November 2, 1892.] 



Garden and Forest. 



523 



where the low-growing trees or shrubs form a network above 

 and beneath the bulbs, affording ample protection against the 

 action of the frost, sliould it penetrate the lieavy mulching of 

 leaves that nature has provided for their protection. L. Cana- 

 dense, or common Meadow Lily, forms its bulbs very deep, 

 usually beyond the reach of frost, as it has for a covering a 

 very heavy turf, than which there can be no better protection. 

 In our own nursery rows we find this Lily by no means hardy. 



Whatever may be the cause of failure m the flowering of 

 Lilies and Dutch bulbs of all denominations when planted in 

 our borders, we are fully convinced, from our own observa- 

 tion and experiments, that when they are protected so that 

 frost cannot reach them they will invariably succeed, and 

 thrive in proportion as the other conditions of growth are 

 more or less favorable ; while those left unprotected, if in ex- 

 posed situations, are quite as sure to fail. 



The protection of a bed of bulbs is a simple and inexpensive 

 operation. The best, because the most natural mulching, is 

 a covering, say six inches in depth, of newly fallen leaves ; 

 these kept in their places by a few boughs or pieces of board, 

 or by throwing a little soil over them. Coarse manure is a 



the autumn-flowering group they are beautifully tessellated. 

 C. luteum, however, is quite distinct from all other species. It 

 is one of the spring-flowering kinds, a native of the Hima- 

 layas, with small bright yellow flowers. The plant would 

 probably prove too tender for this locality, though it is said to 

 be found at a considerable altitude in its native country. Like 

 many of the other species, it is next to useless for ordinary 

 decorative purposes, and its cultivation may wisely be con- 

 fined to botanical institutions. The distinct color of the flowers 

 may be of service to cross with one of the large-flowered kinds 

 for a distinct hybrid ; owing to the widely different character of 

 the plants and their habitats the likelihood of success in such 

 an experiment is decidedly problematical. 



In general appearance the Colchicums bear a strong resem- 

 blance to the Crocuses, for which, indeed, they are often mis- 

 taken. The stamens, however, afford a ready means of iden- 

 tification between the two, there being six in the former, while 

 the Crocus has but three. The underground stems are corm- 

 ous (rhizomatous in C. procurrens), varying in size from that 

 of a marble to that of a man's fist. The leaves also differ con- 

 siderably in dimensions, being small and inconspicuous in 



Fig. Sg. — ^The Tail Bark Oak, Quercus densiflora, — See page 517, 



splendid mulch, because it affords the protection required, 

 and enriches the soil near the surface, where the feeding 

 roots of the bulbs are to be found. Salt or marsh-hay is also 

 an excellent protection, and not unsightly. In short, whatever 

 material is most convenient and will accomplish the purpose 

 is the one to be used. — C. L. A., in the Florists' Exchans:e. 



The ColchicutBS. 



"T^HERE are about thirty species of Colchicum, mostly natives 

 -'■ of southern Europe and Asia Minor. They may, for con- 

 venience, be divided into the vernal class, with flowers that 

 appear in spring, together with the leaves, and the autumnal 

 class, whose flowers are not developed until late in autumn, 

 when the plants are destitute of foliage. The leaves of this 

 last section are put forth in spring, but fade away in summer, 

 not to appear again before the spring following. 



The flowers are generally purple or white, running into 

 many more or less distinct shades, and in some members of 



some species, while in others they measure from twelve to 

 eighteen inches long and three to six inches wide. 



- The autumn-flowering group contains the most generally 

 useful species, and a few roots of the best of these should be 

 given a place in every garden. Their flowers show up bril- 

 liantly when the glory of the summer garden is fast departing 

 in September and October, and the plants are quite hardy, or 

 require at most only a covering of withered leaves to preserve 

 them from the severest frosts. The flowers without the 

 leaves, it is true, present a rather forlorn appearance, but 

 established masses of the plants afford so solid an array of 

 bloom that foliage seems unnecessary, especially as there is 

 an abundance of luxuriant foliage in most gardens at this sea- 

 son. The rich brown earth makes not a bad setting for their 

 pleasing colors, and, as the autumn moves steadily onward, 

 there is something of a fantastic charm about their mushroom- 

 like appearance. They start like colored rockets from the 

 ground, and shed a light which both illuminates and cheers 

 their entire surroundings. 

 Colchicum autumnale, the Meadow Saffron of European 



