^ >■ ^ \ JU y/A ^/f THE FLORIST. LONDON: TRINTED BY ROBSOX, LEVEY, AND FRAXKLYN'. firfat New Street, Fetter Lane. § q o ''J s H / ^ 03 1 H Vj %\ 3 1 O 1 a 1 2; S sq THIi ' FLORIST, FliUITIST GAEDEN MISCELLANY. 1851. LONDON: CHAPMAN AND HALL, 193 PICCADILLY MDCCCLII. ,^^ition, not onlv for its easy culture, but for its long season of bloom. H. S. November. b THE FLORIST. DESCRIPTIVE LISTS OF FRUITS. No. I. THE STRAWBERRY. With the exception of the Apple, the Gooseberry, and the Currant, no fruit is so universally cultivated as the Strawberry ; and it may be safely affirmed, that among the many readers of the Florist, there is scarcely one possessed of a garden who does not grow his favourite sort of this delicious and w^holesome fruit. For this reason, it is thought that a short account of the most useful among the multi- plicity of varieties which have of late been brought under the notice of the public might be of service to those who never had an oppor- tunity of testing the merits of the different sorts. As, however, some that are now considered old possess more merit than many of more recent origin, I shall include such in my list ; for a new fruit ought not to be permitted to supersede an old one, for no other reason than because it is new. 1. Keens' Seedling. This useful Strawberry was raised by, and called after, a market-gardener named Keens. Its merits are so well known, that it is unnecessary to say more than to give its correct name and origin (about which some misapprehension exists), and to state that it is still one of the very best we have for forcing. 2. Princess Alice Maud. In foliage this variety so closely re- sembles the preceding, that if the plants once get mixed, the most experienced cultivator cannot separate them ; the fruit also is a good deal like that of Keens' Seedling, readily distinguishable by the more conical and slightly flattened shape and more shining surface of the Princess. It is a good Strawberry, bearing freely, and ripening about the same time as Keens'. For forcing I think it preferable, as it ripens equally soon under glass, is brighter in colour, and has a brisker flavour, — that is, if forced Strawberries can be said to have any flavour. 3. British Queen. This delicious Strawberry w^ould soon drive most others out of our gardens, w^re it not for an unfortunate pecu- liarity of constitution, which unfits it for some soils and situations. In the poor sandy ground of the garden under my charge it cannot be made to thrive ; while in the deep and strong loam of the Royal Gardens at Frogmore it grows most vigorously, and bears fruit in profusion. The British Queen, however, deserves good treatment ; therefore those who desire to do it justice should well trench the ground it is to occupy, mixing some good rotten dung with the soil as the work proceeds, and then plant strong runners two feet asun- der, keeping the plants single during their after-growth, and cover- ing the surface of the ground, soon after the fruit is set, with the short grass swept oflf the lawn. Plants treated thus (if they like the soil) will produce noble fruit, w^hich, through free exposure to light aud air, by the plants being kept clear of runners, will acquire a deeper colour, and ripen better at the point, than it does under JANUARY. / less favourable conditions. Being rather a late Strawberry, it does not answer well for early forcing ; but when grown in pots, and slightly forwarded in heat, the fruit comes in very conveniently between the latest forced crop and the earliest from the open ground. This Strawberry was raised by Mr. Myatt of Dei)tford, — a gentleman who has done more to improve the race of large Straw- berries than any other person. Similar in colour and in flavour, and of a better shape, is Myatt's Globe ; but being a shy bearer, it will never become a general favourite. 4. Myatfs Eliza is another of those pale-coloured peculiarly- flavoured Strawberries obtained from seed by the same fortunate cultivator. Had there been no other of its class, this would have obtained considerable celebrity ; but coming into competition with the British Queen, to which it is inferior both in size and flavour, it never became a general favourite, and is now not so much grown as it deserves to be. It is not so good a bearer as Nos. 1 and 2. 5. Old Pine. Called also the Carolina Strawberry by some. One of the oldest, and at the same time one of the best kinds in cultivation, although now seldom seen in gentlemen's gardens, larger and more showy sorts having unworthily usurped its place. To my taste, no Strawberry excels this in flavour when thoroughly ripe ; and if grown in good loamy ground, the plants bear plentifully, and the fruit attains a respectable size. Treated in the manner before re- commended for the British Queen, by which its good qualities would be fairly developed, the Old Pine would again become a favourite, especially with those who grow fruit to be eaten rather than to be looked at. It ripens about the same time as, or a* little later than, the British Queen, and with that kind makes a good succession to Nos. 1 and 2. 