garden soil, but prefer rich, sandy earth. Plant in October or
November, 3 in. deep and 2 in. apart. Take the roots up every second
year, and plant the small off-sets in a nursery bed for two years,
when they will be fit for the beds or borders. Protect the bulbs from
mice, as they are very partial to them, especially in winter.
Indoor Culture.--Select strong bulbs of the seedling varieties, and
plant them in succession, commencing early in autumn, in good, rich,
sandy soil. A liberal supply of water is necessary during the blooming
season, but perfect drainage must be secured. They grow well in bowls
filled with wet moss or sand. Height, 6 in. (See also "Colchicum.")
Crotons.--Fine-foliaged hothouse plants. A mixture of peat and sandy
loam suits their growth, and they require a good amount of light to
properly colour their leaves, with a night temperature of 70 degrees.
Crowea Saligna.--Charming greenhouse evergreen shrubs, which send
forth their purple flowers in September. They grow best in loam and
peat. Cuttings may be struck in sand under bell-glasses. Height, 3 ft.
Crown Imperials.--See "Fritillarias."
Crucianella Stylosa.--A hardy perennial. Sow in August or September in
a sheltered spot to stand the winter. The seed may also be sown from
March to midsummer, and the plants moved in autumn to the place where
they are to bloom. Their delicate pink flowers are produced in July.
Height, 1 ft.
Cuckoo Flower.--See "Cardamine."
Cucumbers.--A rich, loamy soil is most suitable for their growth. Sow
frame varieties in a heat of 75 degrees or 85 degrees during February
and March for summer use, and when the plants are of sufficient size
transplant to a well-prepared hotbed. Sow again in September for
winter use. The hardy or ridge cucumbers (which are not suited for
frame or hothouse culture) should be raised in a frame or hot-bed in
April, and planted out about the middle of May in a warm border on
strawed ridges prepared with good stable manure, placing a hand-glass
over each plant until it is well established.
Cunila Mariana (Dittany).--This hardy perennial produces heads of
pretty purple flowers from July to September. It is not particular as
to soil, and can easily be increased by division. Height, 1 ft.
Cuphea.--Shrubs of a rather pretty description. The stove varieties
require a sandy loam to grow in, and may be propagated by cuttings.
The annuals should be sown on a gentle hotbed, and when strong enough
potted off and kept in the greenhouse; they should not be moved into
the open before the end of May. The perennial species if sown early
make good bedding plants the first year; they need protection in the
winter.
Currants.--Black.--A rich, deep soil and a moist situation, together