BULBOUS PLANTS 259 



but beautifully colored sorts as well. F. refracla is the type and 

 from this have been developed such varieties as Purity by R. 

 Fischer, a pure white sort. The colored sorts, known as the Rain- 

 bow strain, are rather expensive as yet for extensive planting, but 

 they are worthy of wider use. Freesias which are wanted to 

 bloom by the end of the year should be pptted or boxed as soon as 

 they can be procured from the dealers. Plunge the pots in ashes, 

 in a frame, where strong sunshine won't keep the surface of the soil 

 too warm and dry. They must not be covered over as other bulbs 

 are after potting, as the leaves are thin and tender and must develop 

 to a considerable extent before the flower stems make their appear- 

 ance. Save the larger bulbs after flowering and they will.be as good 

 as any which can be purchased. 



FRITILLARIA. F. imperialis, the Crown Imperial, is an old 

 favorite not much planted at present. It is so stately that this is 

 extremely strange. In the Spring, when the bulbs start into growth, 

 the stem elongates very rapidly until finally it is surmounted by a 

 crown of flowing bells and a tuft of leaves. They are very interesting 

 as seen in the distance, but even more so when examined carefully 

 close at hand. The bulb seems very susceptible to any sort of injury 

 and should not be kept out of the soil for any length of time. They 

 should be planted about 4 or 5 inches deep and on their sides, be- 

 cause they often decay easily. The bulbs should be set on several 

 inches of sand. They enjoy a rather rich soil and when once estab- 

 lished grow very easily. If the flower stem is a trifle weak give a 

 little staking of some sort. Single and double, orange, scarlet and 

 yellow varieties can be had. One fact, before leaving the Crown 

 Imperials: They are often called Skunk Lilies. The reason is 

 easily guessed if one inhales the odor of the flowers or bulbs. This 

 is hardly objectionable, however, if one does not get too close to 

 the plants. F. meleagris, the Guinea-hen Flower, is also well-known 

 and is fine for naturalizing in the grass or for a mass in the perennial 

 border, as it flowers in May. 



Propagation. Seed may be sown as soon as ripe although the 

 bulbs increase naturally. 



GALANTHUS (Snowdrop). The Snowdrops are better 

 known in all the northern countries of Europe than in the United 

 States. There is a great difference in the flowering period of the 

 different species. Some of the large-flowered kinds, especially those 

 from Asia Minor, such as G. EJwesii, open their flowers in Washing- 

 ton during the latter part of January. A peculiarity which is rather 



