THE GARDEN 



yearly work before cold weather comes, and 

 they are therefore in fine condition for the work 

 of the season when spring arrives. Hence, 

 plant early. 



In making beds for bulbs, spade the ground 

 up well to the depth of at least a foot and make 

 it fine and mellow, working into it a liberal 

 amount of old, well-rotted cow-manure. If 

 not naturally well-drained, provide good arti- 

 ficial drainage, for no bulb will do well if water 

 collects and stands about its roots. Let the 

 beds have a slope from centre to edge, that 

 the water from melting snows and early rains 

 may run off readily. Make your beds as soon 

 as you send off your order for bulbs. Have 

 everything in readiness for them, and when 

 they arrive put them into the ground at once. 

 Bulbs exposed to the air and light part rapidly 

 with their vitality. Plant the larger ones 

 about eight inches apart and from five to six 

 inches deep. Four inches apart and four to 

 five inches deep will answer for the smaller 

 ones. Before cold weather sets in cover the 

 beds with litter or leaves to the depth of a foot. 



Right here let me briefly explain the philoso- 

 phy of a winter covering for plants, as it will 

 enable the reader to understand better the whys 



133 



