RUNNERS 



57 



perhaps most commonly found in American markets. A common 

 method is to slit the bud in sections running vertically through 

 the center (Fig. 45). Each piece then develops a number of small 

 buds (Fig. 46) which in time grow to a size large enough to be used 



FIG. 44. A field of young bulbs being grown to marketable size; in the moist climate of 

 Bellingham, Washington. (U. S. D. A.) 



commercially. Examples are hyacinth, crocus and Chinese lily. 

 Scaly bulbs are more easily divided. Bulbs may start from 

 the base of a scale and form new plants. A number of lilies are 

 propagated in this way. 



FIG 45. Mother hyacinth bulbs. Those on left are scored, on right scooped, to cause them 

 to develop bulblets. (U. S. D. A.) 



The bulbs of canna are similar to the true tubers. They are 

 divided in the crown by merely breaking apart at the natural 

 divisions. 



Runners. Horizontal stems are developed by some plants 

 for the purpose of propagation. Such runners are above ground 



