AMARANTHS AMMOBIUM 7 



but for a few years have been neglected. Fine colors have 

 recently been developed, and they are again becoming favor- 

 ites. As they are rather coarse and weetly plants, do not 

 use them with dainty flowers. Most kinds grow 2-3 ft. high 

 and spread 2-3 ft. 



Amaryllis. Popular name of a variety of house 

 or conservatory tender bulbs, but properly applied only to 

 the Belladonna Lily. Most of them are hippeastrums, but 

 the culture of all is similar. They are satisfactory house 

 plants. The one objection to their culture is the habit of 

 the flower- stalk starting into growth before the leaves start. 

 This is caused in most cases by stimulating root growth be- 

 fore the bulb has had sufficient rest. The bulbs should be 

 dormant for four or five months in a dry place with a temper- 

 ature of about 50. When wanted to be brought into flower, 

 the bulbs, if to be repotted, should have all the dirt shaken 

 off and potted in soil composed of fibrous loam and leaf- 

 mold, to which should be added a little sand. If the loam 

 is a heavy one, place the pot in a warm situation ; a spent 

 hotbed is a good place. Water as needed, and as the flowers 

 develop liquid manure may be given. If large clumps are 

 well established in 8- or 10-inch pots, they may be top-dressed 

 with new soil containing rotted manure, and as growth in- 

 creases liquid manure may be given twice a week until the 

 flowers open. After flowering, gradually withhold water until 

 the leaves die. The most popular species for window gardens 

 is A. Johns oni (properly a hippeastrum), with red flowers. 



Amethyst. See Browallia. 



Ammobium. A half-hardy perennial everlast- 

 ing with white flowers. Thrives best in sandy soil. Sow 

 seeds where plants are to stand. Although perennial, it 

 blooms the first year from seed, and is usually treated as an 

 annual. 2-3 ft. high. Plant 12-18 in. apart. 



Ammoniacal Carbonate of Copper. See under 

 Bordeaux Mixture. 



