t8 7 o.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 263 



Saxifraga hypnioides, Sedum acre aureum, a perfect gem for spring 

 work ; Sedum glaucum, Arabis albida, white ; Alyssum saxatile, 

 yellow ; Myosotis dissitiflora, blue ; Double Daisies, Pansies of sorts, 

 Cowslips, Polyanthuses, Phlox frondosa, P. Verna, and the chaste 

 P. Nelsoni, and many other things ; these can be used singly, or 

 mingled together, so as to secure a succession of bloom. There are 

 many ways in which they can be advantageously arranged, and a most 

 effective display secured. 



It must not be supposed that it is indispensably necessary a new 

 supply of bulbs be obtained each year. With a little care the bulbs 

 may be made to do several seasons' work, if, when they are lifted from 

 the ground, they are removed with balls of earth about the roots, and 

 planted away in a cool shady place, in some light sandy soil. Even 

 the offsets made by the Tulips should be preserved, and in two or 

 three years they will give a supply of blooming bulbs, A border 

 should be prepared for them, in which they should be planted, and 

 covered with 6 inches of a fine sandy soil. Here they should remain 

 undisturbed for two years, when it will be found many of them will 

 bloom. Perhaps a three years' rest would be best ; and if the border 

 were well trenched, manured, and a good supply of sand placed about 

 the bulbs, the result would, in all probability, surprise the most 

 experienced cultivator. Surely it will be admitted something can be 

 said for the early-flowering bedding Tulips by an Observer. 



HINTS FOR AMATEURS.-JUNE. 



If the weather should be very dry this month, there will be diffi- 

 culty in dealing with very sandy or strong clay soils, so much will be 

 ready for planting ; and if the plants should stand long in the seed- 

 rows or beds, they will become stunted and weakly. The advantage 

 of pricking out, preparatory for final planting, is felt when weather is 

 nob suitable for planting out. When soil is too dry, a liberal soaking 

 of water may be given the day before it is wanted ; it will then work 

 well, and the plants will receive no check. Hoeing frequently will be 

 nearly all the attention necessary. On poor shallow soil, much may be 

 done by mulching thickly ; where nothing better may be had, mowings 

 of lawns may be turned to good account. A good breadth of French 

 Beans may now be sown, and to do them well, a liberal dressing of 

 rotten manure must be allowed, and all pods should be picked off 

 before the seed forms. Broccolis, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Cauli- 

 flower, and Kale may be planted without delay. A puddle of soil, 



