Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 https://archive.org/details/floralmagazine9187unse THE " library NEW YORK BOTANICAL \ CARDVi'i FLORAL MAGAZINE COMPRISING JfigitKS rntb gumptions OF POPULAR GARDEN FLOWERS. BY THE RET. H. H0NYW00D DOIBRAIN, A.B. THE DEAWINGS BY WOETHINGTON G. SMITH, F.L.S. VOL. IX. LONDON : L. REEYE & CO., 5, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN. 1870. SAVTLL, U>39 /m LONDON : EDWARDS AND CO., PRINTERS, CHANDOS STREET, COVENT GARDEN. INDEX. Plate Abutilon Megapotamicum Marmoratum 487 Achimenes : Admiration and Masterpiece 505 Alyssum Alpestre 491 Auriculas, Alpine : Selina, Black Prince, and Monarch 489 Azalea: Marie Henriette 498 Bertolonia Primulseflora 471, 472 Cattleya Quinquecolor 511 Chrysanthemums : Globosa and Beauty of Stoke . . 470 Chrysanthemums, Japanese : Sol and Sultan 474 Cinerarias : Princess Teck, Orb of Day, Chancellor 493 Clematis : Miss Bateman, Mrs. Lister, Lord Napier, and Lady Londes- borough 495, 496 Cyclamen Persicum Giganteum 488 Cypripedium Dominianum 499 Dahlia : Fanny Gair 467 Delphinium Nudicaule 512 Dendrobium Schroederii . 502 Epacris Hyacinthiflora Carminata 486 Fuchsias: Clarissa and Champion 468 Gaillardia Picta, var. Splendida 480 Gladiolus : Orphee and Horace 507, 508 Hippeastrum Leopoldi 475, 476 Hyacinth : Lord Melville 482 Iberis Gibraltarica 500 Lilium Thunbergianum Bicolor 504 Lilium Tigrinum Splendens and Lilium Litchlinii 509, 510 Masdevallia Veitchii 481 Miltonia Regnelli Purpurea 490 Oncidium Kramerianum 465 IV INDEX. PLATE Oncidium Varicosum, var. Rogersii 477 Oncidium Crispum Grandiflorum 485 Pelargonium, Bicolor, W. R. Morris 466 Pelargonium, Nosegay : Stanstead Rival 473 Pelargoniums : Charlemagne and Holkar 501 Penstemons : Agnes Laing and Stanstead Surprise 469 Picotee, Tree : Prince of Orange 484 Psycliotria Cyanococca 479 Rose, Hybrid perpetual : Marquise de Mortmarte 483 Rose, Hybrid perpetual : Louis Van Iloutte 497 Rose, Hybrid perpetual: Mdlle. Eugenie Verdier 503 Rose, Tea : Madame Ducher 494 Tropamlum : Minnie Warren 506 Verbenas: Kate Lawden, Rising Sun, and Rev. J. Dix 478 Viola Cornuta : Perfection 492 Worthington G. Smith.dd et lith Vincent Spooks .Day &Son,Imp Plate 465. ONCIDIUM KRAMERIANUM. The imitative forms of many plants and insects are well known, and are in no tribe of plants more remarkable than in the orcliidacese. Even amongst our native orchids this is seen, and the bee and fly orchis are known to those lovers of wild flowers who ramble over our chalky downs ; the beautiful Peristeria or dove plant is another example of this, but perhaps in none is it more remarkable than in the species Oncidium Papilio and Papilio Major. Few persons for the first time admitted into an orchid house where these are in bloom, and ignorant of their existence, but would be ready to exclaim, “ What a fine butter- fly !” Flowering at the end of a slender stem four or five feet long, and fluttering in the draught of the opened door, it is so very like the insect from which it derives its name, that a person might well be pardoned for the mistake. Oncidium Kramerianum, one of the many introductions of Mr. William Bull, is a species differing considerably from the older species, and coming from a different locality, viz., New Granada, while Oncidium Papilio is, we believe, exclusively confined to the West Indies ; the main difference being in the fringe that surrounds all parts of the flower, especially the lower lip, and the colours being much brighter. In cultivation the same treatment will be successful as that adopted for 0. Papilio. All lovers of orchids would do well to visit Mr. Bull’s esta- blishment, as he has recently erected what may well be described as a model orchid house, where all the latest suggestions as to the successful cultivation of this lovely and varied tribe of plants may he seen carried out ; and at the present time, when flowers are so scarce, there may he seen many of the most beautiful of the family in flower, affording another proof of the enterprise and skill which preside over this establishment. Worthington G. Smith, del et lith VmcentBrooks ,Day& Son , Imp Plate 466. BICOLOP PELARGONIUM— W. R. MORRIS. When we some time since stated that the bicolor pelargoniums were likely to he more effective than the tricolors, many were incredulous as to the statement ; but another season’s experience has quite confirmed the opinion we then gave, while the great improvement that has taken place in the colouring of the leaves of the newer varieties will still further enhance their value as bedding plants. The gentleman after whom the variety now figured is named has been the great pioneer in the advance made : he was the raiser of Egyptian Queen, Southern Belle, Sybil, &c. ; and if these have been surpassed, as they undoubtedly have been, by such varieties as Crown Prince, Bed Ping, Cleopatra, and the one now figured, to him must be given the merit of having hit upon a strain which has produced such results. We have also seen during the past season, and indeed grow in our own garden, some varieties raised in the West of England by Mr. Sampson, of Houndstone and Yeovil Nurseries, which are undoubtedly very fine in character ; Beauty of Houndstone and Duke of Edinburgh being especially so. The most successful raisers and exhibitors in this class have, however, undoubtedly been Messrs. Downie, Laird, and Laing, to whom we are in- debted for the opportunity of figuring W. P. Morris; at the great special show for Pelargoniums they took the first prize for the best six, and second and third for single varieties, these plants being the admiration of all who saw them. W. B. Morris has the leaf ground of bright golden yellow with a well-defined red bronze zone, foliage smooth and of great substance, shape nearly approaching perfection, and for exhi- bition purposes it is unequalled. It was awarded the first prize (open to all England) at the special show held at Kensington in May last, and has obtained several first-class certificates. 467 Plate 467. DAHLIA— FANNY GAIR. In according a place to the Dahlia in the first part of a new volume, we are giving expression to our belief that it is still one of the noblest and grandest of our autumnal flowers, and deserving of far more extended favour than it at present enjoys ; but when every part of the garden is filled up with bedding plants, no place is found for it ; and yet at a time of the year when Calceolarias are things of the past, when Geraniums are all leaves, and Verbenas completely draggled, the Dahlia stands forth full of beautiful and varied colours, not so elegant as the Gladiolus, but more enduring. We conceive that no garden ought to be without them. It is much to be regretted that the discontinuance of the Crystal Palace autumnal show has deprived the lovers of autumnal flowers of almost the only opportunity of seeing them in or about London, and we fear that it will still further tend to the depreciation of the flower ; for, strange as it may appear, it is nevertheless true, that no sooner does a flower cease to come before the public, than it ceases to enjoy its popularity. Mr. Charles Turner, of Slough, and Mr. John Keynes, of Salisbury, are still the two chief purveyors of new varieties, and to the former of these gentlemen we are indebted for the flower from which our drawing was taken. Fanny Gair is one of those beautiful tipped varieties of which Mr. Turner has already given us some fine examples ; the ground colour is pure white, and the tip of each petal heavily margined with bright violet purple, the form of the flowers is perfect and the centre remarkably well filled ; it will he unquestionably one of the leading flowers of the year. "Worthington. G Smith, del . et lith 468 • | i Vincent Brooks .Day &Scm , Imp Plate 468. FUCHSIAS— CLARISSA AND CHAMPION. That the Fuchsia has to some extent shared in the neglect with which florists’ flowers have of late years been treated, is a fact which many of us deplore ; for in the summer and autumn months there is no plant which tends more to the adornment of the conservatory and greenhouse, its profuseness of bloom and its length of endurance making it peculiarly desirable for such purposes; and the many beautiful varieties which have been introduced of late years make a charming variety. Amongst those who have, notwithstanding its general neglect, encouraged the raising of new varieties is Mr. W. Bull, of King’s-road, Chelsea. In addition to those now figured, we find that a large number of new and valuable sorts are to be sent out by him in the ensuing spring. The cultivation of the Fuchsia is too well understood to require any detailed directions ; those who have the space for it will do well to grow both old and young plants, the former producing an immense quantity of bloom for cut flowers, the latter forming the neatest plants for decorative purposes ; it only needs to he borne in mind that the Fuchsia rejoices in a light rich soil and in frequent syringings during its period of growth, in order to keep down the attacks of red spider, to which it is very subject. Clarissa (fig. 1) has the sepals of pure white, with a slight greenish tip to each. The corolla is very peculiar, being of a pretty light purplish-pink, white in the centre of each division, and margined with crimson lake. Champion (fig. 2) has the sepals of bright scarlet, and the corolla, which is very large, brilliant-shaded plum, giving the plant a very grand appearance. 