BULBOUS-ROOTED FLOWERS. 83 



flat stones supported by wooden frames ; which by their coolness in 

 summer, must be very agreeable to sit npon, when one is accustomed 

 to them. Single borders are frequently edged with a small-leaved 

 Box-tree ; and the long walks are bounded by hedges of Averrhoa, 

 Olea fragrans, and other plants, which were new to us. On tlie whole, 

 we must allow that the planting in regular masses of the large-flowered 

 Chrysanthemums, with Oranges, Camellias, Kalmias, and tall Cocks- 

 combs, is not altogether devoid of beauty ; but a stranger can hardlj^ 

 reconcile himself to an arrangement which must appear to him so 

 contrary to the rules of good taste. Hydrangeas and Asters seemed at 

 this time to be out of fashion, for we saw very few of them. 



EFFECT OF LIME ON SOIL. 



Lime, it may be briefly observed, acts in two ways on soil. It pro- 

 duces a mechanical alteration which is simple and easily understood, 

 and it is the cause of a series of chemical changes which are really 

 obscure, and areas yet susceptible of only parti il explanation. 1. It 

 supplies a kind of inorganic food, which appears to be necessary to the 

 healthy growth of all cultivated plants. 2. It neutralises acid sub- 

 stances which are naturally formed in the soil, and decomposes, or 

 renders harmless, other noxious compounds whicli are not unfrequently 

 within the reach of the roots of plants. 3. It clianges the inert vege- 

 table matter in the soil, so as gradually to render it useful to vegetation. 

 4. It fivcilitates, or enables other useful compounds, both organic and 

 inorganic, to be produced in the soil, or so promotes the decomposition 

 of existing compounds, as to prepare them more speedily for entering 

 into the circulation of plants. 



BULBOUS-ROOTED FLOWERS. 



BY AN OLD CXTLTIVATOR. 



Bulbous plants, from their nature and appearance, associate ill with 

 others ; and this, together with many peculiarities in their cultivation, 

 render it necessary to devote a separate structure entirely to them, in 

 order to carry on the necessary operations on wliicli depend their suc- 

 cessful cultivation. The kind of house best adapted for these plants 

 appear to be tliat of a span roof, provided with benches sufficiently near 

 the glass in the middle and on each side the pathway ; that in the 

 middle being appropriated to the largest specimens, the others to con- 

 tain the smaller plants of the collection. The use of artificial heat in 

 the culture of bulbs is one of the most important points : from their 

 nature they require a season of rest, whicli ouglit to commence after 

 they liave done flowering and fully matured their foliage ; it is then 

 that water should gradually be withlield till the leaves are decayed ; it 

 may then be discontinued altogether. The period of rest is uncertain, 

 some plants requiring more than others, but from one to three months 

 according to tiie liabit of tlie kind, is the most usual time ; they are 



