76 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



in a sunny place, when the ground is thoroughly warmed, and 

 after they have started give plenty of water. If there is no frost 

 until late in autumn they will bloom in the ground ; but it is not 

 best to risk it. When they are well budded, pot in good soil and 

 let them stand a few days in the shade. Afterwards give them 

 the sun and keep well watered. If the weather holds warm leave 

 them out of doors, but in case of a cold snap take them in. We 

 generally have a few chilly daj-s with light frost earl3' in Septem- 

 ber — just enough to chill tender plants, and then there follows 

 warm weather. Tuberoses are verj' easily chilled, but if they are 

 taken in during turns of cold weather they can be left out to 

 bloom. 



A high bed of autumn leaves, with a few inches of soil on the 

 top and a temporary frame with a sash, gives heat enough to start 

 many kinds of plants in the spring, and tuberoses start readily in 

 the gentle heat from such a bed. Place the bulbs in a shallow 

 box close together in good soil, and you will soon find them finely 

 started with a mass of roots, and ready to bed out. By getting a 

 month's start in this way they will bloom in August. 



I shall touch lightly on the Dahlia, although it is a very impor- 

 tant tuberous-rooted plant, and its glory continues until the frost 

 comes and cuts it down. The only drawback is its requiring so 

 much room to grow in. Still there are places where such plants 

 are very much needed ; and the Pompous and single varieties are 

 especially desirable. 



When we are complaining of our severel}' cold winters and hot 

 summer's sun, we are apt to forget that we are mercifully spared 

 some other evils. No earthquakes, tornadoes, or floods devastate 

 our loved New England. Our hard winters make us long for aud 

 quicken our enjoyment of warm weather. Now — 



"Naked and lone the rosebush fair," 



reminds us of the time when — 



" The buds swell out in the warm May air." 



Only a little while and we may say — 



•' Lo, the winter is past, 

 The rain is over and gone ; 

 The llowers appear on tlie earth; 

 Tile lime of llie singing of birds is come." 



