l86 HOME FLORICULTURE 



they are inclined to do this, it is as well to bring 

 them up at once, as they will keep on growing after 

 having begun, and they will surely be spoiled if left 

 in the dark after top growth has started. The reason 

 for this behavior on their part is this : They have been 

 kept under conditions which excite premature develop- 

 ment. Probably too much light or warmth has been 

 given them. Most bulbs will grow to some extent 

 when exposed to such conditions, if not potted, the 

 same as Onions will, in the cellar. Such bulbs are 

 weak, and seldom bloom. It is always advisable to 

 procure fresh, strong bulbs each season. These only 

 are to be depended on. 



After the bulbs have been in the cellar or cold 

 storage about a month, examine them, turn the ball 

 of earth out of a pot and ascertain if the roots have 

 reached the outside of it. If they have, it will be 

 safe to bring the pots to the window, but do not 

 bring them all at once, if you want a succession of 

 flowers. By keeping some of them in low temperature 

 the growth of the top can be retarded for some time. 

 It is well to pot them at intervals, for by doing this, 

 and leaving some of them in cold storage longer than 

 others, we can manage to have flowers from bulbs 

 during the greater part of winter. 



Right here let us anticipate the question sure to 

 be asked about the care required by bulbs after they 

 have completed their winter flowering. We cannot 

 advise carrying them over for another season. While 

 it is true that once in a while a bulb will bloom a 

 second time, after forcing, it is equally true that most 

 of them will not do so. As a general thing, a bulb 

 which has been forced is so exhausted by it that it 

 is worthless afterward. It can never be depended on, 

 therefore, to avoid disappointment, buy fresh, strong 

 bulbs each season. These you can depend on. 



