1336 Rural School Leaflet 



to their attractiveness. Oftentimes a crude receptacle accentuates the 

 beauty of the plant or the fiower. Be sure that there are openings in the 

 bottom for drainage, and make these by driving nails through the bottom 

 of the tin cans if necessary. Put considerable drainage material, such 

 as broken stones or small cobbles, in the bottom of each receptacle. Bulbs 

 must have a well-drained soil. Place sufficient soil above the drainage 

 material so that there will be plenty of room for root development; then 

 set the bull) lightly on this and fill around it with soil. Cover the top 

 of the bulbs slightly, but leave about half an inch of space from the top 

 of the pot in order that there will be room for water later. Plant the bulbs 

 in the receptacles in such a manner that they will be attractive when 

 they bloom. Hyacinths are often grown singly in a pot, but all other bulbs 

 are generally more efifective if there are three or four of the same variety 

 in one receptacle. The crocus and the grape hyacinth are attractive when 

 grown in this way, provided six or eight are planted closely together in a pot. 



After the bulbs are planted, water them so thoroughly that there is 

 no question that the water has soaked to the bottom of the soil in the 

 receptacle. Do not neglect this, for on the moisture content of the soil 

 depends in a large measure the success of root development. This is 

 essential for the production of an attractive flower spike. Select a pro- 

 tected spot for storing the bulbs until root development has started. 

 With the exception of freesias and oxalis, all bulbs should be stored in 

 a cool, dark, damp spot so that they will develop a strong root system 

 before the top develops. An outdoor location is best, but they may 

 be stored in a cellar if the conditions are favorable. The majority 

 of cellars, especially in school buildings, are too warm and dry. A pro- 

 tected comer of the building is ideal. First level the soil and if pos- 

 sible place a layer of coal ashes about two inches thick for the pots 

 to stand on. This prevents earthworms from getting into the soil, and 

 while these do not feed on the roots, they open air passages through 

 the soil, which dry out the feeding roots. 



Place the pots of bulbs closely together, after having each child label 

 the bulbs he or she has planted. There is a pride among children in 

 individual work, and this should be fostered in every way possible. Shovel 

 about three inches of soil over the pots, covering them sufficiently so 

 that they will not freeze, and then cover this soil with about four inches 

 of leaves. Place a few boards over the leaves to hold them in place. 

 Here the bulbs are to remain until a strong root system has developed. 

 The paper-white narcissi and the roman hyacinths should be placed 

 in a group by themselves, for they may be brought in the schoolroom 

 by the middle of November. The other bulbs should not be brought 

 in before the middle of January, and if they are left until the first of 

 February, the later development will be more satisfactory. 



