SPRING-FL0WERING BULBS 
part of some trustworthy prepared fertilizer. Proper drainage 
should be afforded by putting an inch or so of broken crock or 
stones in the bottom of the pots. After potting, give a thorough 
watering, and then place the pots out-of-doors on a bottom of 
coal-ashes, to prevent worms from entering, and cover them with 
4 to 6 inches of leaves or litter, cocoanut-fiber being excellent for 
this purpose. By November, the pots should be set on a similar 
layer of ashes, in a trench 18 inches deep, provided with some 
means of draining off the water from winter rains or melting 
snow. A cover of 6 to 8 inches of leaves, litter or, best of all, 
cocoanut-fiber, should be thrown over the whole trench. The 
pots may be kept in a dark, cold cellar, if attention is given to 
keeping them in a constantly moist condition. 
From the trenches the pots may be brought into the house, 
as desired, whenever root-growth is abundant enough to warrant 
giving heat. Plenty of roots showing through the bottom of the 
pot will indicate sufficient root-growth. When brought indoors, 
the pots should be kept shaded until the top-growth has turned 
a healthy green. When Tulips are to be forced early for Christ¬ 
mas bloom, or before the first week in January, it is essential 
that they be kept in even heat in a darkened part of the green¬ 
house or forcing-room, to induce the stalks to lengthen out; 
otherwise the flowers are likely to open out within the dwarf 
and unfolded leaves. Plenty of water should be given as soon as 
active growth begins, and cold draughts or very high tempera¬ 
tures must be avoided. Crocuses and Narcissi dislike bottom 
heat; grow them cool and slowly if fine blooms are desired. 
Further cultural details are given under the headings for the 
different classes of bulbs. 
In this list, the figures following the variety names indicate 
the relative time of flowering of each. Of the Tulips the single 
early varieties are the first to bloom, followed closely by the 
double sorts. Generally speaking, the Cottage Tulips come into 
flower next, and the earlier Darwins and Breeders along with 
them; while the Bybloems, Bizarres and Parrots are in flower 
together with the later Darwins. 
11 
