THE HYACINTH. 201 



neither animal nor vegetable life in any part of the 

 globe ; in which case, a protection of upright hurdles, 

 covered with mats, should be afforded, to arrest and 

 turn aside the withering and chilling blast. Tulips 

 require the same precaution. Except on these par- 

 ticular occasions, the bed should be exposed and 

 open, and have a free circulation of air, without 

 which no plants can thrive and continue healthy 

 long together. 



' About the commencement of April, in most 

 seasons, these flowers begin to show colour; some 

 are earlier than others, as is the case with most 

 species of flowering plants ; their stems then require 

 to be tied loosely to sticks, to keep them upright,, 

 and to support the weight of their bells ; for if the 

 weight does not break them, yet any sudden gust of 

 wind would snap them in two, from their extremely 

 brittle and succulent nature. It is necessary to pro- 

 tect the blossoms from the rays of the sun, if you 

 wish to preserve their beauty and lustre ; for three 

 days' exposure, even to an April sun, would greatly 

 impair their tints, and deaden the brilliancy of their 



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