Christmas, too, if planted by the middle of September. Five or six 
of these bulbs in a 6-inch pot or pan makes a very pretty center piece 
for the dinner table or living room, if the pot is put in a green pottery 
bowl or basket which comes for the purpose. 
The large Hyacinths are more brilliant in color, and being much 
heavier should be placed in a 1 0- or 1 2-inch pot, six to eight bulbs to 
a pot, as they make a much finer show than when planted snugly or in 
glass vases — when they are grown in water, and they bloom in late 
January. 
Next the Tulip in all the richest shades possible, from palest pink 
and yellow to gorgeous reds and gold. These are sometimes covered 
with little green lice, which destroys both flower and leaf, but if one is 
lucky and has the patience, they repay the trouble and care spent on 
them by their beautiful display of color. By the time the Tulips are 
nearly over, and the Winter far advanced, comes the greatest treat of 
the Winter's garden — the Daffodils, in all their glory — their stately 
heads held high, and their bright dresses flashing in the sunlight, mak- 
ing glad the darkest days of Winter. Emperor goes hand in hand 
with Empress, as is natural, both in size and color and length of bloom, 
their graceful heads held quite a foot and a half above the smooth 
pointed pale green leaves, coming into flower in the middle of Feb- 
ruary, and lasting until March has all but blown itself out. 
Though these two named varieties are more expensive than the 
others, they will repay the extra amount spent on them in their return 
of such wonderful flowers. The hoop petticoat variety are an earlier 
kind, dainty and pleasing in color and shape, making a prettier arrange- 
ment for the table, as they are not so tall as the other kinds. The Daf- 
fodils end the season of Winter flowering bulbs, making a fitting finish 
to a rainbow, which has started in pale ribbons of softest hues, until it 
ends in a glorious band of brilliant gold. 
As to the culture of bulbs for the home, the first point to be ob- 
served is starting with good bulbs. Do not buy the cheapest, simply 
because they are cheap, but rather have half the number in good ones, 
thereby securing good and better blooms, instead of a lot of cheap ones 
which only produce poor plants and flowers. 
If the bulbs are to be grown in earth, first see that the pots or 
pans are nicely cleaned on the inside and out. If old ones are used, 
then fill the bottom, or rather place two or three bits of broken pots or 
stones in the bottom of the pot for drainage. Then fill up half way 
with good clean fine earth taken from old hotbeds or seedbeds, mixed 
with a little sand to lighten it and a little sheep manure to enrich it. 
Place the bulbs close together, six, if not too large, to a 6-inch pot, or 
ten to a 1 2-inch pot. This rule must, of course, vary with the size 
of the bulb. After placing them, being careful to turn the pointed end 
of the bulb out, so that when the flowers come out their heads are 
turned out instead of in. Fill up to the brim, carefully taking pains to 
