F 



SMITH] A SUCCESSIOX OF FLOWERS 261 



a thick layer of soil and dead leaves, and they are aided to do this 

 because of physiological facts which we refer to but do not ex- 

 plain when we say that in darkness or in dim light green plants 

 grow tall and spindling, but in stronger light they grow shorter 

 and sturdier. This period in the dark is necessary to the perfect 

 development of many spring floivering bulbs, especially if an 

 attempt be made to force them into bloom before their normal 

 time: others can be made to bloom with fair success without 

 initial darkness, the more so if they are allowed time to mature 

 thoroughly before being potted ; some bulbs do not require dark- 

 ness, though they do well when it is provided ; and finally, free- 

 sias are examples of winter bulbs which reach perfection only 

 if started by the end of September in dim light, at schoolroom 

 temperature, and placed later in the sunny window. The various 

 members of the genus narcissus are examples of the second 

 group; and hyacinths, tulips, crocus, and squills are of the first 

 class. 



After blossom and seed time have passed, the plant stores its 

 underground parts with food for the next season, if the condi- 

 tions of growth permit it : and then the parts above ground die 

 and disappear. Because of the possession of this large food 

 supply, it happens that most spring bulbs do not need any light 

 the next season for the mere task of producing flowers, though 

 of course the light is needed if the bulbs are to be able ever to 

 store food again. That is, once stored with food, as the bulbs 

 ought to be when offered for sale, they will produce perfect 

 flowers when growing in complete darkness, the only difference 

 being that the leaves will not be green until they have been a 

 few days in the light. An interesting example of this fact is the 

 "Byzantine \\'onder Lily." now being advertised extensively by 

 florists as needing neither light nor water. This "lily" is not a 

 fake (as is the Japanese "air'' plant) and so early is it that it 

 frequently blossoms in the packing cases en route to America. 



Thus, all the spring flowering bulbs mentioned, excepting 

 freesias. are especially adapted for blooming in rooms which 

 have only diffuse or north light. Here they will turn green and 

 blossom perfectly, but the bulbs will be worthless for another 

 season's blooming in the house, for they will not be able to 

 store enough food for another cycle of growth. Xevertheless. if 

 the bulbs forced to bloom indoors are hardy, they may be left 

 in the pots until October, when they may be planted in beds out 

 of doors ; but in the latter event it is well to cut the flower stalks 

 out the next spring as soon as they appear in order to let all the 



