* 
6 “ INTRODUCTION. 
Tulip with an erf 61 Flower, and ovate 
fpear-fhaped Leaves. The Tulip, accord¬ 
ing to Gefner, is a native of Cappadocia, 
from whence it was introduced into 
Europe, in the year 1559; it is, however, 
certain, that theprefent improved varieties 
of the Tulip have been obtained by art, 
within the laft and prefent century; and 
it is chiefly to the exertions of Dutch, 
French, and Flemifh Florifts, that we are 
indebted, for the perfehlion to which we 
fee the Tulip at prefent arrived. 
The rage for Tulips was fo prevalent 
in Holland about one hundred and fifty 
years ago, that it is faid, property to the 
amount of maiiy hundred pounds fierling, 
was given for a fingle root; this extraor¬ 
dinary traffic was, however, foon checked 
by the interference of the legiflature, who 
forefaw the ruinous confequences that 
rauft inevitably follow an infatuation of 
that 
