CROWN IMPERIAL. 



CROWN IMPERIAL. 



Early in the spring, before the frost is fairly out of the ground, the strong flower stem of 

 the Crown Imperial begins to appear, and gradually it ascends, the most brilliant green of the 



garden, the true herald of spring, upward and 

 upward, until it stands erect full three feet in 

 height, its glossy emerald leaves waving in the 

 breeze, and often bending beneath the untimely 

 snow. Nearly at the top of this column appears 

 the flowery crown of bell-shaped flowers, and 

 above these a tuft of leaves, all forming a pretty 

 crown from which its name is derived. Although 

 the Crown Imperial is so pretty in early spring, 

 its fragrance is not at all desirable. The flower 

 stem, when removed, leaves an open space in the 

 center of the bulb, which sometimes causes those 

 inexperienced to consider the bulb injured. 

 I There are several varieties, differing mainly in 

 the color of the flowers, as yellow, scarlet, red, 

 orange, &c. The bulbs should be planted four 

 or five inches deep and about a foot apart. They 

 will not usually flower the first year after planting. 

 This is one of those hardy and useful plants about 

 which there is no mystery or difficulty. Once 

 put in the ground, and having obtained a fair 

 start, it will continue to grow and increase 

 from year to year, until the children become men and women, and often decorate the graves of 

 those who first planted them, scores of years before. 



SMILAX. 



This plant, a native of the Cape of Good Hope, has now become one of the essentials of the 

 florist and amateur. It is extensively used in decorating parlors and reception rooms and for dec- 

 orating the hair, and for trimming party dresses, for which purpose it is not only admirably adapted, 

 being an extremely 

 graceful vine, with 

 glossy green leaves, but 

 surpasses anything with 

 which we are acquaint- 

 ed. With a little care 

 it can be grown suc- 

 cessfully as a house 

 plant. The vine does 

 not require the full sun, 

 but will grow well in a 

 partially shaded situa- 

 tion. It can be trained 

 on a small thread across 

 the window or around 

 pictures. Grown from 

 both seeds and bulbs. SMILAX. 



Pot the bulbs as soon as received, watering but little until you see signs of growth. They 

 grow very rapidly, and should always have strings to twine on. Give plenty of fresh air, but be 

 careful and not let a direct draft of cold air blow upon the vines, as they are very tender when 

 young. Give them a warm place, and they will amply repay all care. When growth is complete the 

 foliage will turn yellow. Then gradually withhold water, and allow the bulbs to dry. They 

 then can be put away in some dry, cool place. After they have been in this dormant state six or 

 eight weeks they will begin to show signs of life, and then are ready for another season's growth. 



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