154 RICHARDIA iETHIOPICA ROSE. 



blooming ; such a change may cause the bud to de- 

 cay or blast the open flower. A few drops of aqua 

 ammonia added to the water which is given the 

 plant, once a week, will stimulate growth and 

 bloom. To accelerate flowering it is well to give it 

 quite warm water and by increasing the heat at 

 each application, it will even bear boiling water. 

 This is frequently done to force bloom and does 

 not injure the plant. 



The Calla is liable to be infested with spiders. A 

 vigilant watch should be kept for them, and the 

 plant frequently washed with soapsuds which, if 

 persevered in, will exterminate them. 



Richardia BLthiopica, the old large variety attaining three feet in 

 height ; flowers sometimes eight inches in length. 



Richardia AL'hiopica Nana, a dwarf variety smaller in all its parts 

 than the common Calla. In this respect it is more desirable, being 

 more convenient to handle than the strong growing species; the 

 flower also being much smaller are available for vases, baskets of 

 cut flowers, or other decorations. 



ROSE. 



The name for the Queen of Flowers is similar 

 in all European languages but the English word 

 Rose is attributed to the Celtic rhod y red ; in refer- 

 ence to its prevailing color. It is native of all 

 regions of the globe from the frozen Arctics to 

 Sahara ; where soil and moisture disappear the 

 Moss Rose flourishes. Asia has the greatest num- 

 ber of species and China has furnished the parent 



