POTTING HYACINTH BULBS. 



47 



drained in the usual manner, covered with fibre shaken from the turfy soil and this 

 blackened with soot. 



The soil ought not to be made very firm in the pots, covered with sand, and the 



bulbs forced down with great pressure, as is too 

 commonly done, as the mass of roots emitted cannot 

 freely penetrate the hard base thus made, which acts 

 as a fulcrum, the bulbs being lifted upwards and 

 thrown on one side, never with the plant to be put 

 right again without receiving injury. It is much 

 better, after nearly filling the pot and making the 

 soil moderately firm, to make a cavity large enough 

 for holding the bulb without pressing it down firmly, 

 letting it rest on a layer of sand. The roots then 

 enter the medium freely. The bulbs should be nearly covered, the crown only being 

 visible, and the soil may be pressed firmly round them, but not filling the pots within 

 more than half an inch of the rim. 



It is of the greatest importance that root action be well in advance of top growth, 

 and that the bulbs be prevented from springing up from the soil soon after they have 

 formed roots. They must be kept cool, and in the dark. Set the pots in the open 

 closely together on a firm level base impervious to worms, a thick layer of ashes being 

 suitable. If the soil is at all dry give a good watering ; but if moist enough when used 

 for easy compression no water will be needed. Then 

 surround and cover the pots with about 6 inches of 

 cocoa-nut fibre refuse, fine sweet damp ashes, or leaf 

 soil, as may be best obtainable. This will have the 

 effect of keeping the soil moist, and the bulbs dark 

 and cool, while the weight of the covering will further 

 prevent the bulbs being heaved out of the soil by the 



pressure of their roots in it. In the course of about Fjg 2Q Pottinq m Bueyinq Hyacinth 



six weeks, the bulbs ought to be in the condition Bulbs. 



For references see text. 



shown at a a, Fig. 19, that is to say, the pots well filled 



with roots and the top growth only just commencing. If not covered as advised, and 

 especially if the bulbs are forced down on a hard base, the result may be ruined plants 

 as shown in b b, Fig. 20. 



a 



Fig. 19. Potting and Burying Hyacinth 

 Bulbs. 



For references see text. 



