THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 205 



class bulb of one of the established kinds. We ought rather to 

 feel thankful that we can obtain them for such comparatively small 

 sums. 



In the catalogue of the proprietor already alluded to, there are 

 upwards of four lauudred varieties, and there are, undoubtedly, more 

 than that number ; for three years since a trial of five hundred 

 sorts was made at Stoke Newington by our worthy Editor. This is 

 a large number, and more than is really required, and I expressed my 

 surprise that so many should be grown. " But," says the proprietor, 

 " we growers have a large constituency, and nearly every purchaser 

 has a preference for some one or two varieties that no one else cares 

 about. Again, it is too much of a sacrifice to make away with a 

 stock of any particular variety otherwise than slowly, even if it is 

 surpassed by others of more recent introduction. There is a demand 

 for all the varieties in the catalogue, and so long as the demand con- 

 tinues we must continue to meet it, or refuse money, aad that is 

 quite out of the question," observes my friend ; " but there are at 

 least two hundred which could be dispensed with, and for any one 

 who grows hyacinths for liis own entertainment fifty will suffice." 



I inquired of him the names of the varieties he should recommend 

 in the selection of fifty varieties for home decoration, the majority to 

 cost sixpence each, and none to exceed ninepence, purchased in the 

 ordinary course of trade in the country, and he readily gave me a 

 list of the fifty varieties selected from his collection, which is one of 

 the best in Holland. So far aa my experience goes, a better selec- 

 tion could not be had unless some of the higher priced varieties were 

 included ; but it will be generally agreed that this assurance on my 

 part is hardly needed. 



The varieties are as under : — Single, dark blue. — La Nidt, 

 Mimosa, Prince Albert, William I. Single Light Blue. — Argus, 

 Baron Van Twijll, Charles Dickens, Couronne cle Celle, Emilias, 

 Orand Lilas, Grande Vedette, and Orondates. Single Carmine and 

 Crimson. — Amy, Duchess of Richmond, Honierus, Roheri Steirjer, and 

 Veronica. Single Red. — Belle Quirine, D'Ami du Occur, Madame 

 Hodgson, and Norma. Single Rose-shades, — Emmeline, Gigantea, 

 Loj Dame clw Lac, and L'Ornement de la Nature. Single White. — 

 Alha Superhissima, Grande Vedette, Grandeur a Merveille, Grande 

 Vainqueur, La Candeur, Madame Van der Hoop, Mirandoline, Oron- 

 dates, and Queen Victoria. Single Yellow. — Alida Jacoha, Heroine, 

 Konincj Van Holland. Single Mauve. — L'Ami du Cccur, and 

 L' Unique. Double Blue. — Albion, Bloclsherg, and Othello. Double 

 Carmine and Crimson. — Boiccj^uet Tendre, Princess Bogal, and Sir 

 Joseph Paxton. Double Red. — Madame Zoutman, Bec/ina Victoria, 

 and Wellington. Double White. — Anna Maria, La Virginite, and 

 Prince of Waterloo. 



There are but few double varieties, for they are not so easy to 

 cultivate, and they do not have such a pleasing appearance when at 

 their best as those with single flowers. On the Continent they 

 have adopted a practice of potting from eight to twelve bulbs in 

 one pot, and, when in bloom, they have a very eff'ective appearance. 

 They make a very pleasing change from the single bulbs in small 



September. 



