6 
IKE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
sion of flowers that continued till the end of October. Immediately they were 
removed I planted the box with Crocuses, for I lose no time in keeping up the 
succession of my floricultural crops. It is feet in length, and 8 inches in 
width. In the centre are blue Crocus, on either side of these are small patches 
of Cloth of Gold, the one end has white, and the other violet-striped varieties. 
They are now 1 inch above the soil, and promise a good head of bloom. 
The position of the box is a sheltered one, so I am hopeful to get through the 
severity of the winter without having to apply any protection whatever against 
the influences of frost. A thin piece of boarding about 2 inches in diameter, 
inclining inwards from the outside of the box, prevents any drip caused by the 
beating rain playing on the wall over the window. 
To return again to “ past operations; ” and the chronicling of another 
success must close this paper. I have to state how remarkably well I succeeded 
in flowering two bulbs of Japan Lilies during last summer. Profiting by a hint 
or two gathered in the neighbourhood of Leeds, where these Lilies are admirably 
cultivated, I obtained two sound bulbs and planted them quite at the bottom of 
two large pots, 8 inches in diameter. This was done about the end of January 
last. Kept in a cool dry cellar, it was April ere they began to evidence growth. 
As the flower-stalks ascend, they throw out rootlets just above the top of the 
bulb. I secured some well-rotted manure, and kept filling up the pot as the stalk 
gained in height. They also had been placed in the open air as soon as the 
weather permitted. I kept them well watered and my care was rewarded with 
thirteen blooms on the one stalk, and twelve on the other. They, too, were 
sprinkled overhead every evening, and I occasionally sponged the leaves to 
keep them clean. When heavy rain threatened they w’ere lifted into the house, 
and as soon as the danger w r as past they were again placed in the open air. 
I am certain that even in London’s most crowded parts the Japan Lilies can be 
cultivated successfully, supposing the simple instructions I have here laid 
down be carefully followed. 
“ Present attempts” must be reserved till next month. My spare moments 
—and they are few—are devoted to the prosecution of my favourite “ hobby.” 
I shall be repaid if the unvarnished narrative of my doings shall excite the 
interest of the readers of the Florist and Pomologist ; more than this, I shall 
be rewarded if I can by so doing incite in some of those who “ linger over the 
page” to “ go and do likewise.” 
Quo. 
PEGGED-DOWN ROSES. 
It is not generally known how fine Roses may be grown, and what pleasing 
effects may be produced, by growing them on this system. I was last year 
induced to adopt this plan with four beds of vigorous dwarf varieties, and was so 
satisfied with the experiment, that the entire stock of my dwarf Roses will 
next season be subjected to similar treatment. Before I give the necessary 
instructions it will be well to make a few remarks. I have found by this 
system that a much greater quantity of good blooms can be produced; also, 
that the blooming period can be considerably prolonged, and that many 
varieties having a tendency to produce blooms so thickly surrounded with buds 
that it is impossible for them to open freely, will, in several instances, bring 
single blooms of great size. Not only are these advantages apparent, but the 
general appearance of the beds is enhanced; and the plants, being more dwarf, 
are not so much subjected to the injurious action of the winds. I may say that 
nearly the whole of the blooms with which I won the two first prizes at the 