6. Comte de Paris. This variety was originated in France, along with (I believe) another, called Princess Royal, which has a good reputation, but is unknown to me. The Count, at any rate, is well worth growing, on account of its large size, handsome form, bright colour, and shining aspect, although in flavour inferior to many of home origin. Another desirable property is the length of its fruit- stalks, by which the fruit is prevented from lying flat on the ground. It ripens about the same time as the British Queen. 7. Elton. On account of its great size and late period of ripen- ing, this Strawberry is most extensively grown for the supply of the London markets ; and the same qualities entitle it to a place in private gardens, although the too great acidity of its juice makes it unpalatable to many persons. To remedy that defect as far as possible, the plants should be allowed plenty of room, and the fruit must not be gathered till it has acquired nearly a black colour. Its season might be prolonged to the beginning of August, by making a plantation on a north border. This sort has been recommended for preserving ; but housekeepers (the great authority in such mat- ters) say that its dark colour unfits it for that purpose, as no care or skill can prevent the jam from looking dull and treacly. The Elton is the only one of the many varieties raised by Mr. T. A. 8 THE FLORIST. Knight which is now gencraiiy grown, aitliough another very good and peculiarly flavoured late Strawberry, called the Downton, raised by that gentleman, is equally deserving of cultivation. 8. Deptford Pine. Another of Mr. Myatt's productions, and a good late Strawberry, considerably resembling the Elton. As it is not in any respect superior to that sort, there is no necessity for noticing it at greater length. 9. Mammoth. Those who covet size at the expense of quality should grow this and the two following sorts. This especially at- tains an enormous size, which is all I can say in its praise. It was raised by Mr. Myatt. 10. Myatfs Eleanor is very large and very acid, added to which the fruit has a pale, dead-looking aspect, by no means inviting. It is fashionable just now, I presume on account of its size, as I cannot discover any other valuable qualit)'^ in it. 11. Hooper s Seedling. This variety also produces a great bulk of fruit, being very large and a profuse bearer. Its colour is very dark, and its flesh firm, but acid. As a large Strawberry, it is better w^orth growing than either of the two last mentioned, the more espe- cially as it is said to make good jam ; for this purpose, however, some of the varieties of Scarlet Strawberries are generally preferred, particularly those known as the Old Scarlet and the Grove-End Scarlet, the latter of which has recently obtained increased notoriety, by being sent out at a high price under the new name of the "Aber- deen Beehive." 12. Bicton Pine. This is the best white Strawberry known, which, however, is only faint praise, all the others being utterly worthless. It can only be tolerated for its novelty. Several comparatively new Strawberries are at the present time advertised for sale in the gardening newspapers. I have not fruited those sorts, and consequently am not warranted in giving a decisive opinion upon their merits, further than an inspection of the fruit at the London Horticultural Exhibitions enables me to do so ; v/hat I have to say concerning the following kinds must therefore be taken " under correction." Culhill's Black Prince receives an excellent character from its proprietor and the Gardener s Chronicle. If it ripens under the same circumstances earlier than Keens' Seedling, it will be a great acquisition ; if not, it will be of little or no use. Wilmofs Prince Arthur is a middle-sized, well-formed, dull- coloured fruit. It is said to be a profuse bearer, and to bear carriage well, for which reasons it will probably be a good mai^ket Strawberry; but by private growers it will not, in my judgment, be much sought after. Kitleys Goliath seems to be rather a misnomer, as the fruit I have seen exhibited did not equal in size that of several other sorts shewn on the same table. It is reputed to be an improvement upon No. 3, inasmuch as the plants are hardier and more productive ; and if that allegation should prove to be correct, Kitley's Goliath will certainly take precedence of all the Princes and Queens in our list. .m^'-'^- h ^'?