BULBS 47 



as directed, leaving the stones in the bottom of the bed 

 for drainage. Then, when ready to set the bulb, place 

 a large handful of sand where the bulb is to go and set the 

 bulb on it. This will keep the water from standing around 

 the bulb. Very fine results may be had on heavy soil by 

 this method. 



As to kinds of bulbs, select hyacinths, tulips or nar- 

 cissus or daffodils, with snowdrops or crocuses of various 

 colors around the edge. For the culture of these and other 

 bulbs, see the various articles throughout the book. 



The growing of flowering bulbs through the winter adds 

 to the list of house plants a charming variety. The labor, 

 time and skill required is much less than that of growing 

 many of the larger plants more commonly used for win- 

 ter decorations. The larger number of winter bulbs may 

 be left out of doors until within four to six weeks of the 

 time when they are wanted in flower. Hyacinths, narcissus, 

 tulips, and crocus can be made to flower in the winter 

 without difficulty. Secure the bulbs so as to be able to pot 

 them by the middle or last of October, or if earlier all the 

 better. The soil should be rich, sandy loam, if possible; if 

 not, the best one can get, to which add about one -fourth 

 the bulk of sand and mix thoroughly. If ordinary flower 

 pots are to be used, put in the bottom a few pieces of 

 broken pots, charcoal or small stones for drainage, then fill 

 the pot with dirt so that when the bulbs are set on the dirt 

 the top of the bulb is even with the rim of the pot. Fill 

 around it with soil, leaving just the tip of the bulb showing 

 above the dirt. If the soil is heavy, a good plan is to 

 sprinkle a small handful of sand under the bulb to carry off 

 the water, 'the same as is done in the beds outdoors. If one 

 .does not have pots he may use boxes. Starch boxes are a 

 good size to use, as they are not heavy to handle ; and ex- 

 cellent flowers are sometimes obtained from bulbs planted 

 in old tomato cans. If boxes or cans are used, care must 

 be taken to have holes in the bottoms to let the water run 



