WIND W GARDENING. 153 
they keep in flower, and the very pleasing variety the}"^ make, is another just 
claim iliey have for a high place among decorative plants. 
Ttie Amaryllis delight in good, light turfy loam, with the addition of a little 
well rotted cow manure, when planted in large pots, and all the conditions of 
growth are favorable, they throw up magnificent spikes of bloom. A. Johnsoni 
has been known to flower twice a year, a single bulb throwing up at one time 
four spikes, each giving four flowers. A more splendid flower than this is, it is 
scarcely possible to conceive. We scarcely know how to advise the amateur in 
the manner of treatment, but will commence with the dry bulb, which should be 
potted in the above compost, say in a six inch pot, fill nearly to the rim and 
press the bulb firmly in; one-half its diameter should be above the surface ; give 
it a thorough watering, and place on a shelf in moderate heat; it will not requiie 
further attention until it shows signs of growth, the time of which will depend 
wholly upon circumstances, i. e., how long it has been dry, the time of year, and 
whether it has been properly cared for duiing its rest. As a general thing the 
first indication of growth will be the flower stalk, which makes almost a per- 
ceptible growth, at this period. Give water freely once a week ; a sprinkling of 
liquid manure is very beneficial; give plenty of light and moderate heat and the 
first flowers will be perfected in two or three weeks ; large well developed bulbs 
will commence to throw up the second flower stalks about the time the first 
flowers are opened, which will make the flowering of a single bulb last from five 
to six weeks. 
After flowering they should be immediately repotted, no matter what time of 
year, and given plenty of heat and water. Fully exposed to the light, they will 
grow most luxuriantly and the bulbs will grow in a proportionate degree, laying 
up strength and nutritive matter that will produce in due season another crop of 
magnificent flowers. When the leaves naturally show symptoms of ripeness or 
decay, water should be gradually withheld, and when fairly decayed the pots 
should be placed in a dry, airy situation away from the frost or rain; here they 
may remain for two months, when they should be placed in a tub of water and 
left an hour, then placed in a warm room for flowering again. The method of 
culture, as recommended here, is only to be applied to those known as Heppeas- 
trom, which, unlike the Vallota, Belladona and other varieties, are under the 
florist's control and can be made to flower the whole season. An enthusiast, 
whose ten by fifteen green house we delight to visit, grows large quantities of 
Amaryllis, Johnsoni and its varieties, and gets from each bulb two crops of flowers 
annually. He gives each two months for flowering, two for growth, and two for 
rest, which he considers the best treatment, and no one that has seen the spikes 
of bloom that he produces can question his theory. 
Vallota Purpurea, 
Is one of the finest Amaryllis, and is the most easily managed. They are not 
at all particular as to soil, will grow in any, but prefer the same as recommended 
for other Amaryllis But few plants answer as well or make as fine display for 
