THE FORCING OF BULBS 
The “F” and “FF” varieties of narcissi and the Star of Bethle¬ 
hem are easily brought to bloom in the house in winter. 
For success with any of these bulbs, a certain routine is abso¬ 
lutely necessary. After potting or other method of planting, the 
bulbs must be put where dark and very cool, the colder the better, so 
they do not freeze, and kept faithfully watered, for as much as two 
months, unless they make determined growth sooner. When the buds 
are above ground, or the two months are up, the bulbs can be brought 
to warmth and light to complete their growth. Do not get them too 
warm, or the buds will blast, and do not let them stand in strong sun. 
For growing bulbs in water the best material I have found is 
poultry-grit charcoal, hen size. It does not get foul, holds water a 
long time, and does not obstruct the roots if properly handled. The 
dish preferably should be of glass, and more than three inches deep. 
Bulbs of hyacinths, narcissi, etc., grown indoors for winter 
blooming, should be kept growing until the leaves die down, then set 
in the ground outdoors, where they can remain at least a year un¬ 
disturbed. 
OUTDOOR GROWING 
Tulip and Narcissus bulbs should be planted about three inches 
deep to the tops of the bulbs as soon as possible after summer heat 
and drouth are broken, must remain in the ground over winter, and 
should not be disturbed until the leaves have turned yellow in early 
summer. This is the correct time to dig them. Narcissi prefer to be 
left in the ground several years. Tulips are better dug every year, 
though they may be let go an extra year if small when planted. 
Plant about six inches apart. 
Bulbs should not be allowed to lie in the sun when dug, nor when 
planting, nor at any other time. They should be stored cool, dark, 
and well ventilated. 
Do not use manure in the soil in planting bulbs or any fleshy- 
rooted plant. Spread it on top of the ground after planting is done. 
NARCISSUS BULBS 
Furnished in the fall only. 
Please notice the formula after each name: It contains a small 
paragraph of description. The first abbreviation is for the type of 
the variety. Ajax is the type with the large flaring trumpet. Incom- 
parabilis with the medium-size trumpet or cup, Barrii with the small 
cup. Leedsii is a type with medium or small cups, the flower pale 
in color, primrosewhite. Poeticus is the common flat white type, with 
the red-edged saucer in the center. Jq is for the jonquil and its hy¬ 
brids. Y is for yellow, W for white, and B for bicolor, yellow or red 
center and white wings. The numbers 1 to 6 tell the season of bloom. 
F means that a variety is good for forcing, FF that it is very good. 
RG means that a variety is low growing, and therefore suitable for 
the rock garden. 
