S INGLE Early Tulips are deservedly favorites in every 
garden. It is supposed they are descendants of Tulipa 
Gesneriana, T. prxcox and T. suaveolens, though it seems 
necessary to infer that other strains of blood are evident in 
many of these garden Tulips. It is probable that their exact 
origin can never be definitely determined. In them we possess 
a range of colors and combination of shades, with an ease of 
culture which no other class affords; besides this, they are so 
inexpensive, so far as many sorts are concerned, that they 
can be included in the plan of the most simple garden design. 
Though they lack the substance of the May-flowering varieties, 
they are unsurpassed for bedding, as they are through flowering 
early enough for the beds to be filled with summer-blooming 
plants, and while in flower they give a brilliant display for ten 
days to two weeks. 
The newer varieties so far excel many of the older sorts as to 
make the latter hardly worth planting. Beds of these newer 
Single Early Tulips planted in solid colors or in effective com¬ 
binations provide a glorious sight late in April and early in 
May. In borders where they are not hidden by rank-growing 
plants they give a touch of color wholly welcome at this early 
time of year. They are the best fitted of all Tulips for forcing, 
and, if not grown too cool, some very early varieties may be 
had in flower by the end of December. When used for bedding, 
it is far better that new bulbs be secured each year, for the old 
bulbs will not do well the second season unless they have been 
allowed to mature properly and the foliage to die down before 
being removed from the beds. Even with the best care, it is 
uncertain whether the bulbs will again bloom successfully during 
a second season. 
In the following list the handsomest sorts alone are repre¬ 
sented, while many of the better-known varieties are omitted 
because they no longer grow well, or are surpassed by the newer 
kinds. Upon request I can supply any desired variety. 
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