CATALOGUE OF BULBS. 
31 
CROCUS. 
CULTURE OF THE CROCUS IN FLOWER BORDERS OR BEDS. 
Plant in the open ground in October, November, or as early in December as cir- 
cumstances will permit, prefering deep, light, rich, sandy soil ; but the Crocus 
will thrive m any ordinary soil or situation. In planting, the bulbs should be cov- 
ered from two to three inches with fine mould; and not more than two inches 
apart. For edgings, borders and beds, the Crocus is also exceedingly useful ; and 
where planted in lines along the margin of walks, or in clumps of 3, 6, 12 or more 
bulbs each, and allowed to remain in the ground for several years, the effect of 
the immense masses of flowers which they produce is all that can be desired. A 
very effective display in a flower garden in March, may be produced bv each bed 
haying a broad edging of Crocus, the colois being nicely arranged and contrasted. 
This may be secured without interfering with either the Spring or Summer occu- 
pants ; for the bulbs may bs planted close to the outside of the bed, where they 
will scarcely be in the way, either in digging or in planting. A splendid effect 
may be produced by scattering the bulbs broad-cast upon lawns and planting under 
the turf wherever they fall. In this way the lawns will *be gay with theii°showy 
blossoms, as soon as the snow is off in Spring. Unless the bulbs become too nu- 
merous and the leaves spread over more space than it may be desirable to have 
covered with them, they should not be disturbed, as they bloom more profusely 
when well established. Care must be exercised, however, to protect the bulbs 
from mice, as they are exceedingly partial to them especially in Winter. 
CULTURE OF THE CROCUS IN POTS, VASES, BASKETS, &c. 
For blooming in-doors, either in pots or in any of the various contrivances 
which are used instead of pots, strong bulbs of the seeding varieties should be se- 
lected, planting them in succession, commencing as early in Autumn as they can 
be procured. For pot culture use good rich sandy soil, and secure perfect drain- 
age ; a liberal supply of water being necessary during the blooming season ; there- 
fore any defect in the drainage would cause the soil to become sodden. Planted 
in china bowls, saucers, etc., filled with moss or sand, drainage is unnecessary, 
but on no account should the moss or sand ever be allowed to get dry. Treatment 
same as recommended for Hyacinths in sand or moss. 
CULTURE IK GLASS, 
This is a very pretty and simple mode of culture. Treat them in the same man- 
ner as recommended for Hyacinths, and use only large, strong bulbs. The Crocus 
glass of Tye's pattern is particularly recommended for their culture. 
SNOWDROPS. 
The earliest and most elegant of Spring-flow T ering bulbs, their pretty little snow- 
white blossoms, drooping habit, and close compact growth, render them admir- 
ably adapted for planting close to the margins of borders or beds, where, if ahW- 
ed to remain undisturbed, will annually produce a veiy pretty effect before Crocus 
comes into bloom. They may also be grown in sand, moss or water. 
OX ALTS. 
A genus of very pretty plants for pot culture, producing their bright colored 
flowers in the greatest profusion ; which form a fine contrast to their dark green 
foliage. They should be potted in light, porous soil, in September and October. 
