monadel- phum, Page 217. L. Takesima. — A \ariety of L. longifloriun, Page 215. L. tenuifolium. — The earliest of all our garden Lilies, and one of the most desirable, because of its bril- liant scarlet flowers, produced in a raceme of from one to twenty, on veiy slender stems, which are beautifully clothed with grass-like foliage. A native of Siberia, where it is largely grown as an article of food. It is (piite tender, and needs a dry soil and jirotection against frost ; see Page 175. It is rapidly increased from seed. L. testaceum. — A synonym of L, excelsum. Page 211. L. Thompsonianum. — This is now classed with the Fritillarias, Pairc \)-l. L. Thunbergianum. — A synonym of L, eleganSj Page 207. L. tigrinum (Tiger Lily). — Tliis is one of our earliest contributions from China, having been intro- duced with Longiflorum in 1804:. It is, when well grown, one of the most noble and showy of all the spe- cies, and well worthy a ])lace in every collection. The type grows about four feet high, and, in good soil, will S28 BUI.BS AKD TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. produce from ten to fifteen bright scarlet flowers, with immerons small black spots. Notwithstanding its stately form and gorgeous display, it is classed with weedy plants, because of its rapid increase and ease of cultivation ; whereas, in gardens of any considerable extent, it should liave a prominent place and be confined to it. Var. flore pleno (Double Flowering Tigrinum). — A magnificent plant, reaching a height of six feet, with a diameter of more than three feet, bearing, in a season, more than sixty flowers; continuing in bloom more than six weeks. Var. splendens. — In a rich soil and partially shaded situation, will grow to the height of six feet, producing an immense number of flowers in a pyramidal cluster. Var. Maximowiczii. — Sometimes sold under the name of L. Fortimei, and is often called a yariety of L. LeiclitUnii, Page 214; flowers a light orange-red, with small black dots. This differs from the species in not having axillary bulblets. It is a very showy plant, flow- ering in August, and is increased rapidly from seed. All the varieties of Tigrinum, excepting this, are rapidly increased from the axillary bulbs, which should be planted as soon as they drop ; they make bulbs that flower the second year. L. umbellatum. — A synonym of L. tuTbiferumy Page 201. L. Van Houttei. — A variety of L. elegans. L. venustum. — A variety of L. elegans, Page 207. L#. Wallace!. — A very showy lily, but whether a distinct species or a garden hybrid is a question not yet decided. It is of easy culture, increasing rapidly, and flowering most profusely. In form it is intermediate between Maximowiczii and Concolor. Tlie flowers are vermilion-orange, spotted at the base and center with numerous slightly raised small maroon spots; it is one of the latest flowering sorts. LILY. 229 L. Wallichianum. — A native of the Himalayas, in form and color ciosely resembling Longiflorum ; the flowers are not as regular in form, nor of as much sub- stance ; neither is it nearly as hardy, and can only be successfully grown in the greenhouse. L. Wausharicum. — A variety of Philadeli^hicum, Page 2-20. L. Washingtonianum. — One of the native Amer- ican species growing freely in the Californian woods ; the flowers are white tinged with purple, produced in clusters on stems from two to five feet high. This spe- cies is a very difliclilt one to manage in the Atlantic states; it does not at all conform to the change of sea- sons, and strives to grow and flower during the same months as it does in its native home. With thorougli protection we have had it do fairly well, but in tlie xVt- lantic States it will succeed well only when grown under glass, for which purposes there are many more desirable kinds. The variety purjniretim is a lower growing form, seldom reaching two feet in height, with violet or nearly white flowers, borne in erect umbels. There is the same difficulty in growing the variety as with the species. Lilies for the Garden. — We are often asked what varieties will give the best satisfaction planted in the open border. We rej^ly by giving the following selec- tion, and should take them in the order named : 1 C:in- didum, 2 Speciosum Ruhrum, 3 S})eci()sum Prnpcox, 4 Excelsum, 5 Brownii, G Ilan.sonii, 7 "^renuifolium, 8 Ele- gans — var. Alice Wilson. 0 Leichtlinii, 10 Speeiosum Roseum (Punctatuni), 11 Longiflorum Eximium, 12 Au- ratum, 13 'I'iirrinum P1ore Pleno, 14 Martagon Dalninti- cum, 15 ]*seudo-'iMgrinum, 10 Monadelphuni, IT Su- j)erbuin, IS 'I'igriiiuin S])lendens, 10 Elegans Hicolor, 20 Coridion, 21 Pardalinum, 22 Batemannin?, 23 Cana- dense, 24 Concolor Sinicum, 25 Wallacei. Few i)ersons 230 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLAKTS, will care to have so large a number of sorts, and those who wish a limited number will be pleased by commenc- ing with Number 1, and continuing down the list until their desires are satisfied. The first three, six or twelve will give sufficient variety and contrast for small, or for moderately large gardens. LILY OF THE VALLEY. See Convallaria, Page 61. LOOHIERA. A section of the genus AchimeneSi Page 1. LYCORIS. A small genus of greenhouse bulbs allied to Nerine and Griffinia, natives of Eastern Asia. The name of Lycoris is that of a Koman actress, celebrated for her extravagance and her beauty. The flowers of some of the species are very beautiful, and remarkable for their rich golden color. They bloom in autumn, the flowers ])receding the foliage, as do those of Amaryllis Bella- clomia, Page 12. After flowering, the plants should have every encouragement for growth of foliage, as it is upon this that the flowering of another season depends. After the leaves have perfected their growth, dry the bulbs off, and during their period of rest they must remain in the pots dry and warm. L. aurea (Golden Lily). — The most beautiful of the species, having bright yellow flowers, in August. L. radiata. — Has dingy ci'imson flowers, in July. L. staminea. — Has striped flowers, in June. MARIPOSA LILY. See Calochortus, Page 49. MASSONIA. A small genus of Cape bulbs allied to Eriospermum. They are of little value. MELANTHIUM — MERENDERA — MILLA. 231 MEADOW SAFFRON. See Colchicum, Page 59. MELANTHIUM. A small genus of early spring flowering bulbs, some- what resembling the Ixias, Page IGG, and requiring the sime general treatment, being natives of the Cajie of Good Hope. M. junceum (The Rush-leaved Melanthium). — This is a very beautiful little Cape plant, with flowers like a small Ixia. The flowers are stained within with dark crimson spots, nearly l)lack, and hence the name of the genus, which signifies black flowers. The propaga- tion is by offsets. M. uniflorum. — This has but one flower, as its name implies. Neither of the species are wort!i cultivating. MERENDERA. The best known species, J/, caucasica, is a pretty little plant, differing from the Colchicums, Page 50, l)y the leaves and flowers appearing at the same time, and should be treated in the same manner. MILLA. This is a much abused bulb. Having been included in the genus Triteleia, where it does not belong, and thy specific name, hiflora (two-flowered), entirely misrepre- senting its character. It has, moreover, been re])rc- sented as difficult to manage, when, in fact, it can be grown as easily, and more satisfactorily, than almost any of our summer-flowering bulbs. Our experience with the Milla has been as follows : When it was first sent here from Mexico we procured a large quantity of the bulbs, wdiich were about the size of small crocus corms, or even smaller ; these grew rapidly, and we soon saw that the name hiflora did not belong to a plant pro- 232 BULBS AND TUBEKOUS-KOOTED PLANTS. ducing four flowers on a single scape, nor to a bulb that produced two or more scapes, as most of these bulbs did. Soon after tbe first hard frost the bulbs wei'e taken up and put about two inches deep in ordinary flats, which were placed in racks in the Gladiolus room. There they remained until the following spring. To our surprise. MILLA. the crocus-sized bulbs we had planted were, when taken up, as large as good-sized Gladiolus conns, or about two inches in diameter. These were planted at the same time as the Gladiolus, and in the same manner, early i:i May. They commenced to bloom early in July^, and MILLA — MO^'TBIIETIA. 