130 FLORA HISTORICA. 



four hundred and ninety-nine common varieties 

 flowering at one time on our parterre, than a single 

 plant of the most curious variety : not but that we 

 would wish them all to be of the best kinds, if pos- 

 sible ; but in Hyacinths, as in Violets, we covet 

 quantity, both to gratify the sight and the smell. 

 Those for the house, or that are intended to be 

 sheltered by awnings, should be of the most curious 

 kinds ; whilst those of least attractions may form 

 clumps in the open borders, but where they are in 

 some degree screened by shrubs or taller plants. 



Off-sets will bloom the second year, and be tolera- 

 bly strong the third, if properly treated. They may 

 be planted soon after they are taken from the old 

 bulbs; and it is desirable to form a separate bed for 

 these young bulbs, which should be in an open 

 part of the garden, screened from the north and 

 eastern winds. The bed should be a few inches 

 above the common level of the garden, so that 

 superfluous moisture may run off; and for this end 

 it is advised that the beds be formed of a rounding 

 cr convex shape. The bulbs should be covered 

 about two inches deep with the compost. 



The compost most esteemed at Haarlem for 

 growing Hyacinths consists of pure white sand, 

 rotted leaves of trees, fine peat earth, and a small 

 proportion of thoroughly rotted cow-dung, and this 

 prepared soil is renewed annually after the bulbs 



