Missouri Botanical Garden 
George Ergelmanm Papers 
4 Michel !Bros, S Kernes Atilumn Catalogue, 
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Tasteful arrangement in laying out of grounds, however large or small, 
is based on the principle of massing certain forms or colors, to contrast en masse, 
with as much effect as possible, from other forms or colors of another group. 
Let this be distinctly remembered when the question arises of how to plant 
the bulbs for next springes blooming. A bed of Tulips, and another made up 
of Hyacinths, will show far better than a uniform mixture of both alike. And 
so in colors also, when kept distinct and separate from each other, the con- 
trast is far more pleasing than when all are mixed. 
Where bulbs are planted in larger quantities, the finest and most striking 
effect can be produced by a proper blending of kinds and colors, and the in- 
vestment will be found quiet satisfactory, ,both in regard to brilliant display 
of flowers, and to increase of stock. A more general introduction of bulbous 
flowers in western pleasure grounds would lend to them an attraction and 
cheerfulness, little thought of at a season when bright flowers are most wel- 
come and least expected. 
Where but smaller purchases of bulbs are made, a judicious selection of 
the few cannot be urged too much. It is far better to procure a certain num- 
ber of a few of the most brilliant and showy colors or kinds, suited to make 
a fine display or contrast, than to buy a few bulbs of most every kind, or a 
little of everything. Collections may be interesting to amateurs and connais- 
seurs, but they are decidedly of less advantage to those who wish a fine dis- 
play for their front yards, regardless of name and kinds. 
Let this distinction be fairly understood. We have selected our stock of 
imported bulbs with a view of d applying the demand for certain of the most 
showy colors, seen and admired so much in the floral display at Lafayette 
Park, through which much inquiry for certain kinds has already come to us. 
We trust to be able to supply the demand for such universal favorites, having 
ordered very largely of them. 
Selections left to our discretion and judgment, will be filled to give per- 
fect satisfaction. 
Eeliable and experienced workmen will be sent out by us, when desired, 
to attend to the proper planting of bulbs throughout the city. 
The stock of bulbs offered to the western public through these pages, is 
the largest and best selected one ever received in our city. We import direct 
from one of the foremost houses of Haarlem in Holland, and can safely war- 
rant all articles to be of the best quality, and true to name. The army of 
irresponsible bulb peddlars and runners from Europe having somewhat sub- 
sided of later years, to visit the western shore of the Mississippi, we may 
confidently hope that much of the vexation and disappointment caused by 
doubtful and indifferent articles, may^be experienced no longer. 
An invitation is tendered to all contemplating to beautify their grounds 
with bulbous flowers, to call in good season at our place of business, and to 
examine our stock. 
Bqos. & KEq^N, 
No, 107 North Fifth Street, 
ST, TOUTS, MO, 
MICHEL 
