FLORAL HINTS. 



planted in a rather shady place and re- 

 ceives a proper supply of moisture. The 

 single varieties do better in the border 

 than the double ones, but either kind 

 will prove unexcelled as a f)ot plant. 



The Gloxinia is the Tuberous Be- 

 gonia's only rival, but, inasmuch as it is 

 not so free-flowering as the Begonia it 

 has not so many admirers. However, 

 a well grown specimen in full bloom is 

 something to be proud of. — Parks 

 Floral Guide. 



Lice on Plants. — Lousy plants 

 should be laid on their sides in a sink 

 and the foliage wet with tea made by 

 steeping tobacco stems in water. The 

 decoction should not be very strong. 

 Repeat when necessary. Whale oil 

 soapsuds may be used for the same pur- 

 pose. Dissolve a piece of soap as big 

 as your thumb in a gallon of water 

 thoroughly. If the plants are in a con- 

 servatory or greenhouse, by all means 

 fumigate with the tobacco stems. A 

 moderate amount of smoke every other 

 day until the enemy is routed will not 

 injure the plants ; then fumigate regu- 

 ]arly twice a week. 



Ornithogalum Arabicum. — The 

 Arabian Star of Bethlehem is without 

 a rival for cultivation in the window 

 garden or greenhouse, on account of 

 the ease with which it can be grown, 

 and the great length of time the flowers 

 remain perfect when properly grown and 



cared for. The bulbs can be potted at 

 any time from September to January, 

 and should be given a compost of two- 

 thirds turfy loam and one-third well- 

 decayed manure, well mixed. Use pots 

 proportionate to the size of the bulb (a 

 four inch or five-inch pot), and in plant- 

 ing set the bulbs just below the surface 

 of the soil, so that they will be entirely 

 covered. Water thoroughly, and place 

 in a dark, cool cellar to make root. 

 Then they may be removed to a light, 

 sunny situation, where a temperature of 

 50 to 60 degrees is maintained, water- 

 ing freely, and giving as much fresh air 

 as is possible. — Parks Floral Guide. 



Shirley Poppies. — We shall ever owe 

 a debt of gratitude to the Rev. W. Wilks 

 for the glowing beauty of Shirly Poppies 

 with their lovely white borders and 

 splashings without the black spots. 



They are so fair and bright, laughing 

 in the morning sunshine, bowing so 

 sweetly to the storm, growing without 

 care. I always carry the seed with me 

 and scatter beside the way, any and 

 everywhere I think they are needed. 

 Thin them, if they come up too thickly, 

 and the flowers will be of finer quality, 

 but not so abundant. 



We all owe a double duty to mankind 

 now such varieties of flowers are so 

 abundant and so cheap. I buy flower 

 seeds for gifts for little ones instead of 

 sweet- meats, and they are all delighted 

 with their posy-beds. — M. A. Hoskins. 



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