loruulturr. 
SPRING FLOWERING BULBS, 
Early spring flowering bulbs are especial¬ 
ly valuable on account of the small space 
they occupy in proportion to the number 
and size of flowers produced. They also 
come into bloom at a time when other flow¬ 
ers are extremely scarce, and the long, 
dreary winters of a Northern latitude make 
us enjoy all the more keenly the first buds 
and blossoms of spring. Merely a wish or 
desire to have a line display of spring flow¬ 
ers will not, as a rule, bring them ; but some 
forethought and preparation in advance of 
the season is required, and early autumn is 
the proper lime for these operations. 
The different species of bulbs vary as 
much in their seasons of growth and rest as 
they do in the time of blooming. Those 
that flower early in spring, like the Snow¬ 
drop and Hyacinth, ripen early, remaining 
dormant during the hot, dry weather of 
summer. It is at this lime that the bulbs 
are taken up and transplanted, or perhaps 
laid away in a cool, dry place until autumn, 
when they arc again put into the earth. 
Hyacinths, Tulips and Crocuses are sup¬ 
posed to degenerate ill our climate, whether 
owing to the want of proper soil and treat¬ 
ment, or really because of uncongenial cli¬ 
mate, we cannot tell; but of one tiling we 
are quite certain, and that is, they do de¬ 
generate, and in a few years are far less 
beautiful than when first imported. This 
idea, whether true or false, that a fresh 
supply of foreign grown bulbs is frequently 
necessary to produce a line show of those 
flowers has become so general that import¬ 
ing “Dutch Bulbs,” as they are called, to 
supply the demand, is quite an extensive 
and important business in itself, employing 
many salesmen and a large amount of capi¬ 
tal. The fact being known that a few kinds 
of bulbs degenerate in our climate, lias led 
many persons to suppose that nearly all 
do the same, which is certainly an error, 
and the results are seen in the almost total 
neglect of others that would, with proper 
care, thrive, and continue to bo as fine here 
as in Holland or any other country. 
fcioll lor Bulbs. 
Various composts have been recommend¬ 
ed as especially suited to bulbous plants; 
and the very fact that each lias and is a suc¬ 
cess is sufficient proof of the non-esseutial- 
ness of all. it must not, however, be sup¬ 
posed ilial bulbs will thrive in a poor soil, 
or one that is so shallow and hard that it 
will not hold a good supply of moisture. 
For all the early spring flowering bulbs the 
soil should be made rich and deep, but avoid 
all rank, tmfennented manures. Always use 
a compost made of buni-yard manure and 
old sods, leaf mold, peat, charcoal dust, or 
some similar material, or even all of them 
together, if readily obtained. If the soil is a 
heavy day, then there will be a greater ne¬ 
cessity of adding some light friable material. 
Time to JL’Iuut. 
Avoid waiting until the earth is cold and 
wet, for the planting cannot be so well done 
ns earlier in the season. Besides, most of 
the spring flowering bulbs will throw out 
new roots in autumn, if planted early, and 
thereby be in a better condition to withstand 
the cold of winter. In our Northern States 
October is the best month, although Novem¬ 
ber or even December may do in some soils 
and localities. 
Depth to Plant. 
The largest bulbs are usually planted 
deeper than small ones, but, as a rule, and in 
properly prepared soil, three to four inches 
is sufficient. 
How to Plant. 
When the beds are finished and the sur¬ 
face raked smooth, (not level, for the center 
should always be the highest,) dig holes 
with a transplanting trowel for the large 
bulbs, such as Hyacinth, and use a dibble 
for the small ones, like Tulips and Snow¬ 
drops. Never plant these bulbs in rows, but 
in groups; the larger kinds may be placed a 
foot apart each way, and the smaller not 
more than two or three inches. A single 
bulb of Snowdrop makes a meager show, 
but a clump of a dozen or more attracts at¬ 
tention. 
Selection of Kinds. 
