The Culture of Flowering Bulbs 



desirable to introduce to the water any stimulating substance, but 

 the glasses must be kept nearly full of water by replenishing as it 

 disappears. If the leaves become dusty, they may be cleansed with 

 a soft brush or a sponge dipped in water, but particular care must be 

 taken not to injure them in the process. 



Culture in Beds. The Hyacinth will grow well in any 

 ordinary garden soil, but that which suits it best is a light rich loam. 

 The bed should be effectually drained, for though the plant loves 

 moisture, it cannot thrive in a bog during the winter. It is advisable 

 to plant early, and to plant deep. If a rich effect is required, the 

 bulbs should be six inches apart, but a good effect may be produced 

 by planting nine inches apart. The time of blooming may be to 

 some extent influenced by the time and manner of planting, but no 

 strict rules can be given to suit particular instances. Late planting 

 and deep planting both tend to defer the time of blooming, 

 although there will not be a great difference in any case, and as a 

 rule the late bloom is to be preferred, because less liable to injury 

 from frost. The shallowest planting should insure a depth of three 

 inches of earth above the crown of the bulb, but they will flower 

 better, and only a few days later, if covered with full six inches of 

 earth over the crowns. The Hyacinth is so hardy that protection 

 need not be thought of, except in peculiar cases of unusual exposure, 

 or on the occurrence of an excessively low temperature when they 

 are growing freely. Under any circumstances, there is no protection 

 so effectual as dry litter, but a thin coat of half-rotten manure 

 spread over the bed is to be preferred in the event of danger 

 being apprehended at any time before the growth has fairly pushed 

 through. 



The bulbs may be taken up as soon as the leaves acquire a yellow 

 colour, so that the brilliant display of the spring may be immediately 

 followed by another, equally brilliant perhaps, but in character 

 altogether different. When grown in beds, Hyacinths do not require 

 water or sticks ; all they need is to be planted properly, and they will 

 take care of themselves. 



Miniature Hyacinths. These charming little sparkling gems 

 are invaluable for baskets, bowls, and other contrivances which are 

 adapted for the choicest decorative purposes. In quality they are 

 excellent, the spikes being symmetrical, the flowers well formed, and 

 the colours brilliant. But they are true miniatures, growing about 

 half the size of the other kinds, and requiring less soil to root in. 

 They will flower well if planted in a mixture of moss and charcoal, 



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