152 WINDOW GARDENING. 



plunged into a shady border, and left to care for themselves until there is danger 

 of frost when they should be taken in, repotted in a compost of leaf mold, turfy 

 loam and well rotted cow manure in equal parts; use pots in proportion to the 

 size of the bulb. A pot twice the diameter of the bulb is plenty large ; a pot six 

 inches in diameter is sufficiently large for the largest bulbs. After repotting, 

 water moderately until they commence growth, then apply as needed. We saw 

 several bulbs last season that had not been shifted for several years; several of 

 them gave over two hundred flowers each ; more exquisite pot plants could not 

 be had. 



Scilla, 

 Of various kinds, have long been popular as early spring flowers; S. Siberica is 

 of the most intense blue, and is a perfect gem, whether in the open border, in pots 

 or any device that is used for Hyacinths, Tulip or Crocus — it can be mixed with 

 either of them with most excellent effect, requiring the same treatment. The 

 habit of it is exceednigly dwarf, growing but little larger than the Crocus. The 

 flowers are borne on a slender stalk, of bell-shape, similar to a minature Hy- 

 acinth. S. Amoena, is also very beautiful as a pot plant, being a little taller 

 and later than the Siberica — it is very useful as a succession. There are sev- 

 eral other varieties, very beautiful for out-door cultivation but not suitable for 

 pots. 



3fuseari. 

 M. botryoides, the Grape Hyacinth, is remarkable for its dwarf growth and 

 neat compact heads of bloom. The three varieties, dark blue, light blue and 

 white, make charming clumps, when planted in pots two or three of a color in 

 each. They require but little room, a six inch pot being sufficiently large for a 

 dozen bulbs; the same soil and treatment recommended for the Hyacinths is best 

 suited to them. After flowering they may be allowed to ripen off" slowly and 

 they will bloom equally well for a number of years. Muscari Plumosum or 

 Feathered Hyacinth, does not thrive well in pots generally, but should be grown 

 in small quantities. Their remarkable plume-like appearance, so unlike any 

 other flower, is of sufficient importance to entitle them to a place in the conserva- 

 tory. Treat same as the other varieties. 



Amaryllis. 

 This splendid and beautiful family has not as yet received the care and atten- 

 tion, or become as generally cultivated as their rarity and excellence deserves, 

 containing as it does so many varieties of surpassing loveliness, beauty and gran- 

 deur. These qualifications alone should insure them a place in every " Win- 

 dow" Garden. Yet they have other recommendations for extensive culture, 

 namely, that they can be made to produce their gorgeous and magnificent flow- 

 ers nearly every month in the year. They are on this account invaluable for 

 the conservatory and drawing rooms, which can be kept gay by the many truly 

 elegant varieties as we now possess nearly the whole wmter. The length of time 