233 notwithstanding the excessive drouth of that season, the plants were in constant bloom until killed by frost late in October. The larger bulbs threw up ten flower stalks each, and in many instances there were eight flowers on a single scape or stalk, and not infrequently three were oj^en at a time. We do not know a more satisfactory bulb than this, as it is constantly in flower for more than three months in the summer, witli as little trouble as the Gladiolus, and delights in dr}', sunny weather, which, in our climate, it can usually have in abundance. It increases rapidly by offsets, or from seed, the bulbs from which will flower the second year. M. biflora. — The only species; flowers pure white, star->hai)ed, with a greenish-white tube three to five inches in length. For the best effect in the garden, the bulbs should be planted alternately with the Bestera elegana (Page 42), about four inches apart each way ; the effect produced by the contrast of color, scarlet and white, is most charming. The two plants possess the same graceful habit of growth, and are uniform in height. See engraving of flowers on Page 232. MISSOURI HYACINTH. A synonym of Camassia Fraseri, Page 52. MONTBRE^JTA. Tritonia. A small genus of Iridaceous plants from the Cape <»f Good IIo])e, most of which are half-hardy, aiul re([uire the same treatment as other summer flowering bulbs. The genus is closely allied to the Ixia (Page KI'I), and is now generally included with the M'ritoiiia. M. Pottsii (Proi)erly Tritonia P(dlsii).—'V\\v Ust of the species, somewhat resemblinir the (Jladinlus, and })erfectly hardy. The flowers are borne in spikes from six to nine inches long ; tlioy are bright yellow, streaked cn the outside witli brick-rcd. 234 BULBS AKD TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLANTS. potts' MONTBllETIA Oil TKITONIA. MOR^A — MUSCARI. 235 The name Montbrctia would hardly be retained but for the hybrid form, Monthretia crocosjniflora, a cross between 3f. Pottsii and Crocosmia aurca, a very showy and free-flowering plant that succeeds admirably in the garden, producing its long, many-flowered panicles of orange-scarlet flowers from July until killed by frost. While this is a desirable plant for the open garden, its usefulness stops there. The flowers quickly fade if used in a vase, and the buds do not open. But as a garden ornament it is exceedingly valuable. While this is classed with the hardy bulbs, it does not belong there ; it should be taken up and kept in dry sand, free from frost, during winter. It increases rapidly from offsets. MORiEA. This genus was formerly included with the Iris, tlie flowers of wliich bear a close resemblance; they are very beautiful, but of short duration and little substance. All the species are tender, but succeed well when grown in pots, in a light sandy loam. They thrive with ordi- nary grecnliouse culture, but the plants require frequent syringing to keep them free from red S2)ider. They flower from April to July, according to species, after wliich, when the leaves wither and dry down, they should remain dry and warm until the following Febru- ary, when they should be re-potted and started into growth again. Viesseuxia and the Peacock Iris, J/. jmvonia (iriihidcs). Page 161, are now included in this genus. M. Sisijrinchium is the only species that is worth the room required in the greenhouse to grow them. This is a native of Spain ; the flower is very handsome, deep blue, white and yellow. MUSCARI. This is a large genus of perfectly hardy bulbs, with a great variety of popular names, such as Musk, (Jrai>e, 236 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. and Feathered Hyaciuth. Thej grow freely anywhere. Some of the species have escaped from the gardens and have become naturalized, and grow with all the vigor of native plants. All they require is to be once planted ; they will then take care of themselves, and increase rap- idly. The more valuable of the species are : M. botryoides (Grape Hyacinth). This is the most commonly grown and finest of the species. The flower-spikes are from two to three inches in length, resembling a bunch of grapes, colors pure white and dark blue ; they have a peculiar fragrance, which has given the species the popular name of ^'Baby's Breath." M. comosum (Tufted Hyacinth). — A very showy species. M. c. monstrosum (The Feathered Hyacinth). — ■ It is also known by the trade as Muscari plumosus monstrosum. M. moschatum. — This, the common Musk Hya- cinth, receives its name by the strong smell of musk which the flowers possess. The flowers are purple when they first expand, but gradually become yellowish. It is a native of Turkey. There are a great number of species and varieties, but those noticed well represent the genus. They are easily grown and rapidly increase by offsets. NARCISSUS. Daffodil. The florists who have made the Narcissus a hobby, have driven farther and faster for varieties than any other of the many specialists in the floral race. Their classifications and distinctions are simply bewildering, and the number of varieties, each claiming some marked difference or peculiarity in form or shade of color, is astounding. We shall not attempt to follow them, we dare not even approach them, as there has been more ifAKCISSUS. 237 GROUP OF HJHWLHtiVi 23S BULBS AKD TUBEROUS-EOOTED PLANTS. than enongh written on the Narcissus to fill more pages than are contained in this entire work. There are three distinct classes of Narcissus, the old and well known Daffodils, both single and double forms; the white-flowered or Poet's Narcissus, and the Tazetta, or Polyanthus Narcissus. The first two classes are perfectly hardy, and will thrive in almost any soil or situation. In the open border they should be planted in quantity, especially in those spots where they appear naturally at home, such as under the shade of trees, and in the shrubbery borders, where many other plants refuse to bloom. The newly awakened interest in the many forms of single and double Daffodils is almost as lively as when the poets sang so loud their praises. This interest is well deserved, as they certainly are most effective and desirable border flowers. All the species and varieties of Narcissus should be grown in clumps and patches in every suitable vacant spot, and there is not a spot where grass will grow in which the Narcissus will not thrive. Under fences and beside hedges, or in any out-of- the way place, large quantities of the more free-growing sorts, especially iV". poeticus, should be planted for a supply of early cut flowers, and a portion should be in sunny, and a portion in shaded places, to prolong the season of flowering. Their graceful appearance renders them peculiarly valuable for this purpose, and, if cut when partially opened, they will develop in water, and last for many days. In planting, be guided by the size of the bulb, allowing four to five inches between small sorts, and from six to eight inches between the large varieties. At this distance apart the bulbs will soon completely fill the spaces forming a compact mass, and it is then their flowers are produced the most freely. In fact, they do not make an effective mass of bloom until the bulbs are crowded. This is one of the good features NARCISSUS. 