RANUNCUL USSCILLASNO WDROP 305 



plants, of hardier constitution and freer growth than the edged and 

 spotted varieties. For the production of masses of colour, and to 

 form showy clumps in the borders, they are of the utmost value. 

 They require a good loam, well manured, and the general treatment 

 advised for the named varieties ; but as they are less delicate, they 

 may be dealt with in a rougher fashion. 



SCILLA 



THE Blue Squill may be grown in exactly the same manner as the 

 Roman Hyacinth for indoor decoration, and it makes a charming 

 companion to that flower. It is perfectly hardy, and for its deep, 

 lovely blue should be largely grown in the open border, where it 

 appears to especial advantage in conjunction with Snowdrops. It is 

 also valuable for filling small beds, and for making marginal lines in 

 the geometric garden. 



The Scilla sibirica thrives on the mountains of North Italy, where 

 masses of it may be seen growing close to the snow, and in this 

 country it withstands wind and rain which would be the ruin of many 

 another flower. Still we like to see it in a sheltered border, where it 

 has a fair chance of displaying its beauty without much risk of 

 injury. In such a position it will flower in February, and in the 

 bleakest quarter it will open in March. It is not at all fastidious 

 as to soil, but when planted will give no further trouble until the 

 foliage withers, and it is time to lift the bulbs to make way for other 

 occupants. If convenient they may remain for years in one spot. 



The Scilla campanulata deserves more attention than it has 

 hitherto received. After almost all other spring flowering bulbs are 

 over, it makes a beautiful display, which lasts until nearly the end of 

 May. It somewhat resembles the wild Blue-bell, but is much larger 

 than that woodland flower. 



SNOWDROP 



SNOWDROPS are amongst the hardiest flowers known to our gardens, 

 and are invaluable for their welcome snow-white bells in the earliest 

 days of the opening spring. They should be planted in clumps, and 

 left alone for years. The double-flowering variety is exquisitely 

 beautiful : we might indeed speak of it as a bit of vegetable jewellery. 



