COMMERCIAL DUTCH-BULB CULTURE. 29 



1,000 bulbs each. The stocks were well cured and came through bj^ the 

 northern route from Bellingham, Wash., to Washington, D. C, in 

 perfect condition. Some of them were left in the boxes for two 

 months, but at that time the packing material was slightly discol- 

 ored, showing that this was about the limit of their endurance in 

 these tight packages. They would not stand it as long, of course, 

 by the southern route. The citrus crate for narcissi is satisfactory, 

 provided there is no handling en route. Where there is any handling 

 or shifting of the load it is too light. In car lots with little handling, 

 however, the package is ideal, as the crate insures sufficient aeration. 



BULB GROWING FOR PLEASURE. 



Little need be said regarding bulb growing for pleasure, for the 

 subject is a popular one and it has been covered so often and so well 

 that little can be added. Naturally the purchaser of bulbs in a 

 small way turns to the catalogues of some reputable seedsman who 

 imports in large quantities for each autumn's distribution. Long 

 experience has crystallized the cultural directions given in these pub- 

 lications. Some firms issue general directions covering all classes 

 of bulbs, which are most valuable compendiums of information. 

 Besides these there are plenty of publications which treat the sub- 

 ject exhaustively. (See page 47.) 



OUT-OF-DOOR CULTURE. 



In out-of-door decoration the average man uses bulbs in quan- 

 tities of dozens or hundreds, planting them in formal beds or placing 

 them carelessly in clumps, in borders among shrubbery, etc., where the 

 result is more pleasing than in formal arrangement's unless the beds 

 are extensive enough to give a mass effect. An endless variety of 

 effects is obtainable, depending upon individual taste, the disposi- 

 tion of other plantings, the configuration of the land, the exposure, 

 and many other factors. Most landscape artists advise distributing 

 bulbs in clumps of a half dozen to a thousand or more, depending 

 upon the size of the grounds and the effect desired. A maxim that 

 can always be kept in mind is that there is always the danger of not 

 planting enough and seldom of planting too many. 



To simplify directions, it is safe to cover the bulbs of the narcissus, 

 tulip, and hyacinth 3 to 4 inches to the top of the bulb and to mulch 

 all of them, except tulips on humid coast's where the fire disease is 

 likely to be prevalent. Here, even, the flowers of tulips should be 

 cut off before the petals drop, and clean culture should be prac- 

 ticed. 



The naturalizing of the narcissus in grassy places and among 

 shrubbery, etc., is an exceedingly attractive venture, many varieties 



