Notes and Gleanings. 



239 



In Glass Cases. — Bulbs are sometimes grown in close glass or Wardian 

 cases. 



The treatment is very simple ; being merely to plant the bulb in the soil, and 

 to give air enough to prevent rot or mould. 



We have, however, found that, in every case, the leaves become tall or 

 " drawn," and the flowers were lacking in brilliancy. 



In Water. — This popular mode of growing bulbs seldom gives very fine 

 flowers ; but its simplicity and pretty effect will always recommend it. The 

 bulb should be placed in the glass in November ; the glass being filled with 

 rain-water up to the neck, so that the base of the bulb may just touch it. Place 

 the glasses in a warm, dark place, keeping them filled with water, for three 

 weeks, or until the glass is half filled with roots ; then remove to the light, and 

 gradually to full sunlight. 



After blooming, if it is desirable to preserve the bulb, it should be taken from 

 the glass, and planted in earth, to strengthen it. 



The water in the glasses should be changed every week, or as often as it be- 

 comes cloudy (a bit of charcoal in the water will, however, keep it sweet and clear) ; 

 and, in renewing the water, care must be taken that that supplied be of the same 

 temperature as that taken away. 



There are many forms and colors of glasses : those of dark glass are best 

 for the bulbs. 



The accompanying figure shows some of the many attractive forms : — 



The bulbs usually grown in glasses are hyacinths : but we occasionally see 

 English iris, tulips, and narcissus, which make a pretty show ; the treatment 

 required for them being the same as for the hyacinth. 



A few drops of glue or ammonia, added to the water in which bulbs are 

 grown, increases the brilliancy of the flower, and strengthens the bulb. 



In Vegetables. — Hyacinths are sometimes grown in a carrot or turnip, 

 hollowed out, and filled with water. The bulb grows well ; and a growth of. 



