242 breck's new book of flowers. 



sorts are equally desirable, as what is deficient in the size 

 of the bells, is made up in the greater number of them; 

 some of the single sorts are the richest in color. 



The stem of a fine double Hyacinth should be strong, 

 tall, and erect, supporting numerous large bells, each sus- 

 pended by a short and strong pedicel, or foot-stalk, in a 

 horizontal position, so that the whole may have a compact 

 pyramidal form, with the crowning, or uppermost bell, 

 jjerfectly erect. 



The bells should be large and very double ; that is, well 

 filled with broad petals, appearing to the eye rather con- 

 vex, than flat or hollow ; they should occupy about one- 

 half the length of the stem. 



The colors should be clear and bright, whether plain 

 red, white, or blue, or variously intermixed, or diversified 

 in the eye ; the latter, when it occurs, gives additional 

 lustre and elegance to this beautiful flower. 



Strong bright colors are, in general, preferred to such as 

 are pale ; there are, however, many rose-colored, pure 

 white, and light blue Hyacinths, in high estimation. Hy- 

 acinths begin to flower the last of April in this climate, 

 and, if shaded by an awning from hot suns, may be kept 

 in jjerfection the greater j^art of a month. They never 

 require watering at any season. Keep them free from 

 weeds, and as the stems advance in height, they should be 

 supported by having small sticks, or wires, painted green, 

 stuck into the ground back of the bulb, to which they 

 should be neatly tied ; otherwise, they are liable to fall 

 down by the weight of the bells, and, as the stem is very 

 brittle, it is sometimes broken ofl" when exposed to 

 storms. 



The most suitable time to plant Hyacinths is in October 

 and November. The finer sorts will appear to the best 

 advantage in beds, while the more common varieties may 

 be distributed about the borders where most convenient. 



