PERENNIALS AND BIENNIALS. 35 



be separated, and planted where the cultivator may judge 

 best. 



The season of rest, for most bulbs, happens shortly after 

 they have done flowering. Tulip and Hyacinth bulbs are 

 generally ripe in about one month from the time of flower- 

 ing. As soon as the foliage of the Tulip turns purple and 

 begins to dry, the bulbs may be taken up ; and, with the Hya- 

 cinth, before the foliage is fully decayed. As a general rule, 

 when the tops have quite died down, the bulbs may be taken 

 up and separated. 



With the exception of Tulips, Hyacinths, Narcissus, and 

 some others, most hardy bulbs are injured if kept long out of 

 ground, as the Lily tribe, Crown Imperial, &c. It is best to 

 plant immediately offsets of bulbs, of every description, for if 

 kept long out of ground they become exhausted and perish. 

 Bulbs that have commenced growing, before planting, are 

 always weakened ; yet ignorant purchasers will frequently 

 select such because they look more lively. If they have made 

 much growth, the bulb will not flower at all. 



Some tuberous roots are classed with bulbous roots. Strictly 

 speaking, it is not correct, but for convenience sake we shall so 

 consider them. The Dahlia and Peony are, properly, tuber- 

 ous roots. Of these, directions for cultivation will be given 

 when described. 



HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS AND BIENNIALS. 



The mode of cultivating this class of plants is perfectly 

 easy ; three things chiefly have to be attended to. First, the 

 manner of propagation. Second, the most suitable soil. Third, 

 the requisite temperature. There are five methods of propa- 

 gation practised: by divisions, suckers, layers, seeds, and 

 cuttings. 



Dividing the Roots. This may be done either with a kind 

 of knife, if the plant is small, or a spade, if it is strong and 

 large. The best time for doing it is when the tops are just 

 beginning to grow after having been cut down. 



