C ALOCHORTUS. 
T HIS is a very interesting genus of liliaceous plants 
common on the Western coast from British Colum¬ 
bia to Mexico, and there is no class of plants with which 
we are acquainted that has received so many popular 
names. From one locality they come to us as “ Mariposa 
tulips,” and this appellation is quite excusable; from an¬ 
other section they are sent us as “ mountain lilies,” which 
is not so appropriate, particularly when they are described 
as “ beautiful blue, covering the mountain sides with 
their fragrant flowers the’ entire summerother local 
names are “yellow lilies” and “ tiger lilies.”- However, 
there is but little in the name, and whatever the plant 
may be called it certainly is one of the most showy and 
interesting of recent introductions. All the species are 
remarkable for the intensity of color and delicate mark¬ 
ings of their flowers. They are, moreover, of the easi¬ 
est culture, delighting in a light sandy loam, with full 
exposure to the sun and, if possible, a moist situa-. 
tion. 
When first introduced they were supposed to be diffi¬ 
cult subjects to manage, and it was recommended to 
grow them in frames in the same manner as ixias, spa- 
raxis and other Cape bulbs are treated; but if such treat¬ 
ment was really required we should see the calochortus 
very rarely in our gardens, as “frames ” are by no means 
popular adjuncts to American gardens. We seem to be 
able to produce flowers of the most lovely forms and col¬ 
ors without those unsightly fixtures. 
Fortunately, we can grow the Mexican species, which 
we consider by far the most desirable, to perfection in the 
open border, in the same manner as we grow the gladiolus 
and the tigridia; in fact, the treatment we give the 
tigridia answers perfectly for all bulbs from the Western 
coast, particularly the more southern parts. We plant 
the bulbs in drills, say, one foot apart, about the first of 
May, in just such soil as we have, without being particular 
as to the parts of loam, sand or peat, placing the bulbs 
four inches apart in the drills and covering them as lightly 
as possible with about two inches of the soil. After this, 
we have no trouble with them further than to stir the soil 
frequently and to keep the ground free from weeds. 11 
is essential to start them as early in the spring as prac¬ 
ticable, in order that the bulbs may get thoroughly 
ripened before taking up, which should be soon after the 
first severe frost. We have no difficulty in keeping the 
bulbs through the winter, by spreading them thinly in 
trays and keeping them in a dry room free from frost. 
We would say that most of the species are regarded as 
hardy in this latitude, but we prefer treating the Mexican 
species as we have described ; in fact, we have not been 
successful in treating them in any other way. The Cali¬ 
fornia species, although classed with the hardy bulbs, 
must be protected, particularly against water, during 
winter in order to insure success. A dry, warm soil 
where water does not stand must be secured. 
There are a great number of species, all of which are 
worthy a place in the garden. Among the more desirable 
is C. venustus, a charming plant, flowers white, with spots 
and bars of red and yellow; this species is popularly 
known as the “ Mariposa lily; ” C. splendens is a self- 
colored species, rich purple, very showy ; C. luteus is a 
fine large flower, deep yellow; C. albus , pure white, and 
C. lilacinus, rosy lilac. 
There is much confusion in regard to the botanical 
names of this family of plants, some being classed as 
Calochortus, others as Cyclobothra, others again as Fri- 
tillaria, the same name at times having been given to 
each of the species. 
WINDOW-GARDENING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 
-Lecture delivered by'F. W. Burbidge, F.L.S., Curator Trinity College Botanic Gardens, at the Town Hall, Rathmines, Dublin. 
A N old friend of mine who has traveled among the 
Japanese tells me that their love of flowers and 
young plants is in reality an absorbing passion. In the 
smallest of dwellings there is an altar-like niche in or 
upon which flowering plants are arranged, but they have 
in some districts a most remarkable custom in connec¬ 
tion with window-gardening which I will describe to you. 
In houses wherein reside one or more daughters of a 
marriageable age, an empty flower-pot of an ornamental 
character is encircled by a ring and suspended from the 
window or veranda by three light chains. 
Now, the Juliets of Japan are, of course, attractive, and 
their Romeos as love-sick as those of other lands. But 
instead of serenades by moonlight and other delicate ways 
•of making an impression, it is etiquette for the Japanese 
lover to approach the dwelling of his lady bearing some 
choice plant in his hand, which he boldly but, let us hope, 
reverently, proceeds to plant in the empty vase. This 
takes place at a time when he is fully assured that both 
mother and daughter are at home, and I need scarcely 
say that neither of them are at all conscious that the 
young man is taking such a liberty with the flower-pot 
outside their window. It is believed that a young lover 
so engaged has never been seen by his lady or by her 
mamma in this act of sacrilege; at any rate, my friend tells 
me that during his long residence in Japan he never heard 
of anyone being detected in the act, or interfered with in 
any way. The fact is, this act of placing a pretty plant into 
the empty flower-pot is equivalent to a formal proposal to 
the young lady who dwells within. The youthful gardener 
