140 



FAMILIAR GARDEN FLOWERS. 



may be well to mention. It is not well for the bulbs 

 to touch the water ; there should be a space of at least 

 an inch between the water and the bulbs. The other 

 point is that the first growth should be made in the 

 dark, to promote the free action of the roots before the 

 leaves appear. When the flower-stem and leaves push in 

 advance of the roots, a poor bloom may be expected ; 

 but when the roots move first and spread freely, a good 

 bloom may be expected, and there will . be a saving of 

 time in the end. It should be remembered further that 

 full exposure to light is absolutely essential to the produc- 

 tion of healthy leaves and flowers. 



