252 PLANT CULTURE 



together in boxes, using dry sand, and stored away where frost 

 will not affect the rhizomes. 



Raising from Seed. The seed covering is very hard and resists 

 the influence of heat and moisture for a long time under ordinary 

 conditions. Germination may be hastened by soaking the seeds in 

 warm water, and also by removing a very small piece of the seed 

 covering with a file. In any case sow early and in a bottom heat 

 of from 75 to 80 degrees. 



CHIONODOXA (Glory of the Snow). Several species are 

 common, namely, C.LucilicB, light blue with white center, and C. 

 sardensis, dark blue. The Chionodoxas are very closely allied to 

 the Scillas and might easily be confused with them. They are 

 early flowering, March or April, and are very effective when planted 

 in huge clumps in the border. For a small bulb they may be planted 

 quite deeply — perhaps 4 to 5 inches is not too deep. They should 

 be replanted every third year, else they run out. 



CLIVIA (Imantophyllum). C. miniata and its forms are 

 the finest. An indispensable plant for private collections; grows 

 best in a cool greenhouse. 



Culture. Large plants need shifting only at long intervals, 

 and for this reason the soil should have a good sprinkling of crushed 

 bone and charcoal. 



Propagation. Increased by division of old plants which have 

 become crowded in their pots. 



CONVALLARIA (Lily of the Valley). Pips of Convallaria 

 majalis used in this country for forcing purposes are obtained from 

 abroad. There is, however, no reason why they should not be 

 produced as good in the United States. Lily of the \' alley thrives 

 in some parts very luxuriantly, when grown in the shade of small 

 trees with an annual top dressing of decayed leaves or old manure. 

 The pips are received during the early part of November, at which 

 time good roots are obtainable from the previous year's supply, 

 kept in cold storage. Or home grown material may, in time, be 

 used, as then preparation could be made earlier with greater cer- 

 tainty of success in early blooming. 



Lily of the Valley is a decidedly artificial looking flower when un- 

 accompanied by its foliage. A stock of small pips should be put in 

 the forcing house and given plenty time to develop the foliage for 

 occasions when wanted. The material in which to place the pips 

 may be pure sand, as no new roots are made during the forcing 

 period. When taken from a temperature near the freezing point. 



