iv PREFACE. 
these are soon followed by the Narcissus and showy 
Tulips, and all before other vegetation is fairly started. 
In rapid succession follow the Crown-imperials, the Iris, 
and, before these are gone, the Gladiolus and Lilies com- 
mence their long succession of bloom. Interspersed 
with these is a host of other bulbs, equally valuable for 
their flowers, but whose names are rarely mentioned. 
Another advantage that bulbs possess, is their long period 
of rest, which leaves the ground, half the year, free for 
other plants. The bulbs may be removed from their 
places of bloom into the reserve garden to ripen, which 
makes their places free for the introduction of annuals, 
or other flowering plants. Beginners have an impression 
that there are many difficulties to be met, in the man- 
agement of bulbs, which must be overcome, in order to 
have them produce their flowers to perfection ; whereas, 
in reality, no other plants are so easy to manage, none 
more showy, and none succeed as well under all circum- 
stances, as the different classes of bulbs and tuberous- 
rooted plants. To facilitate reference, the various gen- 
era are alphabetically arranged in this volume, except 
the Amaryllis group, which have been brought together 
on Pages 10 to 26, for the convenience of the reader- 
A copious index will be found at the end of the book. 
©. L. ALLEN. 
FLORAL Park, N. Y. 
