The Crown Imperial. 69 



in nourishing the parts of fructification, and assisting the impreg- 

 nation of the seed, and we have met with that diversity of opi- 

 nion which could hardly have been expected on a subject that 

 seems so clearly developed. A lady experimenting on the 

 Crown Imperial for this purpose, « robbed the petals of this deli- 

 cate fluid about 10 o'clock in the morning, and every evening, 

 during which period it became usually replaced in the degree of 

 about one-third the natural quantity, when suffered to remain 

 undisturbed. Those bells from which the honey was taken 

 regularly every morning and evening, did not produce seed; 

 two bells, irregularly robbed, formed poor seed-vessels ; while 

 those on the same plant, remaining in the natural state, brought 

 the seeds to perfection." 



As it takes six years to obtain flowering bulbs from the seeds 

 of the Crown Imperial, it is seldom propagated in this way. 

 Those who are disposed to exercise their patience in this way, 

 and raise varieties from the seed, have only to follow the direc- 

 tions which we will give for increasing Tulips, and there is no 

 fear but success will attend the operation. 



The Crown Imperial has a large, round, scaly root, that throws 

 off young offsets, by which it is generally increased in our gar- 

 dens, but it is more frequently obtained from the shops which 

 import it from the Netherlands, and from Holland. The roots 

 should be planted at least six inches deep, and not removed 

 oftener than every third year, when the young plant may be 

 separated from the parent bulb, and planted in a soil as already 

 noticed, the strongest of which will flower the following spring, 

 if removed at the proper season, which is about the beginning of 

 July, when the stalk is decayed. 



As our flower gardens and pleasure grounds in the United 

 States increase, this plant rises into notice ; its odor will of course 

 prevent its being cultivated where the collection is small and con- 

 fined. Where there is sufficient room, however, it will always 

 be indispensable ; and although in a Republic, we shall annually 

 see the Crown Imperial performing its reign in quiet splendor, 

 unconscious of the cares that attend other crowns. 



