HARDY BULBS 33 



mental with their magnificent spikes of flower. They 

 may be planted in autumn or in spring, though the first 

 is the better time, unless the plants are in pots. There 

 is much difference of opinion among growers regarding 

 their requirements in the way of sun or shade. Much 

 depends upon the gardens, and the writer has seen 

 plants equally good with a north or north-west aspect, 

 and in other places with a due south exposure. In the 

 latter case, however, there is more danger from spring 

 frosts. The crown should be about two inches beneath 

 the surface, and the soil should be light and rich, 

 although it may have a hard bottom. Protect with dry 

 litter, and keep a good lookout for slugs when growth 

 begins. Cover if there is danger of frost in spring, and 

 give plenty of water during the growing period. 



The best blooming species, and among the most 

 beautiful, is E. himalaicus, with white flowers, and some- 

 times eight feet high, but generally less. Robustus, 

 with its variety elwesianus, grow taller, and have 

 charming flesh-coloured flowers. Olgae, with whitish 

 flowers, is very beautiful, and Bungei is among the best 

 of the yellow species, though caucasicus and spectabilis 

 are also good yellow Eremuri. 



ERYTHRONIUMS 



The Erythroniums or Dog's Tooth Violets are 

 delightful little spring flowers, which are becoming 

 increasingly appreciated. All are very beautiful, their 

 marbled or mottled foliage adding to their other attrac- 

 tions. Some of the Dutch named sorts, such as Blanca, 

 Von Humboldt, Rubens, Rouge Trappeuse, &c., are of 

 a large size, and are very pleasing. The colours of the 

 common Dens-canis vary from white to rose and purple 

 or violet, and all the plants do well in the border, but 

 better still in grass. In warm gardens they do best in 



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