GARDENING BY MYSELF. 



209 



as fast as you plant each one, set by it a 

 wood label with the name. Hyacinths 

 should be set at least four inches deep, lilies 

 somewhat more — say five or six ; and smaller 

 bulbs somewhat less. Two inches is depth 

 enough for a crocus. Lilies (the hardy 

 ones) should be placed where they can be 

 left several years without stirring, and cro- 

 cuses and snowdrops will also thrive best 

 to be let alone. Tulips and hyacinths do 

 better taken up. 



As the frost will sometimes throw out 

 your labels, and as it is also possible that 

 some of them may be raked off with the 

 covering of the bed in spring, I have found 

 it save trouble to make a sort of map of 

 each bed and group ; numbering each bulb 

 on my list, and writing down the numbers 

 in their proper place on my map ; so that 

 if a label is missing, I shall still know 

 what bulb was planted in that place. 

 Until you have learned to know all 

 your pets by name, it is a very good 

 way. After planting, smooth the earth 

 18* 



