CO 
TIIK FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
posed that the French bulbs were not so true as the Dutch, but in each 
instance mine were true. They—the French bulbs—resemble the Double 
Homan so closely in size and appearance, that it has been thought they 
were identical; but I have noticed this difference in their growth, that whereas 
the double variety throws up but one stalk, the single Italian have the flowering- 
stalk surrounded b}r several smaller ones that do not produce flowers. The 
Double Homan flowered next, but they are scarcely worth growing, excepting 
that they are very early. You can only get three or four flowers on a truss, but 
then this spare production is very acceptable at this season of the year. I had 
six bulbs in a six-inch pot also. In a pot 4 inches in diameter I had bulbs of the 
blue Scilla sibirica. They would have won the race instead of being but third, 
but wanted sunlight to open the strong thick-set foliage in order to allow the 
flowers to emerge into notice. Then I had to turn floral accoucheur. I assisted 
nature as kindly as I could by gently opening the stout grass and liberating the 
tiny blue prisoner within. These charming little spring flowers throw two and 
three spikes of flowers each about 5 inches in height, while the foliage scarcely 
reaches beyond an inch or so. Diminutive as they are, they are always much in 
demand. I have also some Scillas in boxes that up to the present time have been 
denizens of a cool cellar. This has kept them backward, and they are now just 
throwing up their flowers to succeed the others, which, having “ played their part ” 
on my floricultural stage, have given place to other actors, which will appear in the 
next act in the representation. Three pots of single Yan Thol Tulips, containing 
four bulbs in each, now form a glorious trio. They were the last in the race, but 
they make the gaudiest show. One cannot always get the bulbs to flower at the 
same time, and it is generally recommended that they should be transplanted in 
order to insure that. I have seen boxfuls of them planted and then potted up, 
to secure, as far as possible, uniformity of bloom. Mine were planted in their 
blooming pots, and are nicely in flower together. 
Taking these as a first series of experiments, my second consists of a sweet- 
scented Cyclamen persicum that is giving forth some flowers, the pale flesh colour 
of which is just manifesting itself through the stout armour-plating of the bud, by 
which nature defends the flower. By its side I have Crocuses in pots, whose buds 
are just appearing from among their grassy surroundings. Eight bulbs in a four- 
inch pot give a good head of bloom, and, if not exposed to too much warmth, they 
remain in flower for some days. A dwarf and early-flowering single white Tulip, 
called White Swan, is also bursting into bloom, but not sufficiently forward to 
admit of my saying much about its worth. I am watching its advent with some 
interest, as, to my knowledge, I have never yet seen it in bloom, and I am of 
opinion that a dwarf early-flowering white Tulip is greatly desired. I have also 
a variety of Oxalis in a pot, the name of which I do not know. It grows very 
freely, and makes foliage rapidly; and I am training it round four perpendicular 
sticks. I cannot discern any signs of buds forming, but I am pleased to have 
its bright green foliage in my window. 
Hyacinths in glasses and pots are making rapid headway ; so also are some 
other Harcissus and Tulips. My next paper shall give details respecting these 
strata in my floricultural geological formation. 
My simple agents are a few pots and glasses, two or three small boxes, a 
couple of glass dishes, and one or two other vessels; some soil, a little trouble, 
some patience, and a considerable amount of real pleasure. Some may think I 
niake too much of my doings, some may envy me, others may endeavour to follow 
m my steps, with more or less of my success as their reward; but neither blame, 
ncr envy, nor praise, nor emulation, can rob me of a gratification I derive from the 
prosecution of my little plans, and that I would not barter away for much that 
the world passes current for pleasure, which 
“ Are like Poppies spread. 
You seize the flower, its bloom is shed ; 
Or, like the snowfalls in the river, 
A moment white,—then melt for ever ; 
Or, like the borealis lace, 
That flits ere you can point their place ; 
Or, like the rainbow’s lovely form, 
Evanishing amid the storm.” 
Quo. 