469 Plate 469. PENSTEMONS— AGNES LAING AND STANSTEAD SURPRISE. Hardy herbaceous plants are receiving more attention than they have done for years ; amongst other indications of this we may mention the fact that at the Great Provincial Show of the Royal Horticultural Society, to be held at Oxford, prizes are offered for Penstemons, Antirrhinums, Phloxes, &c., in pots. Whether this is quite judicious may be questioned, but it shows at any rate that attention is being drawn to them. We have figured in previous volumes some groups of the useful and long-flowering Penstemons, of which Messrs. Hownie, Laird, and Laing have been the principal cultivators in the neighbourhood of London ; and we have now in those figured in our plate an advance, as may be seen in referring to our former figures, both in the habit and colour of the flowers : in the habit, because they are more compact in their spikes of bloom, the individual flowers not being so far from each other as in those which we have formerly figured ; and in the colour, because the ground is so much purer. In fact they are quite equal to the best of the continental varieties, and are in consti- tution probably superior. Agnes Laing (fig. 1) is a flower of a peculiarly bright and pleasing shade of rose ; the contour of the flower is excellent, and the white exceedingly pure. Stanstead Surprise (fig. 2) is of a pleasing shade of lively purple and with a pure white ground and throat. On a visit paid to the nursery of Messrs. Downie, Laird, and Laing, at Stanstead Park, some time since, we saw a large quantity of seedlings of this pretty herbaceous plant, and we have no doubt that we have not yet reached the perfection which they will attain ; and amongst those to whom we look for still further improvement, is the eminent firm to whose courtesy we are indebted for the opportunity of figuring those in our present plate. t 470. Vincent Crocks, Day &Scsn, Imp. Worthington G.SimtVi, del. a, hth. I.Reeve &Co. 5, Henrietta St. Covent Garden . Plate 470. CHRYSANTHEMUMS— GLOBOSA AND BEAUTY OF STOKE. Probably there has not been any season of late years so favourable to the flowering of the Chrysanthemum as the one that has just 'closed ; those in the open ground and in pots were equally good, and probably a fresh stimulus will be given to their growth by the success of this season. Mr. John Salter, of the Versailles Nursery, Hammersmith, has again brought forward a considerable number of valuable varieties, but the great run has been upon the Japanese section, so remarkable for the size and curious appearance of their flowers, some of which we hope to figure next month. Of the Chinese section he has ten new varieties, while pompones seem quite to have been neglected by the raisers of new kinds ; they are as follows : Duke of Edinburgh (Ball), a large incurved flower, rosy lilac, with light centre. Marginata (Salter), large anemone flower, lilac blush, edged with rose and rose centre. Miss Hope (Pethers), delicate lilac, shading off to white in the centre, finely incurved. Mrs. Wreford Major (Salter), dark rose, very close and compact, fine flower. Meyerbeer (Downton), rose-purple and light back, finely incurved. Norma (Lord Elliott), ivory white, short, stiff petal ; very dwarf habit and fine. Ondine (Salter), cream tipped, rosy lilac, fine incurved flower. Princess Louise (Teesdale) anemone flowered, delicate rosy blush, fine high centre, — and those figured in our plate. Globosa (fig. 1), a fine flower, raised by Mr. Downton, of a very dark Indian red, dwarf in habit ; the flower is of peculiarly globular form, somewhat the shape of that well-known variety Little Harry, and altogether a great acquisition. Beauty of Stoke (fig. 2), raised by Mr. Eundle, is a large orange-yellow flower, finely incurved and well up in the centre. Mr. Salter is about to leave the premises he has made so famous, as the all-absorbing railway has taken the place. Where he will be situated he does not yet know. 4/1*472, Yorthington 0 Smith ddet lith L Reeve & CoS Henriem St Covent Garden Vincent Brooks .Day&Son. Imp Plates 471, 472. BERTALONIA PRIMUL^FLORA. When we were in the autumn of 1868 visiting the well- known establishment of Mons. Linden, at the Jardin Zoolo- gique at Brussels, we were struck, amongst other things, by the brilliant appearance of a new 'Bertalonia, and we were glad to hear some time afterwards that it had passed into the hands of Mr. W. Bull of Chelsea, in whose establishment for new and rare plants it has been flowering during the past autumn. The species of this comparatively new genus, which have been of late years introduced, have been remarkable for the character of their foliage. Bertalonia guttata , and more espe- cially B. margaritacea, with its pearl-like spots on the surface of its velvety leaves, are attractive plants ; but the plant we have now figured, while possessing much the same character of foliage, is still more attractive, owing to the beauty and pro- fusion of its flowers. The leaves of the plant are of a beautiful dark green, and underneath reddish purple, very velvety in their texture, and with some very minute spots towards the base. They spread out from the centre, and form a neat habited dwarf plant. From its centre arise clusters of flowers of a clear soft rose colour, rising well above the foliage, and produced in great profusion. The ordinary stove treatment is that which is needful for this plant. It is by no means of difficult cultivation where there are the usual facilities a stove affords ; and as it seems to bloom in tlie autumn it will be the more valuable, when flowers are comparatively scarce. It was introduced by M. Linden from the State of Ecuador ; and we find, amongst other notices, the following from our contemporary the Gardener s Chronicle , in a description of Mr. Bull’s establishment: — “The plant is a neat, compact grower, and produces its clear, soft rose-coloured flowers in great profusion. It is a fine introduction to our stoves from Ecuador.” Vinoent Brooks D av&Son Imp Worthington G. Smith del.ei L Reeve feCo.SHeindetta St. Covent Garden Plate 473. NOSEGAY PELARGONIUM— STANSTEAD RIVAL. Any doubts that may have existed with regard to the value and beauty of Nosegay Pelargoniums, are now fast disappearing under the influence of the new and remarkable flowers that the last few years have produced. Size of truss, a better form of flower, and increased depth of colour, all combine to add beauty to the blooms, while all this has been obtained without any sacrifice of constitution, — many of the newer varieties equalling, if not excelling, in this respect, the older sorts, — while for bed- ding purposes they are, from their profuseness of bloom com- bined with their other good qualities, very great favourites. Messrs. Downie, Laird, and Lang, of Stanstead Park and Edinburgh, have been the most successful growers and exhi- bitors, and we have again taken one of their flowers as showing the advance that has been made. We last year figured Robert Rowley, a flower which has since justified all that has been said in its praise ; and we are inclined to think that Stanstead Rival will, in a different shade of colour, be equally valued. It will be seen that it is of a very deep shade of crimson, and there is a violet purple hue shot over it, which it is impossible for an artist to give ; the truss is of immense size, and the plant is a very abundant bloomer. Although the chief value of the Nosegay Geranium is as a bedder, yet it is also very effective as a pot plant ; we have seen fine plants grown from cuttings, but as a rule older plants will make better specimens. They should be shaken out of the mould early in spring, cut back, and then started into growth ; it will not do to pot them in too rich soil, as this induces an over- luxuriant growth, and for the same reason we prefer to under- pot them. They should be kept near the glass so as not to be drawn up, and in an equable temperature, where they will not be exposed to draughts. This fine flower, with others of the same class, will be distributed in the spring. 