^.i^! Moss. Crist a ta J Madame rAl)hey. Princesse Clementine. Rose Devisne. Boule de Nanteuil. D'Aguesseau. Kean. Sanchette. HYBRID CHINA. Blairii, No. 2. Che'ne'dolle. Brennus. Double- margined Hip. HYBRID BOURBON. Charles Duval. Coupe d'He'be'. Paul Perras. Paul Ricaut. Madame Audot. Madame Legras. DAMASK. La Villa de Bruxelles. Madame Zoutmann. AUSTRIAN BRIER. Persian Yellow. CLIMBING. Crimson Boursault. PY'iicite Perpe'tue. HYBRID PERPETUAL. Baronne Prevost. Duchess of Sutherland. Geant des Batailles. Jacques Lafitte. La Reine. JNIadame Aimee. Madame Laftay. Mrs. Elliott. Robin Hood. William Jesse. BOURBON. Acidalie. Bouquet de Flore. Dupetit Thouars. George Cuvier. Henri Lecoq. Menoux. Souchet. Souvenir de la Malmaison. CHINA. Clara Sylvain. Cramoisie supe'rieure. TEA-SCENTED CHINA. Devoniensis. Eugene Desgaches. NOISETTE. Cloth of Gold. Lamarque. Solfaterre. The above are really first-rate Roses, and are perfectly hardy, with the exception of the five last enumerated. These, if planted against a south or west wall, will do well without further protection. I have said they are all free-blooming varieties : perhaps Cloth of Gold should be excepted. For some time I could do nothing with this Rose ; but four years ago I budded it on one of the lower shoots 28 THE FLORIST. of an immense Crimson Boursault, which covers a somewhat un- sightly building. It bloomed the year it was worked, and has never since failed to yield a moderate quantity of flowers — and such flowers ! I would not discard it if it only gladdened my eyes with one of its magnificent blooms in the space of ten years. A. S. H. HINTS TO FLORISTS. Among the popular themes of the day we find " what to eat, what to drink, and what to avoid." So in floriculture, " what to grow" has been ably given from your " Note-Book ;" will you allow me to direct attention to " what to avoid }" I will commence with Carnations and Picotees, flowers which I have cultivated and ex- hibited for the past ten years, and of which goodly lists are given in your last Number. It is not sufficient that a variety shall possess one or two good qualities, as a fine white, bright well-defined colour or colours, a smooth edge, a good-shaped petal, and a sufficiency of them, colour solid on the edge, a good pod, fine habit, and a good grower : these must be combined in a desirable variety ; and to cultivate others is but to increase difficulties, which at all times are numerous enough in tlie path of an exhibitor. Discard then, or avoid, in Scarlet Bizarres, Brilliant, Don John, Harlequin, Isonia, Juba, Omnium Primus, Prince of Wales, True Briton (Lodge's), Whipper-in; — Crimson Bizarres, Duke of Rox- burgh, Edgar, Hugo Meynell, Nulli Secundus, William Caxton ; — Pink Bizarre, Princess Royal ; — Purple Flakes, Bonny Bess, Duke of Wellington, First-Rate, John Wright, Lady Dacre, Miss Thorn- ton, Mango, President (both Martin's and Puxley's), Prince de Nas- sau, Solander ; — Scarlet Flakes, Hannibal, Lephare, Mary Ann, North Midland, Pyrecanthus ; — Rose Flakes, Apollo, Fairy Queen, Lanca- shire Witch, Marquis of Westminster, Oberon, Rosetta, Sylvius. Purple Picotees, Augusta, Bendigo, Brunette, Coronation, Fairy Queen, Favourite, Field Marshal, Helen, Jenny Lind, iMiss Duke, Mrs. Fenton, Mrs. Lilley, Norwich Rival, Nottingham Hero, Nulli Secundus, Prince Royal, Queen Victoria, Sylph, Sarah, Wedding Dress ; — Red Picotees, Antagonist, Countess de Grey, Criterion, Isa- bella (Tolworthy), Maid of Honour, Mrs. Meynell, Northampton Bride, Queen of England, Richard Cobden, Sir R. Sale, Sir W. Mid- dleton, Unique (Hudson), Ditto (Barringer), Yorkshire Hero; — Rose Picotees, Miss Osborne, Mrs. Trahar, Proconsul. Even with this wholesale annihilation, I find myself " nursing in pots," in Carnations, S. B., 25 varieties, 160 pairs; C. B., 15 varieties, 70 pairs ; P. B., 9 varieties, GO pairs ; P. F., 15 varie- ties, 100 pairs ; S. F., 12 varieties, 80 pairs; R. F., 10 varieties, 70 pairs. Purple Picotees, 30 varieties, 250 pairs ; Red P., 20 varie- ties, 180 pairs; and Rose P., 20 varieties, 150 pairs; total, 156 varieties, in 1120 pairs ; and yet I pride myself on growing a selec- FEBllUARY. 29 tion, and heartily abominate a collection. 1851 will have its duty to perform, for there are many on one trial more. As with Roses, Orchids, Ericas, vegetables, fruits, so it is with Pinks, Pansies, Picotees, Carnations, Tulips, Dahlias, &c. ; and with permission, I propose to supply lists " to avoid," following in order, as you fur- nish your ever-valuable and acceptable information from " Our Note- Book." If other growers would but favour us with " what to avoid," stating the locality from whence they write, a short season would suffice to clear the trade- catalogues of many treacherous varieties. Wace Cottage, Holloivay. J. Edwards. REMINISCENCES. There is no tribe of plants which has been so overlooked and neglected as the smaller species of Cacti, viz. the Echinocacti and JMaramillaria3 (at one time included under the common name of Melo- cacti). There is but one establishment in or