70 CULTIVATION. 



are stuck in from time to time, to make up the 

 deficiencies. 



When the bulbs are taken up, " they should 

 be gradually dried, and placed in a situation 

 where they remain so." About the end of 

 August they may be looked over, and divested 

 of their loose skins, dead fibres, and the offsets, 

 which come off easily. The last should not be 

 torn off rashly froi^i the radical plate, as this 

 would make large wounds, hurtful to the organi- 

 zation, or allow its juice to escape. 



As the best bulbs are all named, it is neces- 

 saiy they should be kept unmixed. For this 

 purpose, the plan of Van Osten is as convenient 

 as any other. It is a press, or box of shallow 

 drawers, having folding doors; the bottom of 

 the drawers is divided into square compartments, 

 each only large enough to hold a single root. 

 Corresponding numbers on the compartments 

 and in a book ruled in squares, and both similar 

 to the arrangement and stations of the bulbs 

 in the bed, and a numerical list, are sufficient 

 for identifying the kinds at all times. 



