162 
CULTURE OF THE TULIP. 
9. Always raise the beds not less than three inches above the paths at the out- 
sides, and six inches to a foot in the middle of the bed ; this convexity will render , 
it more capable of casting off the water in times of heavy or continued rain. 
10. The bed being thus formed, the next thing is to proceed to planting. The 
best time for doing this is in the beginning of November. 
11. Plant the bulbs in rows lengthwise on the bed. A bed 4 feet wide will 
contain seven rows, allowing the two outer rows to be six inches from the sides of 
the bed ; this will allow each row to be six inches apart, and the bulbs may be 
planted the same distance in the rows. 
12. In planting, always make it a rule to place a little fine sand in each hole 
before introducing the bulb ; this greatly assists the bulb. 1 he depth they must 
be planted is about four inches. 
13. After being planted, but little attention is required until the latter end of 
February, when most of them will appear above ground ; they must then be care- 
fully examined, and if either leaves or bulbs are injured by the canker, the part 
affected must be carefully taken off, choosing a fine dry day for the purpose ; and if 
the wounded part be left exposed to the sun and air, it will presently heal. 
14. When the flower buds make their appearance, great care is necessary to 
shelter them from hail storms, heavy rains, and frosts ; this may be done by round 
pieces of board about twelve inches in diameter, having a stick passed through the 
centre of each board. These being stuck in the bed by the side of the bulb, will 
form a cap over the top of the flower-bud which can be raised higher at pleasure. 
This has been found by experience to be far better than covering the beds with 
either hoops and mats or awnings, until the flowers are more advanced, for by 
following either of the latter means the stems are apt to become weakly, and be 
scarcely able to support the flowers. 
15. When the colours of the flowers begin to show, cover the bed with an 
awning, as their exposure to either sun or rain would cause the colours to run and 
mix, and by this means spoil the beauty of the flowers ; but as soon as the flowers 
begin to fall, the sheet must be removed, and all the seed pods broken off, which 
will greatly strengthen the bulbs. 
16. As soon as the upper parts of the stems become withered and dry, and the 
foliage yellow, commence taking them up. Lay them on boards under cover in a 
dry, airy situation ; and when perfectly dry and clean, put them away either in 
paper bags or in a bulb case, like that recommended for the Ranunculus. 
The Due Van Tirol tulip may be forced in pots or water-glasses, treated in the 
same manner as is usually done for hyacinths. 
