CROWN IMPERIAL, 
CROWN IMPERIAL. 
Early in the spring, before the frost is fairly out of the ground, the strong flower stem of 
the Crown Imperial begins to appear, and gradually it ascends, the most brilliant green of the 
garden, the true herald of spring, upward and 
upward, until it stands erect full three feet in 
height, its glossy emerald leaves waving in the 
breeze, and often bending beneath the untimely 
snow. Nearly at the top of this column appears 
the flowery crown of bell-shaped flowers, and 
above these a tuft of leaves, all forming a pretty 
crown from which its name is derived. Although 
the Crown Imperial is so pretty in early spring, 
its fragrance is not at all desirable. The flower 
stem, when removed, leaves an open space in the 
center of the bulb, which sometimes causes those 
inexperienced to consider the bulb injured. 
There are several varieties, differing mainly in 
the color of the flowers, as yellow, scarlet, red, 
orange, &c. The bulbs should be planted four 
or five inches deep and about a foot apart. They 
will not usually flower the first year after planting. 
This is one of those hardy and useful plants about 
which there is no mystery or difficulty. Once 
put in the g^-ound, and having obtained a fair 
start, it will continue to grow and increase 
from year to year, until the children become men and women, and often decorate the graves of 
those who first planted them, scores of years before. 
SMILAX. 
This plant, a native of the Cape of Good Hope, has now become one of the essentials of the 
florist and amateur. It is extensively used in decorating parlors and reception rooms and for dec- 
orating the hair, and for trimming party dresses, for which purpose it is not only admirably adapted, 
being an extremely 
graceful vine, with 
dossy green leaves, but 
surpasses anything with 
which wc are acquaint- 
ed. With a little care 
it can be grown suc- 
cessfully as a house 
plant. The vine does 
not require the full sun, 
but will grow well in a 
partially shaded • situa- 
tion. It can be trained 
on a small thread across 
the window or around 
pictures. Grown from 
both seeds and bulbs. smilax. 
Pot the bulbs as soon as received, watering but little until you see signs of growth. They 
grow very rapidly, and should always have strings to twine on. Give plenty of fresh air, but be 
careful and not let a direct draft of cold air blow upon the vines, as they are very tender when 
young. Give them a warm place, and they will amply repay all care. When growth is complete the 
foliage will turn yellow. Then gradually withhold water, and allow the bulbs to dry. They 
then can be put away in some dry, cool place. After they have been in this dormant state six or 
eight weeks they will begin to show signs of life, and then are ready for another season's growth, 
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