2$D Editors Letter- Box. 



Does it injure hardy bulbs to have the ground freeze ? — Generally not ; but 

 tulips always give better flowers if the frost is kept out of the ground by cover- 

 ing of straw or litter. Very early-flowering bulbs also bloom earlier and stronger 

 if well covered in winter, and the covering not removed until all danger of severe 

 frost is past. 



Is the new Golden-banded Lily {Liliu/n auratutii) from Japan hardy 1 — Pre- 

 cariously so in Massachusetts. We have known it to survive ; but the best mode 

 of culture is to cover the bed with a cold frame during the winter. 



How can violets be had in bloom in winter without a greenhouse ? — There 

 is nothing easier. Cover the bed, which must be in a sheltered, sunny place, with 

 a frame in early autumn ; keep out the frost by straw-mats and shutters ; give 

 light and sun every day when the thermometer is above freezing in the sun ; and 

 you may gather plenty of violets every day from November to May. The single 

 varieties are the best for forcing, and the most fragrant, but do not sell so well 

 in the market. The Czar and Giant are splendid single varieties, dark blue, very 

 fragrant, long stemmed, and with flowers often an inch in diameter. 



Is Androvieda floribimda, which is so showy in Central Park, New York, 

 hardy in Massachusetts ? — Yes : generally so. We have large plants which 

 bloom finely. It is well, however, to throw a few evergreen-boughs over the 

 plants in winter, as the foliage is sometimes injured. 



Are there varieties of the Tiger Lily .'' and, if so, are they desirable ? — There 

 are several varieties, which differ in shades of color. We see in an English cata- 

 logue just received a new one advertised, said to bear forty flowers on a stalk. 

 The old variety is good enough, and is very effective in the shrubbery. 



What are the best two evergreen-trees among the choic.'ir kinds which are 

 perfectly hardy .'' — Supposing you have all the commoner kinds, we recommend 

 Picca Nordmanniana and Abies oriejiialis, — two very beautiful and distinct 

 species. 



Is it a good plan to tie up plants in straw during the winter ? — We prefer to 

 protect with evergreen-boughs ; but, where these cannot be had, tying up with 

 straw is a good mode of protection, and is not unsightly. 



Are the new English clematis which have recently made such a sensation 

 hardy ? — Probably not in Massachusetts ; certainly not without winter protec- 

 tion. They have hardly had a fair trial yet. The best hardy clematis is the 

 large blue C. aziirea grandijlora. 



How early should flower-seeds be sown in cold frames ? — The first of April 

 is quite early enough, and any time during the month will do. 



Can larkspurs be transplanted.-* — Not the annual kinds: they should be 

 sown where they are to remain, as soon as the ground is well settled in the spring. 

 Name a few fine plants for effective foliage. — Cannas, or Indian Shot, and Rici- 

 nus, or Castor-oil Bean, in variety, Colocasia {Caladutm) esculenta, Aralia 

 papyrifcra^ and Wigaiidia Caracasana. All are easily procured, and, except 

 the IVigandia, can be kept in a cellar during the winter. 



What are the best three hardy rhododendrons for general planting 1 — Rose- 

 utn elegans, A/bitvi gratidiJJornf/i, and Evercstianmii. 



Give the names of ten of the best hardy azaleas. — CaUndulacea crocea j 



