168 



GARDEN FLOWERS. 



CROCUS VERNUS. 



species are Crocus Siisianus, yellow and brown ; C. 

 blue, purple, and white; C. verskvlor, white, lilac, purple, 

 and gray-striped. Hyacinths look well 

 in the flower garden during the spring, 

 and last for years often, if well manured 

 and cultivated. The species, //. orien- 

 taUsj is the parent of the innumerable 

 and brilliant varieties so largely imported 

 from Holland to meet the demand for 

 it in this country. Holland, we may say, 

 furnishes bulbs for the world, whether 

 tulips, crocuses, or hyacinths, or for that matter lilies too. 

 There are special selections of unnamed sorts of hyacinths in 

 different shades of blue, white, red, and yellow, made by 

 nurserymen and seedsmen, and they may be procured in mix- 

 ture or in separate colors, the mixed roots being less expen- 

 sive. The different colors of hyacinths do not all bloom at 

 one time, and for massing in mixtures, it is necessary to plant 

 the bulbs at different depths, in order to have the display as- 

 nearly as possible simul- 

 taneous in all its variety. 

 Blue generally comes 

 first, and next in order, 

 red, white, and yellow. 

 Blues should therefore 

 be planted deepest, say 

 seven or eight inches, 

 and the others propor- 

 tionately shallower in their order. Usually about six 

 inches apart is suited to their growth. 



WINTER ACONITES. 

 (ERANTHIS HYEMALIS.) 



