THE BLUE BOOK OF BULBS 



part of some trustworthy prepared fertilizer. Proper drainage 

 should be afforded by putting an inch or so of broken crock or 

 stones in the bottom of the pots. After potting, give a thorough 

 watering, and then place the pots out-of-doors on a bottom of 

 coal-ashes, to prevent worms from entering, and cover them with 

 4 to 6 inches of leaves or litter, cocoanut-fiber being excellent for 

 this purpose. By November, the pots should be set on a similar 

 layer of ashes, in a trench 18 inches deep, provided with some 

 means of draining off the water from winter rains or melting 

 snow. A cover of 6 to 8 inches of leaves, litter or, best of ail, 

 cocoanut-fiber, should be thrown over the whole trench. After 

 a heavy fall of snow it is necessary to remove as much as pos- 

 sible, so that thick ice may not prevent the removal of the 

 pots when they are wanted. The pots may be kept in a dark, 

 cold cellar, if attention is given to keeping them in a constantly 

 moist condition. 



From the trenches the pots may be brought into the house, 

 as desired, whenever root-growth is abundant enough to warrant 

 giving heat. Plenty of roots showing through the bottom of the 

 pot will indicate sufficient root-growth. When brought indoors, 

 the pots should be kept shaded until the top-growth has turned 

 a healthy green. When Tulips are to be forced early for Christ- 

 mas bloom, or before the first week in January, it is essential 

 that they be kept in even heat in a darkened part of the green- 

 house or forcing-room, to induce the stalks to lengthen out; 

 otherwise the flowers are likely to open out within the dwarf 

 and unfolded leaves. Plenty of water should be given as soon as 

 active growth begins, and cold draughts or very high tempera- 

 tures must fc>e avoided. Crocuses and Narcissi dislike bottom 

 heat; grow them cool and slowly if fine blooms are desired. 

 Further cultural details are given under the headings for the 

 different classes of bulbs. 



In this list, the figures following the variety names indicate 

 the relative time of flowering of each. Of the Tulips the single 

 early varieties are the first to bloom, followed closely by the 

 double sorts. Generally speaking, the Cottage Tulips come into 

 flower next, and the earlier Darwins and Breeders along with 

 them; while the Bybloems, Bizarrte and Parrots are in flower 

 together with the later Darwins. 



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