141 JOUKNAL OF THE fcOYAL HOftTlCULTUIUL SOCIETY. 



Ficus Krishnae. By D. Prain (Bot. May. tab. 8092).— India. Nat. 

 ord. Urticaceae ; tribe Artocarpcac. A small tree. Leaves cup-shaped, 

 upper surface outside ; receptacles axillary, globose, 6-7 linos 

 diameter. — G. II. 



Flower Preservation by Cold {Rev. Hort. June 16, 1906, 

 p. 271).— Pieony flowers preserved several months and subsequently 

 exhibited in fine condition by being cut at stages near the opening 

 period, the stems placed in watar, and the buds then stored in refrigera- 

 ting chambers, full development resulting when desired on removal to 

 warmth. Details of procedure. — C. T. D. 



Flowers by Artificial Light. By Emily E. Williamson (Garden, 

 No. 1828, p. 257 ; December 1, 1908). — In arranging flowers for evening 

 use, the first consideration should be their capabilities for lighting up well. 

 This is a subject which well repays careful study, for colours change 

 so when artificial light is used, some losing all their brilliancy and failing 

 to harmonise with their surroundings, others deepening in intensity. 

 Much disappointment may be avoided if these changes are carefully 

 noted beforehand. 



As a general rule, blues should be avoided, for although some 

 charming schemes may be worked out with cornflowers, pale blue Del- 

 phiniums (th:so make a delightful decoration, using the small side shoots 

 only), plumbago, &c, by daylight, they should nDt be employed for 

 evening purposes. Mauve is also an unsatisfactory colour On the whole, 

 but some mauve flowers whicli have a decided tinge of pink light up well, 

 amotig others certain sweet peas, such as ' Admiration,' ' Lady Grisel 

 Hamilton,' and the darker 1 Emily Elckford.'— E. T. C. 



Freesias. By S. G. Smallridge [Garden, No. 1808, p. 19; July 14, 



1906) . — I know of nothing that gives a better return for little trouble, 

 moro especially in the amateur's small greenhouse, than the Freesia. 

 My rlan of growing Freesias is to pot up the bulbs early in August in 

 a rich soil, three parts loam, one part leaf-soi], and some sand, with a 

 6 -inch potful of soot to a barrow of soil Place ten bulbs in a 6 -inch pot 

 and cover with about 1 inch of soil. Place out of doors in a sunny places 

 say, until the end of September. Then bring into a cool house, placing 

 them near the glass. See that they do not suffer from want of water. 

 When the flower spikes appear about February, the plants should have 

 a little manure water once or twice a week. 



After flowering, the faded flowers should be pinched off 1 and the plants 

 put in the sunniest place available, and kept well supplied With water 

 until the foliage begins to turn yellow ; then reduce the water gradually 

 until all the leaves are dead. The bulbs can be shaken out and sfofi'od 

 away in a dry and co.)l place until it is time to pot them up again. 

 Anycne who cares to carry out these simple instructions will be rewarded 

 with plenty of flowers.— E. T. C. 



Freesias, Pink {La Jardin, vol. xxi. No. 484, p. 12B; April 20, 



1907) . Signor Raggioneri, of Florence, lias produced a number of hybrid 



