80 FLORICULTURAL GLEANINGS. 



it with the broad feather. The starry bottom is too well known and 

 appreciated to need much description ; a flame without a feather 

 often has the appearance of a star, although the absence of it was not 

 necessary to form a star. He did not agree that flushing in colour 

 was caused by damp, since as many flowers flushed in the open border 

 as in the stage ; in many it was an inherent quality, the effect only 

 being known and not the cause. For colour, cleanliness, and texture, 

 he would mention Cerise, Blanche, and Gloria Mundi, which had 

 always been appreciated and held their place, while thousands of 

 others had been thrown away. In the former, the cuticle was parti- 

 cularly beautiful, and gave it that fine glossy appearance which it 

 possessed; and also in Rose Brilliant, which had stood the test for 

 thiity years." 



From this it appears that Mr. Bowler is an advocate for the half of 

 a hollow ball at least ; and if he had only added a little to the depth 

 of the cup I think that a great many of the Northumbrian amateurs 

 would have agreed with him. It thus appears that in advocating his 

 favourite shape, the " Star in the North " is likely to find himself 

 nearly in the " glorious minority of one." 



I must beg leave to differ from the " Star in the North," when he 

 says that the first property of the Tulip is shape. Shape may fairly 

 lay claim to the second property ; but if a Tulip has not a clean bottom 

 every experienced grower knows how little it is worth, whatever may 

 be its shape or marking ; and therefore a pure bottom, in my opinion, 

 is decidedly the first essential property. What, for instance, is the 

 reason why Louis XVI. is not more generally bought and cultivated 

 by amateurs ? Why does it not take its place in the London stands 

 of winning flowers, while such flowers as Holmes's King, and 

 Rougeatre, Franciscus Primus, and Violet Imperial are allowed that 

 honour ? The reason is obvious — its bottom condemns it. Although 

 it possesses a beautifully rounded petal, florists who have severe com- 

 petition will not throw away their money for it, since it would be 

 passed over by good judges, and the preference given to some of the 

 cleaner-bottomed flowers. If, therefore, shape will not rescue this 

 celebrated variety from neglect, how can shape be considered the first 

 property ? I merely mention this variety by way of illustration. 



Much credit is due to Mr. Slater for the industry and research dis- 