239 in growing the Narcissus, that "when a planting is once made, no further attention is necessary, as they will pro- tect themselves against all encroachment. Quack grass even has to give way to them, and in S2:>ite of it there will be an annual improvement in the quantity and quality of bloom. The third class, having JV. Tazetta as the type, and including the species and varieties usually employed for forcing by the flori.sta, cannot be treated so carelessly ; it demands greater attention, and is not, by any means, hardy. The bulbs should be planted, at least, live inches deep, and be 23rotected against frost. In a changeable climate, where there is alternate freezing and tiuxwing, these bulbs will not succeed unless ample pro- tection is afforded. They are desirable for pot culture, for the window garden, and should be potted as early as l)ossible after they arrive from Europe. The Double "Roman and Paper White naturally come into bloom in advance of the other sorts, and should be selected for early display. Pot them rather firmly in a rich, porous soil, but not so firmly as to render it impossible for the roots to ])encti'ate, or they will raise the bulbs out of the soil. Place the bulbs in a cool spot, and cover them with coal ashes or any other material, to keep the bulbs in their places, and to prevent the foliage from starting l)renuiturely. AVhen toj) growth commences, which will be by the first of December, the pots can be given their j)osition in the window-garden or conservatory. A suc- cession can be kept up until flowers appear in the o])en border, by bringing the pots in at intervals. If a little bottom heat is given the ])lants as soon as the buds ap- ]>car, it will hast-i'n their flowering, but those who havu not tlie necessary ap])liances will not be the losers, an the flowers will be better without artificial aid. The Tazetta class of Narcissus can also be grown in glasses in water, in the same manner recommended for 240 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. Hyacinths (Page 149), and there are no bulbs that sur- pass Narcissus with this method of culture. The Chi- nese Sacred Lily, or Narcissus, which is one of the iV". Tazetta group, is readily and perfectly grown in this man- ner ; but a more pleasing way is to place the bulbs in an earthen dish, on about half an inch of gravel, arid cover them half way up with white gravel. Place them in full sunlight and they will bloom perfectly. Before placing the bulbs in the gravel, the Chinese cut away the hard skin on the top of the bulb, which greatly facilitates growth ; in cutting, do not injure the leaf growth, and only cut al)Out an eighth of an inch in depth. The Chinese also cut the bulb longitudinally in four places, as though they were to quarter the bulb, but only cut to the depth of one-quarter of an inch. How this benefits the bulb we cannot say, but it is their method, and we have followed it with great success. Forcing the Narcissus for Cut Flowers. — These bulbs are now forced in immense quantities by the florists, and the method employed is to plant the bulbs in sliallow boxes, ordinary flats, filled with com- mon potting soil ; the bulbs are placed three to four inches apart, and covered level with their upper surfaces. They are then placed in a cool, dark shed, until they have made good root-growth, which will be by the first of November, if they have been put away early in Sep- tember, as they should be. The boxes are then brought into the greenhouse as required, and given a moderate heat and all the light possible. Flowers will be ready for cutting in six weeks after the bulbs have been brought forward. A succession can be kept up, according to the demands of the trade. Many of the single Daffodils are available for forc- ing. The best are Trumpet Major, yellow; Trumpet Major, yellow and white ; Obvallaris (Tenby Daffodil), rich yellow ; and Poeticus Ornatus, white with crimson NARCISSUS. ^41 TYPE OF nOOP.PETTlCOAT NARCISSUS. 16 242 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. eye. Of the double varieties, Incomparable, yellow and orange ; Pseudo-N. Plenus, or Lent Lily, yellow and white; and Von Sion, all yellow; Alba-Plena Odorata, a fine double white, is also used. The hybrid varieties are very fine, but too expensive for general cultivation. As the varieties are so numerous we cannot attempt their description, but will briefly refer to the species. N. Bulbocodium (Common Hoop-Petticoat Nar- cissus).— This has so long occupied a place in the garden that a description is quite unnecessary. It is a native of the Pyrenees, and is perfectly hardy. See Page 241. N. gracilis (Yellow Rush-Leaved Narcissus). — This differs from other of the rush-leaved sorts, in having flowers similar in shape to those of N. poeticus, but of a soft sulphur-yellow color, and in having but two or three on a stalk. This has so long been an inhabitant of the garden that its origin is unknown. There are several varieties, one of which is popularly known as the Silver Jonquil. N. incomparabilis (Peerless Daffodil) (Butter and Eggs). — There are a large number of varieties and sub-varieties of this species, all hardy, showy, and well adapted for woods or shaded places. It can be natural- ized anywhere, making very effective clumps in early spring. See Page 238. N. Jonquilla (Jonquil). — This is a native of Spain, and an old garden favorite, because of its fragrance and hardiness, together with its elegant form and profusion of golden yellow flowers. There is a double form with the same general habit, which is not common in our gar- dens, and is liable to die out unless planted in dry soils, because water, in winter, is destructive to it. N. juncifolius (Rush-Leaved Daffodil). — One of the smallest and sweetest of the species. It is very dwarf, and admirably adapted for rock- work. The flow- ers are produced quite early in spring; therefore they NARCISSUS. 243 should have a warm and protected situation, as, in this climate, we frequently have freezing weather after they come into bloom. It is a native of tlie Pyrenees. N. odorus (Campernelle) (Fragrant). — Why Lin- naeus applied this distinctive name to this species is not clear, as it is not more fragrant than many other of the species. Of this there are several varieties, all worth growing, as they will thrive in any warm situation. N. poeticus (Poets' Narcissus). — This is one of the most beautiful, as well as the most common, of the species. A border of this Narcissus, after the bulbs get well established, has no equal among early flowers. There are several varieties, differing but little excepting in time of flowering. Flowers pure white with crimson border on the cup. See Page 238. N. Pseudo-Narcissus (The Common Daffodil, or Lent Lily). — This is so common in Europe that it has become naturalized iu many places. It will grow any- where, in sun or shade, and increases rapidly where once planted. Var. moschatus (White Spanish Daffodil). — Avery dwarf })lant, wiili flowers similar to the common daffodil, excepting that they are of a delicate creamy white color. While it is classed among the perfectly hardy sorts, it must be j)lanted on very rich, dry soil, and then slightly protected, or it will not bloom. N. Tazetta (Polyanthus Narcissus). — This is the type of an entirely distinct class, remarkable for the fra- grance and beauty of its flowers. We have already noticed the class, on Page 239, observing that the repre- sentatives are not hardy, and are only to be employed in pot culture, or -in glasses, or for forcing in the green- liouse for cut flowers and conservatory decoration. There are several hundred varieties of this species ; the most important are : N. T. orientalis.— Chinese Sacred Lily, Page 240. 