WINDOW GARDENING 157 
be given them they will do much better. A moist atmosphere, with the ther 
mometer from 70 to 80 degrees at mid-day, are requisites for specimen plants 
After flowering, gradually withhold water, turn the pots on their sides, in a dry 
place where they can remain until wanted the following season. When at rest 
they should remain in the pots. If long exposed to the air the roots become 
worthless. By starting at intervals of three to four weeks a succession of bloom 
may be kept up the whole season. 
lAly of the Vallerj. 
Who does not know and admire this, the loveliest child of the floral family i 
Why it is not found in every garden, conservator^^ "window," or greenhouse, 
it is diflicult to imagine, for there is scarcely a plant more easily cultivated than 
this. It is easily forced into bloom, and may be kept in succession from Christ- 
mas until May. For winter or spring flowering, take from tho border, clumps 
as large as will fill pot, box, or any device in which they are wanted to bloom, 
using a rich strong loam. After potting, plunge out of doors, where they will 
be sure to freeze hard. Any time after, they may be brought into the greenhouse 
or conservatory, where they should be given bottom heat, and kept at the high- 
est possible temperature; 100° with a moist atmosphere, will very soon bring 
them into flower ; a less heat will answer, but they will not come into flower 
as quickly. Light is by no means necessary, as they do quite as well on the 
floor, under the bench, or the pipes, as anywhere else. When once in flower 
place in any desirable situation. To maintain a succession a reserve should be 
kept in a cold frame or pot, and brought in as required. For small pots it is 
best to select only the strong crowns; place four to six in a pot three inches in 
diameter, and treat as above stated. After flowering, separate and plant in a 
strong rich soil, where they should remain undisturbed for two years, when they 
will be strong enough for forcing again. 
Illustrations. 
The Jardmets illustrated in Figs. 24 to 27 — are constructed of pottery ware, 
filled with sand in the interior, with here and there an opening for the spike of 
flowers to grow from the bulb. Figs. 28, 30 and 31 — are costly porcelain, in- 
tended as elegant mantel piece ornaments. The remaining illustrations are very 
siMPT.B, and need no special explanation. 
