12 GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 



with a sharp knife to the depth of an inch, more or less, 

 according to the size, and then replaced, and the empty 

 part filled with rich, moist, and finely pulverized earth. 

 Two-thirds of good rich earth, and one-third of well 

 rotted yard manure, well mixed, make a good compost 

 for most plants, except for bulbous roots, which require 

 some sand. 



Herbaceous plants, left in our gardens, in general 

 require some slight covering during the severity of our 

 northern winters. For this purpose they may be covered 

 with old hay or straw, and may be removed the first 

 of April, or a little before if the season is more than 

 usually forward, 



BULBOUS ROOTS. 



No class of plants is, perhaps, more interesting than 

 this ; still, u mere outline of the mode of cultivation must 

 suffice. 



They generally require a southern exposure, shel- 

 tered as much as possible from the northerly and west- 

 erly winds. The proper season for transplanting most 

 bulbous roots, is in August, September, and October. 

 Delicate and tender bulbs should be kept in dry sand 

 until April, and then planted in pots or open grounds, 

 and in all cases protected from frost. Tulips and Hya- 

 cinths it is recommended to take up and dry them in 

 the air, and replant annually. 



Hyacinths, Polyanthus, Narcissus, and Jonquils, make 

 a beautiful appearance during the winter, in the par- 

 lor. Bulbs intended to bloom in this season, should be 

 put in pots in October, or November, and left out until 

 frost commences, and then transferred to a warm room. 

 They will need, occasionally, a little water, until they 

 begin to grow, when they should have both air and 

 sun, and a plenty of water from the saucers or pans, 

 beneath them. Those bulbs, as Hyacinths, which are 

 designed to flower in glasses should be placed in them 



