354 FLOWERS ALL THE YEAR ROUND 



FRITILLARIAS belong to the same order as the Crown Imperial, 

 and the conditions which suit that plant will answer for all the 

 Fritillaries. The bulbs thrive in a deep loam, and they are quite 

 hardy. 



GLOXINIA. As the season of rest approaches, place the plants in 

 any airy position, and gradually reduce the supply of water until the 

 leaves fall off. The bulbs may be stored for the winter in peat or in 

 cocoa-nut fibre, or in a mixture of both. There are, however, a 

 great number of growers who never store a bulb, but rely entirely on 

 seedlings raised annually. 



HYACINTH. To grow this flower successfully in glasses demands 

 no horticultural skill, for children often produce very creditable 

 specimens. It only requires the intelligent application of certain 

 well-understood principles. Like all other bulbs, the Hyacinth 

 should have its roots formed before top-growth begins. The flower 

 is cultivated in water for two principal reasons : the pleasure derived 

 from seeing the entire plant, and the enhanced decorative value 

 insured by this mode of treating it. As darkness retards top-growth, 

 but does not delay the production of roots, it is usual to place the 

 glasses in a cool cellar ; and if this happens to be airy as well as cool 

 and dark, there is no better place in which to start the bulbs. Still 

 it must be admitted that darkness is not essential for the development 

 of roots. But darkness and coolness alike tend to delay the growth 

 of foliage until roots are formed. Therefore, if the cultivator resolves 

 to have the plants in view from the commencement, he will have to 

 rely on a low and uniform temperature for securing these ends. The 

 water must always be pure and bright, and it should not quite touch 

 the bulb, or the latter will rot. Wires to support the flowers must 

 be provided in good time ; those which are manufactured expressly 

 for the purpose being both neat and effective. A rather low tem- 

 perature, and free access of pure air, should be regarded as necessary 

 conditions of health in all stages of growth. Hence it will be obvious 

 that a mantelpiece, with its fluctuations of heat and cold, is a most 

 unsuitable position for the glasses. We should like to add, that 

 notwithstanding the high qualities of the Hyacinth, it is quite a 

 cottager's flower. Good spikes have been grown in tumblers kept in 

 a garret. 



For pot culture the Hyacinth is a grand subject. Prepare the 

 pots carefully as to drainage, and fill them with a light, rich, porous 

 compost. Remove a little soil from the central surface, and into 

 this hollow lightly press the bulb, and press the soil somewhat 