244 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLAINTS. N. T. papyraceus (Paper White Narcissus). — Among the varieties in great demand for florists' use is the Double Roman, one of the best. The word Tazetta signifies a small deep vessel, like a cup. Narcissus is the name of a youth said to have been changed into a flower. See Page 239. NEOTAROSCORDIUM. Honey Garlic. This pretty little bulb is a native of Sicily. N. sic- ulum, the only species, was formerly included in the genus Allium. It is perfectly hardy, growing freely in com- mon light soil, and blooms in June. The flowers are green, or purplish, produced on a slender scape three to four feet high. It is increased by offsets. NERINE. See Page 21. ONION LILY. See Ornithogalum caudatum, Page 245. OPORANTHUS. A synonym of Sternhergia lutea, Page 22. ORNITHOGALUM. Star of Bethlehem. This is a genus of hardy, half-hardy and tender bulbs, but few of which have any place in the garden. They are natives of Europe, Asia, and the Cape of Good Hope. The hardy species increase so rapidly as to be- come a nuisance. The tender species will grow in any moist place j)rotected against frost. O. arabicum. — Decidedly the finest of the species, and well adapted for house culture ; it also makes a fine display in the garden. The flowers are large, pure white with a black center, borne on a scape one and one-half ORNITHOGALUM. 245 feet long, in a six to twelve flowered raceme. In pots they should be treated in the same manner as the Hya- cinth, Page 147. In tlie open border the bulbs should be planted in the spring, as tliey will not survive the winter without protection, which is needed quite as FLOWERS AND PLANT OF ORNITHOGALUM ARABICUM. much against water as against frost. They are rapidly increased by offsets. O. caudatum (Long-tailed Ornithogalnm). — A tender species from the Ca])e of Good Hope. The flow- ers are small and greenish, in a very long, densely-cov- ered, spike-like raceme. They have a SAveet, but rather 246 BULBS AND TUBEEOUS-ROOTED PLANTS. sickly smell. This species is sometimes called Onion Lily, and is a favorite with the Chinese, who grow it in the same manner as the Sacred Lily. It is remarkably tenacious of life ; it will grow in soil, or out ; hang it up against a wall in a dry room, and it will flower as well there as anywhere ; or, if planted in the border, it will endure our winters, if slightly protected. O. thyrsoides. — This species and its varieties have rather pleasing flowers, some yellow of different shades, and others pure white with a dark center, all distinct, and pleasing objects in the greenhouse, where they must be grown. O. umbellatum (The Common Star of Bethlehem). Although one of our prettiest early summer flowers, its dissemination should be avoided, as it is sure to assume the mastery over every other form of vegetation when it once gets started. If this species could be confined within reasonable limits, its presence in tlie garden would be most desirable. The remaining species do not merit description. OVEIDA. See Lapeyrousia, Page 169. OXALIS. This is an extensive genus, the species differing widely in habit and form, and requiring various methods of culture. The genus contains annuals, perennials and bulbous i^dants ; the latter, only, shall we mention. Of these there are several species of great value, as border plants for edgings, and for winter blooming in the con- servatory or window garden. O. Bowiei. — One of the most desirable species. The flowers are dark rose, produced in umbels, continu- ously either throughout the summer or winter, according as the bulbs have been treated. Like most other bulbs, OXALIS. 247 they require a season of rest ; that season can be easily regulated, but it is of no use to try to flower these bnll)S in wiater, if they have flowered in the summer. The use of this, as well as of the following species, is as winter flowering plants, and to have them flower in win- ter, bulbs must be procured that were formed on winter flowering plants, and ripened off in spring or early sum- mer. Bulbs that have flowered during the summer, and have formed new ones which have perfected their OXALIS KOSEA (fLORIBUNDA). growth, will not flower again until the following sum- mer. This is often the cause of failure, in winter ])l()()ming. The bulbs offered by the trade have been grown in tlieopen ground during summer, when, instead, they should have been grown in the greenhouse the pre- vious winter, "^riie cultivation of this species is very simple. In October ])Ut tliree bulbs, tlie larger the iK't- t«'r, in a six inch i)ot filU'd with ordinary ])otting mold, and place them where they can have all the light possi- 248 BULBS AN^D TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. ble, and water as required. They will at once show, by the drooping of the foliage, any neglect in this respect they may receive ; they will soon come into flower, and continue for two or three months. This species would be well worth growing for the beauty of its foliage, which is very large and massive. After flowering, grad- ually withhold water; when the foliage dies down, set the pots away where the soil will keep perfectly dry, until it is time to start them into growth, when they sliould be repotted. They increase rapidly, and are natives of the Cape of Good Hoj)e. O. luteola. — Another Cape species, and our flrst choice for a winter flowering bulb, either in the green- house, conservatory or window garden. It must, m all respects, be treated like the foregoing, and if it cannot liave plenty of sunlight there is no use attempting its growth. The flowers are golden yellow, produced in large terminal clusters on long slender scapes. It is a persistent and continuous bloomer. It can be planted out on a shallow greenhouse bench, and for months the bench will appear a mass of bloom. O. rosea (Floribunda). — See Page>247. O. versicolor. — A splendid border plant, quite as ornamental in foliage as in flower; the flowers are small, but produced in such quantity as to make a pleasing effect. O. lasiandra (Woolly-stamened). — Very effective as a border plant, and a continuous bloomer. It should be used as an edging, for which there is no plant more suitable. The leaves are very large, dark green, and having seven to twelve divisions. The bulbs of this and of the preceding species should be taken up after the first frost, and stored in a cool cellar, free from frost. They increase rapidly by offsets, which will flower the first season. O. cernua. — A synonym or variety of 0» luteola. We were never able to detect any difference. PAXCRATIUM, 210 FAUCEATIUM CALATHIKUIL 250 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS, PANCRATIUM. This is a genus of greenhouse or half-hardy bulbs, but little cultivated, from the fact that their beauty and usefulness is not proportionate to their price, or the cost of cultivation. The flowers are white, or greenish white, produced in large umbels, on a solid scape about two feet high. The species abound in the South of Europe, Africa, Arabia, and in several of the more southern of the United States. They all require greenhouse treat- ment, thriving best when planted in a rather light loamy soil. They require a season of perfect rest, and are propagated by offsets. See engraving, Page 249. P. maritimum (Sea Daffodil). — This plant abounds on the coast of the Mediterranean, in the sands, where it has the burning rays of the sun and the cold wnnds from the sea. These conditions are difficult to furnish in the greenhouse, and to flower well it must have them. It seems to have been created for the position it fills in its native habitat, where it blooms most profusely. P. ovatum. — A native of the West Indies, and is the most beautiful of the genus, and a desirable green- house plant, bearing an umbel of fifteen to thirty pure white, sweet-scented flowers, most useful for cut flower decoration, while the plant in bloom is one of the most useful for decorative purposes. It is an easy subject to manage, and can be made to bloom twice in a season, by giving it complete rest soon after flowering, and a humid atmosphere when in growth. P. carolinianum. — Common on the Southeastern coast of North America from South Carolina to Florida. This is now considered a synonym of P. maritimnm., the slight difference in habit being attributed to climatic influences. P. calathinum (Hymenocallis). — A native of Brazil, with pure white, fragrant flowers; this is listed •PARDANTHUS. 