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THE

FLORAL MAGAZINE.

NEW SERIES.

I

THE

FLORAL MAGAZINE.

FIGURES AND DESCRIPTIONS

OF THE

CHOICEST NEW FLOWERS

FOR THE

(Sarbw, Sttfbc, 0r <U0uscrRatorn.

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WORTHINGTON G. SMITH, F.L.S., M.A.I.

FELLOW OF THE ROYAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND ;

MEMBER OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

NEW SERIES.

LONDON :

L. REEVE & CO., 5, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C.

1874.

CONTENTS.

PLATE

- 97. Rose — Empress of India.

98. Tricliopilia lepida.

99. Lilium Humboldtii, var. punctatum.

100. Aralia Guilfoylei.

101. Batemannia Burtii.

102. Gladiolus Neogenes.

103. Croton majesticum.

104. Disa Barellii.

105. Lilium Kramerianum.

106. Billbergia Saundersii.

107. Alocasia illustris.

108. Double salmon Pelargonium — Asa Gray.

109. Amaryllis vittata Harrisonia).

110. New Bouvardias.

111. Winter Crocuses.

112. Pliormium Colensoi — variegatum.

113. Cocbliostema odoratissima.

114. Dendrobium Boxallii.

115. Rhododendron — Duchess of Edinburgh.

116. Encholirium corallinum.

117. Hippeastrum Hendersonii.

118. Hyacinth — Anna.

119. Cypripedium Roezlii.

120. Phyllantlms nivosus.

121. Double-flowered Pelargonium — Captain

Raikes.

PLATE

122. New Alpine Auriculas.

123. Double Chinese Primula,

124. Ficus Parcellii.

125. New varieties of Mimulus.

126. Croton spirale.

127. Clematis — Marquis of Salisbury.

128. Nepenthes sanguinea.

129. Tea Rose — Duchess of Edinburgh.

130. Amaryllis virginalis.

131. Coleus — Duchess of Edinburgh.

132. Rhododendron — Fairy.

133. Double Zonal Pelargonium — Emily Laxton.

134. Blandfordia flammea-elegans.

135. New varieties of Herbaceous Calceolarias.

136. Lilium parviflorum.

137. Iris Kmmpferi — Edward George Hen-

derson.

138. New Pentstemons.

139. Blumenbacliia coronata.

140. Ageratum — Countess of Stair.

141. Begonia — Royalty.

142. Clematis — Lucie Lemoine.

143. Miltonia Morelliana.

144. Cattleya gigas.

Description of Plates.

INDEX TO PLANTS FIGURED.

PLATE

Ageratum — Countess of Stair . .... 140

Alocasia illustris 107

Amaryllis virginali-s 130

Amaryllis vittata Harrisoniae 109

Aralia Guilfoylei 100

Auriculas, New Alpiue 122

Batemannia Burtii 101

Begonia — Boyalty 141

Billbergia Saundersii 106

Blandfordia flammea-elegans 134

Blumenbacliia coronata 139

Bouvardias, new 110

Calceolarias, new varieties of herbaceous . 135

Cattleya gigas 144

Clematis — Lucie Lemoine 142

Clematis — Marquis of Salisbury . . . . 127

Cochliostema odoratissima 113

Coleus — Duchess of Edinburgh . . . . 131

Crocuses, Winter Ill

Croton majesticum 103

Croton spirale 126

Cypripedium Boezlii 119

Dendrobium Boxallii . . . . . . . 114

Disa Barellii 104

Encliolirium corallinum 116

Ficus Parcellii 124

PLATE

Gladiolus Neogenes 102

Hippeastrum Hendersonii 117

Hyacinth — Anna 118

Iris Ksempferi — Edward George Henderson 137

Lilium Humboldtii, var. punctatum . . 99

Lilium Kramerianum 105

Lilium parviflorum 136

Miltonia Moreliana 143

Mimulus, new varieties of 125

Nepenthes sanguinea 128

Pelargonium, double-flowered — Captain

Bailees 121

Pelargonium, double salmon — Asa Gray . 108

Pelargonium, double zonal — Emily Laxton 133

Pentstemons, new 138

Phormium Colensoi — variegatum . . . 112

Phyllanthus nivosus 120

Primula, double Chinese 123

Rhododendron — Duchess of Edinburgh . 115

Rhododendron — Fairy 132

Rose — Empress of India 97

Rose, Tea — Duchess of Edinburgh . . . 129

Trichopilia lepida 98

THE ELOEAL MAGAZINE

NEW SERIES.]

JANUARY, 1874.

EXHIBITION.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

December 3rd.

Some interest was attached to this, as it was the last
meeting of the year and of the old system, by which
exhibitors have been worried by fortnightly exhibitions
of very average character. The new Council, with a
true sense of what is required, will continue the fort-
nightly committee meetings, but will hold fewer shows.
At this season of the year a large floral display is not
to be expected, yet the very beautiful collections of
Cyclamens staged by some, and the blooms of Japanese
Chrysanthemums, with their singular and conical forms,
made an attractive show, relieved by some fine collec-
tions of Hollies and other Evergreens.

Cyclamens were exhibited by Messrs. Clarke, Smith,
James, &c. A first prize was awarded to Mr. Clarke for
a collection ; and second to Mr. H. B. Smith, of Ealing.
In this latter collection were some remarkably high-
coloured flowers ; the foliage, too, was very massive.
When we remember the exhibitions of former years, we
are inclined to think that no flower has made a more
rapid progress than the Persian Cyclamen. For twelve
plants the first prize was awarded to Mr. Charles Turner,
Royal Nursery, Slough ; and the second to Mr. Goddard,
gardener to H. Little, Esq., Cambridge Park, Twicken-
ham. Amongst the Japanese varieties of Chrysanthemums
we noticed some remarkably fine blooms of Bronze and
Red Dragon, Grandiflorum, Magnum Bonum, Oracle,
the Daimio, Meg Merrilees, Chang, and Fair Maid of
Guernsey.

Hollies have ever been a favourite shrub in our Enc-
lish gardens, and some of those exhibited by Messrs.
Veitch were of great excellence, especially Waterer's
Gold-edged Aquifolium, pendulous weeping dark green-
leaved and full of berries; Silver Queen, Small Silver
Queen, fructuduteo, yellow berries, Gold Queen, beau-
tifully coloured, Donningtonensis, dark narrow leaves,
and aures marginata.

Mr. Standish exhibited a nice group of trees of the
Cyprus type, including Thuyiopsis dolobrata, and the
variegated form of it; Cupressus Lawsoniana, erecta,
virulis; Retinospora filiformis, Retinospora plumosa, and
Taxus adpressa stricta. While mentioning this part of
the Exhibition, we cannot refrain from noticing the fine
collection of Conifers contributed by Messrs. Veitch and

[No. 25.

Sons. Amongst them were Juniperus drupacea, Thuya
Vervaeana, Retinospora plumosa, Cryptomeria elegans ;
several Retinosporas, such as obtusa, nana, aurea, filifera,
Lycopodioides, dark-green, filicioides, Thuyiopsis dolo-
brata, &c. The beautiful and fragrant little Roman
Hyacinth was exhibited by Mr. Farrow, Messrs.
Standish, and others. Messrs. Standish also exhibited a
nice collection of Bonvardias and Lilies of the Valley.

THE PRESENT POSITION OF THE ROYAL
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

There has been quite a ferment in the horticultural
world lately on account of the approaching election of
Council, and in consequence of a most injudicious attempt
to create a feeling of odium against the present Council.
A circular has been issued signed by some gentlemen
of influence ; and to our minds it is a marvel how any
person can have added their signature to so illogical a
production. The main point may be a correct one, i.e., it
may be very desirable that the connexion between the
Commissioners at South Kensington and the Society
should cease ; but why a Council which has done certainly
its utmost to consult the wishes of horticulturists, and
which has issued a schedule more in accordance with
those wishes than any that have preceded it, should be
attacked as illegal, and by implication saddled with the
disorders and evils of the present state of things, is to us
inexplicable; and some indeed of those who signed
have since repudiated it, but there their names remain.
Several of them have been exhibitors during the past
year. Will they consider the Council sufficiently illegal
as to doubt its power of allocating the subscribers'
money in the payment of their prizes? We think not.

There is a great deal of loud talking as to the sup-
port the horticultural world will give to a new state of
things, and of the prosperity of the Society under a
new regime ; but it is a fact that horticulture, pure and
simple, never has been able to maintain the Society, and
we believe never will. Look at its former condition,
when it was purely such — was it prosperous then?
Look at the Royal Botanic Society — is it flourishing ?
Or the Manchester Society? Indeed we hardly know of
one which is in a really sound condition ; and although,
it is the habit to abuse the Kensingtonians, yet we are
quite persuaded, were the Society to cast off all their
purely local members it could never hold together. How

2

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

few at a flower show really go to look at the flowers ; to
the multitude it is a recreation, a place to see and be
seen, to hear bands and to meet one’s friends, but
nothing more. If instead of creating divisions the
various interests in the Society were to combine, we see
no reason why horticulture should not be benefited, and
the public also amused and pleased ; but wrangling
committees and unwise circulars will never do any
good.

THE PATENT GLASS-CUTTER.

An ingenious contrivance to supersede the expensive
glazier’s diamond, has been forwarded to us by Messrs.
Dick Radcliffe, and Co. It consists of a stem in which
is enclosed a small revolving steel cutter, specially
hardened and tempered, which cuts the glass as it rolls
over the surface. This it does admirably; and as it
can be renewed for 6d., and costs only As. 6d., we thiuk
it will be a boon to horticulturists.

ECHEYERIA SECUNDAGLAUCA.

A writer, in the Gardeners Chronicle says this is now
so universally recognised a bedding plant, especially in
places where succulents are largely employed, that any
hint as to wintering it may be acceptable to those who
have little in-door room at their disposal. A plan
adopted by Mr. Wildsmith, of Heckfield Gardens,
seems to suggest itself as well worthy imitation.
Against the south or east part of one of his vineries, or,
in fact, against any wall convenient for the purpose, Mr.
Wildsmith throws up a bank of soil nine inches or a
foot in depth at the base, falling away to nothing as it
reaches the top. The interior of the bank is made of
coal ashes; layers of the Eckeveria are then placed in
lines on their sides, and they are then closely packed
together, and when the whole is planted it is covered
with the grey rosettes of the Eckeveria. In cases of
heavy rain, no water remains stationary on the leaves,
and being kept so dry, possible harm from frost is reduced
to a minimum. In some positions the Echeveria will
live through a mild winter when standing in the open
ground. It suffers as much from excessive wet as from
frost ; and it is when sharp frost follows rain that the
greatest amount of injury is done.

PERSIAN RANUNCULUS.

As the month of February is fast approaching, and as
that is the time most suitable for planting the Persian
Ranunculus, we would say a word on behalf of this most

lovely flower. We are aware that it is one that some-
what taxes the patience of the florist, but who is
worthy of the name of florist that will grudge pa-
tience to possess a good bloom of a favourite flower ?
And we know of nothing more lovely than a large bed
of Ranunculus : there are so many hues of colour, the
shape is so exquisite, the delicacy of the markings so
great, that we very much wonder it is not more grown.
The newer varieties raised by the late Mr. George
Lightbody and Mr. Carey Tyso are robust and free
blooming, and with ordinary care will succeed in any
good garden soil ; care is needed in planting, so as not
to get them too deep or too shallow, and also in watch-
ing the period of their lifting, for if left too long they
begin to shoot again, and this is fatal to the existence
of the tubers. We see, alas ! but few collections of them
now-a-days ; and we suppose the only really good one in
the South of England is that of Mr. Carey Tyso of Wal-
lingford.

CATALOGUE RECEIVED.

Messrs. Kelway and Son’s Catalogue of Gladioli. — *
This contains the names of an immense number of
Messrs. K.’s seedlings, as well as the French varieties.
Those who have watched the reports of the Shows will
be able to select such kinds as have been winning sorts
on the wonderful stands of blooms exhibited by them ;
while others marked by the approval of the various hor-
ticultural tribunals wrill be thus certified as of good
quality. The bulbs if we may gather from those we
ourselves have had, are fine and healthy7.

The pink variety of Sedum spurium is a plant, like
many of its congeners, most simple and easy to culti-
vate; in fact it will thrive where most other things will
perish. It flowers nine months out of the twelve, and at
the present time, when flowers out of doors are scarce,
this plant flowers freely. Although a rock plant, it may
be grown in the front row of a border, and by side of
shady walks, and indeed in any out-of-the-way place ;
it also does well in the most confined town gardens.

That most graceful of Palms, Cocos Weddelliana, is
now in flower in the fine collection at the Victoria Nur-
series, Holloway. That it flowers and fruits freely at not
more than two feet high shows it to be as valuable in
compactness of habit as it is unsurpassed in grace among
Palms. Every garden where there is a warm house
should possess a plant or two of this Palm, so useful for
the more select class of decorations.

Plate 97.

ROSE— EMPRESS OF INDIA (LAXTON).

The pages of the Floral Magazine have for many years borne witness to the fact that
we are endeavouring in this country to rival our French neighbours in the production of
new Roses, as we have long since excelled them in the cultivation of those introduced from
France. We look back with pride to the remembrance that John Hopper was illustrated in
our pages long before it became known to the public as the grand rose that it is ; and we
have from time to time recorded other successes of our English raisers. In this, the last
English new rose, we have, we hope, a very fine addition to the high-coloured class of roses.

Mr. Laxton has been long known as one of our most skilful and intelligent
hybridizers, carrying out his operations in no haphazard manner, but on thoroughly sound
principles, and he has been eminently successful in his attempts. His peas have made him
famous amongst gardeners of every class, while his successes as a raiser of seedling roses
have already gained him a claim on the gratitude of all rose growers. Annie Laxton is put
forward as one of the most desirable introductions of recent years.

It was somewhat curious that two roses of nearly similar character should have been
exhibited on the same day at the Royal Horticultural Society, July 16tli — one from Thame,
raised by Mr. J. Walker, and Empress of India. Both were awarded first-class certificates.
Beauty of Thame has passed into the hands of Mr. Charles Turner, and Empress of India has
become the property of Messrs. Paul and Son, of Cheshunt, by whom it will be distributed
probably in the autumn of the present year. It is a remarkably high-coloured crimson
rose, good form and substance.

Plate 98.

TRICHOPILIA LEPIDA.

This species of Orchids contains many most curious forms, while the manner in which
the flowers are produced, springing as they do from the base of the pseudo-bulb, is very
unusual. Many of the flowers are very beautiful, and in this more recent introduction
we have a charming addition to those already in cultivation.

As the different species are natives of Central America, they require the treatment of
what is called a Mexican house, and being dwarf evergreen plants, they are best grown in
pots. Owing to the peculiar way in which the flowers are produced at the base of the
pseudo-bulb, it is necessary in potting to elevate the centre a good deal, and to keep all
above the rim of the pot ; the flowers will then droop down gracefully over its sides. The
form known as crispa is remarkably fine, a plant of it having been exhibited by Mr.
Warner at the St. Petersburg International Exhibition, in 1S69, with upwards of a
hundred flowers upon it. In cultivation it is necessary to bear in mind that water in excess
at the roots is at all times most injurious.

Trichopilia lepida was exhibited by Messrs. Veitch and Sons at the Royal Horticultural
Society, in April of last year, and was awarded a first-class certificate. It was introduced
from Costa Rica. Its appearance is very striking — pale lilac pink, margined with white,
the centre lit up with orange ; the flowers are freely produced, but we do not know yet
whether, like its congener, T. crispa , it will produce a double crop of bloom from the same
bulbs. We are indebted to the Messrs. Veitch for the opportunity of figuring it.

Plate 99.

LILIUM HUMBOLDTII, var. PUNCTATUM.

The increased attention which has been given of late to the beautiful family of Lilies
has induced us to point out another of the more recent additions to those already cultivated
in our gardens.

America seems now, and especially the more western portion of North America, to be
affording us some very beautiful species. The grand L. WasMngtoniamm comes from the
western slopes of the Californian Sierra Nevada ; we have also L. Calif ornicum, a very
beautiful species ; and L. Humboldtii, also a native of the far West ; and also L. pardalinum,
bearing from one to three dozen flowers on the same stem. And as other collectors are now
searching these almost unexplored regions we may hope for still further additions.

We figured in our last volume a fine variety of this grand Lily, named maculatum ; and
as illustrating the varieties which are to be found in nature, we now give one very different
indeed in character ; in the former case the surface of the flower was spotted with large
spots of a purplish colour, while in the present instance the spots are much smaller and far
more numerous. It was flowered in the establishment of Mr. W. Bull, who is well
known for the zeal he has shown in the introduction of many of these beautiful plants. As
these Lilies are quite hardy they will form interesting additions to those herbaceous borders
which are now, we are glad to say, becoming more and more in vogue ; and though we
cannot entirely do away with bedding-out plants, yet we believe a considerable modification
of the present system will be adopted.

Plate 100.

ARALIA GUILFOYLEI.

Among the ornamental plants which are suitable to our larger stoves the Aralias hold
a conspicuous place ; while one of them at least, Aralia papyrifera, is a plant of economic
interest, for from it is prepared that interesting product of the Chinese, rice paper. This
species, which was originally treated as a stove plant, has proved to be nearly if not quite
hardy ; and when grown in the open air, even though cut down by frost, sends up a number
of suckers. Others of the family are equally hardy, while many, as in the case of that we
now figure, require the treatment of a stove.

Aralia Guilfoylei has been introduced by Mr. "VV. Bull, and from a plant in his collection
the drawing was made by our artist ; he describes it as “ a delicate and ornamental plant, of
a shrubby habit, with an erect stem, copiously dotted with lenticular markings, and having
pinnate leaves on longish smooth terete petioles, and made up, in the case of young plants,
of from three to seven stalked oblong elliptic bluntish leaflets, which are sometimes
obscurely lobed, and irregularly spinose serrate ; these leaflets vary in size, from two to three
inches long, and are neatly and evenly margined with creamy white, the surface being, in
addition, occasionally splashed with grey.”

In the present day, when ornamental foliaged plants are so much used for decoration in
rooms, &c., the Aralias are most useful, and we are inclined to think that this recent
addition to the family will be found admirably adapted, from its graceful habit and distinct
markings, for all such purposes, and from the substance of its foliage it will bear the
confinement of a room better than many plants.

37

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HYBRID PERPETUAL ROSE
"Empress of India1'

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FI OPAL MAGAZINE NEW SERIES.
L.Reeve fc Co. 5. Henrietta Str.Ooysiil'/ Garden.

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FLORAL MAGAZINE NEW SERIES
L. Reeve &:Co.5.Hermetta, St.Covent Garden.

100.

THE ELOEAL MAGAZINE

NEW SERIES.] FEBRUARY, 1874. [No. 26.

THE GARDEN IN WINTER.

It is commonly supposed that because all around us seems
dark and dreary in winter, trees devoid of leaves, the
ground wet and uncomfortable, and paths muddy, that
a lover of flowers must, like some of his favourites, go to
rest during the long winter months ; but there can be no
greater mistake : we have even then a busy time, and,
indeed, we may say a pleasurable time also. Much of
our pleasure here lies in anticipation, and we are now
looking forward to the achievements of another season.
We look at our rose trees, they show nothing but bare
stems ; but to our fancy they are clothed with foliage,
bright buds are peeping out here and there, and we see
a grand Charles Lefebre or a lovely Madame Yidot
before us. We look to our gladiolus boxes, they contain
but dry roots ; but already we see in our mind’s eyes
grand spikes of Meyerbeer or Jupiter; and then all the
new ones we have never seen ; we wonder what they
will be — will they surpass those of former years, or shall
vve be doomed to disappointment ? Our stands are already
arranged, and we are standing before them with admiring
eyes. Then looking at the more practical side of matters,
we have our ground prepared for peas, for many new
vegetables we hear a great deal of, and their merits we
are about to test. Have we a small greenhouse, with
what pleasure do we look at the bursting buds of the
Cyclamens, or the Camellia’s shining colour, and how
delightful to gather a few trusses of geranium, and con-
vey them in for our specimen glasses. Then we have
stakes to get ready, labels to write, and all sorts of little
matters to arrange, so that we have no idle time ; and
now we are preparing to topdress our favourite auri-
culas, and are wondering what sort of a bloom we shall
have. Oh, no ! winter is not to the gardener a dreary
time, and he is no true gardener who thinks thus of it.

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The counsels that are given for the management of this
Society seem only to make “ confusion worse con-
founded.” Members of former councils, which certainly
did not extricate the Society from its difficulties, now
wish to alter the whole manner of deciding questions
brought before them by allowing votes by proxy ; but it
seems to us, of all untenable propositions this is the
most so. It is very easy for any one of ordinary ability

so to represent a case that he shall appear to have
right on his side, and, indeed, as we know, to “ make
the worse appear the better reason,” and by thus having
a number of votes in his pocket, to virtually decide a
question before it is argued ; whereas, were those persons
to hear the other side, they might be induced to alter
their decision. We know that this method of voting
has virtually ceased in the House of Lords ; and although
it is allowed in Joint Stock Companies, grave doubts
have arisen whether it is, after all, advantageous to their
right management; and surely, after all, those who live
in London are those most interested in the cause of the
Royal Horticultural Society. The privilege, such as it
was, of obtaining plants and seeds by ballot, is worth
nothing now, and never was worth much, and
those who can visit the trials at Chiswick, or attend
the shows at South Kensington, are the persons who
can feel the most interest in the Society. It is useless
to talk about the pure love of horticulture, and such like
high-flown notions ; mixed motives enter into all things,
and we do not doubt it is the same here. The present
Council has entered on its work loyally, and it is a great
jjity that things cannot be let alone, to see whether they
are able to effect what they have laid out as their pro-
gramme for the benefit of the Society, and the good of
horticulture generally.

HONEY’S VAPORIZING STOVE.

The difficulties which the owners of small greenhouses
have to contend with in keeping out
frost has been the frequent subject of
complaint, and we have ourselves ex-
perienced it ; any flue or boiler heater
generally being much more than is
required, and consequently a great
waste of fuel is the result. Gas is so
deleterious in its effects on vegetation
that it is out of the question ; and
hence anything that is inexpensive
and cleanly must be hailed as a great
boon. The new patent vaporizing
stoves which have been brought out
by Mr. W. H. Honey, of 263, Regent
Street, and of which we give an illustration, seems fully
to meet the difficulty ; they have duplex or double crib
frames, are free from smell, give off no sulphurous

4

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

fumes, and are cleanly. Each stove has a vaporizing
dish through which the heat passes, and this causes a
slow evaporation of the water, so that the dry heat
generated by metal stoves is completely avoided ; nor is
the moisture sufficient to cause damp. They can be
carried about easily, present no difficulties in burning
and keeping clean, and will keep a small greenhouse at
an even temperature for thirty hours; so that, all things
considered, we do not think a greater boon has been
offered of late years to those large numbers of persons
who own small houses, and are perpetually troubled as
to the best way of keeping them free from frost.

THE POSTULATA.

An eccentric name for a simple but really valuable in-
vention. We all know how many are the contrivances,
costly or otherwise, for hiding the ugliness of the red
flower-pot on the dinner table. China and glass, satin

and wood and paper, have all been brought into use for
this purpose ; but amongst the simpler contrivances we
think the best is that which has lately been introduced
by the same firm to whom we are indebted for the

vaporizing stove above alluded to. It consists of pieces
of cardboard mounted with medallions, and so con-
trived that when not in use they can be folded up and
put by. They are also provided with a zinc saucer on
which the pot stands ; and as they are made in all
colours, they can be adapted to the character of the
plants used.

