THE FLORAL WOULD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 277 



in the growth of this bulb is the habit of planting it too late— a 

 practice which would cease if the physiology of gardening were more 

 studied. If a hyacinth is now examined, it will be found that 

 growth is proceeding, developing itself in the plumpness of the 

 incipient roots, and the putting forth of the green protuberance to 

 be soon evolved into the leaves. This is the case, more or less, 

 as the sorts are early or late, with the bulbs out of the ground ; but 

 those which have been left to the natural treatment, and have not 

 been taken up, will be found much more forward, the roots in some 

 cases having grown some inches. Now, it should be remembered 

 that when the vital powers of a plant become active, every day it is 

 out of the ground it is receiving an injury ; and if hyacinths are left 

 to make vain efforts at growth until November or December, the 

 future plant must suffer ; in some cases roots will be scarcely pro- 

 truded, and the flowers will consequently be diminutive and poor. 

 If you wish to have as fine a bloom and as vigorous growth as 

 possible, purchase your bulbs at once, and let the earlier sorts 

 be immediately potted. Good catalogues distinguish those roots 

 which are early and late, and also those which will succeed best in 

 water or in the ground. Those you intend for glasses should be 

 put within the eighth of an inch of the water, and shut up in the 

 dark until roots appear — indeed, until they have grown an inch 

 or two. 



The principle to recollect is this— roots grow before the leaves, 

 and grow in the dark. If, therefore, a hyacinth is placed in water 

 and put in a window, the growth of the foliage will be prematurely 

 excited. But by keeping the root in darkness. Nature will be 

 followed, the downward process will make way before light is 

 brought to bear on the evolution of the leaves and flower. 



If you grow hyacinths in pots, those which are deepest in 

 relation to their width should be preferred. A pot six inches deep 

 and about four wide will do well for this flower. A soil composed 

 of decayed leaves and sand will answer best. A good drainage 

 should be provided. In potting, let the bulb stand high, so that 

 about one-third shall appear above the soil. The pots must then be 

 buried in a moist but "not wet place, and allowed to remain there 

 until a growth of about half an inch appears in the foliage. They 

 will then be fit for forcing, either in a frame or greenhouse, or the 

 window of a sitting-room. 



PREPAEING FOR WINTER. 



|HE time has arrived when every gardener who wishes to 

 manifest an acquaintance with his profession will be 

 looking round the sphere of his operations to see what 

 is to be done in reference to the approaching cold 

 season. His head must be employed, and his hands 

 actively engaged, from the present time up to Christmas, when 

 probably rain°aud frosts may keep him in-doors. Neglect now will 



September. 