The delicate little Snowdrop (Galanthus 
nivalis) should,as its name implies, be placed 
first on the list. The double Snowdrop is 
perhaps more highly prized Ilian Hie single, 
and the bulbs usually cost a trifle more. If 
Snowdrops are scattered about on a lawn 
they will succeed well for a few seasons, 
and when peeping up through the short 
grass, iu spring, appear really more charm¬ 
ing than when planted among other bulbs 
or in a separate bed by themselves. 
The Crocus. 
(See Fig. 2.) There are several species, 
and varieties almost innumerable in cultiva¬ 
tion. They vary in color from the purest 
white to dark purple or violet, besides the 
deep yellow and the various intermingling , 
of all these colors to make up the variegated necessarily confined to professional florists glove-like flowers all the season; and Con¬ 
sorts. The crocuses deteriorate somewhat with their green-houses and appliances. All icera, a urea reticulata , with its fine yellow 
in our climate, but with proper care in trans* lovers of the beautiful in floral growths, variegated foliage. For droopers, nothing 
planting every two years and giving them whether living in narrow city quarters with among late novelties is for some time likely 
good, rich soil they will retain their size and only a sunny window or portico in which to to supersede the well known Lysmachia or 
brilliancy of color for many years. do their gardening, or the better favored moneywort, Saxifragiw, Lobelias, Scdunis, 
The ilracluth. residents of the country, may enter into it, &c. Add to these the Tradcscanlhia « in va- 
Tll j a i 8 nr obablv the most popular of all and with a little outlay and rightly directed riety, Limrias, the yellow-flowering Gaza- 
inanageuient, secure, after a short season of nias, Mimulm vmchatus and Triginoides , 
brilliancy o 1 color tor many years. 
The ilracluth. 
This is probably the most popular of all 
the imported bulbous plants. In fact it is 
a general favorite, and no one thinks their 
garden complete without a bed of hyacinth ; 
grow th, such a mass of climbers, droopers 
and flowering plants, as will be estimated as 
Fig. 1.—TULIP. Fig. 2.—-CROCUS. 
but unfortunately they deteriorate more | priceli 
rapidly than any other kind and require incun 
frequent renewal. By using a compost of I ai 
leaf mold, charcoal and cow manure, we by am 
have kept up the vigor of our hyacinths for in a p 
three or four years without annual trans- near 1 
planting, although we think the latter plan the lie 
desirable. Besides the common hyacinth ing sn 
(11. orientalis) there are several other species and w 
of which there are many varieties, but none every 
equal the former. sloclci 
Narcissus. no ^ cc 
(See fig. 8). A variety of Narcissus is I P‘--H 
very desirable, for they come into bloom mawe 
soon after and some of them at the same * l,( 
time as Hyacinths. The range of color is sel or 
not very great, being mostly of the different } 111 ' P 1; 
shades of while and yellow. There is, how- m at) 
ever, a great variety of form, some large and 111 ft 
full double (see fig. 4), like Staten General , = cmi 
or single and deliciously fragrant like Poeti- vase, 
rus. Some of the species and their varieties P l 
arc rather tender, but wlmt are usually called SO|1K ‘ 
Daffodils (Narcissus,pseudo-narcissus) may be '* ^ 1,1 
planted on good soil and remain undisturbed moisti 
for years. sides 1 
Tulips. the in 
(See Fig. 1.) The Tulip ranks second to dry sc 
the Hyacinth in importance as an early tton. 
spring flower. Some of the varieties, such even 1 
ns Due von Thols, bloom very early; others mgs,« 
come in a little later, and all may be classed more 
as spring flowers, lu color there is even a ' in 
wider rauge than in either of the other kinds lookii 
we have named. There are also many size i 
double sorts, but the single ones arc really body 
the most beautiful In form. they 1 
There are other spring flowering bulbs ^oi 
worthy of a place in every garden; but those e ^ evei 
we have named will be likely to give the or 1110 
most general satisfaction, and they are with- mouu 
in the reach of all, whether rich or poor, llie 
w 
’/{ 
Fig. 3 and 4—NARCISSUS. 
priceless, compared with the actual expo.se 
incurred in its production. 
