MONTHLY CALENDAR. 217 



only rob the larger bulbs of their food, in species in which the same bulb- 

 flowers for several seasons, but by shading them from light and air, prevent 

 the elaboration of the little that is left into organizable matter for the forma- 

 tion of flowers the succeeding season. In species, again, that flower only once 

 from the same bulb, as the numerous varieties of Gladiolus and similar 

 plants, two or more bulbs are generally formed ; and if they are left 

 where formed, a number of weak, puny, flowerless bulbs will be the conse- 

 quence. Other species, like the Crocus and similar bulbs, form their young 

 bulbs on the top of the old ones ; and by this process, repeated yearly, would 

 jpeedily throw the original bulb entirely out of the ground ; while the Nar- 

 cissus, Tulip, Colchicum, and similar plants, form their new bulbs under the 

 old ones, and would ultimately burrow so deep that the young bulbs would 

 never reach the surface at all. To remedy all these evils, and insure for the 

 bulb a period of perfect rest, all the most valuable varieties should be taken 

 up annually. No special time can be named as the best adapted for this pur- 

 pose. Bulbs vary so much in the period and habit of their growth, that any 

 general instructions would only mislead. One rule, however, which must 

 never be infringed, is, that no bulb is to be disturbed while the leaves are in 

 a growing state. The bulb is never matured until the leaves die of their own 

 accord. As soon as they thus die, the bulb may be taken up and stored 

 away in a cool room, say in a temperature of 40°. 



567. The period of rest allotted for different famihes must also vary. To 

 save trouble, common border bulbs are generally replanted at once : I believe, 

 however, all of them would be benefitted by a period of perfect rest. If kept- 

 cool, the bulbs themselves will give unerring instructions concerning the right 

 time of planting. If the store-room is too warm, their excitabiUty will afibrd 

 no criterion for safe practice. From one to three months will be a suitable 

 resting pei'iod for most of the families. Bulbs so obviously increase them- 

 selves, either by the formation of young bulbs, above, below, or beside the old 

 ones, that any instructions concerning their propagation would be well-nigh 

 superfluous. 



56s. The great business of propagating tender plants for furnishing the- 

 flower-garden must now be vigorously prosecuted. Stock must be taken ; 

 calculations made, judgment and foresight exercised, and activity displayed, 

 if the garden is to be liberally tilled next May. For the last few months, the 

 great object has been safely to keep what we have. During the next three, the 

 plants we have must be used to furnish what is required to fill the garden next 

 May. If the bedding system is to maintain its ground, the garden must be 

 1i\[ed with floweri?iff plants by the end of that month. To effect it, verbenas 

 must be planted 4 inches apart, and geraniums from 6 to 8 inches. Measm-c 

 the superficies of your beds ; calculate at these distances, and increase your ■ 

 stock accordingly. With the exception of calceolarias certainly, and probably 

 geraniums, nearly all other bedding plants grow and flower as well, if not 

 better, when propagated in the spring as in the autumn. Geraniums grow- 

 equally well ; but I think autumn-struck cuttings flower more freely, and cer- 



