DKEER'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF BULBS. 



Tlie H3rstcin.tli. 



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 a parlor or drawing-room during the winter months'. 



TYE S GLASS. 



HYACINTHS IN FERN DISH 



TRIPLET GLASS. 



METHOD OF BLOOMING HYACINTHS IN THE WINTER SEASON IN GLASSES. 



For this purpose, single Hyacinths and such as are designated early among the Double, 

 are to be preferred. Single Hyacinths are generally held in less estimation than Double 

 ones; their colors, however, are more vivid, and their bells, though smaller, are more nu- 

 merous; some of the sorts are exquisitely beautiful; they are preferable for flowering in win- 

 ter to most of the Double ones, as they bloom two or three weeks earlier and are very sweet 

 scented. 



Hyacinths intended for glasses should be placed in them during October and November, 

 the glasses being previously filled with pure water, so that the bottom of the bulb may just 

 touch the water ; then place 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 sufficient 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 exposure to light and 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 off 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. 



Avoid a low water mark in the glasses by keeping it to a level with the base of each bulb. 

 Never 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 sulphate 

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



THE TREATMENT OF HYACINTHS IN POTS. 



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

 is September, and, for a succession, at intervals up to January. The size of pots is regulated 

 by the space or convenience for placing them ; when limited, and a rich massive effect is 

 wished for, those of six or eight inches in diameter are recommended, in which three or 

 four bulbs may be placed, but where more convenience is had, a succession of single or dou- 

 ble bulbs in smaller pots may be admitted— two bulbs in each are very effective, and generally 



