332 



The Canadian Horticulturist. 



We have thus two distinct floras : the Mountain, Alpine in nature ; diminu- 

 tive in size, rich in perfume and color ; the Plain, more varied in character and 

 larger in size. Thus you find colors and flowers almost entirely different in 

 species- from those in Ontario, presenting great variety in size, form and beauty, 

 and thoroughly impressing upon the mind of a visitor the wonderful influence 

 environment has on plant life. 



J. HoYEs Panton, M.A., FG.S. 



Flowers for Invalids. — In our endeavors to make our sick rooms as 

 cheery and attractive as possible, we surely must not leave out the growing plants.' 

 The old erroneous idea that they were unhealthful in a sleeping-room appears 

 to have faded into the background, much to the good fortune of the sick folks, 

 whose eyes weary for the sight of something green and growing and alive. It 

 is pleasant to watch the new leaves coming out, and the pleasure partakes of 



gentle excitement when a flower bud is 

 discovered and watched to maturity. The 

 whole room, too, is so much cosier and 

 more home-like for the presence of a few 

 plants in it. They may be scattered 

 about the room, at the windows or on 

 brackets, but a few, at least, should be 

 close to the bed — real neighbors to the sick 

 one. The illustration given here suggests 

 a simple, oblong table to hold four or five 

 pots of them. It is very easily manufactured at the home work-bench, and when 

 filled with plants and set at the bed's foot, it cannot fail to give great pleasure 

 and comfort. There should be no ugly pots and jars upon it, but a few choice 

 flowers in choice dishes. Artistic pots are as much a part of the kindly little 

 scheme as the dainty posies themselves. — American Gardening. 



Fig. 8-26. 



Bulbs. — If you haven't already ordered your bulbs, do so at once. Don't 

 wait for the new fall catalogues, bulbs are the same year after year, with a 

 few insignificant changes for variety's sake. Order from the old catalogues. It 

 is time you had the Bermuda Harrisii lilies you want in bloom before Christmas 

 potted ; for later they will do any time before September, and for Easter any 

 time before the end of October. But there is nothing gained by keeping lily 

 bulbs out of the ground a long time. Roman hyacinths and paper white 

 narcissus for early flowers should also be potted at once. Pot or box up some 

 early trumpet narcissi too. All bulbs should be started cool and slowly, so as 

 to induce them to make good roots before their leaves appear above ground : 

 hurrying them up is apt to throw them blind. — Gardening. 



