146 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS. 
most natural protection. Cover the bed to the depth of 
six inches, as well as a margin of two feet on either side 
of the bed, with leaves, which can be kept in place by 
pieces of board or branches of trees, and the work is 
complete. This covering should be gradually removed 
upon the approach of warm weather, as the plants will 
be above ground before the frost is out of unprotected 
places. The climate on the coast, from Canada to Vir- 
ginia, is the worst possible for the Hyacinth, because of 
the alternate freezing and thawing so common in early 
spring. To guard against this, a suitable mat should be 
in readiness to throw over the bed after the winter cov- 
ering has been removed. No further caltural instruc- 
tions are necessary for the Hyacinth in the open border, 
observing what we have said in regard to manures, as 
used in Holland. It is by no means essential to have 
the ground as rich to flower the bulb as it was to produce 
it, as the flower is already formed, and whether the soil 
be rich or poor, the same number of flowers will appear 
on the stem; but, of course, under favorable conditions, 
they will be larger and stronger than under the reverse. 
Selection of Varieties of Hyacinths.—Where 
required for use in large quantities, Hyacinths of good 
quality and striking colors may be had at very low rates. 
This is an important consideration, as many amateurs 
are deterred from making as good a display as they 
might wish, because of the expense, which is thought 
disproportionate to the effect produced. For many 
years we have grown the Hyacinth with varied degrees of 
success. We have planted bulbs that were sold at retail 
at two dollars each; beside them we have had those grow- 
ing that only cost one dollar per dozen, and we must say 
that none but the professional bulb-grower would notice 
the difference. The contrast in prices is still greater 
now, as good bulbs can be bought at four dollars per 
hundred, retail. 
