BULBS 177 



it may be taken as a general rule tliat bulbs 

 prefer a light, well-drained, moderately rich 

 soil. Prepare the bed in which they are to grow 

 by digging it at least fourteen inches deep. If 

 the soil e'ncountered is heavy and it appears 

 that but little can be done with it by the addition 

 of materials calculated to lighten it, throw it 

 out and substitute good soil. In every case it 

 is always best, if possible, to put a layer of 

 small stones at the bottom for drainage. It is 

 best in the long run to prepare the bulb bed 

 carefully and, even where the soil is of proper 

 texture, for best results it would be advisable 

 for the cultivator to excavate it to the depth 

 already mentioned, place the drainage on the 

 bottom and upon this throw in the soil until it 

 reaches a level upon, which it is desired to set 

 the bulbs. Prepare this surface, which may be 

 anywhere from one to eight inches below ihe 

 surrounding surface, by covering it with a thin 

 layer of clean, sharp, grit sand. Place the 

 bulbs upon this blanket and then add the re- 

 maining earth until the surface of the bed 

 stands slightly higher than the ground sur- 

 rounding it. This elevation allows for settling. 

 While this is the best and surest process for 

 planting the bulbs, where it is not convenient to 



