All our readers have heard of Holland, sometimes called Hardy Bulbs, but few would be 
able to give a list entitled to the name, and we do not know that we could make a correct one. 
These Holland Bulbs did not originate in that country, but the good Hollanders have almost 
monopolized their culture for so many years, doubtless to their own profit and the good of the 
world, that the name has been conceded, by general consent, to a class of Bulbs of which the 
Hyacinth, Tulip and Crocus are the leading members. With few minor exceptions these Bulbs 
require to be planted in the autumn, and are admirably adapted for winter culture in the house. 
In many sections of our country the winters are long, unpleasant, and, of course, tedious. For 
full half the year no flower, not even a green leaf, is found to cheer the long gloom. While all 
is cold and sterile without, with a little care and skill, and at a trifling expense, we can make our 
homes cheerful, have buds and blossoms and emerald leaves every day from November until 
May, make our own little summers, and thus rob winter of half its tediousness. We shall 
endeavor to show how this can be done. 
THEIR CULTURE. 
Those who desire a show of what is known as Holland Bulbs in the spring must secure 
THE Bulbs and plant in the autumn. Thousands when they see 
he gardens of their neighbors, 
in the early Spring, resolve 
to have, at least, a few next 
year ; but the matter is for- 
gotten until the Spring flow- 
ers remind them of their 
neglect. Any garden soil 
will grow Bulbs well; but it 
must be drained, so that water 
will not lie on the surface for 
any length of time, or the 
Bulbs will be likely to rot. 
After planting, and before 
winter sets in, cover the beds 
with a good dressing of 
leaves — say five or six inches 
in depth, or more. Over 
these throw a little brush, or 
earth, or manure, to prevent 
blowing off. If the leaves 
cannot be obtained readilv, 
FLOWERING BULBS IN WATER. .„ •' 
coarse manure will answer. 
In the spring, rake off the covering, taking off about half at first, and then waiting a m- eek before 
removing the remainder. Make beds so narrow that the weeds can be destroyed as they appear, 
and without walking among the plants. Any breaking or wounding of the leaves causes 
injury to the Bulb, but flowers can be cut at pleasure, and all should be removed as they fade 
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