68 



i'A3IILIAR G Alii) EN FLO WEES. 



sand is cheap it should be used in plenty. In Hollandj 

 tulips are grown for the market in a dark-coloured peaty 

 sand, of so loose a texture that the workmen have to wear 

 sand-shoesj which are like little tea-trays tied to their feet, 

 to prevent them sinking into it. This sand is first en- 

 riched with cow manure in very considerable quantity, and 

 is then planted with potatoes ; the next year it has no 

 manure, and is planted %nth hyacinths. The next year 

 again it has no manure, and is planted with tulips. 



In selecting tulips, the catalogue of a trading florist 

 will furnish ample guidance, and the prices will show 

 how to cut the coat according to the cloth. The Van Thol 

 section flower earliest and are sweet-scented, and therefore 

 invaluable for the table and window. The early single 

 and double are the most useful for the parterre and for 

 growing in pots for the conservatory. The late, com- 

 prising more especially Gesneriana and the " Rose " sec- 

 tion of the florists'" tulips, are fine for late beds and for 

 the fronts of shrubberies. 



