44 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS 



are desired always choose "top" bulbs or the 

 best bulbs the variety produces; but for per- 

 manent plantings and naturalising the smaller 

 younger and cheaper "seconds" may be used. 

 In selecting bulbs for "Exhibition flowers," 

 an expert will choose the largest old "single 

 crown" bulbs, which give larger but fewer 

 flowers than the "double crown" or "mother 

 bulbs." 



As different varieties of narcissus and daffo- 

 dils make bulbs varying from half an inch 

 to eight inches in circumference, it is difficult 

 for us to tell how to select the largest old 

 single crown bulbs of all varieties without 

 making the following explanation of their 

 manner of growth. 



Specialised types (varieties) of narcissus 

 not seedlings, are increased by offsets, the 

 latter being produced by the "breaking up" 

 of the mother bulb. These offsets at- 

 tain full growth and vitality usually in 

 about four years. The next year probably 

 these bulbs will develop into the "double 

 and triple nose" form (two or more bulbs in 

 one skin). They then are "mothers" an3 

 the succeeding year will probably break up. 



