SOME PRUNINGS.

Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 7524, 14 April 1890, Page 6

SOME PRUNINGS.

The Squills.—The Squills, SciUa Sibirica andS. Bifolla and its numerous varieties are largely used in Britain for spring decoration both in the greenhouse and conservatory, and they well deserve their popularieyi - There are many others, however, belonging to the Hispanica or Gampanulata set equally as beautifully and as easily forced. The flowers of this latter species are larger and more numerous than those of the two first, and, what is of great importance in early spring, have ample bright green foliage. The white form is very beautiful, the large bell-shaped flower being pure white with prettily fringed edges. Grandiflora, Napoleon, Rubra, Qeerulea, Elegantissima, Maxima and Carnea are only a few of the numerous varieties one has to choose from. In forcing this set the plants had better be placed in an intermediate ' temperature at first, and as close to the gloss as possible. This keeps them sturdy and allows the flowers to develop before the leaves become too luxuriant. If gradually hardened off after coming out of the forcing pit they are not readily damaged by cold, and may be placed in a cool conservatory or greeuiiouse. ~~_

The Attar of Roses.—Rose water is extensively made in India. At Gbazipore, in Bengal, there are hundreds of acres laid oat for the purpose. The harvest is in March and April; and the result of the distillation is to supply about one quart of Rose water, from each thousand of the blooms; but adulteration is very much resorted to, oil of sandal wood being the medium, and the people of India do noc seem to mind much whether they get the odour of the Rose or the Sandal for their money. It is comparatively cheap where it is made, costing 2s or 3s a quart even when unadulterated. Otto or attar of

Bases is; much more important and* expensive. The origin of this condensed perfume is told in one of the ro- ! mantio stories of the East. It Is said that j Moorjehan Begum, the favourite wife of Jehan-Geer, was walking in her garden, through wnich ran a stream of Rosewater, when she noticed some oily particles floating on the surface. She had them skimmed off, and their aroma was found to be so delicious, that means were devised to produce the precious essence in a more regular way. Toe method is an extension, of that which is used to produce Rose-water, but it takes 1000 bushels to supply about 2oz of attar, and its value is seldom less than £20. At that price, and unadulterated, it is sold mainly to Europeans, while in a less pure form it is vended in the native bazaars. It is bought by the Westerns, however, for manufacturing purposes; and not to be used in its pure condition*