130 HOUSE PLANTS 



The plants flower before much leaf- 

 growth is made, that developing after the 

 flowering season. During the period of 

 growth water the soil once or twice a week 

 with manure water. When all danger of 

 frost is past plunge the potted plants out- 

 doors in coal ashes, soil, or anything else 

 handy, to prevent the rapid evaporation of 

 water through the pots. When the leaves 

 begin to turn yellow it is a sign that the bulbs 

 are ripening. Then gradually withhold water 

 and when they are ripe store them in a cool, 

 dry place until the flower scapes begin to 

 push out of the soil the following winter. 



THE BLUE AFRICAN LILY 



A gapanthus umhellatus has many long, nar- 

 row, dark leaves, from among which rises a 

 stem two or three feet high, bearing a large 

 umbel of very handsome blue flowers. Unlike 

 the amaryllis, it flowers with its leaves, which 

 adds to its beauty. The easiest way to handle 

 it is to grow it in pots or tubs which are 

 stored in a light cellar or other dry place 

 during the winter. During the resting pe- 

 riod give the plant just enough water to 

 prevent the leaves from falling. In the 



