G 
F. E. McAL[JSTEK'S BULB CATALOGUE. 
A four inch pot is amply sufficient for a single bulb, and three will grow nicely in a six inch pot, and if 
one bulb each of Red, White and Blue are used, the effect is very pleasing. But pots are by no means nec- 
essary. Old fruit cans (pint size), do as well — in fact better than porous pots — as evaporation is not so rapid, the 
temperature of the soil is more even, and the roots are not so liable to injury from getting dry — a condition that 
always proves fatal to good flowers, a common cause of failure. 
The Hyacinth is one of the few plants that will perfect its flowers without sunshine. While a little is 
preferable, they will thrive well in rooms where the sun's rays rarely enter, which makes them in many cases 
particularly desirable. 
HYACINTHS IN GLASSES. 
To grow the Hyacinth successfully in water demands no horticultural skill. It only requires the application 
of certain well-known principles. Like all other bulbs the Hyacinth should have its roots formed before top- 
growth commences. As darkness retards top-growth, but does not delay the production of roots, it is usual to 
place the glasses in a cool cellar or dark closet and there can be no better place in which to start the bulbs. 
Still, it must be admitted, that darkness is not essential for the development of roots. But darkness and coolness 
alike tend to delay the growth of foliage until the roots are formed, upon which, in a large measure, success 
depends. 
The water should always be pure and clean; rain water is greatly to be preferred, as it contains more 
elements of plant life than spring water. A rather low temperature and free access of pure air should be regarded 
as necessary conditions of health in all conditions of growth. Hence, it will be obvious that a mantel-piece, with 
its fluctuations of heat and cold, is a most unsuitable position for the glasses ; this is equally true in regard 
to placing the glasses on window-sashes, where they receive cold draughts of air and glaring sunshine. We have 
seen the water in the glasses get so hot that it destroyed all the tissues of the bulbs — virtually cooking them — 
causing failure. In fact, failure more frequently arises from this cause than from all others. 
It is well to place the glasses where they will get all the light possible without coming in contact with the 
sun. We would like to remark that the Hyacinth is a friend of the most humble, and will succeed in a tumbler 
or fruit can as well as in the most expensive vase or glass. 
It is often asked, should the water in the glasses be changed? To which query we say no — if the fore- 
named conditions are observed — but the water should at no time be above the base of the bulb, better to be half 
an inch below than to be over the bulb at all ; this draws from the bulb the elements that cause the water 
to become impure. 
ROMAN HYACINTHS. 
» 
Make splendid plants for the Window Garden, grown in whatever device may be the most desirable. But for 
general cultivation as house plants, pot culture is the most satisfactory. They should be treated in all respects 
like the other classes, only that they come into flower much earlier, and should, for first flowers, be brought in by 
the 15th of November; by so doing they will give their flower in perfection by Christmas. 
The great beauty of this class of Hyacinths is"their profusion of flowers, each bulb giving from three to six 
spikes, according to the size and strength of bulb. The flowers are smaller than those of the Dutch Hyacinths, 
but more graceful. The principal color is white, but there are pink and purple forms. The bulbs being small' 
three can be put in a five inch pot, or quart fruit can ; and if the colored varieties are wanted, one of each, Red, 
White and Blue, give a pleasing effect, and continue a long time in flower. 
