182 DUTCH BULBS. 



differ materially from that prescribed for Cape Bulbs, in the 

 last chapter. 



These bulbs being winter bloomers, are at rest in sum- 

 mer, therefore their period of growth is from October and 

 December to February and May. 



They possess one advantage over the Cape Bulbs, that 

 of succeeding perfectly in the open border, being hardy 

 enough to endure our winters ; but their treatment in open 

 culture will more appropriately fall under a later chapter. 



The soil for their growth in the house should be one 

 part very rich, well-rotted manure, one part rich loam, 

 one half part sand. They are thirsty plants, and require 

 to be liberally supplied with water. They are subject to 

 no insects, except occasionally green fly, which is easily 

 removed by smoking. 



THE HYACINTH. 



All the innumerable varieties of this bulb are seedlings 

 and hybrids from the Oriental Hyacinth (H. Orientalis), a 

 native of the Levant, and introduced to cultivation about 

 the year 1590. Ever since that time it has, in some of its 

 many varieties, been a popular plant ; it is, in fact, one of 

 the flowers of the olden time, and claims a prominent place 

 in floral poesy and simile. 



