October Looking Forward 



to be " dull, but worthy," one may be excused for using 

 laudatory adjectives in writing of the Calochortus, 

 Mariposa Lily or Star Tulip. One ought really to say 

 that the Star Tulips are botanically distinct from the 

 Mariposa Lilies, and were at one time included in a 

 different genus, but as this is not a botanical treatise, 

 they may well be grouped together, for they need similar 

 treatment. They bear cup-shaped flowers in a variety 

 of brilliant colours, and it is disappointing to record 

 that one must provide them with rather special 

 conditions. A warm, sunny border is essential ; the next 

 thing is to ensure perfect drainage, which is most readily 

 accomplished if the soil is heavy by making a bed above 

 the ground level. The compost they like best consists 

 of peat and leaf soil, with plenty of silver sand inter- 

 mixed ; or one may dispense with the peat and use a 

 little light loam instead. The chief point is to prepare 

 a porous mixture. October is an excellent month in 

 which to plant ; the bulbs are placed 2 or 3 inches deep 

 and about 4 inches apart. Even then one has not done 

 all that is required, for they must be protected from 

 rains during winter by means of a frame placed over 

 them, there to remain until growth starts in spring. 

 At that season air is admitted, gradually at first, and 

 finally the frame is removed. The flowers are in full 

 beauty in early summer ; when they are over and the 

 stems begin to wither, one has to see that the " ripening " 

 of the plants is complete, and this can be ensured only 

 by keeping them dry. Thus, if necessary, as it is in 

 a rainy season, the frame must be replaced, although 

 air ought to be admitted freely, and in such a way 

 that the soil remains dry. There are many sorts of 

 Calochortus, but, to begin with, the amateur should 

 obtain a few of the numerous varieties of Calochortus 

 venustus. The Eldorado strain itself contains some 

 gorgeous flowers ; citrinus is yellow with reddish 

 markings ; roseus is rose coloured ; Vesta is white with 



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