284 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERING BULBS 



class are specially adapted for rockeries and beds. They must not 

 be put into the open until the danger of a nipping east wind is past. 

 The early part of June is generally about the right time. 



In the autumn it is usual to lift and pot the plants, although in 

 mild districts, and in a light soil, they may safely be left out all the 

 winter under the shelter of a heap of ashes or decayed manure. In 

 beds this plan is scarcely worth adoption, because it leaves the ground 

 bare for several months ; but where Begonias are grown in the reserve 

 border to furnish a supply of flowers for cutting, it may be a consider- 

 able advantage to leave them until the following year. 



A word is necessary as to soil. The Begonia is a gross feeder, 

 and to develop its fine qualities there must be a liberal employment 

 of manure. As a matter of fact, it is scarcely possible to make the 

 soil too rich for this flower. 



CHIONODOXA LUCILLE 



Glory of the Snow 



THE white centre of the Chionodoxa, its more open blossoms, larger 

 size, and graduated tint of blue, distinguish it in a marked manner 

 from its older and justly prized rival, the Scilla. Indeed, the 

 Chionodoxa is an exquisitely beautiful flower, and is of great value 

 for pot culture, beds, or borders. Five bulbs may be grown in a 

 48-sized pot, and in the border not less than half a dozen should be 

 planted in a group. Employed as a single or double line, it also 

 produces a striking bit of colouring. The bulbs should be planted 

 in autumn four inches deep, the distance between being not more 

 than three inches. Any ordinary garden soil will grow this flower, 

 and it is advisable to allow the bulbs to remain undisturbed for 

 several years, as the effect in each succeeding spring will be the 

 greater. 



CROCUS 



THIS brilliant harbinger of spring will thrive in any soil or situation, 

 but to be brought to the highest possible perfection it should be 

 grown in an open bed or border of deep, rich, dry sandy loam. The 

 bulbs should be planted during September, October, and November. 

 If kept out of the ground after the end of the year they will be 



