HYACINTH, — 147 
Many persons make the growing of Hyacinths a 
hobby. ‘This is very commendable, for it stimulates the 
production of new varieties, with a view toward improve- 
ment; and whenever a new variety is brought out, it is 
eagerly sought, at a high price, to the great encouragement 
of the producer, and to the convenience of the general 
consumer, for, as soon as the novelty is worn off, the price 
is reduced to that of the standard sorts. It is a mistake, 
in the selection of Hyacinths for the open border, to 
choose the largest bulbs, which are usually the highest 
priced ; it is much better to get what is known as second- 
sized bulbs, not simply because they are cheaper, but 
because they are better, as they will not break up into 
small bulbs, as the larger ones invariably do after the 
first year, each part producing a weak spike with but 
few bells, but the small bells will grow on for two or 
three years, giving a fine spike each year. We do not 
advise the use of mixed bulbs, but, rather, what are usu- 
ally termed ‘*‘ Bedding Hyacinths,” which simply means 
second or third sized bulbs of the standard varieties, such 
as have been in cultivation for the last hundred years, 
and within that period but little real improvement has 
been made in Hyacinths, either as regards size, form or 
color, excepting so far as double forms may be consid- 
ered an improvement, notwithstanding there are annually 
brought out a score or more of ‘‘novelties.” These 
bulbs differ only from the first size, in not having been 
grown so long, by one or two years, which allows of their 
being sold materially cheaper. 
Growing Hyacinths in Pots.—For pot culture 
there is no plant that succeeds better, or gives more gen- 
eral satisfaction, than the Hyacinth; certainly there is 
none other more easily managed. For this purpose 
select solid, heavy bulbs, without regard to size ; second- 
sized bulbs will generally prove quite as satisfactory as 
the larger ones For a single bulb a five-inch pot is 
