THE TULIP. 15 



be very nearly alike in their markings, and none are ever 

 identically the same. This uncertainty adds greatly to 

 the charm of Tulip cultivation. The hope of something 

 new in the markings and penciling is a sufficient stimu- 

 lus for the enthusiast to persevere in his labor until he 

 has found one worthy of a name. A singular feature in 

 the Tulip is, that after it breaks it ever remains the same. 

 Show Tulips are divided into three classes : i. 

 Bybl&mens, such as have a white ground, variegated with 

 purple, the edges well feathered, the leaflets erect, and 

 the whole forming a' perfect cup. 2. Bizarres, having a 

 yellow ground, variegated with scarlet, purple, rose, or 

 violet. 3. Roses, with white ground, variegated with 

 rose-color, scarlet, or crimson. The properties of a good 

 Tulip as a florist's flower, according to the London 

 Horticultural Society's rules, are, " i. The cup should 

 form, when quite expanded, from half to a third of a 

 round ball. To do this, the petals must be six in number, 

 broad at the ends, smooth at the edges, and the divisions 

 between the petals must scarcely show any indenture. 



2. The three inner petals should set closely to the three 

 outer ones, and the whole should be broad enough to 

 allow of the fullest expansion without quartering, as it is 

 called, or exhibiting any vacancy between the petals. 



3. The petals should be thick, smooth, and stiff, and 

 keep their form well. 4. The ground should be clear 

 and distinct, whether white or yellow. The least stain, 

 even at the lower end of the petal, renders a Tulip of 

 jess value. 5. Whatever be the disposition of colors 

 or marks upon a Tulip, all the six petals should be 

 marked alike, and be, therefore, perfectly uniform. 6. 

 The feathered flowers should have an even, close 

 feathering all round ; and whether narrow or wide, light 

 or heavy, should reach far enough round the petals to 



