SMITH] A SUCCESSION OF FLOWERS 263 



ing would all be done at one time, and the same growing condi- 

 tions would be arranged for each. 



4. Some convenient combination of either two or all of the 

 preceding plans may be made. In this way before pupils leave 

 the elementary schools, they can become thoroughly familiar 

 with the essentials of the technique of bulb-forcing for winter 

 bloom under the most diflficult conditions, such as modem dwell- 

 ings present. 



Where Spring Bulbs May Be Started. 



A view of the many possibilities in the use of spring bulbs 

 which are unlike in hardiness and time of bloom and which may 

 be started under varying conditions is readily had from the fol- 

 lowing outline: 



(A). Some Max Be Grown in the House All of the Time. 

 I. Of this class some may be kept in the light from the first, 

 in rooms supplied either with diffuse or direct sunlight, and 

 placed either in the windows or in some convenient corner. 



Cultivation iti Water. — Deep bowls are best. Any members of 

 the genus narcissus : but not hyacinths, tulips, crocus. Pebbles 

 (or crushed stone, small pieces of hard coal, or of charcoal) 

 placed around and over the bulbs will keep them from floating 

 and their roots from breaking; but if several are grown in a 

 large bowl they will mutually support each other. Water culture 

 is excellent for the primary grades and the kindergarten, because 

 the children can watch the development of the entire plant. Some 

 florists recommend for the Chinese sacred lily, tepid water (pre- 

 ferably soft) changed frequently. 



Cultivation in Some Stabler Medium. — Soil, sphagnum moss 

 or cocoa fibre, obtained from the florist, may be used, but pure 

 sand should never he used, because it will not retain water well 

 enough. The moss or fibre are useful for comparison, and they 

 have the advantage of being clean. If it be thought desirable to 

 furnish mineral food, either to these media or to the soil. Sachs* 

 solution or some commercial preparation like Bowker's may be 

 used. 



It is convenient here to refer to results which Professor 

 Cole's students secured by planting early bulbs late in the winter 

 after they had thoroughly matured.* "Such a planting on Febni- 



*A. H. Cole. "The Best Bulbs for Winter Flowering in the 

 School Room." The Educational Bi-Monthly, Vol. VI, Xo. 1. 

 October, 1911, pp. 66-69. 



