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Narcissus Cultivation. 



[march, 



secured. This gives a much quicker return on capital than 

 is possible when first-size bulbs only are planted, and the 

 initial outlay is also less. 



Value of Produce. — This will vary according to the varie- 

 ties grown, the quantity and quality of bulbs planted, length 

 of time they have been allowed to remain in the ground, and, 

 lastly, suitability of the land for bulb culture. As the 

 different varieties vary so much in value, the best method 

 of arriving at an estimate will be by percentage increase on 

 cost of "seed" bulbs. Bulbs planted one year will increase 

 from 30 to 50 per cent, in value; those planted two years 

 from 75 to 100 per cent. 



Besides, there is the cut bloom which must be taken into 

 consideration, and this may be expected to add from ^"15 to 

 £20 per acre to the profits. 



Cultivation for Bloom. 



The chief difference in cultivation when growing for cut 

 flowers is that less frequent lifting and replanting is neces- 

 sary. The bulbs may remain two or three years — some few 

 varieties even longer — and increase their yield annually. As 

 a rule, however, after remaining three years, a shift is 

 desirable, as the bulbs then become crowded and too small 

 to bloom satisfactorily, while the land also becomes ex- 

 hausted. The labour required for keeping the land free from 

 weeds is the same as when growing for bulbs, but the annual 

 cost of lifting, cleaning, sizing, and replanting is saved. 



Marketing the Bloom.— As the blooms expand they must 

 be gathered and marketed whilst fresh. An effort should 

 be made to have the bloom fit for market earlier than would 

 be the case if left to take its natural course. This can be 

 accomplished by pulling the flower when in the bud state 

 and opening it in water under glass, or by erecting a tem- 

 porary covering of glass lights if these are available. The 

 grower without glass is at a great disadvantage, and glass 

 is absolutely necessary to obtain the best results, as without 

 a greenhouse the grower is at the mercy of the elements at 

 a time when much rough and stormy weather is frequently 

 experienced. The cultivator with glass at his disposal can 



