REMARKS ON THE HYACINTH. 
261 
their native air. The foliage, too, of those in large beds was 
patchy, much of it yellow and sickly : indeed, but few gardens 
could boast an uniform luxuriant green among the plants: 
all these tokens plainly indicating that the roots would not be 
so fine, or likely to produce flowers equal to the average ot 
ordinary years. The cause of it was undoubtedly the same 
which has occasioned so much disturbance in the vegetation of 
all Europe, viz. the extraordinary fluctuations of temperature 
experienced through the whole of the past season. 
But these hints should not be lost to those at home, and 
therefore I am induced to trouble you, that the grower of 
Hyacinths may have timely notice of the necessity of some 
modification of his ordinary practice in forcing these flowers. 
One thing appears to me nearly certain, which is, that the roots 
will not bear to be excited in anything like a hasty manner, or 
many failures will be likely to occur. I should say, from my 
opinion of their strength, and it concurs with those expressed 
by several eminent growers in Holland, that the end of January 
should be the earliest period for their introduction to a raised 
temperature ; and the same remark will apply to the Narcissus, 
for they are equally unhealthy ; indeed, it was thought by some 
that there would be no roots of that favourite variety, Bazelman 
major, to send to England this year; and I find, on inquiry in 
London, that they are exceedingly scarce. 
However, I am not about to give directions to those w r ho 
may excel me in the culture of these plants; but sincerely hope 
this may be in time to prevent disappointment. L. G. 
£There is an evident inferiority and weakness in the major 
part of the Hyacinths imported this season, and we would 
earnestly recommend, as our correspondent suggests, the very 
cautious and gradual application of heat in the forcing of all 
bulbous-rooted plants, or much disappointment will inevitably 
ensue. We have before mentioned the importance of this 
mode of treatment; but this season it is of increased conse¬ 
quence. — Ed.] 
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