BULBS 53 



What are known to dealers as Berlin crowns, and which are as 

 thick as the little finger, generally bloom. 



For late flowering in large pots, and also for planting out of 

 doors, the "clumps" offered by dealers are excellent. They 

 contain several crowns, some of which may bloom the first year 

 and others the following one. A cool, shady position is desirable. 

 The plants do not mind a light soil so long as they have shade, 

 but they will not thrive on a sun-scorched sandbank. The varieties 

 Victoria and Fortin are both superior to the common in size of 

 bloom, if not in sweetness. 



Ornithogalums are somewhat burdened with names in fact, 

 long names seem to " run in the family." For instance, three of 

 the best-known species are called respectively umbellatum, arabicum, 

 and longebracteatum. The first of these is the pretty, white, May- 

 blooming plant, growing about a foot high, called the Star of 

 Bethlehem. It is so well known by its popular cognomen that 

 fortunately we can dispense with the botanical name. It would be 

 well if the Arabian species also had a homely name to help it 

 along, for it is a pretty thing, and fragrant withal. It is white, 

 with a black central boss (the ovary), which gives it a distinct 

 appearance. It is not quite hardy, and is best grown in pots. The 

 third species named is a not uncommon window plant, and is con- 

 spicuous for its immense bulb, which stands quite above the soil. 

 It has greenish-white flowers. 



The Ranunculus is a tuber, strictly speaking, not a bulb, but 

 it is one of the bulb-dealer's stock items. Perhaps he had more 

 demand for it in years gone by than he has now, for once upon a 

 time it was a "florist's flower," like "Bizarre" Tulips and " Flake" 

 Carnations. It is not so now. Like the Verbena, it has fallen 

 from grace. It is a brilliant flower, and embraces a great variety 

 of colours, but it lacks freedom, grace, and suitability for cutting. 

 It is, in short, a frigid beauty. 



The tuber is a very singular structure, unlike that of any 



