April 17, 1889.] 



Garden and Forest. 



187 



price. This is to be regretted, as F.piidica has a chaste beauty 

 peculiarly its own. Iris reticulata is now at its best. As soon 

 as frost leaves the ground the tlowers of this pretty Iris are 

 produced simultaneous with the leaves, and is a good plant for 

 planting en masse for spring effect. Its variety, Krelagei, is a 

 few days earlier, of a paler color, and devoid of perfume, which 

 latter the species possesses to a pleasing degree. I. reticulata 

 produces offsets from the bulbs quite freely, and these maybe 

 relied on to flower the second year. Beds of Bulbocodium 



cold, but unless protected by snow or some other covering, 

 bright sunshine scorches the tops in very cold weather. Eran- 

 this hyemalis, the Winter Aconite, Scilla Sibirica and the 

 Crocusses are all in bloom, making the hardy flower-garden 

 an attractive spot, even though frost does visit us every night. 

 Passaic, N.J. E. O. Orpet. 



Hot-beds and Forcing-houses. — Hot-beds must go, at any rate 

 for commercial business. Forcing-houses are cheaper in the 



A Field of Lilies in Bermuda. — See page 184. 



vernum have a pleasing effect already, their purple Crocus- 

 like flowers being produced in advance of the foliage. When 

 these are planted Colchicum autiimnale should be mixed with 

 the Bulbocodiums. This will give a corresponding crop of 

 bloom, of the same appearance in fall. Erica carnea is bloom- 

 ing more freely than it has ever done. One plant here a yard 

 across makes a striking display, being literally smothered with 

 its pretty pink flowers. Many think the Heather is not hardy 

 in this section. It is hardy enough here as regards standing the 



long run, safer, and give better plants. Any man with a stroke 

 of ingenuity can engage a carpenter and build his own. Build 

 low, with a very flat roof. Heat with steam. Get the tables 

 near the glass. I like a two-thirds span if I can get a nice 

 southern exposure. Ventilate by raising the whole sash. 

 Have all sash removable. Use gas-pipe for pillars. I have 

 just completed a nice house, 20 x 60 feet, for $800, heat and all 

 complete, and have heating capacity for one or two more of 

 the same size. It is a tine, substantial house. 



