HYACINTHS. 



T 



HIS deservedly popular bulbous plant 

 is without doubt the most beautiful 

 and useful of all Spring-blooming bulbs. 

 Its delightful fragrance and the numerous 

 tints of its beautiful trusses of bell-shaped 

 flowers render it invaluable lo all lovers of 

 flowers, and affords pleasure and delight to 

 millions of the human race. It is of the 

 easiest culture, and with any reasonable care 

 no one can fail to meet with success in its 

 cultivation. It is, however, highly import- 

 ant to secure the bulbs and have them 

 planted as early as possible, while they are 

 yet fresh and vigorous. 



Pot Culture.— A four-inch pot is the 

 best size for the successful growth of the 

 bulb. It delights in a light, rich sandy soil; 

 when placed in the pot the upper surface of 

 the bulb should show above the soil. After 

 potting, water thoroughly and place them in 

 a dark, cool place in the cellar, or out of 

 doors well covered up with ashes, sand or 

 such like material, there to remain until well 

 rooted, when they should be taken in, a few 

 at a time, to keep up a succession of bloom, 

 and set in a wann and light place in the 

 house or greenhouse, to bring them into flower. When in active growth they should 

 have an abundance of water. Support the flower stems with light stakes if it becomes neces- 

 sary to keep them erect. 



Glass Culture. — Hyacinths are very pretty and very interesting when grown in glasses. 

 Their management thus is simple and as follows: Fill the glass with clean rain-water, so 

 that the base of the bulb when set in the receptacle for it on top of the glass will just 

 touch the water. Set away in a cool, dark place until well rooted. A succession may be 

 kept up in the manner recommended in pot-culture. Change the water frequently, washing 

 out the roots, if necessary, to cleanse them of any foreign substance. A piece of charcoal in 

 the glass will serve to keep the water sweet, and also afford nourishment to the plant. 



Out-door Culture.— Plant in October or early in November, in soil deeply cultivated 

 and rich. Set the bulbs about six inches apart and four inches deep, and, when convenient, 

 placing a handful of sand around each to prevent rot. Cover the surface of the bed with 

 light, short manure, as a protection to the bulbs during the severe months of winter. Re. 

 move this covering as soon as the severe frost is gone in spring. After flowering, and when 

 the foliage is well matured, the bulbs may be removed from the soil and kept dry until the 

 following fall ; or, if the bed is wanted for summer flowering plants before the foliage is 

 ripened, the bulbs may be carefully removed and again covered with soil in any out-of-the- 

 way corner of the garden until they have matured their foliage. 



Some cultivators allow their bulbs to remain in the beds for several years undisturbed, 

 and with excellent success. 