THE NEW BOUQUET HOLDER.

We have been favoured by Messrs. Dick Radclyffe and
Co. with an opportunity of seeing the new bouquet
holder, of which the figures now given are illustrations.

H/u/d

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It will be seen that when not used it can be easily placed
on the table, so as to make a vase, and thus the bouquet
is preserved from the ill effects of lying down on its side.
It is both effective and pretty.

CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Sutton’s Spring Catalogue and Amateur Guide for
1874. — We were struck on opening this at the magnitude
of the establishment from whence it emanates. Those who
have not had the opportunity of seeing it can now form
a tolerably correct notion of its vastness from the bird’s-
eye view given as the frontispiece. The catalogue is
richly illustrated with coloured plates and woodcuts,
whilst novelties in flowers and vegetables meet one con-
tinually. We need not particularize these, as it will
be better to consult the catalogue of the great Reading
firm.

Carter’s Vade Mecum. — The edition for 1874 con-
tains coloured plates of some remarkable novelties, and
the usual tempting list of seeds of all descriptions.

Messrs. Dick Radclyffe & Co.’s Catalogue. — This firm
is so well known for its taste in decorative gardening, that,
as may be expected, the catalogue abounds with elegances
of all kinds.

Catalogue of Seeds, &c., Charles Turner, Slough. — All
who know Mr. Turner are aware of his care in selecting
what is most suitable, and his present catalogue is a care-
fully selected one.

Plate 101.

BATEMANNIA BURTII.

The genus consists of some dwarf, compact growing plants and generally of free
flowering habit. “ The species,” says Mr. Williams in his “Orchid Grower’s Manual,” “are
not so strong as some other Orchids, but are worth growing, as they are easily accommodated
and take but little room ; they will do either in pots or on blocks with moss ; if grown in
pots, peat and moss form the best compost ; they should be placed in the cool house, with
a plentiful supply of water in the growing season.”

We have already in our catalogues B. Beaumontii and Baton annia grandijlora, the latter a
very curious and pretty Orchid, to which the species now figured has a good deal of resem-
blance, as it is described as having ovate pseudo-bulbs, some three or four inches long;
and two large, broad leathery leaves, the flower spike coming up with the young growth,
bearing three or four flowers of curious structure ; the sepals and petals are olive-green,
striped with reddish-brown ; the lip is white with reddish-purple stripes, orange or yellow
towards the base. It will be seen that in many respects this would answer for a description
of Batemannia Burtii, the violet feathery spot of the petals being very marked, and the ground
colour being of a dark olive-green.

This curious Orchid was exhibited at South Kensington on Nov. 12th, of last year;
by Mr. Murrell, gardener to W. B. Hume, Esq., and was awarded a first-class certificate by
the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Plate 102.

GLADIOLUS NEOGENES.

We have more than once noticed the fact that the English seedlings of this grand
autumnal flower were rapidly gaining on, and in variety of colouring indeed surpassing
the French varieties, and we think that the plate we now give will fully bear out our
assertion.

We have during the past season had the opportunity of visiting the Museums of Messrs.
Kelway and Sons, Langport, Somerset, whose grand stands of seedling Gladioli have
attracted so much attention and been the subjects of so much admiration for some years,
and nothing could surpass the perfection of some of the blooms we there saw ; nor is this
success due to anything very remarkable in either the soil or situation, for their garden is
very much exposed, and the soil did not seem to be of a very kindly nature — great care was,
however, given to them, manure liberally used — and the result all frequenters of our great
Shows have seen.

We believe that Messrs. Kelway have nearly 2000 seedlings under name, and it is
difficult amongst so many to choose the best ; however, we think that for novelty of
appearance Neogenes, which we now figure, may take rank as one of the most novel in colour
and grand in form. It is of a rich rosy purple or magenta colour with a white line in the
centre of the petal, and a white blotch on the lower lip, and is of very great size. An outline
sketch we have been favoured with by the Messrs. Kelway, measuring five inches and three-
quarters across. It is impossible to give in even our large plate an idea of the grandeur of
the spike. We have only to add, that the flower obtained a first-class certificate from the Floral
Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society in August, 1S73.

Plate 103.

CROTON MAJESTICUM.

Few of our variegated-leaved stove plants are more effective or more easily grown than
the Crotons, and some of our finest plants at Exhibitions are to he found amongst them.
Being mostly natives of the South Sea Islands, they rejoice in a strong moist heat and
freedom from shade, and therefore it is better, in order to get them thoroughly well-coloured,
to place them near the glass. But it is not only in the Exhibition room or in the stove that
they are valuable ; for standing well, as they do, the confinement of a dwelling-house, they
are most useful for decoration, either for the dinner table, when grown as small plants, or
for vases for the sitting-room, and in summer time they will be found equally useful for the hall.

They are, as we have said, easily managed, requiring a rich loam, with a little peat and
sand added ; and as they require abundance of water, the pots should be thoroughly well
drained, and where these conditions are observed no difficulty will be experienced in their
culture.

Many new species have been added to our gardens of late years, some of them being
most valuable additions ; but we do not think, judging from the specimens that we have
seen, that any of them can be compared to the very grand species which we now figure,
which has been imported from the South Sea Islands. It is a plant of gorgeous colouring,
having narrow leaves of deep olive-green, with deep scarlet midrib and edging to the leaves,
and with numerous yellow and scarlet spots ; the older leaves are bright yellow. The sketch
was made in the establishment of Mr. W. Bull, of the King’s Road, Chelsea, by whom the
plant will be distributed for the first time in August next.

Plate 104.

DISA BARELLII.

Very fresh in our memory is the sight of the grand terrestrial Orchid Disa (jrandiflora
when it was first exhibited by our friend, Mr. Charles Leach, at South Kensington, and
deep also our regret that after having, through his kindness, had a fine established
plant of it, which bloomed well for some years in succession, it unaccountably perished,
and we have not for years had it ; in fact, although Mr. Leach found out the secret
of growing it, yet it will, as in our own case, die off without any apparent cause. We
saw it at Chatsworth during the last summer, and Mr. Speed informed us that there was
only one place in the house which seemed to suit it, and that was near the door, where it
had plenty of air ; and although it has been imported in considerable numbers it is still scarce
from the same cause.

It was well-known that many other species of this tribe of terrestrial Orchids were
to be found in the same locality from whence Disa (jrandiflora and superba came, and we
are indebted to Mr. W. Bull, of Chelsea, for an addition to the already known species,
which he has been the means of introducing from the Fransborck mountains at the Cape of
Good Hope, and which has been named in honour of the collector who discovered it.
The specimen from whence the figure was taken by our artist was flowered by Mr. Vair,
gardener at Dangstein, the seat of R. H. Nevill, Esq., a place renowned for the manner in
which horticulture is encouraged, Lady Dorothy Nevill not only delighting in it, as many
do, but showing by her writing that she enters into it practically as well as theoretically.

Disa Darellii is of the same character as Disa (jrandiflora, but somewhat different in
colour, the flowers being orange-scarlet, and the petals marked with crimson veins, remind-
ing one of the markings on Abutilon striatum ; it is veiy handsome, and well worth growing,
being a fine companion to those already mentioned.

FLOSAL MAGAZINE NEW- SERIES
L.Reeve & Co. 5. Henrietta, S t. Cerent Gaiden.

%

FLORAL MAGAZINE. NEW SERIES
L.Reevfi feCo.5,Hennetta. StEorcnt Garden.

EL01AL. MAGAZINE NEW SERIES.
L.Reeve &Co.5,Heametta, St.CovBiitGajdten.

104

W. G, Smith, F.L.S. del etlith.

V.BroQks.Day&Son.Imp

FLORAL MAGAZINE NEW SERIES
LReevefcCo.5,Henrietta, St.CorcatGaiderL.

THE ELOEAL MAGAZINE

NEW SERIES.]

MARCH, 1874.

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

We do not know if the period of storms is ever to cease
in this unfortunate Society, but on reading the account
of the Annual Meeting, held on the 10th February, one
feels utterly at a loss to know what to make of the con-
fusion that exists — questions of legality or illegality,
questions as to whether the Society is solvent or in a
bankrupt condition, as to whether it has a Council or
not, are freely bandied about, and it would seem to be as
difficult to thread one’s way through the matter as to
find your destination in a Bradshaw. We remember a
member of the late Council writing to us some years
ago, and saying, “ There are so many quagmires and
shoals in the Society that I find it difficult to make out
my own way, much less to direct anybody else.” This
seems to be the case still, but we think that one thing
was clear at the meeting — viz., that the present Council
is trying honourably and fairly to benefit horticulture,
and to put the Society on as sound a basis as possible,
and that it is a great pity it is not allowed to have
a fair chance. Let it he seen that it has the confidence
of the Fellows, and that its object is not to gain a
position for its members, but to work honestly in the
cause of horticulture, and then if it fails, let others take
up what seems to be a very thankless task. It is much
to be deplored that a Society which ought to combine the
best wishes and exertions of all lovers of horticulture
should be only the arena on which contending cliques
desire to fight out their petty squabbles.

EXHIBITION.

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Feb. 18.

The Council Room presented a very different aspect to
that which met our view at the January meeting, and,
thanks to many of our metropolitan and suburban nur-
serymen, a brilliant show of flowers gladdened the eyes
of the visitors, nor were novelties wanting to add their
charms. Messrs. Yeitch, Bull, Williams, Standish, and
Turner contributed some fine collections, but our space
only permits us to enumerate a few.

In Mr. W. Bull’s collection were some interesting no-
velties, for which first-class certificates were awarded —
viz.jHippeastrum picturatum, small flowers, white ground,
striped with crimson ; Alsophila elegantissima, a most

[No. 27.

graceful fern, with wide -spreading showy fronds, and Ple-
ocnemia Lenzeana, graceful. There were other fine
plants. Messrs. Yeitch and Sons had a beautiful col-
lection of plants, amongst which Angraecum catratum,
an exquisite Orchid with creamy white flowers, received
a first-class certificate; as did also Toxicophlsea spectabilis,
a stove shrub, with white flowers delicately scented :
other fine plants were Odontoglossum pulchellum majus ;
Lselia Pilcherii, which has been figured in the Floral
Magazine ; a white variety of Cattleya Trianae ;
Amaryllis Leopoldii, maroon crimson centre, with white
margin, which we have also figured; there were also
some very nice seedling Amaryllis, crosses from Hip-
peastrum pardinum. Mr. B. S. Williams had, amongst
other things, Calanthe Turned, very fine; Renanthera
coccinea, and Coelogyne cristata. Mr. C. Turner, of
Slough, sent a very beautiful collection of Aucubas in
berry, trained as standards and laden with fruit, the most
beautiful, perhaps, being Alba variegata,with large bunches
of coral-like berries. Mr. W. Paul, of Waltham Cross,
had a beautiful collection of cut blooms of Camellias,
embracing most of the finest varieties of this generally
admired flower, such as Alba plena. Marchioness of
Exeter, Bealii, Sarah Frost, Jenny Lind, and Imbricata.
From Mr. Perkins, of Leamington, came a number of
plants of a new Chinese Primula, Prince Arthur, rosy-
crimson, very novel and semi-double : for this a first-
class certificate was awarded. Mr. R. Dean had the
same award for a new Primrose called Violacea.

There was but little competition for the liberal prizes
offered by Mr. George Lee of Clevedon, Somerset, for
his new Violet, Victoria Regina, and none of those ex-
hibited were remarkable. The first prize was awarded
to Mr. R. Dean of Ealing, and we may mention as last,
but not least, one of the most interesting plants shown,
Dendrobiuin Ainsworthii, a hybrid between Dendrobium
lieterocarpum and Dendrobium nobile, raised by Mr.
Mitchell, gardener to Dr. Ainsworth, Manchester.
Altogether the exhibition was a very interesting one.

TRELOAR’S COCOA-NUT MATS.

The firm of Treloar and Co. of Ludgate Hill, has long
been noted for the excellence of the mats produced by
it, for indoor purposes, and it has now conferred a boon
on horticulturists in the production of a cheap and
durable mat to supersede the untidy and frail Archangel
bast-mats. We have had two of them in use all the

6

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

winter; we have subjected them to the very roughest
treatment : they have been saturated with water, stiffened
with frost, and trodden under foot; and yet now, at the
end of four months, they are as sound as ever, while the
ordinary bast-mats are all in pieces. We are quite sure
that when they become generally known they will, for
protecting purposes, quite supersede the older kinds.

REVIEWS.

The Treasury of Botany : A Popular Dictionary of the
Vegetable Kingdom, with which is Incorporated a
Glossary of Botanical Terms. Edited by John
Lindley, M.D.,E.R.S., F.L.S., and Thomas Moore,
F.L.S., assisted by numerous contributors. New
and Revised Edition, with Supplement, 2 vols. Long-
mans & Co.

This work is truly a multum in parvo — rather too much
so for the benefit of our eyes. It is, however, our con-
stant companion and the best work of its kind. We
have rarely consulted it in vain; and now that a supple-
ment of a hundred pages of new matter, comprising
more than a thousand articles, references, and additions,
is annexed, the chance of doing so is greatly diminished.
The supplement includes a great number of additional
and recent genera, besides much new and valuable in-
formation respecting many embodied in the work ; and,
in fact, posts the general student up to the present state
of Botanical Science. F.L.S.

Notes on Lilies and their Culture. By Messrs.

Teutschel and Co., Colchester.

The increased taste for this beautiful tribe of plant is
manifesting itself in various ways, and we hail the
appearance of this little handbook as an additional proof
of it, and as to this firm we otve the introduction of
the very beautiful Lily figured in our present number,
no better opportunity cau be afforded of drawing atten-
tion to this very useful brochure. It is gracefully dedi-
cated to a gentleman who has done very much by his
own example, and by the liberality he always displays in
distributing amongst his friends many of his pets, to
increase their cultivation, George F. Wilson, Esq., of
Heatherbank, Weybridge Heath.

We have most careful and at the same time very
simple directions given as to the culture, and the authors
evidently lean to the open-air cultivation in preference
to pots. Certainly the arguments brought forward are
very cogent, but our own experience goes rather the
other way : it is not that they are not perfectly hardy,
but that we find them very much injured by worms and

grubs of various kinds, and prefer growing them in pots,
in a cool vinery, and then plunging them in the open
ground in cocoa-nut fibre, or some similar material.
The soil recommended varies in different sections ; for
the Canadense section, for example, moist boggy soil is
recommended. The Martagons and stronger growing
kinds delight in loam, as does Auratum ; for the
Umbellatum section, light rich soil is recommended, and
in every instance deep planting is recommended, some
of the California Lilies being found two or three feet
deep among stones ; they should always be kept
moist. Large pots are recommended where they are so
grown.

After the directions given as to soil, a very careful and
elaborate description of all the known species is given,
and letters and papers from Lily cultivators are added,
amongst others by M. Ducharter, Max Leitchlin, of
Carlsruhe, Mr. Wilson, &c., and Mr. Baker’s synopsis of
the whole tribe is added. It will thus be seen that
everything that can be of use to the admirer of the Lily
tribe is contained in this little book, and we can con-
scientiously recommend it to all who take an interest in
them; to the beginner there are many most valuable
hints, while the experienced grower will find much that
he may need in the way of reference.

CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Seed Catalogues are now pouring in; every year seems
to increase their number, and we may add also their
efficiency. Certainly no one need now be ignorant of the
best method of managing his garden, if it be true that
in the multitude of counsellors there is wisdom. We
select a few.

Messrs. Hooper & Co.’s Gardening Guide and General
Catalogue. — A very full catalogue of seeds and flowers,
with a “ Monthly Remembrancer of Seeds to be Sown,”
notes on management, and very numerous woodcut illus-
trations.

Veitch and Son’s Catalogue of Seeds, &c.— One well
worthy of the high reputation of this eminent firm.

B. S. Williams’ Catalogue of Seeds. — Not quite so
pretentious as some, but bearing the mark of Mr. W.’s
thoroughly practical way of looking at things.

Messrs. J. Cutbush & Sons, Highgate.— Another ex-
cellent catalogue.

Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son’s Catalogue of Flower,
Vegetable, and Agricultural Seeds. Full, ably compiled,
and well illustrated, particularly in the Flower and
Ornamental Plant department, and containing novelties
of great beauty and interest.

Plate 105.

LILIUM KRAMERIANUM, OR KRAMERI.

The recently revived taste for the very beautiful and varied class of Lilies has occasioned
the introduction of many new, and the reintroduction of many scarce and almost forgotten
species. Japan and North America have furnished a very large portion of these novelties,
and we doubt not that the enterprise and skill of our modern horticulturists will he rewarded
by many additions to a tribe so fragrant, so beautiful and varied, and possessing so many
claims on the attention of all who love a garden. They are perfectly hardy, the flowers are
admirably adapted for cutting, as they last a long while ; they form beautiful effects in the
conservatory, and when planted in American-borders amongst Rhododendrons and other
plants of a similar character, they are very effective — 4hese are surely recommendations
entitling them to a large share of popular favour.

Messrs. Teutschel and Co., of Colchester, as agents for Messrs. Kramer, of Yokohama,
have been the means of introducing many fine species of Lilies, and amongst them we
may fairly class the very beautiful one which we now figure. It was exhibited last year at
Kensington, and received a first-class certificate from the Floral Committee of the Royal
Horticultural Society, where it attracted considerable attention, suggesting the idea of a
natural hybrid between longijlorum and auratum. It bears a considerable resemblance to
the latter Lily, both in shape and size, but has neither spot nor central band ; the petals are
suffused with a light delicate pink blush. Mr. Kramer writes, “Amongst them are some new
and startling varieties of all colours, from a pure white to a rich rose or mauve tint. When
well cultivated at home, it will make a charming Lily.”

Plate 106.

BILLBERGIA SAUNDERSII.

The Bromeliads, to which family Billbergia belongs, is one composed of plants of
singular form and appearance. We have already in our plates of /Echmea Mar ice regina,
Vriesia brachgstachgs, and Tillandsia Lindeni, given illustrations of some of the genera, and we
now add from the extensive collection of Mr. W. Bull the present plate of Billbergia
Saundersii.

The cultivation of this class of plants is, for those who are possessed of a stove, by no
means difficult ; they should be grown in a compost composed of light loam, peat, sand, and
a little leaf mould. Owing to their habit of growth, the centre of the plant is hollow and
capable of holding water, and it is well to pour some into this central hollow. As the beauty
of these plants consists greatly in their gorgeously-coloured bracts, they remain in perfection
a long time, and are therefore well suited for decoration for the house or table.

Billbergia Saundersii is, says Mr. Bull, a very distinct epiphytal perennial, the leaves of
which are few in number and embrace each other in a tubulose manner at the base ; they
are dull green on the upper surface, the lower surface and the cylindrical portion purplish,
scattered over with unequal whitish blotches, which are also apparent on the upper surface ;
the flowers are in slender, half-nodding racemes, a foot long, the scapes being furnished with
long crimson bracts ; those of the inflorescence loose and spreading, the calyx deep dull
Crimson, and the corolla, which extends one inch and a half beyond it, indigo blue towards
the tip ; the anthers are orange-coloured ; it comes from Bahia.

Billbergia Saundersii has been recently introduced by Mr. Bull, and has been announced
by him for the first time, in his catalogue, just published.

Plate 107.

ALOCASIA ILLUSTRIS.

Latety we had an opportunity of seeing, at the magnificent mansion of the Duke of
Devonshire, at Chatsworth, some grand specimens of Alocasia and the allied genus of Arads,
which form noble specimens for the aquatic stove. They require in cultivation a compost of
peat and well decomposed manure in equal parts, with the addition of a little loam and silver
sand, an abundant supply of moisture at the roots, and a strong moist heat. No better place
can be provided for them than standing them on the wall of the tank in an aquatic stove,
although they will do well in any place where a good moist heat can be given.

There are already in cultivation some fine species of this genus, and Mr. Bull has been
enabled to add another very interesting one to those already known. He describes it as a
free-growing, bold-liabited stove perennial, intermediate in its general aspect between
Alocasia and Caladium. The leaf-stalks are erect, and have a brownish-purple tint, while
the leaf-blades are deflexed, one foot and a half in length, ovately sagittate ; the colour is a
rich green, marked between the principal veins by broad patches of blackish olive, extending
almost from the midrib to the margin, and forming a striking contrast with the brighter
green portions of the leaf surface. It is somewhat in the way of Alocasia Jenningsii , but is of
much larger and more vigorous growth, and of a lighter, less glaucous green. It has been
imported from the East Indies, and we are sure only requires to be known to make it a
popular plant with all who cultivate Aroids.

Plate 108.

DOUBLE SALMON PELARGONIUM— ASA GRAY.

To the French nurserymen and amateurs is due the merit of adding to the numerous
varieties of Zonal Pelagoniums, already existing in our gardens, those double forms Avhicli
have for some years had so many admirers (and we may add detractors) ; and although our
English raisers have improved upon these efforts, yet it seems as if the next important step
was still to be made by the former.

We were somewhat excited by the news last season, that new double white varieties
had been raised at Lyons, Nancy, and other places ; but, alas, like a good many anticipations,
they have been doomed to disappointment ; the only double white at all worthy of the name
is Aline Sisley, raised by the well-known amateur M. Jean Sisley, of Lyons; but it is, after
all, only a semi-double, and the colour is by no means pure. It may be, however, the precursor
of others, and as such will not meet with the condemnation which has been justly meted out
to such rubbish as alba plena, &c.

Amongst those which were sent out by Mons. Alegetiere, of Lyons, we received a
plant of a variety said to be a double salmon-coloured one. As we have grown all the
recent introductions in our own greenhouse, we have been enabled to form a tolerably
accurate judgment of their relative value and importance, and we have come to the conclusion
that Asa Gray is decidedly the best of the whole collection. It is entirely novel in colour,
being of a bright rosy salmon, somewhat lighter at the edges. The plant, like all the double
varieties, is robust, and the trusses of flowers are very freely produced, so that it will be a
valuable addition to the stage of blooming plants.

105

LILIUM RRAMERI ANUM.

W. G. Smith, E.LS . del el 1 1 tfa .

FLORAL MAMZIN1. NEW SEMES.
L. Reeve & Co. 5. Henrietta St. Covent Garden.

Vincent Brooks Day ^ - cn

106

W.GrSmith,F.L.S,clel etlith

B I LLBERGI A

SAUNDERS I I.

V.Biodks.Day&Son.lmp

FLORAL MAGAZINE NEW SEBIES
L.Reeve 8cCo.5.Hemaetta. St. Cotent Garden.

107.

"W G\?mithJ’,.L.S,ddetHth..

ALOCAS1 A

1LLUSTK1 S

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FIOEAL MAGAZINE NEW SEBEES
I.Reeve &Co.5,Hennetta, St.Coveirt Garden..

108

W. G,SmitHJVL.S.del etlith.

DOUBLE SALMON PELARGONIUM.

"Asa Gray1’

FLORAL MAGAZINE. NEW SERIES
L.Reeve & Co. 5. Henrietta. St.Covrait Garden.

Y Ero cis.Day & S on Imp

THE ELOBAL MAGAZINE

NEW SERIES.]

APRIL, 1874.

THE COLOURS OF FLOWERS.

