THE TUBEROSE. 
37 
serving the roots of each as entire as possible, and spreading 
them out regularly round the pot, fill up the sides to within an 
inch of the rim of the pot, pressing the soil moderately firm, give 
a gentle watering, and the work is complete. From what I have 
advanced, the beginner will not be surprised to hear, that on the 
attention subsequently given, most of his success depends ; that 
the compost exercises an influence on the plants is unquestionable, 
but its greatest effects are visible only in size ; purity, regularity, 
and the many other “ points” depending mainly on how they are 
managed through the growing season. 
The best loam I ever obtained, was taken from a pasture field ; 
about six inches, including the turf, was dug and laid in a heap 
for near twelve months, when it broke up in excellent condition, 
only requiring the addition of manure, and a careful examination 
for insects. 
Flortsta. 
CULTURE OF THE TUBEROSE. 
The season being at hand for beginning the culture of this 
most fragrant plant, I venture to offer a few remarks on the 
subject, having been very successful in the management of a 
considerable number. The first thing is to secure good roots; 
they are annually imported, the greater part from Italy, and are 
readily known from such as may have been grown in this country, 
by their lighter colour; the best are nearly white, the bulb should 
be large, plump and firm, with as few offsets as possible : one or 
two small ones are not objectionable, as they help to clothe the 
bottom with foliage, but such as have three or four, and those of 
considerable size, should be rejected, as the chances are that each 
will endeavour to form a flower spike, and none of them pos¬ 
sessing sufficient strength, the result will prove an abortion. 
From the middle of February till the end of March they may be 
potted in succession, putting a single root into a four-inch pot; 
the soil should be composed of equal parts loam, sand and rotten 
manure; the top of an old melon bed, with a little sand added, 
suits them well. When first potted they may be placed under the 
stage of the greenhouse, or some other only partially light place. 
