D. M. FERRY & CO., DETROIT, MICH. 



HYACINTIIS 



The Hyacinth is so well and favorably known that 

 any description of it or anv statement of its merits 

 would be superfluous. Through centuries of careful 

 cultivation and selection it has been brought to a 

 state of perfection which will scarcely be improved 

 in anv o-reat degree. It succeeds well in the house and garden, adorning both with the 

 ' adS ?olors and dehcious fragrance of its showy flowers. Its culture is very simple, 

 and if attention is paid to the following directions failure is almost impossible. 



Pot Culture in the House.— Plant from September 

 to December in rich, sandy loam, in four or five inch 

 pots, inserting the bulb so that its top is about level 

 with the surface. Do not pack the soil m the pots, as 

 the bulbs will be much less liable to push out when the 

 root growth commences if the soil 

 is loose. AVater thoroughly and 

 set the pots away in a cool, dark 

 place for several weeks. This 

 will allow the roots to grow and 

 become firmly fixed in the soil, 

 when the plants can be brought 

 into the light, and will at once 

 commence the top growth. By 

 bringing the pots into the light at 

 different times, something of a 

 succession of bloom may be had. 

 During their growth they should 

 be kept near the light and at a 

 temperature of 50 to 70 degrees, 

 and watered frequently. 



Out=Door Culture in Beds or 

 Borders. — The bulbs may be 

 planted almost any time from 

 October until the ground is frozen 

 solid, but it is advisable to pur- 

 chase early, before our stocks are 

 depleted. ' They succeed in any 

 good, well drained garden soil. 

 Dig deep, and mix in a little thor- 

 oughly decomposed manure if it 

 is at hand. Set the bulbs so that 

 the tops will be between two and 

 three inches below the surface, 

 and six to ten inches apart with a 

 little sand under and about them 

 if it is convenient, being careful 

 that none of the manure comes in 

 direct contact with the bulbs. '^'' ' '' SINGLE HYACINTHS. 



Before very severe weather comes on, it is necessary to cover the beds with straw, 

 leaves or manure, Lo protect them from the severe cold during winter, but care should 

 be taken that this covering is not too thick and dense, as the bulbs are as likely to be 

 injured by being kept too warm as by freezing. The covering may be removed in 

 March, and the result will be certain. 



In ordhiary seasons the bulbs will flower from the middle of April onward. The 

 flowers may be cut freely as wanted without injury to the bulbs, AYhen the flowers 

 fade the flower stalk should be removed to strengthen the bulbs, and when the leaves 

 have faded, the bulbs should be lifted and allowed to remain a week or two in open 

 boxes until perfectly dry; then after removing the old leaves and stems they will be 

 ready to pack away in a cool, dry place for autumn use. 



QlaSS Culture — To grow in glasses, select a dark colored glass, fill with water until the base of the bulb 

 rests on the water, and set away in the dark as directed for pot culture. Fill up the glass with water as fast as it 

 evaporates. If the water becomes impure it should be changed and the roots well cleansed before putting in 

 again. A small piece of charcoal put in the glass will keep the water pure much longer. After the roots have 

 attained a good growth, the glass can be brought into the light and placed in a cool room near a window. Give 

 them as much fresh air as po.ssible without a direct draught, plenty of light, and keep the glasses sufficiently full 

 of water. Do not keep them in a close, warm room, nor about a fireplace. If removed out of the direct rays of 

 the sun when in bloom, the flowers will last longer. 



All single Hyacinths succeed well in glasses, and when forced. The double ones marked (*) are also desirable for forcing. 



