LECTURE ON SPRING FLOWERS. 337 



and if the weather prove more than commonly severe, an 

 additional covering of loose straw is no bad contrivance to 

 secure efficient protection. Bulbs or bulbous plants thrive 

 best under this peculiarity of culture ; they should be taken 

 from the ground in summer so soon as the flowers and 

 leaves are completely decayed, dried in the sun, laid up in 

 a dried room or storehouse, and replanted again in the 

 course of the autumn months. 



The Hyacinth has already been made the subject of a 

 lecture. I need not therefore refer again to that. 



Crocuses and early single Tulips have been greatly 

 improved of late. Those who are not acquainted with 

 the modern kinds will be surprised and delighted with 

 their increase in size, and the colours are now exceedingly 

 varied, rich, and splendid. The Narcissus known as 

 Gloriosa is also a valuable addition to spring flowers on 

 account of the large handsome heads of white and yellow 

 blossoms which it produces, and the Narcissus minor 

 and N. Bulbocodium are also beautiful plants of lowly 

 growth. 



Another important variety of spring flowers exists 

 among what are commonly termed " perennials or herba- 

 ceous plants." The Alpine Auricula, Polyanthus, Alys- 

 sum, Saxifraga granulata, Cheiranthus Marshallii, Iberis, 

 Primrose, Hepatica, Pansy, Daisy, Violet, Forget-me-Not, 

 Anemone, and others too numerous to mention, are of this 

 class. These plants are not generally particular as to soil, 

 provided it be not too moist. They are usually allowed 

 to remain permanently in the ground unless it is wished 

 to increase their number, when the roots are taken up and 

 divided shortly after the flowering season; some may also 

 be propagated by cuttings, others by seeds. The single 

 Anemone, which, judiciously treated, becomes one of the 

 most beautiful spring flowers, thrives wonderfully from 

 seed. If sown in spring on a bed of light earth, the seeds 

 barely covered with sandy peat, a gorgeous crop of flowers 

 of rich, brilliant, and varied hues will adorn the garden in 

 V 



