262 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



out and placed in the bottom of each bowl. Charcoal is a good 

 plant food, which will sustain the bulb at a time when the roots 

 are most in need of nourishment. Next half fill the bowls with 

 the fibre, if the bulbs are large like those of the narcissi, and three- 

 quarter fill them for smaller bulbs, such as those of the crocus 

 and the snowdrop. 



The bulbs may be planted so that they almost touch each other, 

 and be at such a height in the bowl that their tips protrude when 

 they have been covered in. Firm packing is necessary, especially 

 in the case of large bulbs of narcissi, which, unless this precaution 

 be taken, lift themselves by reason of the pressure of the roots 

 on the sides of the bowl. 



If the fibre is in proper condition, as it should be when it is 

 obtained from the florist's, it will be damp, and will require no 

 further supply of moisture for some time. But if for any reason 

 there be delay in the planting of the bulbs, and the fibre in conse- 

 quence become dry, it will be necessary to moisten it well and to 

 leave it for an hour or two to drain before it is brought into use. 



When the planting has been completed, the bowls must be con- 

 signed immediately to some cool, dark place, hi which the roots 

 may have an opportunity to develop before top-growth begins. 

 The question of a suitable place ought to present no difficulties 

 in most ordinary households. A dark cupboard or cellar from 

 which the light can be excluded will serve the purpose admirably. 

 But if a cupboard is selected it must be cool. If it be near a 

 chimney flue the occasional excess of warmth will promote top- 

 growth before root action has been properly developed, and if 

 this be allowed failure will inevitably follow. 



If no such dark resting-place as I have suggested be available, 

 the difficulty may be surmounted by p'unging the bowls in a deep 

 box and covering them to a depth of at least four inches in common 

 cocoa-nut fibre. If a sheet of glass be placed over the box it will 

 help to conserve the moisture. 



Until top-growth makes its appearance the bowls should be 

 examined at frequent intervals, say once a week, or at least every 

 ten days. If the surface be found to be becoming dry the bowls 



