It should be observed, that the present species 
never gave rise to much of the gambling system 
attributed to the Tulip ; but that the principal at- 
tention always rested on the Tulipa Gesneriana, or 
common garden Tulip, which shall have notice at 
a future time There are, notwithstanding, some 
beautiful varieties of the early flowering sorts, of 
different colours, which the Dutch florists cultivate, 
and honour with high-sounding names. 
When planted in the borders, from six to twelve, 
or more, bulbs may be put in at four inches asun- 
der, so as to form an irregularly shaped little bed; 
for complete circles, ovals, or straight rows, should 
always be avoided in the mingled parterre. The 
soil should be well stirred, to the depth of nine 
inches, and, if stiff, a little sand may be mixed with 
it. Then take out the soil four inches deep, and 
having removed the hard brown skin from the bulbs, 
plant them ; fill up with the soil again, and make 
the whole level. If the situation be damp, or the 
soil too retentive, a little sand should be placed 
round the bulb; but if very light, it may be stirred, 
and the bulbs put in by making holes with a dibble 
to receive them. 
For the earliest flowers, plant from the beginning 
of September to the end of October ; but for later 
flowers, plant in February. If, in autumn. Van 
Tholl tulip bulbs be planted singly, in small pots of 
light rich soil, they will blossom extremely well in 
the drawing room, and contrast prettily with hya- 
cinths in glasses; but should be frequently exposed 
to fresh air. They will flower in water, as hyacinths, 
but with less certainty, and less luxuriantly. 
Hort. Kew. 2, v. 2, 249. 
