BDLBODB-EOOTED FLOWERS. 315 



The glass or hoUowed root should he filled with water just so 

 that the bottom of the bulh may touch the water. Eain-water is 

 the best for this purpose, and for watering those growing in pots, 

 and should be luke-warm when used. After the bulbs have been 

 set in this manner, oh water, they should be kept in a dark place 

 untn the glass is nearly iUled with roots, when they should be 

 brought to the light. It wUl save the necessity of changing the 

 water if a bit or two of charcoal is placed in it, but if this be not 

 done, the water should be renewed about once a week, using 

 tepid water. Bulbs flowered in water will not bloom the next 

 year, and are usually thrown away when done flowering. If it 

 is desired to preserve them they should be planted in earth as 

 soon as the flowers fade, and if well cared for they wiU. bloom 

 again the second year. 



It is utterly useless to give our readers a list of names of 

 choice Hyacinths, for in a few years they would drop out of the 

 florist's catalogues to make way for new comers. The named 

 varieties are sold at higher prices than the unnamed, but these 

 can be purchased in different colors kept distinct, and either 

 single or double. Nor is it of any practical benefit to describe 

 the methods used for increasing or propagating them, it being 

 much more economical to buy them already grown. 



Amaetllis. — These bulbs require very different treatment 

 from the Hyacinths, and can not be relied upon for out-door cul- 

 ture in our chmate, but for the green-house or window many of 

 them are very desirable. They do not require that the soU should 

 be made very rich with manures, but flourish best in good sandy 

 loam, or old rotted turf that has been made quite light with sand, 

 and is somewhat rough and lumpy. The bottom of the pot 

 should be filled with a couple of inches of drainage, over which 

 is placed a L'ttle moss to prevent the soil from washing into 

 and choking it up. This is the more important because these 

 bulbs will not require re-potting for several years, indeed flourish 

 much better if allowed to remain without being re-potted, pro- 

 vided the soil be kept sweet and the drainage perfect. When 



