Tulip, Gladiolus, ete. 591 
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 
