FLORAL DECORATION OF THE HOME 23 



more charm in a few indifferent plants grown all 

 by oneself than a dozen which one has purchased. 

 It is strange how blind people are to the poor quality 

 of their own productions, but how wideawake they 

 become to the imperfections of a weakling grown 

 by their gardeners or purchased from their florist. 

 Nearly all Hyacinths, Daffodils, Polyanthus Nar- 

 cissi, and Tulips will thrive under these conditions, 

 but the most vigorous of them all is the Chinese 

 Sacred Lily, or " Flower of the Gods," as it is 

 sometimes called. Lilies of the Valley may also be 

 easily cultivated from retarded crowns throughout 

 the year, but as there are many little details 

 which must be carefully observed, if success is to be 

 attained, I should advise all those who think of em- 

 barking in the pretty little hobby of growing bulbs in 

 bowls to consult some one who makes a speciality 

 of the business, such as Mr. Barr of King Street, 

 Co vent Garden, or Messrs. Carter of Holborn, who 

 both issue printed instructions on the subject. 



The successful arrangement of cut flowers in 

 rooms is often a matter of great difficulty, owing 

 to the fact that such highly coloured and grotesque 

 mural decorations are in vogue. Flowers, how- 

 ever, are so varied and abundant now that with 

 due care it is possible to obtain something at any 



