332 
THE FLOEAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
fortunately, been calculated to deter persons dependent upon sucb 
sources of information from attempting its growth. It is usual with 
writers on the culture of the hyacinth to state that, to grow it 
successfully, a very rich soil is absolutely necessary. The following 
are the directions for the selection of a proper soil, from a treatise 
recently published, viz. : “ A quarter turfy loam, a quarter decayed 
cow-dung, a quarter sharp or clean river-sand, and a quarter leaf- 
soil, with which a bed of the necessary size and two feet deep must 
he formed by those who would grow hyacinths properly. ’ The 
removal of the natural soil, and procuring and replacing it with the 
above material, in any case would be a work of considerable ex- 
pense, and altogether beyond the means of many lovers ol early 
flowers. But we know, from experience, that any well-drained 
garden soil is easily rendered suitable for the growth of the hyacinth. 
If the soil is of a strong adhesive nature, add two inches of sharp 
sand, and as much good well-decayed manure ; then dig the soil 
two feet deep, taking care to nicely mix the sand and manure with 
the soil as the work proceeds. Friable loamy soils will require 
merely a liberal dressing of manure, and deep digging ; and it will 
be found that the hyacinth will produce equally line spikes of 
blossom grown in soil prepared thus, as when planted in more 
expensive composts. The fact is, that the secret of.having first-rate 
spikes of flowers consists more in the selection of properly-ripened 
bulbs than in the soil in which they may be grown ; for, as in the 
case of other bulbous plants, there is stored in the hyacinth the 
embryo of the blossom and a large amount of accumulated matter, 
and the production of splendid spikes of flowers is vastly more 
dependent upon the presence of these in perfection in the bulbs, 
than upon their being planted in expensive composts. The best 
criterion which can be offered for the assistance of purchasers in the 
selection of proper bulbs is, that they should be proportionably 
heavy for their size, firm, and plump, particularly about the crown. 
Size is of hardly any importance, as some varieties produce small 
bulbs and others larger, and the varieties with the small bulbs pro- 
duce equally fine spikes of flower as those with the largest bulbs. 
The proper season for planting hyacinths in beds in the open air 
is the last fortnight of October and the first of November. Select 
a dry day for putting in the bulbs, and if the same can be chosen 
for the preparation of the soil, it will be in much better condition 
for the growth of the plant than if worked when wet. Plant in 
lines, nine inches by twelve inches apart, which will afford space 
between the plants when up to work a hoe for the destruction of 
weeds, and keeping the surface friable, to prevent the escape of 
moisture in dry weather. The crowns of the bulbs should be three 
inches under the surface of the soil ; and lest a severe winter should 
occur, it is well to cover the bed with a few inches of old tan, or any 
light substance, to exclude frost. This should be removed, how- 
ever, when the plants begin to grow through it. 
The hyacinth is also remarkably well adapted for pot culture, 
and with the assistance of a garden frame, with some stable manure 
or tan to furnish a gentle beat, it may be had in flower at Christmas, 
