26 ON rLOWEIUNG DUTCH BULBS IN POTS OR GLASSES. 



If the stock of bulbous roots, such as Hyacinths, Narcissus, 

 Early Tulips, &c, be large enough to occupy a small frame, the 

 pots may pe put within it after planting, and they may he covered 

 a few inches deep with rotten tan, or any other light material. The 

 pots will soon become well filled with roots, and the shoots pro- 

 duced by bulbs previously well rooted will be stronger, and the 

 flowers larger, than if they had been put in a warm and light situa- 

 tion. When they are rooted, a few may be introduced occasionally 

 into the room window or on the mantel-piece, if there be sufficient 

 light. Light is quite essential when the tops begin to grow. By 

 this means a succession of flowers may be had during the greater 

 part of the spring. 



If it is wished to bloom Hyacinths in water-glasses, — the glasses 

 should be filled up with water, but not so high as to come in con- 

 tact with the bulb. Too much moisture before the roots protrude 

 might cause the bulb to decay. The glasses may be put in a 

 light, but cool situation, until the roots are grown half the length 

 of the glass, at least. The longer the roots are before being forced 

 into flower, the finer the flowers will be ; and when rooted they 

 /they may be kept warm or cool, as flowers are required in succes- 

 sion. The flowers will not put forth even when the glasses are 

 filled with roots, if they are kept in a cold place. The water 

 should be changed about twice every week, and rain or river water 

 is better than spring water. Although the practice of growing 

 bulbous roots in water is common, it is by no means preferable to 

 growing them in earth. There are many failures when bulbs are 

 grown in water, which are chiefly caused from their being more 

 liable to rot before they begin to emit roots than when grown in 

 soil. Keeping the bulbs quite clear of the water is a partial, but 

 only a partial preventive. Another cause is, that when the roots 

 have attained some length they frequently decay, and the loss of 

 the flowers is the consequence. Should success attend the growing 

 and blooming of the greater part of those placed in water-glasses, 

 the bulbs will be gooi for nothing afterwards, but those grown in 

 pots might be planted the year following in the garden, and they 

 would make pretty border flowers for several years. 



Similar treatment to that now described is required for the large 

 rooted Narcissus whether in pots, or glasses. 



To force early Tulips in pots, they should be planted about three 



