GARDEN HYACINTH. 87 



fast verging to decay, will put forth their flowers 

 as the last effort of life : even the pine-apple 

 plant shows the same phenomenon. 



It is well, therefore, to defend from severe 

 frost; though, during the months of January, 

 February, and March, as much free air must be 

 admitted as the state of the v/eather will permit. 



In ordinary seasons, it will be towards the 

 1st of April that the flowers will begin to shew 

 colour. The awning should now be erected, to 

 guard against the effects of too much sun. It is 

 needless to reiterate how much shading enhances 

 the pleasure and continues the beauty of a hya- 

 cinth-bed. It gives time to examine and admire 

 their distinguishing characters, and inspect their 

 respective excellencies. It is desirable the col- 

 lection should come into flower together; and, to 

 accomplish this, the accurate florist takes care to 

 plant the early blowers a little deeper than the 

 late ones. 



The next attention w^hich the flowers require 

 is to be prepared with propping-sticks and ties. 

 The former should be made of oak or deal, three- 



