ALMOND ALSTROMERIA 5 



hard-shell varieties, arid the nuts are not good enough for 

 commerce. The Almond fruit is a drupe, like the peach, 

 but the flesh is thin and hard and the pit is the " Almond " 

 of commerce. Culture the same as for peach. 



Flowering Almond is a very early -flowering bush, ex- 

 cellent for shrub -borders. It is usually grafted on plum 

 stock, and one must take care to keep down the plum sprouts 

 which sometimes spring from the root. 



Aloe. Succulent tropical plants, sometimes seen 

 in window gardens. Of easy culture. See that the pots 

 have perfect drainage. Make a soil of sandy loam, with 

 one-third or one-fourth part of broken brick. Pot firmly. 

 Water whenever needed, but the soil and drainage should 

 be such that the earth does not remain soggy or become 

 sour. Aloes thrive year after year without repotting. 

 Usually propagated by cuttings. A. variegata is the com- 

 monest species. 



Alonsoa. Tender annual. Not very well known , 

 but a bright plant for second-row border or a low bedding 

 plant. Planted against shrubbery or other protection after 

 danger of frost is over, it lightens up a dark corner. 2-3 ft. 

 Plant 10-15 in. apart, in a warm place protected from wind. 



Alstromeria. The Alstromerias belong to tho 

 amaryllis family, being tuberous-rooted plants, having leafy 

 stems and terminating in a cluster of from 10 to 50 small 

 lily-shaped flowers of rich colors. Most of the kinds should 

 be given pot culture, as they are easily grown and are not 

 hardy in the open in the north. The culture is nearly that of 

 the amaryllis, a good, fibrous loam with a little sand, pot- 

 ting the tubers in early spring or late fall. Start the plants 

 slowly, giving only water enough to cause root growth ; but 

 after growth has become established, a quantity of water may 

 be given. After flowering they may be treated as are ama- 

 ryllis or agapanthus. The plants grow 1-2% ft. high. The 

 flowers often have odd colors. 



