308 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



a fine display of flowers, by simply splitting the stools into pieces 

 and replanting the most vigorous portions early in February. They 

 may remain for several years without being disturbed, provided a 

 little manure is pricked in during the winter. la dry weather, a 

 few thorough soakings of water will assist the plants wonderfully ; 

 and, to prevent a rapid evaporation of moisture from the soil, mulch 

 with six inches of half-rotten manure. A somewhat sheltered posi- 

 tion is desirable, and the flower-spikes must be secured to stout 

 stakes, to prevent sudden gusts of wind snapping them off. They 

 also make desirable subjects for conservatory decoration. For 

 pot-culture, shift them on during the first summer, until they 

 reach six or eight-inch pots, according to the strength of each indi- 

 vidual plant. Let them flower in these, and, after that is over, 

 plunge the pots in leaf-mould or ashes, to prevent the soil drying up 

 quickly, and the frost splitting the pots during the winter. When 

 they start into growth in the spring, remove a portion of the soil 

 from round the outside of the ball, and repot in nine-inch pots. 

 These will flower superbly, and make grand specimens, if properly 

 attended to with water, and the stems thinned down to four or five 

 of the strongest stems. Those in the open border ought also to 

 have the flower-stems thinned down to four or five to each specimen. 



The following varieties are really magnificent, every one being 

 first-class, and comprise the creme de la creme of the principal trade 

 collections in the country. There are other good varieties, but 

 these are the most distinct in the several colours, and were selected 

 when in flower from two of the best collections in existence ; and 

 without desiring to be egotistical, I am certain that a better lot 

 could not be had : — 



Aurantiaca Superba. — Fine orange red, with deep crimson 

 centre. 



Boule de Neige. — The best white, the individual flowers and 

 trusses being unusually large and fine. 



Comtesse de Ghambord. — White suffused with pink, and crimson 

 centre. 



Czarina. — Fine dwarf white, grand for pots. 



Dr. Parnot. — Vermilion, shaded with rose ; centre bright red. 



Gloire de Neuilly. — Vermilion, with crimson centre. 



Sector Bouillard. — Rosy crimson, with centre a few shades 

 deeper in intensity. 



La Candeur. — AVhite, with bright crimson centre. 



Lady E. Home. — White, with purple centre. 



La Comtesse de Turenne. — White, with purple centre ; fine and 

 distinct. 



Liervalii. — Rose, beautifully striped with white. 



Madame Berniaux. — Fine deep rosy crimson. 



Madame Damage. — Pure white, with violet crimson centre. 



Madame Godefroy. — Deep rosy purple, with crimson centre. 



Madame Lierval. — Rich carmine, with crimson centre. 



Madame Marian Saison. — Delicate blush, with lake centre. 



Madlle. Ataer. — White, flushed with rose ; centre bright red. 



Mrs. Austin. — White, with deep crimson eye ; very fine. 



