40 



ladies' flower gardener. 



am satisfied that no hyacinths will grow well at a distance from the sea 

 without it. I am also of opinion, that the numerous bulbous tribe of Amaryl- 

 lisses, especially those from the Cape of Good Hope ; Ixias, Aliums, which 

 include Onions, Garlic, Shalots, &c, Anemones, various species of the Lily, 

 Antholyza, Colchicum, Crinum, Cyclamens, Narcissus, Iris, Gladiolus, Ran- 

 unculus, Scilla, and many others, should either have salt or sea-sand in the 

 mould used for them. 



" I invariably use salt as an ingredient in my compost for carnations ; a 

 plant which, like wheat, requires substantial soil, and all the strength and 

 heat of the summer, to bring it to perfection ; and I believe I might say, 

 without boasting, that few excel me in blooming that flower." 



Colcliicums, the Autumnal Narcissus, Amaryllis, and the Au- 

 tumn Crocus, should be planted in August, to blow in September 

 and October. 



Replant all the bulbous tribe by the end of October, at the 

 latest. Choose a mild, dry day to put them in the ground, and 

 let each bulb be six or nine inches distant from its companion. 

 All bulbs become weak by being placed too closely together, the 

 soil becoming soon exhausted. 



Bulbs of the more choice varieties are better attended to if 

 they can be placed in beds or compartments by themselves ; for 

 they are more easily sheltered from frost and rain when in a body. 

 The eye, also, is more delighted by the beautiful variety en masse. 

 Their favorite soil, too, can. be composed and preserved for them 

 more exclusively, unexhausted by the roots of larger plants around 

 them. Some of the commoner sorts can be planted out in 

 patches, to add to the gay appearance of the borders, among "the 

 spring flowers. 



Martagons, orange lilies, and bulbs, of tall growth, should 

 never be planted among the smaller tribe ; their large bulbs 

 would exhaust the soil, and weaken the smaller flowers. They 

 look very handsome in borders and plots, placed near, or in, their 

 center. 



