786 
THE GARDENING WORLD , 
October 1, 1904. 
co-coinea, and was figured in. thei “ Botanical Magazine,” t. 
1194, so' that, if still in existence, it would make a fine com¬ 
panion for the white one. 
We may here state that W. meriana is so nearly hardy that 
it can be grown and flowered with considerable success in 
sheltered positions out of doors as far north as London. In 
Guernsey, however, it is perfectly hardy, and the conditions 
there are that the soil and climate enable it to be grown to 
perfection. There are various districts around t-he southern 
and western! sea coasts of Britain where the conditions would 
be highly suitable to it., and where it should thrive almost as 
well, if not quite so, as in the Channel Islands. Those on the 
outlook for a, situation for it. should select a. border alongside 
of some warm house having a temperature similar to that em¬ 
ployed in the stove. Amaryllis Belladonna is often planted 
under such conditions, as well as Crinum Powellii, C. P. alba, 
C. latifclium, C. Moorei, and some others, and they give abun¬ 
dant. satisfaction. Indeed, we do not think they can bo grown 
to greater perfection under glass. Such a situation might well 
be selected for Watsonias, and we feel sure that fine result® can 
be obtained in various! parts of the British Islands. Its cul¬ 
tivation in pots for greenhouse and conservatory decoration, 
causes no difficulty whatever, and those who have hitherto 
been 1 most successful with it in this country grow it in this 
way. The same treatment given to- early-flowering Gladioli 
and Freesias in pots should here answer admirably. 
Bulks Grown in Undrained Pots. 
For some years past wei have seen exhibits of bulbs, which 
have been grown in mosja fibre in various ornamental kinds of 
vases without drainage at the bottom or means of exit, for 
water. Most of these exhibits have been made by Mr. Robert 
Sydenham, Tenby Street., Birmingham, who put the accom¬ 
panying illustration of Lilium longiflorum Harrisii at our 
disposal for the purpose of showing what can be done by this 
method of culture. 
Some ground shell is added to the moss fibre when the 
operator is about to' pot up the bulb®. The vessels employed 
may be of glass or stoneware of any ornamental design, the 
object boing to grow bulbs in such a way that they may be 
introduced to dwelling rooms without having the danger cif 
water running about the tables or rooms on or in which the 
plants are stood. To a certain extent this reminds us of the 
water culture of Hyacinths in ornamental jars, but the cultural 
treatment, is not exactly the same in both cases. The bulbs 
are potted in, these vessels much in the usual way, making the 
moss firm, about the bulbs. The jars or ornamental pots are 
then placed in an airy cellar or room, not necessarily light, but. 
at the same time they must be airy if the health of the plants 
is studied. 
Atter the plants show themselves well above the moss, the 
ornamental vessels that contain the bulbs, must be brought into 
a well-lighted position with plenty of air to prevent, the foliage 
and stems from getting drawn. The after treatment is thei 
same as for bulbs grown in ordinary flower-pots. Watering, 
however, is quite a different operation, and must, be carefully 
handled to retain the growing plants in a, healthy condition. 
It is, best to be careful at the commencement, and the operator 
must rub the moss or squeeze it until it is all equally loose 
before commencing to pot,. It must also be carefully mixed 
with the shell. The object of loosening it is to make it equal 
in density and composition, so that when water is applied all 
parts will be equally moistened. If this compost is just 
■moistened before the potting operation, very littde watering 
will be necessary for some time afterwards. 
The best plan, for beginners would be to examine thei pots 
twice weekly to determine the conditions’ of the compost as to 
moisture. Water should never be given, in such quantities as 
to render the compost sodden,ed, but just sufficient to keep it 
moist. Beginners would also do well to frequently lift the 
vessels in order to ascertain their weight, because if too much 
moisture were present it would collect in the bottom of the 
vessel to the injury of the roots. The vessels might also in 
such cases b© held upside down, so that all unnecessary mois¬ 
ture should escape. 
The careful cultivator, however, wifi make certain not to 
apply water in such quantity as to keep it standing in the 
pots ; only just sufficient should be given to keep the moss 
equally moist and all will be well. Besides Lilies., Daffodils, 
Polyanthus Narcissi, Hyacinths, Tulips and other spring flower¬ 
ing bulb® may also be, successfully grown in this way. The 
merit of this method of culture is the ornamental effect 
obtained by the us© of vessels of ornamental pattern, and the 
absence of risk in spoiling furniture with water draining from 
pots. 
Exmouxh Gakneners’ Mutual Improvement Society.— The 
annual Chrysanthemum show of the above society will be held 
on October 27th next. Intending exhibitors should apply to 
Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth, Devon, who is the lion, secretary. 
Liverpool Horticultural Association. — The Chrysanthe¬ 
mum and fruit show of this society will be held on November 16th 
and 17tlv next. The arrangements of the. Committee are made 
well in advance of the event, for we note that the spring show is 
already fixed to he held on March 29th and 30th, 1905. The 
secretary is Mr. Harold Sadler, 7, Victoria Street, Liverpool. 
