THE AMARYLLIS 



finds it difficult to penetrate. But it is imper- 

 atively necessary that water should reach 

 every portion of its root-system, and therefore 

 great care must be taken to see that no part of 

 the soil is allowed to get dry. It is a good plan 

 to run a wire through and through the mass of 

 roots, thus forming little channels by which the 

 water can be conducted where it is most 

 needed. If the roots fail to receive the proper 

 amount of water the plant often drops its 

 leaves. If this occurs during the summer you 

 will be safe in concluding that you will get no 

 flowers from it that season, because it sets its 

 buds months before they develop into flowers. 

 Therefore it is very important that from the 

 time buds are formed until they are developed 

 the plant should receive no check. 



Under ordinary amateur treatment the Aza- 

 lea will bloom in January. While in bloom 

 keep it in a cool room. Its flowers will last 

 for weeks there, but in a hot room they will be 

 short-lived. 



After flowering give the treatment advised 

 above. 



In May or June put the plant out of doors. 

 I would advise sinking the pot in the soil, in a 

 cool, airy, but somewhat sunny place. Put 



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