MARKET PLANTS.— TUBEROSES— VIOLETS. 



337 



the year, it is possible to maintain a constant supply of flowers, say from March to 

 midwinter, by starting the forcing of a portion of the bulbs directly they are received, 

 introducing others successionally throughout the season, and retarding large 

 quantities in the open for flowering during the autumn, and the early part of the 

 winter. 



Sound, heavy, but not extra large tubers are the best, these costing from 40s. to 50s. 

 per 1,000. Let those which are not potted early be kept cool and dry, but all should 

 be in their pots by the end of May. Before potting, clear the tubers of all side growths, 

 sinking them to two-thirds of their depth in rich, loamy soil, either singly in 5-inch pots, 

 or three in each 6-inch pot. Forcing in a temperature of G0° to 70° may commence 

 directly the bulbs or tubers are received. Later batches for continuing the supply, may 

 be started in gentle heat. They answer very well with the pots buried in cocoanut 

 fibre refuse, under stages and similar positions till growth starts, and can then be 

 introduced into, and grown in, light positions as desired. Little water is needed at first, 

 applying abundance, varied with liquid manure, when the soil is well occupied with 

 roots. Syringe freely to keep down red spider. 



Flower spikes will be produced by nearly all the tubers, more or less irregularly, and 

 should be supported with stakes. When all the flowers have been gathered, throw 

 away the plants and make room for more. The later batches ought to have the shelter 

 of cold frames at first, but ail through the summer may be grown quite in the open, 

 placing the more forward under glass, before the flowers open, and the remainder before 

 September frosts cripple them. The retarded plants will give fine spikes of bloom in 

 gentle heat. From first to last, bottom heat may be dispensed with. 



VIOLETS. 



Violet culture partakes somewhat of the character of a lottery. During a mild 

 autumn and winter the flowers are so plentiful that the prices are too low for the 

 crops to be remunerative, while a severe frost may damage the plants to such an 

 extent as to quite mar the season's prospects. This applies to the hardier Kussian 

 Violets, including the old Czar, also the newer and finer forms, such as Princess of 

 Wales, Queen Victoria, and the distinct Amiral Avcllan (misprinted "Aryan" on 

 page 126, Vol. II.). These at times sell at Is. to Is. 6d. per dozen bunches of twelve to 

 eighteen blooms, according to their size, and with no long checks from frost the crops pay 

 well. Double violets of the Marie Louise type, are not quite so much in demand as 



VOL. III. X X 