474 L Reeve k Co. S.Hennetta Sx Covent Garden Plate 474. JAPANESE CHRYSANTHEMUMS— SOL AND SULTAN. Opinions are still very much divided as to the value of this class of flowers. “ How can you possibly see anything to admire in such loose, ragged flowers ?” is frequently the question we are asked ; while, on the other hand, there are many who will with ourselves appreciate them for their show}'- character, and also for their coming into bloom and continuing in bloom later than the ordinary chrysanthemums. We have had them this year, without taking any particular care of them, in bloom until the beginning of February, and in places where there are more appliances we doubt not they could be had in bloom until the end of that month or the beginning of March. Having had the opportunity of blooming the best of the varieties sent out by Messrs. Salter and Son last autumn, we are enabled to decide as to their character, and we have found the following in our opinion to be the best. Dr. Masters: a most distinct and showy flower ; it changes considerably from the period of its opening, the centre being then yellow, but after- wards becoming red, and the petals, which are at first red, being then tipped with yellow. James Salter : a flower of immense size, of a clear lilac or mauve colour ; the petals being twisted about in a most extraordinary manner. As a plant for deco- rating a conservatory, it has no equal in its class. The indi- vidual flowers remain a long time in bloom. Hero of Mag dala : a very remarkable flower, the petals red, and orange buff on the reverse, and from the manner in which the petals twist about the flowers have the appearance of being two-coloured. Regalia : orange striped, red, very showy ; the petals have a tendency to incurve. Of the flowers now figured, Sol (fig. 1), the upper figure in the plate, is a bright golden yellow with tolerably broad petals, the petals having an upward tendency. Sultan (fig. 2) is a curiously twisted flower of a light lilac colour, the reverse of petals being darker, and thus giving a shading to the flower. They are from the unrivalled collection of Messrs. Salter and Son. 475 et 476 Worthington G Smith, F.L S del et lilh. L Reeve & Co 5 HenmUA Sr. Covent Garden Vmi'int BrooksDay&Svn Imp Plates 475, 476. HIPPEASTRUM LEOPOLD! It will not have been forgotten that some two or three years ago, a new Hippeastrum was exhibited by the Messrs. Yeitch, of Chelsea, which excited a good deal of admiration — we mean Hippeastrum pardinum, which we figured in our sixth volume, plate 344. It was one of the introductions of the late Mr. Pearce, collector of Messrs. Veitch & Son, of Chelsea, whose premature death, as he was on the way to South America, in the employ- ment of Mr. W. Bull, was so much lamented by the horticultural world. We have now the pleasure of figuring another of his introductions, excelling the former one in size and equally re- markable for its colouring. Hippeastrum Leopoldi was obtained from the same habitat, Peru, by Mr. B. Pearce, and he always considered it a most valuable species. It did not flower until the present year, when it fully confirmed all that he had said of it ; and when, on the occasion of the visit of his Majesty the King of the Belgians to London last autumn, an exhibition was rapidly got together at the Eoyal Horticultural Society’s Gardens in his honour, the Messrs. Yeitch exhibited it, and requested that it might be named Leopoldi, a permission which was at once courteously granted. It were needless work, so accurate is the drawing which our artist has made, to give any lengthened description of this striking flower ; the ground colour it will be seen is a creamy white, the colour of the large blotches in each petal are purplish rose, being irregularly spotted towards the extremity of the blotch, which covers about two-thirds of the petal. It will afford a striking contrast to some of the more deeply coloured varieties both of this genus and Amaryllis. Like its ally, Ilippeastrum pardinum, the plant will require a warm house, and will grow readily in a mixture of peat, sandy loam, and leaf mould with sand ; but we fear it will be some time before the public in general will have an opportunity of growing it, for it must necessarily for a long time be a scarce plant. Plate 477. ONCIDIUM VARICOSUM, VAR. ROGERS! I. Some very fine species of yellow flowering Oncidiums have lately been shown at the London Exhibitions, and not only for their intrinsic beauty, but also for their season of flowering, have deservedly attracted the attention of that increasing number of horticulturists whose means enable them to gratify a taste for growing this most varied, singular, and beautiful tribe of plants. Amongst these recent introductions we may safely note as one of the most desirable that which we now figure. “ This Oncidium was first exhibited in London,” says Mons. H. C. Reichenbach fils, the most eminent authority on the subject, “ in November or December, 1808, under the name of Oncidium Rogersii. The flowers are quite as splendid as those of Oncidium 'pectinate and Oncidium Marshallianum. The habit, we are informed, is similar to that of the old Oncidium bifolium, and the number of flowers produced on a single panicle in a well grown example not less than 170! There can be no doubt that it is one of the best of recently introduced orchids, and all the more valuable for its flowering season. It has recently bloomed in a high state of perfection with Messrs. Veitch.” We have ourselves seen the beautiful plant of Messrs. Veitch, from which the drawing was taken by our artist, and it would be of course utterly impossible to give a correct notion of its extreme beauty, when so small a portion of it can be placed on our plate. But he lias most faithfully rendered it, and it will be seen that the deep clear yellow of its flowers fully justifies all that Mons. Beichenbach has said of it. Its cultivation differs in no respect from that of its congeners. 478 Plate 478. VERBENAS— KATE LAWDEN, RISING SUN, AND REV. J. DIX. As a bedding plant the Verbena has during the last two seasons fallen into disfavour. The great heat of the atmosphere and dryness of the soil have been fatal to it, while in many cases a disease, as mysterious in its origin and as incurable as the potato disease, has largely affected it. One of the largest growers of Verbenas that we are acquainted with has attempted to battle with it for some years, but has failed. His plants when put out are all that can be wished, but afterwards go off in a manner which is very trying to one who has taken great pains to have his beds in good order. But as a pot plant the Verbena is gaining favour, and no one whohas inspected the splendid flowers exhibited by Mr. C. J. Perry can fail to see how admirably they are adapted for the purpose, and we therefore select from his new batch of seedlings three for our present plate. Kate Laioden (fig. 1) is a beautifully pure white flower, with pale-pink ring and a small yellow eye. Rising Sun (fig. 2) is a glowing orange red, with a small white eye and deep maroon ring. Rev. Joshua Dix (fig. 3) is a blush-coloured flower, with deep rose centre, large well-shaped pip, good truss, and in every respect first-rate. Besides these, the following seedlings of Mr. Perry will be sent out by Mr. Charles Turner, of Slough, during the present month : — Ada King, white, with pink zone ; Rutterjlg, flesh-coloured, with crimson ring; Edwin Ray, scarlet, pale eye ; Joseph Sanders , deep red, with lemon eye ; Mrs. Bay, pure white, with pale ring and yellow eye ; Rev. JP. M. Smythe, crimson violet self ; Rev. S. Reynolds Hole, pale mauve, slightly shaded with purple ; Rickard H. Verteyans, deep shaded plum ; Thomas Hyatt , clear red, shaded in the centre, pale eye ; and Thomas Lawden, rosy pink, with crimson eye. Many of these have obtained certificates, and will, we believe, maintain Mr. Perry’s character as a raiser of Verbenas. Worthington G.Smith dei.etlitn. Vincent 3roohs D ay&Son Imp L Reeve &Cc ^.Henrietta St Covent Garden Plate 479. PSYCHOTRIA CYANOCOCCA. The