Hints on the Cultivation 



HYACINTHS. 



(r)THIS deservedly popular bulbous plant 

 ♦ I is witbout doubt tbe most beautiful 

 and useful of all spring-blooming bulbs. 

 Its deligbtful fragrance and tbe numerous 

 tints of its beautiful trusses of bell-sbaped 

 flowers render it invaluable to all lovers of 

 flowers, and affords pleasure and deligbt to 

 millions of the buman race. It is of tbe 

 easiest culture, and witb any reasonable care 

 no one can fail to meet witb success in its 

 cultivation. It is, bowever, bighly important 

 to secure the bulbs and bave them planted as 

 early as possible, while they are yet fresh and 

 vigorous. 



Pot Cuxtube in the Window or Green- 

 house.— A four-inch pot is the best size for 

 the successful growth of the bulb. It de- 

 lights 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 ma- 

 terial, 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 warm 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 necessary 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 tbe glass will just touch the water. Set away in a 

 cool, dark place until well rooted. A sticcession 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 Cuxtuke.— Plant in October or early in November, in soil deeply cultivated and rich_ 

 Set the bulbs about six inchesapart and about 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 pro- 

 tection to the bulbs during the severe months of winter. Remove 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 summf 

 flowering plants before the foliage is ripened, the bulbs may be carefully removed and again cove' 

 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, anr 

 excellent success. 



