40 PREPARATION OF SOIL, 



or stubble. It should be in such a condition as to be 

 thoroughly incorporated with the soil. 



In the formation of a bulb-bed, it should be well manured, 

 and will not generally require further manuring, except the 

 autumn top-dressing, for several years. If, however, it 

 becomes poor, liquid manure may be advantageously ad- 

 ministered. This should be made by mixing cow-dung and 

 rain-water ; and it should be applied at night, over the sur- 

 face of the bed, from the fine rose of a water-pot, when 

 the plants are not in bloom and in growth. Weak guano- 

 water may also be of service, but should be used with 

 caution. Powdered charcoal may be mixed with the soil 

 with advantage to the flowers. Ground bone is an excellent 

 manure for a bed of hyacinths. Horn-scrapings, or piths, 

 answer the same purpose. 



Bulbs grown in pots need no manure if the soil has been 

 properly prepared. Waterings of weak manure-water may, 

 however, be given where a weak growth seems to require it. 



Bulbs grown in water are greatly improved by the addi- 

 tion of a few drops of aqua ammonia to the water each 

 time it is changed. 



In potting hyacinths and tuberoses, after the drainage, 

 it is our practice to fill in between one and two inches of 



