BULBOUS FLOWERS 107 



Galtonia (Hyadnthus) candicans. This is a tall, bulbous flower, 

 with a stem quite three feet high. Unlike so many other bulbs from 

 South Africa it needs no special care, such as drying off and replanting, 

 but makes itself quite at home in our gardens, preferring rich and stiff 

 soils. It is a plant so distinct as well as important that it deserves to 

 be placed with special care. Of all positions the best would be as an 

 isolated group, only associated with some rather important foliage of a 

 different character, such as that of the larger form of Megasea (Saxifraga) 

 cordifolia, and so placed that it would be against a background of quiet 

 and yet dark rich greenery, such as that of the clipped yew hedge, where 

 its ivory-white bells, suggesting large Snowdrops, and glaucous leaves 

 would have their fullest value. Propagate by offsets or by seed. Four 

 years elapse before the seedlings bloom. Sow the seed as soon as ripe 

 in the open ground. Plant in the autumn, six inches deep. 



Hyacinths. Few bulbous flowers have a greater hold 

 upon the affections of those who love sweet fragrance and 

 bright and varied colours than the Hyacinth. A selection of 

 the best varieties is given on p. 316. 



Growing the Bulbs in Glasses. We cannot do better than 

 quote the following from Messrs. Kel way's Manual of Horti- 

 culture. These rules were recommended in a lecture given 

 before the Royal Horticultural Society : " Set the bulb in the 

 glass so that the lower end is about, but not quite, in contact 

 with the water ; use rain or pond water. Do not change 

 the water, but keep a small lump of charcoal at the bottom of 

 the glass ; fill up the glass with water as it shrinks by the 

 feeding of the roots and by evaporation. When the bulb is 

 placed, put the glass in a cool, dark cupboard, or in any place 

 where light is excluded, there to remain for about six weeks, 

 as the roots feed more freely in the dark ; when the roots are 

 fully developed and the flower spike is pushing into life (which 

 will be in about six weeks), remove by degrees to full light 

 and air ; the more light and air given from the time the flowers 

 show colour, the shorter will be the leaves and spike, and 

 brighter the colour of the flowers. All Hyacinths succeed 

 well in winter." 



Hyacinths Outdoors. Any ordinary garden soil is suitable, 

 if it is not too wet. Should the soil be heavy, it can be im- 

 proved by digging in some leaf-mould, sand, or road grit. 

 Plant early in autumn, and choose a fine day when the surface 

 is dry. Begin by lightly trenching the soil, afterwards level- 

 ling the surface with a rake. In dealing with a round bed the 

 first bulb should be planted in the centre, afterwards follow- 

 ing on by planting in circles until it is completed. For 

 square beds or on borders plant in lines, except when it is 



