September 



Babiana. Treat in the same manner as the Ixia. 



Begonia, Tuberous-rooted. Lift the plants which are in the 

 open ground, and pot them to complete their season in the green- 

 house ; but if they are not wanted for this purpose, they may remain 

 in the beds until October. When the stems fall, still retain the bulbs 

 in their own pots, and store them in a dry cellar or shed, under a 

 layer of cocoa-nut fibre. They need protection from both damp 

 and cold. Neither hurry the drying off of the roots, nor attempt to 

 force the growth in spring, but wait until they start naturally. 



Calceolarias ought now to be in large 6o-pots, placed close to 

 the glass to insure a dwarf habit. During sharp weather they may 

 be taken down, but should be restored immediately the danger is 

 past. Much heat in winter will be injurious ; a range of 45 to 

 55 should be considered the limits of variation in temperature. Pot 

 the plants on as growth demands. 



Crocus. For indoor decoration, two or three separate lots 

 should be potted at intervals of a fortnight ; and the named varieties 

 are worth this mode of treatment, both for the size of their flowers 

 and for the exceptional brightness and diversity of their colours. 

 Use a light rich soil, and put four or five corms in a 48-sized pot. 

 They may also be grown in quantity in large seed-pans or in shallow 

 boxes. When coming into flower, the roots may be freed from soil 

 to facilitate the packing into ornamental baskets or vases. 



Crown Imperial. This bulb requires a rich loamy soil and an 

 open position to bring it to perfection. Still, it will flower satisfac- 

 torily in a shrubbery, or under the shade of trees ; and, so far as the 

 roots are concerned, there is no occasion to divide them more than 

 once in three seasons. Plant during this month, and on to the 

 beginning of November. 



Cyclamens in pots will pay for an occasional dose of weak 

 manure water. Shut the plants up in good time on chilly evenings. 



The hardy varieties, such as C. europium and C. Coum, are 

 cultivated out of doors ; and in some of the warmer districts of the 

 South of England the Persian varieties can also be successfully 

 grown in the open. They are suitable for rockwork, or for little 

 nooks and sheltered corners, in which some gardens abound. For 

 their success good drainage, a warm position, and plenty of water 

 in dry weather are essential. September and October are the best 

 months for planting out. 



Dog's-tooth Violet. For small beds, or in front of a rockery, 

 these compact and interesting little plants are valuable for spring 



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