540 THE PLEASURE, OR [Oct. 
better not to cover at all than over do it to the certain detriment 
of the plants. 
Having procured roots of the Jinest sorts, and pursuing the pre- 
ceding instructions, you may depend on having those incomparaWe 
flowers in the greatest perfection possible. 
The common kinds of tulips, being of little value, may be planted 
in small patches of three, four, or five roots together around the 
borders of the garden or pleasure-ground, and covered the same 
depth as the others. 
Planting the best Hyacinth Boots. 
The roots of hyacinths may be planted with good expectation of 
success at any time from the beginning of this month to the middle 
of November; but 1 would prefer the middle of the present month 
as being the best period in which these roots can be planted; for 
about that time they will show a natural inclination to vegetate, 
manifested by a swelling of the circle from whence the fibres pro- 
ceed, which will be soon followed by an actual appearance of their 
points, together with that of the foliage at the other extremity of the 
root, in the form of a small cone of a greenish colour. 
The bed on which the finest sorts are to be planted should be 
situated in rather a dry and airy part of the garden: a southern 
aspect is to be preferred, sheltered on the north and north-west by 
walls, trees, or buildings, at a distance from it proportionate to 
their elevation; that is, the distance of the bed from either should 
be equal to the height of the wall, fence, or hedge, &c. 
"When the situation is determined on the dimensions of the bed 
should be marked out and the soil entirely taken away to the depth 
of at least two feet; the earth in the bottom should then be dug and 
well pulverized for about nine inches deep, and the space above 
filled with the following compost: 
One-third sea or river sand; one-third fresh sound earth; one- 
fourth rotten cow dung at least two years old; and one-twelfth of 
earth of decayed leaves. 
The fresh sound earth of the compost should be of the best 
quality that the garden or adjacent country affords, and entirely 
free from noxious vermin of every description. These ingredients 
should be well mixed and incorporated a considerable time before 
wanted, and about ten days previous to planting the bed should be 
filled up with the compost to about three inches above the level 
of the path on the south or front side, and seven inches on the 
north side, so as to form a regular slope or inclination towards 
the sun. 
On planting the roots the surface of the bed should be covered 
with fresh sandy earth about one inch thick, raked perfectly smooth 
and even, and have the exact situation for every bulb marked on it, 
as follows: 
