58 



Improved Culture of Hyacinths m Water. 



different varieties, and the experiment did not seem sufficient to warrant 

 the adoption of a new rule of culture. 



This year (1865), the experiment has been tried with many varieties, and 

 the experience of last year is fully confirmed : in every case, the finest 

 blooms have been developed from bulbs of which the roots have been cut 

 off; they being grown side by side with bulbs of the same variety, with 

 uncut roots. These latter have in many instances failed, as is usual, to 

 develop a flower-spike ; and in other cases have thrown a spike, of which 

 the following figure is a fair example : — 



Here, then, we have a new rule of culture introduced, which applies not 

 only to hyacinths, but also to other bulbous plants. 



The rules of culture are simply, then, to allow the flower-stalk to develop 

 in a cool and perfectly clear vessel. 



