:92 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



BULBS FOR THE WINDOW GARDEX. 

 By Mrs. B. T. Towxsexd, Freepoit. 



Change i8 delightful to a great many people. Though they are 

 quick- to recognize and appreciate all forms of beaut)', they can 

 never be satisfied to worship at one particular shrine. I am in 

 sympathy with these changeful natures, for I can never content 

 myself with the same flowers year after year, either in the vrindow 

 or the open ground. Bulbous plants are among the most showy 

 and useful of our garden, greenhouse and window garden favorites, 

 and with scarcely any exception, are easily managed, sure to bloom 

 and require but little labor and care to enable them to produce their 

 charming flowers. 



Perhaps a few lines in the way of the early history and culture of 

 the Hyacinth may be of interest. The Hyacinth was first introduced 

 into England in 1596. At that time we find mection of onl}' four 

 varieties. In an old book on gardening published in 1629 we find 

 there are mentioned and described eight diflerent varieties of various 

 colors, from pure white to deep purple. During the two hundred 

 and sixty years that have passed since the above book was published 

 there has been a steady improvement in the size form and color 

 of the plant until the present time. More than four thousand 

 varieties have been produced and catalogued but only about two 

 hundred of the most desirable varieties are in general cultivation. 



The Hyacinth is a universal favorite in the most extended appli- 

 cation of the word- It is usually grown for forcing into flower dur- 

 ing the dull, cheerless months of winter and early spring. The 

 bulbs may be potted at any time during September, October or 

 November in rich deep soil. Use pots from four to sis inches in 

 diameter, fill the pot rather loosely to the brim and press the bulb 

 down into the soil so that only one-fourth of it appears above the 

 soil. Then water sufficiently to settle the soil and place in a cool 

 dark place where they ma}' remain for stveral weeks to encourage 

 a development of roots before the flower bud starts. They ma}' be 

 removed at any time after six weeks to a warm room in full light, 

 w\\en they will repay you for the little trouble with an abundance 

 of bloom. 



Daffodils. This charming class of bulbs is becoming quite popular, 

 and why should it not? They are very desirable for winter bloom- 

 ing as they can easily be forced into bloom during winter months. 

 The treatment of Hyacinths will apply to the Daffodils. 



