106 THE CROCUS. 



tulips, which are done flowering in time to have their 

 places supplied by bedding-plants : and thus the crocuses 

 are not disturbed, and their foliage renders the tulips more 

 effective. 



For house-culture the crocus is well adapted, and does 

 well grown in earth or water : bloomed in a pan of white 

 sand, the yellow and purple varieties are very pretty. 



In England, there are glasses made especially for crocus 

 culture ; but we do not remember to have seen them in this 

 country. 



Crocus, snowdrops, and similar bulbs, may be had in 

 bloom about Christmas by taking up the most promising 

 clumps from the border about the last of October, and pot- 

 ting them in small pots, in leaf-mould. Water them, and 

 keep them in a cold frame till well established ; then place 

 them in a cool greenhouse, on shelves near the glass, where 

 they can have plenty of air in pleasant weather. "Water 

 them well ; and, about the last of November, remove them 

 to a light, airy shelf in a greenhouse, where the thermome- 

 ter registers 50° at night. If they do not advance suf- 

 ciently rapidly, increase the heat ; but always bear in mind 

 that air and light, and not too high a temperature, are 

 the conditions of success. Crocus are easily raised from 



