THE ORNAMENTAL PLANTS — BULBS 287 
of 4 inches or more, according to the latitude and the kind of 
material. If leaves are used, 3 inches will be enough, because 
the leaves lie close together and may smother out the frost 
that is in the ground and let the bulbs start. It will be well 
to let the mulch extend 1 foot or more beyond the margins of 
the bed. When cold weather is past, half of the mulch should 
be removed. The remainder may 
be left on till there is no longer 
danger of frost. On removing the 
last of the mulch, lightly work over 
the surface among the bulbs with a 
thrust-hoe. 
If the weather happens to be very 
bright during the blooming season, 
the duration of the flowers may be 
prolonged by light shading — as 
with muslin, or slats placed above 
the beds. If planted where they 
have partial shade from surrounding 
trees or shrubbery, the beds will not 
need attention of this kind. 
Lilies may remain undisturbed 
for years. Crocuses and tulips may nike 
stand two years, but hyacinths ee 
should be taken up each year and a carhini tea ron 
replanted; tulips also will be better 
for the same treatment. Narcissus may remain for some years, 
or until they show signs of running out. 
Bulbs that are to be taken up should be left in the ground 
till the foliage turns yellow, or dies down naturally. This 
gives the bulbs a chance to ripen. Cutting off the foliage 
and digging too early is a not uncommon and serious mistake. 
Bulbs that have been planted in places that are wanted for 
summer bedding plants may be dug with the foliage on and 
