==Tuberose==

==Polianthes tuberosa==

This bulb is extensively grown in the South of France for the delicious perfume obtainable from its numerous pure white flowers.  In this country it is widely known, but considering the beauty and exceeding fragrance of the blossoms it is astonishing that a greater number are not planted every season.  Perhaps the fact that the bulbs are valueless after the first year may in a measure account for the comparatively limited culture.  They are easily flowered as pot plants in a mixture of loam and leaf-mould, plunged in a bottom heat ranging between 60 deg. and 70 deg..  The growth is rather tall, and unless kept near the glass the stems become unsightly in length.

==Tulip==

==Culture in Pots.==—­When grown in pots, Tulips are treated in precisely the same manner as the Hyacinth, but several bulbs, according to their size and the purpose they are intended for, are placed in a pot.  When required to fill epergnes and baskets, and other elegant receptacles, it is a good plan to grow them in shallow boxes, as recommended for Crocuses, and transfer them when in flower to the vases and baskets.  This mode of procedure insures exactitude of height and colouring, whereas, when the bulbs are grown from the first in the ornamental vessels, they may not flower with sufficient uniformity to produce a satisfactory display.  In common with the Hyacinth and Crocus, Tulips may be taken out of the soil in which they have been grown, and after washing the roots clean, they can be inserted in glasses for decorating an apartment.  Early Tulips are often employed in this way to light up festive gatherings at Christmas and the early months of the year.  But the pot culture of Tulips need not be restricted to the early varieties.  The Darwin and May-flowering classes are also admirable when grown in this way, but it is important they should not be hurried into bloom.  If placed in moderate heat and allowed ample time to develop, beautiful long-stemmed flowers may be had in March which will make a charming decoration for the drawing-room or the dinner-table.

==Culture in Moss-fibre.==—­No bulb excels the Tulip in adaptability for bowl culture, given the treatment suggested for Narcissi and Daffodils on page 345, and particularly with respect to moisture.

==Culture in the Open Ground.==—­For general usefulness the early Tulips are the most valuable of all, because of their peculiarly accommodating nature, their many and brilliant colours, and their suitability for the formation of rich masses in the flower garden.  Any good soil will suit them, and they may be planted in quantities under trees if the position enjoys some amount of sunshine, because they will have finished their growth before the leafage of the trees shades them injuriously.  If it is necessary to prepare or improve the soil for them, the aim should be to render it rich and sandy, and