104 



EVERY WOMAN HER OWN ILOWER GARDENER 



Markgraf, striped, red and yellow. 

 Monstre Kouge, large, crimson. 



Belle Jaune, large yellow, feathered with red and green. 



Cultivation of the Tulip. 



Fresh, sandy loam, such as is obtained from upland pastures, is the 

 best soil. Eemoye the sods from sheep or cow pastures, and take the 

 virgin soil. The late blooming Tulips should be planted four inches in 

 depth ; the Van Thols," etc., from two to three inches, according to 

 their size, and their roots will strike down from five to six inches. Good 

 garden soil, mixed with cow manure, two years-old, and a plentiful 

 sprinkling of sand, will grow them to advantage. Never put fresh 

 barnyard compost near them ; it will burn up the bulbs. 



They should be planted in November, and be firmly set in the soih 

 six inches apart for the tall varieties, and four inches for the " Van 

 Thols.'^ Sprinkle sand, as directed for Hyacinths, into each hole; this 

 will keep the bulbs from rotting at the base. After the ground freezes, 

 cover with straw, or leaves, for the freezing and thawing of the ground 

 injures the blooms of the next spring. 



When the leaves fall, cut off the stems, and when the leaves are dried 

 up the bulbs can be removed, the offsets separated, and treated just like 

 Hyacinths. 



In selecting the bulbs, choose those that are solid, a little pointed, 

 and the skin entire. 



These flowers will richly repay the little care expended upon them, 

 and I especially desire to call the attention of lady florists to their merits. 

 ' As I write this chapter, I feast my eyes on a small bed of " Van 

 Thols" that are perfectly gorgeous, and attract the attention of every 

 passer-by. The cold north wind whistles around the windows, and 

 bends the brilliant calyx of their blooms, but does not mar their beauty. 

 By their side sweet Hyacinths bloom, and they are all the flowers which 

 my garden can boast in this young spring-time. 



The Daffodils. 



These are hardy bulbs, which are common in old-fashioned gardens, 

 and our grandmothers loved to cherish them. They will bloom in out- 

 of-the-way places for years and years, and ask no care or attention. The 

 flowers are of a brilliant yellow. 



