ON THE CULTUKE 01' THE TULIP. 77 



From the time the Tulip is planted until the latter end of March, 

 or beginning of April, little or no attention is required, where the 

 bed is constructed on the principle above described ; but at that 

 time, as the buds advance in growth, they are more or less sus- 

 ceptible of injury from frost, and particularly a superabundance of 

 wet. With a bed of choice Tulips, then, it is highly advisable, 

 if not indispenable, that a temporary awning or covering, by means 

 of large hoops and canvas, should be thrown occasionally over the 

 bed, to protect it, as much as practicable, from heavy rains, hail- 

 storms, sharp cutting north-easterly, &c. winds, and the chance of 

 sharp frosty nights, which not unfrequently occur at this season. 

 There are many beds, however, in which the choicest varieties are 

 cultivated, that have no such temporary protection afforded them ; 

 but by being properly raised and drained as above described, the 

 root is kept in a vigorous, healthy state, and the buds sustain in 

 general but little injury from such mischances. 



Bloom. — In the beginning of May, when the buds become 

 sulliciently matured, and begin to display their various stripes and 

 tints, it is time to prepare to place the upper or main awning over 

 the bed, which on a regular stage is so constructed as to admit of 

 being drawn up at pleasure by means of a roller with pulleys on 

 11 slope, so that sun and air can be admitted or excluded as 

 occasion requires, without which convenience the bloom can never 

 be retained so long or in so much perfection, observing always to 

 pre the advantage, if possible, of very early morning sun, until 

 tlie flowers are all in full bloom, and by all means the refreshing 

 air after sunset, if not too cold ; but the flowers to be wholly pro- 

 tected from the weather, and particularly the operation of the sun 

 and wind, with those exceptions. If the season has been dry, and 

 the weather be hot, the plants when in full bloom will probably 

 exhibit sviii|jioiiis of drooping; it will then be necessary to apply 

 water moderately and cautiously between the rows, by means of a 

 tine MSA watering pot. 



When the bloom if completely over, let the covering be wholly 

 NHIO*(d t be the weather what it may, and the plants fully exposed. 

 When the foliage and stem have become sufliciently brown and 

 withered, which' Will be about the 25th of June, by which time 

 the root mature* and becomes in a state of rest, take up the roots 

 -mi i«jn -Is with b rounded trowel, strong, being careful not to loach 