251 by tlie trade as Ismene KitUjhtii, but it is now called lly menocalUs calathina (Page 158). PARDANTHUS. Blackherry Lily, or Leopard Floiuer, Tliis bandsome flower is not a lily, as its popular name implies, but belongs to tbe Iris family. Its name, Pardanthus chincnsis, is derived from j^ardos, leoi)ard, and anlhos, a flower — bence leopard flower ; and cltinensis means of Cbina. The Ciiinese Leopard Flower was formerly very common in gardens, but like many another deserving plant, has given way to the universal craze for novelties. The stem grows three or four feet high, branches at the top, where it bears regu- lar flowers of an orange color, and abundantly dotted with crimson or reddish-purple spots. One great merit of the Leopard flower is that it is late flowering, being in bloom from midsummer to September. After the pretty flowers have faded, the capsules grow on .and enlarge, and when quite ripe the walls of the cai)sules break away and curl up, leaving a central column of i-hining, black-coated seed, looking so much like a well- develo})ed, ripe blackberry, that the fruit, if not so haiidsomc as the flower, is quite as interesting, and shows that in this instance it does not require any effort of the irnagination to see the applicability of perhaps its most common name — the Blackberry Lily. The plant is hardy in most of the Northern States, but the French florists sny that it does not endure the winters of Paris without j)rotection. It is a tuberous-rooted, herbaceous ])erennia1, requiring a rich, sandy loam soil, and a shel- tered situation in winter. It is propagated in spring by seeds, or by division of the roots. A plant, together with its flowers and fruit, is seen in the engraving, on Page 252. This ])lant is now botanically known as Bdamcanda chinensis. See engraving on next i)age. 252 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLAKTS. BLACKBERRY LILY OR LEOPARD FLOWER. PENTLANDIA— PEONY, 253 PENTLANDIA. See Urceolina miniata, Page 298. PEONY. Pmonia, The Peony has few rivals in the herbaceous border, wljen well treated, wlnoli, as is tlie case witli many other strong, noble characters, is not always done. Because it is strong, it is generally supposed that it will feed and care for itself. The rever^^e is the catend)er until the first of March. Select j.'ood strong tubers of the herbaceous sorts, and take oU 354 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. MOUTAN OR TREE PEONY. PEOXY. 255 cuttings about six inches long of any desired variet}'. Then slit the tubers from the crown downwards about two inches; form the scion like a wedge, insert it into the slit of the tuber, and fit the barks on one side as accurately as possible, then bind them w^ell together, as in any ordinary root grafting. It is well to bind with copper wire, as the bast may rot before a union takes phice. Put them in a shaded cold frame ; plant them out when they have perfected one season's growth, or treat them like established plants. The shrubby Peonies are considered perfectly hardy, and are, so far that frost will not injure the plants, but they will flower more freely in a well sheltered situation. Paeonia Moutan (Tree Peony).— This species is a native of Cliina and Japan, whence it was introduced in 1789. In its native habitat it is said to grow from eight to ten feet high, bearing an abundance of purple flowers. With us it rarely grows four feet high, but in a partially protected situation it forms a rather dense under-shrub, and flowers })rofuscly. Since the species were first intro- duced numerous varieties have been brought out, with white, pink, purple, rose, magenta and salmon-colored Mowers, mostly single or semi-double. See engraving. The Herbaceous Peonies are increased by divis- ion. When this is desirable it should be done in Octo- ber. The tubers may be divided to any extent, only it is necessary to have, at least, one eye on each tuber. Immediately after cutting up, plant in nursery rows, or where they are to remain. If divided in autumn they will usually flower the followinir season, but if divided in the spring they rarely flower until another year. The most desirable species are : Pseonia albiflora. — This is the old and well- known double white Peony, a native of Siberia ; of this there are several varieties, all of wliich are very showy and useful. They are mostly about i^z fee^ hl;;h, and 256 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. are distingnisliable by the rather bold, smooth, three- parted leaves. A few of the best are : Var. fragrans. — Dark pink rose- scented flowers. Var. Humei. — Double crimson, very showy. Var. Pottsii. — Dark crimson ; the plant tall-grow- ing and strong. Var. Whitleyii. — Fine double "vhite, yellowisli center. P. officinalis. — This is the old double red Peony of the gardens, one of the most showy of the species, as well as the most desirable, because of its hardiness and free- flowering qualities. It is closely allied to the foregoing species, and is the parent of nu- merous varieties. P. tenuifolia (Fine Leaved Peony). — This is one of the most dis- tinct of herbaceous Peo- nies. It is rather dwarf, rarely growing moie than a foot high. The leaves are much parted, and the segments are divided into numerous FINE LEAVED PEONY. thread-like lobes. The flowers of the double forms are very compact, of a bright crimson color. It is one of the earliest of our spring flowers, blooming soon after the Tulip. It is one of the best Peonies, and worthy a place in any select border, and is quite elegant and congruous in small gardens. The herbaceous Peonies are readily propagated by seed, by which means an almost endless variety may be secured, as hybridization has been so effective that the seedlings partake of all the forms and colors that the species are capable of producing. PEOXT — Pn.EDRAXASSA. 257 Peony seeds should be sown in light soil as soon as ripe, which will be about the first of September, and covered with half an incli of soil. They will come up the following sjmng, and nuiy remain in the seel bed for two years before they are transplanted, scattering a little earth over them when the leaves decay, at the end of the growing season. After two years gi'owtli in the seed bed, they should, in October, be transplanted into well prepared nursery rows, and put out six inches apart, and three inches deep. Ilere they are to remain until they llower, which, if in good soil, and with good culti- vation, will be the fourth year after seed-sowing. PERUVIAN DAFFODILS. See Hymenocallis Amancaes, Page 157. PEYROUSIA. See Lapeyrousia, Page 1G9. PILED RANASSA. Queen Lily. A small genus of rather curious bulbs, growing at a high elevation among the rocks in the Peruvian Andes. 'I'liey are more interesting than showy or handsome. The flowers are about two inches long, in the form of a slender tube, of a light pea-green color, tipped with ]>ink. They flower in winter, after which the bulba require a long season of rest. Their vvhole period of crrowth docs not exceed tiiree months. The cool irreen- lieuse is suited to them. They increase by offsets. PHALLOCALLIS. See Cypella, Page 7G. PlIYCELLA. A small genus of half-hardy bulbous plants from the mountain regions of Mexico, whicii is now inchulcJ ill Ilippeastrum, Page 13. 