96 CULTIVATION. 



which means they concentrate the growth, and 

 so bring* better (i. e. larger) samples to market. 



There is a special difference in the management 

 of private and commercial growers, as regards 

 the polyanthus-narcissus. The former cultivates 

 for the sake of the bloom ; the latter chiefly 

 for propagation. To propagate with success, 

 and ensure a return of large bulbs which will 

 flower well, no flowers should be allowed to 

 expand the previous season. Pinching off the 

 flower-stalk stimulates the growth of the other 

 parts, and furnishes, for the next year, bulbs in 

 no degree inferior to newly imported ones. The 

 private grower, in order to have always a respect- 

 able succession, should therefore deny himself 

 the gratification of a full bloom this year, for a 

 partly fine bloom in the next. By dividing his 

 stock into blowers and breeders, alternating in 

 station and treatment with each other, and by 

 carefully nursing the largest offsets, he may al- 

 ways maintain a good collection. 



Cutting off the leaves of this plant is particii- 



