4 BULLETIN 1331, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
better to propagate in frames or in a shed where the moisture condi- 
tions can be controlled. On the Pacific coast, however, the soil is dry 
enough and on the California coast often a little too dry, so that it 
may be advantageous to add a little water. In such a dry and warm 
region propagation can be delayed more safely until later in the 
season. 7 
When propagation by means of scales is practiced in a region 
where the soil is too wet, it is a good plan to do it in sand and on 
the surface of the ground in a building or shed with a dirt floor. 
The scales can be broadcasted thickly and covered with an inch or 
two of sand. They should remain undisturbed until they begin to 
root, which will be in early to middle October, when with the at- 
tached bulblets they should be taken out and planted in the open 
ground, as previously described. 
Frames with sash covers have the advantage that temperatures can 
be held a little higher at the end of the incubation period. This is 
a definite advantage where the season is short. 
There is a decidedly different way of handling the scales which is 
advantageous under some circumstances. It will apply mainly to 
the grower who has a greenhouse. The space under the bench can 
be inclosed by burlap or in some other way to shut out the ight and 
the ground covered with sand. The scales are spread one deep as 
thickly as possible over the surface of this sand, left until the first 
to the middle of October, and then planted out. 
Under ordinary greenhouse benches in the region of Washington, 
D. C., the temperatures for the greater part of the time will be 
maintained at from 65° to 90° F. from July to mid-September and 
somewhat lower without heat in late September and October. It 
would be advantageous if the temperatures could be kept up to the 
end of the period, but a very good propagation can be had without it. 
In this method of handling, the propagation is comparable with 
that of the hyacinth when artificially propagated. Indeed, the prin- 
ciple is the same, but it seems necessary to keep the scales on the sur- 
face of moist sand rather than on wire-bottomed trays, as is done 
with hyacinths. A higher degree of humidity is required than 
when incubated under 2 inches of sand, as the scales are entirely 
uncovered in the open air. | 
At first the temperature is kept preferably at about 70° F. with 
the surface of the sand barely moist. It can be run up to 80° or 
90° F. after the cut ends of the scales are calloused, or in about two 
weeks. After this, a good supply of moisture is imperative. A 
good plan is to moisten the scales slightly with an atomizer every 
day or two. As soon as root growth starts on the bulblets they 
should be transferred to their permanent location in the field, - 
- whether it be in September or October. Root growth will be de- 
layed by withholding moisture. 
The advantage of this method of artificial propagation lies in the 
fact that there is induced under the higher temperature and hu- 
midity an accelerated growth. Indeed, the old scales are nearly used 
up, and if handled right the bulblets will be rooting and throwing u 
green leaves by mid-October. If propagated in the open groun 
they may not show leafage until the next spring. Of course, the 
sooner the old scales are transferred into bulblets and the sooner 
