744 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



flower-pots. In June shift into 4m. pots. After flowering, 

 gradually reduce the water supply, place in the cool frame, and 

 lessen the shade till they ripen off, after which allow. them to 

 become quite dry. Keep in pots in the cool pit placed on 

 their sides under the stage. To obtain a succession start at 

 different times from February till the end of March. When 

 potting do not bury the crowns, but let them come just above 

 the surface. Pot in moist soil, and do not water till well 

 started. After the fourth year throw away the old plants. The 

 flowers of these are tubular, with wide open mouths ; the 

 varieties and delicate shades of the colours are magnificent, and 

 the markings of the throat very beautiful. 



Gloxinias may also be increased by leaf-cuttings, and this 

 method is employed when it is desired to preserve any 

 specially good varieties. Take fully - matured leaves with a 

 portion of the stalk attached in June or July, and split the 

 midrib through in several places ; lay flat on the surface of 



the soil, and place in the 

 warm pit Corms will 

 I be formed at each cut; 

 these must be wintered 

 and grown on as already 

 described. Soil : peat, 

 loam, leaf-soil, and sand. 



Hippeastrums (Ama- 

 ryllis). — The splendid 

 hybrids of these bulbs 

 (Fig. 491) have now come 

 well to the fore, and make 

 a grand show in early 

 spring. To raise from 

 seed, sow when ripe in 

 autumn in pans, placing 

 in the warm pit. Prick 

 off, and when large 

 enough plant out in shal- 

 low beds of turfy loam 

 and sand prepared in 

 the warm pit. Cover 

 the greater portion of 

 the bulbs, and keep grow- 

 ing warm, giving plenty 

 of moisture for two years. 

 In spring pot into 6in. 

 pots, and in autumn 

 gradually dry off and ripen, admitting full sun; keep in the 

 cool pit during winter, and start in the warm in February or 

 March ; they will then soon come into blossom. When the flowers 



Fig. 491.— Hybrid Hippeastrum. 



