OCTOBER 359 



HYACINTH. Considering the magnificent appearance of this 

 flower, its culture is a model of ease. Any fairly good garden soil 

 which is not too damp in winter will grow it ; and the bulbs may be 

 planted in clumps or beds in any pattern or arrangement of colour 

 that taste may dictate. At six inches apart there will be a brilliant 

 display, but the distance is quite optional. The crowns of the bulbs 

 should not be less than four nor more than six inches below the 

 surface, and the deeper they are put in, the later will be the flowering. 

 When planted they will give no more trouble until the time arrives 

 for lifting them to make room for other occupants. 



HYACINTH, FEATHER, is an exceedingly beautiful border flower 

 during May and early in June. The stems are from nine to fifteen 

 inches high, and carry flowers whose petals are cut into slender hair- 

 like filaments. It will grow in pots and in the open, in any soil 

 which suits Hyacinths. Plant a good number in each group. 



HYACINTH, GRAPE, is an interesting dark blue flower, and should 

 be freely grown in mixed borders to bloom in April. Singly it is 

 useless ; plant good-sized clumps in any soil which answers for 

 bulbs. 



HYACINTHS, MINIATURE, are the delight of children, in whose 

 honour many of the varieties are named. Except for their diminu- 

 tive size, they are in all respects equal to their larger relations. The 

 culture in pots, glasses, and beds, is similar to that advised for the 

 full-sized roots, save that the planting in open ground need not be 

 quite so deep ; three inches of soil over the crowns being sufficient. 



HYACINTH, MUSK. This flower derives its name from its odour 

 of musk ; but apart from the perfume, it is a charming little plant, 

 and is worthy of a place in borders where various bulbs are grown. 



HYACINTH, ROMAN. Uncover the pots containing the earliest 

 planting, and at first place them in a dimly lighted position. The 

 application of heat will depend on the time the flowers are wanted ; 

 but when the plants are forward enough, plunge them for about a 

 week in 65, and they will be ready for use. 



LACHENALIAS rarely attain the proportions they are capable of for 

 want of water in their growing state. They thrive in peat, and may 

 be forced into flower at almost any season. Except in warm and 

 sheltered gardens, they must not be planted in the open. Yet only 

 sufficient warmth is required to keep frost at bay. 



LEUCOJUMS are perfectly hardy bulbs which will grow in any 

 garden. They bloom in April and May, and the flowers resemble 

 Snowdrops, but are much larger. Plant in dense groups. 



