METHODS OF PLANT PROPAGATION 1 1 



snowdrop, and chionadoxa, should be planted from two 

 to three inches deep, according as the soil is heavy or 

 light. Hyacinths and tulips should be planted about 

 four inches deep, narcissi four to five inches deep, and 

 lilies five to six inches. The distance between the bulbs 

 also varies according to the species. Crocuses and snow- 

 drops should be allowed two inches from plant to plant, 

 tulips and narcissi should have about six inches, and 

 lilies at least a foot. It is a good plan in planting bulbs 

 to place a small quantity of silver sand at the bottom of 

 the hole, and put the bulb on this. Before planting, 

 the soil should be thoroughly dug to a depth of at 

 least two feet, but no fresh manure should be added. 

 Soil which has been well manured for a previous crop is 

 generally suitable. The presence of a certain amount of 

 leaf-mould in the soil is very beneficial in the case of 

 most bulbous plants. A full account of the treatment 

 required by practically every kind of bulbous plant is 

 fully described in the " Book of Bulbs" in the present 

 series of handbooks. 



Tubers 



Tubers are thickened portions of a root or stem 

 capable of being separated from the parent plant, and 

 if placed under suitable conditions, of producing new 

 plants. Potatoes, dahlias, anemones, and winter aconites 

 are common examples. Tubers of flowering plants 

 should be treated much as bulbs. As a general rule 

 they should be planted about two inches deep, and from 

 four to six inches apart. Dahlias, however, which 

 should be planted in March or April, should be placed 

 at a much greater depth, and should be allowed a space 

 of two or three feet in which to develop. 



