110 CULTIVATION. 



yet a substratum of rich and permanently humid 



soil appears to be indispensable. 



In forming the bed, therefore, the florist has 

 only to loosen the bottom sufficiently deep : and, 

 about eight inches from the surface, let strong 

 loam and rotten dung be mixed, to form the sub- 

 stratum, and on this a surface-layer of lighter 

 loam to receive the tubers. 



The bed being formed and levelled, drills are 

 drawn across about five inches asunder, in which 

 the roots are placed, crowns upwards, four inches 

 or more apart, according to their size, and cover- 

 ing them as near as possible about two inches 

 deep. Sometimes sand is strewed under and 

 over the tubers ; but this is not absolutely neces- 

 sary. 



Having already adverted to the winter ma- 

 nasrement, the next thing in course is what should 

 be attended to before and at the time of flower- 

 ing. If the winter has been mild and without 

 much frost and snow, and all other circumstances 

 favourable, the plants, in the course of the spring, 

 will be looking well. If the month of March, 



