WINDOW GARDENING. 



147 



Crocus. 

 The Crocus, which has for many ages been cultivated as an ornament to our 

 flower gardens, can, if properly managed, be made an effective plant for the con- 

 servatory or ordinary house culture. The first thing of importance attending 

 their culture is early planting, -which should be attended to early in September. 

 Few bulbs suffer more from being kept too long out of ground than these. The 

 soil best adapted to them is a rich, light, sandy loam. Plant, for a good display, 

 six to ten bulbs in a pot, colors to be arranged according to taste. A few small 



Fig. 35.— Box of Bulbs growing iu Saml. 



pots, with but one color in each, contrasts better with other plants in the window 

 than larger pots of mixed sorts. When planted, plunge the pots out of doors, 

 same as Hyacinth, and let them remain until Christmas, when they may be 

 brought in and given plenty of light and air, keeping cool until they begin to 

 show bloom, when they may be placed in the window as wanted. With these 

 precautions, a fine display can be had. A succession of bloom may be kept up 

 by bringing in as wanted . Disappointment generally arises from keeping them 



tig Jb — lilc Box tiUed with Bulbs 



too warm in the early stages of their growth. The following varieties are the 

 best for pot culture, giving very large flowers of great substance, with rich and 

 very beautiful colors : 



Albion, very large white. 



Albertine, white, striped violet. 



Charles Dickens, large pui-ple. 



