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CVLTVRE OF FAVORITE PLAXTS. 



Lobb, a distinguished English collector, and the T. peregrinum, named from its ram- 

 bling propensities, are perhaps the choicest and most popular species for conservatory, par- 

 lor or window culture. In greenhouses they are grown abundantly, being trained along 

 the rafters, where their brilliant blossoms illuminate the whole house, giving an abundant 

 supply of floral gems for bouquets and decorative purposes. The Tom Thumb or dwarf 

 bushy species are perhaps the best for hanging-baskets. The varieties in color are quite 

 numerous, and the velvety texture of the flowers is charming, while the odor somewhat 

 resembles the aromatic Cinnamon. When grown in quantities the seeds are gathered for 

 pickles, and are used the same as capers. There are several very delicate tuberous varie- 

 ties, differing in blossom fiom the ordinary kind, and only retaining their foliage a part 

 of the year. They are adapted to pot culture, and bloom during April and May, after- 

 ward requiring plenty of sun or heat to ripen the roots; as the vines begin to die away, 

 water should be gradually withheld. The pots should be turned on their sides, and kept 

 dry until autumn, when they begin to start vines again. Among the choice species are 

 the Trop^olum azureum, with an azure-colored flower; T. Jarrattii, yellow and scarlet, 

 blooming abundantly; T. speciosum, scarlet; T. tricolorum, scarlet, yellow and black; 

 and several others. All the Tropaeolums, to grow well, must have plenty of moisture, a 

 soil rather poor than otherwise, and frequent sprinklings to keep off" the red spider. 



TJ7BER OSE. 



tfli 



XDER this name is included a genus of herbaceous plants not at 



■l " all allied to the Roses, as is often supposed merely because of the 



identity of the final syllable. The name really springs from the 



tuberous character of the roots; and the scientific name, Polianthus, 



Is also rather confusing, as it lacks distinctive expression, meaning 



City-flower.' It belongs to the Amaryllis family, and is chiefly cultivated 



for its fragrant flowers, which are of a pale sulphury-white color. The 



tubers of this odoriferous plant may be kept dormant for a long time in any 



dry, airy, cool place, but must be protected from frost. For earlj' blooming 



they can be planted from January to March indoors; for later growth, at any 



time until June. Whenever the tubers show signs of growth, they should be 



planted at once in pot, box or bed where they are to bloom. Of course it will be 



necessary in winter to give them shelter in conservatory, greenhouse or elsewhere, with 



plenty of warmth and light. Neither as tuber or plant can they be touched by frost with 



impunity. In planting, as in all similar cases, the small tubers are best taken off" and set 



in separate places. These will bloom in about two years if not neglected. A rich, loamy 



soil having been provided, a few pieces of broken crockery are placed over the hole of a 



six-inch pot, with the addition of a little moss if at hand, and the earth filled in to within 



about half an inch of the top, so as to cover the tuber about two thirds of its own length. 



When all danger of frost is over, they can be turned out of their pots into the border, or 



with them placed in the soil, to be brought into the house later if desired, when in bloom. 



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