BULBOUS PLANTS 240 



succulent roots start from the top part or neck of the tuber, near the 

 base of the leaf-bud, so this part must be covered and kept in an 

 evenly moist state to start them into growth. The best conditions 

 under which to start growth are as follows: Take a box 3 inches 

 deep, put half an inch of moss in the bottom; put in the bulbs close 

 enough together so that at least half the space will be occupied, 

 then cover with moss to the top of the box. Have the moss chopped 

 so that the particles will fall easily from the roots previous to pot- 

 ting. This operation may best be done when the roots are from i 

 to 2 inches long. A good soil should consist largely of leafmold. 

 As the tubers send out their roots shortly after putting in the moss 

 they should be transferred to pots before the roots get too long, 

 else they will be injured in the operation. Pots should not be used 

 of a size larger than will hold the tubers and roots comfortably, 

 without danger of being bruised. The subsequent shifts should 

 have a greater quantity of loam with rotted cow manure added. 

 For specimen plants do not cut up the tubers, plant them whole. 

 At the end of the season, as a rule, they will have made quite as 

 many easily detached tubers as if they had been cut up in the 

 Spring. 



Preparations for Lifting Tubers. By the beginning of Oc- 

 tober, and earlier in some localities, fancy leaved Caladiums will 

 soon begin to lose their bright colors, owing to the low temperature. 

 Before this occurs go over them and renew the names, using fresh 

 labels. If they are without names go over them all the same, jotting 

 down the colors of the leaves, and whether certain kinds should be 

 used again. All this is very necessary with the Caladium as it is a 

 useful bedding plant. It is difi&cult to decide whether it is best 

 to plant them in the dormant state like Gladioli, or to start 

 indoors before planting. The latter method is often favored, 

 mainly because there was something to look at as soon as planted. 

 Splendid growth is made from dormant tubers at planting time, 

 and this speaks volumes in favor of this method. It certainly 

 saves the time given to the starting and potting indoors. But 

 again, more money can be got out of a plant, with its beautiful 

 leaves, started in a 5-inch pot than can be got for a mere tuber 

 that has no more beauty to is than a Potato. 



Storing the Tubers. Outdoor plants as they lose their leaves 

 should be dug up and laid under the bench of a house where the sun 

 won't get at them. Give water occasionally to both roots and 

 foliage until the latter gradually decays. After the leaves are cut 

 off and the tubers are dry^ put as many as will go into a fair-sized 



