356 THE PLEASURE, OR [APRIL 



It sometimes happens, and with some sorts more frequently than 

 others, that two stems are produced from the same root, one is gene- 

 rally considerably taller than the other; when this is the case, the 

 weaker may be cut off near the ground soon after it makes its ap- 

 pearance, or suffered to bloom, and its bells be intermixed with the 

 lower ones of the taller stem, so dexterously as to appear like one 

 regular pyramid of bells. 



TULIPS. 



Towards the end of this month, some of your choice tulips will 

 begin to show color ; they should, when the greater part of the blos- 

 soms begin to open, be shaded from the sun, in the same manner as 

 directed for your elegant hyacinths ; for, when its heat is considera- 

 ble, it will cause the colors to run and intermix in such a manner as 

 to destroy the elegance and beauty of the flowers; some sorts are 

 more particularly liable to this than others, and will be spoiled in 

 five minutes. 



The awning should be always kept rolled up, or totally off, except 

 when the sun is powerful ; for if kept too long, or too closely covered, 

 the colors of the flowers would become faint and weak, and the gran- 

 deur of effect would be lost or considerably lessened. 



Strong winds are extremely injurious to tulips when in flower, by 

 dashing them against one another, and thereby bruising their petals, 

 from the effects of which they must be guarded by letting down the 

 awning at such times quite to the ground on the windy side ; a line 

 of bass mats sewed together, and their upper edge nailed to the frame 

 on that side, may answer the purpose, if the cloth is not of sufficient 

 length. 



Tulips never require to be artificially watered in the hottest and 

 driest seasons, at any period from planting to taking up the roots ; 

 nevertheless, moderate rains will be very beneficial to them in spring, 

 and cause them to produce a strong bloom ; after flowering, too much 

 wet is very prejudicial to the roots. Immediately after the flowers 

 are on the decline, the bed must be fully exposed to the open air. 



Lines of small twine, painted green, should pass from one end of the 

 bed to the other, corresponding with the rows of flowers, fastened at 

 the ends and middle to nice painted sticks placed therein for that 

 purpose; to these the stems of the flowers are to be loosely tied with 

 short pieces of green worsted, which will preserve a pleasing regu- 

 larity of appearance, without stiffness and formality. The covering 

 may be continued at the necessary intervals for three weeks with 

 safety, but continuing it too long will injure them. 



When vacancies occur in the beds by the decay of some roots which 

 might look awkward, you may immerse the lower end of the stems 

 of flowers from other quarters, in phials filled with water, and sunk 

 into the bed, so as not to appear above ground; these will continue 

 in bloom, when shaded, for several days, and may be replaced with 

 others, which will fill those vacancies and make a tolerable appearance. 



Common tulips will require no other care in the borders, &c., than 

 keeping them free from weeds. 



