COLD GREENHOUSE. 141 



growths are three inches long. To get the Polyanthus 

 kinds early into flower place a few in the cool and a few 

 in the warm house. The other sorts, however, grow more 

 sturdily and produce finer flowers if not subjected to heat. 

 Still, sorts like Sir Watkin, Empress, and Horsefield force 

 very well. When growth is active give plenty of water. 

 Soot-water is a splendid fertiliser for Narcissi in pots; it 

 imparts colour to the foliage, and assists in the develop- 

 ment of the blooms. Other manures are not advised for 

 Narcissi. Of course, plenty of air on fine days is essen- 

 tial. After flowering continue the supply of water till the 

 foliage dies, then withhold it. Those grown in pans should 

 be stood in a sunny cold frame, and protected from heavy 

 rains. The others may also be placed in a frame till the 

 foliage is dead ; then the bulbs should be removed from 

 the soil, stored in a cool place, and planted out in the 

 garden, procuring fresh ones for pots. Those in pans may 

 be left undisturbed till August ; then be replanted in fresh 

 soil to flower the next year. Increased by division. 



Ornithogalum A genus of bulbous-rooted plants, 

 popularly known as the Star of Bethlehem. The species 

 that may be grown in pots in a cold house are: Nutans 

 boucheanum, white (spring), 1ft. ; umbellatum and its 

 varieties Leichtlinii and splendens, green and white (May), 

 1ft. ; and lacfceum (Chickereekie), white. 



The foregoing species should be grown in a compost of 

 two parts loam and one part each of peat, leaf-mould, and 

 coarse silver sand. Plant in October, placing five bulbs 

 or so in a 5in. pot, then placing in a cold frame till growth 

 begins, after which remove to the greenhouse. Supply 

 water freely during the period of growth, and keep dry 

 after the leaves fade. Eepot annually in October. In- 

 creased by offsets. 



Pancratium P. illyricum, white (summer)^ 1ft. ; 

 and P. maritinum, white (summer), 18in. ; natives of 



