Ailments and Troubles 47 
called bulbs are able to shed their leaf 
bases as well as the leaves. And just 
here it may be interesting to note that 
multiplication by offsets means simply that 
new little “buds” — otherwise bulbs — form 
under the leaf bases in true bulbs — that is, 
around the bulb, springing out from un- 
der the scales — or at the eyes in tubers, 
just as buds spring out at the axils of 
leaves in other kinds of growth, above 
ground. 
Keep always in mind that too great 
care cannot be taken of this phase of the 
bulb plant’s life; that it cannot be too 
carefully guarded against injury at this 
time, and that it should spend this period 
in congenial soil where there is ample 
nourishment. If for any reason bulbs 
must be removed from the positions where 
they have bloomed, before they are 
ripened, take them up with all their roots, 
disturbing them not at all or the very 
least possible by lifting a large lump of 
earth with them on spade or shovel; and 
