The application of distinct terms to different 
forms is highly desirable ; still, we regard these 
bulbs, bulb-tubers, and tubers, simply as modifica- 
tions of the self-same organ of protection. The 
bulb is but a depressed leafy stem; the bulb-tu- 
ber, a depressed stem without either leaves or 
buds; and the tuber, a depressed subterranean stem 
with buds, but leafless. Imagine the stem of 
the Tiger Lily formed of numerous short tubes, 
each one from the bottom' upwards, a little longer, 
but of smaller diameter, than that beneath it. Again 
imagine these tubes pressed down, one within the 
other, as a telescope. Thus the scaly bulb is com- 
pleted — the leaves of the stein form the scales, and 
the little stem bulbs become the ofl’scts in their 
axils. Somewhat analogous would be the formation 
of the other two varieties. 
The above may be regarded as examples of prom- 
inent dilferences only, which occur among these 
conservative organic masses; but so diversified are 
the works of creation, and so easy the gradation 
from link to link through the great chain of na- 
ture, from the lowest form of inorganic matter to 
the most perfect of animated beings, that numer- 
ous intermediate forms occur between these well- 
developed tubers and bulbs. We merely desire 
that our juvenile friends should not pass heedlessly 
by diversity of form and evidence of omnipotence, 
since it is a privilege of rational beings to under- 
stand, and to receive jileasure from, these works of 
perfection. 
Bulbs of the Gladiolus floribundus may be plant- 
ed in April, and taken up again in autumn. 
Hort. Kevv. 2, v. 1, 101. 
