CONSERVATORY PLANTS— CfflONODOXA, DTELVTRA. 



grown clumps or purchase importations, treating them as advised for dielytras, though 

 staking is seldom unnecessary. 



Some of the bnlbous or tuberous-rooted plants next to be treated upon, may be 

 thought by some persons to be of even greater importance than the plants given 

 precedence. It is a ques- 

 tion of taste, and they will 

 be taken in alphabetical 

 order for convenience only. 



Chionodoxa. — The 

 beautiful C. Lucilia?, in 

 three forms, blue, rose and 

 white, is a desirable forcing 

 plant, and can be had in 

 bloom quite early in the 

 winter. Home-grown bulbs 

 should be preferred ; these, 

 as a rule, producing finer 

 spikes than do those im- 

 ported. Pot early, placing 

 from five to seven bulbs in 

 a 5-inch pot, and treat simi- 

 larly to Eoman hyacinths. 



Crocuses. — Although 

 showy and easy to flower, 

 crocuses are not grown in 

 pots nearly so much as 

 formerly, probably owing 



to the flowers not finding favour in a cut state. There are numerous varieties avail- 

 able, and among the best for flowering early in pots are Albion, Cloth of Silver, Golden 

 Yellow, and King of the Blues. The corms keep well in a dry, cool state, and may 

 therefore be potted at intervals of a fortnight, from October to the end of the year. 

 Place about five corms in each 5-inch pot, and treat similarly to hyacinths. Gentle 

 forcing must be the rule with these bright and cheerful flowers. 



Freesias. — These are among the most elegant and acceptable of all bulbous-rooted 



Copyright S. # S.] 



Fig. 138. DlELYTRA SPECTABILIS (IjLEEDINO HEART) 



From a photograph . 



