290 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERING BULBS 



from weeds, and this is best done by hand. When the shoots reach 

 about a foot high, tying must be resorted to in earnest. The most 

 effectual plan, of course, is to put a separate stake to each plant, and 

 for exhibition specimens this is certainly advisable. But rows can be 

 secured by a stake at each end, with two or three strands of strong 

 material carried across, to which each flower must be tied. Whatever 

 method is adopted, care should be taken to avoid cutting the plant 

 while holding it secure from damage in a high wind. Let the 

 material which is placed round the flowering stem be soft and wide, 

 such as list, which answers admirably. 



Water must be freely and regularly given during dry weather, either 

 in the morning or evening ; and a mulch of old manure spread over 

 the bed will not only prevent evaporation, but also save the ground 

 from caking hard. 



Another important matter is shading. For ordinary purposes this 

 is not essential, but as it very much lengthens the duration of the 

 flower, it is worth attention on that ground alone, and for exhibition 

 it is indispensable. Whether shading is accomplished by separate 

 protectors made expressly for the purpose, or by home-made con- 

 trivances of canvas or wood, the point to be quite certain about is 

 security, or an accident may wreck well-grounded hopes. 



The lifting and storing of the corms affect the quality of the next 

 year's flowers so much that it is important to accomplish lifting at the 

 most suitable time, and the storing in the best manner. By the 

 middle or end of October, on some fine day, take up the roots even 

 if the foliage be still green, tie a label to each variety, and hang them 

 in some airy place until they can be cleared of soil and leaves. 

 Remove the foliage with a sharp knife, and lay out the bulbs to dry 

 for another fortnight. They can then be stored in paper bags or in 

 boxes on any dry shelf which is safe from vermin. 



GLOXINIA 



GLOXINIAS may be had in bloom almost all the year by judicious 

 management. When required for early flowering, those that start 

 first should be selected and carefully shifted into other pots, and be 

 kept near the glass, as they depend much on light for a rapid and 

 luxuriant growth. A moist atmosphere, with the temperature about 

 60 to 65, greatly facilitates the growth of Gloxinias, but they may 

 be grown well in either greenhouse or in pits heated by hot water. 



