have been in advance of the culture of plants in 
general; or, it has of late years been subjected to 
neglect, for, since that period, unlike almost every 
other plant, no variation in its treatment has taken 
place. When some of the circumstances, connected 
with the culture of this plant are duly considered, 
the necessity of entering on a more enlightened 
system must be evident. For instance, the propa- 
gator from seed, having obtained good “breeders,” 
by which term is understood, self-coloured flowers, 
cannot rely on “breaking” such flowers for very 
many — perhaps twenty or more years. By break- 
ing is meant developing their colours in stripes and 
pencillmgs. He waits in patient expectation for that 
which nature, in her regular course, unassisted by 
art, may never accomplish ; and art has hitherto 
neglected, to take any part in the business. 
As stated under No. 1 197, the character prized by 
the florist is but the development of qualities, at- 
tendant on a peculiar, but enfeebled state of the 
plant ; and in the case of the Tulip, this condition 
has been unsought for by culture, but waited for as 
the result of old age. 
Propagation of the Tulip from seed will be treated 
of very shortly, in the mean time one step made by 
Mr. Cole, towards an improved culture should be 
mentioned. Observing the injury produced by wet 
seasons on Tulips, he applies his hoops and mats 
to the beds immediately after planting, protecting 
them from rain, but leaving the ends open for tree 
ventilation. When the leaves make their appear- 
ance, the mats should be removed as much as pos- 
sible in dry weather. 
