78 BULBS AND THEIR CULTIVATION, 



handsome flowers. Everyone, therefore, who wishes to 

 start growing bulbs in water must buy newly-imported 

 ones to ensure success in this novel method of flower 

 culture. 



Vessels for Water Culture. Special glasses for 

 the purpose are sold by all dealers in glass and by florists. 

 There are tall and short kinds made of plain crystal glass, 

 or of shades of blue, purple, and amber, either plain or 

 decorated. Personally, we prefer the plain crystal type, 

 as there is then no colour to conflict with that of the 

 flower. These glasses have a cup or depression at the 

 top to receive the bulb. Smaller sizes are also to be 

 obtained for crocus bulbs. There are also many kinds of 

 small opaque ornamental vases suitable for growing single 

 bulbs of narcissi, crocuses, and squills. The advantage 

 of 'dear glasses is, you can easily perceive the method of 

 root formation, but, where this is of little interest, opaque 

 vessels will do just as well. 



Water. Rain water is preferable to ordinary spring 

 water, because it contains more soluble plant food, and is 

 in every way better suited to the requirements of the 

 growth of plants. Owing to its organic contents, it is, 

 however, apt to exhale an unpleasant smell, and, to guard 

 against this, it is usual to put a few lumps of charcoal in- 

 side each glass. Charcoal keeps the water sweet, absorbs 

 some of the organic matter, and when the roots come in 

 contact therewith they are able to absorb it, and benefit 

 considerably thereby. Ordinary spring water may, of 

 course, be used, but it will not give such good results as 

 rain water. 



Bulbs for Water Culture Hyacinths, tulips, nar- 

 cissi, snowdrops, scillas, and crocuses may be grown in 

 water in the glasses or vases mentioned. In all cases those 

 with single flowers usually do the best, and it is most im- 



