334 THE PLEASURE, OR [APRIL. 



It some times happens, and with, some sorts more frequently 

 than others, that two stems are produced from the same root, one 

 is generally considerably taller than the other ; when this is the 

 case, the weaker may be cut off near the ground, soon after it 

 makes its appearance, or suffered to bloom, and its bells be inter- 

 mixed with the lower ones of the taller stem, so clextrously as to 

 appear like one regular pyramid of bulls. 



i 

 Tulips. 



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

 begin to shew colour ; they should, when the greater part of the 

 blossoms begin to open, be shaded from the sun, in the same man- 

 ner as directed for your elegant hyacinths ; for, when its heat is 

 considerable, it will cause the colours 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, ex- 

 cept, when the sun is powerful : for if kept too long, or too closely 

 covered, the colours of the flowers would become faint and weak, 

 and the grandeur 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 sowed 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, fasten- 

 ed 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 pleas- 

 ing regularity 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 aukward, 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 re- 

 placed with others, which will till those vacancies, and make a tole- 

 rable appearance. 



