species which has been the favorite of every florist 
since its first introduction to Holland and this country. 
A flower which the Dutch authorities passed a law 
to prohibit the sale of at any greater sum than four 
hundred pounds. It should, however, be understood 
that the Dutch Tulip sale, in many instances, was a 
mere system of gambling ; a literal transfer of the 
flower was often not intended ; the nominal possession 
only, or even of a share, of an incomparable, was 
all that was desired by the rich Dutchman of 1635. 
His object was shortly to sell again at a profit, similar 
to the English speculator, on the Stock Exchange 
of our Metropolis. Time bargains were also effected ; 
by which it was intended that the purchaser should 
receive or pay profit or loss agreeably to the price 
of the Tulip at a future time mentioned. 
Wenotice these transactions, the more particularly, 
to eradicate the general impression that such ex- 
travagant prices were paid for the gratification of 
seeing a beautiful flower of some peculiar character 
ornament the possessor’s garden. 
Historical facts should not be overlooked, particu- 
larly as we hope to have full opportunity to do justice 
to the description, culture, and other matters con- 
nected with this regal flower. 
We need scarcely mention that all the fine varieties 
of the Tulip, are known amongst florists by technical 
names, usually of pretty high import. The variety 
now figured is the Roi de Siam ; and is a flower em- 
bracing some of the best qualities sought by the 
lover of vegetable gems. An explanation of what 
it is that constitutes those qualities, shall, at no distant 
period, be fully given. 
Hort. Kew. 2, v, 2, 249. 
