DECEMBER. 
267 
red, with golden yellow edges; Tulipa Gesneriana (Gesner’s Tulip, introduced 
from the Levant in 1577, and the parent of all the garden varieties), a large 
bright crimson flower, exceedingly showy; Crocuses and Narcissus. I re¬ 
commend the early part of December for planting bulbs out of doors; when 
planted too early and without shelter, severe frost will sometimes make sad 
havoc among them, if a fine autumn like the present induces them to develope 
early growth. Light sandy soil, a well drained situation, and tolerably deep 
planting, are the three great essentials, and with these success is assured, the 
worker’s toil shall be rewarded, sunlit pictures shall emerge slowly from earth 
crowded with delightful forms—forms of joy-yielding expression—new creations 
fresh from the heart of nature. 
Quo 
A FEW REMARKS ON THE CULTURE OF THE HYACINTH 
IN THE OPEN GROUND. 
Now that the glory of our flower gardens is gone for this season, immediate 
steps should be taken to clear all the fading tender plants away, and prepara¬ 
tions should be made for producing a brilliant display of flowers in the spring. 
In the Numbers for February and March will be found brief descriptions 
of a few hardy perennials, which are w r ell adapted for the decoration of 
the flower garden in spring, and which may now be transplanted with great 
safety. But after all, perhaps, Dutch and other flower roots make the grandest 
and most dazzling display. It is difficult to imagine anything more brilliant 
than a garden in spring effectively planted with Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, 
Jonquils, Irises, Scilla, Crocuses’, &c. The cultivation of the whole of them 
is very simple, they will flower well in the ordinary soil of most gardens; it 
should, however, be dug deeply, and if stiff, a little leaf soil and sand should 
be worked well up with it; the beds should also be well drained, as nothing is 
so prejudicial to bulbs of any kind as moisture. Planted in the usual manner 
they will require little more attention, except covering with leaves or litter in 
very severe frost. 
As Hyacinths, to flower them well, require rather more care, I will offer a 
few remarks on their culture. 
Situation. —This should, if possible, be rather elevated and dry, and 
sheltered from cold winds, with a southern exposure ; if the subsoil be wet or 
retentive it should be effectively drained. 
Soil. —This should be a light, sandy, fresh, rich earth, which may be 
composed in the following manner:—Take one half sandy loam from a common 
or parterre, to this add a fourth part rotten leaves and cowdung, and the other 
fourth part of white sand. Mix them well together, and throw it into a heap, 
w T here it may remain until you use it, taking care to turn it over frequently. 
This soil should be laid 2 feet deep on the beds intended for Hyacinths, 
and if a little rotten cowdung or bark be laid at the bottom it will be all the 
better. 
Planting. —The best season for planting the bulbs is the early part of 
October; but as it is not always convenient to plant them so early in the flower- 
garden, they will flower pretty w r ell, if the bulbs be good, if planted any time 
up to the middle or end of December. The operation should take place in dry 
open weather, and the bulbs should be planted 6 to 8 inches apart all over the 
bed, and fully 4 inches deep, rounding the beds a little in the middle to throw 
off the wet. 
Moisture. —This being very injurious to Hyacinths, great care should be 
