18 BULLETIN 962, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
to the row set up, and another size strewn along the row about one to 
the inch. The latter should not be covered so deeply as the large 
bulbs. 
A modification of the ine method of planting which obviates the 
’ moving of so much soil has proved satisfactory. The ground is pre- 
pared as before and preferably floated or rolled. Rows are then 
opened up lengthwise of the bed with a wheel hoe having a plow 
attachment. A row is opened and planted, and then the second row 
is opened «nd the first covered by the same operation. Five or six of 
these rows 6 to 8 inches apart are planted; then a row is skipped for 
a path and the next bed-started. Either of these forms of setting 
gives a thick planting, which it is believed is the most economical of 
space, labor, and materials. 
TIME TO PLANT NORMAL YVEGETATIVELY PROPAGATED STOCKS. 
In vegetative propagation the time of planting will always be late 
autumn, though the date will vary with the locality. There are two 
important requirements that should be met. The bulbs should be 
well rooted before the ground gets so cold that no growth can take 
place. On the other hand, they should be planted. so late: that top 
erowth will not take place before winter. The grower: should en- 
deavor to strike a balance between these two extremes, remembering 
that this lily does not stop growing so long as the moisture and tem- 
perature conditions are favorable. “Tt i is this characteristic that makes 
the crop a precarious one on portions of the Gulf coast, where suit- 
able growing weather for it is likely to be interspersed with sudden 
drops of temperature which are severe enough to cut the top growth. 
In the climate of Washington, D. C., the best time to plant is about | 
the first of November. Even at this late date the plants sometimes 
come through in vel'y open winters and are somewhat yellowed by 
subsequent cold weather in early spring. but no injury has been 
apparent thus far. 
MULCHING. 
The matter of a mulch is of sufficient importance to be treated 
separately ; indeed. 1t has sometimes seemed that a mulch expressed 
the difference between success and a large measure of failure in 
erowing these plants under field conditions. 
The mulch serves a dual purpose. It is an adjunct to the fertilizer 
apphed and a protective covering as well. The application should 
consist of an inch or two of manure. The material should be either 
fine or strawy and not cloddy, so as not to interfere with the plants 
coming through. 
The application should be made in early winter after the ground 
has cooled off sufficiently so that growth is stopped, and it should 
remain during the growing season. 
