198 How TO Grow Cut Flowers. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

 THE FORCING OF BULBS. 



So many of our American growers are of foreign par- 

 entage, if not themselves born and reared where all that 

 pertains to the care and culture of bulbous stock is very 

 familiar, it may seem to them like a waste of space to 

 treat of -a subject so generally understood. It must be 

 remembered that with the rapid development of this 

 country, many men are led every year to take up our, 

 industry without having had enough special training for_ 

 it. To such, this chapter will contain as much of interest, 

 probably, as any that have preceded it, and if they are 

 desirous of learning, it will be equally beneficial, to 

 them. 



Whatever bulbs are used for this purpose, it will be 

 to the interest of the grower to purchase none but the 

 best. Narcissus, Roman hyacinths and tulips are 

 available during August and September. It is much 

 more convenient to plant these in boxes than in pots. 

 The boxes should be made three inches deep and of a size 

 to economize bench room in the house where they are 

 to mature. Narcissus and white Romans should be 

 planted about two inches apart, but tulips may be nearer 

 together. In the northern states it is very convenient 

 to have a cold house where they may be stored until 

 the roots are well grown and the bulbs wanted for ma- 

 turing their flowers. If this is not to be had, water well 

 attex. planting, and place the boxes on well drained 



