902 



Narcissus Cultivation. 



[march, 



very expeditiously at a lower cost than where forks are used, 

 while less damage is done and fewer bulbs are left in the 

 land. The smaller grower, however, must resort to the fork. 

 The bulbs as lifted should be put in shallow trays or baskets, 

 and placed in a cool, airy shed to dry, if such is available. 

 If this shelter cannot be given them, they may be allowed 

 to lie on the ground until they become dry and clean. They 

 must not, however, be allowed to remain too long, in case 

 they get scorched by strong sunshine. The length of time 

 necessary must depend upon the condition of the bulbs when 

 lifted and the weather experienced, but once they are in a 

 fit condition no time should be lost in getting them under 

 cover, as if showery weather sets in root-growth will very 

 quickly commence, and this must be prevented. All lifting 

 should be finished by the end of July at the latest. 



The weight of produce lifted must necessarily depend upon 

 the fertility of the soil, the variety grown, and the length 

 of time the crop has been planted, but ten to twelve tons 

 per acre may be regarded as an average yield, or about 

 double the weight planted. 



Preparation for Market. — Various methods of marketing 

 are employed. Bulbs may be sold as lifted, large and small 

 together, by the cwt. or ton, and many people (especially 

 planters) prefer to buy their bulbs in this way. Retailers, 

 however, and wholesale dealers who supply retailers, require 

 first- or second-sized shapely bulbs only. It then becomes 

 necessary to clean and size the produce, making four different 

 sizes, viz., first or " heads"; seconds; thirds or "plant- 

 ing" size; and "chips." First-size bulbs of the popular 

 varieties can be readily sold to bulb merchants by the 1,000, 

 and the other sizes should be kept for planting purposes. 



In growing for bulb production a more frequent course of 

 transplanting is necessary than when bloom is the chief 

 object, and nice, shapely bulbs, such as are wanted for shop 

 sales, can only be obtained by regularly transplanting. 

 When first-size bulbs are planted they multiply and give 

 increased stock, and it is well to let such remain two or even 

 three years undisturbed. Second-size bulbs, if carefully 

 sized, should yield "heads " (or firsts) after one year's growth. 

 Thirds and "chips" require two years before attaining sale- 



