HYACINTH CULTURE AT HAARLEM 125 



1 . The Single Hyacinth — the corolla divided into six segments. 



2. Semi -Double — only slightly double, with a few petals 



irregularly disposed behind the single. 



3. Double — the outer petals lined with an equal number of 



other petals in regular order. 



4. Full Hyacinth — which has a heart as full of petals as it 



can hold. 



These four classes furnish a great number of varieties. 

 We cannot define further without going into their distin- 

 guishing features and numerous subdivisions. 



The Full Hyacinth possesses the greater number and 

 best varieties. It is important a hyacinth should belong to 

 the best (one of full) varieties — but this is not sufficient to 

 constitute a good flower. The petals should grow in very 

 regular order— especially those within the heart of the 

 flower, and the petals should as well be^ curved back very 

 evenly at their tip. They should also be of a beautiful 

 clear and decided colour, and this is a great charm in a 

 hyacinth. As well as being as perfect and decided as 

 possible, the colour of the inner should harmonise agreeably 

 with the colour of the outer petals. 



In this respect there is nothing to be found to surpass the 

 Gloria Florum Suprema 1 — the blossoms being perfectly dis- 

 posed the full length of the stem, which rises tall and very 

 straight, but is, unfortunately a little too thin to support 

 the weight of the flowers. The petals are very pure white, 

 and their tips fold back with the greatest regularity, forming 

 a perfectly symmetrical bud (or button). Colours such as 

 blue and black, red and white are satisfactory combinations. 

 White hyacinths, as a rule, are the most delicately shaded, 

 but each variety has a beauty entirely its own. 



Of every colour there are kinds which obtain high prices, 

 but the beauty or merit of a flower is not exactly determined 

 1 No longer in existence. 



