CONTALLAKIA. 



65 



per cent, of perfect flowers in December, something pre- 

 viously unheard of in the culture of this flower, at that 

 season. This result came because the pips had their 

 needed rest after being fully matured and ripened. Had 

 they been four weeks longer in growing, as they are in 

 some other localities, they would not have endured the 

 forcing necessary to produce early flowers. Pips grown 

 where they mature later, are equally as good for late 

 winter or spring flowers, and better for very late flowers, 

 after having been in cold storage. 



The culture of the Lily of the Valley is simple, yet, 

 if not understood, failure will surely result. The 

 method generally pursued is to place the pips in shallow 

 boxes, say four inches deep, although three inches is 

 quite sufficient, in soil or sphagnum, it matters but little 

 what, as the pips do not throw out new roots, but sub- 

 sist wholly on the food stored up in their growth, and 

 the water given during the forcing period. One inch 

 apart each way is sufficient space ; some grow them 

 even closer, but we should not recommend it. The best 

 way is to set the flat, or box, on the bench, at an angle 

 of about forty-five degrees, put half an inch of soil, or 

 moss, or a mixture of both, at the end, then a row of 

 pips, and alternate one inch apart, until the box is filled ; 

 the top of the pip should be but little below the surface. 

 When full, water thoroughly. Place the boxes, as filled, 

 in a cold frame or shed, where they can have a little 

 frost, but not severe freezing. Some mulching should 

 be thrown over the tops, to prevent freezing, as well as 

 to keep the air from them. They should remain in this 

 condition, at least, four weeks, when they may be 

 brought into the forcing house as wanted. The putting 

 of the pips into the boxes should commence as soon as 

 they arrive from Europe, as they are liable to get heated, 

 more or less, in passage, which starts them into growth. 

 The longer they remain unpacked, unless they are placed 

 5 



