0 NE of the first questions that the purchasers of Bulbs asks is, “Are they easy 
to grow ? ” To this very natural question we reply that with scarcely any 
exception, bulbs are easily managed, sure to bloom, and re(juire but little labor 
and care to enable them to produce exquisite flowers. 
No class of flowers has gained more rapidly in public favor during the last few 
years than those produced from bulbs. Many of them are especially desirable, as 
they afford a profusion of blossoms early in the spring, when few other plants are in 
bloom out of doors. They are easily cultivated, and are unsurpassed for their 
beauty and variety of colors. We know of no plant that will give equal satisfac- 
tion for out-door culture, and in no other way can the home be so satisfactorily 
and easily beautified during the winter as with a few Hyacinths, Tulips, Lilies, 
Narcissus, etc. 
It should be borne in mind that the bulbs must be secured and planted 
IN AUTUMN, whether they are wanted for flowering in the house for the holidays 
and Easter, or for a display out of doors in the early spring. Do not wait till 
spring comes, and yoti see your neiglfbor’s yard the delight of all passers-by, but 
order at once. 
MiVlVAOKAMSlV'T, 
Bulbs intended for blooming in pots during the winter season should be 
planted during the months of October and November in pots, and be left in the 
open air, covered with a few inches of tan or soil, until the earth begins to freeze, 
and then be placed in a cool greenhouse, cellar or room, at a temperature of 50 
degrees, in a very dark place. They will need occasionally moderate watering 
after they are brought inside. When the top is well grown and the flower stem 
well out of the bulb, they .should be brought to the light and given plenty of wa- 
ter, and exposed as much as possible to the sun, air and light, to prevent the 
leaves from growing too long or becoming yellow. 
The proper compost for Hyacinths, Tulips, Crown Imperials, Iris Ranuncu- 
lus, Anemones, Crocus, and many other bulbs, is the following : One-third sand, 
one-third well-rotted cow manure, and one-third good garden soil. 
The preferable season for planting all hardy bulbs is from October to Decem- 
ber ; but they can be set out later if the bulbs remain sound and the ground is 
not frozen. 
If Hyacinths and other bulbs are placed in water for some time before plant- 
ing, they will root much quicker and insure earlier flowering. 
