Dreer's Putumn Bulb Iiist. 



• The • Hy&einth • 



' I » ' ilONG hardy bulbs the Hyacinth deservedly stands foremost on the list ; it is not onlv a 

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



■M- %. from the facility with which it may be forced into bloom, either in pots or glasses. 



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 mouths. 



HYACINTHS IN POTS. 



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

 size of the pots may be regulated by the purpose lor which the plants are required, as the quantity 

 of soil is of less importance than richness and an abundance of moisture. When intended for 



decorative purposes, they may be grown in small pots, as they can then 

 be conveniently arranged in baskets or stands. 'When wanted for 

 window decoration, 6 to 8-inch pots may be used, and two or three 

 bulbs grown in 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 remain 

 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 be 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 in 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 ma}' 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 earner and are less 

 liable to failure. 



The bulbs should be placed in glasses during 

 September, October and November ; fill with pure 

 water, so that the base of the bulb mayjust 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 ligh* 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. 



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 or shelf within the 

 influence of fire-heat during the process of growth. To stimulate and strengthen the growth, dis- 

 solve a pinch of sulphate of ammonia occasionally in the water after the bulbs are exposed to light. 



When Hvacinths and other bulbs are in bloom" it is a good plan to place them in a cold room, frecof 

 frost, where they flower for a considerable length of time. 



HYACINTHS IN THE OPEN GROUND. 



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

 ber, October 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 freezing 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. 



