On the Ciiltivation of Hyacinlhs. 409 



peclally manures. The cow manure which the Dutch florists 

 use is perfectly free from straw, as previously stated; for when 

 fermentation takes place, as it generally does when there is much 

 mixed with the manure, the bulbs are almost certain to decay; 

 the cause is supposed to be a fungus, the spawn of which is in 

 the dung. With all the care, however, which the Dutch take to 

 prevent this disease, they are much troubled with it. Whenever 

 the bulbs show any signs of decay, while they are out of the 

 ground, the diseased part should be immediately cut away. 



We hope to see the hyacinth more extensively cultivated in 

 beds; hitherto it has only been considered a parlor plant, suita- 

 ble for glasses and pots. Certainly, if early blooming, beautiful 

 flowers, elegant colors and grateful odor, are desirable requisites 

 in a flower, to what one shall we look which possesses them in a 

 more eminent degree? Beds of them only require to be seen to 

 attract the attention of all florists or amateur gardeners. One 

 filled with the most superior varieties will not suffer in general 

 comparison, (though their beauty is of a different kind,) with one 

 filled with the most brilliant tulips. If a fear that the bulbs would 

 run out by cultivation, rather than increase in vigor, has deterred 

 the lover of the hyacinth from entering into their growth, let it do 

 so no longer. Do not the English gardeners excel the Dutch in 

 every department of horticulture and floriculture, unless it is in the 

 growth of hyacinths, narcissus, and a few similar bulbs.'' And 

 could they not also excel in the growth of these if they were to 

 attempt it.' We have no doubt of it. And so may our garden- 

 ers and amateurs, if they choose, produce bulbs equal if not su- 

 perior to the Dutch. Were it not for the sale of the abundance 

 of miserable roots which are annually sent here from Holland, and 

 put up at auction, and the very limited demand for fine and valu- 

 able varieties, our nurserymen could, and might be induced to, 

 furnish the bulbs at as reasonable a rate as they could be import- 

 ed. We hope the attempt will be made: we believe it would 

 prove a profitable business to any one who understands their cul- 

 tivation, for the investment of a small capital. Hyacinths, tu- 

 lips, crocuses, &c., could be as well supplied, of our own growth, 

 as lilies and similar bulbs are at the present time. 



For a list of varieties for a small garden we refer the reader 

 to vol. I, p. 420. Where a large bed is to be set out, a great 

 number of superb varieties may be procured of the seedsmen. 

 Those procured at auction are always sure to cause disappoint- 

 ment: in truth they have done more to prejudice amateurs and 

 others against their cultivation than any thing else. 



We have extended our observations to a greater length than 

 we had intended. But if they have the effect to increase the 

 cultivation of this beautiful and fragrant flower in our gardens, 

 we shall feel amply repaid for our trouble. 



VOL. rii. — NO. XI. 52 



