126 Tlie Tulip. 



bulb, should not be removed or injured. The young physiolo- 

 gist cannot have a better example given him of the harmony 

 and unity of the various parts of a plant in its process towards 

 performing its destined duties to nature, which are to propagate 

 the species, than the Tulip presents ; for the most indifferent ob- 

 server must be struck with the wonderful security with which 

 the parts of fructification are guarded from the night air and 

 tempestuous weather by the petals, which form themselves into 

 the shape of an egg ; and so closely are they shut that neither 

 damp air nor wind can enter to retard the formation of the pollen ; 

 for sooner shall the wind snap the stem than separate the petals, 

 although they regularly open to admit the rays of the sun to ma- 

 ture the parts that are necessary for the formation of the seed. 

 In cold and ungenial seasons, the petals retain their concave 

 shape, and act as so many reflectors to assist the ripening of the 

 pollen ; whilst in dry and hot seasons the petals curl backwards, 

 so as to throw off the too powerful rays of the sun, but continue 

 to close towards sunset until the impregnation of the stigmas has 

 taken place ; after which the petals decay and fall off, leaving 

 the capsule to benefit by all the nourishment the stem affords, and 

 to enjoy the light and air uninterrupted. Florists, who are care- 

 ful of their choice Tulips, erect awnings over them, which causes 

 the corolla to remain longer, although it retards the ripening of 

 the pollen. Hogg recommends a fresh, rich, loamy soil, of rather 

 a sandy nature, which should be dug at least twelve months 

 before it is used, and to which a small portion of well rotted 

 dung should be added. He tells us that an intelligent old Tulip 

 grower assured him that the best was : — three- eighths rich yellow 

 loam ; one-fourth leaf mould ; one-sixth horse manure, two years 

 old ; and one-eighth sea sand, well incorporated and laid in a 

 bed or stratum for plants, two feet deep. We have a decided 

 objection to Tulip beds for pleasure gardens, on account of their 

 formality and the blank that remains after flowering ; those not 

 of the first quality may add greatly to the beauty of a garden 

 when planted in clumps six and eighteen to a spot. Situations 

 sheltered from the winds, and where a partial shade is afforded 

 from the afternoon sun, are the best ; by this manner of planting, 

 the vacant clumps will be filled up by the branches of later 

 flowering plants. They should be allotted to the ground so as 

 to embellish those spots most deficient in flowers at the season 



