THE ORNAMENTAL PLANTS — BULBS 285 
general the same as other similar bulbs. The colchicums usu- 
ally remain in the ground several years in good condition. 
All kinds of bulbs are partial 
to a deep, rich, water-free soil. 
This is no small part of their 
successful culture. The spot 
should be well drained, either 
naturally or artificially. In 
flattish and rather moist lands 
the beds may be made above 
the surface, some 18 inches 
high, and bordered with grass. 
A layer of rough stones a foot 
deep is sometimes used in the 
bottom of ordinary beds for 
drainage, and with good re- 
sults, when other methods are 
not convenient, and when 
there is fear that the bed may 
become too wet. If the place 
is likely to be rather wet, 
place a large handful of sand 
where the bulb is to go and 
set the bulb onit. This will 
keep the water from standing 
around the bulb. Very good 259. One of the common wild lilies. — 
results may be had in heavy Lilium Philadelphicum. 
soil by this method. 
The soil for bulbs should be well enriched with old manure. 
Fresh manure should never be allowed close about the bulb. 
The addition of leafmold and a little sand also improves the 
texture of heavy soils. For lilies the leafmold may be omit- 
ted. Let the spading be at least a foot deep. Eighteen inches 
will be none too deep for lilies. To make a bulb bed, throw 
