6o Notes and Gleanings. 



pots. In either case, they must be previously grown in the open ground, or pots, 

 or boxes, two years before they are required for forcing. For my part, I find 

 when they are grown in a rich loamy soil under the shade of a north wall, three 

 years is not too long if I require first-rate roots ; yet such a soil and situation is 

 the most favorable that we can give them, as they delight in a cool, shady spot ; 

 therefore, if the cultivator desires a thorough success, he will do well to give 

 them that time to establish themselves ; and then he may either force them in 

 pans or pots, as the case may require. But when once a suffici^t breadth of 

 roots becomes established, and they are vigorous and healthy, a couple of years' 

 growth after forcing will fit them for the work again — that is, provided they are 

 carefully planted out again after they have done duty in the show-house, as they 

 will then have two summers in which to recover themselves before they are 

 wanted again for forcing. They do so well under this system of management, 

 that I consider growing them continually in pots a needless affair, as when so 

 grown an immense amount of labor must be bestowed upon them before they 

 can compete in the strength of their flower-spikes with those grown in the open 

 ground and potted up as here directed. 



In the autumn, as soon as the leaves begin to lose their beautiful dark green color, 

 they must be carefully lifted, and planted again in whatever they are to be forced 

 in. Choose the strongest patches of roots, and those most likely to give the 

 greatest number of flower-spikes. Secure as much soil with the roots as the 

 depth of the pots or boxes will allow ; press them in pretty firmly, and cover the 

 crowns with half an inch of fine earth ; but be careful to preserve the leaves, as 

 they will help to encourage root action, and the pots will become nearly full of 

 roots before winter sets in. When all are potted, give them a good soaking of 

 water, and stand them in tlie shade ; here they may remain till they are wanted, 

 with just the protection of a mat in severe weather. As they are required for 

 use, which ought not to be until the middle of January, as they will not do much 

 good if forced earlier, they should be cleaned, and introduced first into a cold 

 house for a week or ten days, then they may be taken into a temperature of 45°, 

 with a rise of 5°, three weeks afterwards. This is the highest point at which 

 they can be successfully forced, as if this is exceeded, the flowers will make their 

 appearance without any leaves, which will render them comparatively useless. 

 Hard forcing is the chief cause of failure of many a batch of roots, that would, 

 if properly managed, give a fair return for the care taken with them. Should the 

 flower show a tendency to come in advance of the leaves, take them into a colder 

 house, and let them complete their growth naturally. 



The striped-leaved variety is wonderfully beautiful ; and I should strongly 

 recommend its being grown extensively, as it is beautiful both before and when 

 it is in flower, and is now procurable at a very cheap rate. Floral World. 



