be taken, however, that the compost used is rich, one-half of 
it consisting of well-decomposed manure, and when the plants 
are throwing up their spike, and especially when they are 
showing colour, liquid manure may also be freely given; their 
large fleshy roots absorbing a good deal of moisture. It is es¬ 
pecially needful that good sound bulbs be obtained early after 
their importation; and as it was stated to us by Mr. Cutbush, 
that the continued rain during the months of May and June, 
when the roots were maturing, caused the bulbs imported last 
autumn not to be equal in quality to the ordinary supply, we 
may reasonably anticipate that the constant dryness of this 
spring will have the contrary effect, and that we may look to 
having superior bulbs this autumn. 
Amongst the other new kinds exhibited by Mr. Cutbush, 
we noticed especially Prince of Orange , striped pink ; Ferule 
Khan , dark blue; Maria Theresa , pink striped; Fair Maid of 
Denmark , large white: while amongst the older varieties, Mac¬ 
aulay , Peine des Jacintlies , Solfaterre , Koh-i-noor , Howard , Mont 
Plane , Tuhaflora , Charles Dickens , and Grandeur a Merveille , 
were conspicuous. We hope, before the season comes round 
for the purchase of bulbs, to give in the Companion a list of 
such varieties as we consider from our own experience the best 
suited for general culture, for these high-priced varieties are 
not likely to find favour amongst amateurs in general, as the 
Hyacinth is a flower which, according to its present course of 
treatment, only gives us the benefit of its bloom the first year. 