17 258 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. TLANTIA. A small genus of Ciipe bulbs now included in Hexii- glottis, Page 137. POLIANTHBS TUBEROSA. Tuberose, Everyone who has a garden, or a taste for flowers, knows the Tuberose. Its history, however, may not be known. D. F. Fish, in his book on ^^ Bulbs and their Culture," says it is a native of Italy. In Nicholson's " Dictionary of Gardening/' Mexico has the honor ol* its nativity. Two species make up the genus. In Parkinson's quaint old book, '^The Garden of Pleasant Flowers," published in 1G29, we find the follow- ing description of it, under its then known name of Hyacinth, with which it was classed : ^' Hyacintltns Indicu& major tnterosa radice, 'the greater Indian Knobbed Jacinth.' I have thouglit fittest to begin with this Jacinth (Hyacinth), both because it is the greatest and highest, and also because the flowers herof are in some likenesse neare unto a Daffodille, although his roote be tuberous, and not bulbous, as the rest are. This Indian Jacinth hath a thicke knobbed roote (yet formed into several heads, somewhat like unto bulbous roots), with many thick fibres at the bottom of them ; from the divers heads of this roote arise divers strong and very tall stalkes, beset with divers f aire, long and broad leaves, joined at the bottome close unto the stalk, where they arc the greatest, and smaller to the very end, and those that grow higher to the toppe, being smaller and smaller. The toppes of the stalkes are garnished with .many faire, large, white flowers, each wherof is composed of six leaves, lying spread open as the flowers of the white Daffodil, with some short threads in the middle, and of a very sweet scent, or rather strong and heades." POLIA^^THES TUBEROSA. 259 *j-v The double flowering variety was a seedling raised by Mons. Le Coiir, of Leyden, in Holland, who for many years would not, under any circiini- stances, part with a root of it. Even after propagating a desired (|uantity, if tliere was a sur- plus, he would cause every tuber to be cut in i)ieces and destroyed, in order to be the oidy possessor of so valuable a plant, [ind, wliich he con- sidered, the finest flower in the world. The cultiva- tion of the Tube- lose bulb was, foi many years, con- tin ed principally to the Italian nur- series ; but for tlie past twenty-fivt years they havi been largely grown in the United States. At the present time the markets of the world are largely S U p J) 1 i e (1 witi) DOUBLE TI'BEROSE. American grown bulbs. Less change of form from the species has taken place with this, than with almost any >' v 200 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. other form in cultivation. The only change worthy a varietal name was a ^' Sport," discovered by John Hen- derson, of Flushing, N. Y., growing in his field, about 1870. .. A number of plants of strong habit of growth, and with dark, broad foliage, attracted his attention, and he determined to keep them apart from his main stock, in order to see what the result would be. Tliese he cultivated in the same manner as his other bulbs. Upon their flowering, he discovered a distinct type, of dwarf habit, and much larger flowers. This he at once named the ^^ Pearl," and from the then small stock the trade is now wholly supplied. What is known as the '^'^ Excelsior" Pearl, is simply the ^^Pearl," and nothing else. P. gracilis. — A native of Brazil. It has pale yel- low flowers of small merit, and is but little known. P. tuberosa (Common Tnberose). — The earliest account we have of this species is in L'Ecluse's *^ History of Plants," from which we loam it was brought from the Indies by Father Theo})!;ilus Minuti, a Christian missionary, about the year 1530, who grew it in his gar- dens near Toulon, France. Bernard Paludanus, a dis- tinguished physician at Rome, grew it in 1594, having obtained the roots from the priests, who had, previously, refused the most earnest entreaties to part with it. At this time the single species and the variety with varie- gated foliage were the only ones in cultivation. Culture of the Tuberose. — The Tuberose is a gross feeder, and succeeds best in a light loam, but will grow in any soil, providing it is moist and rich ; rich it must be, without regard to other conditions ; its com- plete requisites are, heat, water and manure ; if these are proportionate, it matters not how much there may be, the plants will consume it, and by their growth show its importance. For field culture prepiire the ground as for a crop of potatoes; plant in drills thirty inches apart, and place POLIAXTHES TUBEROSA. 201 the bulbs four inches apart in the drills, three inches below the surface. Keep the cultivator constantly going, not to kill weeds, but to make Tuberose bulbs. After a frost take up the bulbs, cut the tops to witliin two inches of the tops of the bulbs, and store in a dry room, where the temi:>erature does not fall below 40°. Fro.n North Carolina southward, small sets will make l.irg3 {lowering bulbs in one season ; to the northward it requires two years. For that reason, wiiat are known as '•Southern grown bulbs," can be profitably sokl much clieaper than those grown at the Xortli. Whether the latter are to be preferred because of their sui)eriority, is a disputed question. Our oinnion is that it is not a question of growth, but of the care taken of the bul])s after tliey are dug, that enhances or detracts from, their value. Northern grown bulbs, like all other plants that have a shorter period of growth, will produce their fl.)W- ers earlier, but whether with more certainty we have great doubts. For blooming in the garden, the offsets sliould all be carefully taken off, and the bulbs put away until the wounds are dried over; then jdant in good rich soil, placing the bulb just below the surface; if covered too deep they are not as likely to flower. Greenhouse Culture of Tuberoses. — Tuberoses can be had in Ijlooni, with a little care, nearly the whole year. Plants that show flower buds in the field, upon the approach of frost, will perfect their growth if care- fully taken up and put in a warm greenhouse, as will bulbs that have not even shown their flower stalks. Di-y bulbs may be planted from January to August, which will keep up a succession of bloom. They succeed best planted out on the benches with about four inches of good soil. The same conditions of growth must be observed indoors as without, — heat, manure, water, and a free circulation of air. They must, moreover, have 262 BULBS AND TUBEKOUS-ROOTED PLANTS. the full light of the house ; in a dark house, the flower- spikes will be long-drawn, weak, and the flowers will be small and of but little substance. The too common practice of filling up every vacant place in the greenhouse with Tuberoses is a mistake. To have good flowers, the plants must have plenty of room, light, air and heat. The bulbs should not be closer than six inches apart each way. PUSCHKINIA. P. scilloides, the only species, is a pretty little bulb with flowers resembling those of a Scilla. The leaves grow from the root, and stand erect round the stem, as though protecting the flower. It is a native of Asia Minor, the Caucasus and Afghanistan, and quite hardy. Treat the same as all hardy bulbs. The propa- gation is effected by offsets. PYEOLIRION. Flame Lily, The two species that constitute this genus have tubular flowers, bearing considerable resemblance to those of the Zephyranthes in shape, but differ widely in color. They are both natives of Peru, and require the same treatment as the Zephyranthes (Page 25). They flower in summer, growing freely in light soil. The bulbs must be kept from frost during winter. P. aureum . (Zephyranthes Flower). — Grows as freely in the grain fields and hedgerows of Peru, as the daisies in our fields. The flowers are clear golden yellow. P. flavum. — In all respects similar to the above, except in its orange-colored flowers. QUEEN LILY. See Phaidranassa, Page 257. RANUNCULUS. 