BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. 65 



feet wide, and tliey should be raised two or three inches 

 above the level of the walks, which will give an opportunity 

 for all superfluous moisture to run off. Let the beds thus 

 formed be pulverized to the depth of fifteen or eighteen 

 inches ; and at the time of planting, let a small quantity of 

 beach sand be strewed in the apertures or trenches prepared 

 for the roots to grow in, both before and after placing them 

 therein, which will prove beneficial. 



A southern exposure, dry and airy, and sheltered from 

 the northwest winds, is preferable for most bulbs. But 

 Anemones and Ranunculuses should be in some measure 

 sheltered from the intense heat of noon. 



Beds of hardy bulbous and tuberous roots should be cov- 

 ered on the approach of winter \tith litter, leaves, straw, or 

 such earth as is formed by the decay of leaves, to the depth 

 of two or three inches, as it prevents any ill effects which a 

 severe season may have on the roots ; but it should be care- 

 fully raked off in the spring. 



Bulbous roots in general should be taken up in about a 

 month or six weeks after the bloom is exhausted, or when 

 the* foliage is about half decayed. If fine warm weather, the 

 bulbs may be dried on the beds they grow on, by placing them 

 in separate rows, being careful not to mix the several varieties. 

 To prevent such an accident, labels may be affixed to, or 

 placed in the ground opposite each bulb. They will keep 

 much better when dried gradually ; to this end, a little dry 

 earth may be shaken over them, to screen them from the 

 heat of the sun. If it should rain before they get dry, take 

 them in, or cover them with boards ; when dry, clear them 

 of the fibres and stems, and then put them away in dry sand , 

 or if wrapped in paper, they may be kept in boxes or draw- 

 ers until the season of planting returns. 



The tender tuberous roots, such as Dahlias, and the like, 

 will have to be taken up before the cold becomes severe. 

 As the Dahlia exhibits its flowers in all their splendour until 

 nipped by the frost, the roots ought, in the event of a very 



6* 



