94 . breck's new book of flowers. 



When they are rooted, a few may be introduced occa- 

 sionally into the room or window, or on the mantle-piece, 

 if there be sufficient light. Light is quite essential when 

 the tops begin to grow. By this means a succession of 

 flowers may be had during the greater part of the spring. 



If it is wished to bloom Hyacinths in water-glasses, 

 the glass should be filled up with water, but not so high 

 as to come in contact with the bulb. Too much moisture 

 before the roots protrude might cause the bulb to decay. 

 The glasses may be put in a light, but cool situation, 

 until the roots are grown half the length of the glass, at 

 least. The longer the roots are before being forced into 

 flower, the finer the flowers will be ; and when rooted 

 they may be kept warm or cool, as flowers are required 

 in succession. The flowers will not put forth, even when 

 the glasses are filled Avith roots, if they are kept in a cold 

 l^lace. The water should be changed about twice every 

 week, and rain or river water is better than spring water. 

 Although the practice of growing bulbous roots in water 

 is common, it is by no means preferable to growing them 

 in earth. There are many failures when bulbs are grown 

 in water, which are chiefly caused from their being more 

 liable to rot before they begin to emit roots, than when 

 grown in soil. Keeping the bulbs quite clear of the 

 water is a partial, but only a partial, preventive. An- 

 other cause is, that when the roots have attained some 

 length, they frequently decay, and the loss of the flowers 

 is the consequence. Should success attend the growing 

 and blooming of the greater part of those placed in 

 water-glasses, the bulbs will be good for nothing after- 

 wards ; but those grown in pots might be planted the 

 year following in the garden, and they would make pretty 

 border flowers for several years. 



Similar treatment to that now described is required for 

 the large-rooted Narcissus, whether in pots or glasses. 



