198 THE HYACINTH. 



too fast and shrinking in substance. We suffer 

 them to remain here a fortnight longer, till the 

 fibres are dry and withered, and then consider them 

 ripe, and fit to be taken up for good. After having 

 carefully rubbed off the fibres, and any loose skins 

 hanging to t-hem, with a piece of soft woollen cloth, 

 w T e take them into the house or store-rooms, where 

 we arrange them in shallow boxes, one bulb deep, 

 and cover them over with dry sand, where they 

 remain till the planting season again comes round, 

 which is the latter end of October ; for if they were 

 placed several together, they would be apt to heat, 

 and liable to perish : such as are ordered and des- 

 tined for exportation, we select at this time, and 

 wrap up singly in paper. 



' Were I to give any particular directions for 

 forming the bed, I would recommend you, in the 

 first place, to select such part of the garden as lies 

 open and airy, with an exposure to the south or 

 south-west, and which is protected by some building 

 or fence on the north and east ; the soil should be 

 a good sandy loam, or, in absence thereof, fresh 



