5 o THE UNHEATED GREENHOUSE 



Crocus, because they cannot be grown to perfection, year after 

 year, in pots. Even the bi-yearly system, which answers well 

 for many plants, will not in all cases give the best success with 

 these. At the same time, with a rotation of three or four 

 years, we may grow our own bulbs, of most sorts, if there be 

 any reason for doing so. 



It is safe to reckon that from twelve to fourteen weeks at 

 least, according to the season, will be required to bring such 

 quick-growing bulbs as Roman Hyacinths and dwarf Tulips 

 into flower. It is evident, therefore, that, if we want a breath 

 of the spring-tide to reach us when flowers are fewest and most 

 precious, the end of August will be none too soon to find the 

 earliest batch potted of these, and also of some other bulbs to 

 be named presently, followed by more at intervals of a fort- 

 night until the end of October. It is seldom that Dutch bulbs 

 can be obtained quite so early, but the order should be sent 

 with as little delay as may be after the receipt of the catalogue 

 a plan which serves the double purpose of securing the finest 

 bulbs and of receiving them at the earliest moment. 



The first three or four weeks will be profitably spent by the 

 newly potted bulbs in some retired corner of the garden under 

 a coverlet, 2 or 3 in. thick, of cocoa-fibre, or sifted ashes, 

 which answer the purpose quite as well. This is the best sub- 

 stitute we can give for mother earth, and provides darkness, 

 even temperature, and moisture for the development of the root 

 fibres a matter of the first importance if we want good 

 flowers. 



At the end of that time the pots may be removed, according 

 to the date when they are wanted for it will not hurt some 

 of them to remain in darkness even for a week or two longer 

 either to a sheltered spot still in the open where they can 

 be given a little protection, or, better still, to a cold frame. In 

 either case they must be shaded for a day or two to inure the 

 pushing leaves gradually to the light. In due time they will 



