BULBOUS FLOWEBS. 



45 



Tiger Flower — Tigridia pavonia, — derives its principal 

 charm from the ephemeral duration of its singularly- 

 shaped and coloured blossoms, which expand and fade 

 within a few hours. It is consequently not well adapted 

 either for bedding or for pots, although each strong bulb 

 will produce several blooms crowning the tuft of bright 

 sword-shaped leaves. It is most effective in patches in 

 a bed or border near the living-room windows, where its 

 gaudy petals will be sure to catch the eye, and where it 

 will escape the inglorious fate of the many flowers that 

 are only born to blush unseen, and waste their bright- 

 ness on the desert air. Though a native of Mexico, it 

 may be left in the ground all the year round when and 

 ichere a mild winter and a dry soil can be insured. But 

 it is safest taken up in autumn, when the leaves are quite 

 withered. Propagate by seeds and offsets. 



Tuberose — Polianthes tulerosa. — An old favourite 

 allowed to grow obsolete, because it gives a little trou- 

 ble and costs a trifle of expense. It is true, also, that it 

 belongs more to the conservatory than the flower-garden; 

 still, a word or two shall be written to help its restora- 

 tion to public favour, for it is now so utterly neglected 

 that many useful plain gardeners have never seen such a 

 thing as a tuberose. The bulbs are annually imported 

 from Italy; it is of little use trying to do anything 

 with them here after they have once flowered, unless as 

 a test of horticultural skill. Plant them in large heavy 

 pots in light, rich loam, in March, and plunge them in a 

 hotbed. When the central bud has started a few 

 inches, remove them either to a warm light place in the 

 greenhouse, or to a very sunny frame. In July, such 

 plants as are not retained indoors, may be plunged in 

 their pots, to flower in the open air, either in clumps, or 

 along a border. They form an elegant avenue, alter- 

 nated with the Pyramidal Campanula. As the flower- 

 stems rise to from four to six feet in height, they must 

 be supported by light straight stakes of equal length ; 

 and it is this peculiarity which gives the flower its archi- 

 tectural character, and usefulness in decoration. It is 



