LILY FAMILY 



states' that about two thousand varieties were then under cultiva- 

 tion by the growers of Haarlem. 



It seems as if the last word had been said respecting Hyacinths. 

 To such perfection in form and color have the types attained 

 that seldom is a seedling produced that equals the parent plant. 

 The group is a remarkable example of a species having red, blue, 

 white, and yellow varieties, though the yel- 

 low is more of a buff than a true gold. 



There are other species of Hyacinths in 

 cultivation besides orientalis, but they are 

 not common nor especially desirable. There 

 is, however, a variety, known as the Roman 

 Hyacinth of the Dutch growers, Hyacinthus 

 orientalis var. dlbtdus which is altogether 

 charming and dehghtful. Instead of one 

 strong dense raceme from each bulb, the 

 Roman Hyacinth produces three or four 

 smaller but more graceful ones. The bells 

 are fewer, hang loosely upon the stem, and 

 are the embodiment of grace and delicacy. 

 The bulbs can be forced as easily as those 

 of the type and in the open they bloom early. 



Hyacinthus cdndicans is a luxuriant, free-growing, summer- 

 flowering species, that sends up tall scapes four to five feet high, 

 each bearing twenty to thirty large, white, nodding bells. The 

 individual plant is fine; but Hyacinths, some way, seem to har- 

 monize best with the spring-time's foliage and flowers, and these 

 pretty waxen bells are not fortunately placed when surrounded 

 by the blazing beauties of midsummer and early autumn. 



Holland grows .Hyacinths for all the world. The soil and the 

 climate of that country seem peculiarly suitable for bulb culture, 

 which has been one of its leading industries for two hundred 

 years. 



Roman Hyacinth. Hya- 

 cinthus orientalis var. 

 dlbulus 



42 



