THE HYACINTH. 615 



We 



to say notliiug of the 

 so-called yellow — of innumerable shades. Surely there is ample 

 material for a more extended application of those principles, 

 especially if the aid of the Tulip be called in. The Tulip gives 

 an abundance of yellow, a colour deficient in the Hyacinth. By 

 the combination of these two flowers, a gorgeous and com- 

 plete flower-garden may be had in spring as well as in summer, 

 and neither a repetition of the otlaer, but each a change. The 

 Hyacinth is an admirable spring flower. It suffers less from 

 wind and snow, from sleet and hail, than many hardy spring 

 flowers; indeed, almost less than any other. To-day the snow 

 falls, and the plant is hidden and frozen ; to-morrow the sun 

 shines, and it is as erect and bright as ever. 



Hyacinths cut of doors should also be planted in the autumn 

 (November). Let the apex of the bulb be placed four inches 

 beneath the surface of the soil, and after the soil is put on, add 

 two inches of decomposed manure as a security against severe 

 frost. In February, when all fear of severe frost is gone, the 

 manure may be removed. The same soil as that recommended 

 for pot-culture is suitable for Hyacinths out of doors. But it 

 may not be generally convenient to remove and replace soil in the 

 flower garden. Well, this is by no means a sine qua non of 

 success. We recommend it, but do not insist on it. The 

 convenience of the cultivator must determine the matter. But 

 if a soil he unusually light and poor, it should be enriched and 

 watered abundantly ; if close and heavy, it should still be enriched, 

 and will usually be improved by mixing with it a good proportion 

 of clean road or river sand. 



T shall conclude this article by offering the following carefully 



selected lists. 



24 BEST HYACINTHS FOR POTS OR GLASSES 



Those marked * are douNe. 



Argus, bright blue, with clear -white centre, very distinct, fine long spike. 

 Baron Von Tuyll, dark blue, very long and handsome spike. 

 Charles Dickens, greyish blue, large bells, and fine closely-aiTanged spike. 

 Conronne de Celle, azure blue, clear and exqmsite colour, very stout and 



handsome bells, good spike. 

 Grand Lilas, pale porcelain, splendid bells, and large handsome spike. 

 General Havelock, beautiful deep purple almost black, large bells, and 



closely-arranged spike very striking. 