263 KAXUNCULUS. Nearly one huudred and sixty species are included in this genus, which is divided into two distinct classes : The Herbaceous Ranunculus, which inhabit nearly every country of the globe, and embrace all manner of weeds, as well as showy plants ; and the Garden Ranun- ciihis. Tlie latter consist of many hundreds of varieties obtained from the species Ranunculus asiaticnSj a na- tive of the Levant. This species has tuberous roots, is indigenous in Persia, in meadows which are moist during the winter and the growing season, but dry during a great part of summer. In our climate the latter plant is difficult to manage, as it should be planted in Febru- ary, a season when gardening operations are wholly sus- pended. If the tn})ers are planted then and protected by a frame, they llower freely in June; then they should have a partial shading from the sun, which is too powerful fur them. The soil they prefer is a light and sandy one, r lade rich with well-rotted manure ; avoid any that is heating. What is known as the Turban Ranunculus should be planted in November, and ])rotected in ihe same manner as the former. Very soon after the blooming season, the leaves begin to fade, a sign that the roots are lit to be taken up, much depending upon doing this at the proper time. If taken up before they are ripe, a loss of vigor i.s the result, and the same if allowed to renuiin a few days beyond I he i)roper season. The prui)er time is I'a^ily determined, by the leaves parting from the roots with a slight l)ull ; when this can be done, let them be at once taken up. After cleansing them from the soil, spread them thinly in a sliaded place to dry, turning them fre- (|ucntly until they are perfectly dried, then they may be stored away. The tubers, if kei)t dry, will retain their vitality for two or three years; this will allow of their being planted 264 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. TYPES OF ra:nukculus. RANUNCULUS. 265 at any desired time ; and, as the cool greenhouse is the l)roper place for growing them, in our climate, a succes- sion of bloom can be constantly kept up. In the green- house, the bulbs may be planted in pots, pans or boxes ; three tubers will be sufficient for a six inch pot. The llowers are very showy and pleasing ; colors from pure white to dark crimson and yellow, with every variety of variegation. BanuncuJus is the Latin name for little frog, applied by Pliny to these plants, the aquatic spe- cies growing where frogs abound. As we have said in the American Agriculturist: \'ery few races of plants have a wider geograjihical range, or a greater diversity of character than the Ranunculus. Tlie genus contains species of rare beauty, and a few troublesome weeds. Some are inhabitants of swamps, and others thrive in dry, waste places. The common buttercup, R. hiilbosus, is a weed in our marshy mead- ows, but it is as welcome as spring to the botanist, or tlie lover of early flowers. It gives so much warmth and life to the landscape that, troublesome as it is, the meadow would seem unnatural without it. The Iianun- culus of gardens is li. asiaticus, commonly known as liie Persian Ranunculus, altliough it was first introduced from tlie Levant in 150G. Like many other florists' flowers, tlie sj)ecies lias expanded to many varieties pro- duced through the agency of cross-fertilization. One liuiulred years ago it was one of the most popular plants under cultivation, eight hundred distinct varieties being grown. It is still exceedingly i)oi)ular in Euro})e, where it can be easily grown, a bed keeping in bloom for fully two nn)nths. The flowers are of various shades, and will) an intensity of C(dor only to be found in the poppy. There is no class of plants more free-flowering. A gootl Uiccs. For that reason, beautiful iuj 266 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. the flower is, it is not well suited to our climate, and can only be grown under artificial conditions that render its cultivation here more difficult. The Ranunculus is one of the many plants of remarkable beauty in their own homes, but not adapted to other climates. Drouth, poverty of soil, rare atmosphere and fierce sunshine, are CALLA FLOWERS AND FOLIAGE. fatal to its development. It is, moreover, easily injured by frost. Very satisfactory results, however, can be obtained by planting tlie bulbs in a cold frame, protected by a liberal mulching of leaves to exclude the frost. In early spring remove the mulch, but keep the sash on, as RICHARDIA. 267 cold winds are fatal ; on the other hand, they will not endure intense sunshine, so that great care is required in shading and ventilating, to imitate well the cool, moist climate of Europe. RICHARDIA. Calla, Egyptian or Annn Lily. Lily of (he Nile, Calla is a popular name given this flower by Pliny. It is, botanically, Richardia cethiopica (synonym ■R. africana), and is the best representative of the genus, which contains five species. They abound in the Nile, and flower during the season of high water, which covers tlie roots to the depth of several inches. After the spring freshets have subsided the water falls below the roots, and the tops die down, fall over and protect the roots against the tropical sun. This is the period of rest that nature furnishes this plant, during which time the temporary bed of the river, in which they grow, is as dry as dust. In this condition they remain several months, or until they are again covered with water, when growth is renewed. To grow the Calla well, these conditions must be approximated. AVhile we cannot afl'ord them rivers to grow in, we must afford them an abundance of water, a moderately high temperature and a rich soil. In pot culture, too large pots must not be given them ; a six- inch size is sufficiently large for a plant with two or three crowns, which should give several blooms each. In large pots, leaf growth will be the result, rather than flowers. In using snuill pots, licpiid manure, in some form, should be ap]>liod at least once a week. Another disadvantage in the use of large i)ots is, that the flowers are too large for real beauty, or for use as cut flowers. The same result follows from planting them out in beds in the greenhouse. ^68 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-PtOOTi.I> PLANTS. t li^ (J ALL A riELD KLCUARDLA. 2C9 12s tAJJlOl.MA, 270 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. After flowering, a season of complete rest is essential. This is best afforded by turning the pots on their sides in some shaded place, where water cannot reach. Tliis is as near as we can approach a natural rest. With this rest the plants will make less leaves, and far more flow- ers, which is the object to be gained. The plants may be re-potted, if necessary, about the first of October, giving them a pot one size larger than they previously occupied. The offsets may be potted separately, in two-inch pots, which are sufficientl}^ large. If the plants are not over-crowded in the pots a change will not be necessary. Set the pots in a tub of water until the ball is thoroughly wet, then grow on as before stated. For the window garden there is no more satis- factory plant tha-n the Calla ; it will endure more heat than most others, and there is no danger from over- watering. An occasional syringing and washing of the leaves with a soft sponge, to keep them free from dust, is of great importance. What are popularly known as Crimson or Black Callas, are species of Arum, described on Page 33. The true species are : R. sethiopica (Syn. R. africana). — ^ Described above. R. albo-maculata. — A species with spotted foliage, and smaller white flowers, with purple center, produced freely in summer. It makes a fine clump in the border. The tubers of this species can be kept dry during winter, the same as Dahlias (Page 84), and divided in spring when planted out. This species grows readily from seed sown in the garden at the same time the bulbs are planted ; flowering the second year. R. hastata (Yellow Calla). — The flowers of this species are similar in all respects to those of R. mtliiopicay excepting that they are of a greenish yellow color. The plants are to be treated in the same manner. RIGIDELLA— ROMAN SQUILL. 