HYACINTH. 189 



planting, in proportion to the warmth of their situation : 

 such as are designed for later flowering, may be gradually 

 accustomed to the open air in April; but when so treated, 

 must be raised in a room without fire, or the change may 

 be too great. These must enjoy the morning and evening 

 sun, but be screened from the scorching heat of noon. 

 They must likewise be sheltered from heavy rains ; gentle 

 showers will not be pi-ejudicial to them; and such plants 

 as are abroad will not require any other watering, except 

 in a long continuance of dry hot weather. 



When the plants have ceased flowering, the stalks, 

 leaves, and fibres will decay ; the principle of vegetation 

 in the bulbs will be for a short time dormant : they should 

 then be taken up, and laid in the open air, and in the 

 shade, to dry. After a few days they may be removed 

 into an airy room, and having remained uncovered until 

 they are moderately hardened, the decayed parts, the 

 loose skin, earth, &c. should be cleaned away, the offsets 

 taken off, and the bulbs be put into a basket, or some dry 

 place, where they may be secure from mice, &c. They 

 may be preserved in this manner until it is time to replant 

 them, when the old ones may be planted as before, and 

 the offsets, two, three, or more in a pot, according to their 

 size. Should any of the bulbs put out fibres while out of 

 the earth or water, it will be necessary to plant or set 

 them immediately, or they will be weakened, and will 

 not flower with vigour. The leaves should never be 

 plucked until they decay, or the bulb will thereby be de- 

 prived of a large portion of its proper nourishment. 



The Grape Hyacinth, sometimes called Grape-Flower, 

 is hardy, and will thrive in the open air. It is a native of 

 the south of Europe, and blows in April or May. The 

 flowers are blue, purple, w^hite, or ash-coloured, and have 

 an agreeable scent. The Purple Grape Hyacinth is 