near London where there is a collection kept, — that is at Messrs. Lee of Hammersmith ; their collection is a good one, though not embracing one-third of the varieties known. As to amateurs, there are not, I believe, a dozen collections of these plants in England ; I mean, any thing approaching to a full assortment. This can only be accounted for by the generality of amateurs not knowing any thing about them. No plant requires less care in growing, and it will grow any where, if the place be light, icarm, and dry ; a sitting-room window, espe- cially if the plants have the protection of a glazed case, to keep them clean, will do very well; indeed, so fine and delicate and pure in colour are the down and wool and silky hair of many of the more rare sorts, that such protection would be indispensable. My object in now writing is, to make known to, and to intercede with ama- teurs, forthwith to commence the growing of this most interesting and most wonderful tribe. No plants are so calculated for the drawing-room window- garden, and for the delicate care of our fair friends. I know but of one family of plants that equals or surpasses them in variety or interest, viz. the Orchidaceee ; indeed, the interest and pleasure afforded by the cultivation of each of these tribes is closely akin ; and I am slow to admit that, in endless variety, wonderful configuration, singularity, and beauty, these species of Cacti can be surpassed. Nay, so extraordinary, and in many cases so beau- tiful, are the plants themselves, that many are content to rest their admiration here, and to choose a variety solely for the form and beauty of the plant, not even caring to inquire about its inflores- cence ; though in some instances this is so remarkable an attribute, that a single flower nearly equals in size, and frequently exceeds in length or height, the whole plant. In Mammillarise the flowers are com] aratively small, yet always 30 THE FLORISiT. pretty, and generally nnmerous, and of longer duration ; while in Echinocacti they are for the most part large, and often of singular beauty both in form and colour ; and as every thing is extraordinary in this curious tribe, so do we see in some plants the flowers pro- truding from their surface without stalk or stem, as if they had accidentally fallen thereon ; while in other instances the flower-stalk or tube exceeds the height of the whole plant, and exhibits every variety and combination of colour, — white, yellow, green, primrose, scarlet, crimson, &c. &c. But as a friend of mine, looking at my collection, lately remarked, " they are always in flower ; the whole plant is so attractive, and what is more, it is always so throughout the year." Those who have seen but a few trifling things in Covent Garden, or the common kinds for sale in Wardian cases, may sup- pose this to be but hobbyhorsical language ; could they, however, but see an amateur's selection of a few hundred varieties, so arranged as to present every variety of contrast, in the form of the plants, the size, form, and colour, now of spines, now of v/ool, now of hair, and now the strange and singular admixtures of all of these, they would not be disposed to question my friend's declaration. As Sir W. Hooker has observed, no account or verbal description can convey an adequate idea of this wonderful tribe, — they must be seen, or we must resort to drawings. 1 may give an account of their cultivation and a list of the finest varieties, &c. in a future Number. In urging the readers of the Florist to taste a new pleasure (truly a new one), in the cultivation of this tribe of Cacti, I should in fairness give the caution, that no one should do so who is not prepared to ride hobbyhorsically ; for there is such fascination in their endless variety, " aHke, but yet how different!" such a multiplicity of rare, singular, yet beautiful forms, that the desire of adding a new feature to the collection is constantly recurring; and as there are frequent difficulties in obtaining some of the rarer sorts, so are desire and anticipation constantly on the alert, and the pleasant hobbyhorse kept going at a gentle pace. Hull " F. R. Horner, M.D. [The collection of Cacti at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a very good one ; and among amateurs may be mentioned that of Charles Palmer, Esq., of Shacklewell. This gentleman is one of the oldest collectors of this extraordinary tribe ; and although there are still many splendid collections on the continent, many have been much reduced, and others discontinued altogether within these ten years. Mr. Palmer has availed himself of these opportunities of en- riching his collection, which is now considered to be one of the most complete in existence.] FEBRUARY. 