14 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF TULIPS. 



does not shoulder well, and the petals incline to the flower stem 

 almost the shape of a tun-dish. The petals at the top are good and 

 well formed. There is also a very slight tinge at the hase of three 

 petals, which, though small, must very much detract from its merits. 

 The ground colour is a pale yellow, and the colour of the feathering 

 a reddish one. Any one possessed of the least judgment must con- 

 fess that all these faults tend to condemn it, as it is well known that 

 the darker the colour of a Bizarre, and the more highly it is prized, 

 and the least valued is one of a reddish colour. I know these remarks 

 will be unpalatable to the southern florist, but many will testify to 

 the correctness of this description, and I have no prejudices to warp 

 me in this instance, as I am glad to see a good variety, no matter 

 where raised or by whom, if its merits agree with the character given 

 to it ; but it is disgusting to read that " Strong's King and Polyphe- 

 mus are the two best Bizarres cultivated." I do think Polyphemus 

 stands second to Charbonnier, and would have been first but for its 

 stained filaments, as it is far better to depend upon than Charbonnier, 

 being a more steady marker. 



Superb en Noir. 

 This is a second row feathered Byblomen (for so it has bloomed in 

 my collection the last two years), bottom pure and a good marker, 

 and first rate stage flower. 



Surpasse Optimus 

 Is a second row feathered Bizarre, very rich in ground colour, and an 

 excellent marker and stage flower. I have for many years been of 

 opinion it was only a fine strain of Cato, but having paid particular 

 attention to it through its various stages, I am now convinced it is a 

 different variety both in shape and colour : but another suggests itself, 

 is it the same as Hutton's Optimus ? As we do not know here from 

 whence it was introduced, this can only be solved next season by a 

 comparison of the two. 



Thalestris. 

 Same as Yainceur. 



Thalestris (Dutch). 

 This is a second row flamed Rose, form good, bottom slightly 

 tinged, colours good. 



Triomphe Royal. 

 This is a second row flamed Rose, cup rather long, bottom pure, 



