Hyacinths

Hyacinths are beautiful bulbs, with a much greater range of brilliant colours than the Daffodil, and with an agreeable perfume, but it cannot be denied that they are somewhat lumpy, and when planted in clumps they have none of the lightsome grace of the Daffodil. They are, of course, extensively bedded-out, especially by the park-gardeners, for the sake of their brilliant colours. Some mix Chalice - flowered Narcissi with them in order to take off the stiffness. Duchess of Westminster is a good Narcissus for the purpose, and Sir Watkin is also used. The soil should be deep, friable, and moist. The Hyacinths may be planted three inches deep, and white Arabis planted between them in order to carpet the soil. On the whole, Hyacinths do their best work in pots and glasses. They are delightful plants for decorating greenhouses in spring, as they are so sweet and bright, and it is easy to mix them with other plants of lighter and looser habit, so that there is no stiffness. One bulb may be used in a 5-inch pot, and similar soil and plunging to that recommended for Daffodils is advised. Hyacinths may be grown in vases in peatmoss fibre. The following are a few of the best varieties in the various colours:

Red Jacques Lady Derby La Victoire Von Schiller.

White and Blush Grandeur a Merveille Isabella La Grandesse La Tour d'Auvergne (double).

Blue Electra Grand Maitre King of the Blues Menelik.

Yellow Ida.

The Grape Hyacinths (Muscari) are delightful little plants for banks and rock beds, growing only four or five inches high.

Irises

This lovely genus should be represented in every garden. No border is complete without a few representatives, whether bulbous or non-bulbous. The English and Spanish are true bulbs, and make delightful clumps. They are also suitable for pot culture. The best plan is to buy a mixture, and set the bulbs in clumps of from three to twelve, according to the size of the border. If it is desired to blend the colours another year, the varieties can be arranged at will. Several charming species may be grown, notably Alata, Bakeriana, Bucharica, Orchioides, Reticulata, Susiana, Sindjarensis, and Gatesi. Reticulata should have a sheltered place, as it is not fully hardy; it is a lovely plant, and thoroughly worthy of care. In all cases the bulbs may be planted about double their own depth. The Flag Irises are not bulbous, but they can be procured and planted in autumn the same as the bulbs. They are as hardy as Crabs, and will grow almost anywhere. Handsome, full-foliaged plants, with tall, strong stems surmounted by noble flowers of beautiful form and colour, they are among the grandest of all garden flowers.

Liliums

These have had attention already, and only need brief reference now. A good many garden-lovers like to specialise one particular plant, and if the choice falls on the Lilium it will be no matter for surprise or regret. With such noble yet varied plants as Auratum, Candidum, Elegans (also grown under the name of Thunbergianum), Chalcedonicum, Croceum, Specio-sum (also known as Lancifolium), Longiflorum, Mar-tagon, Pardalinum, Brownii, Superbum, Sulphureum, Giganteum, and Umbellatum, with their respective varieties, to choose from, there is no lack of material. Giganteum is the tallest and Auratum the most massive of Lilies. All the species named may be grown in well-drained soil in the garden. Auratum likes an admixture of loam, peat, and sand with the soil. Superbum loves a cool soil and partial shade.