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THE NARCISSUS, OR DAFFODIL. 



£/-1 fN^HE 'genus Narcissus is a very 

 extensive and remarkable one, 

 from the great diversity in the 

 types and color of the flowers. 

 It includes that most beautiful section 

 known as the Polyanthus narcissus, the 

 well-known Jonquil, and the several 

 types of single and double narcissi 

 popularly known as daffodils. The 

 wonderful improvements in the way of 

 new varieties has awakened an increas- 

 ing interest among the lovers of the 

 narcissus and placed the plant in the 

 front rank of popularity, and well do 

 the different varieties deserve all that 

 can be said in their praise as plants for 

 the flower border, producing, as they 

 do, masses of gold and silver hue, and a 

 delightful fragrance. They are equally 

 valuable for growing in pots for winter 

 blooming in the greenhouse or window- 

 garden, while the cut flowers of some 

 varieties are highly prized for bouquets 

 and vases, and for this purpose are 

 grown in immense quantities 



The flowers of the narcissus show in 

 the different varieties many forms, and 

 shades of color, ranging from pure white 

 to deep orange, and all have most pleas- 

 ing fragrance. They are easily grown, 

 requiring no particular skill or care, and 

 the bulbs can be planted at any time 



from September to December, but it is 

 advisable to plant them as early as 

 possible. In potting use pots propor- 

 tionate to the size of the bulb, and as 

 some of the bulbs are quite large, a 

 single bulb will, as a rule, require a 

 four-inch pot, and if it is desired to 

 grow them in groups of three or more 

 bulbs, larger pots should be used and 

 the bulbs placed equal distances apart 

 In potting let the pots or pans be 

 properly drained, and use a soil com- 

 posed of two-thirds turfy loam, one third 

 well rotted manure, and a fair sprinkling 

 of bone dust ; mix well and use the 

 compost rough ; fill the pots with soil 

 to within three inches of the top, then 

 set in the bulb and fill with soil to 

 within half an inch of the top, water 

 thoroughly and place in a cool, dark 

 cellar to make roots, giving water when 

 necessary. 



In about six or eight weeks after 

 planting, or as soon as indications of a 

 vigorous top growth are noticed, a few 

 of the most forward can be removed to 

 a light, sunny situation, where an 

 average temperature of fifty degrees is 

 maintained, giving water freely and as 

 much fresh air as possible. Keep the 

 plants free from dust, and remember 

 that the flowers will last for a long time 



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