plantings are examined daily to see that bulbs are 
true but in handling- several million bulbs errors may 
occur. You must be satisfied. 
SIZES OF BULBS 
Bulbs are sold in different sizes such as large, 
medium, and small, or by numbers. 
A number one bulb is IV 2 inches or over in di¬ 
ameter; a number two bulb is l 1 /^ to iy 2 inches in 
diameter; both are called Large bulbs. A number 
three bulb is 1 to l 1 /^ inches in diameter; a number 
four bulb is; % to 1 inch in diameter. These are 
called Medium size. A number five bulb is V 2 to % 
inch in diameter; a number six bulb is 14 to y 2 inch 
in diameter. These are called Small bulbs. Bulbs 
may be even smaller than 14 inch and are then called 
number sevens. 
When offered bulbs be sure the size is specified as 
all reputable dealers do so. When no size is specified, 
you may receive very small bulbs that are unable to 
bloom in one season and you have no recourse as a 
bulb of any size is a bulb. Many firms advertise 
bulbs very cheap and then send these small bulbs. 
Large bulbs— iy± inches and up are suitable for 
planting' anywhere and will give the best results. 
Medium bulbs will also give good results but will 
usually have smaller blooms and they are not so sure 
to bloom. Small bulbs may bloom in most localities 
but the blooms will be much smaller and some may 
not bloom at all. I 11 any case, small bulbs will pro¬ 
duce larger bulbs suitable for later planting. 
YOUNG AND OLD BULBS 
Much is heard in the glad world concerning new 
bulbs, old bulbs, cut flower bulbs, forced out bulbs 
and so on and so forth. Of course we know that old 
bulbs rot away after forming the new spike and a 
new bulb is formed by the spike above the old bulb. 
By a young bulb, we mean one that is grown from 
the hard shelled bulblets that cluster around the bulb 
when it is dug. Some varieties grow quite large from 
bulblets in one year and others have to be planted 
the second year to attain full size. 
Old bulbs are those that are some years removed 
from bulblets. Cut flower bulbs are those which have 
been grown for blooms sometimes year after year 
and from which the spike has been removed so close 
to the ground that the bulb does not mature. You 
may safely cut your blooms if you leave four leaves 
on the stalk. Forced bulbs are those used in green¬ 
houses and not allowed to mature properly before be¬ 
ing' removed. 
Neither cut flower nor forcing bulbs are suitable 
for the same uses again and are offered on the 
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