94 BRECK’S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 
When they are rooted, a few may be introduced occa- 
sionally into the room or window, or on the mantle-piece, 
if there be sufficient light. Light is quite essential when 
the tops begin to grow. By this means a succession of 
flowers may be had during the greater part of the spring. 
If it is wished to bloom Hyacinths in water-glasses, 
the glass should be filled up with water, but not so high 
as to come in contact with the bulb. Too much moisture 
before the roots protrude might cause the bulb to decay. 
The glasses may be put in a light, but cool situation, 
until the roots are grown half the length of the glass, at 
least. The longer the roots are before being forced into 
flower, the finer the flowers will be; and when rooted 
they may be kept warm or cool, as flowers are required 
in succession. The flowers will not put forth, even when 
the glasses are filled with roots, if they are kept in a cold 
place. The water should be changed about twice every 
week, and rain or river water is better than spring water. 
Although the practice of growing bulbous roots in water 
is common, it is by no means preferable to growing them 
in earth. There aremany failures when bulbs are grown 
in water, which are chiefly caused from their being more 
liable to rot before they begin to emit roots, than when 
grown in soil. Keeping the bulbs quite clear of the 
water is a partial, but only a partial, preventive. An- 
other cause is, that when the roots have attained some 
length, they frequently decay, and the loss of the flowers 
is the consequence. Should success attend the growing 
and blooming of the greater part of those placed in 
water-glasses, the bulbs will be good for nothing after- 
wards; but those grown in pots might be planted the 
year following in the garden, and they would make pretty 
border flowers for several years. 
Similar treatment to that now described is required for 
the large-rooted Narcissus, whether in pots or glasses. 
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