298 Notes and Gleanings. 



In Moss or Sand. — Hyacinths grow well in moss or sand, and latterly have 

 been most successfully grown in England in cocoanut refuse. The vessel, or 

 pot, should have about half an inch of pounded charcoal placed at the bottom : 

 on this the moss or sand should be placed, and the bulbs planted up to the apex. 

 Place the whole in a dark place, as directed for bulbs in water, previously giving 

 a good watering ; and, when brought to the light, plant little sprigs of Lycopo- 

 dium dentiatlatum between the bulbs, or cover the surface with green moss 

 from the woods. The plants will need to be kept moist, and the leaves must be 

 sponged to keep them clean. Hyacinths may also be grown in turnips or 

 carrots, hollowed out, and produce a pretty effect. 



In Pots. — As a general rule, a h}'acinth should not be grown in a pot less 

 than twice the diameter of the bulb ; and, where more than one bulb is grown 

 in a pot, the distance between each bulb should be equal to the diameter of the 

 largest. 



For single bulbs, pots six inches in diameter are sufficient ; but, when they 

 can be procured (and any potter can easily make them), we prefer a bulb-pot 

 four inches wide, and from eight to ten deep, which gives better room for the 

 development of the roots. Three hyacinths in a pot look very well, and the 

 same objections to combination of color do not exist in house as in garden 

 planting. A very pretty effect is produced by a red, white, and blue hyacinth 

 in the same pot. 



The pots being prepared by placing a crock on the hole in the bottom of 

 each, and the bulbs being ready, the offsets and all loose scales having been re- 

 moved, we proceed to pot the bulbs ; the time being from the first of September 

 to the middle of November, according to the time at which we wish them to 

 bloom. Often, however, it is best to make several plantings, at periods of from 

 two to four weeks, to secure a succession of bloom. And, first, place about half 

 an inch or more of dried cow-dung, such as may be picked up in the pastures, 

 crumbled fine, and free from wire-worms or grubs, at the bottom of the pot ; then 

 fill in with the prepared compost, placing the bulb so that its apex is just above 

 the surface of the soil, and the soil about half an inch from the top of the pot at 

 the side, and sloping from the bulb. Give a good watering from the fine rose 

 of a watering-pot, and set the pots in a sheltered place, on a bed of coal-ashes, 

 if out doors or in a cellar. The ashes will prevent earth-worms from entering the 

 pots. The object now is to promote the growth of roots before the shoot devel- 

 ops, which is effected by " plunging" the pots, or by putting them in a dark 

 frame. By the former method, the pots are placed close together, and covered 

 with from four to eight inches of coal-ashes, tan, or any material of similar 

 nature ; and thus they are to remain until the roots touch the sides of the pot, '' 

 when they, or as many as are needed to bring in, are taken out, and gradually 

 inured to the light. 



This same object is as well gained, however, by placing the pots in a c(/ol 

 cellar, or in a cold frame darkened. 



Hyacinths thus plunged in coal-ashes can be safely kept all winter, and be 

 taken out and forced into bloom in early spring, as they are not injured by frost. 

 They need, however, to be protected from soaking rains. 



