348 -^ ^^"^ Good Dutch Bulbs for iJic Parlor. 



laterals. The same insects which infest cucumber and squash vines attack 

 the gourd. Sulphur sprinkled lightly on it will rid it of its troublesome 

 pests. It flowers in June, and continues to do so until frost. Fruit ripens 

 in September and October. The finest membranes are taken from fruit 

 not fully ripe. • H. G. Lungren, M. D. 



Volusia, Fla. 



A FEW GOOD DUTCH BULBS FOR THE PARLOR. 



The novice, on receiving the bulb-catalogue of a florist, is as much 

 puzzled what to choose for the dozen pots in his parlor-window as the tyro 

 in pear-growing, with quarter of an acre at command, which varieties to 

 select, with hundreds to choose from. Of hyacinths, we have lists com- 

 prising many hundred varieties in various shades of color. Some of these 

 are only suitable for garden-culture, some do better in the house, while 

 others will thrive under either treatment. As a general rule, the single 

 varieties are best suited for parlor-culture. 



Again : comparatively few varieties are suitable for growing in water, while 

 all will do comparatively well planted in earth. Thus the novice planting 

 a dozen hyacinths selected indiscriminately, and planting them in bulb- 

 glasses, will be fortunate if one out of the whole twelve gives him a good 

 flower. 



The season of blooming must be also considered ; some varieties bloom- 

 ing very early, others very late. 



Suppose we wish a good selection of hyacinths for parlor-culture, part 

 for earth, and part for water, which shall we choose ? 



For house-culture, the early-blooming varieties are most suitable ; though, 

 for succession, a few of the others may be grown to advantage. The fol- 

 lowing list comprises fine varieties whicli will give satisfaction : — 



Mrs. Beecher Stowe is a dark-red single hyacinth, with a fine spike 

 and large bells ; forces well, and is suitable for culture in water or earth. 



Argus is a single dark blue, with fine eye ; large, well-formed spike ; 

 forces well in earth or water. 



La Nuit, color black ; a fine variety for house-culture. 



