42 



CHAPTER X. 



BULBS. 



We do not know hew we would get along: without our flower- 

 ing bulbs. Some of the most beautiful productions of nature are 

 borne by our bulbs and bulbous plants. We can scarcely conceive 

 of anything more magnificent than the golden-rayed Japanese 

 Lily, (Auratum) yet we should not mention this one alone, for 

 perhaps ere this pamphlet is distributed, another far more beauti" 

 ful may be introduced: such has been the history of the past; 

 from one variety hundreds, yes thousands of varieties have been 

 produced, until the latest productions would hardlj' be recognized 

 as belonging to the same family. The culture of bulbs is still in 

 its infancy; we believe the time will soon come when in this 

 country thousands of acres will be devoted to the culture of bulbs > 

 and that mammoth establishments will devote their attention 

 wholly to this branch of business. Why should It not be so ? 

 While yet the earth is cla 1 in her snowy robes the little snow- 

 drop awakens from its sleep, pushes through the frozen soil, and 

 greets us with its welcome announcement that spring is coming ; 

 from this time all through the spring, summer, and until " chil^ 

 November's surly blast makes fields and forests bare," when the 

 autumn Crocus, unmindful of the storm, produces its white or 

 purple flowers, the last tribute of the season, there is no time that 

 our eyes may not be gladdened by these brilliant flowers, and our 

 senses regaled by their delightful perfume. They come to us 

 first and remain with us until the end — all this in the garden, year 

 after year with very little trouble. Dear reader this is a pleasant' 

 beautiful world ; you may enjoy it if you will. 



Bulbs play an important part In window gardening ; their 

 simple culture commends them to all. They bear the dry atmos- 

 I)here with impunity, and the gases that would kill many plants 

 falls harmlessly up:)n them. They suffer but little from the 

 attacks of insects, which is a great consideration. We can have 

 flowers from these in the house all the year around. We begin 

 with Hyacinths, in January, which are followed in quick succes- 

 sion by Snowdrops, Crocus. Iris, Anemones, Tulips, Narcissus, 

 Lily of the Valley, the grand Lilies, Gladiolus, Tigridias, Tuberoses 

 Colchicum, until the Roman Hyacinths and Narcissus say Merry 



