SEPTEMBER 357 



many gardens large numbers of Pheasant's Eye and other Narcissus 

 are planted to supply flowers for cutting. Their graceful appearance 

 renders them peculiarly valuable for the purpose, and if cut when 

 scarcely ready they will develop in water, and last for many days. 

 In planting, be guided as to distance apart by the size of the bulb, 

 allowing four or five inches between small sorts, and six to nine 

 inches for large varieties ; depth, six to nine inches. 



OXALIS. Except in a few sheltered districts, it will be necessary 

 to cultivate this exceedingly pretty flower in frames, or in a sunny, 

 airy greenhouse. It may also be forced in the stove with success. 

 Put several bulbs in a pot, and give them a light soil with plenty of 

 sand in it. 



SNOWDROP. It does not improve the roots of this exquisite little 

 favourite to keep them out of the ground, and they should, if possible, 

 be planted early. 



SPARAXIS need the same treatment as advised for the Ixia. 



TROP^EOLUM TUBEROSUM. In potting the tuberous varieties, in- 

 sure efficient drainage, and use a compost of rich light loam and 

 sand. The foliage will trail over the sides of wire baskets with 

 graceful effect ; but the usual plan is to train it around balloon- 

 shaped wires specially made for these flowers. The bulbs remain 

 dormant all through the winter, and may be started at any time from 

 September to March. 



TULIP. The early class of Tulips is of great value for forcing 

 because of their brilliant colours and elegant forms. They take 

 kindly to a high temperature, but forcing should not be commenced 

 too early, nor should the heat be allowed to exceed 65 at the finish. 

 The best means of applying it is by plunging. Several bulbs may be 

 put into one pot, but as a rule the most convenient method is to 

 grow them singly, so that flowers in exactly the same stage of develop- 

 ment may be selected for use at one time. A continuous supply may 

 be secured by potting batches at short intervals. When in flower, 

 the roots can be washed free from soil for packing in vases. Decayed 

 turf, with decomposed cow-manure, and a proportion of sand, make 

 an excellent potting soil for Tulips, and it will be none the less suit- 

 able if it has been laid up in a heap for twelve months after being 

 mixed, 



