THE PARLOR GARDENER. 21 



Choice of Flowering Bulbs. 

 By the end of September, the evenings in some 

 of the states are cool ; a little fire is indispensable 

 after sunset. It is now time to procure good roots 

 of hyacinths, crocuses, Van Tholl tulips, and 

 jonquil. You must not choose the largest among 

 these bulbs, which are not always the best by a 

 great deal ; but those of medium size of their 

 species firm, smooth, shining, free from spots or 

 bruises, and from softness. Those which give 

 premature signs of vegetation ought to be re- 

 jected. 



A Hyacinth blooming under "Water. 



Having made your choice among the brightest 

 shades of blue, red, and yellow, you must give 

 your greatest care to a charming experiment which 

 will be the source of a very agreeable amusement 

 for you all the winter. You can procure, at a 

 small expense, two vases of plain, clear, uncol- 

 ored glass ; both of the same form, except that 

 one has no bottom, and is a little smaller than the 

 other. They are to be used as follows : Put into 



