..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 resuits 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 easilv 

 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 earlv 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. With no other material 

 ran 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. South of us it is quite possi- 

 ble 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 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 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 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' prema- 

 turely, which are frequently injured in March by freezing and thaw- 

 ing. After flowering, if the beds are wanted for late spring plant- 

 ings, 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 pots, 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, occasionally, 

 moderate watering after they 

 are brought inside. Orlhepots, 

 pans 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 I lie roots 

 well established in the pots, 

 at a low temperature of say 40 

 to 50 degrees, before you be- 

 gin to force the to|>^ ni 60 de- 

 grees or over. After this the 

 bloom is easilv developed by 

 giving light and water, and i me 

 can have a supply of flowers 

 from Christmas until aftei 

 Easter by regulating the time 

 of bringing them to the light. 

 (2) 



Planting of Poet's Nakcissus Along Edgh oh Walk. 



