264 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



should be plunged in a bucket of tepid water, then be thoroughly 

 drained of superfluous moisture, and returned to the dark cup- 

 board or box. The great point to remember is the necessity to 

 keep the fibre nicely moist. It will be a mistake to swamp the 

 fibre with water every time the bulbs are examined. Some 

 amount of judgment and discretion must be used. 



When the pale top shoots of the bulbs are about an inch high 

 it will be time to introduce them gradually to the light. At first 

 they should be placed on a table away from the window, and be 

 allowed to remain in this position until the spikes assume a healthy 

 green colour. They may then be brought into the full light near 

 a window, where they will soon put out their flowering stems. 



With the object of inducing a uniformly upright growth, the 

 vases should be turned round daily. If this precaution be 

 neglected the stems will inevitably lean over in the direction of 

 the greatest light and warmth, and the shape of the plants will 

 be spoiled. 



During the period of their growth constant attention must be 

 given to watering. Where possible, tepid rain-water should be 

 used, but if this is not procurable ordinary tap water slightly 

 warmed may be utilised. Great care must be taken to keep the 

 tender young shoots free from frost. If the bowls be allowed 

 to remain close to a window in very severe weather the plants are 

 certain to suffer. Therefore it is advisable at such times to remove 

 them to the centre of the room each night, or at least, as a measure 

 of precaution, to place a protection of thick brown paper between 

 them and the window. It is attention to such ap parent) y minor 

 details as these that makes all the difference between success and 

 failure. 



