HYACINTH. 133 



loves a sandy soil, and we recommend a mixture of 

 sea sand in preference to any other, whenever it 

 can be procured. When planted in pots, it should 

 be observed to select those of the deepest make, 

 which should be filled with a sandy loam or earth 

 approaching as near to the compost recommended 

 as possible. We know of no flower that will flourish 

 in so great perfection in the saloons of London as 

 the Hyacinth when placed in glasses ; and for this 

 purpose we should recommend those of green glass, 

 as the common white glass throws an injurious light 

 on the roots. Nature tells us that the parts of the 

 plant which are destined for the earth cannot be 

 kept too much in darkness; whereas the plant, 

 whilst growing, cannot receive too much light and 

 sun, and should therefore be placed on a table near 

 the window, unless the frost is severe, when it may 

 be placed over the chimney to prevent the water 

 from being frozen ) but the heat is liable to draw 

 the plants up too weakly to flower well — therefore 

 they should only be placed over the fire-place when 

 the frost is so severe as to freeze in other parts of 

 the room. 



The beginning of November is early enough to 

 place the bulbs in the glasses, which may be done 

 from that time to the end of February, according 

 to the season they are wished to flower in. The 

 glasses should be filled with soft water, with a small 



