MABCH12.1914 The Florists' Rtview ti 



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More About French Bulbs 



There are 19,000,000 families in the United States. Besides, there are others not considered in the 

 family class. The crop of Paper Whites is likewise 19,000,000 bulbs — equal to on* bulb per fam- 

 ily if so distributed. But most live florists use upward of 10,000, and wholesalers use much 

 more — there's an order on our books now for one million of them from one grower. This goes 

 to show how poorly distributed they are. 



Paper Whites are of standard value and useful in many ways. In France they are easily grown; 

 if they get rain in March and April, the crop is almost sure to be good. The danger is from 

 sweating and sprouting. Practically there is no sale for the bulbs except in America, but the 

 cut flowers are marketed all over Europe direct from the south of France. 



There are three different varieties commonly known as Paper Whites. One is much superior; 

 one is the true Grandiflora we use; and one is the inferior Totus Albus with its more pointed 

 petals. We will refer to the true Grandiflora, as it is the best variety available in quantities. 

 True Grandiflora grown in wet ground yield larger bulbs, flower later and are inferior. Those from 

 dry ground yield smaller bulbs and superior flowers. Experienced bulb men can tell the differ- 

 ent varieties by the bulbs. 



With Roman Hyacinths the situation is entirely different. They can't be grown everywhere in 

 the district and must be lifted about the second week in June every year. If not properly cared 

 for they are liable to disease, which spreads very rapidly. Exportable sizes are usually three 

 years old or more. Paper Whites two years. Romans unsold, or too small to sell, are planted 

 again in October or November. The crop of Romans is estimated at from seven to ten million, 

 according to conditions. 



In some seasons when the weather is very unfavorable, a grower is apt to reap smaller Romans 

 than he planted. Their growth in ordinary seasons is from two to three cm. per annum. Bulbs 6, 

 7, 8 and 9 cm. are planted the first year. To secure exportable sizes, bulbs of 11 cm. must be 

 planted the second year. These will be from 12J/2 to 14 cm. when harvested. When Romans are 

 dug in June, they must be dried for at least three weeks before being packed — otherwise they 

 will rot. During this time the bulbs shrink considerable — a 12 cm. bulb fresh dug will be 11 cm. 

 when ready to pack — larger sizes shrink more in proportion. This shrinkage causes exporters 

 trouble at times, as unscrupulous growers dry them quickly in the sun, if they can — causing bad 

 arrivals. Paper Whites may be dug and packed in three days, as they have a hard skin. 



Favorable weather for Romans is hard to get — they need rain in October and November, frost 

 in January and February; rain in March and April, hot weather in May (most important), and 

 dry weather in June and July. Bad crops are due to too much autumn rain, no frost in January 

 and February, frost in March and April, cold in May, and if it rains in June and July the bulbs 

 will not dry, but become moist and will not keep well. 



The new tariff on Romans is $2.00 per 1000 higher, which, added to the difficult crop conditions, 

 necessitates high prices; so the best prices we can give on Romans are quoted below, and deliv- 

 eries of large sizes are especially subject to crop conditions. 



Roman Hyacinths Paper White Grandiflora 



Size Per 1000 Per 10,000 Size Per 1000 Per 10,000 Per 50,000 100,000 



10 to 12 cm $17.00 $160.00 12 cm. and.over ....$7.00 $65.00 $312.50 $600.00 



1 1 to 14 cm 24.00 225.00 13 cm. and over .... 8.00 70.00 330.00 640.00 



12 cm. and over 27.00 255.00 14 cm. and over .... 10.00 85.00 412.50 800.00 



13 cm. and over 35.00 340.00 15 cm. and over .... 15.00 140.00 



Terms net cash on arrival. Those requiring credit and deserving it may have it at 6 per cent per 

 annum, payable by note. Add 25 cents per 1000 bulbs for delivery f. o. b. Chicago. 



BUY YOUR BULBS FROM AMERICAN HOUSES— IT PAYS 



SEND FOR RALPH M. WARD & CO. 



HORS™SoE bJwoIoOY HORSESHOE BRAND PRODUCTS 



No.H.wchw. IT'S FREE 71 Murray St., NEW YORK 



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