CHAPTER XIII. 

 INDOOR BULBS. 



THE key to the successful culture of indoor bulbs is to make 

 an early start, in order that sufficient roots may be formed 

 before forcing. So, as preliminary advice, I say : Buy 

 good bulbs ; buy early, and pot early. 



Good bulbs are an absolute necessity for this method of 

 culture, a fact which needs impressing on the minds of 

 amateurs. The bulbs can be bought from any reputable 

 nurseryman. But pay a good price for them. 



Last season's bulbs, those forced last year, are of no use 

 for this purpose a second season. New ones should be 

 purchased, and these should be solid, heavy and firm, 

 and of relatively good size. They should also be a good 

 fresh looking colour, and the skin (as of tulips) should be 

 undamaged. 



Good varieties as well as good bulbs are necessary for 

 forcing. I give a short list of suitable sorts. For many 

 others see trade lists. 

 Crocuses. White, Blue, Yellow, Striped, or mixed 



varieties. 



Roman Hyacinths. Get selected bulbs from a good firm. 

 Tulips. Due Van Thol, in several varieties ; Proserpine ; 



Canary Bird ; White Hawk, Rose Grisdelin ; Alba 



maxima ; Murillo, and Rubra maxima. 

 Hyacinths. Baroness Van Thuyll ; British Queen ; 



Gertrude ; Marie. 



Narcissus. Poeticus; Bicolor; Empress; Henry Irving. 

 Double Narcissus or Daffodils. Orange Phoenix ; Golden 



Phoenix. 



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