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1 Juz, 1900.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 4.99 
Horticulture. 
THE BULB INDUSTRY IN HOLLAND. 
By HENRY A. TARDENT. 
Ty our sunny Queensland, where all the flowers of tropical, sub-tropical, and 
_ temperate climates can be grown outdoors, few people realise to what perfection. 
the extensive cultivation of flowers has been brought in some countries which 
would scorn to be debarred by their climate from such an enjoyment. These 
reflections came to me on reading in the Gazette de Lausanne an interesting 
résumé of the annual report of the Bloemister Vereeniging of Holland. It 
contains many facts which I am confident will prove of interest to the lovers 
of flowers in this country. 
As is well known, the city of Harlem has been, for centuries past, the centre 
of the propagation, cultivation, and commerce of tulips, jacinths, and other 
bulbous plants. That crop covers now a vast stretch of country, extending 
from the Hague to Alkmaar. Like Ghent, the name of Harlem is known 
throughout the civilised world as that of the “ City of Flowers.” Floriculture 
has reached there an unexcelled perfection. Mlillions and millions of bulbs are 
being sent annually throughout the world, wherever civilisation has evolved a 
taste for flowers. This is especially the case with cold countries. 
To visit that part of Holland durmg April or May is to enjoy the unique 
sight of thousands of acres of bulbous plants, all in full bloom and presenting 
all possible combinations of colours and shapes. There are at least from 8,000 
to 4,000 acres under that flower crop! And, as the plants do not thrive on the 
same soil for many years in succession, a fallowing is required, so that the total 
acreage devoted to the crop must be about double the above figures. Some 
bulbs, like the jacinth, for instance, require higher lands ; others, like the 
tulips, do better on the lower lands. For all, however, the soil should be sandy, 
neither too dry nor too wet. or summer, as well as in winter, the water 
should be at the same level, not far below the surface. Windmills and steam 
engines are being used to maintain the water at the proper level. 
Most of the plants are put in from August to September (autumn months 
there). In April and May (spring) they come into bloom, showing their 
spends and delicate tints, and emitting a most sweet perfume which permeates 
the whole surrounding country. 
During those months, foreign horticulturists flock thither from all parts 
of the world to make their purchases, which are usually effected by public 
auction. — 
Those beautiful flowers are simply cut off and thrown away as of no value 
whatever. 
In June and July the bulbs are dug out. The sold ones are sent away 
at once to their respective destinations, whilst those unsold are stored in open 
sheds (homgars) to be sold during the autumn months. 
A jacinth bulb must be from three to four years old before reaching its 
_ full value and can produce the magnificent flowers so much admired in a 
_ drawing-room. 
