Teachers' Leaflet. 553 



mowing of the spring must be deferred until the crocus has finished its 

 period of bloom, long enough so that the leaves may have time to make 

 food to be stored in the bulb to carry it through another spring. Other- 

 wise the bulbs suffer from slow starvation. This is one reason why my 

 lawn-planted bulbs disappear. 



Liliputians that can be seen and not heard must get together in 

 masses in order to gain attention. The same is true in planting crocuses. 

 A common practice and a commendable one, is to marshall them on each 

 side of a walk for inspection. If only a half dozen bulbs are at the 

 command of the planter, put them in the area of a peck measure rather 

 than scatter them over that of a bushel basket. Crocus bulbs have 

 offspring which form on the top of the parent bulb and this will in time 

 bring some of the succeeding generation to the surface. It, therefore, be- 

 comes necessary to replant the bulbs every third or fourth year. They 

 should be about the same depth as the snowdrop. fSee Diagram.) 

 The usual price for " all colors mixed " is about 40c per hundred and 50c 

 in named assorted colors. 



Tulips. — These may be had in named varieties, assorted colors, and 

 " all colors mixed." It is wise for those making their first planting of 

 tulips to begin with " alb colors mixed " which cost about 40c per dozen. 

 They will give abundant pleasure and will be a fitting prelude to a more 

 specific selection in the future which will probably be " by color " to be 

 used in ribbon planting. 



After several years' experience, I find that my taste is becoming 

 specialized and when ordering I mention some particular strain in my 

 list. In a way I had become acquainted with certain families and their 

 behavior, and I now find a desire coming on me to make the acquaintance 

 of individuals. I have observed that this development in floral taste 

 to know the individual is common if not nearly universal. 



The late varieties are usually at the height of their glory about the 

 time of Decoration Day. Children, who as a rule are free givers, find 

 much pleasure in making contributions for the occasion either to the 

 Grand Army or to the graves of friends. Do not fail to include some of 

 the late blooming tulips when making out your order. 



Hyacinths. — Hvacinths are very beautiful, but the bulbs are expen- 

 sive compared with the foregoing. When ordered in separate colors they 

 are quoted at 75c per dozen. Yet to one who can afford them they are 

 delightful and compensate for the expense. For depth and distance apart 

 consult diagram. 



Single Narcissus. — The narcissus is a family with many relatives and 

 all of good character. They are not so crotchety about exact conditions 

 of the soil as is the case of the bulbs previously mentioned. Yet they 

 will show the best results for the tender hand that works to make them 



