12 MAY 1933, Page 13

ENGLISH BULBS.

There are no better bulbs grown in the world than round about Holbeach (where I am most familiar with our new bulb culture). Holland cannot, and does not, surpass us ; but it is necessary to note a distinction. The majority of the English flowers are grown for the sake of the flowers, not for the sake of the bulbs ; and though a fair number of our bulbs are sold to the Dutch themselves, we have nob that variety of kinds which distinguishes the Dutch market. The soil of Holbeach and the growers of Holbeach are the equal of the soil and growers of Haarlem (in spite of -a shorter experience), but we specialize on comparatively few varieties and grow first and foremost for the flower market. This applies to the Scillies, to Cornwall, to Middlesex, as well as the neighbourhood of the Wash. The moral is that if you want certain daffodils and tulips (and those the most popular, indeed the best), buy them-in England : but do not give up the English market because it cannot supply you with the variety you may desire. Naturalization bulbs for growing in grass and the rough are well supplied by the home market.