THE SCILLA. 87 



Scilla Siherica is one of the most beautiful ; and no 

 word can convey an idea of the brilliant blue of the blos- 

 soms. 



Scillas are well adapted for growth in pots, in earth or 

 sand, and only require to be planted in November, kept in 

 a dark, cool place until they have made plenty of roots, 

 and then gradually inured to light and heat. They look 

 better in pans than in pots ; and the bulbs should be planted 

 about an inch deep, and about the same distance from each 

 other every Avay. 



The principal varieties are 



Scilla Siberica. — This species is one of the hardiest 

 and best. As its name implies, it is a native of Siberia. 

 The flowers are brilliant, intense blue, and produced, one to 

 four, on a short spike. 



Scilla precox. — This species has flowers of the same 

 brilliant blue color as the last. It is a native of Germany, 

 and more tender than S. Siberica. It was introduced in 

 1790, but is not common. 



Scilla cernua. — This species bears a great resem- 

 blance to the English harebell {JB'ijacinthus, Scilla, or lly- 

 ogalum, non scriptus), but diflTers slightly botanically. It 

 is a native of Spain, and has been long in cultivation. The 



