200 
A FEW REMARKS ON THE CULTURE OF PERENNIALS. 
With a few exceptions, as in the case of tulips, and several other florists' 
flowers, hardy bulbs always do better when not kept long out of the ground after 
being taken up. Indeed it is always advantageous to plant them again at the 
same time they are taken up and separated, because firsts if kept in too dry a place, 
they are liable to become exhausted, and in some cases to shrivel. Secondly^ if 
kept in a damp place they invariably mould, and often perish. Thirdly, when left 
in the ground, they make their roots sooner and much stronger than under other 
circumstances. Fourthly^ the season at which they ought to be planted, may 
prove so busy a time with the gardener, that he may scarcely be able to attend to 
them, until after they have begun to grow, which in general weakens their flowering, 
if it does not totally prevent it. And fifthly, if planted at the time of separation, 
all anxiety about them is at an end. 
Many of the more tender kinds of bulbs in the borders will require protection 
from heavy rains, whilst in a torpid state, particularly if the situation be low, 
flat, or damp ; but if planted on banksides, under the walls of hothouses, or other 
dry situations, this precaution will scarcely be necessary. The readiest and least 
troublesome way is to place an inverted flower-pot over them, and lay a bit of slate 
over the draining-hole. The more hardy kinds rarely suff'er, and therefore need no 
particular care. 
Greenhouse bulbs. These differ from the last by being usually grown in 
pots, from the facility with which they can be removed from one place to another, 
either at the time of flowering or when in a torpid state, and from the difl"erent 
temperature they require. 
There are five things indispensable for the successful growth of exotic bulbs, 
viz. : — suitable soil, a proper temperature, due precaution in watering, perfecting 
the growth of the leaves, and allowing them a proper season of rest, called 
wintering. 
The soil should be richer than that in which the hardy kinds grow, 
because from their confinement in pots they are unable to obtain any other; 
nourishment, except what they receive directly from the aid of the cultivator. A 
light rich loam mixed with very rotten dung, and a portion of peat, perhaps is the 
best, as a general mixture, for them ; but there must be many exceptions to this 
rule ; for some species require nearly all peat, and others flourish best in nearly all 
loam : and in these exceptions the cultivator must be guided by the native habitats 
and strength of growth of each species. 
Temperature. Those termed greenhouse bulbs require, during their times of 
flowering, little more than shelter from cold winds and heavy rains ; but at the 
time they first begin to grow, and after they have done flowering, it is always 
advisable to give them a gentle warmth, — first, to assist them to flower fine, and, 
lastly, to encourage the leaves to grow fine. 
Watering. All the kinds require a good supply of water when in a state of 
active and vigorous growth ; but whilst in a state of torpidity they should be 
removed to a place where they can remain perfectly dry, until the season of their 
growth commences again. 
Perfecting the leaves. Unless the leaves are perfected properly, no certain 
