CONVALLARIA. 65 
per cent. of perfect flowers in December, something pre- 
viously unheard of in the culture of this flower, at that 
season. This result came because the pips had their 
needed rest after being fully matured and ripened. Had 
they been four weeks longer in growing, as they are in 
some other localities, they would not have endured the 
forcing necessary to produce early flowers. Pips grown 
where they mature later, are equally as good for late 
winter or spring flowers, and better for very late flowers, 
after having been in cold storage. 
The culture of the Lily of the Valley is simple, yet, 
if not understood, failure will ‘surely result. The 
method generally pursued is to place the pips in shallow 
boxes, say four inches deep, although three inches is 
quite sufficient, in soil or sphagnum, it matters but little 
what, as the pips do not throw out new roots, but sub- 
sist wholly on the food stored up in their growth, and 
the water given during the forcing period. One inch 
apart each way is sufficient space; some grow them 
even closer, but we should not recommend it. The best 
way is to set the flat, or box, on the bench, at an angle 
of about forty-five degrees, put half an inch of soil, or 
moss, or a mixture of both, at the end, then a row of 
pips, and alternate one inch apart, until the box is filled ; 
the top of the pip should be but little below the surface. 
When full, water thoroughly. Place the boxes, as filled, 
in a cold frame or shed, where they can have a little 
frost, but not severe freezing. Some mulching should 
be thrown over the tops, to prevent freezing, as well as 
to keep the air from them. They should remain in this 
condition, at least, four weeks, when they may be 
brought into the forcing house as wanted. The putting 
of the pips into the boxes should commence as soon as 
they arrive from Europe, as they are liable to get heated, 
more or less, in passage, which starts them into growth. 
The longer they remain unpacked, unless they are placed 
