360 



MANUAL OF GARDENING 



down by frost, dig them, dry the roots of superfluous moisture, and 

 store till wanted in late winter or spring. 



Calceolaria. — The calceolarias are small greenhouse herbs some- 

 times used in the window-garden. They are not very satisfactory 

 plants for window treatment, however, since they suffer from dry 

 atmosphere and from sudden changes of temperature. 



The calceolarias are grown from seeds. If the seeds are sown in 

 early summer and the young plants are transplanted as they need, 

 flowering specimens may be had for the late fall and earl}^ winter. In 

 the growing of the young plants, always avoid exposing them to direct 

 sunlight; but they should be given a place that has an abundance of 

 screened or tempered Hght. A new crop of plants should be raised 

 each year. 



There is a race of shrubby calceolarias, but it is little known in this 

 country. One or two species are annuals adaptable to cultivation in 

 the open garden, and their little ladyslipper-like flowers are attractive. 

 However, they are of secondary importance as annual garden flowers. 



Calla (properly Richardia), Egyptian lily. — The calla is one of 

 the most satisfactory of winter house-plants, lending itself to various 

 conditions. 



The requirements of the calla are rich soil and an abundance of 

 water, with the roots confined in as small a sj^ace as possible. If a 

 too large pot is used, the growth of foliage will be very rank, at the 

 expense of the flowers; but by using a smaller-sized pot and applying 

 liquid manure, the flowers will be produced freely. A 6-inch pot will 

 be large enough for all but an exceptionally large bulb or tuber. If 

 desired, a number of tubers may be grown together in a larger pot. 

 The soil should be very rich but fibrous — at least one third well-rotted 

 manure will be none too much, mixed with equal parts of fibrous loam 

 and sharp sand. The tubers should be planted firmly and the pots 

 set in a cool place to make roots. After the roots have partially filled 

 the pot, the plant may be brought into heat and given a sunny position 

 and an abundance" of water. An occasional sponging or washing of 

 the leaves will free them from dust. No other treatment will be re- 

 quired until the flowers appear, when liquid manure may be given. 



