FLOWER-GARDENING. 65 



hues ; but there are only a few of the most curious cultivated, 

 perhaps on account of their odor, which to some persons is 

 disagreeable. They are, however, very hardy, and produce 

 singular and showy flowers in April and May, suited to make 

 variety in the flower borders, in which they may be planted 

 in August and September, from three to four inches deep. 

 They need not be taken up every year as other bulbs ; and 

 when they are, which may be about every third year, they 

 ought not to be retained too long out of the ground before 

 they are replanted. 



COLCHICUM. 



This curious little bulb, being planted in the month of June, 

 about two inches deep, produces its flowers in October. It 

 then dies, without leaving any external appearance of seed ; 

 the vital energies, however, lie buried in the bulb all the win 

 ter, and in the spring produce a stalk with seeds, which get 

 ripe by the first of June, just in time to plant for flowering in 

 the ensuing autumn. How wonderful are the provisions of 

 Nature ! 



CYCLAMEN. 



There are several species of the Persian Cyclamen which 

 are worthy of cultivation in pots. The varieties Coum and 

 Persicum will bloom in a green-house, or warm room, from 

 January to April, if planted in good, light compost early in 

 September. The foliage of these plants is of a dark green 

 velvet color ; and the flowers of the variety Coum are of a 



