CROCUS. 



These have considerably smaller bulbs, which produce five to seven flowers each. 

 They can be grouped quite closely, either in pots, vases, boxes or baskets, using the soil 

 recommended previously. They require to be kept in a rather lower temperature than 

 either Hyacinths or Narcissus. Select Cloth of Gold, yellow and brown ; Large Yellow ; 

 Queen Victoria, white ; Sir Walter Scott, blue and white striped ; David Rizzio and Ne 

 Plus Ultra, rich deep purple. 



Among other early Spring-flowering bulbs, which must not be forgotten, are the 

 chaste and beautiful little Snowdrops ; the turquoise-blue, jewel-like Scilla-Pr;ecox 

 (Amoena), or Sibekica ; Lilittm Candidum, Longiflorum, and the brilliant colored scarlet 

 Tenuifolium. The two first have small bulbs, and are easily managed, by following what 

 has been advised for the other large classes. As to the Lilies Candidum and Longi- 

 florum, they must be potted into suitable sized pots, and kept quite cool until March. 

 Tenuifolium has much smaller bulbs, is among the first to flower, and will bloom as 

 early as the earliest Hyacinths. 



There are two other bulbs that will be eagerly sought after for house decoration. 

 These are Chionodoxa Lucille: and Freesia Refracta Alba. The first has small, Scilla- 

 like bulbs and rather large flowers, with pure white centers and rich deep blue margins. 

 The Freesia is a miniature Gladiolus-like plant, with most deliciously scented silver- 

 shaped white and lemon-colored flowers. 



If reasonable care has been exercised, you may expect that by the New Year there 

 will be something 



" That in the wintry blast 

 Recalls the hue of Spring." 



First among the troop of Nature's weanlings will be the spotless Boman Hyacinths 

 and the sweet Narcissus (Paper White), followed closely by the meek Snowdrop, the jew- 

 elled Scillas, the scarlet-gold Tulips, and so on until the whole force has marched past. 



THE FLOWERS OF SPRING. 



Among the Flowers of Spring for the Garden, bulbs play an important part ; in 

 fact, the most important part. With them, we are sure of flowers even before the Win- 

 ter's snow is off the ground. Have we not seen the lovely Snowdrop in flower when it 

 has been hard to distinguish it from actual snow, except by its emerald-green marking? 

 The Crocus in purple and gold is the next to push forward with its distinctly cup-shaped 

 forms and its numerous flowers, while even yet the snow is on the ground, followed by 

 the very early Tulips, Narcissus and Hyacinths ; a very wealth of beauty in shape, color 

 and perfume. 



The very moderate price of such bulbs places them within reach of all. And when 

 we truly state that there is not a garden in either city or country, however small or 

 secluded, in which bulbs will not grow and grow successfully, we hope they will be 

 appreciated as they deserve. There is really more certainty of success with bulbs in city 

 gardens than with any other class of Spring-flowering plants. As to matters of arrange- 

 ment, there can be no mistake, as any combination, either elaborate or simple, will be 

 effective and agreeable. 



Presuming the requirements necessary for a large display are to be had, we can treat 

 the subject accordingly and at a very moderate cost. 



For a bed of circular form, three feet in diameter, planted as follows, the number 

 given may be relied upon to produce a very good effect, though a third more may be 

 added, if it is not a question of money. The prices are such as would warrant the bulbs 

 to be of good quality. Here are seven plans, each producing an effective bed more or 

 less resembling the cut on the 6th page: 



1. 18 Named Hyacinths , $1.75 



2. Or 18 Mixed Hyacinths „ 90 



3. Or 30 Named Tulips, single 85 



4. Or 30 Named Tulips, double 90 



5. Or 30 Mixed Tulips. 60 



6. Or 75 Crocus 75 



A mixed bed of 10 Hyacinths named for center (70 cents). 

 And 20 named Tulips for margin (50 cents). 1.20 



M 



