April.] FLOWER-GARDEN. 34! 
close to the bed on the north side, in order to preserve it from cold 
winds, which are prejudicial to the bloom. 
The covering ought to be so constructed, by means of lines and 
pullies, as to be easily and expeditiously rolled up, or let down as 
occasion requires, to afford the plants, the full benefit of light and 
air, at all favourable opportunities; that is to say, when the air is 
mild, and light clouds intervene, so as to blunt the sun's rays. 
A bed of Hyacinths never requires to be watered at any period; 
the rains that happen after planting, are generally more than suf- 
ficient, both for the roots and bloom; and after the bloom is over, 
they are rather prejudicial than otherwise, except when very mo- 
derate. 
Although covering in the manner described, presents and exhi- 
bits the bloom to the greatest advantage, yet it evidently has a ten- 
dency to weaken and injure the bulbs; and ought not, therefore, to 
be continued more than two or three weeks at most; but as soon 
as the general bloom declines, the bed should be immediately ex- 
posed to the open air, and the hoops replaced as before, that 
mats may be laid on occasionally, for protecting the beds from heavy 
torrents of rain, which would prevent the bulbs from ripening 
well, and render them very subject to decay, after having been tak- 
en up. 
The common hyacinths in open beds and borders, will require no 
other care at this time, than to support their flower stems, as direct- 
ed above; without which, they will generally fall down, and much 
of their beauty be lost. 
A Description of the Properties of a Fine Double Hyacinth. 
The stem should be strong, tall, and erect, supporting numerous 
large bells, each suspended by a short and strong peduncle, or foot- 
stalk, in a horizontal position, so that the whole may have a com- 
pact pyramidal form, with the crown, or uppermost bell perfectly 
erect. 
The bells should be large and very double; that is, well filled 
with broad bold petals, appearing to the eye rather convex than flat 
or hollow: they should occupy about one half the length of the 
stem. 
The colours should be clear and bright, whether plain red, white, 
or blue, or variously intermixed and diversified in the eye; the lat- 
ter, it must be confessed, gives additional lustre and elegance to this 
beautiful flower. 
Strong bright colours are, in general, preferred to such as are' 
pale; there are however, many rose-coloured, pure white, and 
light blue hyacinths, in high estimation. 
Observations. Some sorts consist of petals of different colours, 
such as light reds, with deep red eyes; whites, with rosy, blue, 
purple, or yellow eyes; light blues, with deep blue or purple eyes; 
and yellow, with purple in the eye, &c. Others again have their 
petals striped, or marked down the centre, with a paler or deeper 
colour, which has a pleasing effect. 
