326 PRACTICAL GARDENING. 



great capacity. It is true that miUions are imported and 

 grovTn because there are nLiHions of people to grow them ; 

 and all have a few of some kind if they have a garden, or 

 even a place for flower-pots or glasses ; but considering that a 

 vast number of the best are perfectly hardy, and will con- 

 tinue from year to year growing, if undisturbed, in our English 

 climate, they ought to be grown in large collections in all 

 good estabhshments. 



The Hardy Bulbs comprise many families : the snow- 

 drop, crocus, hyacinth, tulip, narcissus, lily, fritillaria, crown 

 imperial, give us thousands of varieties of form, size, colour, 

 and habit, and might be left in the gTound to grow wild, but, 

 if cultivated with care, form a magnificent border of flowers 

 for several months in the year. 



The snowdrop and crocus may be planted three inches 

 deep, and be taken up every third year. 



The lily, fritillaria, and crown imperial may be planted in 

 the same way, and taken up every second year, and replanted 

 as soon as convenient after dressing the ground, because 

 scaly bulbs do not like to get dry. 



Tulips may be mentioned by themselves; for, indepen- 

 dently of the great diversity of colour, they bloom at dif- 

 ferent seasons : some as early as March or late in February, 

 and others come in succession until the end of May, and 

 half-way through June. Plant three inches deep, and take 

 up yearly. 



Hyacinths form a glorious family to grow in pots, glasses, 

 or the open ground, giving every variety of shade and colour, 

 and being calculated for the house as well as the garden. 

 These are to be planted three inches deep, and taken up when 

 the leaves turn yellow. If potted, they must be covered an 

 inch, and if glassed, they are to be put in the ground as soon 

 as the flower fades, and left there till the leaves fade also. 

 The narcissus only wants planting like a tulip, and taking up 

 when the foliage dies down. 



Bulbs, while out of the ground, must be kept dry and cool, 

 and not be frosted. 



Stove Bulbs in cultivation in this country are not very 

 numerous. By far the most interesting is the amaryUis, of 

 which there are many species and varieties. The only differ- 

 ence in their culture is the heat they require. They may 

 take their place among other stove plants, and when the 



