VAEIOUS BULBS. 



147 



Dielytra spectabilis, — Hard}^, thriving best in warm, moist 

 localities, the Dielytra is a fine border plant. It does splendidly 

 in the Sister Isle and in Wales ; in other parts of the country 

 it is equally valuable. For the decoration of the conservatory in 

 early spring the Dielj^tra is invaluable, while for a fancy vase in 

 the drawing-room it is not easily surpassed, either for grace or 

 beauty, when w^ell grown. Strong crowns lifted in autumn and 

 put in pots of the smallest size that will accommodate them can 

 be easily brought into flower, and as from 50^ to 55^ is all the 

 heat needed or advised this is essentially a i)lant for the amateur 

 to grow. Put the cro^vns in a compost of loam, peat, and leaf 

 soil, and stand them in a cold frame until they are wanted for 

 gentle forcing. Division of the crov\^ns in spring is the best and 

 easiest method of increasing stock. 



Galtonia candicans. — This is a very handsome bulbous 

 plant, whose tall spikes of creamy white bell-shaped flowers are 

 well-nigh indispensable in the border in August. Procure bulbs 

 and plant them 8 or 9 inches deep in any ordinary garden soil, 

 avoiding the use of fresh manure where possible, and when it 

 must be employed keeping it from actually touching the roots. 

 Olisets or seeds, the latter sown in gentle heat, form ready means 

 of increase. This plant is commonly grown under the name of 

 Hyacinthus candicans. 



Lilies of the Valley.— Cold storage has worked many wonders, 

 and by its application to Lily of the Valley we are able to have 

 - the beautiful fragrant bells all the year round. From June to 

 January, and even longer, the nurseryman will supply retarded 

 crowns, and by simply potting or boxing these, and placing them in 

 a temperature of 50"^ to 55°, excellent spikes are produced in from 

 three to four weeks. Moist atmosphere and total darkness until the 

 spikes are well up are other essentials to good results. But the 

 whole matter is delightfully simple. Unretarded crow^ns continue 

 the supply, but these are more exacting, and need from 80° to 

 90^ of heat to bring them along satisfactorily. Following these 

 come the clumps imported from Holland or Germany, and they 

 also require plenty of heat and moisture. Out of doors Lily 

 of the Valley is too often left severely alone. The position of the 

 selected plot may be right enough, but subsequent attention is 

 frequently conspicuous by its abi^ence. A partially shaded spot 

 and deeply worked soil, to which plenty of decayed manure and leaf 

 mould is added, will meet all requirements. Plant single crowns in 

 February or ]\[arch, placing them G inches apart. Apply a good top- 

 dressing of decayed manure and leaf mould each autumn, and lift 

 and replant the bed every fourth or fifth year. 



