A REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION OF THE CELEBRATED PAPERS 

 ORIGINALLY ISSUED UNDER THE TITLE OF 



"Success with 



BULBS." 



Chinese Sacred Lily. 



Bermuda Easter Lily. 



The desire of these extracts is to tell, as simply as possible, how to obtain at small 

 labor and expense some of the superb effects in house and outdoor decoration which can 

 be accomplished by the use of flowering bulbs. 



BULBS IN HOUSES. 



The greater proportion of bulbs used for house decoration are what are known as 

 DUTCH BULBS— not that they are Dutch, but from the fact that Holland, with its low 

 sandy soil, has been identified for centuries as the most suitable place for their produc- 

 tion. These are Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Crocus, with a few other kinds not used 

 in large numbers. These are imported annually in immense quantities. 



One of the first and most important principles is to obtain good, sound bulbs. 

 These are easily to be had from reliable dealers during September, October and Novem- 

 ber. It should be borne in mind that the earlier the bulbs are secured the better the 

 quality; for, if they are not matured and in good condition, it is impossible to have per- 

 fect flowers. It must be remembered that the flowers that should develop in the coming 

 winter and spring are in embryo at this time. Another important matter is good soil. The 

 best soil is what is known as sandy loam, obtained from old pastures by catting to the 

 depth of 2^ to 3 inches, taking grass roots and soil, laying together for a few months, 

 with occasional turning to hasten decay, and well-rotted hot-bed manure — two-thirds of 

 the loam and one-third of manure. Where this is not obtainable, rich garden soil and 

 hot-bed manure, as advised above, with a sprinkling of fine bone meal, in proportion of 

 one tablespoonful to each two quarts of soil, will form a good substitute. 



POTTING. 



Pot such bulbs as you expect to bring into bloom during the Winter as early as possi- 

 ble. The size of pots and number of bulbs in each varies with the kinds used. The pots 

 must be well drained — bulbs will not thrive in stagnant or putrid soil. Drainage is best 

 accomplished by filling the pots one-third with lumps of charcoal or pieces of broken 

 pots ; next add a few rough pieces of soil, and fill up to two-thirds with the soil intended 

 to be used, on which sprinkle a little sand. Press the bulb down rather firmly on this and 

 fill up solidly with good soil to within an inch of the top. After watering thoroughly, 

 place the pots outdoors in a situation where no water will stand about them, and cover 

 entirely with soil or dry ashes to a depth of four or five inches. Further protection 

 may be needed to keep out the frost. If it is not convenient to keep outside, a dry, cool 

 cellar will serve almost as well. After the pots are filled with roots — which will be in 

 from five to ten weeks— they can be brought to the light from time to time as required 

 for blooming. It will require from three to six weeks to bring in bloom, according to 

 variety and exposure to light and heat. Do not subject bulbs to sudden extremes of tem- 

 perature at any time. The finest and longest enduring blooms are produced in a com- 

 paratively low temperature — say 50 Q to 60° — with full exposure to air and sunlight. Do 

 not bring into warmest place until signs of rapid growth are noticed, when tepid water 

 should be supplied freely as needed. Never place bulbs near a heater or on a mantel place 

 above a fire. Keep foliage clean and bright with a damp sponge or handkerchief. 



