342 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



Other matters require attention, but they are of less importance 

 than the foregoing, as careful observation extending over a few 

 years will show. 



The present moment is most favourable for making a beginning. 

 Good flowering, bulbs cost on an average eighteen shillings per 

 dozen; and the foundation of a few fine specimens may be laid for 

 a comparatively trifling sum. If a dozen bulbs are procured, they 

 should be divided into three equal portions, and be put in eight-inch 

 pots. It is to a certain degree preferable to put five or six bulbs 

 in each pot ; and where the cost of an additional dozen bulbs is a 

 matter of little consequence, one of these numbers should have the 

 preference. Again a larger number than three specimens may be 

 had if it is so desired ; but more than six will not be required in a 

 conservatory of an ordinary size. In potting the bulbs, distribute 

 them somewhat regularly over the surface, to afibrd space for the 

 proper development of the offsets ; and as they will not be placed 

 wider apart at subsequent repottings, the offsets will soon fill up the 

 intervening space. The pots must be well drained, and when more 

 than four bulbs are put in each pot, they must be proportionately 

 larger. The most suitable compost is prepared by well incorporating 

 together four parts of nice turfy loam, and a part each of leaf-mould 

 and well-decayed manure. In this they will grow most vigorously, 

 and in due season reward the cultivator with a splendid display of 

 flowers. The bulbs should be buried up to the neck in the soil. 



At all subsequent shifts they should be transferred to pots one 

 or two sizes larger, without beiug disturbed more than is needful to 

 remove the crocks from the bottom of the ball, and the loose soil 

 round the edge at the top. The best time for shifting is just before 

 they commence to make new growth in the spring. 



The Vallota, it must be understood, is an evergreen ; and, 

 unlike many other bulbous plants, must not be dried off" during the 

 winter season. The soil should be kept just moist enough to 

 prevent the roots and foliage shrivelling, and no more. During the 

 growing season, rather liberal supplies of water will be required ; 

 and when growing freely, weak liquid manure may be substituted 

 once or twice a-week for the ordinary soft water, with advantage. 

 As the Vallota is comparatively hardy, it should have a cool, airy 

 position, safe from frost, when in-doors ; and from the end of May 

 until the flower scapes begin to push up, a rather shady position out 

 of doors, will be the most suitable. 



A careful perusal of the foregoing remarks will show that none 

 of the details are difiicult of comprehension, or otherwise than easy 

 to carry out. The hints here given may be acted upon with the full 

 assurance that amateurs may produce specimens that will form the 

 chief source of attraction in their conservatories during August and 

 Septembex". 



