188 DUTCH BULBS. 



large, and others always small. Nor can any rule be given 

 as to shape, some being quite conical at all times, and 

 others spherical or flat. Avoid those bulbs which have the 

 appearance of throwing out many offsets, as they will be 

 sure to weaken the parents. As a general rule, choose 

 medium-sized, firm, hard, heavy bulbs. If you wish fine 

 flower, never buy auction bulbs ; they are but the refuse 

 of Holland florists, shipped here to sell at best prices. 

 Good bulbs, of fine named kinds, can be procured of seeds- 

 men for three dollars a dozen. Auction bulbs will do for 

 general effect out of doors, but they never give fine flowers. 

 Hyacinths may be prettily grown in large pots, boxes, or 

 pans. A small hollow table, made to receive a large pan 

 of hyacinths, is a pretty ornament of a parlor. 



VARIETIES. 



Single varieties usually bloom better than double in the 

 window, and are, therefore, to be preferred. We give a 

 list of both. 



Double Red. 



Acteur, Josephine, 



Grootverst, Panorama, 



Bouquet Tendre, Rex Rubrorum, 



Hecla, Sans Souci. 