No art can possibly do justice to the refulgent tints
found amongst flowering plants. It is not only in the
flaming scarlets and crimsons that art fails, for it falls
equally short in any attempt to exactly reproduce the
most modest tints. It is common to hear those who are
not intimately acquainted with flowers say that certain
artists exaggerate, in their pictures, the rich coloration
of nature, but this is simply impossible : and plant-
growers know only too well that no artist can satisfac-
torily put on paper or canvas the tints of his favourites.

True it is, that one sees at exhibitions of oil and water-
colour paintings, and in some magazines — as in the one
we now write for — plants portrayed in which the colours
seem refulgent enough ; but if these copies from nature
be placed side by side with nature itself, there is as
much difference between the colours of the two as between
harmony and discord in music.

The one thing artists can never perfectly get is
transparency, and this difficulty is far more insurmount-
able in the illustrations for a journal like the Floral
Magazine. It is as impossible to represent the opal-like
light seen passing through the petals of some white lilies
as it would he to paint the rays of light playing about a
diamond, or the blaze of fire from the sun itself. The best
and purest scarlet colour used by artists, if placed by the
side of the petals of a Field Poppy or Geranium, imme-
diately looks like a piece of clay. The same with crimsons :
our best crimson lakes, when placed near the petals of
some Geraniacese, at once put on a liver-like appearance.
Scarlets, in nature, are transparent, and such a thing as
a transparent scarlet pigment is unknown. Now if we
glaze over one of our artificial scarlets with a wash
of pure purple, the painting immediately looks like mud ;
but what is more common in some scarlet Orchids (as in
Masdevallia Veitchii) than to see a vivid scarlet, shot
with brilliant purple? On an examination of the
epidermal cells with a microscope some of the mystery
is explained, but any attempt at imitation inevitably
ends in failure. The same remarks apply with equal
truth to all other tints — be they purple, blue, green,
yellow, or orange. It is in the experience of every artist
that, on looking at some flower possessing brilliant
coloration, the tint he at first took for scarlet soon
appears to him as scarlet-orange; when, on returning
to the plant, it is crimson-scarlet, or a crimson pos-
sibly shot with some magenta hue. In every light

[No. 28.

flowers display new tints, new effects of light and
shade, and new beauties, which the artist is indeed for-
tunate if he can at all catch. Yellows, as found in some
Oncidiums, are very pure and lovely, and our chromes
come nearest ; hut chromes are perfectly opaque, whilst
the yellows in the Orchids are as perfectly transparent.
It is common for artists to fail in their tints of green,
not because of their non-appreciation of the colour, but
because no artificial greens can be found or compounded
to properly match nature. Some light-coloured Roses
are especially difficult ; the petals do not appear of the
same tint when detached from the flowers, and in
matching the hue for imitation, the petals first appear
rose, with a blush of transparent scarlet; then a sugges-
tion of salmon colour shows itself, or a glimmering of
rosy-purple, which in theory seems impossible, but in
nature is a reality. These tints, without doubt, all
exist in the flower itself, but no artist, except the Great
Designer of all flowers, can perfectly reproduce them.

W. G. S.

FLOWER SIIOAYS.

Two very brilliant and successful Exhibitions of Flowers
were held by the Royal Horticultural Society at South
Kensington on March 4th and 18th. At the first meet-
ing, Messrs. Veiteh exhibited an excellent group of
Orchids, Roses, and Clematis, together with a magnifi-
cent new Rhododendron, Duchess of Edinburgh, and a
new Orchid recently described in the Gardener's Chro-
nicle for March 7th, by Professor Reichenbaeh, under
the name of Dendrobium Boxallii. We intend to give
figures of both these plants in our next number. Mr.
Bull sent Eucholirium corallinum, which we shall illus-
trate, and a striking new species of Medinilla; whilst
Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Sons furnished a fine col-
lection of Cyclamens and other plants of great beauty
and interest. The Flower Show of March 18th was
principally interesting on account of the admirable dis-
play of Hyacinths, furnished by Messrs. Yeitch, Cut-
bush, Carter, and Wm. Paul. We shall shortly figure
a notable new Hyacinth exhibited by the first-mentioned
firm. Tulips, Crocuses, and Cyclamens were well shown ;
as were novelties in Hardy Primroses by Mr. R. Dean,
of Ealing. Amongst Orchids, Messrs. Yeitch, Williams,
and Bull were the principal exhibitors, the latter gentle-
man sending a magnificent plant of Masdevallia Lindeni,
said to be the finest in Europe; and Mr. Williams, who

8

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

was first in this nurseryman’s class, showed a fine Pha-
lsenopsis grandiflora, with four spikes, as well as many
other Orchids. Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londes-
borough, was, as usual, first in the amateur’s class. Our
space is altogether too limited to enumerate at length
the plants exhibited; they will all be found referred to
in detail in the pages of the various weekly journals de-
voted to Horticulture.

REVIEWS.

Orchids, and IIow to Grow Them in India and other
Tropical Climates. By Samuel Jennings, F.L.S.,
F.R.H.S., late Vice-President of the Agri-Horticul-
tural Society of India. Part I. L. Reeve and Co.

This is likely to prove a very valuable book for growers
of Orchids in this and other temperate countries, as well
as for those who reside in the tropics, for Mr. Jennings
not only brings a knowledge of species to the task before
him, but that best of all knowledge required for a work
like that before us, which is gained only by the actual
experience of the requirements of these curious and
beautiful plants whilst under cultivation.

The introductory matter is exceedingly interesting,
so is the chapter on the cultivation of Orchids ; and the
very name of the third chapter (in this part necessarily
left unfinished), “The History of Orchids,” shows what
may be expected from our author.

The first part treats, 1st, of Cattleya Exoniensis, with
a descriptive list of all the known hybrids of Cattleya ;
2nd, Dendrobium Wardianum, with full descriptions of
all the Dendrobes most worthy of cultivation ; 3rd, An-
grsecum sesquipedale, with a similar list of all the
species best worth cultivati , , and 4th, Cypripedium
Sedeni, with a list and full descriptions of all the known
hybrid Cypripediums.

The work is the same size as the Floral Magazine,
and four coloured plates are given of the handsome
plants above mentioned.

California Horticulturist and Floral Magazine, San

Francisco. No. I. Jan. 1874. The first part of this
Magazine contains several valuable articles, well written
and of great interest ; but the coloured illustration of
Lilium Bloomerianum (L. Ilurnboldtii) is execrable both
in drawing and colour. It is as unlike nature as pos-
sible, and one of the worst plates we have seen.

H Illustration Ilorticole, Ghent, which is now pub-
lished in English as well as French, contains in its first
part a large but rather formal plate, printed in colours,
of Oncidium fuscatum, Reich, f. Ccroxylon andicola,

Humb. et Bonp., a fine New Grenada Palm ; and
Camellia, “ Don Pedro,” a first-class beautiful white
variety, petals here and there faintly striped with delicate
rose. The proof sheets of the English edition should be
more carefully revised : “ rustic” is spelt “ Rustike
“ awakened” is spelt “ awakeed ;” “ personally” is spelt
“ personnally,” &c.

La Belgique Ilorticole, Liege, Jan. 1874, contains a
fine double plate, well printed in colours, of Billbergia
vittata, Brong., var. Amabilis, in which the individual
flowers and bracts are much the same in colour with
Mr. Bull’s Billbergia Saundersii, figured in our last
number, but with foliage and habit altogether dif-
ferent.

Gartenjlora, Erlangen, Jan. 1874, contains a large
double plate, indifferently printed in colours, of Pit-
cairnia undulata, Scheidw. ; a double plate of Saxifraga
florulenta, Moretti — a handsome species, with pale rose-
coloured flowers.

GARDEN FLOWERS.

There can be no doubt that of late years a strong re-
action has taken place in favour of the good old-
fashioned flowers of our gardens, which had been well
nigh pushed out of their places by the old bedding-out
system. Most of the best new florist’s flowers we have
from time to time illustrated, as our plates of new
Antirrhinums, Auriculas, Carnations, Pansies, Penste-
mons, Picotees, Pinks, Violas, &c., abundantly prove.
All matters pertaining to gardens, gardening, and
garden literature, have long been making great advances
in this country and abroad, and the culture of plants
has made such strides that flower-growing for show pur-
poses, as well as for the intrinsic pleasure imparted by
their simple cultivation for their own sakes, is carried
on by all classes of society, from the highest to the
lowest; whilst the trade catalogues of our plant mer-
chants are no longer mere dry lists, as formerly, but
books often beautifully illustrated, in every way worthy
of the drawing-room table, and valuable alike for the
figures of plants they contain and the scientific infor-
mation they impart.

During the last summer we had a series of garden-
flowers sent to us for inspection from Messrs. J. C.
Wheeler & Son, of Gloucester, of such superior merit
that we conceive they deserve more than a passing
notice from us ; and of these we were especially pleased
with a set of French Marigolds, of which we here illus-
trate two— viz., the “ Gold Striped” and “ Dwarf
Pigmy ;” the figures show the habit of growth of the
plants as well as representations of the individual flowers

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

9

natural size. The first is certainly one of the most
beautiful of all the French Marigolds, its colours being
rich and distinctly marked ; it is evidently a first-class
plant for ribbon borders and beds, also (when cut for
vases) most suitable for drawing-room decoration.
“ Dwarf Pigmy” is a very dwarf and compact plant, and
worthy of a place in every garden of “sweet-scented
flowers,” for that it comes under the latter category we
think there can be no doubt, the odour of the flowers,
though peculiar, being most refreshing and delightful,
especially after rain and our heavy morning dews. We
regret that we have not room for a figure of the grand
“ African Quilled Marigold,” certainly the largest and
most perfect of all this interesting tribe. This plant,

FRENCH MARIGOLDS “GOLD STRIPED

pale mauve flowers. Very fine, too, is Messrs. Wheeler’s
“ Double Indian Pink,” the seeds having been saved
from a very choice strain ; the flowers comprise the
richest colours in combination with the most delicate
markings : this notable pink is a hardy perennial, but if
the seeds are sown in the early spring the plants, we are
assured, will flower the same year. No flowers are more
useful for winter decoration than those of Helichrysum,
of which Messrs. Wheeler sent us a number of mag-
nificent varieties last summer ; these cut flowers have
been in vases ever since that time (now more than six
months), and they l’etain their pristine colours and
original forms just as at the individual moment when
they were first gathered. Ageratum “ Imperial Blue,”

AND “ DWARF PIGMY.”

from its being so beautifully cpiilled and so very double,
is simply invaluable (after putting aside its usefulness in
the garden) for cutting and show purposes. We now
simply pass over the first-rate strains of Primulas,
Auriculas, and Cinerarias, sent out by this firm, to refer
at once to their varieties of German Stocks and Asters ;
of these the best is “ East Lothian,” with its immense
spikes of bloom of brilliant purple, scarlet, pure white,
and dark crimson; and “Mauve Beauty,” a magnificent
variety, origiually raised by our friend, Mr. Richard
Dean, of Ealing, and figured by us (Plate 38) in our
volume for 1872. It will be remembered that this plant
has a true pyramidal habit, with dense masses of lustrous

and the “ Double Portulaeca,” are now so well known in
good gardens that it is unnecessary for us to say a word
ia praise of their habit and dense masses of azure-blue
and crimson flowers ; they are confessedly two of the
most valuable flowers that can be planted in garden beds
and about rockwork. Nothing can compare with the soft
blue and fragrant flowers of the former, and the intense
brilliancy of the double flowers of the latter.

Like many other of our foremost plant and seed mer-
chants, Messrs. Wheeler and Son evidently spare neither
trouble nor pains to secure seeds, bulbs, and plants of the
very finest varieties ; this is evidenced by the seeds, &c.,
enumerated in their “ Little Book” (or Catalogue of

10

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

Seeds, &c.). When this work was submitted for review
to the late Dr. Lindley, some years ago, he wrote of it :
“ The mass of buyers who have no fancies, but who
dislike being perplexed, and are satisfied with what is
excellent, will greatly prefer a short select seed list to
an interminable labyrinth of names, which, for the most
part, represent nonentities or rubbish. Messrs. Wheelers’
‘ Little Book’ will do something to satisfy their expec-
tations.” We imagine if Dr. Lindley could only see, at

question, which, apart from their gorgeous tints, are
most elegantly blotched and laced. No plant is more
easily grown than the Petunia, which should be sown
in heat, and pricked off ; the soil which suits them best
is two-thirds leaf mould, one of yellow loam, and a little
silver sand. We observe that although Messrs. Wheeler
catalogue the Double Petunia they do not figure it; this
is probably owing to the lack of variety observable in
the double forms of this plant ; indeed, we consider the

STRIPED AND BLOTCHED PETUNIAS.

the present time, the compact and richly illustrated book
as now issued, gratuitously, from Gloucester, he would,
if possible, speak in still higher terms of it than before.

As a third illustration we have selected that of a
group of Petunias ; these beautiful plants are favourites
with everybody, and many new and good varieties we
have illustrated in our past volumes. Our illustration
will speak for itself as to the character of the flowers in

beauty and variety found in the single varieties to far
surpass anythiug found amongst the best doubles.
Petunias are most desirable objects when treated as
climbing plants in the greenhouse, which they light up
with their refulgent and varied colours.

We recommend our readers to obtain at once a copy
of Messrs. Wheeler and Sons richly illustrated “ Little
Book” from Gloucester, and judge for themselves.

Plate 109.

AMARYLLIS VITTATA — HARRISONEE.

Few plants attracted more attention at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society,
held on February 19th, than the subject of the accompanying plate. The perfect form of
this Amaryllis, its beautiful colouration and profuse blooming qualities, fit it for a foremost
place in the collection of every lover of Amaryllids. The variet}1' here figured differs from
the typical A. vittata in its longer, more tubular, and less expanded flowers, which in the
specimens exhibited were striped on each petal with two regular longitudinal bands of deep
rich crimson on a ground of clear white. The trumpet-shaped flowers are from four to five
inches in length, and they are produced in clusters of from five to seven on a stem.

This plant is a recent re-introduction from Lima, and the specimens displayed at
Kensington came from the rich collection of Mr. William Bull. The species was originally
collected at Lima, as far back as 1824, and was sent to this country, with many other
remarkable plants from the neighbourhood of Rio Janeiro, by Mr. William Harrison, after
which gentleman our plant has received its specific name. Of other species of Amaryllis in
Mr. Bull’s named collection (more than thirty in number), we may specially call attention to
A. ignescens and A. pyrrochroa, the former a fine stove bulb from New Grenada, producing
umbels of flowers from between sessile lanceolate bracts. The flowers expand to a breadth
of five inches, and are of a light fiery orange-red colour, stained at the base with pale green ;
the latter is a notably distinct and handsome Brazilian bulb of dwarf stature, bearing orange,
red, or flame-coloured flowers.

Plate 110.

NEW BOUVARDIAS.

The two fine varieties of Bouvardia here figured are true hybrids raised from seed by
Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son, of St. John’s Wood, and must be numbered amongst the
finest varieties ever produced. B. jasminoides longipetala is a hybrid between B. jasminoides
and B. Bavisoni, with deliciously fragrant snow-white flowers twice the size of the latter, and
half as large again as the former. It is readily recognised by its free, vigorous growth, its
dark-green well-expanded leaves, and compact racemes of large pure white flowers. The closer
and more erect flower truss resembles more in outline the Catalonian Jasmine than Bouvar-
dias in general. B. Humboldti corgmbijlora is a remarkable instance of the possible improve-
ment of a species which in its original condition of bloom is comparatively worthless for pot
culture, but which in the above hybrid variety assumes a habit of the greatest interest and
beauty, forming a most valuable plant for the ladies’ boudoir, drawing-room, or conservatory,
and, like the last, an elegant flower for evening dress bouquets. The individual blossoms
of this plant are the largest hitherto known in the entire group, being four sizes larger than
the well-known B. jasminiflora, with a flower-tube three inches in length, and the ray-lobes
one and a half inches in width, in colour snow-white, and exquisitely fragrant. To estimate
aright the value of this plant, it is requisite to state that B. Humboldti produces in its
original growth but one solitary flower on each branch, whilst in this variety they are from
ten to fourteen. The present varieties, which produce their blossoms at a season when
flowers are most sought after and valuable, are clearly the greatest acquisitions yet made
in this charming tribe of plants.

Plate 111.

WINTER CROCUSES.

It lias been said that the man who can make two blades of grass grow where one only
grew before is a benefactor to his country ; and it may with equal truth be said of horti-
culturists, that the man who can give us earlier blooming varieties of plants by one week,
or even day, so as to shorten our dull northern winter, deserves the thanks of every lover of
flowers. The three Crocuses we now figure, and which were courteously sent on to us for
illustration in the Floral Magazine by Messrs. Backhouse and Son, of York, derive their
great value from their extreme earliness ; they are, in fact, winter flowering species, and thrive
well in ordinary soil. C. chrysanlhus and C. nivalis are from the mountains of Greece; the
former produces its flowers in dense masses, which are rich yellow in colour ; the latter (which
is the same with C. Sieberi and C. sublimis ) is a purple Crocus, with a yellow centre, and is
one of the commonest in Greece ; it is found at an elevation of from 1000 to 7000 feet, and
frequently flowers near the melting snow. It is found also in Bosnia, Crete, and Herze-
govina. C. Imperatonius (or C. Imperati), is a magnificent winter-defying species, rich purple
in colour, with a white centre. The external surface of the three outer petals is creamy-white,
elegantly striped with deep purple-brown lines. Its dark-green leaves appear some time
before the flowers, which latter begin to show themselves in mid-winter ; and it requires less
sun to expand the blossoms than any other species. Amongst other virtues, it increases
readily from seed, which becomes ripe in May. This plant is the showiest of its genus, and
one which puts forth its beautiful and fragrant blossoms weeks before other spring Crocuses
dare to venture theirs, beginning to flower in mid-winter, and persistently continuing in
bloom well into the spring. There is also a white variety of this species. C. Imperatonius is
from Calabria, in Sicily, at 3000 to 7000 feet altitude.

Plate 112.

PHORMIUM COLENSOI — VARIEGATUM.

This highly ornamental foliage plant, which is a native of New Zealand, and commonly
known as New Zealand Flax, has narrowish, erect, pointed, dark-green leaves, banded with
one or more narrow stripes of creamy yellow, each leaf elegantly margined with a narrow
crimson line. It has the same habit of growth as P. tenax, but is altogether a smaller
and more elegant plant, while its more erect habit and narrower leaves gave it quite a
distinct appearance from that of the variegated P. tenax.

This plant has been figured from the collection of Mr. William Bull, of Chelsea, who
(in 1868) first introduced and sent the plant out. In this gentleman’s collection are three
other forms of great beauty — viz., P. nigro punctum, P. tenax variegatum, and P. tenax Veitchii.
The former is a very distinct, compact-growing form, much dwarfer in habit, and smaller
in foliage than the forms usually cultivated, and one which forms a thick tuft, the larger
leaves being about 2 feet long, and which spread out as the plants become mature. They
are sap-green in colour, about an inch and a quarter wide, narrowly edged with blackish-
purple, the edging becoming broader and more evident on the base, where it forms a con-
spicuous zigzag dark line. The plant above mentioned with P. tenax variegatum are extremely
desirable plants for greenhouse decoration, or for planting out in the flower-garden and lawn.

109.

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FLORAL MAGAZINE NEW SERIES
L. Reeve 8cCo.5.Hennetta, St.. Coveut. Garden.

W. G. Smith, ELS. del etlith.

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NEW BOUVARDI AS

l.B. Ja.STnincid.es longipetala. 2 B. Humboldt! corymbiflora.

V.Brodks.Day’&Son.Jmp

E10RAL MAGAZINE. NEW SERIES.
L.Eeeve fc Co. 5. Henrietta, St. Covent Garden.

Ill

W. G. Smith, F.LS. del etlith. WINTER CROCUSES. V.&oofc.Dav&Son.Imp

1. C Chrysa.nt.hus. 2.C. Nivalis. 3 C Imp eratonius.

FLORAL MAGAZINE NEW SERIES
L Reeve &: Co. 5, Henrietta St Corent G-arden.

112.

W. G.Smith.F.LS del etlith.

V. Broaks.Dav & Son.lmp

PHORMIUM COLEN SOI -VARI E GATUM

FLORAL MAGAZINE NEW SERIES.
L.Reeve ic Co. 5. Henrietta St.Covent Garden.

THE ELOEAL MAGAZINE

NEW SERIES.]

MAY, 1874.

[No. 29.

FLOWER SHOWS.

At the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society,
held at South Kensington on April 1st, a fine new
Hybrid Perpetual Rose, “ Duchess of Edinburgh,” sent
by Mr. II. Bennett, of Stapleford, near Wilton, was
awarded a first-class certificate. This new Rose is pink
in colour, very large, and of great substance : it is likely
to prove a great acquisition, and we hope to shortly
figure it. At the same meeting Messrs. Veitch and
Sons, of Chelsea, sent a new Tea Rose, also named
“Duchess of Edinburgh.” Like the last, this is a
grand new Rose of a different character, but of perfect
form, great substance, and intense crimson colour; this
rose is said by Mr. Radcliife to be the best seen for
some years past, and we intend to shortly figure it.
Mr. Williams exhibited his new Anthurium Williamsii,
and was awarded a first-class certificate for a magnificent
blood-red Amaryllis named A. OriJIamme. Mr. Little,
of Twickenham, received first-class certificates for the
finest purple Cyclamen 3ret seen, named C. Royal
Purple, and a rose-coloured variety, named C. Rose
Queen. Mr. R. Dean, of Ealing, contributed a fine
Polyanthus named P. purpurea, which deservedly
received the same award. Many other plants, as Roses
from G. Paul and Son ; Cinerarias and Pinks, from
Messrs. Standish ; Clematis, from Messrs. Jackman and
Son; and varieties of Narcissus, from Messrs. Barr and
Su<rden, were of srreat interest. At the meeting of
April 15th, first-class certificates were awarded to
Messrs. Veitch and Sons for Cattleya gigas, and for
Ficus Parcellii, the latter a very remarkable plant, with
great handsome leaves, elaborately marbled ; to Mr.
C. Noble for a fine purplish Clematis, “Lord Gifford;”
to Messrs. Jackman and Son for Clematis “Countess
of Lovelace,” and C. “ Marquis of Salisbury ;” this
latter is the most distinct Clematis we have ever seen,
and intense crimson-brown in colour (Messrs. Jackman
and Son have kindly promised to shortly supply materials
for a coloured plate of this plant for the Floral Magazine ) ;
to Mr. B. S. Williams for a Ceterach from Teneriffe, of
extraordinary size and beauty ; this fern has fronds a
foot long, and four inches broad. Messrs. Backhouse
exhibited Dianthus glacialis, a charming rock plant.
Th is being the great show for Rhododendrons, Azaleas,
and Auriculas, these plants were well represented, a
good display being made in all classes. Messrs. Lane
and Son, of Great Berkhampstead, and Mr. Turner, of

Slough, were the principal exhibitors of Rhododendrons
and Azaleas, whilst of course the latter gentleman was
the foremost exhibitor of Auriculas. A great number
of Orchids were also shown, both by nurserymen and
amateurs, whilst Roses, Cyclamens, Cinerarias, and other
seasonable plants were well represented.

THE INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL
SHOW AT FLORENCE.

