272 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. 



thy a place in the shaded border. It can be easily 

 removed from its native habitat, by lifting the tuberous 

 roots when the foliage begins to turn yellow, and trans- 

 ferring them to the garden, with as little delay as possi- 

 ble. But few of our native plants are as attractive, or so 

 easily managed. When once planted it can remain 

 undisturbed for years, and when under cultivation the 

 flowers increase in size and in the number of their petals. 

 In the border, it will require a mulching of leaves, which 

 it has in its native wood, to protect against frost. 



SCILLA. 

 Squill. 



Among spring and early summer flowering bulbs, 

 the Scillas are of considerable importance, both for their 

 effect in the border and for their use as cut flowers. 

 Their flowers resemble those of the Hyacinth, but are 

 much smaller; their colors are more intense, and they 

 come into flower much earlier. As an edging, or for fill- 

 ing small beds, if planted sufficiently thick, the effect is 

 matchless ; and equally so grown in the borders in groups 

 of a dozen or a hundred. The bulbs should be planted 

 in October, either in the border, or for the house in pots, 

 in the same manner as the Hyacinth. They thrive any- 

 where, but do best in good sandy soil. They may remain 

 several years undisturbed without injury, the clump 

 increasing in size and beauty. 



S. sibirica. This species is the gem of the genus, 

 its intense blue flowers, appearing with the Crocus and 

 Snowdrop, make a pleasing contrast. It is a native of 

 Siberia, as its name would imply, and is perfectly hardy. 



S. praecox. Similar to the foregoing, but not as 

 hardy; however, if planted in a dry situation, it will 

 not be injured by frost. It is a native of Germany. 



S. campanulata. One of the finest species; a 

 native of Spain. Flowers blue, white and pink. 



