TULIPIA. 83 



piece, if there be sufficient light. Light is quite essential when 

 the tops begin to grow. By this means a succession of flowers 

 may be had during the greater part of the spring. 



" If it is wished to bloom Hyacinths in water-glasses, the 

 glasses should be filled up with water, but not so high as to 

 come in contact with the bulb. Too much moisture before the 

 roots protrude might cause the bulb to decay. The glasses 

 may be put in a light, but cool situation, until the roots are 

 grown half the length of the glass, at least. The longer the 

 roots are before being forced into flower," the finer the flowers 

 will be ; and when rooted they may be kept warm or cool, as 

 flowers are required in succession. The flowers will not put 

 forth, even when the glasses are filled with roots, if they are 

 kept in a cold place. The water should be changed about twice 

 every week, and rain or river water is better than spring water. 

 Although the practice of growing bulbous roots in water is com- 

 mon, it is by no means preferable to growing them in earth. 

 There are many failures when bulbs are grown in water, 

 which are chiefly caused from their being more liable to rot 

 before they begin to emit roots, than when grown in soil. Keep- 

 ing the bulbs quite clear of the water is a partial, but only a par- 

 tial, preventive. Another cause is, that when the roots have 

 attained some length, they frequently decay, and the loss of the 

 flowers is the consequence. Should success attend the grow- 

 ing and blooming of the greater part of those placed in water- 

 glasses, the bulbs will be good for nothing afterwards ; but those 

 grown in pots might be planted the year following in the garden, 

 and they would make pretty border flowers for several years. 



" Similar treatment to that now described is required for the 

 large-rooted Narcissus, whether in pots or glasses. 



" To force early Tulips in pots, they should be placed about, 

 three or four in each pot, just within the earth, which may be 

 of the same sort, and the management the same as recom- 

 mended for Hyacinths and Narcissuses. 



" Crocuses will force well. They should be planted near 

 together, say from ten to twenty in a pot, according to its size. 



