6 in. apart, putting a little silver sand below each one. This may be
done at any time from October till frost sets in. They succeed fairly
well in any good garden soil, but give greatest satisfaction when the
ground is rich and light.
Hyacinthus (Muscari).--A very hardy race of spring-flowering bulbs.
Though the varieties are very dissimilar in appearance, they all
produce a good effect, especially when planted in good large clumps.
Plant from September to December. A sandy soil suits them best.
The following are well-known varieties:--BOTRYOIDES (Grape
Hyacinth).--Very pretty and hardy, bearing fine spikes of deep,
rich blue flowers in compact clusters on a stem 6 to 9 in. high.
Sweet-scented, and blooms about May. The Alba, or white, variety is
also sweet-scented.
Hyacinthus--continued.
CANDICANS (Galtonia).--The white Cape Hyacinth, or Spire Lily.
A hardy, summer-flowering, bulbous plant 3 ft. to 4 ft. in height,
gracefully surmounted with from twenty to fifty pendent, bell-shaped
snow-white flowers. Thrives in any position and equally suitable for
indoor or outdoor decoration.
MOSCHATUS (Musk Hyacinth).--Bears very fragrant purplish flowers.
PLVMOSUM (Feather Hyacinth).--A fine, hardy, dwarf plant suitable
for any soil. Its massive sprays of fine blue flowers, arranged in
curious clusters, 5 to 6 in. in length, resemble much-branched slender
coral.
RACEMOSUM (Starch Hyacinth).--Rich dark-blue or reddish-purple
flowers. Very free-flowering and fine for massing. It is similar to
the Cape Hyacinth, but flowers in denser spikes.
Hydrangea.--This shrub delights in a moist, sheltered position and
rich soil. It may be increased at any time from cuttings of the young
side-shoots, 2 or 3 in. long, under glass, in sandy soil. The old
stems will also strike if planted in a sheltered situation. The plants
should be cut back when they have done flowering, and protected from
frost; or they may be cut down to the root and covered with manure.
They are well suited for the front of shrubberies, and also make fine
plants for pot cultivation. The flowers are produced in June and July.
Height, 3 ft.
Hymenanthera Crassifolia.--Ornamental evergreen shrubs, thriving best
in a compost of loam and peat. They are increased by cuttings planted
in sand and subjected to a little heat. Height, 6 ft.
Hymenoxys.--Pretty little hardy annuals that may be easily raised
from seed sown early in March in any garden soil. They bloom in June.
Height, 1 ft.
Hypericum (St. John's Wort).--Favourite dwarf shrubs. Any soil suits