148 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF TULIPS. 



off in beautiful strokes to the feather, and displaying a sufficient 

 proportion of the ground colour between the flaming, so as to display 

 it to the greatest advantage. 



Such are the properties of the Tulip when in a state for the stage 

 or exhibition. 



I cannot conclude these preliminary remarks, without making a few 

 observations upon an article written by the editor of the Florist's and 

 Amateur's Annual. I have no doubt the readers of the article in 

 question will easily guess the party by the scurrilous language lavished 

 upon the northern florists; no doubt intended for selfish purposes. 

 Why cannot a northern florist raise as good seedlings and also have 

 as correct judgment and taste as a southern one ? Does the southern 

 atmosphere produce in them a knowledge superior to the rest of 

 mankind ? The varieties called Everard and Strong's King are puffed 

 off as equal to Charbonnier Noir and Polyphemus, whilst to any one 

 possessing any taste would say it was a disgrace to place them on 

 the same tray and in company with them. Strong's King, with all the 

 puffing as to its merits, has a slight tinge at the bottom of three of its 

 petals, which, though very small, may be observed ; the yellow ground 

 colour is also weak, the feathering is red, the form not first rate, for 

 it does not shoulder well, a point so much insisted upon by the 

 southern growers. Everard is another flower of the same class, 

 a bloom of which was sent me this year, and the price ^asked was 

 10/., 9/. 10s. too much. We are very fastidious here, and a many 

 that are called fine there are not considered so here. Goldham's 

 Earl'of Liverpool at one time sold at a high price, and what is it ? A 

 long cupp'd flower, the petals narrow, and the only thing in its favour 

 is its marking. There are others also which will be described in 

 their proper place. 



The arrangement of the description will be alphabetical, and the 

 flower classed under the name originally given to it, or that by which 

 it is most commonly known amongst florists. I must also state, 

 that every flower described is from actual observations made from 

 blooms this season and noted down at the time, and that any flower 

 not inserted is because I have not seen it in bloom this season ; but 

 to make the catalogue a complete reference, I purpose writing an 

 appendix to it next year. 



Abercromby (see San Joe). 



