The Canadian Horticulturist. 



23 



HYACINTHS. 



OR pot culture the bulbs do best when given a compost 

 consisting of two-thirds turfy loam, onethird well 

 decayed manure of leaf mold, and a fair sprinkling of 

 sharp sand ; mix well and use the compost rough. In 

 potting see that the pots are properly drained and let 

 the bulbs be so placed in the soil that the upper surface 

 will just be visible. A four-inch pot is the best size for 

 the successful growth of the bulbs, one in a pot. 



After planting they should be well-watered and placed in a dark cellar to 

 make root, giving them water whenever it may be necessary. In about eight or 

 ten weeks the pots will be well filled with roots, and a vigorous top growth will 

 begin to set in ; then a few of the most forward can be brought into a light, 

 sunny situation, where an average temperature of 55° is maintained. Water 

 should be given whenever necessary, and an abundance of fresh air whenever 

 possible ; keep the plants free from dust and support the flower spikes with neat 

 stakes, if it becomes necessary to keep them erect. If the plants are placed in 

 a low temperature when in bloom the flowers will remain in perfection a long 

 time. After the flowers commence to fade the stalks can be removed, and as 

 soon as the foliage commences to decay the bulbs can be removed to the cellar, 

 placing them in a light situation, and the supply of water gradually reduced. 

 When the leaves have fully ripened, the bulbs can be removed from the pots 

 and packed away in bags or boxes for planting in the fall. Bulbs that have 

 bloomed inside are altogether useless for another season's use in the same man- 

 ner ; they may be planted out in the border where they will give a good account 

 of themselves the ensuing spring. A fresh supply should be obtained for 

 potting. Hyacinths differ in habit very much, some varieties throwing up a 

 strong flower spike with a loose truss, others have a short stem with a compact 

 truss ; the robust-growing kinds have large bells, while those less robust have an 

 immense number of small bells. The bright red colors are all of a compact 

 habit. There are so many varieties listed in catalogues that it is quite difficult 

 to select a few of the best, but one will not go astray in selecting any or all from 

 the following list : 



Single. — Amy, Baron Von Thuyll, Chas. Dickens, Gigantea, Grandeur a 

 Merveille, Herman, Ida Jesckko, La Piuie d'Or, Mt. Blanc, Norma, Veronica. 



Double. — A la Mode, Anna Maria, Bouquet Royal, Czar Nicholas, Goethe, 

 Jenny Lind, L'Esperance, La Tour d'Auvergne, Blocksberg, Noble par Merite, 

 and King of Wurtemburg. 



It may be well to mention that the named varieties should always be used 

 for pot culture, as the mixed varieties which are offered at a much lower price 

 seldom produce as satisfactory results when grown inside. — Vick's Magazine. 



