Amaryllis—These plants bear large drooping bell-shaped lily-like blossoms They thrive best in a compost of turfy loam and peat, with a fair quantity of sand The pots must in all cases be well drained Most of the stove and greenhouse species should be turned out of their pots in autumn, and laid by in a dry place until spring, when they should be re-potted and kept liberally supplied with water A Reticulata and A Striatifolia bloom best, however, when undisturbed Discontinue watering when the foliage shows signs of failing, but avoid shrivelling the leaves The hardy varieties should be planted 6 in deep in light, well—drained soil, and allowed to remain undisturbed for two or three years, when they will probably require thinning out They are increased by off-sets from the bulbs.

Pernettya—An American evergreen shrub, which, like all of its class, thrives best in sandy peat; it delights in partial shade, and a moist but well-drained position It is increased by layers in September, which should not be disturbed for a year It is a good plan to mulch the roots with leaf-mould or well-rotted manure Height, 5 ft.

Jonquils-These are quite hardy, and may be grown in the open in the same manner as Hyacinths Five or six bulbs in a 5-in pot make a very pretty bouquet They are excellent early flowers, and very odoriferous Plant in autumn, placing sand round the bulbs Best not disturbed too often The leaves should not be cut off when withering, but allowed to die down They bloom in April Height, 1 ft.

Winter Aconite (Eranthis Hyemalis)—This is one of the very first of flowers to bloom, being in advance of the Snowdrop In the bleakest days of winter this little flower covers the ground with its gilt spangles Plant in early autumn Any soil or situation suits it, but it does best in a light mould and a moist, shady position, or under trees Most effective when planted in masses The tubers may remain permanently in the ground, or they may be lifted and divided in summer, as soon as the foliage dies down Flowers are produced from December to February.


Baptisia Australis—This ornamental hardy perennial makes a good border plant, growing in any loamy soil, and producing its blue flowers in June and July It can be multiplied by dividing the root Height, 3 ft.

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