294 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERING BULBS 



replenishing as it disappears. If the leaves become dusty, they 

 may be cleansed with a soft brush or a sponge dipped in water, 

 but particular care must be taken not to injure them in the 

 process. 



CULTURE IN BEDS. The Hyacinth will grow well in any ordinary 

 garden soil, but that which is light and rich will suit it best, and the 

 position of the bed should be effectually drained, for though the 

 plant loves moisture, it cannot endure to stand in a bog during the 

 winter. It is advisable to plant early, and to plant deep. If a rich 

 effect is required, the bulbs should be six inches apart, but a good 

 effect may be produced by planting nine inches apart. The time of 

 blooming may be to some extent influenced by the time and manner 

 of planting, but no strict rules can be given to suit particular in- 

 stances. Late planting and deep planting both tend to defer the time 

 of blooming, although there will not be a great difference in any case, 

 and as a rule the late bloom is to be preferred, because less liable to 

 injury from frost. The shallowest planting should insure a depth of 

 three inches of earth above the crown of the bulb, but generally 

 speaking they will flower better, and only a few days later, if covered 

 wich full six inches of earth over the crowns. The Hyacinth is so 

 hardy that protection need not be thought of, except in peculiar 

 cases of unusual exposure, or on the occurrence of an excessively low 

 temperature when they are growing freely. Under any circumstances, 

 there is no protection so effectual as dry litter, but a thin coat of 

 half-rotten manure spread over the bed is to be preferred in the event 

 of danger being apprehended at any time before the growth has fairly 

 pushed through. 



As the bulbs may be taken up and dried off as soon as the leaves 

 acquire a yellow colour, the beds will be vacant in time for the 

 ordinary summer bedders, so that the brilliant display of the spring 

 may be immediately followed by another, equally brilliant perhaps, 

 but in character altogether different. When grown in beds, Hyacinths 

 do not require water, or sticks ; alMhey need is to be planted 

 properly, and they will take care of themselves. 



MINIATURE HYACINTHS. These charming little sparkling gems 

 are invaluable for baskets, bowls, and other contrivances which are 

 adapted for the choicest decorative purposes. In quality they are 

 excellent, the spikes being symmetrical, the flowers well formed, and 

 the colours brilliant. But they are true miniatures, growing about 

 half the size of the other kinds, and requiring less soil to root in. 

 They will flower well, if planted in a mixture of moss and charcoal, 



