72 CULTIVATION. 



it is an acquired portion of knowledge ; and 

 founded on a standard fixed by a general con- 

 currence amongst cultivators. A flower may be 

 ample, splendid in colours and appearance, and 

 yet have no merit in the estimation of a florist. 

 He can only admire what approaches his stand- 

 ard ; he must have a certain form, colour, and 

 disposition of colour. Whether the forms and 

 tints so admired be also the most perfect com- 

 binations of form and colour is, perhaps, ques- 

 tionable ; but, as such objects have an extra 

 value, the attainment of them is a pleasing 

 pursuit to the amateur, and the possession a 

 profitable one to the professional florist. 



The properties of a first-rate tulip are thus 

 described by Maddock ; viz. — " The stem should 

 be strong, elastic, and erect, and about thirty 

 inches above the surface of the bed. 



" The flower should be large, and composed 

 of six petals : these should proceed a little 

 horizontally at first, and then turn upwards, 

 forming almost a perfect cup, with a round bot- 

 tom, rather wddest at the top. 