desire after novelties in all classes of the vegetable kingdom has led to the introduction of plants remarkable for various characters, some for the gorgeousness or singularity of their flowers, some for the size or variegation of their leaves, and others for the brilliant colouring of their fruits. Solanums are largely used for the decoration of houses. The Aucuba comes into use largely for the same purpose, and the plant which we now figure will we doubt not be found an acceptable addition to those previously in cultivation, from the eminently beautiful colour of its berries. We are indebted to Mr. William Bull, of Chelsea, for the opportunity of figuring this plant. It was sent to him from Chontales in Nicaragua, by Dr. Seeman, the distinguished botanist, who in writing of it says, after alluding to the fact that many hunters after novelties have hitherto considered the Psychotria unworthy of attention : “ If one could but dig up one of the numerous bushy specimens crowded with fruit by which I am here surrounded, and send it to one of the horticul- tural shows, I have no doubt what the Floral Committee would be forced to do ; remember also that they fruit in the depth of winter, when colour is highly acceptable, and you will have no reason to grudge it a place in your collection.” Neither the foliage nor flower of this Psycliotria are of any mo- ment, but the berries are of the most intense ultramarine blue; they are produced in clusters of about thirty-five or forty, and are very abundant on the plant. It is an easily grown stove plant, requiring no particular care, and flourishing in a mixture of peat, loam, and sand ; it is now being distributed by Mr. Bull, and will find its way, we doubt not, into many collections of rare and beautiful plants. 480 G h^evefc Go dHeimetta. St Covent Garden Worthington G. Smith del.etlith. Vincent Brooks. D ay & Son Imp Plate 480. GAILLARDIA PICT A, VAR. SPLENDID A. We very rarely now see any particular attention given to a class of plants which in former years used to be very popular ; we mean the hardy and half-hardy annuals. Many of them were no doubt evanescent in character ; but there were large numbers which were exceedingly beautiful, gave great density of colour, and were well adapted for adding to the beauty of bouquets. So far has this gone, that even the sweet-scented flowers, with which most persons are pleased, the mignionette and the sweet-pea are banished, as no place can be found for them in the system of bedding out which now so universally prevails. Asters, stocks, and a few others are cultivated, but many of our older favourites are quite passed by. We think that it cannot be denied that this wholesale rejec- tion of annuals is to be deplored, and we cannot but hope that some day they may be again restored to favour ; we therefore figure a variety of the old Gaillardia picta, which has been introduced by Mr. William Bull. We believe it to be of French origin, and although only an annual, we are sure it must meet with the approval of those who love beautiful flowers. It will be seen that while bearing a great similarity to the older type, it is more brilliant in colouring and larger in flower. Although generally treated as annuals, yet as they are some- times inclined to sport from seed, many persons treat them as herbaceous plants ; and where the soil is damp and cold, and therefore some risk is run in leaving out the plants in winter, cuttings may be taken in the autumn, and put into a cold pit, to be planted out in the following spring, when the soil is warmer and the selection better. They may be divided in the spring, or cuttings may be struck under a hand-glass in the summer ; for this purpose one of Mr. Rendle’s circular hand- glasses will be found both convenient and useful. 481. Vincent Brooks .Day&Son. Imp "Worthington G Smith,? L S. del. et lith L R,eeve & Co.S.Hennetta Sx Govern Garden Plate 48]. MASDEVALLIA VEITCHII. This most singular looking orchid, both from its peculiarity of form and its brilliancy of colour, has attracted a good deal of attention during the past year ; and therefore, although it has been already figured in the Botanical Magazine, we have thought it well to give a figure of it; in fact, when it first appeared, two years ago, a drawing was made of it by our artist, but owing to the press of other matters was left on one side. A few months ago the plant was exhibited in so much better con- dition than on any previous occasion that a figure of it was again made, and, as in the case of other plants, notably Antliurium Scher zerianum, it has so much improved under cultivation that it will, we doubt not, be a general favourite when it becomes more common. We are informed by Mr. H. J. Veitch that this curious orchid “ requires a cool orchid house for its successful cultiva- tion, that in fact, a moist, shady odontoglossum house would best suit it ; and that the soil most adapted for it is a mix- ture of sphagnum, silver sand, and pieces of pot broken small, or charcoal. When growing it also likes a good deal of moisture. Our specimen plant bloomed three times in the course of last year, each time with ten or eleven blooms, and I took it ' with me to St. Petersburg, so that the plant is not a difficult We may add that it attracted a great deal of attention at the International Exhibition at St. Petersburg, as it has done indeed wherever exhibited at home, and that it has received first-class certificates from the Royal Horticultural and Royal Botanical Societies. At present the plant is scarce, and conse- quently high in price. Worthington G. Smith,!' L S.del et lith L Reeve &Co.5.Hetmei.taS'C.Covent Garden. VmcentBroolrs.Day &■ Son.lmp Plate 482. HYACINTH— LORD MELVILLE. The past season has not been so favourable for Hyacinths as the preceding one, and although the bulbs as imported from Holland appeared to be, as usual, sound and good, yet they did not produce the same grand blooms as in the preceding year. It was fortunate that the year when the Dutch growers offered such liberal prizes was a good one, as it enabled them to see what success attends the culture of the bulb in England. While, however, we say this, we do not mean to intimate that the blooms were indifferent ; it is only by way of comparison we note it. Those exhibited by Messrs. Cutbush and Son, of Higligate, maintained the supremacy that this firm has obtained in the culture of the Hyacinth. For a few years Mr. W. Paul tried to come into the foremost place, but his complete defeat last year was the signal of his retirement from a hopeless con- test, and this year he did not appear as a competitor in any of the classes, and no other grower had any prospect of coming near Mr. Cutbush. The classes for new Hyacinths did not produce any more re- markable flower than that which we have figured, differing very much as it does both in the form of the flower and shape of the spike from many others. It is not so densely crowded as in such flowers as Lord Palmerston and others which we have figured ; but as it is quite new, higher cultivation may perhaps cause the flower to fill up more. The colour is of an intense deep purplish black, with a decided black stripe down the centre of each petal ; the individual pips are large, and altogether the flower is one which, notwithstanding its ex- ceptional character, will make a fine variety in the home-stage and the exhibition table. It was exhibited by Messrs. Cutbush and Son, to whom we are indebted for the opportunity of figuring it. 483. Vincent, BrochaDay & Son, imp Worthington G. Smith F L S del et. lith L Reeve &Co.5.Hennetta St Covent Garden Plate 483. HYBRID PERPETUAL ROSE— MARQUISE DE MORTMARTE. After a lengthened and most trying winter, we are at length beginning to see the rose again coming forward, and those who, like Mr. George Paul, of Cheshunt, or Mr. Yeitch, of Chelsea, gladden us with a sight of roses in pots, are deserving of our warmest thanks. We have not as yet heard what has been the general effect of the season on the out-of-door roses, but judging from our own garden we are inclined to think that, especially to those on the Manetti, it has not been so injurious as we might have supposed ; it has doubtless caused a good deal of diseased wood to make its appearance, but a vigorous application of the knife will remedy that, and it does not seem to us that the frost has been fatal to many. We are constantly beset with inquiries as to which are the best roses of last season, and our invariable reply has been that we must wait for another season to fairly judge of those which we had not seen abroad. There are always some which give promise of being good, and if they continue to do so for the second season, we may reasonably hope that they will prove valuable additions ; such a rose we believe Marquise de Mort- marte to be. When shown last year it was set down as one of the best of the new roses, the colour was a desirable one, and the form promised well. Mr. C. Turner obtained a first-class certificate for it. Mr. George Paul, of Cheshunt, has this year exhibited a bloom which fully bears out the character it has already acquired, and we are indebted to him for the op- portunity of figuring it. It will be seen that it is a large, well-formed rose, of a delicate French white colour, and the centre with a peculiarly beautiful salmony pink tint ; it is a colour much required, while in form it excels those of any similar colour. 