542 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 



4. Fertilizing the Ground. — Too much attention is given to the enrichment of the 

 soil for bulbs. The previous statements have indicated that seldom is it necessary 

 to add fertilizer of any kind to soils of ordinary garden quality. When bulbs aire 

 planted in borders in which they are to remain for some years, it is advisable to trench 

 in some good stable manure the previous season. Manure in direct contact with 

 bulbs will cause fungous and other rot troubles. Of the commercial fertilizers, super- 

 phosphate and ground bone are the best, especially for soil which is to be used for 

 potting bulbs. _ - v 



5. Protecting from Frost. — As soon as the ground is frozen to the depth of several 

 inches, a light covering of coarse manure or straw is helpful to the bulbs, in that it 

 aids in holding the snow. Heavy manure, or wet leaves should not be used, as both 

 will exclude too much air from the bulbs in the spring and autumn. Air and drainage 

 are essential to good root growth. Remove the covering as soon as the ground begins 

 to thaw out in the spring. 



6. Watering in Spring. — In a dry spring, it may be necessary to water bulbs, 

 such as daffodils. Should such be necessary, apply a big quantity once or twice, 

 rather than a little at frequent intervals. 



7. About Colours and Heights. — Tulips are obtainable in an immense assortment 

 of colours and types. If colour effects are sought, it is not wise to attempt to obtain 

 them the first year or two. At least, not unless the grower is familiar with the habits 

 of the different types. 



The early tulips generally grow about a foot high. The late, or as sometimes 

 called "may-flowering" tulips, grow about the same height, with the exception of a 

 few of them, which grow as high as 2 feet. Darwin tulips, the latest and most beautiful 

 of all types of this popular flower, are generally taller, some growing as high as 2i 

 feet. Th^ are also varied and exquisite in tlie range of shades and colours. 



Narcissi are generally yellow, in some tint or shade of that colour, oi white. In 

 height, they generally average about 12 inches, when grown under suitable conditions. 



Both tulips and narcissi are very suitable for cutting. Darwin tulips will last 

 for a week to ten days as cut flowers in the house. 



ABOUT TREES AND SIIRrBS. 



Canada ha? a large number of beautiful and attractive trees and shrubs, which 

 add dignity and charm to large portions of the Dominion. But, that significant 

 phrase, " a treeless country," vivid in its descriptive force, is also truly applied to large 

 portions of its area. To distribute over the face of such portions some of the 

 beautiful native or suitable exotic trees and shinabs is a task eminently worth while. 

 Not less worth while is the task of making them better known around the homes and 

 in the gardens of the vaster and more favoured portions of the country. 



Ottawa. 



