THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 313 



wings, which are just the form of the human ear. Perhaps, too, the 

 notion has also heen preserved, from the habit which these little 

 creatures have of creeping into holes during the day-time to hide 

 from the light ; at all events, they seem to be always suspected of 

 doing harm which never happens, and do not deserve to have gained 

 such a bad reputation, since they show great affection for their 

 offspring, and take the most tender care of them, the female earwig 

 sitting on her eggs to hatch them, and then gathering the grubs 

 under her body to protect them, just as a hen does her chickens. 



(To be continued.) 



ON THE CULTURE OE THE HYACINTH. 



[HE hyacinth belongs to the sixth class of Linnaeus, and 

 natural order AspJwdelea. Some of the species which 

 formerly belonged to it are now assigued to other 

 genera ; and though eight or nine still belong to it, al- 

 most the whole interest of the genus is concentrated in 

 the oriental species — H. orientalis. This has long been one of the 

 most esteemed of florists' flowers ; and it now comprises a vast mul- 

 titude of very beautiful varieties. It is originally from the Levant, 

 but has been brought to its present improved state in the Low 

 Countries. Double hyacinths are now the most highly prized, 

 though formerly these were as little sought after as double tulips 

 are now ; the beauty of the flower being then regarded as consisting 

 in the regularity of the shape and disposition of the blossoms, and 

 the richness of the colour. It derives its name from the annals of 

 mythology. Hyacinthus is said to have been the son of Amyclas 

 and Diomede ; he was greatly beloved by Apollo and Zephyrus, to 

 the former of whom his education was entrusted. Zephyrus, jealous 

 of the affection evinced by Hyacinthus for Apollo, and incensed at 

 the coldness and indifference manifested towards himself, determined 

 upon revenge. As Apollo once played at quoits with his pupil, 

 Zephyrus blew the quoit upon the head of Hyacinthus, who was 

 killed with the blow. Apollo was so disconsolate at the death of 

 his favourite, that he changed his blood into the beautiful flower 

 which bears his name, and placed his body among the constellations. 

 Selections of Bulbs. — As an important element of success, an 

 early selection of bulbs is recommended. This, in most cases, will 

 ensure to the purchaser larger quantities from which to choose, and 

 finer bulbs may be obtained. They will also be found in much better 

 condition than later in the season ; for they are not unfrequently 

 bruised by the incautious handling of persons whom the seedsmen, 

 perhaps, finds it difficult to restrain. Should any delay occur in 

 procuring them, they will have started into growth ; for the hyacinth 

 " knoweth its times and seasons," and when nature bids its starry 

 clusters appear it immediately puts forth its roots, seeking for 

 nourishment, and uses every effort to mature its parts. If the food 

 it seeks be withheld, it will draw from sources within itself the 



October. 



