HYACINTHS. 



For POT CULTURE, five inch pots will be required— one bulb in each. SINGLE 

 HYACINTHS are the best for early pot culture, the double varieties being rather averse 

 to too much hurrying or "forcing," as the florists say; they will come crippled with 

 much heat. 



Twelve good Single Hyacinths are: 



SINGLE EED, Amy, Norma, Eobert Steiger, Sultan's Favorite, Mad Hodson. 



SINGLE WHITE, Maid of Orleans, Mad. Van der Hoop, Cleopatra, Alba 

 Superbissinia. 



SINGLE BLUE, Uncle Tom, dark;Pineman, light; for Yellow, Ida is the finest of all. 



Six good doubles varieties for late are: 



DOUBLE RED, Bouquet Tendre, Bouquet Royal. 



DOUBLE WHITE, Miss Kilty, La Tour d'Auvergne. 



DOUBLE BLUE, Bloksberg, Othello. 



Neither must be forgotten a few ROMAN HYACINTHS. Of these there are White, 

 Rose, Lavender Blue and Canary Yellow. These do not require such large pots. When 

 grown singly, pots of three inches in diameter are large enough; but where it is desiia- 

 ble, four bulbs can be grown in a five-inch pot. These form lovely objects, and are 

 among the earliest to bloom —it is quite possible to have them in perfection by Christmas. 



HYACINTHS IN GLASSES ought to be more extensively grown. They are easily 

 managed and require but little attention. There are various patterns of glasses, but the 

 style -known as Tye's are the best. To be successful, bulbs should be placed in glasses 

 not later than the end of October, choosing single varieties only, and using clear water. 

 Drop in one or two pieces of charcoal as large as a hickory-nut. Allow the water to just 

 touch the plate or bottom of the bulb. Place the glasses in a dark, cool, dry cellar, 

 occasionally examining them, and when the water has evaporated, filling up as required. 

 They should remain until the roots have nearly reached the bottom of the glasses, when 

 they can be brought to the light. The lightest and most airy part of a room is the best 

 position for them. As the bulbs make growth, more evaporation will take place ; there- 

 fore, the water should be replenished at intervals. When the flower spikes begin to 

 show color, the glasses should be kept filled to the brim, as at the period of flowering 

 the bulbs absorb a great quantity of moisture. Good Hyacinths for glasses are: Of Reds, 

 Robt. Steiger, Sultan's Favorite, Mad. Hodson; White, Mad. Vander Hoop; Porcelain 

 Blue, Pineman, and " Ida," the best of all Yellow Hyacinths. 



TULIPS. 



f oUow Hyacinths very closely in popularity for house decoration. The same soil 

 and treatment as directed for Hyacinths will be found very suitable for their success, 

 except that single bulbs require only 2^ inch pots; three bulbs can be planted in a 

 I-inch pot, and six or more bulbs in a 6-inch pot. The single bulbs, in small pots, are 

 very desirable for making up combination of plants for table decoration. This same 

 remark applies to single bulbs of Crocus, which I will mention later. Tulips generally 

 are a little more impatient of being hurried than Hyacinths. This bear in mind; until 

 the growth starts somewhat, do not crowd them with too much heat. As in Hyacinths, 

 the single varieties are the earliest and best for the house. First to flower are the pretty 

 Due Van Thols, of several kinds, followed closely by Artus, Jagt Von Delft, Golden 

 Prince, the White and Yellow Pottebaker, La Reine Proserpine, Cardinal's Hat, Cottage 

 Maid, and others. The best double varieties are: Duke of York, Gloria Solis, Imperator 

 Rubrorum, Rose Blanch, and Red and Y^'ellow Tournesols. Next in order are the 



NARCISSUS. 



Of several species, requiring about the same treatment as Tulips and Hyacinths. 

 The bulbs of these vary in size, some being as large as Hyacinths — others no larger than 

 the smallest Tulips. Judgment is required in selecting the size of the pots. None can 

 be put more than one in a pot, except, perhaps, the kinds known as Polyanthus. Among 

 these are some of the earliest to flower. All are delicately scented, and those especially 

 that are easily forced are the Paper White, Roman, the Double and Single Jonquils, fol- 

 lowed by Incomparabilis, Von Sion, Poeticus, and the several varieties of the group 

 Polyanthus. 



