tHyadcinths. 
TREATMENT OF THE HYACINTH. 
HERE are few bulbs so well adapted to pot culture as the Hyacinth, and 
none that require less care, or give more satisfaction in their management. 
j They will grow in almost any light, sandy soil, but where the highest 
cultivation is aimed at, they should be planted in a mixture composed of 
one-half decomposed turfy loam, with the remainder equal parts of well- 
rotted manure and leaf mould, well incorporated together. The pots used 
should be about six inches in diameter for single bulbs; where a massive 
effect is desired, two, three, or five bulbs, in pots of proportionate size, pro- 
duce a fine display. In potting, filli.1 the soil rather loosely to the rim, press 
down the bulb so that about one-third of it remain; above the surface of the™ 
soil: the pot should then be struck smartly on a bench, so as to give the soil 
the proper degree of firmness, which will bring it down to an inch or so 
below the rim of the pot; water freely to still further settle the soil. The 
pots should now be placed in some situation where if is cool and dark, so as 
to encourage a strong development of roots before the bulb starts at the top; 
such a situation may be formed by covering the pots with four or five inches 
of sand in a cool cellar, nader the stage of a greenhouse, or in a cold vinery, 
still enveloping them in soil or sand. If none of these conveniences are at 
hand, the pots may be placed in a trench, in the open ground, covered over 
with soil, and sufiicient litter placed above that to keep out the frost, so that 
they can be got at when wanted. Hyacinths thus treated will have made 
sufficient roots in from eight to ten weeks to admit of their being brought to 
the light. As they begin to grow, water should be freely given, so that the 
earth may be moistened to the bottom of the pot, for if stinted in water 
while growing, the flowers will be smaller and less brilliant in color. The 
difference of a week or fortnight between the periods of potting will produce 
a corresponding difference in the periods of bloom. 
TO GROW @ GLASSES. 
Dark colored glasses are the best, the roots being impatient of light. The 
bulbs should be so placed that only the base of each touches the water; the 
glasses should then be removed to a cool, dark place until the roots have 
reached the bottom, when they may be exposed to the light. The water 
should be changed once in three or four weeks. Care should also be taken 
that they are not exposed to the frost, or the glasses may be broken, and the 
roots of the Hyac‘nth to some extent injured. As a general rule, single 
Hyacinths succeed better in glasses than double ones. 
TO GROW IN BEDS AND BORDERS. 
Hyacinths may be pianted in the open ground at any time from Septem- 
ber to December. To have them in the highest degree of perfection, it is 
necessary that the soil be well manured. Plant the bulbs from three to four 
inches G.*p, and from eight to ten inches apart. They will be benefitted by 
a covering of two or three inches of decayed leaves or straw, to prevent the 
action of severe-frosts; this should be removed as the plants begin to grow. 
TO GROW IN MOSS, SAND, &., &. 
The Hyacinth is capable of being grown in a greater variety of ways than 
almost any other flower. It will grow freely in almost any medium capable 
of retaining moisture, and will generally produce as fine spikes of bloom 
when grown in sand, moss, or water, as when planted in the richest compost. 
Porcelain, terra-cotta, stone or china vases, glass bowls or dishes, in fact any- 
thing that will contain moisture may be used to advantage, and with gratify- 
ing results. Fill the vessel with moss or sand, upon which arrange*the bulbs 
in any form that taste may suggest. Crocuses, Snowdrops, Jonquils, and 
Scillas, may be grown in the same manner, and are frequently used to fill up 
the spaces and as margins to large vessels filled with Hyacinths. Care must 
be taken to keep the sand or moss constantly moist. Keep in a cool, dark 
place, for about a fortnight, until the roots get well started, before exposing 
to the light. 
