DREER'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF BULBS. 



THE ttYACMTtt, 



Amon- 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 held 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 must of the Double ones, as 

 thev bluom 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 ex- 

 posure 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 double bulbs in smaller pots 

 may be admitted — two bulbs in each is very effective, and generally preferred : the colors of such 

 may be regulated according to taste. In potting, use the soil as already described, each bulb 

 should remain one-thirl above the surface of the soil, and the base of each bulb should rest upon 

 a strata of clean river sand. After potting place them where intended to remain, upon a dry 

 surface of ashes or sharp gravel, in the rotation of their intended periods of bloom, (each latei 

 potting plunged beyond the previous ones,) and thus arranged, water the whole well to imbed 

 the bulbs firmly within the soil, allowing them to remain until the bulhs and surfaces are again 

 dry (Tor one or two days) : then cover the whole over to the depth of three or four inches with 

 half-dried tan, sawdust, sand or soil, for six or eight weeks, in which position the preparatory 

 root-growth is made, necessary to a vigorous development of their flowerscapes. After the period 

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

 brushed off, and removed to a gentle hot-bed. or a warm genial greenhouse or room where the 

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

 for a few days. A short difference of a week or fortnight between the periods of potting will 

 produce a corresponding difference in the periods or bloom. They are very effective when 

 massed in Fern Dishes, Window Boxes, or in pots ten inches in diameter and six inches deep, 

 either all of One color or assorted according to fancy. 



