20 
BOTANICAL, INDEX. 
cayed,) and on the separated parts of the bottom of the bulb, between the shells, 
about twenty young ones are grown, [Fig. 89]. The small bulbs got in this way 
require four years before they are large enough to be sold or to be crossed again. 
The other way of cultivating is called, in Dutch, “ hollowing,” (or in our English 
conversation we should say, “ scooping out,”) which means, to make a hole. Probably 
the reader knows that a Hyacinth consists of several shells arranged like an onion. ' 
coming together at the bottom, and in the center of which is the flower. By the end 
of July, when the weather is fine and dry, this bottom is carefully cut out, so that 
nothing is left but the shells, [Fig. 88]. The bulbs being severally wounded, are I 
put in the draft or sunshine to dry. After two or three weeks, when the wound is I 
quite dry and hard, a great many small, white knobs may be seen near the dry part 
of the shells; and being planted in autumn of next year, all these knobs will become j 
very small young Hyacinths, [Fig. 90,] that do not bloom for two or three years, and 1 
take six, and sometimes even eight, years to grow to the ordinary size. By this way ■ 
of cultivating, one bulb produces from GO to 150 young ones. 
Next year the young ones are separated, when crossed, or picked off the old dry { 
shells in the other way of cultivating; planted quite free in autumn, and lifted again 
in June — so on for several years, which depends upon the sort growing fast or slow 
— until the bulb is old enough for the market, or to be used for cultivation. Re- 
applying these methods of cultivation every year, different stocks are obtained, which 
are treated according to their age. The Hyacinths, after being all lifted, are buried 
again in the earth in order to let the roots die off, and to enable the bulb to close 
itself, (ripen). After a fortnight they are taken out again, and dried for an hour or 
so in the sunshine; then sifted to get the sand away, and brought into the bulb house, 
where they are laid out on wooden tables in the draft — for the windows of a bulb 
house are only shut when the weather is damp. 
By the end of July or beginning of August, the bulbs are sent out; so everybody 
may comprehend that it is necessary to send in their orders for flower roots by the . 
beginning of July. New sorts of Hyacinths are got from seed, which takes a very 
long time, as the grain of seed wants eight, sometimes even ten, years to grow, until 
the bulb is large enough to produce a good flower; and then the grower possesses 
only a single bulb. So my readers can comprehend what a long time it requires, as j 
well as the great cost, to secure a stock of such novelties. 
I hope this simple description ol the cultivation of the Hyacinth may be accept- 
able to the readers of the Index, and if any one wants further information, I am 
always ready to give it. On the other hand, I request the favor to receive the address , 
of every dealer in America who takes an interest in bulbs, written on postal card, I 
to enable me to complete my list of addresses, and to send out my wholesale catalogue 
of Dutch bulbs and flower roots, which is published every spring. 
FLORICULTURAL WORK. 
BY I. U., MANCHESTER, ENGLAND. 
SPRING AGAIN, 
p to no one does this mean more than to the nurseryman, florist or garden- 
Cold, rigorous winter gone, the worker amongst plants and flowers takes 
Featli for a little while, after the strain upon his watching powers during 
the severe winter weather; but the pause is only temporary. We must again 
brace ourselves for many duties which need almost instant attention — work- 
ing early and late, taking advantage of the golden moments — for to neglect ' 
plain duties now, is fatal to our success or enjoyment afterwards. Conservatories, j 
greenhouses, and all glass structures that are to be used or are in use for plant-growing 
or decorative purposes, should be cleansed of all debris and frozen or useless stock, 
so as to give every advantage to plants intended for sale or exhibition. Propagation 
of the popular kinds of plants, as a rule, should be immediately attended to: that is, 
if not done already. The potting of most kinds of plants can be done at this season 
of the year, with better results than at any other time. A precaution here is neces- 
sary to those persons having but a few plants, and who are somewhat in the dark as 
regards plant culture; for with returning sunshine and warm days, these plants 
(over which many a pleasant hour has been spent) are brought out to the rear of the 
house, and undergo a general overhauling — particular care being taken to choose the 
largest pots or tubs on hand to install them in. Here is an error which should by all 
means be avoided. A moderate quantity of fresh soil to a plant whose roots have 
tilled the pot, is beneficial, but too much is very injurious, if not fatal, except in cases 
where the plant is very strong and robust, and making rapid growth. As a guide, 
for instance, if a plant is in a 4-inch pot, move it into a 6-inch pot ; using for most 