271 RIGIDELLA. R. flammea, a native of Mexico, is the best repre- sentative of this small genus of plants, where it grows from three to five feet high, with very broad and curi- ously plicate leaves, which look as though they had been artiticially ])laited by the hands of a skillful workman. The flowers are numerous, all issuing from one spathe, and opening only one at a time. They are very hand- some, from the brilliancy of their color and the peculiar- ity of their form. It is a summer flowering bulb, to be treated in tlie same manner as the Tigridia. ROMAN HYACINTH. See Page 153. ROMAN SQUILL or BELLEVALIA. This flower is usually classed with the genus Hya- cinfhus, Page 15G. It is a hardy, bulbous plant, well ada})ted for spring bedding or for forcing for cut flow- ers. The leaves are few and near the ground. It is ))ro])agated by offsets, and also by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe. Bellevalia romana (Iliiarinthiis romanuf^) {Roman S(/uill). — The small, whitish, bell-shai)ed flowers are borne in racemes. A native of Italy, and the best sj)ocios for forcing. B. syriaca (S}Tian Squill). — Flowers whitish or violet, tinged with green. A native of Syria, ROMUELA. Seo Triciionema, Page 278. SANGUINARIA. Bloodroot. S. canadensis. — The comnjoi) Bloodroot of our woods is a herbaceous, tvburous-rooted plant, well wor- 272 BULBS AND TUBEKOUS-ROOTED PLANTS. thy a place in the shaded border. It can be easily removed from its native habitat, by lifting the tuberous roots when the foliage begins to turn yellow, and trans- ferring them to the garden, with as little delay as possi- ble. But few of our native .plants are as attractive, or so easily managed. When once planted it can remain undisturbed for years, and when under cultivation the flowers increase in size and in the number of their petals. Ill the border, it will require a mulching of leaves, which it has in its native wood, to protect against frost. SCILLA. Squill, Among spring and early summer flowering bulbs, the Scillas are of considerable importance, both for their efl'ect in the border and for their use as cut flowers. Their flowers resemble those of the Hyacinth, but are much smaller ; their colors are more intense, and they come into flower much earlier. As an edging, or for till- ing small beds, if planted sufficiently thick, the effect is matchless ; and equally so grown in the borders in groups of a dozen or a hundred. The bulbs should be planted in October, either in the border, or for the house in pots, in the same manner as the Hyacinth. They thrive any- where, but do best in good sandy soil. They may remain several years undisturbed without injury, the cluni]) increasing in size and beauty. S. sibirica. — This species is the gem of the genus, its intense blue flowers, appearing with the Crocus and Snowdrop, make a pleasing contrast. It is a native of Siberia, as its name would imply, and is i3erfectly hardy. S. prsecox. — Similar to the foregoing, but not as hardy; however, if planted in a dry situation, it will not be injured by frost. It is a native of Germany. S. campanulata. — One of the finest species; a native of Spain. Flowers blue, white and pink. SCILLA — SNOWDROP. 273 S. peruviana. — A South American species, with bhie and wliite flowers, on immense spikes ; a magnifi- cent plant for ]iot culture, but not hartly. S. nutans (common Bluebell or Harebell). — A very beautiful hardy species, common in English woods. S. amoena. — One of the best, early and free-flower- ini:. Alt]iough a native of the Levant, it is usually hardy. There are an immense number of species and SIBERIAN SQUILL. varieties of tlie same ireneral character, which can be <(iown in the same manner. SCILLA FUASHUI. See Caniassia, Page 52. SNOWDROP. See (iahmthus, Page 95. 18 ^74 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLAINTS. SNOWFLAKE. See Leucoium, Page 169. SPARAXIS. These were formerly included in the genus Ixia (Page 1G6), and bear a close resemblance to them, the main points of difference being that the Sparaxis are of more compact habit of growth, the flowers more bold, and some- what larger, and the flower spikes are not more than half as high, rarely growing more than six inches. They require the same treatment as the Ixias, in all respects, and are propagated in the same man- ner. They deserve a place in the greenhouse and window garden. SPREKELIA. See Page 22. STAR-GRASS. See Hypoxis, Page 158. STAR OP BETHLEHEM. See Ornithogalum, Page SPARAXTS. 246. STENOMESSON. A small genus of South American bulbs formerly included in Coburgia, Pancratium and Amaryllis. Although rather pretty, the most of them do not com- STERNBERGIA — STRL MARIA — TIGRIDIA. 275 pensate for the greenhouse treatment they require. All require a very strong, rich soil, and the Coburgias do well in the open border, but flower better if grown in pots, as in the border they are more disposed to make offsets than flowers. If grown in pots, wliieh is the best way of treating them, they should be plunged in the open border until the leaves are fully grown, when they may be brought into the greenhouse to develop their flowers. S. coccineum.— Scarlet. Native of Peruvian Andes. S. incarnatum (Coburgia). — A very large bulb, and requires planting from five to six inches deep. Flowers cup-shaped, of a bright crimson color, with green spots on each petal. Keep perfectly dry during winter. S. i. fulvum. — A more delicate variety, with light orange flowers. It succeeds best in the open border, and the bulbs are stored like the Gladiolus during win- ter (Page 115). STERNBERGIA. See Page 22. STRUMARIA. A small genus of Cape bulbs allied to Nerine (Page 21), and requiring to be grown in tlie same manner. The flowers are red, white or pink. They are of dwarf habit, and thrive with ordinary greenhouse treatment. TIGRIDIA. Tiger Flower or Tifjer Jris. These singular Mexican bulbs have no e(pial for gar- den display, when we consider their ease of culture, the length of time they are in flower, their magnificent col- ors and singular forms. Their remarkable llowers are of but short duration, never lasting more than a day, l)ut are ])r()duced ii. such successive al)nndance as to compensate for this defect; one plant will continue 276 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-KOOTED PLAifTS. TIGRIDIA FLOWER TIGRIDIA. 277 flowering for two or three months, and during the whole of that time will make a splendid display in the garden. For the best effect the Tigritlia should be i)lanted iu beds, the rows to be one foot a[)art, and the bulbs six inches apart in the rows, the different varieties ^'n the same bed and the colors in alternate rows. Tiiey are not particular as to soil, jireferring a light, rich one, but will thrive in any if they have the same attention that is given other summer-flowering bulbs or bedding plants. They should be planted as soon as gardening operations commence. After the first hard frost, the bulbs should be taken np and tied in bunches, with the tops left on, and hung up in a cellar or dry room free fi'om frost. In a damp cellar the bulbs will be liable to rot. The main object, in hanging them up, is to protect them against the mice, which are particularly fond of them. It would answer just as well to cut the tops close to the bulbs and keep them in ventilated boxes, if secure against mice. 'J'hey increase rapidly by offsets, but, in planting, it is better not to break the bulbs apart, they will luitu rally divide ; each bulb planted will make two or three clusters of three each ; the latter should not be separated, as they are liahle to rot when broken apart. T. conchiflora. — Flowers deej) yellow-crimson cup, spotted. T. grandiflora. — Said to be a variety of T. pavonia, has very largo bright orange-red flowers. T. grandiflora alba. — Perhaps a sport from the foregoing; has jjuru white flowers, Avith center or cup crimson spotted. This is a beautiful variety. These three kinds are all that could be desired, and they are all essential ; the bed would not be com- l)lete if either of the tluve were absent. The several other varieties liste