Hyacinths dififer in habit very much, some varieties throwing up a strong flower stalk, 
-with a bold and rather loose truss, while others have but a short stem with a compact, almost 
globular truss. The stronger growing kinds generally have larger 
bells, while those of a more dwarf habit present small bells in 
immense numbers. The low growing kinds often throw up two or 
more flower stems. The bright red colors are all low, with a com- 
pact truss, and disposed to throw up several flower stalks. Our artist 
has attempted to show the difference of habit, and while not with 
very flattering success, sufficient, perhaps, for our present purpose. 
ROMAN HYACINTH. DOUBLE TALL. LOW. SINGLE TALL. 
The Hyacinth is a native of the East, abounding in parts of Turkey and Syria. It has been, 
however, cultivated for nearly two hundred years in England, For a long time, blue and pink 
were the only colors, and the rich, deep red and the yellow are of somewhat recent introduction. 
Of the latter color we have not much yet to boast, for we do not know of any clear, bright 
yellow Hyacinth. To the Hollanders 
M'e arc indebted for nearly all the im- 
provement made in this beautiful flow- 
er. The florists of Holland have almost 
entirely monopolized the culture of 
Hyacinths, and their skill is only equal- 
ed by their success ; though, doubtless, 
a remarkable soil and climate have 
much to do in securing to the good 
people of Holland the exclusive culture 
of this most popular of our winter 
flowers. 
Hyacinth growers like a single, 
clean stem, and it would not be ortho- 
dox to say that anything else is desirable, 
but " really and truly," some of the pret- 
tiest objects we have ever seen have 
been Hyacinths, which, against all rule 
and order, have thrown up four or five 
flower stems, forming a mass of bloom 
truly gorgeous. Our engraving shows 
one with nine spikes of flowers, grown 
by J. FiSHBACK, Esq., of Jacksonville, 
Illinois. May all our readers meet with hyacinth with nine flower stems. 
success in the culture of this beautiful flower. With care, there is no reason why one should 
fail. There will be occasional disappointments, as there are in all the business and pleasures of 
life; but no one should be satisfied with general failure, nor expect uninterrupted success. 
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