THE HYACINTH. 65 



The soil suitable for the hyacinth is a light, friable, 

 sandy loam, from which all stones, sticks, and other coarse 

 material, have been removed. The soil should be coarse 

 enough to pass through an inch sieve ; and should never be 

 very fine, nor yet of a coarse, tenacious nature. 



To such a soil, a liberal quantity of well-rotted cow-dung, 

 free from straw and coarse material, should be added ; and 

 a few bushels of clean soot, if for a very large bed. 



This latter will act as a manure and improve the flower, 

 and also drive away any noxious grubs and worms. The 

 compost should be well mixed, and the parts thoroughly 

 incorporated. If, when prepared, it is so close as to cling 

 together when pressed, a few bushels of clean fresh sand 

 may be advantageously added. 



This compost is all that is required for the growth of the 

 hyacinth, both in pots or in the garden. 



SELECTION OF BULBS. 



The bulbs should be clean, roundish, hard, and heavy. 

 Those bulbs presenting a surface of scales should not be 

 chosen, as they seldom give good bloom ; but those having 

 the surface covered with a thin, clean skin, should be 

 selected. 5 



