82 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



besides, as the new bulb is formed every year, below the old 

 one, the roots will penetrate so deep, that, if permitted to remain 

 many years, they become so weakened they will not flower 

 at all. 



DIRECTIONS FOR THE FLOWERING OF DUTCH BULBS IN POTS OR 

 GLASSES. 



"Hyacinths may be planted in pots from the latter end of 

 October until December. The soil used should consist of about 

 one third of white or river sand, and the remaining two thirds 

 equal proportions of vegetable mould and loam. The pots 

 should measure about six inches across the top. When the 

 bulbs are planted, the pots are to be lightly filled with earth ; 

 then the bulb may be placed in the centre, and pressed into the 

 earth, so that it may be about Half covered. After this, the 

 earth should be made solid all around the sides of the pot, to 

 fasten the root. When the bulbs are thus potted, they should 

 be removed into a cool place, in order that they may become 

 well rooted before the tops shoot up. Much light is not neces- 

 sary at this period ; indeed, this deprivation of light causes 

 them to root more quickly than they would otherwise do. For 

 the first fortnight or three weeks after potting, they may be 

 placed upon a shelf in a shed or a cellar, or in any other con- 

 venient place, providing it be cool. Little water is also requi- 

 site ; once watering, immediately after the roots are planted, 

 being sufficient, if the situation is tolerably damp where the 

 pots are placed. 



" If the stock of bulbous roots, such as Hyacinths, Narcissus', 

 early Tulips, &c., be large enough to occupy a small frame, the 

 pots may be put within it after planting, and they may be cov- 

 ered a few inches deep with rotten tan, or any other light mate- 

 rial. The pots will soon become well filled with roots, and the 

 shoots produced by bulbs previously well rooted will be stronger, 

 and the flowers larger, than "if they had been put in a warm and 

 light situation. When they are rooted, a few may be intro- 

 duced occasionally into the room window, or on the mantel- 



