BULBS FOR THE LAWN. 279 



either be vertical or inclined so that the tops touch. 

 The strings may be run vertically, but it will be better 

 if the wires are arranged either horizontally or diago- 

 nally. Whatever supports are to be used, they should be 

 in place soon after the plants appear above ground, and 

 care should be taken to have the bottom of the trellis at 

 such a hight that the plants can readily reach it. 



There should be a slight hollow where the rows are, 

 so that rain water will be held, and to permit of the 

 ready Watering of the surface if the weather becomes 

 dry. Sub-irrigation for sweet peas gives excellent 

 results. It can be provided by laying three-inch drain 

 tiles, into which water can be turned, along the rows, 

 just below the surface of the ground. In order to pre- 

 vent the loss of water by evaporation, the surface of the 

 soil should be covered, as soon as the weather becomes 

 dry, with two inches of fine grass, straw or other litter. 

 If the flowers are not picked it is of the utmost impor- 

 tance that the seed pods be removed as soon as they form. 

 If this is neglected, the plants will be likely to dry up 

 by midsummer. 



BULBS FOR THE LAWN. 



Many of the bulbs used for the decoration of the 

 lawn in summer are started in the greenhouse in the 

 spring and are then transferred to the ground outside. 

 Among them are the caladium, canna and dahlia. 



The Caladium esculentum, which is the species 

 most commonly used for lawn planting, should be dug 

 after the leaves have been cut by frost, and after being 

 dried should be packed away in some moderately warm, 

 dry place. To prevent excessive drying, it is a good plan 

 to place them in shallow boxes and pack dry soil or sand 

 about them. In March or April the bulbs should be 

 potted off singly in pots whose diameter is about twice 

 that of the bulbs. They like a rich, light soil, and aftej 



