A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF TULIPS. 149 



well. He has asserted in his publication that I have been to Mr. 

 Lawrence's, at Hampton, and been privately convinced of my error 

 in describing Polyphemus as having foul stamens. I have seen the 

 variety in Mr. Lawrence's best bed, and all more or less tinged, 

 although Mr. Lawrence says it does occasionally come clear. I did 

 not write of things occasionally, but as to their general character, 

 and my object has been to place a beacon to guide the young florist 

 from foundering on the banks of disappointment, and to enable him 

 to make such a selection as will gratify his feelings when in bloom, 

 and not cause him to decline the pursuit in consequence of having 

 been deceived. The writer I allude to has attempted to cast a slur 

 upon my transactions in the most marked manner, and probably, 

 instead of its falling to crush me, as intended, it will place his 

 character for veracity in a more conspicuous situation. He ought as 

 a literary man to 



" Remember only that his words be true, 

 No matter then how many or how few." 



I have, says he, admitted that if we did not rail at the southern 

 florists we should not be able to sell our flowers. I have publicly 

 dared him to the proof that I ever uttered such a sentiment. Foiled 

 in all his attempts, he resorts to slander and abuse, in the place of 

 argument. I purpose at a future opportunity to show his complete 

 ignorance upon the subjects he has written, or else he would not make 

 such blunders. He must not claim infallibility. Our tastes and our 

 opinions do not agree in all points, but probably in the main features 

 we do. I must express my obligations to the southern florists in 

 general for their kindness and courtesy to me this season, and I doubt 

 not, from the conversations had, a better opinion will henceforth be 

 formed of the northern florists, and instead of charging us with being 

 a century behind, admit at once at least our equality, if not more. 

 We want all they want as respects form and bottom, but we want 

 steadiness of marking combined, and I am glad that they are of our 

 opinion, only, say they, it cannot always be obtained. True, but the 

 nearest approach to it will always meet with a ready welcome in the 

 north, and, as I have before expressed, we are glad to see a good 

 flower, without reference as to its being raised in the north or south.* 

 With these preliminary remarks, I proceed to describe a few more. 

 * So will the southern florists. — Conuuctok. 



