146 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-BOOTED PLAHT8. 



most natural protection. Cover the bed to the depth of 

 six inches, as well as a margin of two feet on either side 

 of the bed, with leaves, which can be kept in place by 

 pieces of board or branches of trees, and the work is 

 complete. This covering should be gradually removed 

 upon the approach of warm weather, as the plants will 

 be above ground before the frost is out of unprotected 

 places. The climate on the coast, from Canada to Vir- 

 ginia, is the worst possible for the Hyacinth, because of 

 the alternate freezing and thawing so common in early 

 spring. To guard against this, a suitable mat should be 

 in readiness to throw over the bed after the winter cov- 

 ering has been removed. No further cultural instruc- 

 tions are necessary for the Hyacinth in the open border, 

 observing what we have said in regard to manures, as 

 used in Holland. It is by no means essential to have 

 the ground as rich to flower the bulb as it was to produce 

 it, as the flower is already formed, and whether the soil 

 be rich or poor, the same number of flowers will appear 

 on the stem ; but, of course, under favorable conditions, 

 they will be larger and stronger than under the reverse. 

 Selection of Varieties of Hyacinths. Where 

 required for use in large quantities, Hyacinths of good 

 quality and striking colors may be had at very low rates. 

 This is an important consideration, as many amateurs 

 are deterred from making as good a display as they 

 might wish, because of the expense, which is thought 

 disproportionate to the effect produced. For many 

 years we have grown the Hyacinth with varied degrees of 

 success. We have planted bulbs that were sold at retail 

 at two dollars each ; beside them we have had those grow- 

 ing that only cost one dollar per dozen, and we must say 

 that none but the professional bulb-grower would notice 

 the difference. The contrast in prices is still greater 

 now, as good bulbs can be bought at four dollars per 

 hundred, retail. 



