THE HYACINTH. 329 



to t the season or seasons at which the flowers are wanted. 

 If a very early, a very late, or a long succession of bloom 

 be required, some should be planted earlier and some later, 

 but the month recommended above is the best if the finest 

 possible bloom is required, without regard to any definite 

 period. 



III. AFTER CULTURE. 



The culture of Hyacinths falls naturally under three 

 heads i. in pots ; 2. in glasses ; 3. in the open ground. 



i. Hyacinths in Pots. It is a matter of no small 

 importance to secure a suitable soil, for although the plant 

 in the first instance feeds on itself, the roots, once in 

 action, draw largely from the soil in order to replace the 

 nourishment withdrawn from the bulb. A sandy loam 

 should form the bulk of the soil, but such being usually 

 poor, it must be enriched by a plentiful addition of 

 manure. Cow-dung is the best of manures for the 

 Hyacinth, and it is a good plan to obtain it in a fresh 

 state, mixing it with the loam six months before required 

 for use, turning the whole over two or three times in the 

 interval that the different substances may be well mixed 

 together. When planting, place the bulb in the middle of 

 the pot, setting it quite upright on a small bed of sand, 

 and so that the apex of the bulb may be half an inch 

 above the level of the soil. Soak the soil with water and 

 when well drained place the pots, in the first instance, 

 out of doors on solid ground that worms may not enter. 



Surround the sides of the pots with cinder ashes, and 

 cover the top with about six inches of the same material. 

 In about two months remove the pots to a cold frame, 

 covering with a mat for five or six days to avoid a sudden 

 transition from darkness to light. When the mats are 

 withdrawn give more or less air, according to the season at 

 which the bulbs are wanted to flower, bearing in mind 

 that the more air given the better, provided the frost be 

 completely excluded. 



