THE HYACINTH. 73 



many as are needed to bring in, are taken out, and gradu- 

 ally inured to the light. 



This same object is as well gained, however, by placing 

 the pots in a cool cellar, or in a cold frame darkened. 



Hyacinths thus plunged in coal-ashes can be safely kept 

 all winter, and be taken out and forced into bloom in 

 early spring, as they are not injured by frost. They need, 

 however, to be protected from soaking rains. 



Where hyacinths are required for bloom in early winter, 

 they require to be forced. For this purpose, about the 1st 

 of October, they are taken from the frame, and placed in a 

 gentle hot-bed made of horse-dung, and remain there till 

 the pots are full of roots, and the tops begin to start, which 

 will be in about a fortnight : they are then taken to the 

 greenhouse, and gradually forced into bloom by gradually 

 increasing the temperature, giving them plenty of air, keep- 

 ing them near the glass, and keeping the soil moist, but not 

 wet. They should have all the sun that can be given. The 

 temperature at its extreme should range from 55 to 70 ; 

 and care must be taken that the plants experience no sud- 

 den check. 



By bringing in successive lots of hyacinths, a succession 

 of bloom may be had from Christmas to May Day. If the 



