BULBS IN POTS, BOWLS, AND GLASSES I45 



Tulip. — The best tulips for pots are the early singles, 

 which can be bought very cheaply in almost infinite variety. 

 The next best are the early doubles, which usually flower a 

 week or more after them. The later kinds are less suitable, 

 most of them grow so tall, though some of the parrot class, 

 if well managed, are very effective. As usual, only the best 

 selected bulbs should be planted in pots, for if one fails the 

 whole pot is spoiled. As it is not usual to consider them after 

 they have flowered — for if they are not thrown away they are 

 planted out in a shrubbery or in some inconspicuous position 

 in the garden — the bulbs may be arranged nearly touching 

 one another, the top of each slightly below the surface. The 

 soil should be turfy loam, with plenty of sand and some 

 thoroughly decomposed manure. It should be only just 

 moist until growth starts, when more water is required, as 

 well as more light and plenty of fresh air. 



Vallota purpurea (Scarborough Lily). — A native of 

 South Africa, this well-known plant owes its popular name 

 merely to the fact that it first reached this country in a ship 

 which was wrecked at Scarborough. It is often seen in 

 cottage windows, where it generally does well, the warmth 

 and light suiting it. It should be planted firmly in good 

 soil, only the lower part of the bulb below the surface, and 

 should not be disturbed until it is absolutely necessary, as 

 when pot-bound it flowers best — in September and some- 

 times again in spring. As it is evergreen, it should not be 

 allowed to get dry at any time. There are several varieties, 

 differing slightly in colour and size. 



