BULBS FOR FLOWERING INDOORS 257 



but there are others less well known that may be cultivated with 

 as much success, such as the Lebanon quill (Puschkinia Libanotica 

 compacta), a pretty little white flower striped with blue which will 

 bloom early in March ; Veltheimia viridifolia, which grows two 

 feet tall, and produces rose and green blossoms in February ; 

 Zephyranthes, rose, white, pink or yellow, which should be potted 

 in leafy mould, one bulb to a five-inch pot ; and Ornithogalum 

 Arabicum, a lovely white flower with a black centre. 



In addition to these somewhat uncommon bulbs there are, of 

 course, many kinds of lilium, which can be brought into flower 

 early in the spring, and also Gladiolus Colvillei, The Bride, and 

 many varieties of Spanish iris. 



The choice, it will be seen, is wide, though the varieties I have 

 mentioned form but a tithe of those from which a selection can 

 be made. The next question to consider is how best to secure a 

 constant succession of bloom so as to carry us well into the spring 

 when the outdoor garden is beginning to revive. This is an easy 

 matter so long as a methodical plan be adopted The bulbs should 

 be potted hi batches first the Roman hyacinths, freesias and 

 Paper White narcissus. These can be potted as early as the 

 beginning of August, and others of the same varieties at intervals 

 of a fortnight. All daffodils, polyanthuses and narcissi should be 

 got in by the middle of September ; Spanish iris must receive 

 attention during the closing days of August, since they are early 

 bloomers. 



If careful attention be paid to labelling, and if a record of the 

 dates of planting be kept, it will be easy to secure a succession of 

 bloom from the end of November to the beginn ng of May. 



An essential preliminary to the potting of the bulbs is the pre- 

 paration of an adequate quantity of good soil. For all practical 

 purposes nothing can excel a compost of two parts fibrous loam 

 to one of leaf mould with which has been incorporated a small 

 quantity of silver sand and bone meal. This compost will suit all 

 hyacinths, narcissi and tulips. For freesias it will be found 

 advantageous to add a little peat. The soil should be moist, but 

 not so wet and sticky that it adheres to the hand. 



