18 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
CHRONICLES OF A TOWN GARDEN,—No. XIII. 
By patient and hopeful daily attention, do I gradually bring on my com¬ 
pany of “ active principles,” as Wordsworth has termed every “ form of being” 
in “ flower and tree,” and to whom he assigns 
“ properties that spread 
Beyond itself, communicating good, 
A simple blessing.” 
I like to regard a few pet flowers in this truly noble relationship. They can be 
made to Jeecome “ simple blessings ” for him who loves the subjects he culti¬ 
vates. Such labour must be humanising in its influence. To such a one Labor 
ipse voluptas—Toil itself is a pleasure, is indeed a compensating principle, 
that holds good, it is to be righteously hoped for, in every department of daily 
life. A dozen Hyacinths in glasses, and double the number of pots filled with 
a few roots each of some of the many varieties of spring-flowering bulbs, a 
vase or two, glass, or earthen dishes, &c., do not require, just now at least, 
much attention; but the little labour bestowed on them each day imparts to 
me much pleasurable emotion, such as can alone be appreciated by those who 
have a capacity to perceive how much they can contribute to fill up the measure 
of joy God has placed it in the power of every human heart to contain. 
“Your voiceless lips, 0 flowers I are living preachers, 
Each cup a pulpit, every leaf a book ; 
Supplying to my fancy numerous teachers. 
From every vale and nook.” 
Had the past month inherited more of sunshine and less of gloom and cold, 
I should have had Hyacinths in bloom ere this, that were only started the last 
week in November. Days ago a slight tinting began to show itself on the 
buds, which has slowly and gradually gathered in intensity, till presently, each 
chrysalis-like prison-house of beauty shall open to give liberty to a lovely, waxy 
bell, fashioned by the hand of that Great Artist of which the noblest triumphs 
of art are as yet but feeble copies. Daily attention do these Hyacinths re¬ 
quire and receive. Any dust is carefully cleansed from the “grass” or leaves, 
side-shoots are gently removed, without injury to the bulbs, or the fast-deve¬ 
loping spike, so that its vigour be not impaired; and the bulbs are kept half 
immersed in water, and the most equable temperature is maintained. They 
are in the window, and are turned occasionally to prevent their being drawn 
on one side, and they are not removed from this post unless frost is imminent. 
Now is a critical state of development; ill-developed flowers, and stunted 
spikes may result if there be not careful treatment, and these slight attentions 
can by no means necessarily become irksome. Should it be so, Heaven has 
not destined you, my friend, to grow flowers. 
Tulips are as yet sealed up in their emerald encasings. I do not want them 
to be in flower till the sun’s rays have greater power than at present, as I am 
debarred of a warm greenhouse to bring them on in. Therefore, I require the 
aid of such a “helpmeet” as the sun, to bring out the flowers vigorous and 
beautiful. I like to have them early, it is true ; but I also like them lusty and 
well-matured; and so, secure from frost, they are yet in a cool place, where 
they can be induced to grow strong and healthy. At this stage but little 
water is required ; if necessary, it should be slightly lukewarm, and adminis¬ 
tered sparingly. Avoid a chill at the roots, a kind of paralysis ensues; and, 
therefore, if the pots are placed in a cellar, it should be dry and warm, a damp 
and cold situation is often prejudicial to the bulbs. 
Polvanthus Narcissus, and also some of the other varieties are so robust in 
growth as to be veritable giants compared with their lesser colleagues. I leave 
them pretty much to themselves, for they will prosper; and unless the bulbs 
