..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— especially this year, when good stock Is scarce — 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 FEW CULTURAL HINTS. 



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 there- 

 fore 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 gar- 

 den an air of warmth and cheer that cannot be accomplished in any other way. 

 Following thesp 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 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. 



WHEN TO PLANT. — To the beginner we would particularly emphasize the 

 fact that Autii7?m and not Springtime is the time to plant all kinds of spring- 

 flowering bulbs. The larger part of the bulbs offered in this Catalogue reach us 

 from Hollar.d in September, and the sooner they are planted after that 

 the greater will be the measure of success ; therefore, ORDER 

 EARLY. 



Crocus. 



Shown in colors on the front cover of this Catalogue 

 and offered on page 19. 



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 the cold weather sets in, but they can be set out even later if the bulbs remain sound and 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. A small quantitj' 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. 



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 flowei^ng, 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 

 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 be placed in a cool 

 greenhouse, cellar or room, at a temperature of 50°. 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, dark cellar, watering 

 -well and covering the same as above. The whole success of pot culture de- 

 pends upon getting the roots well established in the pots, at a low temperature 

 of say 40° to 50°, before you begin to force the tops at 60° or over. 



After this the bloom is easily developed by giving light and water, and one 



, , r n , ^, . •, r T, 1 1 .■ Giant Cvclamen. 



can have a supply of flowers from Christmas until after Easter by regulating „, . , , , , . . ^ , 



\ ^ ^ Shown in colors on the back cover of this Catalogue and 



the time of bringing them to the light. offered on page 19. 



On the cover of this Catalogue we show two of the most beautiful Spring Flowering Plants. The Crocus shown on the front cover is in- 

 dispensable in the hardy garden, while the Cyclamen shown on the back cover is equally so in the window garden or conservatory. Both 

 are offered on page 19. 



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