APRIL.] FLOWER-GARDEN. 333 



close to the bed on the north side, in order to preserve it from cold 

 winds, which are prejudicial to the bloom. 



The covering ought to be so constructed, by means of lines and 

 pullies, as to be easily and expeditiously rolled up, or let down as 

 Occasion requires, to afford the plants, ths full benefit of light and 

 air, at all favourable opportunities ; that is to say, when the air is 

 mild, and light clouds intervene, so as to blunt the sun's rays. 



A bed of Hyacinths never requires to be watered at any period ; 

 the rains that happen after planting, are generally more than suf- 

 ficient, both for the roots and bloom ; and after the bloom is over, 

 they are rather prejudicial than otherwise, except when very mo- 

 derate. 



Although covering in the manner described, presents and exhi- 

 bits the bloom to the greatest advantage, yet it evidently has a ten- 

 dency to weaken and injure the bulbs, and ought Hot, therefore, to 

 be continued more than two or three weeks at most ; but as soon 

 as the general bloom declines, the bed should be immediately ex- 

 posed to the open air, and the hoops replaced as before, that 

 mats may be laid on occasionally, for protecting the beds from heavy 

 torrents of rain, which would prevent the bulbs from ripening 

 well, and render them very subject to decay, after having been tak- 

 en up. 



The common hyacinths in open beds and borders, will require no 

 other care at this time, than to support their flower stems, as direct- 

 ed above ; without which, they will generally fall down, and much 

 of their beauty be lost. 



A Description of the Properties of a Fine DOUBLE HTACINVH. 



The stem should be strong, tall, and erect, supporting numerous 

 large bells, each suspended by a short and strong peduncle, or foot- 

 stalk, in a horizontal position, so that the whole may have a com- 

 pact pyramidal form, with the crown, or uppermost bell perfectly 

 erect. 



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

 with broad bold petals, appearing to the eye rather convex, than flat 

 or hollow : they should occupy about one half the length of the 

 stem. 



The colours should be clear and bright, whether plain red, white, 

 or blue, or variously intermixed and diversified in the eye ; the lat- 

 ter, it must be confessed, gives additional lustre and elegance to this 

 beautiful flower. 



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

 pale ; there are, however, many rose-coloured, pure white, and 

 light blue hyacinths, in high estimation. 



Observations. Some sorts consist cf petals of different colours, 

 such as light reds, with deep red eyes ; whites, with rosey, blue, 

 purple, or yellow eyes ; light blues, with deep blue or purple eyes; 

 and yellow, with purple in the eye, &c. Others again have their 

 petals striped, or marked down the centre, with a paler or deeper 

 colour, which has a pleasing effect. 



