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THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
Watsonia (Bugle Lily). — A genus of tender bulbous 
plants, adapted for outdoor culture in the south and west parts 
of the kingdom only. They resemble the gladioli in growth 
and flowers. Natives of South Africa, and members of the 
Iris family (Iridaceae). Only two species are suitable for out- 
door culture, and these, with their respective varieties, are W. 
meriana, purple-scarlet, May ; W. meriana coccinea, scarlet ; 
W. meriana iridifolia, white ; W. meriana roseo-alba, pink and 
white; W. rosea, rose, July. These must be grown in a 
prepared bed of peat, leaf-mould and loam in a sunny corner 
of the garden. Plant the bulbs 3m. deep and 3m. apart in 
autumn, and .otherwise treat as advised for early-flowering 
gladioli. Increased by offsets. 
Zephyranthes (Swamp Lilies; Zephyr Flower). — A 
genus of bulbous plants, few of which are hardy enough to 
succeed outdoors. The hardiest are Z. atamasco, a native of 
Virginia, white flowered, June; Z. Candida, white and rose, 
September, native of La Plata; Z. carinata, rosy-pink, June, 
Central America ; Z. rosea, rosy-red, September, Cuba ; Z. 
tubispatha, white fragrant, June, Central America; and Z. 
Andersoni, red and gold, June, Monte Video. All grow 6 to 
Sin. high, and require to be grown in well-drained sandy loam 
in a sunny border, or on a rockery. Plant the bulbs 3m. deep 
and 3in. apart in September. Lift and replant every third 
year. In winter protect with bracken or dried tree leaves. 
Increased by offsets. 
HARDY GRASSES. 
Agrostis (Cloud Grass).— A genus of flowering grasses 
(Gramineae) noteworthy for the elegance of their inflorescence 
in a living or dried state. When fully developed the inflorescence 
is very useful for cutting, for mixing with cut flowers for indoor 
decoration, and if cut directly full development is attained, 
then tied in small bunches and hung head downwards in a 
cool shed, it will make a pleasing winter decoration for vases, 
etc. The seeds should be sown in patches, or in rows, outdoors 
in April, May, or September. The species worthy of culture 
are : A. nebulosa, 15m., very fine and elegant; and A. pulchella, 
dwarf, also very pretty, 6in. ; A. minutiflora, very graceful 
indeed. All are hardy annuals. 
