268 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



airy situation ; the soil a sandy loam, four feet wide, and 

 in length according to the number of bulbs. In setting 

 out Tulips dibble them in five inches deep, planting seven 

 bulbs across the bed ; the distance the other way should be 

 nine inches apart, that is from row to row. In Europe 

 much pains is taken in preparing the beds, and placing 

 sand under and around the bulbs ; there is no necessity for 

 anything of the kind in this country, as the soil generally 

 contains sand enough in it. Tulips should be planted 

 from October to December ; as a general rule, it will be 

 found that the middle of November is preferable ; for after 

 the latter time, the weather is uncertain ; about Christmas 

 place a layer of old manure on the bed about half an inch 

 thick. This will protect them from heavy rain and frost ; 

 but it must not be removed before the beginning of March, 

 and not then unless the weather is mild. In the spring 

 keep your beds free of weeds, and if you find the ground 

 "binding, loosen it, and your flowers will be benefited by 

 the operation. During the blooming season if protected 

 by an awning from the sun and rain, the flowers will last 

 much longer, and their colors be more brilliant. The 

 English florists generally plant what is termed a reserve 

 bed, the flowers of which are generally for bouquets, and 

 not held in great estimation, for the florist will never cut a 

 first rate Tulip, as the bulbs are then apt to canker the 

 next season and die. When Tulips are cut for exhibition 

 it is seldom the flower is cut more than one inch from the 

 cup, as then their liability to canker is not so great. 



The Tulip does not require so rich a soil as the Hya- 

 cinth, as their colors will run, and may take a long time 

 to restore them. Six weeks after blooming the bulbs will 



