THE FLOWER GARDEN. 93 



Verbenas. From hundreds of varieties of this splen- 

 did, free-flowering annual, half a dozen well chosen sorts 

 will result in a fine display. For a small garden I 

 would choose Snow Storm, Gazelle, Black Bedder, lona, 

 Cupid, and Conspicua, or else a package of the best 

 mixed sorts. The seeds must be soaked in warm water 

 twenty-four hours before planting. A shelf behind 

 a kitchen stove, or a place on the back of the stove if 

 not too hot, is a good situation for the box or pots in 

 which they are planted, as they need bottom-heat in order 

 to germinate well. Sow in circles, or in regular rows, so 

 as to distinguish them from the possible weeds which may 

 spring up. When the Verbenas appear, keep them in a 

 sunny window, being careful that the soil does not be- 

 come too dry, and when they show the fourth leaf, trans- 

 plant into little pots or boxes, where they can flourish 

 until the spring is sufficiently established to place them in 

 their garden beds. Slip plant and soil from the box with- 

 out disturbing the roots, if possible, water plentifully, 

 and shield from the hot sun for two or three days. Cut- 

 tings, or " slips " can be taken from the best sorts in 

 August or September, and potted for winter culture. 



SUMMER BULBS. 



Tulerose. This waxen-petaled, richly-perfumed flower 

 should be remembered when ordering summer-flowering 

 bulbs. It is rarely seen in country gardens a great sin 

 of omission, as all will say who have enjoyed its lovely 

 blossoms, of which it puts forth twenty-five or thirty, and 

 sometimes more, to the single stalk. Bulbs must be 

 started in pots as early as February or March, and the 

 grower must not be discouraged if they take their own 

 leisurely time for sending up their shoots. In August 

 and September one will be well repaid for patient waiting. 

 The original bulb blooms only once, but creates a family 



