COLD GREENHOUSE. 131 



Plant the bulbs in August one inch deep, and three or 

 four in a 5in. pot, in a compost of two parts sandy loam, 

 one part leaf-mould, and a little silver sand. Otherwise 

 treat as advised for Babianas. Increased by offsets. 



Gladiolus. A well-known genus of very showy bul- 

 bous-rooted plants equally adapted for garden or green- 

 house culture. The kinds specially suitable for pot cul- 

 ture are: Colvillei alba, white; ramosus, various colours; 

 brenchleyensis, scarlet; and gandavensis in its numerous 

 varieties. See also the selections on p. 179. 



In the case of Colvillei alba (The Bride) and the ramo- 

 sus section, the corms should be planted one inch deep 

 and five in a 5in. or Gin. pot, early in November, the com- 

 post consisting of two parts of loam and one part of equal 

 proportions of decayed manure, leaf-mould, and coarse 

 silver sand. Place in a cold frame, and cover with fibre 

 refuse till growth begins; then remove the fibre, keep in 

 the frame till January, when transfer to the greenhouse. 

 If flowers are required early place a few of the most for- 

 ward plants in the warm greenhouse in February to force 

 them on. During growth supply water freely, and when 

 the foliage decays keep dry, repotting in November to 

 flower again. Corms of the brenchleyensis and ganda- 

 vensis kinds should be planted singly in 6in., or three in an 

 Sin. pot, in March, kept in a frame till growth is well 

 advanced, then placed in the greenhouse to flower. After 

 flowering, gradually withhold water, and when the foliage 

 has quite withered remove the corms from the soil, store 

 them in a cool place in March, and plant out in the borders. 

 Increased by offsets 



Habranthus. H. pratensis is a Chilian bulbous- 

 rooted plant, bearing scarlet flowers in July, and growing 

 one foot high. It belongs to the Amaryllis family. The 

 modern name of this plant is Hippeastrum pratense. 



The bulbs should be potted singly in a 5in. or 6in. pot 



K2 



