James Vick’s Sons, Seedsmen, Rochester, New York 
3 
should he spaded deep immediately before planting. When planting a large number in a border or 
bed it is well to remove entirely the upper layer of soil to a depth of four inches and then spade the 
lower soil a good depth. Rake it smooth and level, and, if possible, spread over the surface a layer 
of sand an inch in depth; this provides a bed for the roots to run in freely, and enables them to make 
a vigorous growth from the start. Providing a bed of sand is not absolutely necessary, but if it is 
convenient to do so it is an advantage. The bulbs, Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Crocus, etc., are 
now set on the bed, the largest bulbs from four to six inches apart, and Crocus, Snowdrop, and 
Snowflake about two inches apart, and when all are in place the surface soil that was removed is 
gently spread over them without disturbing them, and they thus get covered some three or four inches 
in depth. At the north bulbs should by preference be planted from the last of September up to 
November, while at the south November will be early enough. When but a few dozen bulbs are to 
be planted, they can be set by removing the soil with a trowel to the proper depth; and dropping a 
little sand into the hole before placing in the bulb is a good practice, though ordinarily it is not done. 
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POLYANTHUS NARCISSUS, PAPER WHITE GRANDIFLORUS 
After planting 
the Bulbs 
When the bulbs are set and covered, then before hard freezing weather comes 
they will need to be covered with leaves or litter, enough to prevent the ground 
from freezing much, for the bulbs are injured by the movement of the soil 
about them that takes place when the ground thaws, tearing or straining the roots, and enfeebling the 
plants. Early in spring the most of the covering can be removed, leaving a little to remain over the 
the bed until the leaves begin to push, and then clearing it all off. 
AffCf tbC BUlb$ Bulbs in a shrubbery border may be left after blooming without disturbance, 
and each spring they will renew their growth and bloom. At the last of May 
bflPe blOOtttCd or ear ]y j n j une summer-blooming plants can be set in between the bulbous 
plants whose ripening foliage will soon after wither and disappear. When the bulb beds are in a 
conspicuous place, and it is desirable that they should be set early with summer-flowering plants, the 
bulbs can be carefully lifted with soil attached, taken away, and placed in a trench previously prepared 
for them in a half shady place. There they can remain until the foliage has decayed, when the bulbs 
can be removed from the soil and be placed away in a dry, airy, cool place, to remain until time for 
planting in early autumn. 
