CALIFORNIA POPPY CALLA 55 



As cut-flowers they are excellent, a large bowl of them glow- 

 ing like a golden ball, especially if they are emphasized by 

 a few blue larkspurs or batchelor's buttons. 



Propagated by seed, which would best be sown as soon 

 as ripe, thus giving the plant an early start, arid having 

 bloom through the season. They make attractive mats of 

 foliage. 12-18 in. high. Let the plants stand 10 20 in. 

 apart. 



Calla (properly Richardia) . EGYPTIAN LILY. 



All things considered, this is one of the most satisfactory of 

 winter house plants, lending itself to various conditions. 

 The requirements of the Calla are rich soil and an abun- 

 dance of water, with the roots confined in as small a space 

 as possible. If a too large pot is used the growth of foliage 

 will be very rank, at the expense of the flowers, but by using 

 a smaller sized pot and applying liquid manure the flowers 

 will be produced freely. A 6-inch pot will be large enough 

 for all but an exceptionally large bulb. If desired, a number 

 of bulbs may be grown together in a larger pot. Tne soil 

 should be very rich but fibrous at least one-third well 

 rotted manure will be none too much, mixed with equal 

 parts of fibrous loam and sharp sand. The tubers should be 

 planted firmly and the pots set in a cool place to make roots. 

 After the roots have partially filled the pot, the plant may 

 be brought into heat and given a sunny position and an 

 abundance of water. An occasional sponging or washing of 

 the leaves will free them from dust. No other treatment 

 will be required until the flowers appear, when liquid ma- 

 nure may be given. The plant will thrive all the better at 

 this time if the pot is placed in a saucer of water. In fact, 

 the Calla will grow finely in an aquarium. The Calla may 

 be grown through the entire year, but it will prove more 

 satisfactory, both in leaf and flower, if rested through part 

 of the summer. This may be done by laying the pots on 

 their sides in a dry, shady place under shrubbery, or if in 

 the open slightly covered with straw or other litter to keep 



