l6 GARDEN AND FARM TOPICS. 



form, when expanded, an unbroken edging. 7. If the 

 flower have any marking besides the feathering at the 

 edge, it should be a bold mark down the center, but not 

 reaching the bottom of the cup. The mark must be 

 similar in all the six petals. 8. Flowers not feathered, 

 and with the flame only, must have no marks on the 

 edges of the flowers. None of the colors must break 

 through to the edge. The color may be disposed in any 

 form, so that it be perfectly uniform in all the petals, and 

 does not go too near the bottom. 9. The color, whatever 

 it may be, must be dense and decided. Whether it be 

 delicate and light, or bright, or dark, it must be distinct 

 in its outline, and not shaded, or flushed, or broken. 10. 

 The height should be eighteen to thirty-six inches ; the 

 former is right for the outside row in a bed, and the 

 latter is right for the highest row. 1 1. The purity of the 

 white and the brightness of the yellow should be perma. 

 nent ; that is to say, should stand until the petals actually 

 fall." Parrot Tulips are ignored by those florists who 

 claim the right to say what is and what is not beautiful. 

 Not being bound to observe the " laws " that regulate 

 the form, shape, and " perfect markings," we prize this 

 class very highly, on account of their singularly pictur- 

 esque appearance. The flowers are very large, and the 

 colors exceedingly brilliant. They are unequaled for 

 groups in mixed borders, or conspicuous places in front of 

 shrubs. The varieties of this class are limited, but they 

 are, nevertheless, particularly beautiful. 



SOIL AND CULTURE. 



The best soil for the culture of the Tulip is a rich, 

 rather light, well-drained loam. A bed of sufficient size 

 for planting the bulbs should be dug at least twelve 



