THE TULIP. 127 
colour.~ When I have properly arranged the roots in these compart- 
ments, the next step is to choose out a piece of ground, not moist, open, 
exposed to the south-east in preference to the south-west, and distant 
at least fifteen feet from any wall or hedge. I find it best to give the 
bed a certain inclination, in order first to see the position of the flowers 
more easily, and next to facilitate the flowing off of rain or other 
moisture. When I make a second bed, I place it opposite and parallel 
to the other, with a walk of about four feet between, and with the 
lower part of one bed next to the lower part of the other. By this 
means the two beds incline towards each other. In order to renew 
certainly the principles which are indispensible to bring tulips to per- 
fection, the earth is changed every two years; and in order to preserve 
to the plants the second year a vegetation as favourable as the first, it 
is well watered with liquid manure, poured over the ground in July or 
August; and in order that every particle of the earth should be 
impregnated with it, the whole soil is dug up in a month after, and 
well mingled together. This is far preferable to mixing up dung with 
the soil, as is usually dine. I find the flowers are equally fine, and of 
much clearer and finer colours. When the earth is properly prepared 
thus, from the 12th to the 20th of November, the planting of the roots 
takes place. The bed is carefully measured, and the roots placed at 
equal distances. A small portion of sand placed at the bottom of each 
hole, and the root covered with a little, allows the moisture to pass 
through it quickly, and the roots are protected from insects. When 
the roots are placed thus, they are covered by the hand with a small 
quantity of earth ; not pressing it too closely, as if done so the earth is 
rendered too compact by the pressure, so that the roots do not vegetate 
easily ; and the plant is liable to be injured by moisture, which finds 
some difficulty in passing through. The edges of my beds are sup- 
ported with stone, which keeps out all insects. 
Tulips, from being exposed to the intemperature of the atmosphere, 
are subject to certain diseases, which it is of consequence to prevent. 
From the middle of February to the middle of April they have gene- 
rally to encounter snow, hail, and cold rains. The cups formed by 
the young leaves, at the bottom of which the bud lies shut up, get 
filled with rain; and the result is, that the water remains there until it 
insinuates itself into the interior of the root, and often spoils it, or 
impedes its opening. ‘To obviate any inconvenience arising from ex- 
posure to the weather, it is necessary to shelter the flowers with a 
covering of canvas, which, by means of cords and pullies, I can extend 
or roll up at will. The bed is covered with this in unfavourable 
weather, but exposed to the rays of the sun and to gentle rain. When 
the flowers are open the covering is kept over the bed during rain, and 
from nine to four o’clock in case of sun. By this means the duration 
of blowing is prolonged, and the beauties of the flowers can be admired 
without any exposure to rain or sun. 
When the flowers are open I take a particular survey of my stock to 
see that each kind is true to the catalogue register, and regulate if 
required. When the bloom is over the seed-vessels are cut off, in 
order that the roots may profit by the sap, which otherwise would have 
