Shade

Tulips cannot be grown more advantageously than in two beds, arranged and sheltered according to the plan of which the following is an end view. But whether grown in two beds or in one. highest in the centre, as before mentioned. The edges of the beds should be supported by deal planking two inches thick, and painted green, surmounted by a wire trellis, thirty inches high, coloured similarly, and supporting arches of wire to bear a canvas covering, when shade is required. These wire arches lit into sockets in the upper rail of the trellis, and the canvas cover is fastened to them by strings, as in the case of a tent bedstead..

Fig. 172.

The wire trellis will preserve the plants from boisterous winds during all periods of the growth, and the whole will he found to be the most efficient shelter, at a moderate expense that combines elegance with utility. The first fortnight of the month of November is the best season for planting: A hole should be made with a trowel, not with a dibble, a little sand be placed beneath and over each bulb, and a small hillock marks on the surface its place.

The only after culture required is a frequent hoeing of the surface of the bed; and as the flowers fall, to cut off the seed pod.

Taking Up The Bulbs

This must he done as soon as the leaves in early autumn become yellow. Mr. Glenny says -

"If you have room and convenience, put thern into boxes, with all their skins and roots, and place the drawers singly in an airy dry covered place out of the sun. In a few days they will harden, the skins will come off easy, and the root break away without damaging the bulb. Should any in taking up be found with moist or mildewed skins, which is not unfrequently the case, they should nevertheless he let alone a day or two; the removal of the skins, stalks, and roots is accompanied with much less risk. It is not uncommon for part of the top to come away with the roots, if the latter is broken off at the time of taking up in temporary boxes at first, so that as they are cleared of their skins and roots, they may be laid away in their own drawers perfectly clean, which is not easily done if they are taken out to clean and returned to the same place, because there will be grit and mould not easily got rid of. Tulips when put away, should have air, without heat, or much frost; an outhouse of any kind is better than a dwelling-house. There should be a vacancy between all the drawers, and the case all round should have wire panel sides, back and front." - Gard. and Pract. Flor.