Hyacinths differ in habit very much, some varieties throwing up a strong flower stalk, 

 with a bold and rather loose truss, while others have but a short stem with a compact, almost 

 globular truss. The stronger growing kinds generally have larger 

 bells, while those of a more dwarf habit present small bells in 

 immense numbers. The low growing kinds often throw up two or 

 moro flower stems. The bright red co.ors are all low, with a com- 

 pact truss, and disposed to throw up several flower stalks. Our artist 

 has attempted to show the difference of habit, and while not with 

 very flattering success, sufficient, perhaps, for our present purpose. 



ROMAN HYACINTH. 



DOUBLE TALL. 



SINGLE TALL. 



The Hyacinth is a native of the East, abounding in parts of Turkey and Syria. It has been, 

 however, cultivated for nearly two hundred years in England. For a long time, blue and pink 

 were the only colors, and the rich, deep red and the yellow are of somewhat recent introduction. 

 Of the latter color we have not much yet to boast, for we do not know of any clear, bright 

 yellow Hyacinth. To the Hollanders 

 we arc indebted for nearly all the im- 

 provement made in this beautiful flow- 

 er. The florists of Holland have almost 

 entirely monopolized the culture of 

 Hyacinths, and their skill is only equal- 

 ed by their success ; though, doubtless, 

 a remarkable soil and climate have 

 much to do in securing to the good 

 people of Holland the exclusive culture 

 of this most popular of our winter 

 flowers. 



Hyacinth growers like a single, 

 clean stem, and it would not be ortho- 

 dox to say that anything else is desirable, 

 but " really and truly," some of the pret- 

 tiest objects we have ever seen have 

 been Hyacinths, which, against all rule 

 and order, have thrown up four or five 

 flower stems, forming a mass of bloom 

 truly gorgeous. Our engraving shows 

 one with nine spikes of flowers, grown 

 by J. FISHBACK, Esq., of Jacksonville, 

 Illinois. May all our readers meet with HYACINTH WITH NINE FLOWER STEMS. 



success in the culture of this beautiful flower. With care, there is no reason why one should 

 fail. There will be occasional disappointments, as there are in all the business and pleasures of 

 life; but no one should be satisfied with general failure, nor expect uninterrupted success. 



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