Tulip, Gladiolus, etc. 59 ! 



groups in succession, and give a few simple directions re- 

 specting the planting, storing, etc., of the different kinds. 



a. Culture of the Tulip and Gladiolus and their Allies. 

 The bulb of a Tulip is termed a tunicated bulb, from its being 

 clothed with membranous scales. It never flowers but once, and 

 attains maturity in about three years. A more complete de- 

 scription of its different stages of development will be found 

 at pp. 495-6. From its solid compact structure it will bear 

 storing away out of the ground for several months. This 

 practice is usually resorted to where Tulips are used for 

 bedding, as it then leaves the bed quite free for its summer 

 occupants. But if the bulbs are taken up before the leaves 

 have turned yellow, they are likely to shrivel and become 

 useless, on account of their not having reached maturity. A 

 better plan to pursue, perhaps, where they are bedded, and it 

 is desirable to preserve the bulbs, is to plant them in such a 

 manner as to permit of the summer bedding plants being- 

 placed between them. Sometimes they are taken up and re- 

 planted in another place to complete their growth ; but they 

 rarely turn out so well, even if the greatest care be exercised 

 in their removal. In the mixed border they may be left un- 

 disturbed for three or four years, and then they can be lifted 

 at the proper time, about the end of June. When they are 

 taken up they should be exposed to the air in the shade until 

 they are dry, when they may be stored away in any dark place 

 free from dampness. They should be spread out on shelves ; 

 and the only other care needed is protection from mice. The 

 best time for planting is from the beginning to the end of 

 July, according to the climate of the locality. If planted too 

 early they will start, and the leaves will be injured by frost. 

 Tulips prefer a deep sandy loam, with an admixture of leaf- 

 mould and rotten manure to give them vigour. But the most 

 important condition is perfect drainage, without which the 

 bulbs are liable to rot ; and this may be said to hold good for 

 nearly all bulbous plants. Where the soil is not naturally sandy, 

 it is desirable to add a little sand with the other ingredients, 

 and to place some immediately around the bulbs when plant- 

 ing them. The bulbs should be planted at a depth of about 

 three inches from the surface of the soil. We need not enter 

 into the question of colour and other considerations to be 

 observed in planting, as we have gone into that in detail in 

 another place. The same soil and treatment will answer 



