290 



THE POMOLOGIST AND GARDENER. 



1871 



idea of the great care and skill necessary to their 

 proper culture ; and this impression is strengthened 

 by many writers on the subject, who seem to think 

 there is a great show of wisdom in recommending 

 the most difficult and complicated methods. Those 

 who have been discouraged with tlie formidable 

 array of directions, which only a professional flor- 

 ist could practice, need not despair; the gay Cro- 

 cus, the fragant Hyacinth, the brilliant, dashing 

 Tulip, can be grown, and well grown, by any ama- 

 teur — by any farmer's wife or daughter — and may 

 decorate every humble cottage garden. A rod or 

 two of ground, a little taste, and some attention to 

 the simple directions given, is all that is needed to 

 ensure success. 



Another reason why bulbs are not more cultivat- 

 is that they must be planted in the Avtmnn, and 

 the maj<irity of amateur gardeners do not wake 

 up to the importance of providing plants for their 

 gardens until the spring is pretty well advanced ; 

 and then, when many of the bulbous plants are in 

 full flower, and should not be moved, often send 

 their orders. Tho.se who wish a .show of bulbous 



flowers in the spring must mnke their selections, pre- 

 pare tlu; r/ronnr!, anil plant in tlw autumn. 



Any fair garden soil will grow Bulbs well ; but 

 it must be well drained, so that the water will not 

 lie on the surfiice for any length of time, or the 

 Ijulbs will be likely to rot. If the soil is poor en- 

 rich it with well-rotted stable manure, or with sur- 

 face earth from the woods. Cow manure is excel- 

 lent for Bulbs. Manure should be mixed thor- 

 oughly with the soil ; and if tlie ground is stiflf and 

 the manure fresh, it is well to put a little sand 

 around each Bulb at planting. 



The soil should be dug deep ; and if stiff from 

 too much clay, an addition of leaf mould scraped 

 from the woods, or a liberal dressing of sand, will 

 be of great benefit. After planting, and before 

 winter sets in, cover the beds with a good dressing 

 of leaves- — say five or six inches in depth, or more. 

 Over these throw a little brush, or boards, to pre- 

 vent blowing off. If the leaves cannot be obtained 

 readily, coar.se manure will answer. In the spring, 

 as soon as the hard frosts are over; rake ofl' the cov- 

 ering. Nothing more is required except to destroy 



