332 THE FLOEAL WOULD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



fortunately, been calculated to deter persons dependent upon sucli 

 sources of information from attempting its growth. It is usual with 

 writers on the culture ot the hyacinth to state that, to grow it 

 successfully, a very rich soil is absolutely necessary. The following 

 are the directions for the selection of a proper soil, from a treatise 

 recently published, viz. : "A quarter turfy loam, a quarter decayed 

 cow-dung, a quarter sharp or clean river-sand, and a quarter leaf- 

 soil, with which a bed of the necessary size and two feet deep must 

 be formed bv those who would grow hyacinths properly." The 

 removal of the natural soil, and procuring and replacing it with the 

 above material, in any case would be a work of considerable ex- 

 pense, and altogether beyond the means of many lovers ot' early 

 flowers. But we know, from experience, that any well-drained 

 garden soil is easily rendered suitable for the growth of the hyacinth. 

 It the soil is of a strong adhesive nature, add two inches of sharp 

 sand, and as much good well-decayed manure ; then dig the soil 

 two leet deep, taking care to nicely mix the sand and manure with 

 the soil as the work proceeds. Friable loamy soils will require 

 merely a liberal dressing of manure, and deep digging ; and it will 

 be found that the hyacinth will produce equally tine epikes of 

 blossom grown in soil prepared thus, as when planted in more 

 expensive composts. The fact is, that the secret of.kaving first-rate 

 spikes of flowers consists more in the selection of properly-ripened 

 bulbs than in the soil in which they may be grown ; for, as in the 

 case of other bulbous plants, there is stored in the hyacinth the 

 embryo of the blossom and a large amount of accumulated matter, 

 and the production of splendid spikes of flouers is vastly more 

 dependent upon the presence of these in perfection in the bulbs, 

 than upon their being planted in expensive composts. The best 

 criterion which can be offered for the assistance of purchasers in the 

 selection of proper bulbs is, that they should be proportionably 

 heavy for their size, firm, and plump, particularly about the crown. 

 Size is of hardly any importance, as some varieties produce small 

 bulbs and others larger, and the varieties with the small bulbs pro- 

 duce equally fine spikes of flower as those with the largest bulbs. 



The proper season for planting hyacinths in beds in the open air 

 is the last fortnight of October and the first of November. Select 

 a dry day for putting in the bulbs, and if the same can be chosen 

 for the preparation of the soil, it will be in much better condition 

 for the growth of the plant than if worked when wet. Plant in 

 lines, nine inches by twelve inches apart, which will afford space 

 between the plants when up to work a hoe for the destruction of 

 weeds, and keeping the surface friable, to prevent the escape of 

 moisture in dry weather. The crowns of the bulbs should be three 

 inches under the surface of the soil ; and lest a severe winter should 

 occur, it is well to cover the bed with a few inches of old tan, or any 

 light substance, to exclude frost. This should be removed, how- 

 ever, when the plants begin to grow through it. 



The hyacinth is also remarkably well adapted for pot culture, 

 and with the assistance of a garden frame, with some stable manure 

 or tan to furnish a gentle heat, it may be had in flower at Christmas, 



