182 MANAGEMENT OF THE FLOWER GARDEN, 
up dahlia roots, if not already done, and also tuberous 
tiger-flowers, amaryllis, &c., and cut off the stems, 
and foliage, within one inch of the bulbs, leaving the 
fibres attached to them. Spread them in an airy room 
for two or three weeks to dry, after which, clean the 
roots from the fibres and loose skins, and put them 
into paper bags or place them in drawers till spring. 
About the end of the month, prepare a heap of light 
sandy loam, and a sufficient number of pots for the 
reception of as many bulbs and tubers as are intended 
for flowering in the house, such as polyanthus, narcis¬ 
sus, tulips, hyacinths, &c.,— also get ready the beds 
for tulips, hyacinths, irises, &c., to be planted next 
month. Clean up the garden from all litter occasion¬ 
ed by pruning the trees, and dead flower stems, &c., 
and where the soil is suitable, ornamental shrubs may 
now be transplanted, as it will save much time in 
Spring when so many other things require attention. 
Tall trees and shrubs, transplanted at this time, should 
be well secured by strong stakes from being rocked 
by the wind. 
By the beginning of November, the beds prepared 
for the bulbs, as tulips, hyacinths, &c., will be prop¬ 
erly settled, and may then be planted. Proceed by 
marking out the rows, and removing the soil with, the 
hoe or trowel to the depth of four inches. Lay a lit¬ 
tle sand on the spot where each bulb is to rest, and 
place them from four to six inches apart, intermixing 
the colors; then press the bulbs gently into the soil, 
place a little more sand around each bulb, and return 
the soil over them; if requisite, some fresh soil may 
be spread over the bed, that the tops of the bulbs may 
