3

Dutch Bulbs
And What Can Be Done With Them.
The most beautiful and satisfying and the most easily grown of all our
flowers, are those raised in the house and garden during the winter and
spring months from "Dutch Bulbs," at a time when their beauty can
be best appreciated because of the absence of other flowers.
Nothing in the floral world surpasses the bulbous flowering
plants in richness or purity of flowers, and their coloring
ranges from the most delicate shades to the gorgeousness of
Oriental splendor. Among these we find the delightfully
fragrant and beautiful Hyacinths, the
showy Tulips, the elegant and popular Narcissus,
the stately Lilies, the pretty little Crocus, and
many other equally handsome kinds. Most of these
bulbs are grown in Holland, although some are
from France, Italy, China, Japan and the Bermudas.
There is nothing
prettier or more desirable
than a window nicely arranged
with these, and a very
small assortment will fill the
house with fragrance. All
are of the easiest culture and
no experience is required for
their successful management;
but they will give better returns
for having the treatment
advised in this book,
and no one can fail to have
"good luck" whether grown
out-doors or in the house. It
has been well said that "A
Dutch bulb can snap its fingers
at the most stupid amateur
and grow and bloom in spite of him whether the house be light or dark, hot or cold.
In the garden no single class of plants affords the pleasure that the hardy, spring-flowering bulbs do,
but during the fall, as we see our summer favorites one by one failing and fading, we are liable to
forget that this is the time to plant our bulbs in the garden for early spring blooming, and also to
prepare our window gardens in the house for flowers during the winter months.
The Secret of Successful Bulb Culture.
The real secret of bulb culture lies in
buying the very best bulbs. Months
of daily care may be lavished upon an ordinary Hyacinth, and the result will be disappointing; and
again there is no comparison between the pleasure one gets out of a bulb that bears one solitary Daffodil
and a bulb that produces three to five of these glorious golden trumpets.
The other secret of bulb culture is to get a wonderful root growth before the stem begins to shoot up;
light soil, plenty of water and a cool, dark place will accomplish this. Our bulbs are imported direct by
us; are solid, heavy and possess the hardiness to resist wet and cold. We handle only the best varieties
of each kind.
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DIRECTIONS FOR POT CULTURE. -Most of the
bulbs may be planted outdoors to bloom there the
bulbs in this list will bloom well in the house during
the winter. Any good garden soil is suitable
for them, but they succeed better in a sandy loam.
Manure should be old and well pulverized. Set bulbs
just below the surface of the soil in pots or boxes
at any time from September to December. We
prefer October. After watering thoroughly set
away in cellar or some other cool, dark place and
water from time to time as needed. They should
remain in the dark from three weeks to two months
before being brought to the light, as it is desirable
to have them thoroughly rooted before the top
starts. By bringing out a few pots at different
times a succession of bloom may be kept up all
winter. When brought from the cellar or storeroom,
they should be placed in a light, sunny window.
See that they are watered frequently and have
as much fresh air as possible. Keep free from dust,
and when in bloom they will last much longer if
kept in a cool atomosphere thank if in a hot one.
TREATMENT AFTER BLOOMING -Bulbs cannot
be successfully forced in the house two succeeding
years, therefore after blooming, most persons
throw them away. If you have the room or
convenience it is well to let them remain in the
pots a few weeks to mature the bulbs. Then dry
them out and store in cellar until September when

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they may be planted outdoors to bloom there the
following spring.
GARDEN CULTURE. -Bulbs are of special value
for out-door planting as they bloom nearly as soon
as the snow is off in the spring. They then die
down and Geraniums or other bedding plants may be
set out without disturbing the bulbs, which should
be left to ripen in the ground. Any ordinary garden
soil will do, but a loose, sandy loam is best. Spade
up till the surface of the beds is a little higher
than the surrounding ground so the water will not
stand on the surface. If soil is poor mix in well
rotted manure or rich leaf mould. Plant in October
or any time before the ground freezes. After
a crust is frozen over the ground cover the bed
with leaves or other coarse litter, to keep the soil
frozen and not subject the bulbs to frewquent freezing
and thawing. This covering should be removed
early in spring, as the growth begins as soon the
snow is gone.

DISCOUNTS. -Save money by having your neighbors
combine their orders with yours. Bulbs are
sent postpaid at prices named, except where noted.
Purchasers may select bulbs to the amount of $1.10
for $1.00; $2.25 for $2.00; $3.50 for $3.00; $6.00
for $5.00. No discounts can be allowed on Collections.