..Dreer’s Reliable Bulbs.. 
O succeed with bulbs itis necessary to begin right, by getting sound bulbs of good size, and we would 
warn intending purchasers against buying cheap, undersized bulbs and expect the fine results obtained 
from such as we offer. Our sources oi supply are the best in this country and abroad, the leading growers 
of the world having for years suppiied us with their choicest stock, 
A FEW CULTURAL HINTS. 
To the lover of flowers there is no class of plants so much prized as those which are produced from bulbs. ‘The reason is easily 
found, because within the bulbs are stored all the future glory of leaves and flowers, oniy requiring the simplest culture to develop 
them in their highest perfection. Success is therefore the rule. 
Another reason why bulbs are prized so highly is that a large number of them produce their flowers in very early spring, when 
the rest of Nature is asleep. Then it is that a clump of Snowdrops, Scillas, or Chinodoxas impart to the garden an air of warmth 
and cheer that cannot be accomplished in any other way. Following these modest flowers come the showier Crocus, Narcissus, 
Hyacinths, Tulips, etc., in all their dazzling colors, keeping up a continuous display well into the summer. With no other 
material can be secured such a wealth of charming Howers of infinite variety of form and coloring, with so little trouble and at so 
small an outlay, ; 
WHEN TO PLANT.—To the beginner we would particularly emphasize the fact that Autumn and not Springtime is the time 
to plant all kinds of spring-flowering buJbs. The larger part of the bulbs offered in this Catalogue are ready to ship by the second 
week in September, and the sooner they are planted after that the greater will be the measure of success; 
therefore, ORDER EARLY. A few sorts, which are noted in the catalogue, do not mature until October and November, and 
can be sent at once on their arrival. 
OUTDOOR CULTURE.—As a general rule, the bulbs should be planted in October and November, so that the roots nay 
make a good growth before the cold weather sets in, but they can be set out even later if the ground is not frozen. ‘I hey require 
a moderately rich soil that has been well manured for previous crops, or else apply well-rotted cow or sheep manure or bone- 
meal; fresh manure is injurious to bulbs. The soil should be weil drained, and no good results can be obtained without free drain- 
age. A small quantity of sand or fine coal-ashes at the base of each bulb when p!anted in stiff soil will be beneficia!. In planting, 
the bulbs should be placed from an inch to four inches below the surface, according to the size of the bulb, 
When the ground freezes hard the bed should be covered with three or four inches of leaves or litter, which should be removed 
in early spring. ‘Yoo early and heavy covering starts the tops prematurely, which are frequently injured in March by freezing and 
thawing. After flowering, if the beds are wanted for late spring plantings, teke up the bulbs, tops and roots, and ‘‘heel in” in 
some corner of the garden until the bulbs mature, after which they should be spread out in an airy room to dry, and kept ina 
cool, dark place until time for replanting the following autumn. 
INDOOR CULTURE.—Bulbs intended for blooming during the winter can be planted from September until November—the 
earlier the better—in pots, pans or boxes, and be left in the open air, covered with a few inches of ashes or soil, until the earth 
begins to freeze, and then placed in a cool greenhouse, cellar or room, at a temperature of 50 degrees. They will need, ecca- 
sionally, moderate watering after they are brought inside. Or the. pots, pans or boxes may be. placed at once, after potting, in a 
cool, dark cellar, watering well and cover the same as above. The whole success of pot culture depends upon getting the roots 
well established in the pots, at a low temperature of say 40 to 50 degrees, before you begin to force the tops at 60 degrees or over. 
Afler this the bloom is easily developed by giving light and water, and one can have a supply of flowers from Christmas until after 
Easter by regulating the time of bringing them to the light. 
Note.— 7ke above cultural hints apply especially to thé latitude of Philadelphia. South of us tt ts quite possible to plant out bulbs 
as late as Christmas, while at points north of Philadelphia they should plant as early as possible after the first killing frost. 