I am aware that many attempts are made 
by amateurs at filling baskets, which result 
in a provoking failure to produce anything 
near the ideal basket pictured iu the mind of 
the hopeful planters, the ideal generally be¬ 
ing such a one as has somewhere been seen, 
and which can be and actually are grown 
every year. As a few brief remarks on the 
stocking and management of baskets may 
not come amiss to the many Rural readers, 
I pen them for the benefit of those who can 
make them available. 
The first tiling to be considered is the ves¬ 
sel or structure to be used, and the particu¬ 
lar place it is to be kept and grown ; whether 
in an open, exposed place, in the shade, or 
in a window. A wire, moss-lined basket is 
generally used; but an earthen or wooden 
vase, with hanging supporters, may answer 
the purpose quite as well, and even possess 
some advantages,—for instance, especially 
if it be painted to prevent the absorption of 
moisture from the soil in the earthen; the 
sides and bottom of earth, not being open to 
Hie influence of our hot summer air, does not 
dry so quickly, therefore requires less atten¬ 
tion. L find they are generally preferred, 
even at tlm expense of more frequent water¬ 
ings, and the green growing moss is so much 
more in keeping with the drooping foliage 
of vines than are the solid, painted, artificial 
looking earthen vases. In baskets, increased 
size is an advantage, as the more soil and 
body entered into I heir make up, the less 
they dry, and the better do plants grow. 
For our own use we plant noue less than 
eleven or twelve inches in diameter, by four 
or more deep, and then raise the soil to a 
mound considerably higher than the brim of 
the basket, getting one-third more earth in 
than if it were filled even full. The surface 
between the plants is covered with nice moss, 
Which tends to retain moisture; moss found 
growing on hillocks or soil, is preferable to 
that found on trees. 
Plants tor liustUets. 
Among plants most easily grown for this 
TTANPTNP EASTTFTS between luo plants is coveieti nun nice moss, both have large Howe 
7 ‘ which tends to retain moisture; moss found which make them ver 
In the varied operations connected with growing on hillocks or soil, is preferable to bouquets or vases. Ru 
the culture of plants and flowers for decora- that found on trees. fretfblomner. 
tiou, and the ample range allowed* the flower Plants tor Baskets. white, one of the best It 
grower of taste and ingenuity in which to Among plants most easily grown for this as it likes a little pro tec 
roam, to satisfy desires for the production of purpose and such as, of most kinds, can be bloom the whole seas 
variety and novelty, but few distinct features kept for years with a little care, I would, flower stalk, which n 
of floriculture are susceptible of being made for climbers, mention the free growing Senecio . ,e 'of t 1 1 c most 
so interesting as the designing, arranging mikanouks, or German ivy; the fine leaved UO ue, remarkably sweet 
and planting of banging baskets and vases. Maurandia bardayana alba or rosea, which jug pale-blue flowers. 
Nor is this branch of decorative gardening makes a thick growth and produces its fox of general cultivation. 
the free flowering Mrembergia grumdifiorum, 
Verbenas , Mirembryanthemums, which in¬ 
clude the Ice and Dew plant, and the 
list is extensive enough for the most 
elaborate show. 
Let the center be occupied by up¬ 
right growers, such as Geraniums, 
Fuchsias, or the little Cuphca or Ci¬ 
gar plant, which, although not very 
showy, is valued on account of its per¬ 
petual blooming qualities. Coleus, 
Achy ran thus, fancy Begonias, and other 
leaf plants, are always desirable for 
producing a good effect among the 
green of other plants. In using the 
different, foliage plants — indeed in the 
arraiigdnent. of all the plants—taste 
should be displayed in distributing 
them to produce a contrast of colors, 
and give to each a place where it can 
best develop its peculiar habit of 
growth. The climbers should be 
planted near the supporting wire or 
cord and droopers at Hie edge, with 
A the upright growers in the center. 
wj A common cause of failure, with 
F/ those unacquainted with the nature 
and habits of plants, is, to depend up¬ 
on seed-grown plants for a display. In 
most of our seed catalogues are found 
seeds of plants described as being 
adapted to Ibis purpose, and in which 
novices are apt to invest and give a 
trial, which, in nine out of ten cases re¬ 
sults in a downright failure. Plants can 
be grown from seed, and are—many of 
the finest kinds, too — by florists; but 
they require to be sown early in spring 
or even winter, and given green-house 
culture in pots until May; sowing di¬ 
rectly where intended to be grown is 
rarely done. 
