54 CULTIVATION. 



As soon as they are fit to handle, they are pricked 

 out on a bed of sandy soil. When the leaves die, 

 the bulbs are taken up, and immediately planted 

 in a fresh bed (no time bein^ lost by storing) ; 

 and thus, by keeping them constantly in motion, 

 Mr. Sweet has no doubt but that they may be 

 brought to shew flower the third year. 



A bed of suitable soil should be prepared for 

 the seedling bulbs, in the open ground, before 

 the middle of October, the usual time for re- 

 planting. In this they should be neatly drilled, 

 or dibbed in, about two inches deep ; and, during 

 their progress in the following spring and sum- 

 mer, be carefully guarded from insects, slugs, &c., 

 and receive every encouragement from cleanli- 

 ness, occasional watering, and the like. 



Such attention and treatment are necessary 

 every following year, in order to accelerate the 

 period of their flowering. The florist must re- 

 member, that the first flower is actually formed 

 in the seed, enveloped in a certain number of 

 leaves; which leaves must be all developed 

 before the flower can possibly come forth ; so 



