906 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-BOOTED PLANTS. 



FREESIA. 



The Freesia bulb is very easily managed, but it 

 admits of but one condition of growth. That is in a 

 cool greenhouse, and without any attempt afc forcing. 

 The bulbs may be planted at any time from August to 

 October ; after that they begin to dry up and lose their 

 vitality. They can be grown in boxes or pots; if in 

 'boxes they should not be less than four inches deep, five 

 would be better, as they root and form new bulbs deeply. 

 Although the bulbs are small, they succeed best when 

 allowed considerable room. The first size should be 

 placed two inches apart each way, and covered with one 

 inch of soil. If in pots, put from five to seven bulbs in 

 a six-inch pot. Press the soil firmly over them, and put 

 the pots or boxes under the bench, giving them only suf- 

 ficient water to keep the soil moist, but not wet. Let 

 them remain until the tops appear above the surface, 

 then remove to the bench where they are to grow. It is 

 best to grow in pots, because, in case of vigorous growth, 

 the pots can be placed so as to give the plants the re- ' 

 quired room. The temperature of the honso should not, 

 at any time, rise above 70 F., arid good ventilation 

 should be secured. Never allow the soil to become dry. 

 After flowering they should be given more heat, to ripeii 

 the bulbs. The too common practice of putting the 

 plants under the bench to ripen off is not a good one, as 

 the bulbs produced will be small and weak. In common 

 with all other bulbs, the preparation for next year's 

 flowers are completed this; it is, therefore, important to 

 give the bulbs every possible help, not only to develop 

 size, but blooming qualities. The species are F. refracta, 

 yellow, with the pure -white variety, alba, and F. Leiclit* 

 linii, cream with orange throat, which has been classed a 

 species, the two forming the genus. All tho ep^cies are 

 fragrant, but the florist grows only F. refract a alba. 



