SEPTEMBER 353 



CALCEOLARIAS ought now to be in large 6o-pots, placed close to 

 the glass to insure a dwarf habit. During sharp weather they may 

 be taken down, but should be restored immediately the danger is 

 over. Much heat in the winter will be injurious ; a range of 45 to 

 55 should be considered the limits of variation in temperature. Pot 

 the plants on as growth demands. 



CROCUS. For indoor decoration, two or three separate lots 

 should be potted at intervals of a fortnight ; and the named varieties 

 are worth this mode of treatment, both for the size of their flowers, 

 and for the exceptional brightness and diversity of their colours. 

 Use a light rich soil, and put four or five corms in a 48-sized pot. 

 They may also be grown in quantity in large seed-pans or in shallow 

 boxes. When coming into flower, the roots may be freed from soil 

 to facilitate the packing into ornamental baskets or vases. 



CROWN IMPERIAL. This bulb requires a rich loamy soil, and an 

 open position to bring it to perfection. Still it will flower satisfactorily 

 in a shrubbery, or under the shade of trees ; and, so far as the roots 

 are concerned, there is no occasion to divide them more than once 

 in three seasons. Plant during this month, and on to the beginning 

 of November. 



CYCLAMENS in pots will pay for an occasional dose of weak 

 manure water. Shut the plants up in good time on chilly evenings. 



The hardy varieties such as C. europceum and C. coum are cultivated 

 out of doors ; and in some of the warmer districts of the south of 

 England, the Persian varieties can also be successfully grown in the 

 open. They are suitable for rockwork, or for little nooks and 

 sheltered corners in which some gardens abound. For their success, 

 good drainage, a warm position, and plenty of water in dry weather 

 are essential. September and October are the best months for 

 planting out. 



DOG'S-TOOTH VIOLET. For small beds, or in front of a rockery, 

 these compact and interesting little plants are valuable for spring 

 flowering, and are worth cultivating for their foliage alone. They 

 also succeed in pots, and thrive in peat, or in sandy loam and leaf- 

 mould. A 48-sized pot will accommodate five bulbs. 



FREESIA. Towards the end of the month these bulbs will be 

 ready for removal to a cool greenhouse or cold pit. No heat is 

 required merely protection from frost and excessive moisture. The 

 footstalks are so slender that support must be given early. As the 

 plants do not bear re-potting, the danger of exhausted soil can be 

 met by administering weak manure water occasionally. 



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