204 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
advantage in beds or in masses in the border, and if carpeted 
with Violas the effect will be all the more pleasing In the 
latter event the corms ought to be a foot apart. Early in 
November the corms should be lifted and spread out in an 
airy place to dry. When the foliage has shrivelled cleanse the 
remove the offsets, and store in boxes in a cool place 
till planting time. Gladioli may be increased by seeds sown 
thinly half an inch deep in finely-prepared soil outdoors in 
April. In September lift the young corms, store them in a 
cool place and plant out in March. Also increased by offsets 
planted 2in. deep outdoors in March. The seedlings and 
corms require to be grown for three years before they make 
strong flowering corms. During their earlier stages do not 
allow them to bear flowers. 
^ a b rar *‘thus. — This is a genus of bulbous plants, be- 
longing to the Amaryllis order (Amaryllidaceae). The only 
species grown is H. pratensis, which bears brilliant scarlet 
Amaryllis-like flowers on stems a foot high in early summer. 
A native of Chili. Modern botanists include this species in the 
genus Hippeastrum. There is a variety named fulgens with 
more brilliant flowers. Being somewhat tender in growth the 
bulbs require to be grown in a sandy loam and leaf-mould in 
a well-drained border at the base of a south wall. Plant the 
bulbs 4 to 6in. deep in early autumn. In winter protect by 
a covering of dry leaves. Increased by offsets removed and 
replanted in early autumn. 
Hyacinthus (Hyacinth). — Few plants are capable of 
making a better display of rich colour in the garden in spring 
than the Hyacinth. Therefore it has long been the fashion to 
plant the bulbs in beds, or in groups in the borders in autumn, 
and as good bulbs for that purpose are obtainable at a cheap 
rate from Holland there is no excuse for lovers of spring 
flowers to neglect to cultivate them for that purpose. They look 
well grown by themselves or in conjunction with Tulips, Nar- 
cissi, Crocuses and Scillas. Leading seedsmen arrange their 
bulbs into two sections, early and late, and again varieties 
in separate colours or in mixtures to suit the requirements of 
their customers. Thus if blooms are wanted early or late or in 
separate colours the customer can have them. Here we shall 
not attempt to name any special varieties. These, if required, 
can be obtained from trade lists, or the selection may well be 
left to the seedsman to make. We shall merely content ourselves 
with giving a few cultural hints. To grow Hyacinths well the 
soil should be deeply dug and well manured. Dig the soil 
two spits deep and put a 2in. layer of rotten manure between 
the two spits. If the soil is inclined to be heavy, mix plenty 