484. L Jleeve 8; Co.5.Heametfca St.Covent Garden Worthington & Simth.T.L S.del et lith Vincent Brooks. Day AScnlnip Plate 484. TREE PICOTEE— PRINCE OF ORANGE. The decoration of the greenhouse or conservatory in winter is one of those objects which form the especial care of every good gardener ; flowers are so much more valuable then than in summer, that everything that can add to their number is gladly welcomed. Of late years a most valuable addition has been made in the Tree Carnations and Picotees, which, for their persistence and the fragrance of their blooms, have been greatly valued. They are being improved every year, and in the variety now figured we have one which, in form and beauty of marking, rivals those which have been hitherto recognised as Florists’ flowers. The culture of the Tree Carnation and Picotee, as carried on by our most successful growers, may be stated simply to be this : — Cuttings are taken off the plants in February and placed in heat ; these will rapidly take root, and, as soon as practicable, should be potted off singly in a compost of loam, leaf mould, and some well rotted manure ; when the warm weather sets in, say about the beginning of May, they should be placed out of doors. Some persons prefer growing them on in pots, while others prefer planting them out in the open ground ; a stake should be placed to each, and the plants as they grow be trained to them, for, as it is desirable to get them on to a single stem, all tendency to a bushy growth should be avoided. As the autumn approaches, the plants should be marked round with the spade, so that they may not feel the “ lifting” when they are taken up. This should be done at the end of August, and, if potted into pots about six inches across, will make valuable blooming plants for the winter months. Prince of Orange was raised by Mr. Perkins, of Leamington : it has been largely exhibited, and has obtained first-class certifi- cates. It is of a very vigorous and robust habit, and altogether by far the best plant of this section that we have seen. 485 Worthington G Smith, delet lith I.Reeve &. Co. 5, Henrietta St. Covent, Garden Vincent Broolss DayfeSonJmp Plate 485. ONCIDIUM CRISP ITM GRANDIFLORUM. We .'ire indebted to Mr. William Bull, of the King’s Boad, Chelsea, who has lately greatly extended his orchid culture, for the opportunity of figuring this fine variety of Oncidium, which has been so faithfully rendered by our artist Mr. Smith. The increased attention that has been given lately to the growth of orchidaceous plants is due in some measure to the fact that it has been found that many of the most beauti- ful species will bear a much lower temperature than used to be considered necessary. It was not merely that amateurs grudged in many cases the excessive cost of keeping up the highly heated orchid-houses ; but that, if they themselves took an interest in them, it became very fatiguing to be in them for any length of time ; and hence, when the cool orchid treatment was demonstrated to be a success, many were induced to com- mence or extend their growth. We have lately alluded to the new orchid-house built by Mr. Bull — in itself a sufficient indication of their universal growth ; and last month had the pleasure of seeing a new house built by our friend Mr. Charles Leach of Clapham Park, the well-known successful cultivator of Disa grandiflora, and we then saw a number of orchids contenting themselves with a temperature which a few years ago would have been considered death to them ; and the same thing is being reproduced in many places. Oncidium Crispum Grandijiorum is a remarkably fine free- flowering orchid, growing freely under cool treatment ; its character will be sufficiently indicated by the plate, although of course it is impossible to give an adequate idea of its beauty. The sepals and petals are of a deep rich brown colour ; and as the flowers are large they form an admirable contrast with some of the lighter coloured flowers of the same genus. Worthington & Smith, del. etlith lBeeve&Co5,Henrietta St.Covent Garden Ttncent Brooks. Day & Sonlmp Plate 486. EPACRIS HYACINTHIFLORA CARMINATA. Among the plants which all horticulturists find useful in the duller months of the year for the ornamentation of the conservatory and greenhouse, there are none more so than the various varieties (now very numerous) of the New Holland Epacris ; by no means difficult to grow, profuse in blooming, and bearing the knife well, they are valuable for bouquets as well as for the greenhouse. Bearing a close analogy to the Ericas of the Cape, which they seem to supplant in New Holland, they require in many respects similar treatment ; disliking fire heat, they require only to be kept free from frost, and having the same delicate fibrous roots they need to have the same soil— i.e., simply a good fibrous peat, with a plentiful supply of silver sand. When the plants have (lowered, and before they commence a fresh growth, they should be repotted, taking care not to over pot them ; the soil should be then thoroughly saturated — for nothing is more injurious to them than to have what we too often see, a ball partially dry. After this they should be watered carefully, not keeping them too wet, but at the same time taking care that they do not become too dry. They may after some time be placed out of doors along with the other hard-wooded plants when that practice is adopted ; but even then it is better to have some protection to keep them from the heavy autumnal rains ; indeed it is better to house them again before that time. Tiie Epacris which we now figure has been raised in the well-known establishment of Messrs. Rollisson and Co. of Tooting. Its name is characteristic of its habit of flowering, for instead of having the flowers scattered or far apart, they are densely packed together, and in the form of some of the close growing Hyacinths, while they are very broad and compact. It obtained a first class certificate at the Royal Horticultural Society on the 16th of March, and another from the Royal Botanic Society on the 30th of March. This will sufficiently indicate its value ; and that it is destined to take a high place amongst these favourite plants. It is being sent out by the Messrs. Rollisson, to whom we are indebted for the oppor- tunity of figuring it. 487 Worthington G. Smith, del. et lith 1 Reeve & Co 5,Hennetia. St. Covent Garden Vincent Brooks .Day &.Son,Imp Plate 487. ABUTILON MEGAPOTAMICUM MARMORATUM. Some remarkable experiments have been made lately as to the influence of the stock on the graft, and vice versa, by Mr. Laing, of the Stanstead Park Nurseries, Forest Hill, and the results are not only so curious, but beautiful, that we have determined to record them by selecting one of them for our present illustration. Mr. Laing grafted the green A. Megapotamicum on the varie- gated^/. Thompsonii, and the scion came quite variegated; he then reversed the process, and grafted the variegated form on the green one; the graft, iu order that it might receive the full influence of the stock, was allowed to make growth, and then kept pinched back. Yet withal, although this induced growth from the green stock, all the shoots came variegated. Budding was then tried : //. Due de Malakoff was budded on A. Thompsonii , as roses are budded. A green leaf was left on the bud, which grew and kept green ; but all the other growths came variegated. The character of the plant was no way changed, it appearing to be as robust as the type. In conversing with Mr. Laing on the subject, he stated that matured wood was preferable to young shoots, and budding to grafting ; for that although in all cases the