HYACIN'THUS AMETHYS'TINUS. 
AMETHYST-COLOURED HYACINTH. 
Class. Order. 
HEXANDRIA. MONOGYNXA. 
Natural Order. 
ASPHODELEjE. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Introduced 
S. Europe. 
9 inches. 
April, May. 
Perennial. 
in 1759. 
No. 628. 
Hyacinthus is a name adopted from the ancient 
poets. Hyacinth is represented as the friend of 
Apollo, and as having been, on his death, trans- 
formed into this flower. 
This pretty species of Hyacinth greets us with 
its flowers at that season when all animated nature 
is in the highest degree susceptible of enjoyment ; 
when not only are rational beings aroused from their 
lethargy of winter, but every living creature rejoices 
in the possession of life. Then, — then, with Ho- 
witt, may we say to man, 
“ ’Tis wise to let the touch of nature thrill 
Through the full heart ; ’tis wise to take your fill 
Of all she brings, and gently to give way 
To what within your soul she seems to say : 
“ The world grows rich in beauty and in bliss 
Past Springs were welcome, none so much as this.” 
In planting all sorts of bulbs, it is chiefly desira- 
ble that a sandy soil be provided for them ; and if 
separate beds be made, these should be raised 
somewhat above the level of the surrounding 
ground, that superabundant moisture may the more 
readily drain off. 
Hort. Kew. 2, v. 2, 282. 
