140 FAMILIAR GARDEN FLOWERS, 
may be well to mention. It is not well for the bulbs 
to touch the water; there should be a space of at least 
an inch between the water and the bulbs. The other 
point is that the first growth should be made in the 
dark, to promote the free action of the roots lefore the 
leaves appear. When the flower-stem and leaves push in 
advance of the roots, a poor bloom may be expected ; 
but when the roots move first and spread freely, a good 
bloom may be expected, and there will be a saving of 
time in the end. It should be remembered further that 
full exposure to light is absolutely essential to the produc- 
tion of healthy leaves and flowers. 
