268 The Crocus. 



has been in the ground all summer, we shall find, even as early as the first 

 of September, that it has begun to throw out rootlets, and that the top has 

 sprouted a little. This growth goes on until checked by severe frost ; or, 

 if frost is kept out by covering, all winter. In early spring, the first 

 warm rays of the sun call the bulb into active growth, and a few days 

 suffice to bring it into bloom. We thus see the reason for early planting, 

 and also why a warm covering of the bulb-bed is conducive to early 

 bloom. 



The preparation of a crocus-border requires some care. The bulbs will 

 grow and bloom in almost any soil ; but they richly repay careful planting. 

 First, select some warm southern or south-western exposure, and care- 

 fully remove the soil to a depth of about eighteen inches. If the subsoil 

 is cold, and retentive of water, secure good drainage by a layer of stones 

 and a blind drain. At the bottom of the bed, place a good layer of oak- 

 leaves or pine-needles \ then fill up with a compost of loam two parts, and 

 one part each of well-rotted manure and sharp sand. Let the bed slope 

 from rear to front, and towards the sun. The bed is then ready for plant- 

 ing. In selection of bulbs, no general rule can be followed; for some 

 varieties always make large, others always small bulbs, and often the 

 small flower quite as well as the large. 



The bulbs of blue and white varieties are usually small ; those of yel- 

 low (except cloth-of-gold) and striped are large. 



The bulbs are generally imported from Holland, and are for sale at the 

 seed-stores about the first of October, and vary in price from two to four 

 dollars per hundred. 



Where only a few are wanted, they are cheaper bought in this way ; but, 

 where large beds or ribbon-borders are to be planted, it is more eco- 

 nomical to order directly from some Dutch florist. The cost in Plolland 

 is about ten shillings per thousand for cloth-of-gold, twenty shillings for 

 large yellow, and from fourteen to sixteen shillings for the various whites, 

 blues, and purples. If separate colors are not required, mixed varieties 

 may be obtained for about seven shillings per thousand. In importing, 

 however, a shilling must be reckoned at fifty cents, to cover gold premium, 

 exchange, freight, and the present unjust and oppressive duty of thirty per 

 cent. 



