so PICTORIAL PIlAGTIGAL BULB GBOWING. 



Cbapter IV —Bulbs in Vases ana Bowls- 



This very cleliglitful manner of bulb growing has come into special 

 prominence during comparatively recent years, in fact since the now 

 well-known mixture of fibre and shell was brought before the public 

 for this express purpose. Long prior to this, of course, bulbs were 

 grown in bowls of gravel and water, the Chinese Joss Lily (a form 

 of Narcissus Tazetta) being highly recommended. There were, how- 

 ever, so many failures, or at best only partial successes, that growers 

 were prompt to turn to other and better methods the instant these 

 were placed before them. With this fibre and shell compound 

 practically all bulbs wdll flourish, though some naturally do better 

 than others. Tulips and the Incomparabilis forms of Narcissi being 

 particularly desirable owing to their graceful habit of growth. 



One can imagine no more delightful form of bulb growing than 

 this, especially for ladies, as it ensures excellent flowers in elegant 

 receptacles, that are eminently suitable for standing upon the dining 

 and drawing room tables, and thus allowing the lady to show her 

 friends how successful she has been in the culture of bulbs. Another 

 thing in connection with it that will appeal to the fair sex is its 

 absolute cleanliness, it not being necessary to more than very slightly 

 soil the fingers in carrying out the whole of the w^ork therewith. 

 Any small jars may be requisitioned for the purpose, those in which 

 cream is sold being as good as any, though they do not look so well 

 as those that are made expressly for bulbs, as these have designs upon 

 them which add to the charming eflfect that is produced. Anyone 

 feeling reluctant to spend money before knowing exactly what they 

 can do in the direction indicated, should try their ^prentice^ hands 

 with some cream jugs, and if they exercise care they will certainly be 

 more than satisfied with the results they will achieve. 



The great advantage of using jugs, or jars, or bowls with the 

 fibre is that no drainage is required, and no provision is made 

 for it, so that there can be no objection to their use on the score 

 that they will make tablecloths dirty, even if they do not spoil them, 

 as too frequently occurs when ordinary pots are used. If there is a 

 secret in the successful production of bulbs in these undrained 

 receptacles, it lies, beyond a doubt, in having the material in the 

 proper state of moisture to start Avith, and in keeping it thus 

 throughout the life history of the plant. This, it may at once be 

 said, is not an easy thing to do, and, unfortunately, no directions 

 that will assist the cultivator can be given, as the conditions of no 

 two houses are precisely alike ; it therefore resolves itself wholly into 



