==Crown Imperial==

==Fritillaria imperialis==

A noble plant which needs a deep, rich, moist soil, and an open situation, to insure the full degree of stateliness, but it will make a very good figure in any border where it can enjoy a glimmer of sunshine.  There are several distinct varieties, the flowers of which range in colour from palest yellow to the deepest shade of orange and reddish buff, and there are others which have variegated leaves.  They should be planted in autumn eighteen inches apart, allowing from four to six inches of soil above the crowns.

==Cyclamen==

Although it is advisable to raise Cyclamens from seed every year, occasions arise when it is necessary to store the bulbs for a second season, and the best method of treating them during the period of rest must be considered.  As the production of seed weakens the corms, preference should be given to those which have not been subjected to this tax on their energies.

At the close of the flowering season the bulbs should be gradually reduced to a resting state by withholding moisture.  When the foliage turns yellow the pots may be laid on their sides in a cold frame, if available, or in any other convenient place where they will not be forgotten, until about the middle of July.  They should then be placed upright, and have a supply of water.  After fresh growth has fairly commenced, shake the bulbs out of the pots, remove most of the old soil, and re-pot in a compost consisting of mellow turfy loam and leaf-mould, with a sufficient admixture of silver sand to insure drainage.  The corm should be so placed in the pot as to bring the crown about level with the rim, and every care must be taken to avoid injuring the young roots.  Place the pots in a close frame for a few days, after which ample ventilation should be given to maintain a robust condition.  The lights may remain constantly open until there is danger from autumn frosts.  Specimens that show a great number of flower-buds should be assisted occasionally with weak manure water.

=C.  Coum= and =C. europaeum= are rarely well grown, for although quite hardy, the climate of this country does not suit them in their season of flowering, which is the early spring.  The cool greenhouse is the safest place for them, except in sheltered spots, where they may be planted out on a border of peat, or amongst ferns in a rockery.  When grown in pots, light turfy loam and peat in equal quantities, with a fourth part of cow-manure and a liberal addition of sand, will form an excellent compost for them.  The pots should never be exposed to the drying action of the sun or wind, but should be plunged to the rim in coal-ashes.  The best time for potting or planting them is September or October.

Instructions on raising Cyclamens from seed will be found at page 256.

==Daffodil==—­=see= ==narcissus==, =page= 344