T IIE most prominent class of plants demanding attention in autumn is that of the hardy flowering 
bulbs, the principal kinds, Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocus, Narcissus, Snowdrops, etc., being known 
by the general name of Dutch bulbs, because they are mostly produced in Holland. The experience 
gained by many years of trial and observation enables us to seledl the kinds of bulbs that will give 
the greatest measure of satisfaction, and purchasers may confidently expect that their interests are 
secure with ours in employing the stock here offered. The lists of named varieties have beeu restricted 
to a comparatively few of the best kinds in each color, sufficient for all the varieties desired in house 
culture ; and for the garden they can be supplied in quantities for planting in masses of a single color, 
this method producing the best results in border and beds. 
BUlb$ in the Bouse ^ HE w * n dow culture of Hyacinths, Tulips, and Narcissus has become very 
popular, and is a most attractive way of raising these plants, which by their 
beauty and fragrance grace our living rooms in winter. The general treatment of these different 
kinds of bulbs is the same. A light, porous soil just suits them—some garden loam, leaf mould and 
sand mixed together. Use five-inch pots for Hyacinths and Narcissus. Place some pieces of broken 
pot in the bottom so as to secure free drainage and then fill up to about two inches of the to]), take a 
bulb and set it on the soil in the center of the pot, then fill in soil until the bulb is about two-thirds 
covered. Set the pot down once or twice on the bench with a sharp rap so as to settle the soil and 
♦ bulb down well. Tulips should be potted the same way, only there may be as many as four or five 
bulbs in a five-inch pot, and six in a six-inch pot, and they can be buried somewhat deeper in the soil, 
so that only the points show above the surface. At least three-fourths of an inch of space should 
remain between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot in order to hold water whenever watering is 
necessary. When the potting is finished as above described, give water with a watering can sufficient 
to wet the soil all through. 
BOOtitld tbC BtllbS N°w the pots should be placed away in a dark room or in a cellar, to remain 
several weeks while the bulbs are making roots, for it is necessary that these 
should form before the growth of the leaves or flowers. Not much heat is needed for root-growth, 
and a temperature of 50° is best. It will be a good precaution to take, to set the pots in a box and 
fill in soil between the pots to keep them from drying out, and then cover the box over closely so that 
mice cannot get in. Here they can remain from six to ten weeks, or until they have quite filled the 
pots with roots. Some will root faster than others and will show signs of leaf-growth, and these can 
be taken up first to the light, while the others are left to bring out later, thus causing them to bloom at 
different times, successively over a number of weeks. They should be placed in a good light in a 
temperature of 50° to 6o°, and freely ventilated on fine days. If one has not pots to use, bulbs can 
be planted in boxes in the same way as here described. Crocus and Snowdrops should be similarly 
treated in house culture. 
Browing Bulbs Hyacinths are sometimes grown in water, using tall glasses, one for each bulb; 
in UJater these glasses are made with a shoulder to hold the bulb near the top, while the 
water below comes up just to the base of the bulb. In starting bulbs in water 
they should be placed away in a dark room until plenty of roots have formed. A favorite way of 
raising the Chinese Narcissus, or Sacred Chinese Lily, as it is called, is among small stones or pebbles 
in a glass or porcelain dish containing water, the stones surrounding and supporting the bulb and 
holding it in place, and the water kept up to the base of the bulb. Hyacinths may be raised in the 
same way, if desired. 
BUlb$ lit tbC BardCtt ^ HE ^ lltc ^ bulks we H ordinary garden soil if it is dry, that is if water 
does not lie on it in the winter. A compact clayey soil may be improved for 
bulbs by mixing with it a quantity of sand. A sandy loam is all that is desirable. The ground 
