thereon six inches of draining material, and on this 
lay a stratum of compost, a foot thick, composed of 
sharp sand, two parts ; leaf-mould or peat, one part; 
and fresh loam, one part. These should he well 
mixed, in a moderately dry state. In this, plant the 
bulbs, towards the end of October, give no water but 
protect from frosts, and give air at all favourable 
opportunities. They will probably begin to v egetate 
early in February ; still, however, continue the same 
treatment till the beginning of April, when a little 
sprinkling of water must be supplied in a morning, 
according to the luxuriance of the plants. In full 
growth they will demand to be watered abundantly, 
once or twice a day, according as the compost may 
indicate, and at the same time, after giving air early 
in the morning, close the frames during the waim 
part of the day, and thereby raise the tempeiature, 
not letting it exceed 90 degrees by the thermometer, 
but never open the frame late in the day. Aftei 
the plants have made their growth, subsequently to 
flowering, gradually decline giving any watei , gk e 
air morning and afternoon, but in the middle of the 
day, from ten to four, close the frames and permit 
the thermometer to rise even to 100 degrees, before 
cool air is admitted. Continue this treatment till 
the foliage is fully ripened ; and as this method of 
culture forms a good imitation of their natfv e 
climate, the bulbs will be thoroughly matured, and 
therefore will always flower in perfection. 
If a brick pit, the chamber of which can be ven- 
tilated at pleasure, be not at command, the nearest 
imitation of it should be adopted, paying especial 
attention to its thorough drainage. 
