CULTURE OF FAVORITE PLANTS. 
Lobb, a distinguished English collector, and the T. peregrinum, named from its ram¬ 
bling propensities, are perhaps the choicest and most popular species for conservatory, par¬ 
lor or window culture. In greenhouses they are grown abundantly, being trained along 
the rafters, where their brilliant blossoms illuminate the whole house, giving an abundant 
su pply fl° ra l gems for bouquets and decorative purposes. The Tom Thumb or dwarf 
bushy species are perhaps the best for hanging-baskets. The varieties in color are quite 
numerous, and the velvety texture of the flowers is charming, w'hile the odor somewhat 
resembles the aromatic Cinnamon. When grown in quantities the seeds are gathered for 
pickles, and are used the same as capers. There are several very delicate tuberous varie¬ 
ties, differing in blossom from the ordinary kind, and only retaining their foliage a part 
of the year. They are adapted to pot culture, and bloom during April and May, after¬ 
ward requiring plenty of sun or heat to ripen the roots; as the vines begin to die away, 
water should be gradually withheld. The pots should be turned on their sides, and kept 
dry until autumn, when they begin to start vines again. Among the choice species are 
the Tropaeolum azureum, with an azure-colored flower; T. Jarrattii, yellow and scarlet, 
blooming abundantly; T. speciosum, scarlet; T. tricolorum, scarlet, yellow and black; 
and several others. All the Tropasolums, to grow well, must have plenty of moisture, a 
soil rather poor than otherwise, and frequent sprinklings to keep off the red spider. 
T TJJ3EROSE 
NDER this name is included a genus of herbaceous plants not at 
all allied to the Roses, as is often supposed merely because of the 
identity of the final syllable. The name really springs from the 
tuberous character of the roots; and the scientific name, Polianthus, 
is also rather confusing, as it lacks distinctive expression, meaning 
City-flower. It belongs to the Amaryllis family, and is chiefly cultivated 
for its fragrant flowers, which are of a pale sulphury-white color. The 
rs of this odoriferous plant may be kept dormant for a long time in any 
dry, airy, cool place, but must be protected from frost. For early blooming 
they can be planted from January to March indoors; for later growth, at any 
time until June. Whenever the tubers show signs of growth, they should be 
planted at once in pot, box or bed where they are to bloom. Of course it will be 
necessary in winter to give them shelter in conservatory, greenhouse or elsewhere, with 
plenty of warmth and light. Neither as tuber or plant can they be touched by frost with 
impunity. In planting, as in all similar cases, the small tubers are best taken off and set 
in separate places. These will bloom in about two years if not neglected. A rich, loamy 
soil having been provided, a few pieces of broken crockery are placed over the hole of a 
six-inch pot, with the addition'of a little moss if at hand, and the earth filled in to within 
about half an inch of the top, so as to cover the tuber about two thirds of its own length. 
When all danger of frost is over, they can be turned out of their pots into the border, or 
with them placed in the soil, to be brought into the house later if desired, when in bloom. 
