The name Tulip was derived from the word 
tulpant, meaning turban, so called from its like- 
ness to a turban. 
Originally found in the Southern and Eastern 
part of Europe, Persia and Asia Minor, by botan- 
ists and travelers, the first Tulips, together with 
herbs from far lands, were distributed by drug- 
gists at prices beyond the reach of all but the 
wealthiest plant fanciers. 
In the early 17th century, as Dumas’ novel 
“La Tulipe Noire” indicates, the wild speculations 
of Tulip fanciers reached such proportions that 
fabulous sums were paid for one bulb. 
Gradually it became apparent that the soil 
and climate of The Netherlands were particularly 
suited to the culture of flower bulbs. This eventu- 
ally developed into a major industry and so Tulips 
found their way into the gardens of the world. 
Clean as a lady, cool as glass, 
Fresh without fragrance the tulip was. 
The craftsman, who carved her of metal, prayed: 
“Live, oh thou lovely!’ Half metal she stayed 
—HumMBERT WOLFE. 
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