82 NEW ZEALAND GARDENING. 



Early Tulips. The varieties of these are endless, 

 beginning with the single and double Van Thol, which 

 begin to flower in September and continue in succession till 

 the end of November. The double yellows are remarkably 

 showy, as are also the parrot tulips. Tulips are very effective 

 when planted in masses or in beds, having regard to height 

 and colour. Any tolerably good garden soil will answer for 

 tulips, so long as it is not too heavy in texture ; they must 

 not be treated with fresh manure. The soil must, however, 

 be in good heart from previous f manuring. Plant five or 

 six inches apart, and three inches deep. Plant in May. A 

 few may be planted in pots at the same time (three or four 

 in a pot) for early flowering in the greenhouse. 



Scillas are lovely little bulbs, Scilla Siberica and prsecox 

 are the earliest bloomers. Scilla bifolia, Peruviana and alba 

 are also good. 



Dog's Tooth Violets are more conspicuous for the 

 beauty of their foliage than that of their flowers. Plant in 

 Autumn. 



Colchicums (Autumn flowering). The following are 

 good varieties, the pencilled white single, and a double 

 variety. Plant in Autumn. 



Amaryllis, of varieties, are gorgeous plants, principally 

 with brilliant crimson flowers ; flower stalks one foot high ; 

 thriving well out of doors in good soil. The bulbs may be 

 left in the ground. 



Valloto purpurea, a lovely bulbous plant. 



Ixias and Sparaxis may be planted in Autumn or 

 Spring. They are now to be had in great variety. Muscaria 

 botryoides (grape hyacinth) and its varieties are pretty plants 

 with white and blue flowers. Plant in Autumn and Spring. 



Iris. There are several beautiful bulbous varieties of 

 Iris, which are worthy of a prominent place in the flower 

 border. 



Crocuses. These well-known and beautiful Spring 

 bulbs should be planted in May, in patches. There is a great 

 variety of colours ; but few, if any, excel the common yellow 

 for out-door blooming. The bulbs should be lifted as soon 



