Example from hardy bulbs in grass 2 1 



and the hardier forms are able to take care of them- 

 selves. In all this kind of work, if we could get the 

 wild types of plant it would be all the better, because 

 such beauty as they possess is certainly never the 

 result of cultivation. When we buy bulbs highly cul- 

 tivated we may expect some reduction in the size of the 

 flower when it assumes a semi-wild state ; but nobody 

 who cares for the form and beauty of the flowers will 

 mind this reduction. Flowers from bulbs planted 

 several years are somewhat smaller than the newly 

 planted kinds, but certainly no less beautiful. While 

 we have proof enough that Crocuses grow well in 

 meadow grass on a large scale, they seem particularly 

 suitable for growing under groves of trees, their growth 

 coming before the trees spread forth their leaves. In 

 many country places outside the garden proper there 

 are many spaces under trees often possessed by 

 Goutweed and other weeds which should be given to 

 the Crocus and like early flowers. 



Tulips. — I have tried only one wild Tulip, the Wood 

 Tulip (T. sylvestris), sent me from Touraine to the extent 

 of a thousand roots, and I do not think we have lost 

 any ; they bloom gracefully every year. The shortness 

 of bloom which Tulips show should lead one to try the 

 wild kinds in grass. Their broad, fragile leaves are apt 

 to be injured by the harrow. They are better tried in 

 copses or drives through woods, where they are free 

 from this injury. 



Stars of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum).— The starry trusses 



