HOW TO FORCE PLANTS IN WINTER. 223 



several weeks. They are also among the earliest spring 

 flowers in the open border. 



Soil, rich loam and leaf mould. 



Any of our hardy flowering shrubs may be forced for 

 the conservatory with very little trouble. Late in the 

 autumn, before the ground freezes, take up plants of 

 the desired kinds with a ball of earth, and either pot 

 them, or set them away in a cool, dry cellar. 



When wanted for flower, bring them into the light 

 and heat of the conservatory, potting those put into 

 the cellar ; water freely, and in a few weeks they will 

 be a mass of bloom. 



The most suitable plants for this purpose are the 

 early blooming spring shrubs, such as Weigela rosea, 

 ta gracilis, Spirea prunifolia, &c. 



