66 



THE SCHOOL GARDEN BOOK 



GROWING HYACINTHS IN-DOORS 



The single hyacinths are perhaps the most generally at- 

 tractive of the spring flowering bulbs which may be forced 

 into blossom in-doors during the winter months. The 

 flowers are borne in beautiful masses of delightful colors and 

 have a perfume which appeals to nearly 

 every one. They are ideal plants to grow 

 in water, and for many years they have 

 been very popular for this purpose. 



The water culture of the hyacinth is 

 a very simple process, although some 

 experience is generally necessary be- 

 fore one secures uniformly successful 

 results. The process of growing con- 

 sists simply of placing a good-sized 

 bulb in some vessel holding water in 

 such a position that the bottom of the 

 bulb is in contact with the water. The 

 vessel and the bulb are put away in a 

 cool, dark closet or basement room for 

 six or eight weeks, in order that the 

 roots may develop in the water. Alore 

 water is to be added as that present 

 evaporates. At the end of this period 

 the bulbs are to be brought into a 

 moderately cool, well-lighted room, where the leaves and 

 flower-stalks will start their growth. 



There ha\-e long been upon the market various forms of 

 hyacinth glasses especially made for forcing these bulbs. 

 The best shape of these glasses is shown in the accompany- 



Hyacin'th Growing in Water in 

 a Tall Hyacinth Glass. 



