AILMENTS AND TROUBLES 
T HE bulb’s function as a storehouse 
for the subsequent season’s flowers 
has already been explained, as well as the 
fact that only mature bulbs represent 
well filled storehouses. These always 
bring top prices and are always the 
largest size. 
Probably at least half the failures 
registered against bulbs are the result of 
using inferior grades ; these, as just ex- 
plained, are never mature and conse- 
quently they are not ready, nor able, to 
yield the fondly hoped for results. But 
even if a bulb is full size, it may not have 
been allowed to ripen, and may therefore 
be lacking in blossoms. For the ripening 
process, as heretofore explained, depends 
upon the leaves ; and if these are cut 
away or destroyed prematurely, it is ar- 
rested for the season. Not until the cor- 
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