264 FLOWER GARDEN. 



excellence is somewhat factitious ; for, to an uninstructed 

 eye, though practiced in the contemplation of other sorts 

 of beauty, a tulip, which by them is looked upon as worth- 

 less, will often appear as fine as the choicest variety in the 

 select bed. Fine tulips are so numerous that it is scarcely 

 possible to name the most desirable. Among the bizarres, 

 the King, Polyphemus, and Everard, are highly prized. 



Tulips prosper in a prepared compost of light turfy 

 soil, richly manured with well-rotted cow-dung. Twenty 

 inches depth of soil should be removed, and the vacant 

 space filled up with compost. Some use alternate layers 

 of light soil and cow-dung. The bed should be filled up 

 with compost about the middle of October, and in a fort- 

 night, when the soil has subsided, the bulbs are planted in 

 rows, distant seven or eight inches, and at the depth of 

 about three inches. A little clean sand may be put 

 around the bulbs. After planting, the bed may be covered 

 over with tan, as in the case of hyacinths. In spring, it is 

 necessary to shield the leaves and flower-stalks from frost, 

 and also from heavy rains ; and when in bloom, the flowers 

 should be sheltered from the sun's rays, by which they are 

 speedily injured. A canvas awning, so mounted on a 

 frame that it can be easily withdrawn and replaced, is re- 

 quisite for every fine collection. The tulip is often 

 regarded as scentless ; but this is a mistake, for when con- 

 centrated under the awning, the odor is very perceptible. 

 After the sepals have fallen, the seed-vessels are broken 

 off close by the stem, to prevent the plant from exhausting 

 itself in perfecting seed, and to direct its energies to the 

 forming of the new bulb. When the leaves have withered, 

 the bulbs are taken up, dried, and stored, until the plant- 

 ing season come round. 



Tulips are readily propagated by offsets, which are taken 



