60 FLOWER-GARDENING. 



the level of the walks, which will give an opportunity for all 

 superfluous moisture to run off. Let the beds thus formed be 

 pulverized to the depth of fifteen or eighteen inches ; and at 

 the time of planting, let a small quantity of beach sand be 

 strewed in the apertures or trenches prepared for the roots to 

 grow in, both before and after placing them therein, which will 

 prove beneficial. 



A southern exposure, dry and airy, and sheltered from the 

 north-west winds, is preferable for most bulbs. But Anemones 

 and Ranunculuses should be in some measure sheltered from the 

 intense heat of noon. Buds of hardy bulbous and tuberous 

 roots should be covered on the approach of winter with litter, 

 leaves, straw, or such earth as is formed by the decay of leaves, 

 to the depth of two or three inches, as it prevents any ill effects 

 which a severe season may have on the roots ; but it should be 

 carefully raked off in the spring. 



MANAGEMENT OF BULBOUS ROOTS. 



Bulbous roots in general should be taken up in about a 

 month or six weeks after the bloom is exhausted, or when the 

 foliage is about half decayed. If fine warm weather, the bulbs 

 may be dried on the beds they grow on, by placing them in 

 separate rows, being careful not to mix the several varieties. 

 To prevent such an accident, labels may be affixed to, or 

 placed in, the ground opposite each bulb. They will keep 

 much better when dried gradually. To this end, a little dry 

 earth may be shaken over them, to screen them from the heat 

 of the sun. If it should rain before they get dry, take them 

 in, or cover them with boards. When dry, clear them of the 

 fibres and stems, and then put them away in dry sand ; or if 

 wrapped in paper, they may be kept in boxes or drawers until 

 the season of planting returns. 



The tender tuberous roots, such as Dahlias, will have to be 

 taken up before the cold becomes severe. As the Dahlia 

 exhibits its flowers in all their splendor, until nipped by the 



