540 THE PLEASURE, OR [Oct. 



better not to cover at all than over do it to the certain detriment 

 of the plants. 



Having procured roots of the finest sorts, and pursuing the pre- 

 ceding instructions, you may depend on having those incomparable 

 flowers in the greatest perfection possible. 



The common kinds of tulips, being of little value, may be planted 

 in small patches of three, four, or five roots together around the 

 borders of the garden or pleasure-ground, and covered the same 

 depth as the others. 



Planting the best Hyacinth Roots. 



The roots of hyacinths may be planted with good expectation of 

 success at any time from the beginning of this month to the middle 

 of November; but I would prefer the middle of the present month 

 as being the best period in which these roots can be planted; for 

 about that time they will show a natural inclination to vegetate, 

 manifested by a swelling of the circle from whence the fibres pro- 

 ceed, which will be soon followed by an actual appearance of their 

 points, together with that of the foliage at the other extremity of the 

 root, in the form of a small cone of a greenish colour. 



The bed on which the finest sorts are to be planted should be 

 situated in rather a dry and airy part of the garden; a southern 

 aspect is to be preferred, sheltered on the north and north-west by 

 walls, trees, or buildings, at a distance from it proportionate to 

 their elevation; that is, the distance of the bed from either should 

 be equal to the height of the wall, fence, or hedge, &c. 



When the situation is determined on the dimensions of the bed 

 should be marked out and the soil entirely taken away to the depth 

 of at least two feet; the earth in the bottom should then be dug and 

 well pulverized for about nine inches deep, and the space above 

 filled with the following compost: 



One-third sea or river sand; one-third fresh sound earth; one- 

 fourth rotten cow dung at least two years old; and one-twelfth of 

 earth of decayed leaves. 



The fresh sound earth of the compost should be of the best 

 quality that the garden or adjacent country attbrds, and entirely 

 free from noxious vermin of every description. These ingredients 

 should be well mixed and incorporated a considerable time before 

 wanted, and about ten days previous to planting the bed should be 

 filled up with the compost to about three inches above the level 

 ot the path on the south or front side, and seven inches on the 

 north side, so as to form a regular slope or inclination towards 

 the sun. 



On planting the roots the surface of the bed should be covered 

 with fresh sandy earth about one inch thick, raked perfectly smooth 

 and even, and have the exact situation for every bulb marked on it, 

 as follows: 



