THE TULIP. 177 



who have raised from seed, and matured and broke 

 into colour, perhaps some of the finest Tulips in the 

 country. Mr. Clarke, of Croydon, a scientific and 

 experienced florist, has the best breeders in the king- 

 dom, raised from the seed of Louis, Charbonniere, 

 Davey's Trafalgar, &c., with finely-formed cups and 

 clear bottoms ; they are in very high repute among 

 florists. Let others persevere, and they will have 

 the same success. No great skill or art is required ; 

 time, patience, and perseverance are alone wanting. 



Mr. Clarke's mode of sowing the seed is as fol- 

 lows : 



The best time for sowing the Tulip seed is the 

 latter end of January, or the beginning of February, 

 and in pots used for Carnations. Let the earth be 

 good, and put some lime-core at the bottom of the 

 pot, or the plants will be destroyed by the worm, 

 &c. &c. Cover the seed half an inch, and keep the 

 earth moist. When sown, put the pots under a light, 

 and keep them from severe frost. When the plants 

 are up, the pots may be set out, so as to have the 

 sun; but when the sun becomes powerful, they 



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