Baskets and vases thrive belter in a 
sheltered situation, then in an open 
place, as high winds whip the plants 
about, to their injury, and dry the 
earth rapidly. Water should be given 
when there is the least indication of 
dryness; it is best to apply it at slated 
times; but judgment should be used 
in doing this, as some days much more 
is needed than others. The soil ful¬ 
filling should be of the richest char¬ 
acter, as many plants are to feed on a 
little bulk.— E. A.Long. 
-- 
NAMES OE LILIES WANTED. 
Will you please tell 111 c the names of 
two lilies that I will try to describe? The 
first has a thick, strong flower stalk, and 
from the axils of each leaf grows a little 
dark brown bulb or seed, about the size of 
a hazel nut. The flowers are a bright flame 
color, spotted with brown; the petals are 
quite retlexed or recurved. It is called here 
the Leopard lily; but there is no such name 
iu the catalogues; it grows from three to 
five feet high, and lias a number of flowers 
on each stalk 1 send a leaf of it—the 
short curled leaf. 
The long leaf is of the other variety, 
and they are quite distinct; it has very long 
reed-like leaves, and when the flower stalk 
shoots up it is entirely leafless and very 
smooth ; it bears a number ol flowers of an 
orange yellow, three of the petals having a 
rich purplish tinge; please give, through 
the Rural New-Yorker, the correct names. 
—E. A. II.. Petaluma, Gala. 
It would be impossible to name lilies 
from one specimen of leaves; but we have 
no doubt iu regard to the first one described. 
It is the old Tiger Lily (Litium ligrinum). 
The other Is probably one of the many spe¬ 
cies and varieties of 'Amaryllis ; but we can¬ 
not give its specific name without seeing u 
living specimen when in bloom. 
-♦-*"*- 
SWEET VIOLETS. 
The Florist and Pomoiogist says:—“ The 
Sweet Violets are among the most charming- 
little gems of the spring garden, and they 
will grow almost anywhere, provided they 
get pure air; but what they most delight in 
is a rich, deep, loam soil, with liberal soak- 
iugs of manure water during ihe flowering 
season. The following are a few of the most 
distinct:— King of Violets, an improvement 
on arborea, dark violet, a good grower, free 
bloomer, and fit for green-house nr out-door 
culture. Rcine (Us Violeties, IiIubIi- white, 
very double and hardy, a free tilupiner; will 
do either in-door or out. The Giant and 
Czar, if not the same, are very much alike; 
both have large flowers, with long stalks, 
which make them very valuable for either 
bouquets or vases. Rtib.o-plena, double red 
or copper-color, very distinct, hardy, and a 
free bloomer. Arborea alba, tree habit, pure 
white, one of the best for in-door cultivation, 
as it likes a little protection. Devonknm , in 
bloom the whole season, and has a long 
flower stalk, which makes it valuable for 
gathering; is of a light violet color. Nea¬ 
politan, one of the most beautiful, second to 
t-acented, with charm- 
These are all worthy 
00 
liarg of a Rnralist. 
DAILY 'tlURAL LIFE 
From the Diary of a Gentleman near New 
York Oitr. 
At Ilo.nc A if u in. 
Aug. 7.—My city acquaintances often con¬ 
gratulate me upon being ihe possessor of a 
quiet country home. I certainly do appre¬ 
ciate my possessions, and feel lliankful to the 
Giver of all Good, who has given me strength 
to win them, but my pleasure is often great¬ 
ly intensified by comparing my own sur¬ 
roundings with those who have been less 
fortunate, although perhaps equally as 
worthy. This is one reason why I like to 
spend a fow days occasionally away from 
home, and away from cities and their sub¬ 
urbs ; for on returning, my well kept lawn 
looks more beautiful than ever, and the flow¬ 
ers give out a richer fragrance as a cordial 
but silent welcome to those who have given 
them attendance and care. Mrs. Ruralist, 
when again sealed in her own room, declares 
that “ there is no place like home,” even with 
the petty annoyances that occur in every 
household. A change of locality, however 
brief, will ofteu do one good, for it makes 119 
appreciate home and home comforts. 
