TULIPIA. 81 



with a spade, gradually cover the bulbs with the surface soil, 

 until the bed has been raised four inches above the level of the 

 walk. This will cover the bulbs about three and a half inches, 

 the proper depth. Let it be carefully smoothed off, but not 

 with any instrument that will interfere or put out of place any 

 of the roots which have been set. All the care necessary, after 

 this, is to throw some light protection over the beds before 

 winter sets in, to be removed by the first of April. After- 

 wards, keep the bed free from weeds. To have the flowers in 

 the greatest protection, screen them from the sun, in mid-day, 

 by an awning. A powerful sun soon destroys the beauty of a 

 Tulip bed, by causing the colors to run together. A bed of late 

 Tulips is generally in its highest perfection about the 20th of 

 May, and may be kept in fine condition a fortnight longer, by 

 taking the trouble to erect an awning over them. I take up 

 my Tulips about the 20th of June, and dry them under cover, 

 in an airy place, and, when dry, take off the offsets and plant 

 them out, while the flowering roots are each wrapped in a 

 piece of waste paper, and put away, in a box or drawer, in a dry 

 place, until wanted to plant. One hundred different varieties, 

 with their names and colors, reputed to be the very best, may 

 be obtained from Holland, at the cost of about $25 ; but I have 

 found, by experience, that some of the rarer and most expensive 

 sorts are not included. Very good border Tulips, including fine 

 double sorts, early and late, single, parrots, &c., may be 

 obtained from 50 cents to $1 per dozen, and some of the com- 

 mon sorts at much less price. 



Tulips sometimes succeed very well, in any good garden 

 soil, without extra preparation. The Due Van Tholl Tulips, 

 single and double, are some of the most esteemed early sorts, 

 the single being the most suitable, and about the only one that 

 succeeds well in pots and for forcing. 



The sorts that are planted in the borders may be set in 

 groups of from three to five bulbs. These need not be taken 

 up oftener than once in three years. Separate the offsets, as 

 they become so crowded that they will not flower well, and 



