USING BULBS OF DIFFERENT TYPES 



35 



is sometimes called a conn. Gladiolus, crocus, and bulbous butter- 

 cup (Fig. 23.) are other familiar examples. These solid bulbs re- 

 produce themselves by forming new ones on top or on the sides of 

 the old one which dies away after its store of nourishment is used. 



The true bulb is typified in many of the lilies. It is more like 

 a very large bud with very thick, fleshy scales. The store of 

 nourishment is chiefly in the scales themselves. 



The coated bulb is seen in the common onion and hyacinth. 

 The coats are in the form of rather complete rings. Hyacinth 



Fig. 21. — The beautiful Pulsatilla is divided easily. Keep a bud and some root with each 



part. 



bulbs, if cut in sections or crosswise, will form small bulbs along 

 the cut surfaces. These may be separated and grown to full size. 

 (Fig. 24.) 



In the commercial propagation of hyacinth bulbs the strongest 

 bulbs are selected. The bulbs are cut across or are hollowed out, 

 or are cut deeply as if to make sections. They are then dried and 

 stored through the summer and then put into sandy loam. One 



