IN THE GARDEN BORDER 45 



It is at the maximum single crown age, 

 just before entering the "mother" stage, that 

 the bulbs should be chosen for maximum 

 flowers. Bulbs bought from a reliable dealer 

 will probably be of just the right age, unless 

 his price Is considerably less than the average 

 price of other reliable dealers, when it is 

 more than probable that his bulbs are a year 

 or two younger. If it is possible to examine 

 the dealer's stock of bulbs, look out for a few 

 "double nosed" bulbs as their presence indi- 

 cates the age of the crop and shows that the 

 "singles" among them have attained maxi- 

 mum size and age In single crown formation. 



Another thing to be considered is health. 

 This is indicated by solidity, weight and skin. 

 Bulbs solid and weighty for their size are 

 most likely In perfect health and vitality. To 

 test any, press lightly between thumb and 

 fingers both base and neck and if either feels 

 soft and giving or "spongy" examine more 

 carefully. Should any basal rot be found re- 

 ject the infected bulbs to prevent dissemina- 

 tion of the disease. Or if the bulb be of a 

 choice variety it may be planted away from 

 the healthy ones. A handful of sand below 



