BULBS IN GLASSES. 



27 



CDapter in —Bulbs in 6la$$c$, 



One of the most interesting phases of bulb culture is that of 

 growing a certain number of Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissi, and a few 

 Crocuses in water, glasses suitable for the purpose being readily 

 procurable. It is distinctly an aspect of gardening that appeals to 

 the ladies, as it is perfectly clean, and the results are usually very 

 gratifying to the cultivator. Of all systems it is the one which 

 demands the finest bulbs, and by this is not meant the largest, as is 

 sometimes thought, but those that are perfectly, sound in every 

 respect, or they will fail to bring their spikes to perfection. Even 

 under the most favourable conditions, it is seldom that the flowers 

 are as good as those produced by bulbs in soil, as these can get so 

 much more nourishment ; but they are nevertheless most pleasing, 

 and, besides, can be grown by those to whom pot culture is an 

 impossibility. 



Selections of bulbs for all purposes are given, but for water 

 culture it is ahvays wise to leave the choice of varieties to the vendor, 

 as he can then pick them from those having bulbs best suited to 

 the purpose in view, which is, of course, made known to him at 

 the time of ordering. Glasses of several elegant patterns are 

 available, and the choice rests with the purchaser, but it is certain 

 that the bulbs thrive as well in what is styled the " old" shape as in 

 any. These are upright, and are admirably suited for placing upon 

 a window ledge w^hen the spikes are well advanced. The glasses 

 with broader bases are more useful for standing upon tables or 

 mantelpieces, where there is an ever present liability of knocking 

 them over. Whatever shape is decided upon, either those that are 

 of dark colours or opaque should be given the preference over clear 

 glass, as the roots will keep healthy much longer than when they are 

 exposed to the full light through clean glass. 



Soft water is far better for bulbs in glasses than that obtained 

 from the pipes, though this has generally to be used, for the simple 

 reason that the former is unprocurable in many places. In either 

 case, one or two lumps of charcoal ought to be placed in each 

 receptacle, as this will be of material assistance in keeping the water 

 sweet, though it will not, as some people suppose, provide the 

 plants with any food. The food is found in the water, and is, of 

 course, in greater abundance in soft than in hard water. The base 

 of the bulb need not come in actual contact with the water, but 

 must be so close thereto as to only allow a thin piece of note-jDaper 

 to be placed between. There will be gradual loss, of course, and 