This great show is to be held at Florence from the 11th
to the 25th of May. No less than one hundred gold
medals are offered by the Societe Royale Toscane iV Horti-
culture, two hundred and twenty-one silver medals, one
hundred and thirty-one of bronze, and five prix d’honneur
are offered by the King of Italy, the Minister of Agri-
culture and Commerce, and the province and town of
Florence, whilst the Princess Margaret is expected to
open the Exhibition in person. The gardens of Florence
will be visited, and an excui'sion made to Pisa. This
exhibition is the lineal successor of the series of Inter-
national Exhibitions held at Brussels, Amsterdam, Lon-
don, Paris, St. Petersburg, and Vienna, the first of its
kind ever held in Italy, and one likely to prove the most
important of the whole series.

ANTHURIUM SCIIERZERIANUM.

New White Variety.

In Vol. VI. of Floral Magazine, Plate 349, we gave a
coloured plate of the normal form of this truly magnificent
Arad, with its great crimson scarlet spathes, now such com-
mon ornaments in our stoves. When it was first introduced
these spathes measured only one inch and an eighth in
length, whilst after a few years of cultivation the same
appendages measured no less than seven and one-half
inches long. Whilst sketching in Mr. Williams’s “Vic-
toria and Paradise” Nurseries, at Upper Holloway, on
the 28th of March last, our attention was directed to a
lovely white spathed variety of this grand Arad, which
must pi-ove simply invaluable when it becomes better
known and distributed for sale with the commoner scarlet
form. The colour of the spathe is creamy-white, and
the spadix bright yellow. A large wood engraving of
one of these plants in the possession of Mr. Williams is
given in the Gardener’s Chronicle for April 18th last.

12

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

At the same nursery are some of the very finest specimens
of the variety known as Longispatha we have ever seen;
the spatlie in this is narrower, of a different tint of scarlet
from the ordinary form, and very long, thus giving the
plant an appearance quite distinct from Magnified. The
variety known as Dixonii, with a double scarlet spathe
is likely to prove very valuable when it gets more robust ;
we saw a large number of specimens of this at the same
nursery, and notwithstanding what has been said to the
contrary, it generally comes true from seed. There are
several other varieties of A. Scherzerianum well known to
horticulturists; and we shall probably return to the sub-
ject in a short time and give a plate of the white variety,
known under the name of Williamsii , with some of the
more striking varieties of the scarlet form. A specimen
of A. Scherzerianum we saw a few days ago growing in
the collection of Mr. Micholls, of Southgate, is said by
Mr. Baines to be the finest in Europe ; some of the leaves
are no less than four inches across.

ANGIGECUM ELLISII.

A plant of this grand and very rare Avgr cecum has just
flowered in the collection of Mr. Day, of Tottenham,
near London, and we believe it has only once before
been seen in flower, and then at Hoddesdon, in the
collection of the Rev. Mr. Ellis himself, the discoverer
of the plant. We understand that only three plants
were originally brought home ; and of these one died,
the second was purchased by Mr. Salt, and the third
is now growing at Tottenham. The Tottenham plant
had nineteen fine flowers, each flower being furnished
with a nectar-bearing spur, some six inches long : the
odour of the flowers is very delicious and peculiar, with
a suggestion of old sherry in it, but at the same time
very sweet. The nectar in the spurs is at first sweet,
then bitter, like the juice of the ‘berries of Solanum,
dulcamara. As this magnificent plant has never been
figured, we shall probably illustrate it in colour shortly,
from a drawing we made at Mr. Day’s establishment,
when it was at its best.

SOLANUM CILIATUM.

In the February . number of the Flore des Serves we
observe a figure, printed in colours, of this useful
decorative plant. The figure is a fac-simile copy of
Plate 521, Yol. X. of the Floral Magazine and the
source from which it is taken is (as heretofore) un-
acknowledged by M. Louis Van Houtte. In the
same number is a copy of Mr. Fitch’s capital figure
of Gladiolus pmrpureo-auratus, also unacknowledged,
from the Botanical Magazine.

NEPENTHES SANGUINEA.

A fine healthy specimen of this rare pitcher-plant,
bearing a magnificent blood-red pitcher, is now growing
in the famous collection of plants belonging to II. L.
Micholls, Esq., of Southgate House, near London, but
before these lines reach the reader the whole of Mr.
Baines’s unrivalled collection of specimen plants will,
alas! be dispersed by the auctioneer’s hammer.

PIIORMIUM COLENSOI.

In our last number we figured this plant from Mr. Bull’s
collection, as seen under cultivation. In the Gardener’s
Chronicle for April 18th there is an important land-
scape, engraved from a New Zealand photograph,
showing this plant with P. lenax , and a group of plants
of Cordyline (which comes under the same natural order
with Phormium ) growing wild amongst a dense mass of
Banllionia , or “ Spear Grass.” The view gives a capital
idea of what some of our greenhouse plants are in a state
of nature.

CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Thomas S. Ware’s Catalogue of Florists’ Flowers. —
i This is an invaluable catalogue of Florists’ Hybrids only,

; including Antirrhinums, Auriculas, Carnations, Pansies,
Picotees, Violas, and all the other recognised Florists’
flowers. Some of the names are a little outre, as
“Ghost,” “Nigger,” “ Lucidum Cream,” and “King
Koffee.”

James Bromwich and Co.’s Catalogue of Seeds,
Trees, Plants, Fern Cases, Aquaria, Floral Deco-
rations, and Garden Requisites. — The title of this
capital catalogue indicates its scope. The Bromwich
“ Registered Drawing-room Fern-Case and Aquarium
combined,” illustrated, on page 2 h is one of the most
perfect things of its class we have seen.

Messrs. H. J. Cave and Sons, of 40, Wigmore Street,
are now exhibiting a variety of Natural Rustic Work,
consisting of Flower Stands, Vases for Flowers or Fish,
Window Boxes, Chairs, Tables, Stools, &c., manufactured
from selected woods, prepared in such a way as to
prevent the possibility of shrinking when exposed to the
weather. This renders them very durable, and especially
suitable for out-door decoration. The wood being
naturally twisted and coloured (not artificially), their
elegant appearance adds much to the beauty of the park,
lawn, or garden ; and careful construction of the seats
makes them very comfortable as well as ornamental.
Messrs. Cave also have some very pretty designs in
wicker, cane, and gilded flower-stands.

THE FLORA L MAGAZINE

1 3

VEITCH’S NURSERY, CHELSEA.

There is no season of the year when many hours may
not be most profitably and delightfully passed in the
renowned “ Royal Exotic Nursery” of Messrs. Yeitch
and Sons, at Chelsea; and in the present month of May,
of course, the plants are to be seen at their best.
Availing ourselves, then, of a dozen illustrations kindly
placed at our service by Messrs. Yeitch, we propose to
take a hasty glance at the houses and plants of this
famous nursery, which have furnished so many new and
grand subjects for the Floral Magazine during the last

structive, and shows how very far the art manufacture
of Europe is behind that of the Japanese ; this especially
applies to wood and metal work and enamel. Passing
to the left out of the Museum, one immediately enters
a large house devoted to Aloes, Agaves, Phormiums, &c.,
and through a door still to the left the first warm Fern-
house is reached, where there is always a grand collection
of Gleichenias, Todeas, Trichomanes, &c. The next Fern-
house is always rich in Adiantum Farleyense, Leptopteris
superba, Platycerium grande, Davallia Mooreana, and

TR I L MUM GRANDIFLORUM.

CAMPE RNKLI.K .! ONQU I L .

NARCISSUS BULBOCODIUM.

AGAPANTI1US UMBKLLATUS.

DOG’S-TOOTH VIOLET.

fourteen years. On entering the Nursery at King’s
Road, the visitor at once finds himself in a glazed avenue
of Palms, Araucarias, India-rubber plants, Dracaenas,
&c., ending in a large glazed house devoted entirely to
Tree Ferns. To the left of the entrance corridor is one
of the most interesting museums in London, embracing-
all sorts of natural history and art productions, mostly
brought from savage or little-known countries : some
of these objects we believe are quite unique, and the
collection from Japan is extremely interesting and in-

similar plants. This leads at once to the cool Fernery,
where Woodwardia radicans, Dicksonia antarctica, and
Lomarias grow unprotected with a large collection of
hardy British Ferns. The rockwork of this house, which
is built up in the most artistic manner, is dotted all over
with Winter Aconites, Snowdrops, Lily of the Valley,
Solomon’s Seal and variegated Begonias. Through this
Fernery we come to the first of the fourteen magnificent
Orchid-houses. It would be difficult in any mere de-
scription to do justice to these houses, the unrivalled

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

14

collection of Orchids they contain, and the scrupulous
cleanliness with which everything is kept. The plants
here noticed are Coelogynes, Cattleyas, Dendrobiurns,
Vandas, Cypripediums, and East Indian Orchids, whilst
everywhere from, the roof is seen hanging wooden boxes
such as are commonly used for Orchids. At the end of
the last span house there is always a grand trophy of
flowering Orchids, and a door to the left takes us
through three compartments devoted to Lycastes,
Anguloas, Odontoglossums, and Masdevallias.

Still turning to the left we leave the strictly business

to where the trophy of flowering plants is always found,
we come upon a corridor devoted to Amaryllids, Dracaenas,
Roses, Tulips, Hyacinths, Cinerarias, and other decorative
plants, and immediately opposite this, on the other side
of the central walk, is the stove for Poinsettias, Aphelan-
dras, &c., whilst further on is the grand house known as
the Aquarium, now devoted principally to magnificent
specimen Palms and foliage plants. Still following the
central walk we come upon the great Azalea and
Camellia houses. Returning by the central walk we
come to the house containing the grove of great Tree

IXIA

LEUCOJUM iESTIVIJM

LTLIl'.M SUPEItBl’M.

( (RNITHOGALUM AUREUM.

collection, and enter what is called the private collection,
where a number of those varieties are always found, the
paintings of which have for so many years graced our
pages. A more beautiful sight than the Orchids at this
part of the establishment cannot be conceived, especially
at this season of the year. Odontoglots are well repre-
sented inO. crispum (Alexandra), O. Andersonianum, O.
Coradinei, O. odoratum, O. Hallii, O. Pescatorei, &c.
The Vanda house, the Lycaste house, the Cattleya house,
and the Cypripedium house would each demand many
pages for their proper description. Retracing our steps

Ferns, and opening the door to the left, we come at once
upon the collection of Palms, Caladiums, Anthuriums, Alo-
casias, and other fine foliage plants, till we again emerge
upon the central walk ; this we cross and enter the house
devoted to the unequalled collection of Crotons, Dra-
caenas, Aralias, &c. ; this leads us direct to the Pitcher-
plant house, which is confessedly unique, and the best
collection extant. Through the Nepenthes house we
reach the Caladium house proper, and through the latter
the Araucaria house, and so once more to the grove of
New Zealand Tree Ferns.

Plate 113.

COCHLIOSTEMA ODORATISSIMA.

Weave indebted to Mr. William Bull for the opportunity of presenting a figure of this
singularly beautiful and fragrant plant to our readers. It comes under the natural order
Commelynacece, and is not (we are assured by Mr. Bull) an epiphyte. Let this, however, be as
it may (and we believe the subject of our present Plate is really found growing upon other
plants in South America), it succeeds well under cultivation when placed near the light with
ordinary stove treatment. It produces broad tufted oblong lanceolate leaves of a deep green
colour, tinged with bronzy-purple. The flowers, which are produced freely from the axils
of the leaves, are luminous, blue in colour, deliciously fragrant, and grow in branched clusters,
in the manner shown in the small sketch introduced on the Plate to illustrate the habit. The
six stamens of the flowers of Cochliostema are very curious, three being fertile, and the other
three barren ; the three fertile stamens have their anthers twisted in a spiral manner, and two
of the three are hidden by petal-like processes. In addition to this, there is a curious body
at the back of the flower, furnished with blue hairs. The brilliant blue of the flowers of this
plant is a very rare tint in our stoves, and as lovely as it is rare. The free flowering
habit of Cochliostema odoratissima and its delicious fragrance, make it a very desirable
acquisition for those who have stove accommodation. It will be seen at a glance that our
plant is more or less allied to the Alismacece and J mice a, in which latter natural order the
Commehjnece were at one time included.

Plate 114.

DENDROBIUM BOXALLII.

Our figure of this lovely new Moulmeinese Dendrobium was sketched at Messrs. Veitch’s
establishment on March the 5th last, from the plant exhibited at the Royal Horticultural
Society’s show, on March 4th. The new B. Boxallii is confessedly one of the most
chastely beautiful of all Dendrobia, and it cannot fail to become a permanent favourite
amongst all lovers of Orchids ; the flowers are produced in profusion in twos and threes from
the old stems of the previous year, one stem, during the present season, having produced
(at Bridge Hall, Bury), no less than twenty-one flowers. These flowers are large, the
sepals, petals, and lip being tipped with delicate pale violet on a crystalline white ground,
whilst the lip is also marked with a magnificent orange blotch of great brilliancy. Our
plant will remind our readers more or less of B. crassinode, B. crystallinum , B. Bensonia
(figured by us in Plate 355 of our old series), and D. Wardianum, but it is clearly a distinct
species from all, though the flowers are almost exactly intermediate between the two former.
The lovely and peculiar low tone of colour, both in flower and stem, will specially commend
it to those who can appreciate delicate harmonies of tint in a low key. The leaves are long,
linear-ligulate, bilobed at the apex, and blunt; they do not appear with the flowers, and the
stems are close together, after the manner, without the exaggeration of B. crassinode.
Professor Reichenbach has recently named this new Dendrobe [Gardener s Chronicle, March
7th, 1874), after its discoverer, Mr. Boxall, the successful traveller to Messrs. Low and Co.,
of Clapton.

Plate 115.

RHODODENDRON, “ DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH.”

This really magnificent greenhouse Rhododendron, which we now figure from the rich
collection of Messrs. Yeitch and Sons, of Chelsea, was exhibited at the Royal Horticultural
Society’s Show, and received a first-class certificate, on March 4th last. It is a hybrid between
the two well-known Rhododendrons, R. Princess Royal and R. Lobbii. The original of our
Plate was a small but robust and very floriferous seedling, which bore a truss of glowing
vermilion-scarlet flowers, of wax-like consistence and great beauty; the brilliant coloration
of the flowers being still more heightened by the rich dark glossy green tint of the foliage.
In past volumes of the “ Floral Magazine” we have figured many Rhododendra, but in point
of compact handsome habit and truly refulgent colour no other plant can bear comparison
with the subject of our present Plate. Rhododendron Duchess of Edinburgh comes
nearest to R. Lobbii, which old plant, with R. Rrookianum-favum, still holds its place in
Messrs. Veitch’s Catalogue. The subject of our Plate is only one other of the many success-
ful hybrids for which Messrs. Veitch’s Nursery at Chelsea has for so long been famous.

The cultivation of greenhouse Rhododendrons is so simple, and now so well understood,
that little more need be said under the head of culture than that in the mixture of leaf-
mould, turfy loam, and peat commonly used for these plants, the peat should be especially
good and sweet, with plenty of sand in its composition. The failure sometimes attributed
to peat in the culture of these plants is doubtless entirely owing to the peat used being bad,
sour, and without sand. Duchess of Edinburgh does well under ordinary greenhouse
treatment.

Plate 116.

ENCHOLIRIUM CORALLINUM.

On March 4th this highly curious and beautiful Bromeliad was exhibited at the meeting
of the Royal Horticultural Society, by Mr. William Bull, of Chelsea. The species coming
under Encholirium are sometimes referred to the genus Vriesia ; and in the first Plate of our
first volume we figured the singular epiphytal Vriesia brachystachys , from the collection of
Messrs. Veitch (since which time, we may incidentally say, Messrs. Veitch have acquired
V. psittacina, a very superior plant, to V. brachystachys). It is not improbable that the
subject of our present Plate is also an epiphyte in its native country— viz., Brazil — as are so
many Bromeliaceous plants of tropical forests; here, it is of course a stove plant, and of very
easy culture, but should not be kept too moist. As will be seen in our supplementary sketch
(showing habit), it naturally forms a tuft of spreading leaves, which are of a linear strap-
shaped form, bluntly apiculate, channelled, of a thin papery texture, dull greyish green above,
purplish on the under surface, and very faintly marked with transverse stripes. The flowers
grow in a handsome distichous spike at the top of a scape about two feet high, and are
exceedingly showy, the bracts being of a bright deep crimson, while the flowers have the
three outer segments of the perianth yellow and the three inner ones green, which latter are
slightly protruded when in bloom. The bracts on the stem are also deep crimson, and the
scape itself deep purple crimson.

GOCHLI OSTEMA ODORATISSIMA

FLORAL MAGAZINE NEW SEMES.
L.Reeve &Co.5.Henrietti, StCovent Gajdsa.

_■ .. "lA

"W, G.SmithJ.L.S.del etlith.

V. Brooks.Day & S on .Imi

L.Reeve & Co. 5. Henrietta. St. Covent Garden.

115.

"W.G. Smith, F.L.S. del etlith.

RHODODENDRON

Y, Bro aks.D ay & S onjmp

Duchess of Edinbuigh”

FLORAL MAGAZINE NEW SERIES
L. Reeve &Co.5,Henriett3j St.Covent Garden.

W. 1 '.SmitkF.L.S.del etlidi,

ENCHOLIRIOK CORALLINUM.

LReeve &: Co. 5, Henrietta. St. Covent Garden.

V.Broaks,Daj&Son.Lu.p

THE ELOEAL MAGAZINE

NEW SERIES.]

JUNE, 1874.

FLOWER SHOW.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, May 13.
The Roses in pots displayed at this Show by Messrs. Paul
and Son, of Cheshunt, and Mr. Turner, of Slough, were
unusually fine, probably the most superb specimens ever
exhibited. The principal award, for twelve plants, was
made in favour of the former firm, although the com-
petitors were almost evenly matched. For the twenty
roses in eight-inch pots, however, Mr. Turner justly
received the first award. The Azaleas certainly fell short
of what we have seen in previous years; but some fine
plants were sent by Messrs. Williams, Turner, and Lane,
who were the principal prize-takers. Messrs. Jackman
and Noble exhibited several new and valuable forms of
Clematis; and Messrs. Dobson, of Isleworth, made their
usual display of well-grown highly-coloured Calceolarias.

First-class certificates were awarded to Messrs. Veitch
and Sons for Tea Rose Duchess of Edinburgh ; Mr.
B. S. Williams, for Gymnogramma triangularis and
Adiantum gracillimum ; to Mr. Jackman, for Clematis
Robert Hanbury ; to Messrs. Rollinson and Sons, for
Ilypolepis Bergiana; to Mr. R. Dean, for Viola White
Swan ; and to Messrs. H. Lane and Son, for Azalea
mollis Alphonse Lavallee. A very showy Haemanthus
was shown by Messrs. Henderson and Son, of St. John’s
ood, under the name of II. Cooperi.

THE LATE JOHN SALTER.

It is with deep regret we announce the death, by para-
lysis, on the 10th of May last, of John Salter, late of
the Versailles Nursery, Hammersmith, at the age of 76
years. For ten years in succession figures of Mr. Salter’s
new Chrysanthemums and Pyrethrums have graced the
pages of the Floral Magazine; and with regret we
are obliged to say, that, since his retirement from
business in 1869, no other man has been found to
efficiently fill his place, and no really new Chrysan-
themums of sterling merit have been produced since
1869-70.

HYBRID MIMULUS.

Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son, of St. 'John’s
Wood, made an exceptionally fine display of handsome
varieties of Mimulus at the last meeting of the Royal
Horticultural Society : the flowers were altogether larger

[No. 30.

in size and richer in colour than anything we have seen
before. Messrs. Henderson, as is well known, have paid
especial attention to this plant for many years, and the
improvement on the old yellow, scarlet, and coppery
flowers is something marvellous : the purple, crimson-
purple, and the crimson flowers with white grounds, were
especially lovely.

MASDEVALLIAS.

Two new extraordinary Masdevallias are just now attract-
ing some attention. The first is M. Estradse, described
by Professor Reichenbach in the Gardeners’ Chronicle for
April 4th, and of which we secured a sketch of a
flowering specimen at Mr. Day’s establishment at Tot-
tenham last month. It has a semi- prostrate habit, with
sepals of extraordinary shape and length ; the flower
when in bud mimics the shape of the beak and head
of the Ibis, and when open and the three sepals are
thrown back, it looks like some extraordinary insect.
We also saw a small plant of this species in flower in
Mr. Williams’s Nursery about a week ago. The other
plant is M. nicterina, which we also saw and sketched
in one of Mr. Day’s houses ; this plant has bat-like,
dusky sepals, greatly elongated into fine threads. A
flowering specimen of this plant was sent to the last
meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society under the
incorrect name of M. Chimajra.

ADIANTUM GRACILLIMUM {Moore).

The plant described under the above name, by Mr.
Moore, in the Gardeners’ Chronicle for January 3rd last,
is certainly the most elegantly beautiful of all the
“ Maiden-hair” Ferns. It most deservedly received a
first-class certificate at the last meeting of the Royal
Horticultural Society, and specimens may, we under-
stand, be purchased of Mr. Williams (who has the entire
stock) in the ensuing autumn. The pinnules are so small
that they measure only from one-sixteenth to one-eighth
of an inch in length, and the whole plant at first sight
bears a considerable resemblance to an elegant bouquet
of “ Quaking Grass” {Briza). It is believed to be a
spore-sport or spore-hybrid, but its graceful dwarf habit
is perfectly constant. It was originally exhibited by
Mr. Williams, at Bath, under the provisional name of
Adiantum elegantissimum, and Mr. Moore is of opinion
that A. cuneatum and A. glaucophyllum may be its
parents if it be really a spore-hybrid.

is

TIIE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

NEPENTHEUS SANGUINEA.

The small specimen of this rare plant to which we
referred in our last number, was purchased at Mr.
Micholls’ sale by auction by Messrs. Veitch for upwards
of 14 <1. Messrs. Veitch immediately sold it again to
another purchaser; but during one or two of the chilly
days, when it could not be removed from Chelsea, we
secured a good drawing of the plant with its blood-red
pitcher for a future number of the Floral Magazine.
The plant is very rare in collections, as a specimen
belonging to Mr. Mendell was sold some time since for
50/. Nepentheus sanguinea bears one of the largest
of all known pitchers; a dried specimen in the Kew
Museum, we are told, originally held a pint of water.

RE VI EW.

Domestic Floriculture, Window Gardening, and Floral
Decorations. By F. W. Bcrbidge. Blackwood &
Sons.

Most people appreciate a tasteful home, and many are
tempted to envy those whose wealth enables them to
cover their walls and fill their cabinets with costly spe-
cimens of pictorial and plastic art ; but few are aware
at how small cost comparatively a home may be made
delightfully tasteful by the products of Nature’s inimi-
table pencil and chisel. Flowers have always been ad-
mired, if for no other reason, at least for the brilliant
colouring of their blossoms ; but it is gratifying to ob-
serve that not colour only, but beauty of form and foliage
and gracefulness of habit are now much more highly
appreciated than formerly. Floral decoration has some
advantages over that of art. Though less lasting, it
admits of an endless variety, delighting by its perpetual
freshness, and affording an active instead of a passive
pjleasure in devising new combinations. The care and
attention also which plants require afford a healthy and
instructive recreation for leisure hours, for no intelligent
person could devote him or herself to plant culture on ever
so small a scale without making some observations on the
nature of the objects of his care, and gratifying a desire
which would naturally arise for further knowledge. To
such, the book before us will be a most acceptable and
valuable acquisition. It is divided into three parts:
1. Cultural; 2. Ornamental; 3. Descriptive. In the first
we have practical directions for plant culture in the
house, in the window and balcony, in glazed cases, in
baskets, &c., with instructions as to propagation, soil,
potting, manures, watering, ventilating, protecting from
insects, hybridising, &c., concluding with a calendar of
operations. The second part treats of bouquets, wreaths,
vase and dinner-table decoration, arrangements of plants

in rooms, &c., drying flowers and ferns, skeletonizing
leaves, odour and perfumes, leaf printing, church deco-
ration, and flowers for cemeteries. In the third part,
we have a descriptive list of plants suitable for cultiva-
tion, and of implements, materials, and appliances for
indoor gardening. The whole is illustrated by about
200 excellent woodcuts, many of which are old familiar
friends, but not the less useful on that account. With
such an admirable, clear, and practical manual as this,
we think no one of ordinary care and intelligence could
fail to succeed in the delightful art of domestic flori-
culture. F. L. S.

CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

B. S. Williams, Victoria Nurseries, Upper Holloway.
— A Catalogue of Orchids, Ferns, Palms, and general
Stove and Greenhouse Plants ; Roses, Ornamental Hardy
Plants, &c., &c.

Dickson and Co., Edinburgh. — Descriptive Catalogue
of Florists’ flowers.

Thomas S. Ware, Tottenham. — A Selection of New,
Rare, and Choice Hardy Perennials.

Plate 117.

HIPPEASTRUM HENDERSONII.

The splendid bloom hei'e figured is selected from a magnificent group of seedlings, raised
from Hippeastrum pardinum, by Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son, of the Wellington
Nurseries, St. John’s Wood. H. pardinum was figured by us in our sixth volume, Plate 344;
and on reference to this figure it will at once be seen what a grand improvement has been
made upon the old plant by Messrs. Henderson, both in size, perfection of form, and rich
coloration. The individual blossoms of this plant are remarkably large, finely expanded, and
measure from six to nine inches in diameter ; the ground colour is creamy -white, sometimes
showing a suggestion towards a very pale buff’, and handsomely banded and spotted for three-
fourths of its length with rich velvety crimson on a whitish base, which base forms an elegant
star in the centre of the flower. The flower scape, which rises from eighteen inches to two
feet in height, is usually furnished with three of these grand blooms. Out of five or six
varieties of H. pardinum the present one shows by far the most free-flowering habit; bulbs of
the second year scarcely offer an exception wherein the bloom is not produced ; and its
readiness to flower throughout the winter by a succession of bulbs is a most valuable feature
in its habit, and makes the plant a valuable one for producing a fine effect in the conservatory
and drawing-room, or for the centre of a bouquet of flowers in the vase or hanging basket.

This fine bulb only requires the temperature of a warm greenhouse for its culture, where
it soon forms a very vigorous growth ; the soil or compost suitable for it is two-thirds of rich
good-bodied, friable, turfy loam, and one-third leaf-mould. After the bloom is past, the
leaf-growth is best encouraged by a warm atmosphere until it shows symptoms of maturity
and decay ; after which water is gradually withheld, and the bulbs allowed a perfect rest in
a temperature of average summer heat, until it is again required to stimulate the plants for
succession bloom.

Plate 118.

HYACINTH— ANNA.

For the first time since 1S61, when the Floral Magazine was established, we
figure a Hyacinth of such noble proportions that even the present enlarged size of our Plates
proves quite insufficient to show the spike in its entirety; we, therefore, give a supplemental
woodcut to a small scale on page 16, from which a good idea may be gained of the habit
of the magnificent single white variety here figured. Anna formed one of the collection
of Hyacinths which carried off the first prizes, and was shown by Messrs. Veitch and Son, of
Chelsea, at the Exhibition of the Royal Horticultural Society on March the ISth last. The
entire Horticultural press spoke in the highest terms of this hyacinth, and our figure
of it is in no way exaggerated. The Journal of Horticulture (March 19), in reporting
on this plant, says: — “ Anna is a grand advance in colour — an enormous single
white — immense spike — bells fully tioo and one-half inches across — a grand flower
and Messrs. Veitch themselves, who have succeeded in carrying off the first prizes for the last
four seasons, consider it the best new hyacinth which has been yet introduced. Little
description of this grand plant is necessary, as our figure speaks for itself ; the individual
bells, which were of ivory whiteness, looked almost like white lilies ; this white colour had
the faintest possible blush of pale buff (as is seen in some varieties of ivory), whilst the firm
substance of the petals was all that could be desired in a thoroughly perfect flower.

Plate 119.

CYPRIPEDIUM ROEZLII.

We are indebted to Mr. B. S. Williams, of the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Hol-
loway, for the opportunity of presenting a figure of this fine new Cypripedium to our readers. It
was originally exhibited, we believe, by Messrs. Veitcli and Sons, of Chelsea, on January 21st
last, at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, when it received a first-class certificate,
since which time we have noticed it in several collections both public and private. It was
discovered by M. Roezl on the banks of the river Dagua, in Columbia, between the western
and central ranges of the Rocky Mountains, and is the largest and most vigorous growing of
all known species of Cypripedium. The leaves are upwards of three feet in length ; and the
stem, which is sometimes three feet high, bears from fifteen to twenty flowers. It is a species
well deserving the attention of all Orchid-growers, on account of its almost perpetual blooming
properties; and like the majority of “ Ladies’ slippers,” when once established, its culture is
very simple. The pots, in the first place, says Mr. Williams, must be well drained, or success
must not be hoped for ; and the soil should be rough fibrous peat and chopped sphagnum in
about equal parts. These plants thrive best when potted in the ordinary way, and not elevated
above the rim of the pot. The subject of our illustration does well in moderate heat, with
a 2'ood supply of water ; it is a plant of robust growth, and when it has attained sufficient
strength is rarely out of flower.

Plate 120.

PHYLLANTHUS NIVOSUS.

Hr. Seemann, in his “ Flora Vitiensis,” says that one-third of all the Euphorbiacea hitherto
discovered in Tropical PoUnesia belong to the genus Phyllanthus. Few species present any
special interest, and none have flowers sufficiently showy for cultivation for ornament. The
plant we now figure, however, from the collection of Mr. William Bull, of Chelsea, is an
exception to the general rule so far as the foliage is concerned; for both in leaf, variegation,
and habit Phyllanthus nivosus is highly ornamental. Like the plants before mentioned
Mr. Bull’s Phyllanthus comes from Tropical Polynesia, being a deciduous stove shrub from
the New Hebrides. It is of free branching habit ; the branches, which ramify alternately,
are furnished with alternate obtusely oval leaves, from one to two inches long, which are
somewhat oblique in form, entire, frequently almost entirely covered with a mottling of
white, but in some cases more or less spotted with green. As in many other E'uphorbiacece
the flowers are inconspicuous, and borne in the axils of the leaves. The great value of
Phyllanthus nivosus rests on the extreme beauty of the leaf variegation, which, when seen in
masses, has been aptly compared with a “ sheet of snow,” whence the specific name “ nivosus.”
The native women of one of the islands of the New Hebrides group (Tanna) are said to be
in the habit of using the spray of the snow-white foliage for the adornment of their dark
tresses. Our plant has received first-class certificates from the Royal Horticultural and Royal
Botanic Societies ; and is, says Mr. Bull, free growing, and of very easy culture, succeeding
best in a rather shady position in a moist atmosphere. There is no acrid corrosive juice in
this plant, so common in many of the Euphorbiacece ; the leaves are almost juiceless, and
the taste is pleasant, being not unlike that of apples.

117.

W. 0. Smith, F.LS.dd. etlith.

H 1 PP EAST RUM (AMARY LL I S) HENDERSONI 1.

FLORAL MAGAZINE NEW SERIES
L.Reeve & Co. 5. Henrietta, Str.Covent Garden.

V.Brodb.Day&Son.Imp

118.

W. G.T'imitKF.L.S.del etlith.

HYACINTH ANNA.

Y. Brooks.Day fcSon.Inip

L . Reeve &: Co. 5. Heim etta S t. Covent Garden.

119.

V.BroQks.Day&Son.Imp

W. G. Smith, E.L.S. del etlith.

C Y P R I PE

FLORAL MAGAZINE. NEW SERIES
L. Reeve & Co. 5, Henrietta, Sf.Covent Garden.

W.G. Smith, F.L.S. del etlith.

V. Biooks.Day &Son.Imp

PHYLLANTHUS P1V0SUS

FLORAL MAGAZINE NEW SERIES
L Reeve Sc Co. 5. Henrietta- StCovent Garden.

-W\

THE ELOEAL MAGAZINE

NEW SERIES.] JULY, 1874. [No. 31.

FLOWER SHOWS.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, May 27.

At the Show held on May the 27th, by the Royal Horti-
cultural Society, Messrs. Haage and Schmidt, of Erfurt,
exhibited a series of Double Cinerarias, which give great
promise of becoming very useful plants ; the colour was
rich and varied, but the contrast of colour, especially the
circle of white so striking in the single varieties, was lost
in the double forms.

The great Summer Show, which took place on June
4th and 5th, was one of the best that has been held for
some years. In the great Davis competition, Mr. Baines
secured first honours, with unsurpassed plants of Ixora
coccinea; I. aurantiaca ; Allemanda Chelsoni ; Bougain-
villea glabra; Dipladenia amabilis; Clerodendron Bal-
fourianum ; Franciscea confertiflora, and Boronia pin-
nata. Next in order came plants from Messrs. Cutbush
and Kemp. Stove and greenhouse plants were well re-
presented by Messrs. Williams, Jackson, and Son, and
Moore. Of Orchids and fine foliage plants and Ferns,
there was a very fine display sent by several of our best-
known nurserymen and amateurs. Messrs. Paul and Son
and Mr. Turner were the only exhibitors of Roses in pots ;
whilst of show Pelargoniums there was a capital dis-
play. Amongst new plants Mr. Bull sent Phyllotaenium
Lindeni, and many others; Mr. Williams, Alsophila
Williamsii, referred to in another place, with many new
plants; and Messrs. Rollinson, of Tooting, an unnamed
Pandanus, &c. The first prize, for six new plants not
yet in commerce, a gold medal (and the only one
awarded), fell to the share of Mr. Bull. A magnificent
group of new and rare plants, occupying the central
position of the large tent, was shown by Messrs. Veitch
and Sons, of Chelsea ; and Mr. Peacock, of Hammer-
smith, forwarded a select number of his famous Agaves,
Aloes, &c.

On June 17th, Mr. Barr sent a large series of named
Lilies, in continuation of the plants before exhibited by
him, and on which Professor Dyer commented. A first-
class certificate was awarded to Mr. Lidgard, of Ham-
mersmith, for a dwarf free-flowering white Lobelia,
Duchess of Edinburgh; to Messrs. Veitch and Sons,
for a Lily named Lilium purpureum ; to Mr. Chitty,
of Stamford Hill, for a striking new Coleus, also named
Duchess of Edinburgh. Mr. R. Dean showed cut
flowers of Antirrhinum, of great beauty and merit, and
a good strain of seedling Penstemons, which was com-
mended.

THE FLORENCE INTERNATIONAL
EXHIBITION.

We are glad to hear that Messrs. Veitch and Sons, of
Chelsea, have been awarded four gold medals, two silver,
and one bronze, for the new Plants, Orchids, and Im-
plements exhibited by them in Italy.

DENDROBIUM AMCENUM.

This lovely and seldom seen stove epiphyte has recently
been exhibited, in fine condition, by Mr. William Bull,
of Chelsea, and most deservedly awarded a first-
class certificate. The flowers are white, sepals tipped
with purple, and the labellum adorned with a yellow
blotch. Its odour is strong and peculiar, being exactly
like that of sweet violets.

NEW WEEPING TREE FERN.

Mr. B. S. Williams has recently exhibited a new
Weeping Tree Fern, of great beauty, under the name
(given to it by Mr. Moore) of “ Alsophila Australis, var.
Williamsii.” Our readers will remember that the two
best known Weeping Tree Ferns, and which have re-
cently attracted so much attention, are African, and
come under the genus Cyathea. These are C. Burkei,
and C. Dregei; but Mr. Williams’s Alsophila, illustrated
in the Gardeners’ Chronicle for June 6th last, is de-
cidedly more graceful in habit than either of the two
former.

TILLANDSIA ZAIINII.

This plant, introduced by Messrs. Veitch and Sons, from
Costa Rica, through their collector, Mr. Zahn, after
whom it has been named, is one of the most exquisitely
beautiful of all plants we have seen. Its habit appears
more regular and geometrical than other Tillandsias ;
but to us its chief beauty resides in its translucent
amber-coloured foliage, beautifully and minutely striped
from base to apex with fine, sharp, regular, unbroken
lines of crimson-red. As the plant advances in growth
to the flowering stage, these leaves change in colour to
rich scarlet. The clusters of flowers are rich golden
yellow. Tillandsia Zahnii received the first prize, as

18

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

the best new plant, at Ghent last year, and has been
awarded a first-class certificate by the Floral Committee
of the Royal Horticultural Society.

PYRUS MAULEI.

All persons interested in the culture of flowers and
fruits must have heard a good deal lately of this new
and near ally of the Japan Quince. We have recently
had an opportunity of seeing a flowering branch, and
anything more rich and ornamental it is difficult to
conceive; the branches are loaded with transparent scar-
let flowers of considerable size, and somewhat after the
manner of, but far handsomer than, Pyrus Japonica.
The plant is believed to be quite hardy, atid it flowers
late. It is an invaluable addition to our gardens as an
ornamental shrub, and to our orchards as a fruit tree.

It grafts best upon the thorn, and is sent out by
Messrs. Maule, of Bristol. A full-size engraving of a
flower-laden branch is given in the Gardeners’ Chronicle
for June 13th last.

THE HOLLYHOCK DISEASE.

This fungus (Puccinia Malvacearum) is proving a most
destructive pest among hollyhocks, and is clearly as
terrible a plague amongst them as the potato disease is
amongst potatoes. In gardens it seems to break out
suddenly, and only ends in the total disfigurement and
destruction of every Hollyhock in the beds. Mr. D. J.
Fish sent some plants in a fearful state for inspection to
the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society.
We believe the only remedy (if it can be so called) is
the hopeless one indeed, of taking up every plant, root
and branch, and burning it.

CROTUM YOLUTUM.

This plant wffll specially commend itself to all lovers of
singular and eccentric forms amongst plants. In habit
it is most distinct and showy, and the leaves have the
singular and constant property of curling themselves
inwards towards the stem, after the manner of the
volute in the Ionic Capital, or a ram’s horn. The deep
green leaves are six inches long, from one to two inches
in breadth, aud beautifully marked with a golden bar
down the centre, from which spring yellow veins. The
curving of the leaf-blades causes the edges to become
elevated, and so form a channel down the centre. The
plant came originally from the South Sea Islands, and
has been exhibited by Mr. William Bull, of Chelsea,
and awarded a first-class certificate by the Royal Hor-
ticultural Society.

NEW VARIETY OF AMARYLLIS.

Messrs. Henderson and Son, of St. John’s Wood, have
now in bloom a very distinct and beautiful Amaryllis, a
true hybrid between Ilippeastrum pardinum and Ama-
ryllis reticulata; rose-coloured ground with a white bar
in the centre of each lobe, and fine rich magenta-rose
lines running through each petal. It is certainly one of
the most elegant flowers in its section yet seen by us,
with this desirable feature — that it has a four- or five-
flowered scape.

PANCRATIUM NOTATUM.

This plant has recently been flowering in very fine con-
dition in Mr. Bull’s nursery at Chelsea. Its flowers are
white and deliciously fragrant, and produced in clusters
of from nine to twelve, in erect scapes. It is altogether
a most desirable plant.

CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

B. S. Williams’s Catalogue of Orchids, Ferns, Palms,
and general Stove and Greenhouse Plants, Roses,
Vines, Pines, &c., is an exceedingly good handbook of the
best new introductions of the season ; comprising such
Stove, Greenhouse, and Hardy Plants as may be found
in the extensive and well-known Victoria and Para-
dise Nurseries at Upper Holloway. The special
novelties comprise six new varieties of Achimines,
Adiantum gracillimum, Agave Taylorii ; the new pure
white Amaryllis (A. virginalis), and the ivory-white
Anthurium, A. Williamsii ; together with new Azaleas,
Fuchsias, Geraniums, Gloxinias, Verbenas, Violas, &c.,
with many new plants of both botanical and gardening
interest far too numerous to mention in detail. The
illustrations by the Messrs. Fitch are excellent, but the
others are far from doing anything like justice to the
originals. This is especially the case with Adiantum
gracillimum, one of the most delicately lovely plants
under cultivation.

Dick Radclyffe and Co. — Catalogue of Plants, Seeds,
Gardening Requisites.

There is great probability in the opinion that the
colour and scent of the petals is to be ascribed to the
presence of pollen within them ; it probably exists in
them in an imperfectly disengaged state, or rather com-
bined with and diluted by other fluids. The very beauty
of the colours induces the idea that the substance con-
tained in the petals, though in an extremely purified
condition, has not yet attained the very highest degree
of purity, at which stage it appears white and colourless.
— Goethe.

Plate 121.

DOUBLE-FLOWERED PELARGONIUM — “ CAPTAIN RAIKES.”

During a recent visit to the magnificent houses of Mr. B. S. Williams, of the Victoria and
Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway, we especially noted the extremely fine effect produced
by the subject of the present Plate. Several first-class Double Pelargoniums are in the
market at the present time ; notably Queen Victoria, the plant recently sent out by
Mr. Bull, of Chelsea, which has rich vermilion petals, broadly margined with pure white ;
whilst in Captain Bailees the petals are margined with a luminous carmine tint. Pelar-
gonium Captain Bailees will he found especially valuable for bouquet-makers and growers
for market ; in fact, we are informed by Mr. Williams that its blooming qualities at all
times of the year, both early and late, are so extraordinary that it may with all justice be
termed a perpetual bloomer. It belongs to the French type of flower, and on account of
the blooms being double, the petals do not readily fall when cut for bouquet-making. This
fact alone will render it simply invaluable wherever cut blooms are required all the year-
round. It has a vigorous free branching habit, producing large and ample dark-green leaves.
The numerous large trusses of bloom are borne well above the foliage, and the individual
flowers are both large and full, the upper petals being deep fiery crimson, flaked with intense
maroon or purplish- black, bordered with pure carmine, and the lower petals clear, bright,
fiery crimson. It has been justly awarded a first-class certificate by the Floral Committee
of the Royal Horticultural Society, and a special certificate at Manchester.

Plate 122.

NEW ALPINE AURICULAS.

As heretofore, we are indebted to Mr. Charles Turner, of Slough, for the opportunity of
figuring the two newest and best varieties of Alpine Auriculas which have of late appeared.
When one considers the beautiful coloration and habits of these plants, their popularity with
the public at large, and with most florists, is not to be wondered at ; or that Mr. Turner
finds the demand for his plants so great that it is simply impossible to meet it, and that he
is completely sold out of some varieties. Competent judges still assert that, according to the
rigid rules laid down by florists, no perfect Auriculas have at present been obtained, and
that, in one point or other, all Auriculas fall short. For this reason it has been advised to
continually raise new seedlings, as varieties sent out more than half a century ago take
prizes at the present day. It is, however, by no means easy to raise good new seedlings,
from the great difficulty in obtaining first-rate seed, as those who possess the best plants,
and consequently the choicest seed, will not part from it, but always keep it in their own hands.
Besides this, the production of seed at all is well known to exhaust the plants ; therefore, as
soon as the ovaries begin to swell, good growers pick off the flowers, and so stop all seed
production. The seed, when procured, should be thinly sown in February or March,
in thoroughly well-drained pans, in a compost of light sandy mould and well-rotted cow-dung,
mixed with sharp sand. When sown, the seeds should be covered with finely-sifted mould,
and watered with a fine rose, and a hotbed or stove will facilitate germination. In July the
seedlings should be transferred to thumb-pots ; and in the second or third year blooms may
be expected. Fig. 1. King of the Belgians (Turner) ; very fine large smooth flower, of
gi'eat substance; colour, rich maroon, fine bright yellow paste, good large truss, and very
constant and superb variety. Fig. 2. Bear Hart (Turner) ; very large, fine, bold flower,
good circular, bright yellow paste, with crimson ground colour, shaded with bronze, very-
distinct, and particularly attractive.

Plate 123.

DOUBLE CHINESE PRIMULA.

A reference to the figures in the past volumes of the Floral Magazine will at once show
how vastly superior the subject of our present Plate is over any Chinese Primula we have
ever had an opportunity of seeing or figuring before. The great size of the head of flowers
precluded all possibility of getting a representation of the plant into our ordinary Plate, so
we have been obliged to mutilate the subject, and show one mere corner of this fine Primula.
On the left-hand side of the Plate may be seen a greatly reduced sketch, showing the hand-
some compact habit of the entire plant, which must needs serve as a clue to its habit. This
entirely new variety of Primula pramitens ( Sinensis ) is a splendid double-flowering form,
bearing dense pyramidal trusses of bloom, which are thrown well above the foliage, and pro-
duced in the most profuse manner, the flowers individually are large, and the petals of good
substance ; the colour is of a rich crimson scarlet — a colour which from its refulgency it is
almost impossible to imitate, and a much brighter tint than is found in any varieties hitherto
cultivated.

One of the greatest recommendations of this fine improvement in the Chinese Primula
is that, although a Double-flowering variety, it perpetuates itself true from seed, the petaloid
segments not being sufficiently crowded to destroy the reproductive organs. The cultivation
of Chinese Primroses is now so well and generally understood, and has been so often adverted
to in these pages, that any remarks as to their management would be considered superfluous ;
suffice it therefore to say, that Primulas of this strain cannot be too strongly recommended ;
for blooming as they do in the winter, their value, whether as cut flowers or decorative pot-
plants, can scarcely be over-estimated.

It only remains for us to say, that we are indebted to Mr. 'William Bull, of King’s
Road, Chelsea, for the opportunity of figuring this first-class novelty, and that the entire
stock of plants and seeds of this Primula is in his hands.

Plate 124.

FICUS PARCELLII.

Undoubtedly this Ficus, which has excited the greatest admiration at all recent Exhi-
bitions, is a grand addition to our lists of variegated stove plants ; it was discovered by Mr.
Parcell, the enterprising collector of Messrs. Baptist and Son, of Sydney, from whom Messrs.
Veitch and Sons received it. It was awarded first-class certificates from the Royal Horti-
cultural and Royal Botanic Societies in April of the present year. It is of free growth,
and maintains its splendid variegation throughout, and is certainly one of the finest of
all variegated decorative plants introduced of late years. Messrs. Veitch and Sons believe
that it will eventually become a market plant grown in dung frames and used for decorative
purposes generally. From the comparative thinness of the leaves and the general aspect of
the plant, one might consider it as not belonging to Ficus at all, were this point not settled
by the flower and fruit being known. The general tone of the variegation can be well esti-
mated from a glance at our Plate ; the habit of the plant is perfectly compact, and its leaves
are as large as those of Ficus elastica, but thinner and coarsely serrate along the margins.
They are in colour bright green, irregularly and profusely blotched with creamy-white
and dark-green ; these blotches taking square and angular forms, and giving the leaf the
appearance of a piece of rich work in mosaic. In its particular massive style Ficus
Parcellii has no equal as a decorative plant, in which direction we are glad to see it (where
already known) generally appreciated.

