THE FLOEAL WOELD AND GAEDEN GUIDE. 
277 
in the growth of this bulb is the habit of planting it too late — a 
practice which would cease if the physiology of gardening were more 
studied. If a hyacinth is now examined, it will be found that 
growth is proceeding, developing itself in the plumpness of the 
incipient roots, and the putting forth of the green protuberance to 
be soon evolved into the leaves. This is the case, more or less, 
as the sorts are early or late, with the bulbs out of the ground ; but 
those which have been left to the natural treatment, and have not 
been taken up, will be found much more forward, the roots in some 
cases having grown some inches. Now, it should be remembered 
that when the vital powers of a plant become active, every day it is 
out of the ground it is receiving an injury ; and if hyacinths are left 
to make vain efforts at growth until November or December, the 
future plant must suffer ; in some cases roots will he scarcely pro- 
truded, and the flowers will consequently be diminutive and poor. 
If you wish to have as fine a bloom and as vigorous growth as 
possible, purchase your bulbs at once, and let the earlier sorts 
be immediately potted. Good catalogues distinguish those roots 
which are early and late, and also those which will succeed best in 
water or in the ground. Those you intend for glasses should be 
put within the eighth of an inch of the water, and shut up in the 
dark until roots appear — indeed, until they have grown an inch 
or two. 
The principle to recollect is this — roots grow before the leaves, 
and grow in the dark. If, therefore, a hyacinth is placed in water 
and put in a window, the growth of the foliage will be prematurely 
excited. But by keeping the root in darkness, Nature will be 
followed, the downward process will make way before light is 
brought to bear on the evolution of the leaves and flower. 
If you grow hyacinths in pots, those which are deepest in 
relation to their width should be preferred. A pot six inches deep 
and about four wide will do well for this flower. A soil composed 
of decayed leaves and sand will answer best. A good drainage 
should be provided. In potting, let the bulb stand high, so that 
about one-third shall appear above the soil. The pots must then he 
buried in a moist but not wet place, and allowed to remain there 
until a growth of about half an inch appears in the foliage. They 
will then be fit for forcing, either in a frame or greenhouse, or the 
window of a sitting-room. 
PREPARING FOR WINTER. 
HE time has arrived when every gardener who wishes to 
manifest an acquaintance with his profession will be 
looking round the sphere of his operations to see what 
is to be done in reference to the approaching cold 
season. His head must be employed, and his hands 
actively engaged, from the present time up to Christmas, when 
probably rain and frosts may keep him in-doors. Neglect now will 
September. 
