The Culture of Flowering Bulbs 



trees, by the side of a shady walk, in front of shrubberies, or in the 

 mixed border, the Narcissus is thoroughly at home. 



If possible, choose a position where the bulbs need not be 

 disturbed for several years, and plant them early. When the spot 

 they are to occupy happens to be full, pot the bulbs until the ground 

 is vacant, and in due time turn them out. A southern or western 

 aspect is desirable, but the nature of the soil is comparatively unim- 

 portant, provided it is dry when the bulbs are in their resting state. 

 In sour land or in stagnant water they will certainly rot, but a touch 

 of sea spray will not injure them. If the soil needs enriching, there 

 is no better material than decayed cow-manure, which may be incor- 

 porated as the work goes on, or it can be applied as a top dressing. 

 Plants which are evidently weak may be assisted with a few doses of 

 manure water, not too strong. 



In planting groups, put the smaller bulbs four or five inches, 

 and the larger sorts from six to nine inches apart ; depth, six to nine 

 inches, according to size. Where exposed to a strong wind, it may 

 be necessary to give the flowers some kind of support to save them 

 from injury. 



The Double and Single Daffodils are now in marked public 

 favour. Their bright colours make them extremely valuable for 

 planting under and among trees, and a sufficient number should 

 always be put in to produce an immediate effect. They thrive in 

 damp, shady spots, and every three or four years it will be necessary 

 to divide and replant them. 



The Chinese Sacred Lily (Narcissus tazetta).The popular 

 name of this flower is misleading. It is not a Lily, but a Narcissus 

 of the Polyanthus type, and, like others of the same class, the bulbs 

 may be successfully grown in soil or in water. But Narcissus tazetta 

 has proved to be singularly beautiful in water, and the management 

 of it entails very little trouble. A wide bowl of Japanese pattern is 

 appropriate for the purpose, and to obtain the best effect the bowl 

 should be partially filled with a number of plain or ornamental 

 stones, with a few pieces of charcoal to keep the water sweet. On 

 the top, and so that they will be held by the stones, place one or 

 more bulbs : pour in water until it covers the base of the bulbs. 

 Store in a dark cool cellar until the roots have started and the leaves 

 begin to appear ; then remove to the room where the ornament is 

 wanted. Occasionally the water must be replenished. The develop- 

 ment of the flower-heads is surprisingly rapid, and a large bulb 

 generally produces several clusters of sweetly-scented flowers. But 



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