28 G1EANINGS FROM OLD AUTHORS. 



well-rotted cow-dung, which had lain on a heap a year and a half. 

 Upon this I cast about a foot deep of yellow maiden soil, from a 

 pasture field. It was a good, rich, natural loam. I mixed no 

 manure with it. I have planted both in November and in Febru- 

 ary, March, April, and May, with equal success. I have the bed 

 prepared a month before I plant, to admit of settling. I renew 

 the soil and dung every season. I plant the roots about an inch 

 and a half deep, — that is, the crown so much covered. Previous 

 to planting, I have the bed made even, and gently beat with a 

 suitable flat spade. After planting, I beat the surface freely, to 

 close the soil well round the roots. When the soil between the 

 rows gets " baked," as it is termed, I have it carefully loosened 

 with a pointed piece of wood. This operation is repeated as often 

 as the surface becomes too close. In a soil of this kind, and 

 planted as I have done, I never have failed of a fine bloom, and 

 the colours are exceedingly clear and distinct. There has never 

 been occasion to water the beds more than twice in a dry season. 

 When I have given them any, I have done it so as to reach the 

 bottom of each. My roots get very plump, and keep healthy with 

 such treatment. I take them up when the foliage begins to yellow, 

 and keep them in small bags, laid on ribbed shelves in a drawer. 

 I am confident that if the same plan be practised with this most 

 lovely flowering plant, satisfactory results will attend it. 



Manchester, March 7th, 1836. R. 



ARTICLE IX. — Gleanings from Old Authors. No. III. 

 By Tulipa. 



As the Tulip season is advancing, perhaps the following extracts 

 (from Rea's Flora, 1676) maybe amusing to some of your curious 

 readers who are not acquainted with the work. 



" The division of Tulips according to Gerrard, Parkinson, Clu- 

 sius, and Perrarius, is into three sorts — Praecoces, Medias, and 

 Serotinas; early, middle, and late-flowering Tulips; whereas there 

 are but two primary distinct kinds, Praecoces and Serotinas." 



The following is the manner of his description of the named 

 Tulip flowers, and of which there are about 179, (viz. Praecoces, 

 36 ; Medias, 134 ; Serotinas, 9,) besides those he does not de-/ 

 scribe. I have selected two only, both of which I have. 



