SUITABLE BULBS FOE BOXES. 



35 



front. Unless there is some special reason for doing so, it is not 

 desirable to plant in the perfectly straight lines that one usually 

 observes, though the cultivator has an excuse for this in that he is 

 following the lines of the structure. At the same time slight 

 irregularity is almost certain to produce a finer effect. Tall Tulips 

 of imposing appearance, Keizers Kroon for example, might have 

 the position closest to the window, with white Hyacinths in front, 

 and, if the box has no greater holding capacity than three rows, 

 golden yellow Crocuses intermingled wdth Scilla Sibirica as an 

 edging. This is one of the simplest arrangements that can be found, 

 but at the same time it is one of the most effective. 



If it is feasible, as it will be wdiere there are two boxes for each 

 window, the receptacle, after planting, should be placed in some dark 

 position precisely as would be done in the case of bulbs in pots or in 

 glasses and for exactly the same purpose. Do not apply any water 

 at all before it becomes imperative to do so, and then give just 

 sufficient to thoroughly moisten the compost right through to the 

 drainage. The surface may be covered with cocoanut fibre refuse, as 

 w^ell to improve the general appearance as to reduce the necessity for 

 watering by conserving the moisture in the soil. When the move- 

 ment in and above the mould is active, the top growth should be 

 gradually inured to the full light in the same manner and with the 

 same care as that of bulbs which are growing in pots. Never try to 

 force the plants to come into flower, as though one can easily hasten 

 them a little"; it is bad policy, because they will feel the cold so much 

 when put out that the probabilities are they will succumb. 



