LILY OF THE VALLEY FORCING. 



259 



forcing, as absolutely no new roots are formed during this period; 

 anything, in fact, which retains moisture will do. You cannot 

 improve the blooms by planting the crowns in the very best of 

 soil, or by giving them manure water. All the nutriment 

 required for the development of the flowers is gathered during 

 the previous growing season, and is stored up in the roots. 



Fig. 18.— lily of the valley (berlin var.). (Gardeners' Chronicle.) 



It is not generally known that forced lilies will bear almost 

 any rough treatment. They can be pulled out of their boxes or 

 pots when in full bloom for making up into fancy stands, orna- 

 mental pots, and nicknacks of any description without flagging 

 or spoiling. They can be sent by post or rail hundreds of miles, 

 packed in a little damp moss, when they may be again planted 



