GENERAL RULES OF CULTURE. 33 



be occasionally "watered, to prevent the premature ripening 

 of the foliage, and to encourage its growth. 



As soon as the leaves have faded, they should be removed ; 

 and the bulbs should rest (if not taken up) until they 

 naturally begin to grow again. Showy annuals (such as 

 portulaca) planted through the bed will cover all bare 

 places during the summer, and do not send their roots 

 deep enough to injure the bulbs. As soon as the frost has 

 killed these, the bed should be cleared, carefully forked 

 (except where the bulbs are), and a coating of fine manure 

 supplied. It is a good plan to apply weak liquid manure ; 

 and an addition of powdered charcoal to the soil of the 

 bed will give additional brilliancy to the flowers. 



Powdered bone or horn-scrapings are also excellent ma- 

 nures. 



The culture of tender bulbs is, in a measure, similar 

 to that of the hardy species. Potted in well-drained pots, 

 they should be gently watered, and kept in a warm, shady 

 place, till they begin to grow ; then water should be more 

 freely given, and they should be placed in full sunlight, 

 and as near the glass as possible, to encourage a thick, 

 sturdy growth. 



When in bloom, they should be kept cool, that the dura- 

 tion of the flower may be prolonged. 



