1 873-] FLORIST FLOWERS. 455 



under glass, but plunged in the usual way out of doors, only putting 

 them under glass some time prior to their being wanted to take the 

 2^1ace of the first lot. 



The following varieties are to be preferred for early forcing to 

 numerous others that force indifferently : Homerus, single pink ; 

 La Preciosa, single white ; Grand Vainqueur, single rose pink ; Regulus, 

 lavender single ; Charles Dickens, porcelain-blue, single ; Queen of 

 the Netherlands, white single ; Amie de Coeur, single brisk rose pink ; 

 Lord Wellington, soft pink-tinged rose single ; Argus, single purple, 

 with a large porcelain white centre ; Diebitsch Sabalskansky, lively 

 pink ; Grandeur a Merveille, single French white ; Baron Van Tuyll, 

 single blue ; Madame Hodson, light pink ; and the Roman, single 

 white, which ought to be planted by the dozen to afford early 

 effect. Pot the white Roman in threes in a pot. Culture for late 

 blooming and exhibition : — It is generally necessary to retard the 

 growth of these bulbs instead of accelerating it ; so to accom- 

 plish this, better let October be well advanced before taking the roots 

 out of the packing ; store them away in a dry, airy, cool place, until 

 then, looking them over occasionally to see that they are keeping 

 sound ; but do not delay to plant any that show signs of starting into 

 growth. 



The compost to be preferred for late flowers ought to be heavier and 

 richer — two parts firm fresh loam ; one part sheep or cow manure, 

 thoroughly decomposed and moderately dry ; one part equal portions 

 leaf mould and clean sharp river-sand. Mix these ingredients tho- 

 roughly ; use clean pots 7 inches wide ; if new, steep in water twenty- 

 four hours before using. New pots, without the precaution of steeping, 

 discharge a poisonous element into the soil that is certain death to the 

 roots as soon as they reach it. Cover the drainage with moss, or rotten 

 turf-fibre ; allow the bulb to be well sunk into the compost and pot 

 rather firmly than otherwise. 



When all are potted have them arranged compactly on a hard 

 bottom, and cover 6 inches deep with coal-ashes, leaf-mould, or other 

 light material. Allow them to remain thus for some w^eeks, until the 

 pots are filled with roots, and their crowns started, when they ought 

 to be lifted and put into a cold frame without plunging deeper than 

 the rims of their pots, but shading at first, then gradually exposing 

 them to the full light and sun ; ventilate freely in open sunny weather, 

 but protect in sharp frost by means of mats. In short, they should be 

 secured from the action of extreme frost ; but, at the same time, have 

 the light intercepted by any covering as seldom as possible. 



Throughout the winter and spring aff'ord water as is consistent with 

 maintaining vigorous growth, neither keeping them continuously 