W. G. Smith, F.L.S. del etlith

DOUBLE PLOIERED PELARG'ONIUM v.Bro<te%&SonJkf

“Captain Raikes "

FLORAL MAGAZINE, NEW SERIES.

L. Reeve &Co.5.Hennetta, St.Covent Garden,

122.

W. G. Smith, ELS .del atlith.

A LP I N E A U R
1 “King of the Belgians”

1 COLAS.

2 D ear Hart".

Y.Brodks.Dav&Son.Imp

FLORAL MAGAZINE. NEW SERIES.
L Reeve &: Co. 5, Henrietta St.Covent. Garden

123

V; G. Smith, F.L.S. del etlith.

DOUBLE CHINESE PRIMULA

(P sinensis -fimbriata punicea - plen o )

Y.Bioaks.DaySc 'on .ini

FLORAL MAGAZINE- NEW SERIES
L Reeve & Co 5. Henrietta. S t: Covsnt Garden.

FLORAL MAGAZINE. NEW SERIES.

L.Reeve &Co.5.Hennetta. St. Covent Garden.

THE ELOBAL MAGAZINE

NEW SERIES.]

AUGUST, 1874.

EXHIBITIONS.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, July 1.

The Rose Show held on this date -brought a grand collec-
tion of blooms to the Western Arcade, when the first
prize, for seventy-two flowers, was awarded to Mr. G.
Prince, of Oxford ; Mr. Turner being second ; Messrs.
Paul and Son, of Cheshunt, third; and Messrs. J.
Mitchell and Sons, fourth. For three trusses, each of
forty-eight varieties, Mr. Turner was first, and Messrs.
Paul and Son second. For thirty-six blooms, Mr.
Cranston, of Hereford, was first; Mr. Eraser, of Lea
Bridge, second ; and Mr. G. Prince third. The Amateurs'
class was well represented, the best forty-eight trusses
being sent from the Rev. G. Arkwright, Pencombe
Rectory, Herefordshire ; the next best from the Rev.
J. B. M. Camm ; and then Mr. Farren, of Cambridge,
third ; and Mr. W. Ingle fourth. The twenty-four
truss competition was equally well contested. The best
twelve new Roses of 1871, '72, and '73 were sent from
Mr. Cranston. In the Eastern Arcade choice collections
of plants were sent by Mr. B. S. Williams and Mr.
Aldous of South Kensington.

July 15. — First-class certificates were awarded to
Messrs. E. G. Henderson, of St. John’s Wood, for
Sonerila Ilendersoni and S. Ilendersoni-argentia, two
handsomely marked melastomaceous plants ; to Mr.
Smith, of Wilmot Road, Leyton, for Campanula Smithii,
an accidental hybrid between C. fragilis and C. pumila-
alba; to J. Fraser, of Leyton, for Ixora Fraseri, a highly
coloured variety of more hardy constitution than some
of these plants; to Mr. Wm. Paul for his new purple-
leaved Birch and for Zonal Pelargonium Jeanne Ale-
gatiere, a large double-flowered lilac-tinted pink variety ;
to Mr. George, of Putney, for Pelargonium Sir Garnet
Wolseley, a large bright scarlet form.

The show of Pelargoniums, though containing many
fine plants, did not call for any special remark, and the
same may be said of the Fuchsias ; both classes (especially
the latter) were well represented. For Clematis, Mr.
Jackson, of Woking, was first. Two miscellaneous
groups of plants contributed by Messrs. Yeitch and Sons
and B. S. Williams were of a very interesting and at-
tractive character.

Subsequently to this meeting an examination of Bed-
ding Pansies was made at Chiswick. Those considered
best were from Messrs. Dickson and Co., of Edinburgh,
and Mr. It. Dean, Ealing : the selection from the plants

[No. 32.

of the former firm being Golden Gem, Dickson’s King,
Dickson’s Queen, and Tory ; and those of the latter,
Tyrian Prince, Imperial Blue Perfection, Blue Bell, Lily-
white Tom Thumb, Miss Maitland, and Mulberry.
Messrs. Dickson and Sous’ Chieftain took a second place.
Several of these plants were selected for figuring in
the Floral Magazine.

THE HOLLYHOCK DISEASE.

Since our last issue, we have received a letter from Mr.
Downie, of the firm of Downie, Laird, and Laing, in
which he states he has found a remedy for this dreaded
plague of the Malvaceae. Mr. Downie also submitted
specimens to the members of the Scientific Committee
at the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society,
in which it was quite apparent that the disease had been
arrested, and it appears that had not some remedy been
found, Messrs. Downie and Co. would inevitably have
lost their entire stock of Hollyhocks. We understand
the cure has been effected by alternate applications of
“ Gishurst’s Compound ” and Flowers of Sulphur twice
a week, the compound made at the strength of a Is. to
3s. box to twelve gallons of water applied to the under
surface of leaves, and the sulphur through one of Pooley's
distributors.

THE NEW DOUBLE POINSETTIA.

We have recently had an opportunity of seeing a dried
specimen of this recent Mexican discovery of Benedict
Roezls, living plants of which are shortly expected in this
country. This new feature of doubleness in Poinsettia
pulcherrima consists in a repeated branching and multi-
plication of the coloured tracts at the top of the flower-
stalk, making the head of the plant many times more
conspicuous than the ordinary head of Poinsettia as com-
monly seen in our stoves.

IRIS K/EMPFERI.

Far. Filward George Henderson.

The truly superb blooms of this gorgeous Iris as ex-
hibited at the Royal Horticultural Society on July 1st by
Messrs. E. G. Hendeison and Son, of St. John’s Wood,
resembled, at first sight, some of the fine deep purple
varieties of Clematis, made so well known to us by
Messrs. Geo. J ackman n and Son, of W oking. As a garden

20

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

flower it is evidently destined to occupy a foremost place.
The colours are considerably varied in the different
blooms, one of the finest forms being deep violet-purple
with a flame of brilliant yellow up the centre of each
segment of the flower, whilst other blooms are delicately
and variously marked and pencilled. The individual
blooms measure from six to seven inches across, and are
very attractive on account of the three upper segments
being spread out horizontally, thus giving the flower an
aspect of doubleness.

NEW GLADIOLI.

Messrs. Souillard and Burnelet, the successors of
M. Souchet, send out this season, amongst famous hybrid
Gladioli, the following eighteen first-rate novelties, —
viz., Amalthee : — A fine variety of moderate stature,
bearing a splendid spike of large pure white flowers, with
broad patches of a rich violet- red ; throat velvety- violet ;
anterior divisions of the perianth slightly shaded with
lilac. Belladonna : — A fine spike of well-set white
flowers, shaded with bright lilac, the lower division
marked with slender bright carmine stripes. Shape of
the flower very peculiar, and quite new. L’ Unique

Violet : — Spike very long, bearing unusually large dark
lilac flowers tinged with violet, and flamed with deep
carmine. A vigorous grower and of perfect habit.
Variabilis : — Spike long ; flowers extra large, pure
white, spotted or not spotted, and sometimes dashed with
lilac; bottom of the throat violet. An exceedingly
effective branching variety. Merveille : — Very beauti-
ful rose-cerise, faintly shaded with violet, bordered and
flamed with deep carmine; centre very bright. Psyche:
— A magnificent spike of delicate rose-coloured glazed
velvety flowers, the inner divisions of a deeper rose,
flamed with bright carmine. Unrivalled in form and
colouring. Arethuse : — A fine spike of perfectly formed
delicate white flowers, faintly tinged with pink and
striped, and flamed with dark carmine. Murillo : — A
magnificent spike, bearing beautiful bright cerise-red
flowers of extra size, all the divisions banded with pure
white, and the lower ones almost altogether white. A
first-rate variety. Le A esuve : — An extremely long
spike of beautiful brilliant fiery-red flowers, very large
and effective. A late, strong-growing variety. De
Mirbel : — A large spike of perfect rose-coloured flowers,
slightly tinged with violet or lilac, ground very bright,
striped and flamed with deep carmine. Asmodee : — A
very beautiful spike of cerise red or bright purple flowers,
bordered and flamed with a rich garnet-red spot, and
very broad rays, white. A very distinct variety. Le
Tintorte: — A very long and handsome spike of fine
open flowers of a beautiful cerise, flamed with carmine

near the edges, and with a carmined spot upon a
yellowish ground ; a strong-growing variety. Ondine :
— A long spike of perfectly disposed white flowers,
shaded with lilac, each division furnished with a small
deep violet blotch, and faintly dashed with very bright
carmine near the edges. Albion : — A very large spike,
bearing handsome white flowers of unusual size, faintly
and delicately tinged with lilac, and sometimes flamed
with lilac-carmine. An extra tall variety. Trium-
phans : — A very large and beautiful spike of cerise
flowers, admirably set. Cassini : — Extra large spike of
perfectly arranged beautiful rose flowers, flamed with
carmine; lower divisions elegantly striped with carmine
on a very bright ground. Ambroise Yerschaffelt : — A
splendid spike of perfectly formed pink and white flowers,
flamed with garnet-red, divisions with a large rose- spot.
An exceedingly effective variety. Sirene : — Delicate

clear bright rose, slightly tinged with orange, and
broadly rayed with red on the lower divisions, spot red
on a yellow ground.

THE MIMULUS.

[Henderson’s Strain.)

The beautiful varieties of Mimulus, selected from a large
collection, and illustrated on Plate 125 of the present
Number, are amongst some of the finest and most dis-
tinct hybrid forms obtained from a careful cross-breeding
of the various strains knowm. in gardens as Mimulus
luteus-pardinus, M. tigrioides, M. maculosus, and
M. quinquevulnerus ; and these again re-crossed with
the brilliant orange and flamed, crimson-flowered
M. cupreus, and the scarlet-flowered M. cardinalis. The
successful results of cross-impregnation with the finest
of perennial species has produced a group of varieties
with more elegant and picturesque features of colour,
and tending to a more densely compact and perennial
habit than found in any previous selections. Many of
the kinds to be found in the same miscellaneous group
are both much finer in outline, and show a greater
advance in the almost colossal size of their individual
blooms than those here illustrated, whilst the pleasing
variety and beauty of their coloration and elegant
markings and pencillings are almost infinite.

NEW BLANDFORDIAS.

We have recently seen a new Blandfordia of great beauty
at Mr. Wm. Bull’s establishment for new plants at
Chelsea, also a fine new hybrid Blandfordia at Messrs.
Henderson’s nursery, at St. John’s AA’ood. The latter
plant is a hybrid between Blandfordia Cunninghami
and B. flammea, and bears ten or more large, richly
coloured flowers.

Plate 125.

NEW VAPJETIES OF MIMULUS.

It is now exactly ten years ago since we published a Plate (PI. 157, Old Series), con-
taining three new varieties of Hybrid Mimulus raised by Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son,
of the Wellington Nurseries, St. John’s Wood. These varieties were hybrids between the
then newly-arrived Mimulus cuprous and M. luteus and M. rivularis, and showed a marked
advance upon anything that had been seen before in the way of the well-known yellow or
spotted Monkey Flower, often found wild in England on the banks of streams and in boggy
pastures. During the ten years that have elapsed since the Plate above referred to was
published, Messrs. Henderson and Son have continued the cultivation and improvement
of the Mimulus with unflagging zeal and with the result shown in the coloured Plate which
accompanies this note, in which the blooms of five new and distinct seedlings are shown
under the names of— 1, Perfection ; 2, Duke of Edinburgh; 3, Unique; 4, Soldi; and
5, Duchess of Edinburgh. The size and colour, with the mottling and pencilling of
the five new varieties, are so well shown in the Plate that any dimensions or mere description
of the coloration becomes quite unnecessary. Seeds sown in the early spring, in a fine,
sandy soil, with a temperature of 60 degrees, will give an abundance of plants for the
summer. After they have shown well above ground, they simply require re-potting in rich,
light soil. Should any desirable variety appear amongst the seedlings, it can be readily
made permanent by cuttings or offsets from the roots. There is a well-known plan of
gradually withholding water when the plants have done flowering, and suffering them to dry
off, and then laying them by all the winter till they begin to grow in spring, and then
dividing at the roots.

Plate 126.

CROTON SPIRALE.

Amongst the many new and old varieties of Croton which embellish our stoves C. spirale
is well worth a foremost place, as it is one of the very best for ornamental purposes. On
account of its peculiar form and rich colouring it is both distinct and effective : the spiral
twisting of the leaf blade, which has suggested its name, is very marked and perfectly
constant. The leaves are from nine to twelve inches long, and about an inch wide, deep
green with a broad golden-yellow bar up the centre, the green margin twisting spirally
round the golden bar ; some leaves, as will be seen, are partially spiral and partially
undulate. The older leaves become a deep bronzy green, almost purple, and the midrib a
deep crimson. Croton spirale has been imported from the South Sea Islands, and has been
awarded a First-Class Certificate by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural
Society. This plant, with Croton majesticum, figured in our February Number, and C. volutum,
referred to in our last, may now be seen in great beauty in one of Mr. William Full’s new
Plant Houses at Chelsea, where we recently had the opportunity of sketching the subject
of the present Plate. All three plants, we are informed, will be sent out for the first time
by Mr. Bull during this present month of August. All Crotons succeed well in a mixture
of three parts loam and one peat ; and cuttings, with the leaves left on, root freely in sand
under a glass in heat ; they are said to become ipore richly coloured under certain conditions
of abundance of sunny light, plenty of heat, and a moderately poor compost to grow them
in, whilst if the compost is too rich, and the position of the plants too shady, the coloration
is apt to become somewhat subdued.

Plate 127.

CLEMATIS — ■" MARQUIS OF SALISBURY."

The very fine variety of Clematis we now figure makes a notable addition to the series
of Clematis we have illustrated in former Numbers of this Magazine, and will at once remind
our readers of the grand Clematis rubro-violacea and C. Jackmanni, figured in Plates 215 and
226 in Yol. IV. of the Floral Magazine. Intense as is the coloration of the petals in the
latter plants, yet the rich velvety depth of the maroon-purple is still more striking in
C. Marquis of Salisbury, which somewhat resembles C. magnifica ( Floral Magazine , Yol. VIII.,
PI. 453) in having a flame of claret or turkey-red along each segment of the flower.
Clematis Marquis of Salisbury is a free-growing and exceedingly promising variety, apparently
belonging to the (early) Jackmanni type. The leaves are pinnatisect, having ovate-lanceolate,
much acuminated hairy leaflets, which are sometimes ternately divided. The flowers are of
a fine dark plum colour, remarkable for their rich velvety surface, and consist of about six
sepals, which are broad and overlapping. Its richness and depth of colour are remarkable.

The Clematis will thrive in almost any situation ; all it requires is to be grown in rich
deep soil, to be manured freely every season, and to be planted out in the open ground that
their roots may have freedom ; but should this or other varieties be required for conservatory
decoration care must be taken in providing large deep pots. In pruning, the object should
be that of favouring to the utmost the development of the vigorous young shoots, which in
the early Jackmanni strain flower both in the year’s old growth, and again later on in the
summer in the young wood. Clematis Marquis of Salisbury, received a First-Class Certificate
at the meeting of the Po3’al Horticultural Society on the 15tli of April last.

Plate 128.

NEPENTHES SAN GUINEA.

This rare and magnificent pitcher-plant was introduced ;by Mr. William Lobb (Messrs.
Veitch’s collector) from the summit of Mount Opliir in the East Indies, in 1S4S, from which
region — the Indian Archipelago — nearly all the species of Nepenthes in cultivation are
brought. Pitcher-plants grow in the swamps of the Malay Islands, Australia New Cale-
donia, the Seychelle Islands, and Madagascar ; their seeds float at first on the surface of
the water, which they imbibe by degrees and then sink to the bottom, where they germinate.
Few plants are more singular in habit than pitcher-plants, which call to mind, by their leaf-
form, some species of Sarracenia, and present analogies with both Drosera and Parnassia.

In successfully growing these plants heat at the roots is considered as necessary as a hot
humid atmosphere is essential for the leaves and stems. Nepenthes naturally grow in hot
swamps, and are best cultivated in a compost of coarse fibrous peat, mixed with a greater
portion of Hypnum moss. The plants should be plunged in rather wet moss, kept at a heat
of not less than eighty degrees, so as to secure a constantly warm humid atmosphere
surrounding the plants. Considerable uncertainty seems to exist as to why the pitcher-
plant was named Nepenthes, a name under which Homer speaks of a substance which has
been said to be opium (probably some magic potion) ; but we think the name clearly has
reference to the “ nectar” which is secreted by the pitchers ; or the plant (vrnrcvOtQ), which,
when mixed with wine, formed a magic drink, said to have had the power of obliterating
pain and sorrow from the memory. The pitchers (especially in N. distillatoria) are partly
filled with water befoi'e the lid opens : hence we presume the secretion has been looked upon
as a magic draught having occult properties, and the plant named “ Nepenthes” with that
idea in view. Our figure was taken at Messrs. Veitch and Sons’ Nursery at Chelsea, and
represents the plant originally grown by Mr. Baines at Southgate House.

125

5.

W.G. Smith, FL.S. del etlith.

NEW VARIETIES OF-MIMULUS,

1. Perfection. 2 Duke of Edinburgh 5. Unique.

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127

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NEW SERIES.]

SEPTEMBER, 1874.

EXHIBITING ROSES.

During the last few weeks a spirited contest has been
carried on in the horticultural and gardening papers as
to the best way of exhibiting roses. The gauntlet was
thrown down by the redoubtable Mr. William Paul, who
exhibited a collection of six thousand trusses in groups,
and arranged in geometrical patterns according to
colours. Under certain conditions we can see no objec-
tion to a great rose- grower exhibiting the super-
abundant riches of his gardens in this way; and in
our opinion it is certainly an advance on the usual way
of exhibiting the same masses of flowers in rectangular
green boxes margined with ragged moss. Such a blaze
of symmetrical beauty reminded one of a royal night at
the Opera in comparison with a “ Foresters' Day" at the
Crystal Palace, or the “ Hallelujah Chorus" after an
energetic German band, or the Shah of Persia after
King Koffee. When masses are at hand who can object
to their being arranged in pleasing forms? Geometrical
patterns are not objected to in flower-beds, or Roses in
wreaths, and in both of these the individual forms of the
flowers are lost.

We incline to the opinion that both disputants are
more or less in the right, for whilst Roses are perfectly
lovely when arranged in devices or scrolls, they are
equally (or still more) lovely when isolated. But
because the isolated face of one of Raphael's heavenly
Madonnas transfixes us by its unearthly beauty, is that
any reason why we should rip up Michael Angelo's “Last
Judgment?" Because we are charmed by Mozart's
“ Minuet," are we not to be spellbound by the involved
beauties of Beethoven’s “ Pastoral Symphony?"

There can he no doubt that, to sesthetically enjoy Roses,
the flowers should he isolated, so that every quality of the
bloom is made manifest; and to most rosarians we imagine
that ten perfect flowers would be more satisfying than ten
thousand. We have had more mental enjoyment whilst
contemplating three or four perfect Roses on our own
table, than in all the “ Rose Shows" at South Kensing-
ton. One is like classical chamber music, the other like
a contest of brass bands at the Crystal Palace. One
who loves the angel-faces of children would never quite
appreciate a “ Baby-show," nor because he happened to
be served by a pleasant waitress would the same indi-
vidual go to a “Barmaid Show" at North Woolwich.

We must take Roses for their own value, and they are
never so exquisite as when seen singly in slight trans-

[No. 33.

parent flower-glasses, as used for the table; hut when
they are wanted in masses, pray let us give a preference to
pleasant curved lines over square deal boxes. W. G. S.

CYPERUS LAXUS.

Mr. W. Thomson, of the City of London Club, has
called attention in the columns of the Gardeners’ Chronicle
to the value of this plant for dinner-table decoration.
In general form it resembles a very elegant palm, with
the foliage low down and the inflorescence well above the
line of sight. When placed on the dinner table there is
nothing to interfere with the view across it except the
thread-like stems. Mr. Thomson's notes are accom-
panied by a large portrait of the plant, and we under-
stand that Mr. John Wills, of Onslow Crescent, South
Kensington, has the entire stock.

NOTES.

We learn that Mr. George Jackman has been fortunate
enough to obtain a purple flowered Clematis flammula,
which it is proposed to distinguish by the name of
C. Flammula roseo-purpurea. The novelty is said to have
quite the appearance of being an accidental hybrid
between C. Flammula and C. Viticella, with a hawthorn-
like fragrance and flowering from the middle of July
onwards.

At the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society held
on August 5th, Mr. Kinghorn exhibited an apetalous
Fuchsia (F. procumbens), which is new to our gardens.
Mr. Berkeley thought it might possibly give rise to a
race of Fuchsias totally different in habit from those we
have now in cultivation. Be this as it may, Fuchsia
procumbens makes a basket plant of the first order. As
to crossing it with other Fuchsias and so getting inter-
mediate forms, time can only show whether this can be
done, as the pollen of Fuchsia procumbens is wholly
different in form from that of any other Fuchsia we have
examined, or indeed of any other member of the Natural
Order Onagracese.

We are glad to report that some Hollyhocks are able to
perfectly throw off the new fungus without any artificial
aid from the cultivator. Some plants which were badly
affected in the spring have become perfectly healthy
during the present summer with no trace of the disease
to be seen beyond a few blackened leaves at the base of
the plants.

22

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

%

PANCRATIUM NOTATUM.

We have engraved the above illustration of this fine
Pancratium from one of the plants at Mr. Bulbs esta-
blishment at Chelsea. We only regret that the size
of our page is quite inadequate to show even one flower
of the scape, for the individual flowers are considerably

larger than the size shown in our illustration. We have
only to add that the blooms are arranged in snowy clus-
ters of from nine to twelve deliciously fragrant blossoms
to show how eminently desirable this Pancratium is for
all collections of handsome bulbous plants.

Plate 129.

TEA ROSE — “ DU CHESS OF EDINBURGH.”

The Tea-scented Rose we here figure is a plant of the very first quality, and has been
awarded a First-Class Certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society — certainly first-class
honours were never more deservedly conferred. The quality of its quite unrivalled colour
and habit may be gathered from our Plate, and when we add that besides bearing brilliant
full crimson-coloured flowers, and possessing a perfectly compact habit, it is a most
profuse bloomer, we imagine that most of our readers will agree with Messrs. Veitch and
Sons (whose property the Rose is) that it is one of the freest and best Roses ever introduced.
Duchess of Edinburgh forces quite a fortnight earlier than any other Rose, and it is, we are
informed by Messrs. Veitch, “ continually in bloom, every shoot producing a flower.” The
flowers, as will be seen from the Plate, are medium in size, and from air artistic point of view
simply perfect : and there can be little doubt it will prove quite unequalled for forcing and
bedding. The Rose is universally acknowledged to be queen of flowers, and to us the Tea-
scented Rose in all its varieties seems to possess the utmost refinement of form and colour,
and to be far beyond all other Roses in the exquisite elegance peculiar to itself. The delicate
fragrance too of this tribe of Roses quite accords with the refinement of form and sweet
subdued colouring so frequent amongst Tea-scented Roses. Duchess of Edinburgh in colour
breaks away from the blondes, of which this tribe is mostly composed, and is a queen-like
brunette. We shall never forget the exquisite effect produced by sixteen Tea-scented Roses,
as arranged this summer round a circular dinner-table at the City of London Club ; the
effect produced by the salmon, peach, and primrose tints could not be surpassed.

Plate 130.

AMARYLLIS (HIPPEASTRUM) VIRGINALIS.