growth became variegated, it was more rapid and certain in the case of the former. We learn also from an excellent contemporary, the Gardener, that in a lecture delivered by Dr. Masters, on the subject of Plant Life, he stated that these experiments would probably tend to the modification of opinions that have been held on the subject of variegation, and also on that of the influence of the stock or scion in producing any change in the habit or growth of the plant ; while Mr. Van Houtte has stated, that if the variegated scion be removed, the variegation gradually disappears from the stock, and green leaves only are then produced. The form which we have figured is the variegated one of Megapotamicum, which Mr. Laing has called M armor at am, a name it richly deserves ; for the leaves are, as will be seen, most beautifully marked, while the contrast with the bright scarlet flower makes the effect still more remarkable. The obtaining of such plants will be within the reach of every one who has skill enough for simple grafting, and who will take the trouble to do it. 1 Reeve JcCo5.Hennetta St Covent Garden Worthington G Smith, del et lith VmcentBrooks Day & Son, Imp Plate 488. CYCLAMEN PERSICUM GIGANTEUM. We may well ask, in looking at the results of the increased attention that has been given to the growth of the Cyclamen, what shall we see next? Those of us who can look back many years, can remember when small plants with a few flowers of the one type were all that we were in the habit of seeing. It was always said that to increase them was a matter of difficulty, and when any change did appear, as we remember to have seen many years ago with the Messrs. Henderson of St. John’s Wood, the plants, although they would now be passed by as unworthy of notice, were then considered remarkable ; whereas, now there seems to be no limit to the varieties in form, colour, and size. Amongst those who have helped to bring the Cyclamen to its present state of perfection, the name of Mr. Wiggins, the intelligent gardener of Mr. Beck, Worton Cottage, Isleworth, must ever hold a prominent place ; for he not only demonstrated that the Cyclamen was capable of this improvement, but that it could be brought to pass in a remarkably short space of time ; that from seed sown in the Spring in one year, he was enabled to produce plants of considerable size, with a dozen or more blooms, in the following one ; and indeed, some persons now recommend that they should be almost treated as annuals, and sown from year to year. All this is effected by keeping the cor ms in a growing state, giving them a light rich soil and generous treatment. Mr. Edmonds, of Hayes, has this year exhibited some re- markably fine forms of the Cyclamen, for one of which — Giganteum, which we now figure — he obtained a first-class cer- tificate. In the size of its flowers it surpasses all that have been hitherto raised, while their colour is of a bright rich rosy purple. The foliage is also remarkably fine, and there can be little doubt that it indicates a “ break” from whence we may expect great things. There is one charm about these plants which it does not seem possible to “fix” — their delicate perfume ; from the same pod of seed plants are produced both scented and not scented. But perhaps this may be obviated, and we shall by and bjr have to record that it has been overcome by the skilled intelligence of the many raisers of this favourite flower. 489. Worthington G. Smith.?. L.S del et lith L Reeve Ik Co.5.Her.nett& St.Covent Garden Vincent Brooks Day &Son, Imp Plate 489. ALPINE AURICULAS— SELINA, BLACK PRINCE, AND MONARCH. The past season was not a favourable one for the Auricula ; the lengthened cold spring materially interfered with their period of blooming, and consequently, when the exhibitions were held at their usual time only two exhibitors were enabled to enter into competition ; our own were not in bloom, and indeed so late were they, that on the 2 1 st of May we were enabled to cut a box of excellent blooms and send them to the Crystal Palace. In all our experience of Auricula growing, we never recollect so late a blooming period. There were not many new flowers exhibited, the most remarkable amongst them being Colonel Champneys, a seedling of Mr. Turner’s, good in some points, but defective in others. Alpine Auriculas were, however, shown in good condition and large quantities by Mr. Charles Turner, of Slough, who has done much to improve this class of Auriculas ; indeed, in point of form and beauty of colouring, they are now becoming equal to the show varieties. From the handsome collection shown by him we have selected three for our illustrations. Selina (fig. 1), it will be seen, is almost intermediate between the self- coloured Auricula and the Alpine — it has the white paste of the former and the shaded colour of the latter, this being of a bright shaded purple. Black Prince (fig. 2) is a flower of good form and substance, of a deep maroon, shaded with black ; while Monarch (fig. 3) is one of the most perfect, if not the most perfect, flower that we have seen ; the substance of the petals is remarkable, the regularity of form exquisite, and the colour exceedingly rich. The greater ease with which these flowers can be grown will no doubt tend to make them popular ; they do not require so much care as the Auricula proper, but the true florist will never hold them in the same estimation. "Worthington 0. Smith, T.L.S. deletlith 7m cent Br o oks . Day & Son Imp . feive & Cc.S.Heimetta Sx. Covent Garden Plate 490. MILTON I A REGNELLI PURPUREA. Never, perhaps, have Orchids been exhibited in greater per* fection than during this past season. We have seen at the various Exhibitions, this year, specimens of growth so luxuriant, and of inflorescence so gorgeous, that it would be almost impos- sible to conceive that they could be surpassed ; yet it would be hazardous to say so, so great seems the skill of our culti- vators. We remember that Lilium Auratim was described on its first appearance as one-fiowered ; yet we have seen one bulb producing 182 flowers. It used to be thought that Pha/cenopsis Schillerianum with twenty blooms was grand ; but who could see the magnificent plant of it exhibited by Lord Londesborough, and not wonder at the growth by which long spikes covered with bloom had been produced. We have only instanced these amongst many others, as proofs of the wonderful success which has attended plant culture of late years ; for masses of some of our most showy species have been from time to time exhibited, which the growers of Orchids would formerly have considered impossible ; and there can be no doubt that, in no country in the world, (probably, not even their native habitats,) can such specimens be seen as we are able to exhibit in England. The exquisite Orchid which we now figure, is from the rich and varied collection of the Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea ; and the delicacy of its sepals, and the brilliancy of its bright labellum, produce a most charming effect. Mr. Smith has succeeded in giving an admirable idea of this beautiful flower. The flowers are produced on a long spike, and stand nearly clear of each other. The petals are of a delicate pink, while the labellum is of the most brilliant purplish crimson. We believe that, as a general rule, the Miltonias succeed best in shallow baskets, in sphagnum, or on blocks of wood ; and this will probably succeed in the same manner. 491. VincentBrook hay&Son.Imp. Worthington G Smith F. L.S del et lith L Reeve &Co.5.Henrietta Sr Covent Garden Plate 49 L ALYSSUM ALPESTRE, The favour with which Alpine plants are now beginning to be received, has been evidenced by the large number of collec- lions which have been exhibited at our metropolitan shows, and the attention given to them by those who have visited them, Mr. Ware, of Edmonton, having done much to bring their varied forms before the public : another indication of this may be given in the publication of Mr. Robinson's book on Alpine plants, which will, we think, tend much to encourage their growth. The Messrs. Backhouse, of York, have, however, always held the foremost place in this department, and it is to them we are in- debted for the opportunity of figuring this very pretty Alyssum, which, from its dwarf character and profuseness of blooming, is likely to be a valuable addition to the tribe to which it belongs. It is by no means a plant of recent introduction, but like a good many others has been neglected, and has again only re- cently been re-introduced to our gardens. It is a late spring or early summer blooming plant, a native of the Pyrenees and other mountainous parts of Europe, and requires for its suc- cessful culture to be placed in a sunny position in the rockwork of the Alpine garden, and to be planted in light soil ; for no greater mistake can be made than to imagine that these gems must be grown in the shade. They cling to the surface of rocky exposed places, but often strike their roots deep down into the soil, and therefore these two things should be com- bined— plenty of open soil, and exposure to the sun. Alyssum alpestre, it will be seen, is furnished with beautiful tufts of diminutive wallflower-looking flowers, and we can hardly con- ceive a more charming object than it would make when firmly established, and forming one of those dense masses of colour which the plants of this genus are wont to do. • 5- „ •'v *' ‘ ^ ‘ k \ \ l ,« < .'