AND APPLICATION OP MANURE. 39 



pots with about an inch of broken potsherds, or " crocks," 

 and then filling up with prepared soil. Small bits of char- 

 coal, about the size of a hazel-nut, make a very good drain- 

 age, and contribute to heighten the brilliancy of the flowers. 



The chief care in the growth of bulbs in pots is to pre- 

 vent the soil from becoming sodden through imperfect 

 drainage, or too dry from want of sufficient water, during 

 the season of growth. 



It must be borne in mind that the vigorous growth, once 

 begun, should never cease until the season of rest arrives ; 

 and any check received from neglect in watering, greatly 

 injures the bulb. 



MANURES. 



All manures should be well decomposed, or "rotted." 

 Fresh or very strong manures are injurious. 



Cow-dung is the principal manure used ; but this should 

 always be a year old, and never be hot. 



Horse-dung should never be used, unless perfectly de- 

 composed, and deprived of all heating principle. 



Any manure should be clean, or " very fine ; " that is, 

 free from worms and slugs, and with no admixture of straw 



