44 GARDENING FOR PLEASURE. 



CHAPTER X. 

 FALL OR HOLLAND BULBS, ETC. 



THESE bulbs are mainly such as are imported from 

 Holland in the fall, and consist of Hyacinths, Tulips, 

 Crocuses, Jonquils, Narcissuses, Snow-drops, Lilies, and 

 various other less known kinds. With few exceptions, 

 all these bulbs are hardy in our most northern states, 

 though all are benefited by a covering of two or three 

 inches of rough litter or leaves spread over the beds be- 

 fore freezing weather. The soil best suited for all bulbs 

 is a rich, but rather sandy loam. All these bulbs may be 

 planted at any time from the middle of September until 

 the ground is closed by frost in December. Hyacinths 

 should be planted at distances of six or eight inches apart 

 each way, and from three to four inches deep. Tulips, 

 the same distance apart, but a little less deep. Crocuses 

 three inches apart and two inches deep. Jonquils and 

 Narcissuses may be planted four inches apart and four 

 inches deep. Snow-drops the same as Crocuses. 



Very fine effects are produced by planting Hyacinths in 

 lines each of one color, but when mixed colors are placed 

 in the lines, care must he taken to have them arranged 

 so that the bed will give a harmonious blending of color. 

 Crocuses have nearly the same range of color as the 

 Hyacinth, and may be planted either way. 



All these bulbs are easily grown in pots. The Hya- 

 cinth requires a pot six inches in depth and diameter. In 

 potting it is only necessary to fill the pot rather loosely 

 to the brim, and press the bulb down, so that only about 

 one-fourth of it appears above the soil. The pot should 

 then be struck smartly on the bench to give the soil the 

 proper degree of firmness, leaving it, when finished, 

 about an inch or so below the rim of the pot. Then 



