WINDOW GARDENING. 153 



the}'^ keep in flower, and the very pleasing variety they make, is another just 

 claim they have for a high place among decorative plants. 



The Amaryllis delight in good, light turfy loam, with the addition of a little 

 well rotted cow manure, when planted in large pots, and all the conditions of 

 growth are favorable, they throw up magnificent spikes of bloom. A. Johnsoni 

 has been known to flower twice a year, a single bulb throwing up at one time 

 four spikes, each giving four flowers. A more splendid flower than this is, it is 

 scarcely possible to conceive. We scarcely know how to advise the amateur in 

 the manner of treatment, but will commence with the dry bulb, which should be 

 potted in the above compost, say in a six inch pot, fill nearly to the rim and 

 press the bulb firmly in ; one-half its diameter should be above the surface ; give 

 it a thorough watering, and place on a shelf in moderate heat; it will not requiie 

 further attention until it shows signs of growth, the time of which will depend 

 wholly upon circumstances, i. e., how long it has been dry, the time of year, and 

 whether it has been properly cared for during its rest. As a general thing the 

 first indication of growth will be the flower stalk, which makes almost a per- 

 ceptible growth, at this period. Give water freely once a week; a sprinkling of 

 liquid manure is ver}"^ beneficial ; give plenty of light and moderate heat and the 

 first flowers will be perfected in two or three weeks ; large well developed bulbs 

 will C(jmmence to throw up the second flower stalks about the time the first 

 flowers are opened, which will make the' flowering of a single bulb last from five 

 to six weeks. 



After flowering they should be immediately repotted, no matter what time of 

 year, and given plenty of heat and water. Fully exposed to the light, they will 

 grow most luxuriantly and the bulbs will gi'ow in a proportionate degree, laying 

 up strength and nutritive matter that will produce in due season another crop of 

 magnificent flowers. When the leaves naturally show symptoms of ripeness or 

 decay, water should be gradually withheld, and when fairly decayed the pots 

 should be placed in a dry, airy situation away from the frost or rain ; here they 

 may remain for two months, when they should be placed in a tub of water and 

 left an hour, then placed in a warm room for flowering again. The method of 

 culture, as recommended here, is onl}' to be applied to those known as Heppeas- 

 trom, which, unlike the Vallota, Belladona and other varieties, are under the 

 florist's control and can be made to flower the whole season. An enthusiast, 

 whose ten by fifteen green house we delight to visit, grows large quantities of 

 AmaryUis, Johnsoni and its varieties, and gets from each bulb tM^o crops of flowers 

 annually. He gives each two months for flowering, two for growth, and two for 

 rest, which he considers the best treatment, and no one that has seen the spikes 

 of bloom that he produces can question his theory. 



Vallota Purpurea, 

 Is one of the finest Amaryllis, and is the most easily managed. They are not 

 at all particular as to soil, will grow in any, but prefer the same as recommended 

 for other Amaryllis. But few plants answer as well or make as fine display for 



