64 



POPULAR GARDEN BOTANY. 



changed, giving sufficient to cover the lowest part of the 

 bulb, which should be cleaned from mould ; they may now 

 be placed in the light in the greenhouse, and the only care 

 they require is to keep them well supplied with water, which 

 they absorb in considerable quantities ; when the flower ap- 

 pears the water should be changed every fortnight, and care 

 be taken that it is of the same temperature as that which is 

 emptied away ; half a spoonful of guano added each time, 

 will greatly improve the flower. Another plan is to place 

 them in a cold frame for a fortnight, and then remove them 

 to the greenhouse or room, for flowering. When the beauty 

 of the flower is over, the bulbs should be planted in the 

 garden to ensure their being perfect for next year; they 

 ought to remain till their leaves are faded, when they may 

 be taken up and dried. These plants do not bear forcing 

 two years in succession, but the second year do very well in 

 pots, planted in November, and treated as before ; in this way 

 they make a brilliant show. Another plan is to place them 

 in pots or vases, filled with green moss, which is always to 

 be kept moist, by sprinkling it with water every day; this is 

 a pleasant plan for a room, as the vase is much less heavy 

 than when filled with earth, and they grow in it equally well. 

 The Crocus may be made to flower in the same way, and 



