2Q2 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



loamy soil. Return them to gentle heat, afford shade from bright sun, and before the 

 plants become root-bound, shift them into 5-inch pots, employing a fairly rich loamy- 

 compost. They may be kept in gentle heat till well established, but there must be no 

 hard forcing, as only sturdy, well-furnished plants find a ready sale. Strong plants in 

 5-inch pots ought to fetch 50s. per 100, and if shifted into 6-inch pots and grown 

 considerably larger, they are worth 12s. to 15s. per dozen. The variegated form is 

 propagated by root cuttings, or short lengths of the larger roots inserted in pans of sandy 

 soil placed in a temperature of 75° to 80°. These soon form fresh roots and leafy growth, 

 after which they may be treated similarly to seedlings, but they ought to have a peaty 

 soil. Strong plants in 5-inch pots are worth 15s. to 18s. per dozen. All ought to be 

 hardened before they are sent to the markets or exposed for sale. 



ARUMS. 



Enormous numbers of the pearly- white spathes of the "Arum Lily" are sent to the 

 markets, and they must pay for cultivation or so many would not bo grown. Those 

 who can arrange to supply them regularly, from September to Whitsuntide, at a fixed 

 price of 3s. per dozen, ought to be satisfied with the results each season. It is true, 

 the market prices, at times, touch 7s. or more per dozen, but it is equally certain they 

 drop to Is. 6d., especially when most plentiful, or during the spring. The only 

 profitable variety, as yet, is the old Richardia sethiopica. The miniature variety, Little 

 Gem, has proved an utter failure for market, while the yellow forms, R. Elliotiana and 

 P. Pentlandi, though very beautiful, arc expensive to stock, flower late, and have yet 

 to prove their worth from a market- grower's point of view. 



Two methods of cultivating Arums find favour. That most often recommended con- 

 sists of resting the plants after flowering, by withholding water to the extent of causing 

 the tops to die down. In June or July they are watered, and when starting afresh are 

 shaken clear of the old soil, divided, and re-potted. Single strong crowns are placed in 

 6-inch pots, extra strong ones in 7-inch, or three or more into 10-inch or larger sizes. The 

 smaller suckers are either placed by themselves, three in each 7-inch pot employed, or, 

 if the stock is large enough without them, they find their way to the rubbish heap. A 

 fairly rich loamy compost is used, and the plants duly arranged on a bed of ashes in a sunny 

 position in the open air, kept well supplied with water, varied later on with liquid 

 manure. When housed, about the middle of September, the plants ought to be showing 



