THE FLOWER GROWERS GUIDE. 



during Lent), unci others for succession can be easily brought on. Hard forcing only 

 results in a bad attack of green fly. Treat the bulbs of the white forms of L. lancifo- 

 lium similarly to the other species, with the exception of starting them in cold frames. 

 They may bo brought on gently so as to have some in flower in June or July, the rest 

 flowering later. Top-dressings would be wasted on L. candidum, but the others should 

 have a good surfacing of coarse, rich, loamy compost directly the stems begin to show 

 roots just above the soil. 



Lilium blooms arc marketed in two ways. The first to open are usually cut with 

 short stems, the long tubed sorts fetching 2s. to 4s. per dozen, and those cut later on with 

 long stems 3s. to 5s., according to the time of year. If timed right for Easter, when 

 they are in great demand for church decoration, still higher prices should be obtained. 

 Candidums and lancifoliums are similarly treated, the single blooms realising from 4d. to 

 Is. per dozen, and the long stems or spikes 2s. to 3s. per dozen. 



LILY OF THE VALLEY. 

 Since the plan of retarding crowns has come into vogue, there is little or no need to 

 resort to hard forcing, and it is now possible to have Lily of the Yalley spikes in good 

 condition all the year round. Gentle heat suits retarded crowns, and as these can be 

 bought in large or small quantities, at only slightly advanced prices, a steady supply 

 can be maintained for a local demand. For forcing purposes, German or Vienna crowns 

 are much superior to those grown in Holland, and it is a noteworthy fact that the 

 smaller, or two-year-old crowns, force the more readily, only the flower spike is smaller. 

 The crowns, when received (clumps are heavy and too expensive), should be packed 

 closely together in pots or boxes, yet have a little soil among the roots ; and all will 

 start the quicker if first exposed to a frost. Strong bottom heat, or, say, 80° to 85°, 

 with abundance of water is necessary for successful forcing, and a close, darkened frame 

 hastens growth, also draws up the flower spikes and leaves, the latter being of the 

 delicate green colour that so well sets off the blooms. They may be had in flower in 

 about three weeks after inserting the crowns. Before cutting the spikes expose them 

 to light and air for a few days, and if kept till nearly all the flowers are opened on each 

 stem, they will fetch better prices than if cut earlier. They ought not to be bunched 

 up tightly in dozens, with all the flowers in the centre (a), but the leaves and flower 

 spikes should be well mixed (6), and made to look more imposing by the aid of a central 

 folded pad of moist cotton wool or spare leaves (e). They are then packed in 



