( 142) 
florins were given for a single root; and Mr. Dutens men- 
tions, that, in his travels in that country, 177), he saw ten 
thousaud florins (% 4,000) refused for a single Bulb. So ex- 
tensive has their cultivation, however, now become, that many 
acres are occupied by individuals solely for that purpose, und 
many hundred thousand roots are annually exported to other. 
countries; and the prices have been so reduced, that no Hya- 
cinths are now sold at more than one hundred fiorins each, 
and few higher than from two to five guineas, and by far the 
ereater number at much less rates. Single Hyacinths are 
held in less estimation than doubie ones ; their colours, how- 
ever, are more vivid, and their bells, ‘though smaller, are. 
Tore numerous; they are preferabie for fowering in winter 
to most of the double ones, as they bloom two or three weeks 
earlier. 
It has been supposed by many that Hyacinths, Tulips, and 
other Bulbous Flowers, are difficult of culture, and that our 
country Being unfavourable to their growth, they would dwin- 
dle and decline after a few years’ cultivation. This is alto- 
gether a mistaken impression; and, ifit ever occurs, must be, 
Owing to improper ‘treatment, as no country in the world 
possesses a climate more congenial to the culture of Bulbous 
Flowers than the middle states; for the disadvantages of great 
fogs and a humid atmosphere, which are so much complained 
of by the Dutch as appertaining to their climate, do not at all 
€Xist in our’s. “She great ascendency which Holland has 
ever heid in the culture of Bulbous Flowers, is the result of » 
its soil, which is of peculiar formation, being a combination 
of marine sand made fresh by cultivation and bog mould; 
the proper means, therefore, to succeed equally in their cul- 
ture, is to form a soil as near as possible of the same com- 
ponent parts, which is by no means a difficult task. And, in 
fact, after all that has been said and written on the particular 
cultivation of Bulbous Roots, we often see the finest flowers 
in gardens where little or no attention is paid to them; and, 
perhaps, there is no class of plants which affords us so many 
deliehts, and so richly repays us for each little care bestowed 
on them. 
It is intended to add annually to the collection of Buibous 
Flowers, by importations from the most celebrated gardens in 
Holland; and, indeed, since the previous part of this Cata- 
logue was put to press, above 8,000 roots have been receiv- 
ed; among which are several Lantiaee varieties not included 
in this Catai: ogue, some of which cost from ten to twenty 
guilders each. It may be well to remark, Wie the Bulbs 
v1 
