THE BULB GARDEN 



them when they arrive, and put them into the 

 ground as soon after they are received as possible. 



The soil in which bulbs should be planted 

 cannot be too carefully prepared, as much of 

 one's success with these plants depends upon this 

 most important item. It must be rich, and it 

 must be fine and mellow. 



The best soil in which to set bulbs is a sandy 

 loam. 



The best fertilizer is old, thoroughly rotted 

 cow-manure. On no account should fresh 

 manure be used. Make use, if possible, of that 

 which is black from decomposition, and will 

 crumble readily under the application of the hoe, 

 or iron rake. One-third in bulk of this material 

 is not too much. Bulbs are great eaters, and 

 unless they are well fed you cannot expect large 

 crops of fine flowers from them. And they must 

 be well supplied with nutritious food each year, 

 because the crop of next season depends largely 

 upon the nutriment stored up this season. 



If barnyard manure is not obtainable, substi- 

 tute bonemeal. Use the fine meal, in the propor- 

 tion of a pound to each yard square of surface. 

 More, if the soil happens to be a poor one. If the 

 soil is heavy with clay, add sand enough to lighten 

 it, if possible. 



The ideal location for bulbs is one that is 



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