The sun., 1916-10-08

to plant the bulbs and allow them suf-
iicient time to form roots to give
nourishment to the plants. after which
they can be brought into the living
room with scarcely any further care
except to keep the soil moist.
There are several methods by which
bulbs can be successfully grown:
C) In soil. that is. in pots or pans
or other vessels with drainage at the
bottom.
(2) In fibre, a spongy light material.
especially prepared go as not to sour.
Bowls, jardinieres. vases or other ves-
sells without drainage car be used.
(3) In water. in special glasses or
bowls filled with pebbles or sand in
which the roots can secure a firm hold
to keep the bulbs from falling over.
H%yacinths, narcissus or daffodils,
tulips and crocus are best suited for
this purpose. These bulbs usually ar
rive from Holland about the middle of
September and can be bought Of re-
liable quality from any first class seed
house. The larger size bulbs should
always be selected for forcing. as they
throw larger and stronger flowers. All
Of the bulbs mentioned respond to the
same treatment except that tulips re-
quire a longer time to form their roots.
The planting can be done at any time
during October and November.
Secure the required number Of pots
or half pots (bulb pans as they are
called). A six inch pot Is the most
convenient size for all purposes. While
almost any good. light garden soil can
be used in potting. II pays to give spe-
cial attention to preparing O soil that
Ii sure to be light. sweet and porous.
containing enough food for the plants
and flowers to thrive on. / recommend
this mixture: Equal parts of n good
garden soil and leaf mould, which al
be gathered up In the woods and which
can be secured without much trouble.
Add to this about lilo part Of either
bone meal or sheep manure, turn over
several times so as to thoroughly mix
II. In addition a little clean sand may
be added II this a be had. This
makes an ideal potting soil for all
house plants. Place a piece OF broken
pot over the hole in the bottom of the
pot to secure free drainage; FIJI the
pot three-quarters full OF soil. flrming
1t down gently so as not to leave any
cavities, then set the bulbs. A 6 inch
pot will hold three h%yacinths or three
| narcissus or five tulips or twelve cro-
cus. Space them evenly and Ali the
remainder Of the pot with soil. leaving
the usual space for watering.
Some writer's recommend placing n
thin layer Of clean sand right under
the bulbs. This is q good practice. as
1t helps keep the newly formed roots
clean, but Is not necessary to success.
After potting water thoroughly. that
is. repeat until the water Is seen to run
out at the bottom OF the pot. to insure
every part of the soil being moist. The
pots must now be set away In n dark.
cool place to form roots. A dark part
OF the cellar Is a good place. as 1t will
preserve the moisture in the soil. The
pots may set In n shaded spot in the
garden and he covered with ashes,
which should be moistened from time
to time. or the pots may simply lie set
away in the dark and watered when
ever necessary. not allowing the soil
to become dry. A more simple way Is
to dig a trench. placing the pots in
this and covering them with soil. The
moisture will thus ne preserved and
they may be forgotten while they are
pusy forming roots. To prevent break