..Vreer’s Reliable Bulbs.. 
O succeed with bulbs it is necessary to begin right, by getting sound bulbs of good size, and we would 
a warn intending purchasers against buying cheap, undersized bulbs and expect the fine results obtained 
from such as we offer. Our sources of supply are the best in this country and abroad, the leading growers 
of the world having for years supplied us with their choicest stock. 



To the lover of flowers there is no class of plants so much prized as those which are produced from bulbs. The reason is easily 
found, because within the bulbs are stored all the future glory of leaves and flowers, only requiring the simplest culture to develop 
them in their highest perfection. Success is therefore the rule. : ; 
Another reason why bulbs are prized so highly is that a large number of them produce their flowers in very early spring, when 
the rest of nature is asleep. Then it is that a clump of Snowdrops, Scillas or Chinodoxas impart to the garden an air of warmth 
and cheer that cannot be accomplished in any other way. Following these modest flowers come the showier Crocus, Narcissus, 
Hyacinths, Tulips, ete., in all their dazzling colors, keeping up a continuous display well into the summer. With no other 
material can be secured such a wealth of charming flowers of infinite variety of form and coloring, with so little trouble and at so 
small an outlay. 
A FEW CULTURAL HINTS. 
Note.— The following cultural hints apply especially to the latitude of Philadelphia. In the South it is quite pos- 
sible to plant out bulbs as late as Christmas, while at points north of Philadelphia they should be planted as early 
as possible after the first killing frost. 
WHEN TO PLANT.—To the beginner we would emphasize the fact that Awtwmn and not Springtime is the time to plant 
all kinds of spring-flowering bulbs. The larger part of the bulbs offered in this Catalogue are ready to ship by the second week in 
September, and the sooner they are planted after that the greater will be the measure of success, more par= 
ticularly those for indoor culture; therefore, ORDER EARLY. A few sorts, which are noted in the Catalogue, do 
not mature until October and November, and can be sent at once on their arrival. 
OUTDOOR CULTURE.—As a general rule, the bulbs should be planted in October and November, so that the roots may 
make a good growth before cold weather sets in, but they can be set out even later if the ground is not frozen. They require 
a moderately rich soil that has been well manured for previous crops, or else apply well-rotted cow or sheep manure or bone 
meal, fresh manure is injurious to bulbs. The soil should be well drained, and no good results can be obtained without free 
drainage. In planting the bulbs should be placed from an inch to four inches below the surface, according to the size of the bulb. 
A good rule to go by is to cover the bulbs with soil one and a half times their own depth. 

When the ground freezes hard the bed should be covered with three or four inches of leaves or litter, which should be removed 
in early spring. Too early and heavy covering starts the tops prematurely, which are frequently injured in March by freezing and 
thawing. After flowering, if the beds are wanted for late spring plantings, take up the bulbs, tops and roots, and ‘‘ heel in”’ in 
some corner of the garden until the bulbs mature, after which they should be spread out in an airy room to dry, and kept in a cool, 
dark place until time for replanting the following autumn. 
INDOOR CULTURE.—Bulbs intended for blooming during the winter can be planted from September until November—the 
earlier the better—in pans, pots or boxes, and be left in the open air, covered with a few inches of ashes or soil, until the earth 
begins to freeze, and then placed in a cool greenhouse, cellar or room, at a temperature of 50 degrees. They will need, occasion- 
ally, moderate watering after they are brought inside. Or the pans, pots or boxes may be placed at once, after potting, in a cool, 
dark cellar, watering well and cover the same as above. The whole success of pot culture depends upon getting the roots well 
established in the pots, at a low temperature of say 40 to 50 degrees, before you begin to force the tops at 60 degrees or over. 
After this the bloom is easily developed by giving light and water, and one can have a supply of flowers from Christmas until after 
Easter by regulating the time of bringing them to the light. 

Round Pans for Bulbs. Glasses for Hyacinths. 
The professional gardener invariably uses these in preference The culture of Hyacinths in glasses has always been popular, 
to pots for growing bulbs in, and amateurs are now also using | and if you will use the special 
them extensively; they present a neater appearance than pots | selection of varieties offered on 
and are better adapted for table use. We can supply in the | the opposite page failure is 
following sizes: next to impossible. When the 
Wiotn. Heicur. Eacn. Dozen. Hyacinths are through flower- 
Ganka nee bONOT eee SOnGS ing, the glasses are just the 
(BPE dine ac OSes: 78 | thing to hold cut flowers. 
5 . aa e = astray iB ge 38 We can supply either the 
eat BI Weve hae sb ae BOG : Tall or Squat shape in Blue, 
10 .... 5 ..., 20.... 1 63 | Green or Clear. 20 cts. each; 




ead 2. 66 9: 92 = 
Teac : -+++  25.... 2 28 | $9.00 per doz. : 
LG eA rgO mks See LOO Ew srdace Glasses cannot be sent by Squat or Tye Tatt or Bet- 
1 
2 
Sonsini LOU ic <1 Ah, OD 
7 
1 
Bus or Liry Pan. TG 6 ee) ee eA EDo ese elm learn SHAPE. GIAN SHAPE. 


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