2Zb 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



otherwise, apply sufficient to moisten the soil to the base, and an hour or so later well 

 cover with cocoanut-fibre refuse or sweet coal-ashes. Unless so covered, top-growth 

 may commence too soon, and some of the bulbs be lifted nearly out of the soil by the 

 force of the roots ; the covering, therefore, answers the twofold purpose of keeping 

 the soil cool and uniformly moist, and also acting as a weight for keeping the bulbs in 

 position. A period of about two months ought to be allowed for ihe bulbs to become 

 well established, but it may be necessary to move some of them out of* the ashes in less 

 time, before the top-growth becomes blanched, elongated, and, perhaps, partially 

 unfolded. Hard forcing should be avoided, gentle heat of about 60° sufficing. In 

 this the plants may be had in flower in about a month, the later bulbs, which may be 

 introduced at intervals of ten days or so, requiring less time. Assist with weak liquid 

 manure and lightly stake the flower spikes before they have a chance to become crooked. 

 The Dutch varieties will not force so quickly as the "Eomans," and are liable to become 

 drawn, especially if not grown in a very light position. See also p. 40 et seq., Yol. II. 



Narcissi. — Since it has become known that several species and varieties of narcissus 

 are amenable to moderately brisk forcing, this has greatly increased the demand for 

 bulbs. The old Paper White is nearly superseded by a greatly improved variety, some- 

 times catalogued as Early Snowfiake, and known among market growers as Paper White 

 grandiflorus. This forces readily, and can be had in bloom at much the same time as 

 Eoman hyacinths. Early Double Eoman, another member of the Polyanthus section, also 

 forces readily, but is not so early as the variety first mentioned. Grand Monarque, 

 Gloriosa, Her Majesty (Pig. 136), Queen of the Netherlands, and Soleil d'Or must not 

 be forced early. 



Daffodils. — This is the popular name for large trumpet-flowered varieties, both 

 single and double, which are more extensively forced than formerly. One of the best for 

 the purpose is the rich yellow Trumpet Major, the rather more expensive and equally 

 fine Golden Spur forming a good succession. Princeps is paler in colour and later than 

 the preceding, but the flowers are large and fairly durable. It is possible to have 

 Trumpet Major in flower late in December, and a good display during the first week in 

 January. In February, Golden Spur and Princeps should be available. The double- 

 flowering section comprises a few forcing varieties, notably Telamonius plenus (Yon 

 Sion), Orange Phoenix (Eggs and Bacon), and Sulphur Phoenix (Butter and Eggs). Yon 

 Sion stands moderately hard forcing, and may be had nearly as early as Trumpet Major, 

 for which it is a good double companion. 



