BULBS AND HARDY PLANTS FOR FORCING 157 
(Helleborus niger) has large pure white flowers, and may be 
had in full bloom at Christmas. 
Several shrubby plants as Azaleas and Mountain Laurels, 
when well established in pots and brought into warm rooms, 
will flower early and make a good effect. Hardy ferns and 
some of the choice wild flowers can be forced in the same way 
as bulbs. 
The Violet is perhaps the most popular of all plants for this 
purpose. Planted in masses in shallow pans or neat wooden 
boxes of a convenient size, in about two or three inches of rich 
fibrous soil, it will grow and flower profusely. Plant single 
crowns about three inches apart in the box or pan. Water 
thoroughly and grow in a cool cellar close to a north window, 
where the plants can remain cool and partially shaded through 
summer. All runners should be removed, as the original 
crowns will be sufficient to fill the space. In fall the plants 
must be cleaned, all dead or withered leaves should be re- 
moved. ‘The surface of the soil should afterward be mulched 
with chopped moss or covered with fine pebbles. During 
winter, when the plants are desired to bloom, a warm, sunny 
position is the best. As the pans and boxes become covered 
with flowers, they may be brought into the sitting-room or 
parlor. Moderate watering is to be recommended at all 
times. 
