APRIL.] FLOWER-GARDEN CARE OF CHOICE BULBS. 201 



any hurtful effect upon, must be firmly supported, espe- 

 cially large plants. If the weather sets in dry and hot, 

 they should be watered as often as necessity shall direct. 



Those that are established, it will be necessary to 

 go over them (if not already done) to cut off all wood 

 killed in winter, and also to thin them if too thick and 

 crowded. 



When the above is done, let every part of the shrub- 

 bery be dressed off as directed in March. Shrubs of 

 all kinds will now begin to look gay and lively, which 

 may be very much heightened or depreciated, accord- 

 ing to the state in which the ground and contiguous 

 walks are kept. Always keep in view that weeds are 

 no objects of beauty. 



CARE OF CHOICE BULBS. 



Hyacinths of the earliest sorts will begin to expand 

 and show their colours, of which we can boast of a 

 few as fine sorts in the vicinity of Philadelphia, as in 

 any garden of Europe ; but even these very superior 

 sorts, when in bloom, are too frequently neglected, 

 being allowed to stand without rods, stakes, or any 

 means of support, likewise equally exposed to drench- 

 ing rains and scorching suns ; and the finest collections 

 may be seen after heavy rains prostrate on the ground, 

 whereas a few hours' trouble would give them the re- 

 quisite support, thereby preserving their beauty much 

 longer, and giving more gratification. As soon as the 

 stems advance to any height, they should be supported by 

 wires, rods, &c. and tied slightly thereto with threads 

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