58 Notes and Gleanings. 



Agapan'thus umbellatus. — This old species of lily contributes a very 

 imposing effect to a conservatory in August and September. Tiie lovely umbels 

 of bright blue, standing boldly erect among other plants, contrast well, and at 

 the same time make them strikingly conspicuous : indeed, their presence never 

 fails to draw greetings and flattering remarks, especially from the ladies ; though 

 the construction of the heads debars them from entering largely into the hand- 

 bouquet, unless in single flowers plucked from the crown. 



Propagation. — This is accomplished by seed, division of the roots, and 

 offsets. From seeds, by sowing in a pot any time between March and June, so 

 that the seedlings may acquire sufficient strength to resist the changes in winter. 

 Plunge the pot to the rim in gentle bottom-heat ; and keep the soil constantly 

 moist, both before and after the plants appear above ground. Pot oiT as soon 

 as the seedlings can be conveniently handled ; and attend afterwards to watering, 

 shading, &c., as is usually done with such seedlings. Division of the roots 

 and offsets are a ready means of extending the stock. For a compost, a light 

 loamy mixture, with sand incorporated to the e.xtent of one-third of the bulk, 

 will do. 



General Culture. — Little need be added to the attention generally demanded 

 by free-growing plants. They all delight in high living. A rich, heavy loam, 

 with a third of well-reduced cow-manure and sharp river sand thrown together 

 without riddling, will make them grow strongly and well. Admit air abundantly ; 

 administer water copiously in the growing season, adding a stimulant in the 

 shape of a little guano to the water when the flowers are in the process of forma- 

 tion ; and, wherever situated, air plentifully supplied ought never to be neglected 

 when the flowers are expanding, else the flowers will be deficient of their bright 

 blue, so much appreciated, as well as in good substance. When the flowers 

 have dropped, cut down the stems halfway, and prevent seeding, unless particu- 

 larly wanted, when one crown will be enough to leave ; and it ought to be re- 

 membered, that a stance in a vinery for a month in autumn is of material conse- 

 quence to the maturing of the plants, as well as securing an advanced state of 

 condition for the following year. They may then be allowed to go quietly to 

 rest by withholding water to a considerable extent, permitting the soil to get 

 almost dry in their pots. The plants will then be quite indifferent whether they 

 arc placed above, below, or behind the stage of the greenhouse throughout the 

 winter : only, if below, they must be turned on their sides towards the sun, that 

 they may enjoy any blinks that penetrate through the openings. — The Gardener. 



