All our readers have heard of HOLLAND,, sometimes called Hardy Bulbs, but few would be 

 able to give a list entitled to the name, and we do not know that we could make a correct one. 

 These Holland Bulbs did not originate in that country, but the good Hollanders have almost 

 monopolized their culture for so many years, doubtless to their own profit and the good of the 

 world, that the name has been conceded, by general consent, to a class of Bulbs of which the 

 Hyacinth, Tulip and Crocus are the leading members. With few minor exceptions these Bulbs 

 require to be planted in the autumn, and are admirably adapted for winter culture in the house. 

 In many sections of our country the winters are long, unpleasant, and, of course, tedious. For 

 full half the year no flower, not even a green leaf, is found to cheer the long gloom. While all 

 is cold and sterile without, with a little care and skill, and at a trifling expense, we can make our 

 homes cheerful, have buds and blossoms and emerald leaves every day from November until 

 May, make our own little summers, and thus rob winter of half its tediousness. We shall 

 endeavor to show how this can be done. 



THEIR CULTURE. 



Those who desire a show of what is known as Holland Bulbs in the spring must SECURE 

 THE BULBS A.ND PLANT IN THE AUTUMN. Thousands when they see 

 a fine display of Hyacinths and Tulips in the gardens of their neighbors, 



in the early Spring, resolve 

 to have, at least, a few next 

 year ; but the matter is for- 

 gotten until the Spring flow- 

 ers remind them of their 

 neglect. Any garden soil 

 will grow Bulbs well; but it 

 must be drained, so that water 

 will not lie on the surface for ' 

 any length of time, or the 

 Bulbs will be likely to rot. 

 After planting, and before 

 winter sets in, cover the beds 

 with a good dressing of 

 leaves say five or six inches 

 in depth, or more. Over 

 these throw a little brush, or 

 I earth, or manure, to prevent 

 blowing off. If the leaves 

 cannot be obtained readily, 

 coarse manure will answer. 

 In the spring, rake o<T the covering, taking off about half at first, and then waiting a week before 

 removing the remainder. Make beds so narrow that the weeds can be destroyed as they appear, 

 and without walking among the plants. Any breaking or wounding of the leaves causes 

 injury to the Bulb, but flowers can be cut at pleasure, and all should be removed as they fade. 



127 



FI.OWEHINtr BULBS IN WATER. 



