242 BRECK’S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 
sorts are equally desirable, as what is deficient in the size 
of the bells, is made up in the greater number of them ; 
some of the single sorts are the richest in color. 
The stem of a fine double Hyacinth should be strong, 
tall, and erect, supporting numerous large bells, each sus- 
pended by ashort and strong pedicel, or foot-stalk, in a 
horizontal position, so that the whole may have a compact 
pyramidal form, with the crowning, or uppermost bell, 
perfectly erect. 
The bells should be large and very double; that is, well 
filled with broad petals, appearing to the eye rather con- 
vex, than flat or hollow; they should occupy about one- 
half the length of the stem. 
.The colors should be clear and bright, whether plain 
red, white, or blue, or variously intermixed, or diversified 
in the eye; the latter, when it occurs, gives additional 
lustre and elegance to this beautiful flower. 
Strong bright colors are, in general, preferred to such as 
are pale; there are, however, many rose-colored, pure 
white, and light blue Hyacinths, in high estimation. Hy- 
acinths begin to flower the last of April in this climate, 
and, if shaded by an awning from hot suns, may be kept 
in perfection the greater part of a month. They never 
require watering at any season. Keep them free from 
weeds, and as the stems advance in height, they should be 
supported by having small sticks, or wires, painted green, 
stuck into the ground back of the bulb, to which they 
should be neatly tied; otherwise, they are liable to fall 
down by the weight of the bells, and, as the stem is very 
brittle, it is sometimes broken off when exposed to 
storms. 
The most suitable time to plant Hyacinths is in October 
and November. The finer sorts will appear to the best 
advantage in beds, while the more common varieties may 
be distributed about the borders where most convenient. 
