..Dreer^ s Reliable Bulbs,. 



To succeed with bulbs it is necessary to begin right, by getting sound bulbs of good size, and we would 

 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. 





A Bed of White and Scarlet Pottelakker Single Early Tulips (see page 8). 



To the lover of flowers there is no class of plants so much prized as those which are produced from bulbs. The reasori is easily 

 found, because within the bulbs are stored all the fnture 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 •lumber 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, etc., in all their dazzling colors, keeping up a continuous display well into the summer. Wiih no other 

 material can be secured such a wealth of charming flowers of infinite variety of form and coloring, wiih so iiltle trouble and at so 

 small an outlay. 



A FEW CULTURAL HINTS. 



Note. — The following cultural hints apply especially to the latitude of Philadelphia, South of us it is quite possible to plant out 

 bulbs as late as Christmas, -while at points north of Philadelphia they should plant as early as possible after the first killing frost. 



WHEN TO PLANT. — To the beginner we would emphasize the fact that Autumn 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 

 particularly those for indoor culture ; therefore, ORDER EARLY. A few sorts, which are noted in ihe 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 ihe cold weather sets in, hut 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 drain- 

 age. A small quantity of sand or fine coal-ashes at the base of each bulb when planted in stiff" soil will be beneficial. 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 roofs, 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 pois, pans 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, occa- 

 sionally, moderate watering after they are brought -inside. Or the pots, pans or boxes may be placed at once, after potting, in a 

 cool, d.irk cellar, watering well and cover the same as above. The whole success of pi^t 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. 

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