THE ORNAMENTAL PLANTS — BULBS 



285 



general the same as other similar bulbs. The colchicums usu- 

 ally remain in the ground several years in good condition. 



All kinds of bulbs are partial 

 to a deep, rich, water-free soil. 

 This is no small part of their 

 successful culture. The spot 

 should be well drained, either 

 naturally or artificially. In 

 flattish and rather moist lands 

 the beds may be made above 

 the surface, some 18 inches 

 high, and bordered with grass. 

 A layer of rough stones a foot 

 deep is sometimes used in the 

 bottom of ordinary beds for 

 drainage, and with good re- 

 sults, when other methods are 

 not convenient, and when 

 there is fear that the bed may 

 become too wet. If the place 

 is likely to be rather wet, 

 place a large handful of sand 

 where the bulb is to go and 

 set the bulb on it. This will 

 keep the water from standing 

 around the bulb. Very good 

 results may be had in heavy 

 soil by this method. 



The soil for bulbs should be well enriched with old manure. 

 Fresh manure should never be allowed close about the bulb. 

 The addition of leafmold and a little sand also improves the 

 texture of heavy soils. For lilies the leafmold may be omit- 

 ted. , Let the spading be at least a foot deep. Eighteen inches 

 will be none too deep for lilies. To make a bulb bed, throw 



259. One of the common wild lilies. — 

 Lilium Philadelphicum. 



