104 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



near the window as convenient, as it is the sun and light that bring 

 out the flowers. It will hasten the flowering by thinning out part 

 of the leaves. Callas with twelve or fifteen leaves may be thinned 

 one-half by cutting off the small, poor leaves, letting the centre and 

 best ones remain. I have known this treatment to throw plants into 

 blooming in less than two weeks. 



p Bulbs are grown for winter flowers to a greater extent each year, 

 and to supply the demand in large cities millions are grown annually, 

 and as some kinds can be grown in the dwelling as well as the green- 

 house, a few words on their treatment may be of interest to those 

 who might want a few of those most interesting flowers for the 

 winter holidays. Chiefly among these are the hvacinths. Two or 

 three bulbs may be put in a six inch pot, using the same earth 

 recommended for the other plants. The bulbs can be pressed down 

 into the soil so as to leave the top uncovered. They should then be 

 watered and put in a cool place. The cellar is perhaps the best, 

 and if it is not too dry one or two waterings will be sufflcient until 

 it is time to remove them to the heat, which should not be done until 

 the pots are well filled with roots, which will usuall}' be in from four 

 to six weeks. It is very necessary that bulbs of all kinds should 

 start from the roots before the}' commence to grow from the crown. 

 The temperature best suited to hyacinths is from seventy to seventy- 

 five degrees, and the nearer to the glass or window the pot is placed 

 the better the flowers will be. Single hyacinths are the most in use 

 for forcing, but the double will do nicely if wanted to remain on the 

 bulb for the room, but are too heavj- and large to use for bouquets. 

 Thousands of the Lilium Harrisi. or Bermuda Easter lily, are grown 

 for Easter decorations. The treatment is similar in all respects to 

 that of the hyacinth, only that more time is required for the develop- 

 ment of the flower, for when the hyacinth will blossom in about two 

 weeks, the Beimuda lily requires from six to eight. 



In conclusion, I would sa^' that every encouragement should be 

 given to all who can spare a few moments to cultivate at least a 

 few plants in their homes. They give a cheerfulness that only 

 flowers can produce, and tend to promote that higher happiness that 

 is always a result of a closer communing with Nature. I would 

 also suggest that teachers devote a few moments to the cultivation 

 of plants in and about the school-house for the benefit of the children, 

 (for in my judgment all children should be taught to love and cul- 

 tivate flowers) . They soon learn to appreciate them, and b}" so 