.. 492. Worthington G. Smith ,FL S del et ]ith Vincent '..rooks Day&Sonlmo reeve 4.Co. SHennetta. St.Covent Garden Plate 492. VIOLA CORNUTA — PERFECTION. The value of the Pansy as a bedding plant, especially for spring gardening, has been for a long time recognised, and those varieties to which the name of Cliveden Pansies has been given are extensively grown wherever this is attempted. Others of a similar character (as for example, the Imperial Blue, raised by Messrs. Downie, Laird, and Laing, and which we figured some time ago), have been added to the list, and doubtless, as the desire for spring gardening spreads, they will be still more used. Por a long while there had existed in our gardens a species of Viola to which no great attention had been given, but which whenever grown had always been admired, the horned-violet, Viola Cornuia. When people were on the look-out for some- thing fresh for bedding purposes, this was soon adopted as valu- able for the purpose, and to Mr. Wills we believe is especially due the merit of having forced its capabilities on the notice of the horticultural world. Some, as usual, disputed its merits, but it won its way, and we have ourselves seen it to great advantage, especially in light grounds. Last year, from two different quarters, appeared an improved form of this Viola, by some called Viola cornuta , Perfection, by others Blue Perfection. Their identity was maintained by some, their difference by others. Without entering into the controversy, or attempting to state the arguments which have been adduced, we must con- tent ourselves with the statement that, in our opinion, they are identical, and what is of far greater importance, that it is a plant admirably suited for bedding purposes — being a very pro- fuse bloomer, of a shade of colour that is much wanted. We are indebted to Mr. William Bull, of the King’s Boad, Chelsea, for the opportunity of figuring it, and his plants came from the neighbourhood of Salisbury, one of the localities from whence it was sent out. / 493 Worthington G.Snmh.ILS.dEletlith VincentBrooksDay & Son .Imp L Reeve 8c Co.5.Kennetta Sx.CoveTit Garden Plate 493. CINERARIAS— PRINCESS TECK, ORB OF DAY, AND CHANCELLOR. It has been reserved for the Messrs. F. and A. Smith, of West Dulwich, to show that this beautiful, early blooming flower is capable of still further improvement ; and that although the generality of people say, “ Oh, it’s of no use attempting to propagate Cinerarias, for you can get as good from seed,” this is a fallacy ; the same may be said concerning the Pelargonium, or any other flower, and yet we know that in order to obtain some eight or ten good sorts thousands of plants must he grown and thrown away. Where space is limited such a procedure is impossible, and therefore all lovers of really good Cinerarias owe a debt of gratitude to the Messrs. Smith, that they have persevered in their endeavour to keep good named varieties before the public. We think it may be safely said that never were there more beautiful Cinerarias exhibited than those in our present plate, and never have Cinerarias been so worthily represented. A faithful drawing such as this ought to entice people to grow the named sorts, and give up the more ea y but disappointing plan of raising seedlings. Orb of Bay is without doubt the most perfect flower ever raised. Princess Tec/c (fig. 1), is a flower of excellent properties, bright mauve, with regularly formed petals, and a clear white ground. Orb of Day (fig. 2), is a remarkably bright and distinct flower, the colour an intense crimson-scarlet, and the form and size everything that could be desired. Chancellor (fig. 3), is another flower of excellent qualities, of a deep purple colour. We may add, that all these plants are of good habit, and easily grown, so that beauty has not been obtained at the expense of constitution. These and many other varieties are being sent out by the eminent firm to whom we are indebted for the opportunity of figuring them. Wonlungtcn G. Smith T.L.S. del et lith L P.eeve 8«Cc.5.HeTiTietta.Sx.Covent Garden. Plate 494. TEA ROSE— MADAME DUCHER. The anticipation which we formed last year that the two roses which are figured in this favourite class, Mademoiselle Adrienne Christoplde and Mademoiselle Marie Sisley , would prove roses of first-rate excellence, has been justified by the judgment of most rose growers ; and wherever they have been exhibited we have seen them much admired. The past season has witnessed the introduction of many varieties, but it remains a matter of question whether we have any amongst them to equal these two fine roses. We have bloomed several of the Tea Eoses of this season, and although it is as yet too early, to give a very decided opinion on their merits, we shall perhaps do good service in describing those that have already bloomed. Chamois is a rose of a very peculiar colour, justifying the name that has been given to it; but it is very small, and we fear there is not enough of it ever to make it a popular flower ; in the bud it is charming, and it might very well be used as a “ button-hole ” rose. Mont Blanc, is a vigorous-growing white rose, occasionally with a very slight tinge of yellow in it ; as yet we are unable to speak positively of its merits. Lamar que, a jleurs jaunes, bears a striking analogy to the old white Lamarque, one of our very best climbing roses, and should it have the same profuse blooming qualities, it will make a valuable addition to our climbing yellow roses. It is a Noisette, as also is Reve d' Or. We have seen one bloom of this, which was perfect, but we are inclined to fear that it is a shy-blooming rose. These are all the production of Monsieur Ducher, who is also the raiser of the one now figured, Madame Ducher. It will be seen that the flowers of this variety are large and well-formed, the colour a clear yellow, said to be a seedling from Gloire de Dijon , to which, however, it bears no analogy. The Tea Eoses raised by M. Guillot we hope to notice when we figure that curious Tea rose, Unique. ” ? pc Vincent Biocko Day v Sou.hnf WorOiiojioE G Smith. FL S liclethih L few «c.Co ilicnneffA ST,Cr;tv.iG.Snith,l:.I.S cK -.-t Ml Vi is cel'.: Brocis I>ay& S j; . . lmj - . 1. Reeve 8; Co.5.HenTiettaS'D. Covent Garden Plate 506. TROPSEOLUM — MINNIE WARREN. The value of the Tropseolum has long been recognised, and its usefulness appreciated in various circumstances. Some of the species are admirably adapted for running over trellises, others form excellent beds ; their freedom of growth, the vivid green of their foliage, the brightness of their scarlet flowers produced in great profusion, all tending to make them popular. Again, they are admirably suited for ribbon borders, whether scarlet or yellow ; in fact there are few flowers which are more generally useful, while the greenhouse species, especially tricolor and Jarratii, are invariably appreciated. Amidst the infinite variety to which plants are subject, that of foliage is not the least remarkable, and the Tropseolum has also exhibited this tendency. Mr. Charles Turner, of the Royal Nursery, Slough, last season distributed a very pleasing variety called Ockreleuca, the foliage of which is of a pleasing yellow colour ; we have seen it employed this season in various ways, but especially as a yellow ribbon border, and it was one of the most effective plants we have seen this summer. The plant which we now figure is of an entirely different character ; it is, as will be seen, exceedingly dwarf of character, the ground colour is green, blotched, and broadly edged with pale cream, very constant in its variegation, and never produces blossoms ; and we have no doubt that it will form an excellent plant for the border of large beds or ribbon walks. We are indebted to Mr. John Cuttell of Westerham, for the opportunity of figuring this very pretty plant, which we shall hope to see in the ensuing summer, quite as extensively as its congeners. It has received a first-class certificate from the Eoyal Horticultural Society, and also at Tonbridge Wells and Brighton. ], iiAjevefeCu.