A 



The Hyacinth. 



Mi i\(. hardy bulbs the Hyacinth deservedly stands foremost ; it is not only a general favorite for the 

 garden, but is exceedingly popular as a winter flower, from the facility with which it may be forced 

 into bloom, either in pots or glasses. 



HYACINTHS IN POTS. 



pots 

 imp 



Hyacinths for pot culture can be planted from September to the middle of December. The size of the 

 may be regulated by the purpose for which the plants are required, as the quantity of soil is of less 



irtance than richness and an abundance of moisture. When wanted for window decoration, 6 to 8-inch 

 pots may be used, and two or three bulbs grown iu each pot ; by using different 

 colors a very pretty effect can be produced. 



The best soil is a friable sandy loam, mixed with well-rotted cow manure. One- 

 third of each bulb should remain above the surface, and the base of the bulb rest 

 on clean sand ; after potting, water well, and plunge in 

 tan bark, saw-dust, sand or soil, allowing them to re- 

 main outside till danger of frost appears. This is the 

 critical point in growing the Hyacinth, for if the bulbs 

 do not make good roots before the bud starts, the flowers 

 will he defective and poor. When the roots have made 

 a good growth the bulbs may be brought into the house 

 or cool green-house and shaded from the direct rays of 

 the sun until they become hardened. When wanted iu 

 bloom during the holidays, they should be potted early 

 in September ; to keep up a succession, plant every two 

 weeks. For forcing in pots, either single or double 

 •varieties may be used. 



HYACINTHS 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 higher estimation 

 than Double ones ; their colors 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, as they 

 bloom two or three weeks earlier and are less liable to i 

 failure. 



The bulbs should be placed in glasses during September, October and November ; fill with pure water, 

 so that the base of the bulb may just touch ; then place them in a dark closet, box or cellar, at a temperature 

 of 45° to 50°. When the glasses are well filled with roots, and the flower stem well out of the bulb, gradually 

 expose to the light and sun at a higher temperature. 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, 

 is 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, but soft is preferable. It must be perfectly clear, to show the 

 fibres to advantage/ 



HYACINTHS IN THE OPEN GROUND. 



They require a light, rich soil, and it may be nec- 

 essary to provide this to the depth of a foot or more 

 by removing the natural soil and substituting a 

 proper compost. 



One of the most suitable composts is composed of 

 equal parts of sandy loam, well decayed cow manure 

 and sand. Plant the bulbs at any time from the 

 middle of September to the end of November, Octo- 

 ber being the most preferable. The crown of the 

 bulbs should be 3 to 5 inches below the surface. 

 After the ground is frozen, cover to the depth of 3 

 inches with straw, leaves, long manure or any other 

 material to prevent constant freeziug and thawing. 

 This covering should be removed early in spring to 

 prevent drawing the flower stems. 



The bulbs should be planted 6 inches apart. 

 Where large quantities for brilliant effects are 

 wanted, the cheaper grades or Garden Hyacinths 

 will answer all requirements. 



