202 THE HYACINTH. 



colours. Examine only the rich and glowing tint of 

 the damask-rose at five o'clock in the morning that 



o 



has opened in the night, and examine the same 

 again at ten, and you will be struck with the change 

 that five hours' sun has made. And it is no less 

 necessary to guard against any sudden return of 

 frost at this season, which not unfrequently occurs ; 

 the covering of stout canvas ought to be let down close 

 to the ground, and mats thrown over beside ; for the 

 injury done to the bloom by frost is more sudden and 

 serious than that done by the sun. By attending to 

 these two necessary precautions, I have no doubt but 

 that you will be enabled to preserve the bloom in 

 high order and beauty for three weeks or more. 



' These, Sir, are my directions for the culture of 

 the Hyacinth ; any further minute detail I conceive 

 unnecessary, as your own good sense and judgment 

 will supply the deficiency. I am not aware that I 

 have omitted anything essential. As to the plan we 

 pursue in raising new varieties from seed, you have 

 already inferred that you have no wish for me to 

 enter upon that subject, but that you will be content 