To the improvement of the species and varieties coming under the beautiful genus
Amaryllis, Mr. B. S. Williams, of the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway,
has for many years given special attention. This unremitting care on his part has met
with great success, and numerous superb forms have from time to time been sent
out from Mr. Williams’s establishment. Amaryllis virginalis, we are informed)
made its appearance amongst a lot of choice seedlings at Upper Holloway, and
from what we have seen of it this season, there can be no doubt it will prove a great
acquisition to this set of plants; indeed, Mr. Williams himself says that no variety of
Amaryllis raised by him has given so much pleasure as the one here illustrated, and which
is now offered for the first time. It is a very free blooming variety, the scape usually
bearing from four to five large flowers, which are thick in substance, of fine form, and pure
white in colour. It is without doubt the most chastely beautiful of the family, and we onlv
regret that the restricted size of our Plate has forced us to crowd the flowers together, so as
to somewhat mar the handsome aspect of the grand scape of snow-white blossoms. At
the present time there can be no doubt great attention is being paid to these South
American and West Indian bulbs, and purchasers are easily found for them. We have
recently seen two entirely new varieties at Messrs. Henderson’s establishment at St. John’s
Wood, both elegantly variegated with brilliant crimson-magenta on a white ground, one
variously striped and netted, the other most elegantly and evenly spotted after the manner
of Eippeaslrum pardinutn, but with the spots of a totally different colour.

Plate 131.

COLEUS — “DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH” i

We believe it is no secret that this first-rate novelty is American, and not of British
origin, and that Mr. W. Cliitty, of Stamford Hill, London, who at present possesses the
entire stock, is indebted to his brother, of America, for the importation of the plant to Great
Britain. Whether this richly-tinted plant will eventually be suitable for our open beds time
can only show ; at present it is of necessity somewhat scarce, and grown in the greenhouse, but
the Coleus being a native of the South Pacific Islands, it, of necessity, requires stove heat in the
winter. In America Coleus Duchess of Edinburgh has been described by Professor Thurber as
a plant of the first class, and it has twice this year been exhibited at the meetings of the
Royal Horticultural Society. It is now many years ago since Messrs. Veitch, and also Mr.
William Bull, of Chelsea, introduced several richly coloured varieties of this plant to
England, and since that time many hybrids, highly suitable for decorative purposes, have
been in the market. Whether considered as a dinner-table plant, a striking ornament for
the conservatory, or a plant for bedding purposes, the Coleus in all its varieties stands almost
unrivalled. Duchess of Edinburgh, is likely to maintain a foremost place from the fact of the
extreme beauty and novelty of its coloration, for we believe no Coleus ever yet raised has
had the brilliant and almost dazzling magenta splashes which form so prominent a feature in
the foliage tinting of this plant. There is immense diversity of colour in the Coleus (some
forms being almost black) and leaf-form (some leaves being deeply fringed), in the different
varieties under cultivation, but we are of opinion that Duchess of Edinburgh is second to none.
Mr. Cliitty informs us that a little charcoal mixed with the soil in which it is grown greatly
aids in bringing out the rich magenta colour of the foliage.

Plate 132.

RHODODENDRON — “ FAIRY.”

We have great pleasure in publishing a figure of this new Rhododendron from Mr.
William Bull’s collection at Chelsea. We can hardly imagine a finer effect than would be
produced by growing this new Rhododendron in company with Messrs. Veitch and Sons’
Duchess of Edinburgh as figured by us last May. As regards colour Fairy is a totally different
plant from Duchess of Edinburgh, but as to first-rate quality they are equal. Rhododendron
Fairy is a charmingly beautiful hybrid, with a free and compact habit, stout and ample foliage,
and belonging to the greenhouse group of Rhododendrons. The flowers are produced in
very large trusses or clusters, and the individual blossoms are of tubular shape, with large,
broad, well formed lobes of great substance, and of a rich pink or rose colour. Altogether it
is one of the most pleasing and desirable of the pink-flowered section, and, as it flowers
freely, must prove a great acquisition. Nothing more can be said of the magnificent set of
plants coming under this genus than we have said in former volumes, and the cultivation of
greenhouse Rhododendrons is now so well known that it need not be again referred to by us.
Few plants, indeed, have so many points in their favour as Rhododendrons, for they possess
extreme beauty of form and habit, refulgent and varied colour, a profuse continuance of bloom,
delicious odour, and glossy handsome foliage. Nor should the charming variety in size of
the different species of this large -genus of Ericaceae be forgotten, for we have prostrate forms
with branches only a few inches long, and other species attaining the dimenions of trees fifty
feet high, with trunks eighteen inches through, and leaves more than a foot and a half long.

129

W.G. Smith, F.LA deietlitL

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"Duchess of Edinburgh’

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OCTOBER, 1874.

EXHIBITION.

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

At the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society held
at South Kensington on September 2nd, first class
certificates were awarded to Messrs. Veiteh and Sons,
for Solanum quitonense, and for Begonia Model ; to
Mr. Bull, for CEceoclades guineensis ; to Messrs. Hen-
derson and Sons, for Selaginella lepidophylla (the Resur-
rection plant), and a new Red Oleander; to Mr. Keynes,
for Dahlia John McPherson and Countess of Pem-
broke; and to the Rev. J. B. Norman, for Odonto-
glossum maxillare. Messrs. Veiteh and Sons also exhi-
bited their fine orange-flowered Blumenbachia coronata,
and Mr. Bull, Drosera glanduligera. At the same
meeting fine collections of Gladioli, Dahlias, and Asters
were shown, which may be all found referred to in detail
in the horticultural papers.

On the 29th August, a meeting of the Floral Com-
mittee of the Royal Horticultural Society was held at
Chiswick, for the purpose of examining the Pelargo-
niums sent for trial. The certificates on the following
varieties were confirmed, the Committee considering that
they fully maintained their characters. Golden Tri-
colours : — Macbeth and Oriental. Silver Margined : —
Laura, Albion’s Cliff, and Brilliant Superb. Golden
Leaved : — Crystal Palace Gem and Creed’s Seedling.
Bronze Zonals : — Marechal MacMahon and Black
Douglas. Rose Pinks : — Amaranth, Florence Durand,
Mrs. Haliburton, and Cleopatra ( = Miss Davis). Scar-
lets, Roses, and intermediate shades, including Zonals
and Nosegays: — Warrior, Corsair, Grand Duke, H. M.
Stanley, Milton, Soleil. Indian Yellow, Orange Bouquet:
— Lucius, Amy Hogg, and Lady Kirkland.

ROSES AND ROSE-SHOWS.

The article on exhibiting Roses in the Floral Magazine
of last month, is so nearly in accordance with my views
of roses and rose-showing, that I am moved to say some-
thing further on the subject. My recent display of
roses at the Royal Botanic Gardens in the Regent’s
Park was not worked out in opposition to existing rose-
shows ; it was rather intended as something added to
them, although it seems to be persistently viewed as a
satire upon them. It is true there are things in our

[No. 34.

rose-shows which I think might be bettered ; and they
have never realized by a long way all that I think them
capable of. But the principal ground of action with me
was, that I wished to show to the general public what
could be done with the rose in garden and house deco-
ration. I have been present at most of the rose-shows
in England from their commencement, and have long
protested, softly or loudly, according to circumstances,
against the crowding of the flowers into forunal boxes.
Here is a plant possessing more natural grace than any
of its confreres, so dealt with at our rose-shows, that the
whole thing, aesthetically or artistically viewed, is flat,
tiresome, and awkward. If the managers of our public
rose-shows cannot remedy this, is there any just cause of
anger or jealousy in a rose-grower trying to do so? The
object of exhibitors for prizes at our rose shows is to
produce large round flowers, arranged compactly and
formally ; my object was to produce a display of good
roses arranged loosely and naturally , so that the flowers
might be seen individually surrounded with buds and
leaves, as they appear on the tree in the garden. So
that we start from different points of view and with dif-
ferent objects to attain, although working in great part
with the same materials.

Some who have written on my Show without having
seen it, have entirely misconceived the nature and effect
of it. It was as different in character from the Rose
Shows of France, in which large numbers of Roses are
carelessly set up without regard to artistic effect as it
was from the flat, formal, and tiresome Rose Shows of
England. I took as my ideal the groups of Roses often
met with in English and foreign picture galleries, rather
than the bunches of Roses seen in the markets and in the
streets, or the jolly fat bald flowers met with at our Rose
Shows.

Wm. Paul,

Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, Herts.

HERBACEOUS CALCEOLARIAS.

Few plants can boast of such unlimited and gorgeous
colours as the Calceolaria. A good collection, when
in flower, is simply magnificent; and when we know
that from a packet of seed, costing eighteenpence or
half- a-crown, we can get an endless variety of beautiful
flowers, similar to those figured in the present number
of the Floral Magazine, it is not to be wondered at that
little attempt is made to perpetuate new varieties, how-

24

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

ever striking and beautiful they may be. Thirty years
ago the Calceolaria was successfully grown by Messrs.
Gaines, Holmes, Kingliorn, and others, who sent out
their new varieties at half-a-guinea, and sometimes a
guinea each. This system has now long been aban-
doned, and wisely too, for there was often much trouble
and anxiety in rearing, owing to the weak constitution of
some varieties and other causes. With a batch of seed-
lings no failures need be feared. During the last twenty
years Messrs. Dobson and Sons, of Isleworth, have made
the Calceolaria a specialty, and have succeeded in ob-
taining the principal prizes offered for these charming
plants. At the Crystal Palace and other London and
provincial shows, Messrs. Dobson and Sons have for
some years past afforded such a gorgeous display that it
is always looked forward to as one of the greatest features
of the exhibitions. Their collection of plants is always
marvellous for robust habit, clustered heads of magnifi-
cent bloom, and well shaped individual flowers. The
collection at Isleworth, when in flower in June, well re-
pays a visit. In cultivating the Calceolaria, many fail
in consequence of growing the plants in too much heat,
and allowing them to be eaten up with green fly. Two
things are necessary to insure success, when they will
grow as freely as possible. In the first place, cleanli-
ness ; and in the second, a cool temperature (anything
between 40 and 50 degrees Fahr.) is absolutely neces-
sary, with light, and not too much sun. The compost
should consist of two parts friable loam and one part leaf
mould and silver sand ; and it is well to fumigate with
tobacco every week, little or much, according to the de-
predations of the green fly.

CRINUM PRATENSE CANALICULATUM.

Amongst seven or eight other Crinums of great beauty,
we have recently seen a fine collection of the above-
named species at Mr. W. Bull’s establishment at Chelsea.
It is a hot-house bulb, with slightly fragrant flowers,
belonging to a family which is not now sufficiently ap-
preciated by cultivators, but well worthy of attention.
It has large ovate bulbs, more than three inches in dia-
meter, having a thickish cylindrical neck three to four
inches long, both bulb and neck being covered with a
dark-brown skin; the leaves are channelled, feet
long, about an inch wide at the base, gradually narrow-
ing upwards, and scabrous at the edge ; the scapes, ten
of which are borne on a bulb of this size, are 15 inches
high, terminating in an umbel of about a .dozen flowers,
which issue from between a pair of ovate bracts, and are
erect while in bud. The perianth has a slender tube,
4 inches long, pale-green, and a limb of six linear-lan-
ceolate spreading segments, 2$ inches long, and of a

blush white colour, so that the flowers are nearly six
inches across. Opposite each segment is a stamen, the
filament of which is white at the base, rosy-purple up-
wards, bearing a versatile anther half an inch long, with
golden-brown pollen, the style being of the same length
and colour as the filaments. The flowers are extremely
elegant, and useful for cutting. It has been introduced
from India.

DOUBLE INDIAN PINK.

We are indebted to Messrs. Wheeler and Son, of Glou-
cester, for the opportunity of figuring a specimen of their
choice strain of the above plant. The engraving shows
the habit of the plant and one bloom natural size. The
flowers are extremely fine, of the richest colours, very
double, and most delicately and beautifully marked.

Mr. William Bull, of Chelsea, has a large house almost
entirely devoted to new strains of Begonia, some of these
are exceedingly large and handsome, and most various
in form and colour. As to size, we measured some of the
petal-like lobes of the perianth, which gave a length of
two inches and a width of one inch and a quarter. The
colours range from white, through yellow and scarlet to
the most brilliant crimson, and the flowers vary in every
imaginable direction from narrow to broad.

Plate 133.

DOUBLE ZONAL PELARGONIUM — “ EMILY LAXTON.”

The variety of the Double Zonal Pelargonium, the subject of our Plate, is remarkable
for its very large bright scarlet semi-double flowers, which are upwards of two inches in
diameter, the petals broad, and the flowers arranged on long footstalks so as to form an im-
mense and well-expanded truss. The plant is also said to flower and open its blooms freely
— an advantage which the very double varieties frequently do not possess. The foliage is
zoned on a lightish green ground, and the flowerstalk is longer than our space enables us to
show on the Plate. The variety was raised by Mr. Laxton, the originator of Jewel , and other
recent novelties amongst Double Zonals, and is an unusual effect of crossing double flowers,
the ordinary tendency in doubles being towards a reduction of size in the flower in proportion
to the increase in the number of the petals ; but in this instance a contrary result has been
obtained, the individual flowers and trusses being larger than those of the Single Zonals, and
the flowers equal in size to those of most of the Show Pelargoniums.

Injustice to the subject of our Plate we feel bound to add, that as regards the double-
ness of the flowers it is considerably underdrawn, the doubling of the blooms in the plant
itself being usually considerably more than is represented in our Plate ; these things being
so commonly overdone (instead of underdone) in certain publications, it might cause the plant
to be under-estimated unless we called attention to the real fact.

Emily Laoclon was unanimously awarded a First-Class Certificate by the Floral Com-
mittee of the Loyal Horticultural Society on the 4th June last, and the stock, we under-
stand, is in the hands of Messrs. Brown, of Stamford, for distribution next season.

Plate 134.

BLANDFORDIA FLAMMEA-ELEGANS.

The truly handsome plant we figure under the above name is a hybrid between
B. Cunninghamii and B. flcimmea , recently raised by Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son, of
St. John’s Wood. Both parents are fine large- flowered species, B. Jlammea having leaves
with a slightly rough edge and distant long-stalked flowers ; whilst B. Cunninghamii has
entire margined leaves, and dense umbellate heads of short-stalked flowers. Our plant was
the first to bloom out of a hundred or two seedlings, and its flowers depart from the pendulous
habit of its parents, as the flowers in B. fiammea-elegans are often either quite horizontal, or
nearly so. The handsome perennial herbs which come under this genus of Liliacese, are
natives of New Holland and Tasmania, and their cultivation is most simple if treated after
the manner of the bulbs imported from the Cape of Good Hope. If planted in a mixture of
sandy loam and peat they will do well ; and if planted out in a conservatory, they will
generally flower more freely than when grown in pots. They increase from seeds or suckers.
All the known species coming under Blandfordia are eminently beautiful, and deserving of
more extended cultivation, for few greenhouse plants are more effective in colour, or flower
more freely. They have fleshy rootstocks, long striate radical leaves, with a few other shorter
leaves and bracts upon the flower scape. The large funnel-shaped, somewhat drooping
blooms grow in a handsome raceme, and are usually tinted with shades of yellow and red, as
in the plant here figured. B. nobilis was illustrated by us in Plate 403 ; and though
smaller in its inflorescence it is also a remarkably handsome and useful plant for the
decoration of the conservatory or greenhouse.

Plate 135.

NEW VARIETIES OF HERBACEOUS CALCEOLARIAS.

The unrivalled blooms from which our Plate was taken were kindly furnished to us for
this Magazine by Messrs. Dobson and Sons, of Isleworth, whose gorgeous displays of this
favourite plant are well known to every visitor of our Summer Exhibitions. Messrs. Dobson
and Sons have for many years made this plant almost entirely their own, and year after year
they have cultivated and improved it with unceasing zeal and energy. The consequence of
this is, that though the improvement has been comparatively slow, yet it has been certain,
and the trained eye of the florist has had no difficulty whatever in noting the more and more
perfect form, the still larger size, the more compact habit, and ever new changes in the
almost endless variety of coloration. It is now exactly ten years since we figured a group
of Herbaceous Calceolarias, and a glance at our former Plate (156) in comparison with
the one we now give, will show what a marked improvement has taken place in a decade of
years. No names are appended to the varieties here figured, as they are simply endless, and
all charming alike. The top left hand flower is a rich golden yellow variety ; but the same
form often comes dotted all over with the most excessively minute carmine spots, and some-
times with spots similar in size to the variety on the right, which has a lighter yellow
ground, approaching lemon. The central figure on the left has a ground of golden apricot,
marbled with deep blood-red, whilst the central variety on the right is an intense blood-red
self ; the same form is sometimes dotted with golden spots round the circumference. The
bottom left hand figure is a deep crimson, of which there is a variety dotted similar to the
last ; and the bottom right hand bloom is yellow and crimson, marbled with intense maroon-
crimson. One marked variety we had no space to illustrate — crimson round the circum-
ference, gradually passing through ivory white to a yellow centre.

Plate 136.

LILIUM PARVIFLORUM.— L. DALMATICUM.— L. AVENACEUM.

For the opportunity of figuring the two first Lilies on the accompanying Plate we are
indebted to Mr. William Bull, of King’s Road, Chelsea, who was one of the first to take a
really active part in bringing this fine tribe of plants prominent!}'- before the public ; and in
past volumes we have figured many fine lilies from the King’s Road establishment. Lilium
parviflorum (Hooker), is that variety of L. canadense that comes nearest to L: martagon and
L. maculatum ; and its natural habitat stretches from Vancouver’s Island and British
Columbia to Oregon and California. Its colour is similar to that of the now well known
L. Humboldtii , and the flowers are generally from two to four in number.

L. dalmaticum (Maly) is a remarkable variety of L. martagon, and was first brought to
notice by Herr Leiclitlin. The flowers are more than double as large as those of the typical
L. martagon, the petals being of a very thick substance, and a very pure and intense blackish-
purple colour. L. dalmaticum is the darkest, and one of the most effective of the whole Lily
tribe. The plant attains a height of from three to five feet, and bears from fifteen to twenty-
five flowers.

For the single bloom of L. avenaceum we are indebted to Gr. F. Wilson, Esq., of Wey- .
bridge. The plant attains a height of two feet, and bears five or six flowers in a rather
loose corymbose umbel. We are informed that this Lily is perfectly hardy, and a native of
Kamtschatka, Mandchuria, the Kurile Islands, and Japan.

133

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NOVEMBER, 1874.

EXHIBITION.

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

At the Flower Show held in the rooms of the Royal
Horticultural Society, on October 7th, first-class cer-
tificates were awarded to Messrs. Veitch and Sons for
Cattleya fausta, an interesting hybrid between C. Lod-
digesii and C. exoniensis ; to Mr. Woodbridge, gardener
to the Duke of Northumberland, Sion House, for V it is
heterophylla var. humulifolia; to Air. C. Green, Ilolmes-
dale Road, Reigate, for Kniphofia McOwanii; to Air.
J. Chambers, Westlake Nursery, Isleworth, for Begonia
“ Royalty,” one of the finest varieties of the new
bulbous-rooted form yet introduced, and which we are
glad to find has passed into the experienced hands of
Air. B. S. Williams, of Upper Holloway. The flowers
of this fine plant are exceedingly large, of good open
form, and of a brilliant salmon-vermilion colour. Air. G.
Rawlings, of Romford, also received a first-class certifi-
cate for a large full deep rosy pink Dahlia named “ Sarah
AIcAIillan.” Alessrs. Veitch and Sons contributed one
of the most magnificent groups of Orchids seen this year,
and which included such fine plants as Cypripedium
Dominianum, C. Maulei, C. Sedeni, Cattleya hybrida-
picta, C. exoniensis, C. superba, C. Dominiana, C. De-
voniensis, Odontoglossum grande, O. Roezlii, Calanthe
Veitchii, Galeandra minax, A anda cserulea, Cattleya
Pinelli, and an unrivalled specimen of Peristeria elata.

NEW PE L A RG ONI U M SOCIETY.

AVe understand from the Gardeners’ Chronicle that a
new Pelargonium Society held its first or inaugural
meeting at South Kensington, on the 2nd inst. Among
the more prominent of the members and promoters of
this new Society may be mentioned the names of Alessrs.
Denny, Postans, Webb, Kellock, Pearson, W. Paul, King-
horn, Laing, Canned, Grieve, Pawle, George Smith, &c.

The object of this Society is, in the first instance, to
encourage the cultivation and improve the quality of
what is known as the Zonal Pelargonium, including
under this general term the varieties which have resulted
from the interbreeding of P. zonale and P. inquinans ;
and for this object funds are being collected, with a view
to offer prizes at one of the exhibitions of the Royal
Horticultural Society to be held in July, 1S75. In
order the more effectually to do this, the contributions
of those who are interested in this class of plants are

[No. 35.

desired. At the outset the following prizes have been
agreed on : — For twelve Zonal Pelargoniums, distinct
varieties of the florists’ class, in pots not exceeding eight
inches in diameter, 1st Prize SI., 2nd Prize 51. For
twelve Zonal Pelargoniums, distinct varieties of the de-
corative class, in pots not exceeding eight inches in dia-
meter, 1st Prize Si., 2nd Prize hi. For the best col-
lection of thirty distinct varieties of Zonal Pelargoniums,
irrespective of class, in pots not exceeding six inches in
diameter, 1st Prize 61., 2nd Prize 4/.

Though the efforts of the Pelargonium Society are to
be the first brought to bear upon the race known as
Zonal Pelargoniums, and though these may be con-
sidered as having been the immediate cause of its esta-
blishment, yet, we understand, its objects are to be
more comprehensive, and gradually to embrace the other
sections of the genus, if the growers and patrons of
these do but lend the committee their countenance and
support. We trust, indeed, that its efforts may be still
more catholic, and that it may be the means of evolving
out of the numerous decades of species which inhabit
South Africa, and improving for garden purposes, some
of the many distinct types which there exist, and thus
securing some entirely new decorative subjects for our
greenhouses and flower gardens.

The annual subscription of this new Society has been
fixed at one guinea per annum, so as to permit that all
who are willing may join it. Dr. Denny has been ap-
pointed lion, treasurer, and Air. Thomas Aloore lion,
secretary; and it only remains for the growers and
fanciers, both amateur and professional, of this grand
family of plants — a family as varied as comprehensive —
to strengthen the hands of the provisional committee by
sending in their names as members of the Society ; and
for those who become members to hand in their sub-
scriptions to the treasurer.

NEW HORTICULTURAL CLUB.

At a meeting of gentlemen connected with Horticulture,
held at the Star and Garter Hotel, Richmond, on
Tuesday, September 8th, proceedings were taken towards
the formation of a new Horticultural Club, when it was
resolved — 1. That as the want has long been felt of a
Club of which those who are interested in Horticultural
pursuits might avail themselves, an effort be made to
establish one on the principle of the AVest End Clubs.
2. That the Rev. H. H. Dombrain be requested to act
as Secretary, and that Dr. Hogg and the Secretary be

26

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

requested to issue a circular so that the general feeling
of those connected with Horticulture may be ascertained.
3. That a provisional committee be formed, and that the
first hundred gentlemen who shall give in their names
as members be admitted without any entrance fee, and
that a distinction be made between town and country
members. Horticulturists desiring to co-operate should
communicate with the Secretary, Westwell Vicarage,
Ashford, Kent.

AFRICAN QUILLED MARIGOLD.