A Group of Gladioli. 
August 8.—I confess to an admiral ion of 
the Japan Lilies as well as for our own native 
species and varieties. But their not very 
distant relative, the Gladiolus or Sword 
Lily, seems to be capable of far greater im¬ 
provement and is assuming a higher rank 
in the floral kingdom. Not only is there a 
far greater variety of gladioli than lilies, but 
t heir brilliancy and combination of colors are 
scarcely equaled by any other class of plants. 
While lilies like the auratvm and varieties 
of speciosum are coarse and unfit for bouquets, 
the gladiolus is almost perfection in form and 
readily arranged for the baud or vase. I never 
lire of looking upon the beautiful combina¬ 
tion of brilliant colors in the Stella, La 
Favorite and Meteor, while theglowing scar¬ 
let of Napoleon III., Rembrandt and Lord 
Byron, lights up a group and gives it a most 
charming effect. My collection of one hun¬ 
dred choice sorts is ill full bloom to-dav, 
and I only wish that In every garden through¬ 
out the country there was an equally good 
display. When every family is well supplied 
with flowers there will be more happiucssiu 
the borne circle than now. The beautiful iu 
nature develops and brings out the good 
qualities of the human soul, and the riel 1 and 
poor can and ipust meet on the same plane 
over a beautiful flower and there learn that 
true pleasure depends entirely upon the 
capacity of the human miiul to enjoy its 
surroundings. 
IHuaincr Early Potatoes. 
Aug .%.—Early varieties of potatoes are 
fully ripe and the vines dead. The question 
now arises whether it is best to dig them 
immediately or leave in the ground until 
cool weather. If we could be certain of dry 
weather, probably the tubers would keep as 
well distributed through the soil where 
grown as in the cellar; but of this wo are 
not certain ; in fact, showers have been quite 
frequent for several weeks past, and their 
effect upon early sorts, such as Early Rose, 
is quite apparent in a secondary growth, and 
iu some few instances jotting of the tubers. 
I 11 warm climates and where potatoes ripen 
early in summer, it is no easy tusk to keep 
them iu good condition until cool weather. 
If dug and placed iu large heaps or bins, 
they are sure to heat and their quality in¬ 
jured, if no rot appears; and it will not do 
to place them in a light room, for light makes 
the skin turn green and renders the tubers 
unwholesome for food. I have found no 
better way than to dig early sorts as soon as 
ripe, and after thoroughly drying the tubers 
iu the shade, put them into barrels and store 
in a dark, cool cellar. When stored In lau¬ 
rels, the bulk is not sufficiently great to in¬ 
duce sweating, particularly it one head ot 
the barrel is lell open or merely laid loosely 
on the top. If there is a large quantity to be 
stored, the barrels can be placed in tiers, and 
the cellar should be aired at night instead of 
in the daytime. Close bins or boxes" e 
have never found as good as barrels. 
Kill ini; Blackberry Bushes. 
August 10—A near neighbor, who has five 
acres of Lawton blackberry bushes, asks me 
how he shall most readily and surely kill 
them. 1 have heard more than one farmer 
say that he had almost as soon undertake to 
kill Canada thistles as blackberry bushes, 
and would not, therefore, ever plant them or 
think of cultivating such a \>est. T have no 
only planted but killed out several acres ot 
blackberry bushes'during tjof last ten ) ears > 
and have not found either'a very trouble¬ 
some task. Last summer I destroyed a 
plantation by simply mowing off the p an s 
and thoroughly plowing up the roots. No 
a plant lived, nor has a sucker appeared m 
season; and I attribute my success more to 
the time of doing the work than to the man¬ 
ner or thoroughness. The time selectei 
