934 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



becoming clogged with soil. A suitable compost is three parts 

 good fibrous loam and one part decayed manure or leaf-mould, 

 with a little chemical manure added (not exceeding a 5in. pot 

 full to each barrow-load of compost — very often these concentrated 

 manures are condemned through their having been applied in 

 excess). The soil should be made moderately firm, and in the 

 case of Roman Hyacinths and Tulips five bulbs may be placed 

 at equal distances in 5 in. or 6in. pots, just leaving the crown or 

 apex above the soil. With the ordinary Hyacinths, one bulb in 

 the size of pots named will be ample, placing it in the 

 centre of the pot, with its top projecting a little through the 

 soil. After potting is completed, a thoroughly good watering 

 should be given, and the pots of both Hyacinths and Tulips 

 plunged to the depth of 2in. or 3in. overhead in sifted 

 coal-ashes in cold frames : this will keep the soil uniformly 

 moist, prevent damage by frost, and encourage the formation 

 of roots, followed by strong, sturdy growth and fine 

 flowers when put in the forcing - house or pit. If potted 

 and forced at once the results are not so good, and some- 

 times the flower-spike refuses to rise above the foliage, or is 

 deformed. Another advantage is that when plunged in frames 

 a batch can at all times be taken out and put in heat as 

 required to afford a succession of flowers. Where large quantities 

 of white flowers are necessary during the winter, a quantity of 

 Roman Hyacinths should be placed in boxes containing a depth 

 of soil of about 4in. or 5in., and in a moist, warm atmosphere 

 a considerable quantity of flowers will be produced for cutting 

 purposes. The same remarks also apply to the Paper A\'hite 

 Narcissi, which force admirably in pots or boxes, and are very 

 useful indeed for embellishment from November onwards. 

 Some of the larger-flowered types of Narcissi are likewise valuable 

 for forcing, but these will not stand much fire-heat, and must 

 be brought on gradually, for if hurried they will fail, more 

 particularly in mid-winter. After blossoming, the plants may be 

 gradually hardened off and planted out in the wild garden or 

 nursery. 



The gorgeous Hippeastrums (erroneously called Amaryllis) 

 force splendidly, and enjoy plenty of heat and moisture. By 

 having successional supplies of bulbs to put in heat a quantity 

 of brilUant flowers may be had for many weeks. Again, many 

 of the Cape bulbs are charming, and flower most profusely with 

 gentle forcing. Last, but by no means least, amongst bulbous 

 plants should be included Gladioli of the Colvillei type, and the 

 glorious Liliums, all of which force more or less readily, 

 Z. Harrisii being a special favourite. A compost of half fibrous 

 loam and half good peat, with sufficient sand to ensure porosity, 

 will grow these plants well ; and if placed in a light position 

 and carefully watered they will flower freely. 



