296 Notes and Gleanings. 



The Hyacinth. — The soil suitable for the hyacinth is a light, friable, sandy 

 loam, from which all stones, sticks, and other coarse material, have been re- 

 moved. The soil should be coarse enough to pass through an inch sieve ; and 

 should never be very fine, nor yet of a coarse, tenacious nature. 



To such a soil, a liberal quantity of vk^ell-rotted cow-dung, free from straw 

 and coarse material, should be added ; and a few bushels of clean soot, if for a 

 very large bed. 



This latter will act as a manure and improve the flower, and also drive away 

 any noxious grubs and worms. The compost should be well mixed, and the 

 parts thoroughly incorporated. If, when prepared, it is so close as to cling to- 

 gether when pressed, a few bushels of clean fresh sand may be advantageously 

 added. 



This compost is all that is required for the growth of the hyacinth, both in 

 pots or in the garden. 



Selection of Bulbs. — The bulbs should be clean, roundish, hard, and 

 heavy. Those bulbs presenting a surface of scales should not be chosen, as 

 they seldom give good bloom ; but those having the surface covered with a thin, 

 clean skin, should be selected. 



Size is no criterion ; for some varieties always produce large bulbs, and 

 others are usually small. Round, medium-sized, plump bulbs, the base or root- 

 stool flat, hard, free from mould or decay, and not sunk, and the top formed of 

 small, closely-fitted scales, with perhaps a stout, strong shoot just pushing, will 

 give the best flower : those having a hollow apex should be avoided. 



Large, light, scaly bulbs seldom produce close, compact spikes of bloom, 

 though often throwing a fine mass of foliage, and giving several loose spikes of 

 bloom. Double-crowned bulbs, though usually producing two spikes of bloom, 

 are not desirable, as the flowers are generally inferior in size. 



Bulbs should be selected as soon as imported : the exposure to the air, and 

 the handhng they undergo in a florist's shop, do not tend to improve them. If 

 the bulbs are not to be planted immediately, they should be kept in a cool, dry 

 place, laid singly, or wrapped in thin paper, and as nearly as possible in a state 

 of perfect rest. If kept too moist, the roots are excited to growth ; and if too 

 hot, the tops sprout. If by chance the roots have started, the bulbs should at 

 once be planted. The single varieties produce the finest spikes and more flow- 

 ers ; the double, the finest single blooms. Double varieties are not fitted for 

 growing in water or for very early forcing ; and generally, for growing in the 

 house, the single varieties are to be preferred. 



Planting in Beds. — Hyacinths are most effective in the garden ; and, the 

 beds having been prepared of a proper compost, the bulbs may be planted in 

 October. 



Varieties should not be mixed, as they vary greatly in height, general habit, 

 and time of blooming ; so that a mixture is sure to produce a bad effect. There- 

 fore, whether they be planted in lines or clumps, let each line or clump be of one 

 variety, and, of course, of one color. 



The bulbs should be planted three or four inches deep, according to the size ; 

 the larger being planted deeper, and about six inches apart, in lines or double 



