THE SECRETARY'S PORTFOLIO. 217 



For winter Flowering. 



Iu all large continental cities, and particularly in Paris, the lilac is in great 

 request for winter flowering. The common purple is generally used for forcing, 

 and when kept in houses, darkened hy mats or otherwise, produces pure white 

 flowers. In order to produce the host results, the plants should he carefully 

 selected in the spring, and planted in pots: then plunged in the ground during 

 the summer, and kept well watered. In September they should be re-potted 

 into rich compost and, in succession according as required, be placed in an 

 atmosphere of sixty to seventy degreees Fahrenheit, which should gradually be 

 increased to eighty degrees, and even as high as one hundred degrees. The 

 roots should be well supplied with water, and the plants should receive frequent 

 syringings with tepid water. They may also be taken up carefully with balls in 

 the fall, to be forced the following winter, but we recommend the former 

 method. When no forcing house is accessible, a warm room answers very well 

 in its stead. 



In winter, with the rose-bud and violet, it is the most fashionable flower in 

 Europe, especially in France. For a window plant it keeps in bloom a long 

 time, and has no superior. As a florist's flower in winter, it is in great demand. 

 The Persian varieties are also used for forcing, the flowers of which are more 

 delicate than the common purple. Through hybridization many valuable 

 varieties have been added to the lilac gronp, of late years, both in this country 

 and in Europe. 



In the following list we desire to introduce and make known some of the 

 best and most striking varieties, consisting of all colors and shades from the 

 darkest red to the purest white : 



Persica, — A native of Persia of dwarf growth, four feet to six feet high, 

 with small foliage and bright purple flowers. No shrub will give such grand 

 effect when in flower, even the Ehododendron can not vie with it. 



Persica Alia. — Of somewhat less vigorous growth than the above, with 

 delicate white flowers shaded with purple. 



Flore Pleno. — Double purple, resembling in color the common purple, but 

 lias a double row of petals. 



It is much admired, being the only double variety. 



Grandiflora. — A very vigorous growing variety, with panicles of bright pur- 

 ple flowers of unusual size. 



Virginalis. — A most charming variety with large panicles of pure white 

 flowers, and dark green foliage. 



Emodi. — A native of the Himalayas, very large and line, delicate purplish 

 lilac flowers in erect dense panicles ; a very free bloomer. 



Sinensis. — A species resembling the Persian, but of more vigorous growth. 

 Flowers of redish purple, a most prolific bloomer, in fact the whole bush is a 

 mass of flowers. 



Josilcma. — A very distinct species with shining leaves, and purple flowers 

 blossoming from two to three weeks after all the other varieties of lilacs, and 

 when very few other shrubs or trees are in bloom. 



Ducliesse de Nemours. — Flowers light purple, distinct and fine. 



Nana. — A very distinct dwarf variet} T , with large and compact spikes of dark 

 reddish purple flowers. 



Speciosa. — One of the most flourishing new varieties, with very strong spikes 

 of bright reddish flowers. 



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