MARKET PLANTS— NARCISSUS. 



299 



of this variety are largely imported, -which accounts for the lowncss of prices. The 

 double Roman is also grown, but the more expensive varieties, belonging to the Polyan- 

 thus section of narcissus, are principally cultivated for 



local trade, the bulbs costing too much to be forced 

 extensively. The Poeticus group of Narcissus is ex- 

 tremely popular, though not particularly profitable to 

 grow. The best for gentle forcing, so as to have them 

 in flower in March, is the early ornatus, Burbidgei, 

 also flowering early. Home-grown bulbs flower freely 

 under glass, or imported bulbs may be bought at the 

 rate of 23s. to 28s. per 1,000. The flowers fetch 

 about 6d. per dozen. Daffodils, or "Daffs," as termed 

 in the markets, is the popular name for various 

 trumpet-flowered Narcissi, these including also some 

 double forms. For forcing early with a view to having 

 flowers fit to cut late in December and the early part 



of January, when the prices are high, or, say, Is. 6d. 



to 2s. per dozen, Golden Spur is recommended, only unfortunately the bulbs are dear, 

 costing £5 per 1,000 ; Trumpet major can be bought for 30s. to 35s. per 1,000, and 

 forces equally well. Bicolor Horsefieldi, £5 per 1,000, also forces readily, and the 



blooms fetch top prices. 

 Princeps and Stella 

 are two cheap varieties 

 which can be had in 

 flower moderately early, 

 while the expensive in- 

 comparabilis Sir Wat- 

 kin is another favourite 

 for flowering under 

 glass. Of the doubles, 

 telamonius plenus is 

 much forced. Orange, 

 white, and sulphur Phoenix also force satisfactorily. The doubles sell well in February and 

 March, and the more successful growers manage to have them ready to cut still earlier. 



Q Q 2 



Fig. 172. Makket Hamper of Narcissi. 



