THE BULB GARDEN 



Keeping out the frost is not what is aimed at. 

 We expect the soil about the bulbs to freeze. 

 But such a covering as has been advised will pre- 

 vent the sun from thawing out the frost after it 

 gets into the soil, and this is exactly what we 

 desire. For if the frost can be kept in, after it 

 has taken possession, there will not be that fre- 

 quent alternation between freezing and thawing 

 which does the harm to the plant. For it is not 

 freezing, understand, that is responsible for the 

 mischief, but the alternation of conditions. These 

 cause a rupture of plant-cells, and that is what 

 does the harm. Keep a comparatively tender 

 plant frozen all winter and allow the frost to be 

 drawn out of it gradually in spring, and it will 

 survive a season of unusual cold. The same 

 plant will be sure to die in a mild season if left 

 exposed to the action of the elements, because of 

 frequent and rapid changes between heat and 

 cold. 



Whatever covering is given should be left on 

 the beds as long as possible in spring, because of 

 the severely cold weather we frequently have at 

 the north after we think all danger is over. How- 

 ever, as soon as the plants begin to make much 

 growth, this covering will have to be removed. 

 If a cold night comes along after this has been 



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