Bulbs 



133 



according to size of bulbs, tulips four inches, crocuses, snowdrops and bulbs 

 of similar size about three inches deep. 



Bulbs are not fastidious in regard to soil, though a loamy soil with a 

 tendency to sandiness is best. The best fertiliser is thoroughly decayed 

 farmyard manure, or ground bone meal, and only a very moderate dressing 

 of either, which should be forked into the soil when preparing to plant. 



They may be planted in the mixed flower border, or in Jormal beds 

 or borders near the dwelling, or 

 best of all (tulips and hyacinths 

 excepted) they may be naturalised 

 in such positions as under decid- 

 uous trees, on grassy slopes around 

 the edges of lawns or shrubbery 

 borders, along the edges of woods, 

 or in any wild or semi-wild positions 

 in company with trilliums, anem- 

 ones, decentras, and many other 

 early spring-flowering plants. A 

 bank of crocuses under large decid- 

 uous trees or irregular colonies of 

 daffodils along the edges of woods 

 or on grassy banks is a beautiful 

 sight, while snow-drops, scillas and 

 star of Bethlehem are well adapted 

 for naturalising along woodland 

 paths and in open groves. In such 



" Tulip " KaisLi Kiuun 



positions they should be planted m 



quantities in order to be effective, and as irregular as possible, and not 

 in square or circular colonies. Always aim to make them look as natural 

 as possible. 



When once planted, most bulbs will increase and flower each year 

 provided the foliage is not cut off. This must be allowed to ripen off 

 naturally, which will take until the end of June. 



Tulips and hyacinths, being so highly cultivated or so far developed 

 from the wild types, do not lend themselves well for planting in wild or 

 semi-wild positions. They are best adapted for formal beds or borders 

 near the dwelling. Tulips and hyacinths should not be planted together in 



