878 THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. ['^pf 



tlicse are palnia-christi, tobacco ; zinnia, several species ; In- 

 dian corn, gourds, and some otbers. 



florists' flowers. RANUNCULUSES AND ANEMONIES. 



The more valuable varieties of ranunculuses and anemonies 

 will now be coming into bloom, and, if planted in beds, can 

 be readily protected from the cflects of cold cutting winds and 

 frosts, which would be liable to injure them materially, by 

 covering them with hoops and canvas. This covering should 

 also be permitted to remain on them during the hours of 

 strong sun-shine; whicli, if not prevented, would, after they 

 come into flower, tend in a short time to bring on decay in 

 the llovvers. But, if they be screened from all these occa- 

 sionally, it will not only preserve the beauty of their flowers, 

 b U will continue thcni longer in bloom. 



• HYACINTHS. 



Hyacinths in beds will now be coming into perfection ; the 

 flower-stalks should be neatly supported with small sticks, to 

 j)revent their heavy heads of flowers from being broken. They 

 will also require to be protected, as already directed for ranun- 

 culuses and anemonies. 



( RITFJIION OF A FINE DOL liLE HYACINTH. 



Florists, by common consent, have established amongst 

 themselves certain pro{)erties of which particular flowers should 

 be possessed, with the view of rendering them select. The 

 properties of a fine double hyacinth should, according to their 

 criticism, Imve the stem tall, strong, and erect, supporting a 

 number of large bells or distinct corollas^ each bell supported 

 by a short and strong foot-stalk, standing in a horizontal po- 

 sition, so that the whole may have a compact pyramidal form 

 with the crown or uppermost flower, and be perfectly erect. 

 Each separate flower should l)e large, and completely double ; 

 that is, well filled with broad bold j)etals, appearing to the 

 eye rather convex than flat or hollow. The flowers should 



