64 Literary Notices. 



tions of Copernicus and Galileo to these post-Herschel times. Mr. Rand may 

 safely claim for his work that it is the only treatise on bulbs which meets the 

 wants of floriculturists of to-day. 



But this general distinction is speedily lost sight of upon examination of its 

 particular merits. These are, palpably, its clear and systematic arrangement, 

 its affluence of learning, minuteness of information, and attractive style. The first 

 of these is not the least important : it is worth much to be able to open a book, 

 and, by a glance at the table of contents or the index, to turn without hesitation 

 to the very topic of which you wish to read. Of the second and third, space 

 will not allow us to cite evidences ; but a moment's inspection of the book will 

 convince the reader that here may be found just what he wants to know about 

 bulbs, set forth in simple and graceful language. 



These general remarks have been so extended as to preclude any minute ex- 

 amination of the features of Mr. Rand's book ; and we can do no more than 

 merely to indicate in it what seem to us to be characteristics of special excellence 

 and value to the horticulturist. 



The remarks on and rules for the practical cultivation of bulbs embrace all 

 the instruction that is needed by any one possessing even the slightest knowl- 

 edge of flowers, in order to the successful cultivation of bulbs. The most un- 

 practical young lady may learn from these how she may, at small expense and 

 pains, glorify her parlor with the beauty and fragrance of those flowers which 

 are specially adapted for house-culture. This portion of the volume cannot be 

 epitomized : every line of it contains a lesson, which must be read in order to 

 be learned. The author's views on the preservation of varieties are confirmed 

 by general testimony ; and his tests by which good bulb-plants may be distin- 

 guished from poor are simple and conclusive. The tulip, hyacinth, crocus, and 

 one or two others, as being the best-known and most common bulb-plants, are 

 properly treated in separate chapters, and more at length ; while rarer varieties, 

 many of which are unknown in this country, receive briefer notice. It is to be 

 hoped that Mr. Rand will supplement this popular treatise with another, which 

 shall supply information of a more eclectic and recondite nature. To the New- 

 England reader, the chapter on the lily, which, best of all bulbs, flourishes in 

 our cold climate, will be specially interesting. 



It is, perhaps, unnecessary to set forth the inducements to the cultivation of 

 bulbs : but there may be some readers who are not aware, that, less perhaps 

 than any other class of plants, they are liable to disease, or to the attacks of in- 

 sects ; that they are easily cultivated in the garden and as house-plants ; and 

 that, in beauty and fragrance, they vie successfully with the entire floral family. 

 Their adaptedness for house-culture should specially recommend them to lady- 

 amateurs ; few of whom, having read Mr. Rand's volume, — whose elegant dress, 

 faultless typography, and exquisite illustrations, are fitting concomitants to the 

 delightful subject he treats of, — but will clamor for a garden-spot if they are for- 

 tunately rural residents ; or for a conservatory, or at least a flower-stand, if they 

 are " city people." 