The above is an illustration, the exact size of nature, of
the fine African quilled Marigold now being sent out by
Messrs. J. C. White and Son, of Gloucester; the seed,
we are informed, has been saved with the utmost care
from fine selected double flowers, and the plant above
illustrated is of great merit and well worthy of cultiva-
tion. It is the largest and most perfectly formed of all
the African Marigolds, and its extreme doubleness and
beautiful quilling makes it as valuable for cutting and
show purposes as for a striking ornament in the flower
beds.

NEW VARIEGATED FORM OF SIBTHORPIA
EUROILEA.

We are glad to be able to record the fact of there being
a beautiful variegated form of this lovely little scrophu-

lariaceous plant, the stock being at present in the hands
of the Lawson Seed and Nursery Company. Sibthorpia
europaea is one of the most exquisitely delicate of all
British plants, and a common drooping ornament of our
hardy ferneries; we cannot doubt, therefore, if the
variegation becomes permanent, but this new variety
will be highly esteemed. We believe Sibthorpia is only
found truly wild with us in the South-west of England,
South of Ireland, and in the Channel Islands.

NEW TYDtEA.

Mr. William Bull has now in flower at his establish-
ment for new plants, at Chelsea, an extraordinary new
Tydaea, it is both beautiful and extremely distinct and well
worth inspection.

ERYTHRINA PARCELII.

It appears that Mr. Bull’s fine plant figured by us on
Plate 95, under the above name, is really the E. picta
of Linnaeus, and a variegated form of E. indica.

“ W. B. II.,” writing to the Gardeners' Chronicle on
October 3rd, says — “ There is a very good plate of it
in Rumphius ’ Herbarium Atnboinense (1741-1755), vol. ii.
t. 77.” In reference to its habitat Rumphius says : —
“ Hsec species raro in Amboina occurrit et tantummodo
bine inde una alterave arbor prope sedes plantata;” he
goes on to say that it has been observed in several places
in the eastern part of Moluccas and Celebes, though very
rareLq if at all, in the western. Seemann, Flora Vitiensis,
does not appear to have seen this variety, but the typical
E. indica is common in the Fijian Islands. The custom
of planting it near houses or temples, as mentioned by
Rumphius in the above note, is general in the Fijian
Islands, according to Seemann. He says : — “ The
flowering of the Drala (Erythrina indica), which
takes place about the end of July, or the be-
ginning of August, is the general sign for planting
the yams, and is one of the natural phenomena
upon which the Fijian Calendar is based. For this
reason the tree is found near almost every village,
either wild or planted. The seeds are used by

children for toys, and by the heathen priests to cover
the so-called oracle boxes.” This species is also com-
monly cultivated throughout India. There is a fragment
of E. indica var. picta in the herbarium at Kew, from
Sir Richard Schomburgk, dated 1872, under the name
of E. Parcelli ; but no other information accompanies
the specimen. It is also called Purcelli, but it is of no
great importance which of these forms is right, as the
name picta must be adopted if we regard the rights of
priority. Linnaeus held picta to be a distinct species ;
Lamarck, in his Encyclopaedia, unites it with indica ;
whilst De Candolle, in the Prodromus, again separates it.

Plate 137.

IRIS KCEMPFERI — " EDWARD GEORGE HENDERSON.”

One of tlie most superb and gorgeous flowering plants exhibited during the year is
undoubtedly the grand variety of Iris Kcempferi figured on Plate 137. Its rich coloration
has been aptly compared with that of the blooms of Clematis JacJcmanii ; but the Iris of our
illustration is furnished with a luminous golden splash at the base of each petal, which is not
present in the Clematis, and this brilliant yellow tint is simply invaluable as a means of
setting off to its utmost advantage the magnificent purple of the body of the petals. At the
date of the exhibition of this plant in the rooms of the Royal Horticultural Society (July 3rd
last), Messrs. Henderson and Sons exhibited several other varieties belonging to the same
strain, one of which was most elegantly reticulated, after the manner of some Petunias. We
are informed that this is a border plant, easy of cultivation, and, as will be seen from our
Plate, of unrivalled beauty and splendour of colour. Some botanists consider I. Kcempferi
to be a variety of I. laevigata , to which species it is certainly closely allied. If our readers
will turn to Plate 207 (Old Series), they will see a grand Iris of the old type sent out by the
late Mr. Salter, in which the three outer coloured segments of the flower are purple and bent
downwards, whilst the three inner are bright yellow and turned upwards : the variety of
I. Kcempferi we now figure will be seen to differ in its blooms from the normal condition of
the Iris in having all its six floral segments spread out horizontally. This divergence from
the ordinary form is of great value to the plant when considered as a decorative object for the
flower bed, and one likely to be highly appreciated by all lovers of handsome garden flowers.

Plate 138.

NEW PENTSTEMONS — “ COUNTESS OF ROSSLYN” AND

“ COUNT MUNSTER.”

The two varieties of Pentstemon figured on Plate 138 may be considered types of the
highest development to which the Pentstemon has at present been brought. Messrs.
Downie, Laird, and Laing, of the Stanstead Park Nurseries, Forest Hill (to whom we are
indebted for the opportunity of figuring these two fine new varieties), have made the culture
and improvement of the Pentstemon a specialty for many years past, and a reference to our
former volumes will show what a steady but certain progress has been made. In their grand
Pentstemon, Stanstead Rival, one of the twenty best plants selected by the Royal Horti-
cultural Society, we certainly had individual blooms a trifle larger in size than in either of
the varieties we now figure, but the improvement in the general habit is most remarkable.
In a first-class Pentstemon we must no longer look for pendulous flowers after the manner
of the Foxglove, but fine horizontal or vertical blooms, which make the plant an invaluable
one for bouquets. Any verbal description of the fine colours of the two plants we now figure
is unnecessary, as the colour of the drawing speaks for itself, as does the representation of
the general habit. Pentstemons make grand border plants, and deserve a greatly increased
popularity, for the improvement that has taken place in their general quality can hardly be
imagined by those who have not the Pentstemons constantly before them. A good yellow
loam, not too light, enriched by the addition of some manure and leaf mould, suits this plant
exactly. In a bed so composed the Pentstemons should be placed eighteen inches apart each
way. When the plants are turned out of pots a stake should be placed against each, to
support the leading shoot.

Plate 139.

BLUMENBACHIA CORONATA.

This fine acquisition to our gardens is a native of Peru and Chili, and has been recently
sent out by Messrs. Veitcli and Sons of Chelsea. It is an elegant half-hardy biennial, attaining
the height of a foot and a half or two feet ; the leaves are narrow bipinnatifid, and cut into
narrow segments, whilst the profuse flowers are of a rich orange-red (or in the variety white)
colour, concave, ribbed, and more or less buried in the foliage. The genus Blumenbachia belongs
to the curious Natural Order Loasese, which somewhat approaches Passiflore®, Gronoviea?,
and Turneraceae, and the plants of the Order are generally climbers, like the Cucurbitacese,
with palmilobed leaves. The Loaseae are all natives of America, except the African genus
Fissenia, and most of the species grow upon the slopes of the Cordilleras facing the Pacific
Ocean, beyond the equator, but not in cold regions. The fruit of Blumenbachia is roundish
and of a spongy character, spirally striated, and splitting into pieces, when ripe, to the
base. B. coronata was introduced into England by Pearce, and Mr. Davy of Nottingham,
who has lived many years in Peru, says that the plant in its native haunts attains the size
of a bush fully two feet high, with flowers much larger than anything at present seen
in this country. The very handsome aspect of this fine plant, with its highly ornamental
and curiously-constructed flowers, may be well gathered from our Plate ; but its singular
armature of stinging hairs requires a microscope for its proper appreciation. These hairs are
of three sorts, the larger ones being very similar in structure to the glandular hairs of the
stinging nettle, whilst the two other sorts are very minute, and densely covered with reversed
barbs. Even the corolla and receptacle itself are profusely furnished with these curious
stinging hairs.

Plate 140.

AGERATUM — “ COUNTESS OF STAIR."

It is now five years since we published a figure of Mr. Chater’s Ageratum Imperial
Dwarf, a plant whose first-rate position for the border has ever since remained unquestioned.
The plant now figured is considered to be without doubt a decided advance upon Imperial
Dwarf ; for profuse and compact as is the habit of this latter plant, the flower-heads in
Countess of Stair are still more dense, and the habit of Imperial Dwarf, compact as it is, is
also decidedly improved upon. There is not a shoot but throws up a head of dense blossoms,
beginning at a few inches from the ground and only ending when its entire height of six or
eight inches is attained, and when the whole top of the plant is one dense mass of fragrant
lavender-blue blossoms.

The Ageratum var. Countess of Stair was raised from seed sown at Castle Kennedy in
the autumn of 1872. It grows from six to eight inches in height, and is of a compact and
spreading habit, combining with a vigorous constitution an extraordinary tendency to pro-
duce bloom, a succession of which continues from a few weeks after being planted out till the
close of the season, in undiminished profusion. It possesses in a high degree the merit,
which most of the Ageratums has, of withstanding heavy rains better than most other
bedding plants. Being of a light blue shade of colour, and blooming so freely, it is
admirably adapted for flower-garden purposes, and never fails to light up and produce a gay
and cheerful appearance, at once arresting the attention and drawing forth the admiration of
the beholder.

We have only to say in conclusion that the entire stock of the plant is in the hands of
Mr. B. S. Williams, of the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Holloway Road, whose name is
a sufficient guarantee for the first-rate quality of every plant sent out by him.

137.

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IRIS K^MPFERI

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PENSTEMONS.

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NEW SERIES.]

FLOWER SHOWS.

The great show of Chrysanthemums and Fruit, held at
South Kensington, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, will long
be remembered as one of the most successful exhibitions
ever held by the Royal Horticultural Society. Any
review of the magnificent display of fruit would be be-
yond the limits of the Floral Magazine ; we will, there-
fore, content ourselves by saying that never was such an
unrivalled collection seen before in London. The same
remark holds good with regard to the Chrysanthemums,
both as to quality and quantity ; for few frequenters
of our flower-shows can remember any former exhibition
to equal the display of Nov. 11. Actual new varieties
were certainly few ; nevertheless, Messrs. Veitch and
Sons, of Chelsea, sent four new plants of great merit,
and for each they were most deservedly awarded a first-
class certificate. 1. Duchess of Edinburgh, an anemone-
flowered Japanese variety, with white recurved ray-florets,
like strips of white paper, and a rosy disk, with a brim-
stone eye; altogether a most interesting plant, and a
great novelty. 2. Purple King, a Japanese variety,
with regular-recurved florets of a deep luminous purple
colour : an invaluable plant, and an entire novelty
as to purity and brilliancy of colour. 3. Cossack, a
large crimson-maroon flower, the florets tinted with
yellow, and bronze underneath ; the bloom of this plant
exactly resembles in shape a Cossack’s cap, hence the
appropriate name of the flower. 4. Gold Thread, a
lovely plant, with narrowish florets tinted with yellow
and vermilion, giving the bloom the appearance of a
mass of line flames, or gold threads.

Mr. B. S. Williams, of Upper Holloway, was awarded
a first-class certificate for Anthevicum Williamsii, a
handsome Liliaceous plant from the Cape, with beauti-
fully drooping foliage, variegated with bands of white.
Mr. Williams also exhibited plants of Anthurium
Patinii, and his lovely Adiantum gracillimum, to which
we have before referred, with new species of Mauritia
and Niphobolus. Mr. Bull exhibited a pure white
variety of Odontoglossum Roezlii; and we may say, in
parenthesis, that Lord Londesborough had the same
variety in flower at the same time in one of his houses
at Norbiton. Messrs. Veitch sent Odontoglossum Rossii
major, Masdevallia amabilis, Barkeria Lindleyana var.
Centerse, and a new broad emerald-green leaved Dracama
from Natal. Messrs. Henderson sent specimens of an
elegant grass, Gymnothrix latifolia, and two lovely
varieties of Sonerila.

[No. 30.

LORD LONDESBOROUGII’S ORCHIDS.

We this month give illustrations of two fine plants re-
cently selected for figuring, from Lord Londesborough’s
rich collection at Norbiton, which, under the direction
of Mr. William Denning, is confessedly one of the finest
collections of Orchids in Europe. At the time of our last
visit Angrsecum Ellisii was in flower, and Lord Londes-
borough’s plant (as well as one we have seen at Messrs.
Veitch and Sons) is certainly a very different variety
from the fine plant we have sketched from Mr. Day’s
collection at Tottenham. The large pans of Pleiones
growing in one of the houses has recently been a sight
never to be forgotten, from the brilliancy, beauty, and
number of flowers, all open at one and the same time.
Well worthy of note, too, are the fine specimens of the
blue- lipped Zygopetalum maxillare, and Z. Mackayi.
We shall take an early opportunity of referring to this
fine collection of Orchids in detail.

THE CULTURE OF CATTLEYA GIGAS.

Cattleya gigas, supposed by some competent autho-
rities to be no other than a form of the rare C. labiata,
like most other Cattleyas, requires a considerable amount
of heat to grow it satisfactorily, especially during the
summer months — say about 70° by night to 85° by day.
When the short days come on, about the end of October,
a night temperature of about 58° will suffice, with a
rise, by fire heat, to 65° by day, allowing an additional
rise of 10° by sunshine. The Cattleya in question will
grow well on blocks of rough-barked thorn or pear; if
the above are not procurable, then very fibrous peat may
be used to pot it with, taking care that the pot is
always rather too small for the plant, for if over-potted
(and it should get too wet), every root would quickly
perish. — William Denning, Norliton.

THE NEW LINDLEY MEDAL.

We have had an opportunity of inspecting this new work
of art, which is at last about to be issued by the Royal
Horticultural Society. On the obverse of the medal is
a portrait of Dr. Lindley (spectacles on nose), encircled
with a laurel wreath, and the inscription, “ Dr. John
Lindley, F.R.S., born February 5th, 1799, died No-
vember 1st, 1865 ;” on the reverse is a full-length figure
of Flora, wreath in hand, and the inscription, “ Royal

DECEMBER, 1874.

28

THE FLORAL MAGAZINE.

Horticultural Society.” The value in gold is estimated
at 15/. We are a little disappointed with the general
aspect of this long looked-for medal, its appearance being
poor and Hat. To us Dr. Lindley’s profile is not satis-
factory, with insufficient relief : the tall figure of Flora
is classical and good, but there is clearly not enough
room for an inscription.

REVIEW.

Hoses in Pots. By Wn. Paul, F.R.H.S., Waltham Cross.

Kent & Co.

When a work like the one before us reaches its fourth
edition, it may be considered a pretty certain indication
of the book’s general excellence and the proper appre-
ciation of its contents by the public. It is not always
that a thoroughly good practical man is able to put that
best of all knowledge which is gained by experience, into
taking, readable, and understandable form ; but in the
case of Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Cross, we have
at once an experienced and observant rose-grower, and
a man with a happy faculty of saying things in the
fewest and clearest words, and every word to the point.
In the handy and elegantly got-up little book before us,
with its ninety-one pages and eleven wood engravings
(one of which latter we are able to reproduce), we may
be said to have the experience of the best part of a life-
time as to growing roses in pots, concentrated into the
smallest possible space. As to the author’s thorough
competence to speak with authority on ail subjects con-
nected with roses and rose culture, his unrivalled annual
displays of roses in pots at the Crystal Palace, Royal
Horticultural Society, and Royal Botanic Society suf-
ficiently testify; in fact, the very name of Paul is so
indissolubly associated with the queen of flowers, that it
is impossible to hear or see the mere word without visions
of these lovely and fragrant flowers floating before us.

The book opens with an enumeration of the advan-
tages of growing roses in pots, and with suggestions
for growing Tea Roses in aud near towns, often a most
difficult feat. Such subjects as the methods of growing,
transplanting and potting, thinning out, soil, aud pro-
tection from sun and frost, are then treated of from
actual experience ; together with the subject of suckers,
pruning, and disbudding, to tying up and training.
Plunging, watering, the removal of tender varieties, and
the destruction of caterpillars, green fly, &e., are fully
treated of, as is the subject of the proper shading of
roses, repotting, &c.

A most valuable part of the book consists in the
lists of varieties suitable for pot culture. The points
Air. Paul has kept constantly in view for tins selection
being: — l. Elegance of habit; 2. Contrast of colour;

3. Abundance of blossom ; 4. Form or outline of the in-
dividual flower ; 5. Duration of bloom; and, 6. Sweet-
ness. Air. Paul then goes on to give a list of the best
varieties of AIoss, Provence, Hybrid Perpetual, Noisette,
Bourbon, Tea-scented, and other forms suitable for this
attractive and successful mode of culture. A chapter is
devoted to yellow roses, with a list of varieties, and

A Well-grown Tot Rose — William Paul.

another to climbers and twiners, and their proper train-
ing and pruning, with a long descriptive list of varieties.
Forcing and the forcing-house is treated of, as is the
; difficult subject of mildew. Air. Paul has also a few
words to say on grafting, budding, and the vexed ques-
tion of the choice of stocks.

The second part of the book is “ Tiie Autobiography
of a Pot Rose ;” and whilst it treats more or less of the
subjects discussed in the first part of the volume, it
makes the “ successful Pot Rose” speak for itself. This
is a very brilliant and effective piece of writing, in
which various characters, as the “ nursery foreman,”
“ Simon,” “ John, the gardener,” &c., are well hit off.

Plate 141.

BEGONIA — “ ROYALTY/'

Every reader of the Floral Magazine will remember our figure of Messrs. Veitch’s superb
Begonia intermedia , given by us on Plate 5 of the New Series. This hybrid plant (perhaps
the finest Begonia either hybrid or species ever till then known) is one of the parents of the
plant we now figure, the other parent being Mr. Williams’s B. C/iambersii. Begonia inter-
media was a hybrid between B. Bolivensis and B. Veitchii ; and as both these plants have
been figured in our former volumes, our readers are in a good position to understand the
whole parentage of our plant. Begonia Chambersii we have not figured, but it is again a
garden hybrid between B. Beared and B. Sedeni, retaining the markings of the first-
named parent, with larger leaves. B. Chambersii lias large flowers rosy-salmon inside and
pink without, these flowers being very freely produced. A glance at our Plate will now
show how completely Mr. Williams’s grand new Begonia Royalty partakes of the characters
of both its parents, and how it is at the same time a great step in advance of both. Begonia
Royalty has very much the habit of B. Beared , and is in every respect as dwarf and free-
flowering, this dwarfiness of habit, its free-flowering properties, and the gigantic size of its
individual flowers, render it, without doubt, the finest of all the hybrid Begonias ever offered
to the public. The colour of the blooms is intermediate in shade between the rosy-salmon of
B. Chambersii and the intense scarlet-carmine of B. intermedia. Begonia Royalty has been
deservedly awarded a first-class certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society ; and it only
remains for us to add, that the entire stock of the plant is in the hands of Mr. B. S.
Williams, of Upper Holloway.

Plate 142.

CLEMATIS — “ LUCIE LEMOINE.”

Clematis “ Lucie Lemoine ” was exhibited by Messrs. Yeitch and Sons at the Exibition of
the Royal Horticultural Society on March 4th last, and was awarded a first-class certificate.
Our figure was taken from one of Messrs. Yeitch and Sons plants, at Chelsea. This
Clematis is of the C. Fortunei (Florida) type, and is invaluable on account of its extreme
purity of colour; it is, moreover, remarkable in possessing a curious involucre of seven or
more leaves below its blossoms, many of which leaves are white and petal-like. Clematis
“ Lucie Lemoine ” is, we are informed, a recent continental variety, raised by Lemoine, notable
at once for its fine double and perfectly symmetrical white flowers, which do not show the
greenish tint so often met with in C. Fortunei (figured by us on Plate 153, Old Series), C.Jlorida-
jjlena, &c. The flowers are well set off by a compact tuft of primrose-coloured stamens ; and
the plant may be considered as altogether a decided advance upon the double white kinds
already in the hands of the public. Our plant belongs to the section of large-flowered
summer bloomers generally found flowering from the old or ripened wood, from J une to
September. The leaves in this group are variable, some being three-parted (ternate), or
sometimes twice tliree-parted (biternate). Where it can be provided, say Messrs. Jackman
and Son, a rich soil of a light loamy texture is the best for all varieties of Clematis ; and if
this is mixed either naturally or artificially with chalk or lime so much the better. Thorough
drainage is indispensable to good healthy development, and the vigour of the plant must be
kept up by at least annual manuring with horse or cow manure. Pruning should take place
in February or March.

Plate 143.

MILTONIA MORELIANA ATRO-RUBENS.

The above plant has been known in our plant stoves for several years, but on account
of its scarcity it is seldom seen by any but orchid cultivators, and others whose love for such
magnificently-coloured plants as the one here illustrated, leads them to the hidden corners
where such floral beauties are sedulously cared for. No person ever looks on the flower of
this — the finest of all the Spectalile section of Miltonia — for the first time without being
charmed by its novel colour, and attracted by the large size and handsome form of its inflo-
rescence. The foliage of the plant which bears these very attractive flowers is in striking
contrast with the blooms, being of humble aspect, and of a size and form which would never
attract any but a botanist’s attention. From the base of the bulb to the point of the leaves
it seldom exceeds eight inches in height. It extends itself by means of creeping rhizomes,
which emit rootlets in great numbers ; something in the manner one is accustomed to
observe on ivy shoots when creeping on a wall. Mr. William Denning, to whom we are
indebted for these particulars, informs us that Miltonias in general, and especially the subject
of our illustration, appear to succeed better in the neighbourhood of Manchester than any-
where else. There they are usually grown in peat of very good fibrous quality, which is
firmly pressed, and the plant is pegged down to the surface, on which they soon take root,
and grow vigorously. They require an intermediate temperature and a shady moist atmo-
sphere, and will bear to be syringed freely. Our figure was recently sketched from a fine
plant in Lord Londesborough’s collection at Norbiton.

Plate 144.

CATTLEYA GIGAS.

Cat Hey as in a wild state are found in Brazil and Central America, where they are met
with on the bark of trees and on rocks. The fine species of which we are now able to give
an illustration, and the accompanying description from the pen of Mr. William Denning, is
one of the very finest of the genus. In point of grandeur and beauty there are only two
which can equal it, as far as at present known — namely, C. labiata autumnalis and C. Dowiana.
The subject of our illustration has been introduced to Europe about two years and a half ;
as yet only about four or five plants have flowered, and those only in a comparatively weak
state. According to its first introducer, Mr. Linden, of Ghent, it carries in its native
country seven to nine flowers on a single stalk or bulb, each flower seven to eight inches in
breadth, and nine to ten inches in length. Its most conspicuous characteristic rests in the
two large pale yellow “ eye”-like spots at the mouth of the throat, together with a mottled
lip of very bright magenta on a deep rose-pink ground. The petals stand forward, after the
manner of C. Dowiana, and are, together with the sepals, of a beautiful rosy-pink colour.

This species, like C. Dowiana, is delicate in its root action, consequently must never
have a mass of material about it, unless very great care is used in watering. The atmo-
sphere, on the other hand, should be bright, as moist as possible.

Our illustration was taken, on October 24th last, from a magnificent plant in the collec-
tion of Lord Londesborough, at Norbiton ; and in the Gardeners’ Chronicle for November
14th last, may be seen an illustration of the entire plant, showing its general habit, with its
pseudo-bulbs bearing single, fleshy leaves, and an axillary group of four grand flowers.

W.G. Smith., F.L.S. del etlith..

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