NOVEMBER. 



239 



The varieties above enumerated were selected from a collection of 

 163 sorts when in full bloom, and their heights, colours, and general 

 characters noted at that period. Let it be understood, however, that 

 in all these points various changes may arise under different treat- 

 ment. The collection alluded to had been grown well, and the 

 growers of it have always been celebrated for their fine Hyacinths. 



The soil should consist of maiden fibrous loam, which has been 

 stacked about two years, rich decayed leaf-mould, and a little sand. 

 The mixture to be in the proportion of two-thirds loam and one- 

 third leaf-mould. Let it be quite free from insects, and use forty- eight 

 and thirty-two sized pots, according to the growth of the variety. 

 Select a dry hard bottom, under a wall, if possible, for placing the 

 pots on, and cover them with rotten tan (or, when this is not pro- 

 curable^ sifted ashes), to the depth of eight or ten inches above the 

 pot. Let them remain there for a month or so; then move them 

 into a dark frame for a day or two, and gradually inure them to the 

 light, at all times keeping them free from cold winds and draughts of 

 air. Permit them to remain in the cold frame, so as to harden the 

 plants and influence their colours ; and remove them into the green- 

 house to flower, as may be required. 



Hyacinths in glasses. — With respect to these, I cannot do better 

 than quote from Mr. G. P. Tye's Practical Hints on the Cultivation 

 and Properties of the Hyacinth. He says, "Having filled the bottles 

 with clean rain-water, introduce the bulbs ; but do not let them 

 touch the water by half an inch. Place them in a dark closet or 

 cellar, in order that the roots may grow first. ***** When the 

 roots are of sufficient length (say four or five inches) remove the bottles 

 to a situation where the bulbs will have light, but not too bright at 

 first; and in a week or so place them near the glass in a greenhouse, 

 or in a sitting-room window. In each case be careful to avoid too 

 great a change of temperature, which should be but little higher 



