.BULBS 179 



After the bulb is inserted in the hole thus pre- 

 pared, complete the process by filling the hole 

 with earth. 



CULTIVATION 



Most bulbs resent the presence of fresh ma- 

 nure in the soil, and, though this does not mean 

 that they do not require rich rooting material, 

 they often disappoint the planter who has too 

 generously applied his fertilizer. It has fre- 

 quently been said that under no circumstances 

 should manure be added to the soil of the bulb 

 bed, but this can not be accepted as a guide 

 without amendment. It would be better and 

 more to the point to say that manure is not to 

 be added to the soil in such manner that it will 

 be brought into direct contact with the bulbs. 

 By all means add the manure, but see to it that 

 it is well rotted, is below the bulbs and is thor- 

 oughly incorporated with the soil and that the 

 bulbs themselves are well surrounded by the 

 cushion of sand already mentioned. In no in- 

 stance, however, even where the sand is most 

 generously employed, is it safe to plant bulbs 

 in beds containing fresh manure. 



In the planting of bulbs, consideration must 

 be had for the kind of plant with which the gar- 



