300 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



Prices for these blooms range from 2s. down to Is. per dozen. The "grass" (leaves) 

 also, bunched (Fig. 171) and sent separately, sometimes realises nearly as much as the 

 bulbs cost. Narcissus and daffodil bulbs should be packed nearly as close together in 

 pots or boxes as they can be placed, early in the autumn, and when arranged in beds 

 must be heavily covered with ashes, otherwise they will be lifted out by the roots. 

 When forward enough, move them into a cold house, frames, or pits, and a week or so 

 later, commence forcing, introducing succcssional batches into heat, every week or ten 

 days. A light position, with a temperature of 50° to 60°, is found to answer well. The 

 flowers are tied in bunches and packed in boxes or stout flat hampers, as shown in 

 Fig. 172. 



FREESIAS. 



There is only a limited demand for these charming flowers, prices ranging from 

 4s. to Gs. per dozen bunches. The bulbs can be raised from seed, or bought very 

 cheaply, and the plants should be flowered in 5-inch or slightly larger pots, from five 

 to seven bulbs in each. Start in August in cold [frames, and during the winter the best 

 positions for them are light shelves in a warm greenhouse. Withhold water after 

 flowering, and give the bulbs a good rest in cool quarters. F. refracta alba is the 

 favourite variety. For cultural details see page 232. 



GLADIOLI. 



The pure white form of G. Colvillei, known as the Bride, is largely grown in pots, 

 but the profits accruing are doubtful. A disease frequently clears the plants off before 

 they come into flower. The flowers that open properly have to be marketed quickly, 

 and very often do not realise more than Gd. per dozen spikes. The corms, however, 

 cost comparatively little. They must not be kept out of the soil long after they 

 are received. Place them somewhat thickly in 6-inch pots, arrange the pots in cold 

 frames, and cover with ashes till top and bottom growth has well started. Flower in 

 gentle heat. 



Spanish Ieises. — Owing to the cheapness of the bulbs many growers are tempted 

 to give these a trial, but they will not force satisfactorily, and only the best white and 

 yellow forms sell at all readily at 3d. to 6d. per dozen. Treat similarly to gladioli. 



