260 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
Eucomis. — A genus of more or less hardy bulbous- 
rooted perennials, belonging to the Lily family (Liliaceae), and 
natives of S. Africa. There are several species, but the only 
one likely to do well in well-drained sandy soil in a warm 
border is E punctata. This has green, recurving leaves 
spotted with purple beneath, and creamy-white, waxy, fragrant 
flowers borne on cylindrical trusses i to 2ft. high in summer. 
Plant the bulbs 3m. deep and a foot or so apart in Sep- 
tember. In winter protect with a covering of leaves. Increased 
by offsets in September. 
Fritillaria (Fritillary).— A genus of hardy bulbous 
plants, belonging to the Lily order (Liliaceae), and of which 
the Crown Imperial (F. Imperialis) is a well-known example. 
Following are some of the best species to grow: F. aurea, 
golden-yellow ; height 6in. ; native of Asia Minor. F. armena, 
rich yellow ; 6in. ; Asia Minor. Rubra is a plum-coloured 
variety of the latter. F. citrina has bright green bells shaded 
with citron-yellow ; Asia Minor. F. coccinea bears red flowers 
with recurving petals. F. Elwesii has bright green bell-shaped 
flowers, reflexed at mouth and blotched with reddish-brown. 
F. Imperialis (Crown Imperial) grows 2 to 3ft. high, and bears 
yellow flowers in April. Of this species there are several 
varieties, to wit, Aurora, old gold with dark centre ; lutea, 
yellow ; rubra, red ; Giant Red, orange-red, large ; Giant 
Yellow, yellow, large; aureo variegata, orange-red with leaves 
edged with yellow ; and sulphurine, buff. F. kamschatica or 
camtschatcensis (Black Lily) has deep blackish-red, bell-shaped 
flowers, spotted with purple ; height 6in. ; native of Siberia, 
etc. F. lanceolata grows ift. high, is a native of N. America, 
and has curiously mottled brown, green and yellow flowers. 
F. libanotica has lilac and yellow flowers and glaucous green 
foliage; height i8in. F. Moggridgei (Golden Snake’s Head) 
is a very pretty species with golden-yellow pendulous flowers ; 
height 6in. ; S. Europe. F. fJallidiftoi»a is a Siberian species ; 
has yellow flowers chequered with rose or purple ; height gin. 
F. persica (Persian Lily) is a Persian species with violet-blue 
scented flowers ; height 2ft. F. Meleagris (Snake’s Head 
Fritillary) is a native species, growing 12 to i8in. high, and 
bearing purple or purplish-maroon tesellated flowers. There 
is a white variety named alba, and several others with variously 
coloured markings. F. pudica has small golden-yellow 
fragrant flowers ; height 6in. ; native of Rocky Mountains. F. 
recurva has orange-scarlet drooping flowers, and is very 
pretty; height ift. ; native California. Many others will be 
found in trade lists and books, but those mentioned are the 
best. Now a word as to culture. The Crown Imperial will 
thrive in any good ordinary soil in sun or in partial shade. Some 
