]50 WIKDOW GARDENING. 



Sparaxis, are more dwarf and compact in habit than the Ixia, while their col- 

 ors are as varied and beautiful. For pot culture and window decoration they 

 cannot be too strongly recommended. 



The Tritonia, in habit and form, is very similar to the Sparaxis. They are 

 plants of rare beauty, colors principally selfs. For good effect about twice as many 

 bulbs should be put in a pot as of the Ixia. 



The Babiana, in habit and growth, is nearly the same as the two former, but 

 as unlike in color as is possible for such near relatives. While the others are 

 mostly crimson and white, with their various shades, these are nearly all purple 

 and blue. Together, the}*- are most desirable, and are annually becoming more 

 extensively used for window decoration. 



Hanunculus. 



This family is almost endless in variety, embracing some of the most common 

 forage plants. While the Persian and Turban varieties produce the most elegant 

 and diversified colored flowers, that for symmetry and compactness are unequaled. 

 When properly grown they are completely covered with flowers nearly as large 

 and quite as desirable as roses. But little attention has been given them as pot 

 plants; our expeiience with them, as such, has been most pleasing, having had 

 more truly handsome flowers than from almost any other plant, with the same 

 amount of trouble and expense. 



For winter flowering, if possible, select roots that have been kept out of ground 

 the previous season as they come into flower much earlier than those taken up 

 the previous summer. The roots keep well in a dry place for two years, so that 

 a, succession of bloom can be obtained by planting at proper intervals, the whole 

 season. 



The Ranunculus, requires a strong, fresh, loamy soil, made very rich by well 

 rotted cow manure ; with such components use equal parts. For early bloom- 

 ing, commence potting the first of August. Use four-inch pots, into which put 

 three roots of separate colors, selection of which to suit the taste; place the roots 

 firmly in the mould, and cover half an inch; plunge the pot or put in a shaded 

 frame; bring in as wanted, commencing the first of October, give them a light 

 warm situation, and shade from the sun which completely destroys their bright 

 colors. 



For flowering the whole season, pot from August to April, and forward as 

 wanted. The Persian varieties are the earliest, consequently should be planted 

 first, to be followed by the Turban varieties. These two are the only varieties 

 desirable for pot culture ; but there are hundreds of named sorts, to be selected 

 from seedsmen's catalogues that generally list the most desirable kinds. After 

 blooming they can be dried off gradually, put in a dry place and kept for next 

 year's flowering. The low piice they are sold at does not make it an object to 

 keep them for flowering the second year, as roots grown in the open border are 

 generafly more satisfactory. 



