46 THE FLORIST. 



THE TULIP. No. I. 



Tulips will now have generally made their appearance above ground; 

 the beds I have seen are in a more forward state than at this time 

 last season. The next two months will be an anxious time for the 

 grower of this showy spring-flower, who will daily be asking the 

 question, " What will the bloom of 1852 be?" and be comparing 

 appearances with former years, and speculating thereon. Should 

 the excessive wet weather we have lately experienced be followed 

 by a cold frosty March, the beds that have had most rain will pro- 

 bably suffer ; it is not when the plants first shew themselves above 

 ground that any ill effects of too much wet having been allowed to 

 fall on the bed will be apparent ; more than likely they will exhibit 

 themselves at a later period. A genial growing spring — should we 

 fortunately get such — will help those that have hitherto been ne- 

 glectful, and benefit all. 



Keep heavy rains from them ; when we get warm April showers, 

 let them have them in moderation ; from frost, hail, and cold storms, 

 we need scarcely say, on all occasions protect them ; care at the same 

 time being taken not to weaken or draw them by excessive covering. 



I have observed some excellent papers of late in the Midland 

 Florist on exhibiting Tulips ; but one point appears to have been 

 entirely overlooked. While I admit that the Tulip makes a good addi- 

 tion to a general exhibition, I am surprised that so little is said or 

 written in favour of the magnificent appearance of a well-arranged 

 and well-grown bed, under canvass, at home. This appears to be 

 quite lost sight of in the midland counties. Have Tulip- shows by 

 all means, with stands, and limited class-showing ; but the principal 

 object should always be home exhibition. Who is not affected by 

 the striking display which a fine bed produces, particularly if the 

 visit is made between the hours of ten o'clock and mid-day ? 



And now having touched on this subject, why is it that a good 

 bed of Tulips is not planted at Chiswick or Regent's Park .^ They 

 have their American Plant shows and Rose shows. It is my opinion 

 that a good opportunity has been lost this season, seeing that one of 

 the May Exhibitions falls as late as the 19th, which will not be far 

 from the height of the Tulip-bloom about London. A bed the length 

 of Mr. Groom's would indeed be a novelty and a great attraction at 

 these floral f<^tes, as it would be seen by thousands that had never 

 before had the opportunity of witnessing the display this flower is 

 capable of making. I would suggest that the managers of our great 

 exhibitions should visit the principal beds round London next May, 

 and judge for themselves concerning the probable effect such an ex- 

 hibition would produce. On the other hand, Tulip-growers should 

 readily embrace such a chance, if oflfered, as a certain means of re- 

 storing the Tulip to its former popularity. Almost every other flower 

 can be brought in perfection in some shape or other (cut or plants) ; 

 the Tulip alone is an exception to this rule. The plan for carrying 

 out such a scheme successfully must form the subject of another 

 article. H. B. 



