HOLLYHOCKS— HYACINTHS 377 



following the seed-sowing. New plants should be set every two years, 

 as the old crowns are likely to rot 'or die after the first flowering, or at 

 least to become weak. (See page 271.) 



Hyacinths (see Bulbs, p. 281) are popular spring-flowering bulbs. 

 Hyacinths are hardy, but they are often used as window or green- 

 house plants. They are easy to grow and very satisfactory (Fig. 262). 



For winter flowering, the bulbs should be procured early in the fall, 

 potted in October in soil composed of loam, leafmold, and sand. If 

 ordinary flower-pots are used, put in the bottom a few pieces of broken 

 pots, charcoal, or small stones for drainage; then fill the pot with dirt, 

 so that when the bulb is planted, the top will be on a level with the 

 rim of the pot. Fill in around the bulb with soil, leaving just the tip 

 showing. These pots of bulbs should be placed in a cold pit, cellar or 

 on the shady side of a building. In all cases, plunge the pot in some 

 cool material (as cinders). Before the weather becomes cold enough 

 to freeze a crust on the ground, the pots should have a protection of 

 straw or leaves to keep the bulbs from severe freezing. In about six 

 to eight weeks the bulbs should have made roots enough to grow the 

 plant, and the pots may be placed in a cool room for a short time. 

 When the plants have started into growth, they may be placed in a 

 warmer situation. Watering should be carefully attended to from 

 this time, and when the plant is in bloom, the pot may be set in a 

 saucer or other shallow dish containing water. After flowering, the 

 bulbs may be ripened by gradually withholding water until the leaves 

 die. They may then be planted out in the border, where they will 

 bloom each spring for a number of years, but will never prove satisfac- 

 tory for forcing again. 



The open-ground culture of hyacinths is the same as for tulips 

 and other Holland bulbs. 



The hyacinth is the most popular of the Dutch bulbs for growing 

 in vases of water. The narcissus may be grown in water, and do just 

 as well, but it is not as attractive in glasses as the hyacinth. Glasses 

 for hyacinths may be had of florists who deal in supplies, and in various 

 shapes and colors. The usual form is tall and narrow, with a cup-like 

 mouth to receive the bulb. They are filled with water, so that it will just 

 reach the base of the bulb when placed in position in the cup or shoulder 



