GARDEN TULIP. 67 



ciple receives a new impulse ; and that impulse 

 is to enlarge the next bulb in succession, as well 

 as the other ofFset-bulbs that may have been pre- 

 viously formed. The peduncle or stalk, now no 

 longer useful, begins, like the leaves, to lose its 

 vitality ; and, shrinking, changes colour, and 

 gradually withers away. 



There is a critical point, during this decay of 

 the leaves and stem, which experience has proved 

 should be particularly observed by the tulip 

 grower ; viz. — when the stem in withering be- 

 comes of a purple colour, it is a sign that its 

 connection with the radical plate and fibres (for 

 with the new bulb it has none whatever) is cut 

 off, and that the new bulb is an independent 

 being, having " thrown off its mortal coil," and 

 therefore may be taken out of the ground with 

 safety. If taken up before this connection is 

 dissevered by Nature, the new bulb " will be 

 weak and spongy and if taken up later it, 

 by being kept in the ground, continues in a state 

 of excitement and premature growth, which is 



