BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLA3T3. l8l 



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, 

 which will prove beneficial. 



A Southern exposure, dry and airy, and sheltered from 

 the nordi-west 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 

 covered on the approach of Winter with 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 carefully raked off again in the Spring. 



Bulbous roots in general should be taken up in about a 

 month or six weeks after the bloom is exhausted; the foliage 

 or leaves then turn yellow. li'fine warm weather, the bulbs 

 may be dried on the b^ds they grew on, by placing them in 

 separate rows, being careful not to mix tlu several varieties 

 together. To prevent such an accident, labels may be 

 afftxed to, or placed in the ground opposite each bulb 

 they will ke<;p much better for being 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 wrapped in paper, they 

 may be kept in boxes or drawers until the season of planting 

 again returns. 



The tender Tuberous roots, such as Dahlias, and the 

 like, will luve to be taken up before the cold becomes se- 

 vere. As the Dahlia exhibits its flowers in all their splen- 

 dour until nipped by the frost, the roots ought, in the event 

 O f a very sudden attack, to be secured from its blighting 

 effects. They are not apt to keep well, if taken up 

 before they are ripened ; the tops should therefore, be cut 

 down as soon as they have done flowering, and the ground 



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