324 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



Cyclamen (Sowbread). — Though neither a bulb nor a tuber 

 in the strict sense of those terms, it is so generally classed by 

 trade growers, that facility of reference at least will be best 

 served by mentioning it here. The really hardy kinds are few 

 in number, but what they lack in this respect they make up for 

 in utility and decorative value. They are more particularly 

 useful for growing under the shade of trees, where little 

 else save Ivy would live for more than a season. Yet 

 C. neapolitajiiini in such a place will yield its w^hite 

 and lilac-tinted flowers in profusion, these being succeeded by 

 marbled leaves quite as decorative. For woodlands, again, for 

 rockeries, or for shady banks, they are equally well suited. 

 C. Coiini (Fig. 201) and its several varieties; C. hedercefoiiuui, 



which has scented as well as beau- 

 /'s-^ tiful flowers ; C. vernum. white and 



; and C. europceum^ 

 -purple, are some of 

 St. All the hardy 

 ens grow freely in 

 lined, rich peaty, or 

 loamy soils, and the 

 majority delight in 

 partial shade. Cycla- 

 mens are lime-loving 

 plants ; so that when 

 preparing a soil it 

 will be advisable 

 to mix up with it 

 some old mortar 

 rubbish in liberal 

 proportions. They 

 dislike ground winds^ 

 and this is why they 

 thrive so well in 

 sheltered positions 

 under trees. Hardy Cyclamens blossom at all seasons — C. Coiim 

 and its varieties in winter and early spring ; C. verniim in 

 spring ; C. europceum in summer ; and C. hedercEfoIhim in 

 autumn. The corms should be planted very shallow in late 

 summer. Increased freely by seed sown in pans in a cold frame 

 in late autumn. 



Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite). — This monotypic genus 

 is one of the most useful in the whole range of hardy bulbs 

 and tubers, for the flowers sometimes appear in the very depth 

 of winter, and will flourish amidst surroundings — smoke and tree- 

 shade — absolutely fatal to plant-life generally. A glance at the 

 illustration (Fig. 202) will be sufficient to show that it belongs to 

 the Buttercup family. The plant is but 3in. high, of a bright 



Fig. 201.— Cyclamen Coum. 



