100 HOME FLORICULTURE 



allow them to bloom during the fall. A seven-inch pot 

 will afford ample room for the roots of a good speci- 

 men. A liberal supply of water should be given, but 

 the soil must be kept light and porous to prevent the 

 bad effects of overwatering. Be sure to see that the 

 drainage is perfect. When in bloom give a rather 

 shady window. An east one is much preferable to a 

 south one. This plant is excellent for basket use if 

 you are particular to give it all the water it wants. 

 The lately introduced varieties are much larger than 

 the old M. moschatus, and have very rich flowers, 

 rivaling in brilliance the Tiger Lily, which they some- 

 what resemble in the vividness of their markings. 



The Cineraria 



This is a most magnificent winter blooming plant. 

 Its flowers are produced in great numbers, in flat 

 clusters, and almost cover the plant, as seen in Fig 20. 

 They are wonderfully rich and varied in coloring, and 

 a good-sized plant, in full bloom, is a flower show in 

 itself. The flowers are about an inch across, mostly 

 single. Some will be dark in color the whole length 

 of the petal, with a yellow center, while others will 

 be rayed or banded with white. The prevailing color 

 is a rich purplish-crimson, running through many 

 shades. The flower stalks are thrown up among the 

 strong foliage which covers the soil and spreads over 

 the edges of the pot. This plant can be grown from 

 seed, which should be sown as directed for the Mimu- 

 lus. March or April sowings will generally give 

 winter flowering plants. But I would advise buying 

 young plants in spring rather than depending upon 

 seedlings of your own raising. In order to grow good 

 plants from seed the amateur is obliged to work very 

 carefully, as young plants are extremely delicate, and 



