1879.] TUBEROSES FOR WINTER FLOWERING. 27 



and William First. One pound will sow 20 feet of a drill 4 inches broad. 

 Sow not closer than 5 feet between drills. 



Beans. — Sow a few Early Mazagan, 2 feet between drills, 3 inches in the 

 drill. This is the hardiest Bean we have. 



Cabbages. — Strong plants may be put out in sheltered situations where the 

 climate is mild ; but it is quite soon enough yet for most localities. 



Mustard and Cress may be sown under a frame or in a box placed in a 

 greenhouse or in the window, and will soon be fit for use. 



A Gardener. 



TUBEROSES FOR WINTER FLOWERING. 



To say that the Tuberose is everybody's flower in winter would be 

 exceeding the mark, although its cultivation is simple and the price of 

 the bulbs exceedingly low. It is therefore surprising that they are not 

 more generally cultivated where the Rose, the Gardenia, and theEucharis 

 find a home, and are cherished by the lovers of the chaste and beauti- 

 ful amongst winter flowers. They are of the purest white — a colour 

 which is in great demand in winter — and are sweet-smelling as well. 

 Their presence in bridal or other bouquets, or as button-hole bouquets 

 for gentlemen, renders them an acquisition, and is certain to enhance 

 the estimate of their associates in whatever form they are employed. 

 A year ago I invested a small sum in the purchase of these bulbs, 

 and they have done good service for some time past in furnishing 

 little dainty flowers for special occasions. The time of potting 

 should be regulated according to the time they are wanted in flower ; 

 and perhaps I should also remark that they are rather slow in start- 

 ing into growth without a little excitement at the root, so that it is a 

 simple matter to postpone the period of flowering to almost any 

 period. Bulbs intended to flower next winter should be purchased 

 at once, and potted up at intervals in the same way that we manage 

 to bring in a succession of Hyacinths or Tulips. Any time after 

 next January will be early enough to pot up the latest batch, which 

 may be flowered in pots from 4 to 5 inches in diameter. The pots 

 should be cleaned and carefully crocked in such a way that there will 

 be no danger of the drainage getting stopped at any stage of growth. 

 In potting take a good mellow rich loam, such as is used for Hyacinths, 

 with a dash of coarse sand mixed with it ; press the soil in the bottom 

 of the pots moderately firm, and place a little sand under the base 

 of each bulb as a preservative against disease during the months of 

 comparative inaction, which must necessarily take place, in order to 

 have the flowers at the time required. The bulbs are placed at from 

 one-half to two-thirds of their depth in the soil, and when the opera- 



