DREER'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF BULBS. 



rnt 'HyAomTH> 



Among hardy bulbs the Hyacinth stands (deservedly so) foremost on the list; it is not only 

 a general favorite for the garden, but has become exceedingly popular as a winter flower, from 

 the facility with which it may be forced into bloom, either in pots or glasses filled with water. 

 Nothing can be more delightful, either for beauty or fragrance, than a stand of these lovely 

 flowers, in the parlor or drawing-room, during the winter months. 



METHOD OF BLOOMING HYACINTHS IN THE WINTER SEASON IN GLASSES. 



For this purpose. Single Hyacinths and such as are designated 

 earliest among the Double, are to be preferred. Single Hyacinths 

 are generally h^ld in less estimation than Double ones : their colors, 

 however, are more vivid, and their bells, though smaller, are more 

 numerous: some of the sorts are exquisitely beautiful: they are 

 preferable for flowering in winter to most of the Double ones, as 

 they bloom two or three weeks earlier and are very sweet scented. 



Hyacinth? intended for glasses should be jilaced in them during 

 October and November, the glasses being previously filled with pure 

 wafer, so that the bottom of the bulb may just touch the water; 

 then j.l:ice them for the first three or four weeks in a dark closet, 

 box or cellar, to promote the shooting of the fibres, which should 

 fill the glasses before exposing them to the sun, after which expose 

 them to the light and sun gradually. If kept too light and warm 

 at first, and before there is suflBcient fibre, they will rarely flower 

 well. They will bloom without any sun, but the colors of the 

 flowers will be inferior. To insure vigorous growth a favorable ex- 

 posure to light nnd occasional fresh air, when mild, are essential. 

 The water should be changed as it becomes impure; draw the roots 

 entirely out of the glasses, rinse ofi" the fibres in clean water, and 

 wash the inside of the glass well. Care should be taken that the 

 water does not freeze, as it would not only burst the glass, but 

 cause the fibres to decay. Whether the water is hard or soft, is not 

 a matter of much consequence— soft is preferable— but must be 

 perfectly clear to show the fibres to advantage. 



Avoi 1 a low water mark in the glasses by keeping it to a level 

 with the base of each bulb. Xever place the glasses upon a mantel- ^^ 

 piece or shelf within the influence of fire heat during the process of ~ 

 growth. To stimulate and strengthen the growth, dissolve a pinch of 

 occasionally in the water after the bulbs are exposed to light. 



■ulphate of ammonia 



THE TREATMENT OF HYACINTHS IN POTS. 



For the growth of Hyacinths in pots, the most favorable planting season for enrlv bloom is 

 iseptember, and for a succession, at intervals up to .Januarv. The size of pots is re-ulated bv the 

 space or convenience for placing them; when limited, and a rich massive efl-ect'is wished for 

 those of SIX or eight inches in diameter are recommended, in which three or four bulb?" mav be 

 placed, but where more convenience is had. a succession of single or double bulbs in smaller pots 



5uch 

 bulb 



surface of ashes or sharp gravel, in the rotation of their intended periods of bloom, feach latel 

 potting plunged beyond the previous ones.) and thus arranged, witer the whole well to iinbei 

 the bulbs firmly withm the soil, allowing them to remain until the bulbs and surfaces are a"ain 

 dry (for one or two days) : then cover the whole over to the depth of three or four inchest] S 

 half-dned tan, sawdust, sand or soil, for six or eight weeks, in which position the pre ai^aTo v 

 root-growth is made, necessary to a vigorous development of their flowe^scapes. After th. period 

 adverted to, less or more, the first potted bulbs may be taken up, the soil and sediment carefully 



bW l-n ' ""^ '""'7^ '' " f "^^' Y-""'"^^ '' ^ "^^- g^"-' greenhouse or room wh r th^ 

 bloom^will progressively expand, care being taken to screen the leaf-growth made in darknees 



for a few davs 



produce 



massed 



• " ^ -r ' -"— — ■"o ^c»ri,-i. lu ;i,iccii lue leai-growin made in darkness 



T aays. A short difference of a week or fortnight between the periods of i.ottincr will 



a corresnonding difference in the periods of bloom. They a?e erj eKve fv^e" 



in Fern Irishes, ^\ indow Boxes, or in pots ten inches in diameter and siffn. il! I.!" 



either all of one color or assorted according to fancy. 



diameter and six inches deep, 



