==Culture in Glasses==.—­It is of little consequence whether rain, river, or spring water be employed in this mode of culture, but it must be pure, and in the glasses it should nearly but not quite touch the bulbs.  Store at once in a dark, cool place, to encourage the bulbs to send their roots down into the water before the leaves begin to grow.  When the roots are developed, bring the glasses from the dark to the light, in order that leaves and flowers may be in perfect health.  Let them have as much light as possible, with an equable temperature, and provide supports in good time.  Hyacinths are often injured by being kept in rooms that are at times extremely cold and at others heated to excess.  Those who wish to grow the bulbs to perfection in glasses should remove them occasionally as circumstances may require, to prevent the injury that must otherwise result from rapid and extreme alternations of temperature.  It is not desirable to introduce to the water any stimulating substance, but the glasses must be kept nearly full of water by replenishing as it disappears.  If the leaves become dusty, they may be cleansed with a soft brush or a sponge dipped in water, but particular care must be taken not to injure them in the process.

==Culture in Moss-fibre==.—­While Hyacinths, differing from Daffodils and Tulips, are perhaps relatively better in pots of soil than in bowls of moss-fibre, they may still be grown successfully in bowls provided a fairly deep receptacle is chosen and care is taken to avoid making the fibre hard.  With a shallow bowl and very firm fibre it may be found that the roots strike upward and the plant does not get that abundant supply of moisture which is essential to its welfare.  For this method of culture preference should be given to the Roman, Giant Italian, Christmas Pink, Miniature and Grape Hyacinths, which look particularly charming in bowls and similar contrivances.  Detailed directions are given on page 319.

==Culture in Beds==.—­The Hyacinth will grow well in any ordinary garden soil, but that which suits it best is a light rich loam.  The bed should be effectually drained, for though the plant loves moisture it cannot thrive in a bog during the winter.  It is advisable to plant early, and to plant deep.  If a rich effect is required, especially in beds near the windows of a residence, the bulbs should be six inches apart, but at a greater distance a good effect may be produced by planting nine inches apart.  The time of blooming may be to some extent influenced by the time and manner of planting, but no strict rules can be given to suit particular instances.  Late planting and deep planting both tend to defer the time of blooming, although there will not be a great difference in any case, and as a rule the late bloom is to be preferred, because less liable to injury from frost.  The shallowest planting should insure a depth of three inches of earth above the crown of the bulb, but they will flower better, and only a