148 The Garden. 



this climate, from tlie middle of April to the first of May, in 

 ordinary seasons, will be sufficiently early for most of them. 

 A little farther north, from the first to the middle of May will 

 be the average time. The smaller seeds must be very lightly 

 covered, but larger ones, like the lupines, may be covered to 

 the depth of two inches. It is a good way to sow in small 

 circles— say from four to nine inches in diameter. In the cen- 

 ter of this circle place a tally, or label of some kind, with the 

 name, to prevent mistakes. Soon after they come up, the soil 

 must be carefully stirred, the plants thmned out, if they re- 

 quire it, and aU weeds removed. A few kinds do better with 

 transplanting than to remain where they are sown. Of this 

 nature are the balsams, the China aster, the marigold, the 

 hibiscus, and the zinnia, and several other very free-growing 

 plants. 



3. Bulbs. — The best season for planting hardy bulbous roots, 

 such as the lilies, peonies, etc., is late in autumn, but they 

 may be set out in December if the ground be not frozen, and 

 the bulbs remain sound. 



" Hyacinths, Amaryllis, Martagon, and other large lilies, and 

 peonies, should be planted at the depth of four inches ; Crown 

 Imperials and Polyanthus Narcissus, five inches ; Tulips, Double 

 Narcissus, Jonquilles, and Colchicums, three inches ; Bulbous 

 Iris, Crocus, Arums, small Fritillarias, Gladiolus Byzantium, 

 and Snowdrops, two inches ; Eanunculus and Anemones, ono 

 inch ; always measuring from the top of the bulb. The roots 

 should be placed from four to six inches apart, according to 

 their size. 



" Take up bulbous roots about a month after the blossom is 

 completely over, in the following manner : When the plants 

 put on a yellowish, decayed appearance, take up the roots, cut 

 off the stem and foliage within an inch of the bulbs, but leave 

 tke fibers, etc., attaclied to them ; spread them in an airy room 

 for two or three weeks to dry, after which wrap each root 

 carefully in paper (as the air is very injurious to bulbs), or 

 cover them in-sand perfectly dry." 



