20 NOVEMBER. 



impossible to cultivate very fine flowers ; that to be 

 preferred for Hyacinths, is as follows : 



COMPOST FOR HYACINTHS. 



One-fourth of surface sod, taken about two or three 

 inches thick, well turned, and broken frequently until 

 all the vegetable portion is reduced to perfect mould ; 

 one-fourth, of leaves in a similar state ; one-fourth of 

 cow manure, well rotted; one-fourth of fine clean 

 pit or river sand, (sand of decomposed granite should 

 be avoided, as it becomes of a clayey quality but 

 where turf-mould can be procured, it should form a 

 component and equal part, one-fifth of each.) It may 

 be procured from the road-side, or from the side of 

 a hill, where water has not lodged. A very stimu- 

 lative manure is said to be used by the Dutch, and 

 is thought to increase the brightness of the colors ; 

 but it is considered by men of experience, that all 

 manures reduced to mould, especially cow manure, 

 are quite as good as any that can be used. The 

 more stimulative, however, may be of advantage in 

 top dressing. 



FORMATION OF BEDS FOR HYACINTHS. 



The size of the beds must be regulated according 

 to circumstances. From three and a half to four feet, 

 is the most convenient width for weeding and dressing 

 without difficulty, from the alleys. They should be 

 excavated to the depth of about two feet ; and when 

 finished, should rise at least nine inches above the 



