30 



THE ELOWEE GAKDEN. 



come earlier into bloom. Therefore, to produce a good 

 effect, the knots should consist of all single or all double 

 flowers, that the members of the group may bloom simul- 

 taneously. Even in beds, it is strongly advisable to keep 

 the double and single flowers separate. For a general 

 collection, it is better to have two beds than one ; other- 

 wise, some specimens will be beginning to fade before 

 others have attained their beauty. 



It is usual to begin hyacinth-growing by the purchase 

 of imported Dutch bulbs in September. After a collec- 

 tion is formed, it will be found necessary to draft in 

 annual reinforcements from abroad, because certain 

 varieties and colours multiply much more rapidly by off- 

 sets than others ; so that, in a year or two, the amateur 

 will find himself over-stocked with one kind, while others 

 run short. The former he may give away, or turn out 

 into the open border ; for the latter he had better apply, 

 and that in good time, to the nurserymen who import. 

 Respectable dealers may be depended on to furnish a 

 good article of genuine Dutch origin. 



The soil for hyacinths is a compost, prepared before- 

 hand, consisting of light loam, leaf-mould, river-sand, and 

 well-rotted dung, in about equal proportions. It does 

 no harm if the sand rather predominates. Put two or 

 three crocks at the bottom of the pot, fill it neatly full 

 with the soil which has already been well incorporated ; 

 give the pot two or three gentle taps on the ground to 

 settle its contents, place the bulb in the middle, press it 

 down a little with the fingers, and then add just so much 

 compost, that one third of the bulb shall remain un- 

 covered. Not only do the hyacinths do better in pots 

 when the upper part of the bulb is thus left exposed, 

 but the basis and origin of the flower left visible becomes 

 itself an ornament, having its own distinctive complexion 

 and features visible to the observant eye. It is said that 

 one of the great Dutch growers could recognise two 

 thousand varieties of hyacinth by the bulb. After potting, 

 give a good watering, and let them stand under some shed 

 or other sheltered place for three or four days. Small 



