350 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



that capax and cermms pi. had entirely disappeared, whereas 

 Emperor and Empress had multiplied fourfold — a clear proof 

 that these varieties require different treatment. Since that time 

 we have divided our collection into two parts, the one part 

 consisting of garden forms, and the other of those that are 

 supposed to be wild forms, or at least are not known to be 

 garden varieties. The latter section is planted after a crop of 

 rye, and receives no manure, and the bulbs are not allowed to 

 remain in the ground more than one season, whereas the former 

 receives a liberal supply of stable manure. 



To prepare the land, I think it will be found that the 

 plough has taken the place of the fork and the spade ; and 

 although, as I have already said, some of the varieties do well 

 with manure, yet no variety ' likes the bulb to come actually 

 in contact with it ; and I fail to see how stable manure can 

 be dug in with the fork or spade to a sufficient depth. 



At Ham Green we use Howard's digging plough with four 

 horses, ploughing a depth of 14 inches, which is equal to bastard 

 trenching. When the land is harrowed and rolled, then follows 

 a little double-breasted plough, with a bed 2 feet long, and a 

 wheel in front to regulate the depth ; by this method you can get 

 a more level bed for the bulbs than a man can take out with 

 the spade. This plough, when drawing out a fresh row, at 

 the same time covers the row that has just been planted ; 

 thus it will be seen that the Daffodil can be grown much 

 cheaper on a large than on a small scale. Fortunately for the 

 cultivator, the varieties in this big family do not require to be 

 planted all at one time. Some growers plant their bulbs directly 

 after they lift them, but I have always found it better to dry and 

 clean the bulbs before planting. We start in August with ornatus, 

 and like to have all planting over in September. A safe guide 

 to regulate the time of planting the varieties is the swelling 

 round the base of the bulb. After planting, it is very necessary 

 to rake or harrow the beds once in ten days during the autumn. 

 As soon as the row can be well seen in spring they are hoed. 

 The custom of gathering the buds and forcing them in water 

 under glass is well known ; the advantage is, cleaner flowers and 

 earlier to market. But a little judgment is required in select- 

 ing the stage at which to pick the various varieties. Poeticus 

 recurvus may be gathered before it has burst its spathe ; whereas 



