THE IRTS. 
243 
in September by thoroughly trenching the space allotted to them 
at least a foot in depth, placing in the bottom of the trench a layer 
of three inches of half-rotten stable manure or cow dung ; the 
latter is most suitable on gravelly soil, though the first is prefer¬ 
able for stronger earths of a loamy, retentive character. The bed 
or beds intended for them being thus made ready and marked 
off, the soil, to a depth of six inches over the whole surface, 
should be removed and the bottom raked level, on which the 
roots are to be placed, at a distance of four inches one from 
another, and six inches between the rows; by entering the 
number of each root belonging to the several rows in a book, 
according to the manner practised with tulips, it is easy to retain 
their names without the trouble of labels, and, indeed, is more 
correct, for the latter may be accidentally removed. After all 
the roots are properly stationed, the mould is to be returned and 
finished off, when they require no further attention beyond 
weeding, till just before the blooming season, when, if the 
weather prove dry, means must be adopted to supply them with 
moisture ; a layer of partly decomposed manure should be spread 
over the bed (which, if objected to for its unsightly appearance’ 
may be covered with moss), and very liberal supplies of wmter 
given twice or thrice a week till the flowering is over. This is 
highly essential to secure good flowers and retain the foliage ; 
for if suffered to become dry at this time, the blooms are meagre, 
and the leaves shrivel, when the bed, instead of being redolent 
of beauty, will present a very opposite appearance. 
There is scarcely another subject belonging to the florist’s 
class of flowers which possesses the unconstrained elegance of 
this. Its pleasing freedom renders it particularly striking when 
present on the exhibition table, -where, for the reason just stated, 
and the contrast it offers both in form and prevailing colour, 
nothing is more effective. The refreshing coolness and brilliancy 
which appears to surround a box of these flowers placed in juxta¬ 
position with roses, pinks, and pelargoniums is surprisingly rich 
and gratifying; and, as they become better known, we antici¬ 
pate their very general adoption. 
When the blooming season is over and the leaves begin to 
shrivel, the stems of all such as are not desired to bear seed 
should be cut off about half the length from the ground, and, 
