This is done by placing the pots outside, giving a thorough watering, and covering A. Washburn & Sons, 
over with a few inches of soil. If the weather remains dry the bulbs should be Bulbs, Plants and 
watered about every ten days. As the season advances more covering must be given, p, 
as very hard freezing would damage the bulbs to a certain extent. 
The same results, as to root growth, can be obtained by putting the potted bulbs 
in a dark, cool cellar, but more attention must be given to the watering, as they dry 
out much more quickly. The latter way has the advantage of having the bulbs where 
they can be gotten at much more easily when they are wanted for forcing. 
Some bulbs, such as Roman hyacinths and paper white narcissus, form their 
roots in a much shorter time than others, but all bulbs to be forced successfully must 
be well rooted, and if attention is paid to this fact one of the main causes of failure 
will be removed. When bringing the bulbs in to force do not put at once in a high 
temperature, but start at rather a low temperature, say 50 to 55 degrees, and increase 
the heat gradually. 
Roman hyacinths and paper white narcissus are forced in larger quantities by 
florists of the country than any other two varieties of bulbs. These can be had in 
bloom during December, and from that time on until spring. Dutch hyacinths, daf- 
fodils, tulips, jonquils, etc., will not force successfully so early in the season and will 
be more satisfactory if not brought in until after the first of January. 
Dutch Hyacinths 
The hyacinth is one of the most interesting of the bulb family, and is grown in 
such large quantities that it is familiar to every one. The Dutch variety of hyacinths 
are entirely hardy and are suitable for either forcing or outdoor planting. If for out- 
doors, plant the bulbs three or four inches below the top of the ground, and six to 
eight inches apart. In forcing, a four-inch pot is large enough for a medium size 
bulb, and a five-inch pot for the largest size . Three bulbs planted in a five or six- 
inch pot or pan is a good way to try a few of them. 
We sell the same quality 
of bulbs 
that we use ourselves. 
