Tin*: 



PL0R1CULTURAL CABINET, 



MAY, 1st, 1S38. 



PART 1. 



ORIGINAL COMMUNIC A T I N S. 



ARTICLE ' I. 



ON THE TULIP COMPOST 



BY MR. JOHN SLATER, ALBION PLACE, LOWER BROUGHTON NT. AT MANCHESTER. 



Much difference of opinion has for a long time existed among 

 Florists as to the best compost requisite to ensure a fine bloom 

 of Tulips. I have consulted almost every work upon Flori- 

 culture, and I invariably find that manure is recommended in 

 co' iin proportions, some of them placed at the bottom of the 

 bed, others three inches below the bulb, and a few one-third 

 mixed with/ maiden soil. Experience has proved that manure 

 has a great tendency to cause Tulips to sport in color and 

 cause them, as is termed by Florists, to be dirty. Preparations 

 amongst Florists are like physicians prescriptions, not always in- 

 fallible, for I find some varieties require a much stronger com- 

 post than other's. I remember about nineteen years ago seeing 

 a bio >m of Tulips uncommonly fine in the soil, there was not a 

 particle of manure. The garden having been made out of an old 

 ui: field. Grass sods rotted down and broken small is the 

 Inst compost that can be used. 



My plan is as follows. I get grass sods three inches thick from 

 an old pasture field which appears of a rich quality, and has not 

 disturbed for a number of years. The price in my neighbour- 

 hood is twopence per square yard; but latterly, from the land 



Vor.. VI. No. 63. k 



