GARDEN TCLIP. 67 



ciple receives a new impulse ; and that impulse 

 is to enlarge the next bulb in succession, as well 

 as the other ofFset-bulbs that may have been pre- 

 viously formed. The peduncle or stalk, now no 

 longer useful, begins, like the leaves, to lose its 

 vitality ; and, shrinking, changes colour, and 

 gradually withers away. 



There is a critical point, during this decay of 

 the leaves and stem, which experience has proved 

 should be particularly observed by the tulip 

 grower ; viz. — when the stem in withering be- 

 comes of a purple colour, it is a sign that its 

 connection with the radical plate and fibres (for 

 with the new bulb it has none v/hatever) is cut 

 off, and that the new bulb is an independent 

 being, having " thrown off its mortal coil," and 

 therefore may be taken out of the ground with 

 safety. If taken up before this connection is 

 dissevered by Nature, the new bulb " will be 

 weak and spongy ;'' and if taken up later it, 

 by being kept in the ground, continues in a state 

 of excitement and premature growth, which is 



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