22 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



But notwithstanding they have been introduced into our collections more 

 than a dozen years, they are yet very little cultivated and are, indeed, gen- 

 erally rare. An impression has gained currency that they are not hardy, 

 but require the protection of the greenhouse in Avinter, and hence they have 

 not been sought for so eagerly as other less beautiful plants. This how- 

 ever is not so. It is true that when first introduced to Great Britian, they 

 were thought to be tender, and were exclusively grown in the greenhouse, 

 where they form one of the most superb objects for summer decoration, 

 and where they should always find a prominent place. But they are quite 

 as hardy as the common white lily. 



Their cultivation is very simple. They will like other bulbs grow in 

 any ordinary soil, but to produce fine specimens, with twenty or more flow- 

 ers on a single stem, requires a better prepared and more favorable com- 

 post. This may be readily done by removing a portion of the garden soil, 

 and replacing the same with peat and sand, mixing the whole well together 

 to the depth of eighteen inches or more. In such a soil they Avill thrive 

 with vigor, and produce an abundance of flowers. 



The best season for planting is October, though they may be set out as 

 long as the ground remains open. They should be planted full five inches 

 deep, and about a foot apart. Before frost sets in severely, cover the bed 

 or bulbs with four or five inches of leaves, tan, or strawy manure. Early 

 in April take this covering off", and as soon as they appear above ground, 

 stir the soil gently, keep them clear of weeds, and in August and Septem- 

 ber they will become the most attractive objects in the garden. 



No plants succeed better under pot cultivation. For this purpose the 

 bulbs should be potted in January or February ; choose a compost of loam 

 and leaf mould with a little sand. Plant in five or six inch pots, one bulb 

 in each ; give a good drainage and cover the bulb quite two inches deep ; 

 then place the pots in the coolest part of the house, giving them but little 

 water till the shoots have made their appearance ; after this, remove them 

 to a more favorable situation, and water more freely. In April, or as soon 

 as tliey require it, shift into good sized pots, sinking the bulbs still an inch 

 or more deeper; tie up the stems, as they advance in growth, and in July and 

 August they will reward the amateur with one of the most magnificent 

 displays of beautiful blossoms. 



The original species and varieties brought from Japan were the white, 

 rose-spotted and crimson-spotted, but by the aid of hybridization seedlings 

 have been produced which far surpass the finest of the three — the crimson- 

 spotted one. These seedlings vary in the color of their spotting from pink 

 to the deepest crimson, with a more vigorous and statelier habit, and with 

 larger and better shaped flowers. With care in the production of seed- 

 lings no doubt many additional and beautiful kinds will be raised. 