^Henrictta SiCovent. G finder Plates 507 & 508. GLADIOLUS— ORPHEE & HORACE. The present season has perhaps brought this beautiful autumn flower more prominently into notice than any preceding one; the Gladiolus Exhibition at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens at South Kensington, and the new Metropolitan Floral Society’s Show at the Crystal Palace, having brought together a larger number of flowers than were ever before ex- hibited at one season in London, and we have no doubt that the result will be a greater attention to the cultivation of the Gladiolus than it has heretofore received. Not the least remarkable feature of these exhibitions was the large number of new varieties which appeared in the various stands. At present there seems but little probabilit}' of our re- ceiving the new varieties of this season from France (although the catalogues have already appeared), and therefore those of the past season will have the greater interest. Of the large number sent out by M. Souchet last autumn, the following seem to us the most remarkable : — Armide, a large and well-formed flower, light ground, with deep rosy carmine stripes ; Adanson, very large rose flower tinted with lilac, somewhat in the style of Anais, but finer; Agatlie , light ground, with amaranth carmine ; Delicatissima, a very delicately coloured flower, a very light lilac tint being suffused over the upper petals, the lower ones being nearly white ; Lacepede, long spike of fine flowers, rose-tinted with cherry and violet ; Pericles, a very fine spike, carmine purple, with white spots on the lower petals ; Robert Fortune, a very line flower, carmine red flamed with crimson ; Rosa Bonheur, white very lightly tinted with lilac, (the top petal has a curious way of doubling itself back, which somewhat detracts from the beauty of the plant) and those figured in our plate — Orp/tee (fig. 1), a very long spike of fine expanded flowers, the ground colour white, with bright rose carmine flakes, and on the lower petals fine purple carmine spots ; and Horace (fig. 2), a large and well opened flower, fiery red with large white spots. Many of these flowers are great improvements on those of preceding years, especially in the number of flowers that open at one time on the spike, adding greatly to their beauty. Among the most remarkable flowers exhibited this season have been those of Messrs. Kelway and Son of Lang- port, and Messrs. Stuart and Mein of Kelso. 509.610 Worthington G Smith. F L S del et hth Vincent Hrooks -DavASonTnu* Gulden Plates 509, 510. LILIUM LITCHLINII AND LILIUM TIGRINUM SPLENDENS. Amongst those flowers which are coming into favour we think that we may fairly class the beautiful tribe of Lilies. We have lately figured one of those recently introduced amongst us; and now, by the kind permission of Mr. G. F. Wilson and Mr. Bull, we figure two which have been exhibited by them at South Kensington, and are happy to be able to give also the following notes from the former gentleman, certainly our most enthu- siastic amateur of these plants : — “ I have found the best soil for Lilies to be a mixture of two- thirds of fibrous peat and one-third of good loam with a top dressing of well rotted manure. I have grown Lilium Litchlinii both in pots in a cold orchard house, and in a lily bed in the open air in a sheltered place, — this gives a succession of flowers. The large varieties of L. Tigrinum I have grown both in pots, a number massed together in a bed, and one or two bulbs planted out in Rhododendron beds, and in shrubby borders. These two last modes of planting best show the beauty of shade of the fine, tall, wide-spreading head in the greatest perfection. And as the L. Tigrinum splendens and L. Tigrinum Fortunei both flower about a month later than the old L. Tigrinum , they come in at an accep- table time. “The L. Tigrinum sglendens of which Mr. Van Houtte last year sent over flowers, had larger spots than those in any I have grown or seen exhibited this year. I see little difference between L. Tigrinum Fortunei and the variety which, when exhibited by Mr. Bull and myself at South Kensington, was recognised as L. Tigrinum splendetis; but in the opinion of a competent botanical authority who saw both varieties in bloom here, there are points of difference.” We think that nothing need be added to the above. We are sure the beauty of these flowers will be appreciated ; and next year we may hope to see a good display of them at our exhibi- tions. 511. Vincent Brooks . Day &Son, Imp . nr r,t,t hi. Co vent Garden Worthington G. Smith . F.L S del.et, lith Plate 511. CATTLEYA QUINQUECOLOR. In our volume for 1867 we figured in Plate 360 Cattleya Brabantice, one of the successful results of Mr. Dominy’s skill. We have now the pleasure of figuring another, and a still more beautiful plant, the results of the same indefatigable hybridizer’s perseverance and judgment, for such we believe every one who compares the two will not hesitate to pronounce it to be. Cattleya Brabantice was a cross between Cattleya Aclandice and Loddegesii, the former is also one of the parents of Cattleya Quinquecolor, while C. Forbesii is the other ; there is something very rich in the soft brown colours of the sepals and petals, with their rich dark-brownish crimson spots, while the bright carmine and yellow centre of the lip gives a lightness to the flower which C. Brabantice does not possess. It has been exhibited before the Floral Committee of the Eoyal Horticultural Society, and obtained from them a first class certificate, a tribute not merely to the beauty of the plant, but to the skill and perseverance of its raiser. The cultivation of Orchids is now so well understood, that it is not necessary for us to say anything as to the culture of the Cattleya now figured. It is not one of the cool-house orchids, but will require a somewhat warm temperature. We may add that whoever desires successfully to cultivate this varied and charming tribe, cannot do better than consult the excellent work of Mr. B. S. Williams, the Orchid Growers Manned, where good sound practical information is given on the proper methods of cultivation, and also hints as to the forming of large and small collections. . 512 'Worthington G Smith, F L.S del.etlith Vincent Broote.Day &Son. Imp | jji ii | ' / j; ii l.neeve&Co 5, Henrietta St. Covent Garden Plate 512. DELPHINIUM NUDICAULE. The family of Delphinium furnishes some of the most beautiful of our herbaceous plants, especially in that colour always so much appreciated and so deservedly admired, a rich ultramarine blue ; nothing can be more striking in a garden than a good clump of D. formosum, Hendersonii , or magnijicum , while the lovely sky-blue of B. formosum furnishes a colour very rarely seen in our gardens, and hence the more valuable, while the curious forms of Alopecianoides, and others of a similar character, give much variety to the class. That which we now figure, however, belongs not to this section, and is of a much less showy character, being allied to B. cardinale. It was, we learn from the Botanical Magazine, where it was figured, discovered by Mr. David Douglas in the year 1853, in California, and since his time has been found by many subse- quent travellers. The plants exhibited this year were raised from seed, sent home to Mr. W. Thompson, Tavern Street, Ipswich, an indefatigable caterer of curious and deserving novelties in hardy herbaceous plants. Dr. Hooker describes it as nearly allied to B. cardinale, but distinguishable from it by being smaller, being paler, and more orange-coloured in the flowers, much less branching in its habit, and by some points of botanical difference. All the Delphiniums will thrive in a mixture of good loam and sand, and are quite at home in good rich garden soil. There is no difficulty in their cultivation ; and we presume that D. nudi- caule will not be found more difficult to grow than the rest of the herbaceous section. The plant has been exhibited at the Floral Committee of the Hoyal Horticultural Society by Mr. Thompson, and has received a first-class certificate.