64 
THE HOME GARDEN. 
little later in blooming than the others, which helps to keep 
np a succession of bloom. 
Any one can raise tulips. They require the same soil as 
hyacinths, and should be planted the same depth and about 
four to six inches apart, according to the size of the bulbs. 
“In addition to using them for bedding purposes, they 
should be largely grown in herbaceous grounds, in shrub¬ 
bery borders, etc., in which a few clumps introduced at 
intervals have a most magical effect.” 
Different kinds of low-growing annuals, such as forget- 
me-nots, pansies, daisies, alyssum, etc., can be planted as 
well with tulips as hyacinths, as they benefit the bulbs, in¬ 
stead of injuring them, and save that part of the garden 
from the cheerless appearance it would otherwise present 
when the short spring bloom is over. 
Next in importance to the hyacinth and tulip, although 
earlier in blooming, comes the crocus, very bright and 
pretty in coloring, although insignificant in appearance. It 
is necessary to have a great many crocuses to produce a 
good effect, and they appear to better advantage in edgings 
or rows than in beds. They have the advantage of growing 
in almost any soil or situation. 
Another dwarf flower, sometimes mixed with the crocus, 
is the ranunculus, very brilliant and beautifully formed. 
“Asa cut flower, it is quite as useful as the rose itself, while 
for bedding, ribboning, massing, and edging, in separate or 
distinct colors, the effect is truly magnificent in the spring 
flower garden.” The flowers of the double large Persian 
variety are about two inches in diameter, and shaped very 
much like a camellia or a rose. The double turban, which 
is earlier than the former, is more of a peony shape. 
Snowdrops are said to be improved by neglect, and they 
seem persistently to flourish under the most unfavorable 
circumstances. It will be safe, however, to bestow upon 
them the same cultivation as upon other spring bulbs. 
