ii 8 THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



The bottom of the interior is what is named the base; it should extend about one- 

 fourth up the petals, and form a smooth, clear, circular disc of white or yellow, quite 

 free from stain or tinge. The stamens must also be of the same shade and quite 

 stainless. A flower free from these blemishes is "pure"; one with them "stained." 

 The anthers surmounting the stamen ought to be black and of good size ; the pericarp 

 or seed-vessel should also be of a good size. 



The shape of the flower is, as may be supposed, of high importance. It must have 

 six petals, three outer and three inner, placed alternately, close to each other, and alike 

 in height, size, and shape ; broadly rounded at the top. The petals are required to be 



stout and so broad as to allow the flower 

 to expand without showing any openings 

 between. The flower when expanded must 

 resemble in form the half of a hollow ball or 

 circular cup. The stem should be stout, so as 

 to carry the flower erect, and long enough to 

 raise it well above its leaves. The illustra- 

 tion (Fig. 57) shows the shape and character 

 of a Florists' Tulip. It is a feathered variety. 



Planting Florists' Tulips. 

 Garden or decorative tulips differ entirely ; 

 they may be either in self or parti-colours, 

 single or double, early or late. They produce 

 a brilliant effect in gardens, also in beds in 



Fig. .37. F-LOKifrTs' Tulip— Feathered. 



public parks, and are so cheap that they are 

 purchased in millions every year. By favour of Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Heading, we 

 are able to show a single and double variety of these popular tulips. 



The tulip requires that good drainage be provided when forming the beds in 

 September. These, for Florists' Tulips, must be in an open situation, but sheltered from 

 the east and north. The bed ought to be 4 feet wide and may be of any length desired — a 

 bed 50 feet long will hold 100 rows or 700 tulips and is more convenient than a larger 

 one. Take out the soil to a depth of 2 feet, and put round the bed boards which will rise 

 to 12 inches above the adjoining path. This space may now be filled in with the soil. 

 Various growers differ in their composts, but a good fibrous, rather unctuous loam made 



