BULBOUS PLANTS 253 



increase it very gradually until a bottom heat of from 80 to 85 

 degrees is given for the actual work of forcing. The pips may be 

 kept almost in the dark at first, gradually giving light as they de- 

 velop; but keep them shaded from the sun. In storing pips for the 

 Winter keep them in a frame, with a northern exposure, so that 

 rapid thawing and freezing may be prevented. There are double 

 flowered and variegated leaved forms; all of them are desirable for 

 half-shaded places in the open border. 



CRINUM. The tender species are not much grown indoors, 

 but there are several which are useful for the hardy border. One 

 which gives much satisfaction and which is perfectly 

 hardy, is named C. longifolium. The flowers are tinged with 

 rose. There is a white-flowered form. C. Powellii is a hybrid be- 

 tween C. longifolium and C. Moorei. It thrives in Washington with 

 slight protection in Winter. C. Moorei is also hardy when planted 

 in warm soils and slightly protected. In large conservatories C. 

 giganteum should be grown if only for the foliage. The leaves are 

 several feet in length, fully 6 inches broad in adult specimens, and 

 of a bright green color. The flowers are pure white and sweet 

 smelling, produced at irregular intervals. 



Propagation. Nearly every flower will set seeds which are very 

 large and irregular in shape. They should be sown as soon as ripe, 

 as after falling to the ground a little moisture will cause them to 

 germinate in a few days. Sow the seeds 2 inches apart in a seed 

 pan; keep in a frame, and plant out without potting off in Spring. 



CROCUS. The species commonly grown are C. vernus and 

 C. Siisianus, the latter being the early, small yellow sort. The 

 Crocus is as universally admired as any bulbous plant because it 

 can be planted in great profusion without much expense. The va- 

 rieties are so bright and cheerful that they are excellent planted 

 either in lawns, in the herbaceous border or under trees. Especially 

 attractive are bold clumps of one variety near evergreens when they 

 are branched to the soil. Crocuses must be planted in an open 

 place in order to have them flower. New bulbs are produced above 

 the old ones each year and the plant becomes higher and higher 

 in the soil; they should thus be transplanted every third year. 



DAHLIA. The Dahlia is a favorite in the gardens of those 

 who can grow them. Near Mexico City they are growing wild upon 

 the sides of the cool ravines in the partial shade. It is hot during 

 the day but at night it becomes cool. Their natural habitat thus 

 furnishes an index to their proper culture. 