31 NEW FLOWERS IN THE NORTH. The last season has not been very productive of novelties in the northern counties, at least of varieties that manifest any marked improvement on older kinds. Many raisers of seedlings ai)pcar reluctant to exhibit their productions, and consequently flowers are often sent out that have never been heard of before, and with nothing but the raisers' descriptions to recommend them. No doubt in many cases these may be honest ; but the known partiality which raisers naturally have for their own flowers too often leads them to overrate them, and the purchaser is doomed to disappointment. Amateurs are therefore cautious in purchasing new varieties until their merits have been tested ; the best test being, in my opinion, seedling exlii- bitions. Those who have been In the habit of visiting collections of seed- lings are well aware of the above-named partiality, and the surprise manifested when the visitor is not able to echo the raiser's laudatory sentiments is sometimes amusing. Some will admit the possibility of their opinion being rather partial, but still stoutly contend for the superiority of their own flowers, by expatiating largely on their good properties, all the while appearing quite ignorant of their defects. The fact is, seedling raisers become so accustomed to look for good qualities in their productions, that they are sometimes quite blind to glaring imperfections, which are immediately detected by the dis- interested connoisseur. It would be pardonable in a nurseryman giving a flattering description of his flowers, were it not for the many facilities which are now afl^orded for having their character fairly proved before they are sent out. Amongst Auriculas, Mr. George Lightbody of Falkirk has two or three fine things, and particularly a seedling green-edged variety named Sir John Moore. It is a fine flower ; the colours are good and well proportioned ; size large, and outline circular; and whether from the side or centre the pip is invariably correct. Apparently it is an excellent trusser. Beestons Apollo, another of Mr. Lightbody's, is well spoken of. Mr. John Harrison of Darlington has a few seedling Pansies very promising, among which is a light-ground variety in the style of Mrs. Beck ; a large circular flower, dense eye, and clear of the belting. Not named when exhibited. Also a very beautiful yellow Dahlia named Harrison s George Elwin. As a yellow self this is a very desirable variety; shape good, and well up in the eye. It ob- tained the premier prize at the Darlington Dahlia Show, and an extra prize at Whitby. Mr. William Frankland of Whitby has a number of seedlin"- Pansies of excellent properties, several of which were favourably noticed last season by the Florist and Gardener s Hive. As these flowers are intended to be exhibited in the s])ring, I shall not at present particularise them. Mr. James Neilson of Falkirk is sending out three seedling Pan- 32 THE FLORIST. sies which have been well reported upon, and one of which, Jerome, was awarded a first-class certificate by the Scottish Pansy Society. Mr. W. Willison of Whitby has raised a semi-double Potentilla of very beautiful colours. It was exhibited at Worton Cottage last season, and reported as "well worthy of cultivation." It is a seed- ling from IM'Nabiana, crossed witli a semi-double flower. Mr. John Willison has a seedling Cactus, the most brilliant of this gay family. Dr. Lindley says it is " a brilliant scarlet Cactus, with firm broad round petals. A great improvement in shape upon older kinds." It is to be hoped the forthcoming season will prove more prolific in good things than the last. Whitby. M. Woodhouse. NOTES FROM THE LOG-BOOK OF AN ERRATIC MAN. Ko. II. THE LOVES OF AN OLD SAILOR. (a paper for ST. valentine's day.) Davy M'as a Welshman, and a seaman of the old school ; he had fought with Nelson at Copenhagen, and with " Neddy" Pelew at Algiers ; had an unutterable contempt for coasters, though he had spent all his time in them since he came out of a man-of-war ; called all the boys in our brig a set of haw-bucks ; and if he said little of the wound he had received in action, it was from no modesty in any sense of the word, but simply because it was in a part not considered the most honourable, though perhaps better adapted in many respects to receive a ball than any other. Well, Davy was growing old and tired of the sea, and had conceived a violent affection for a couple of widows, both washerwomen, one of whose mangles he thought he could turn, or whose barrow he could wheel, instead of going to sea in the winter ; whilst a trip or two in the summer would help the exchequer, and bring him back fresh, as he called it, to his married life : the difficulty lay in making a choice, since he could not marry both, and married he determined to be. One of our boys (an old one to be sure, for he had not come to sea till he was above twenty,) was entrusted by Davy to carry on the correspondence between the widows, one living in Wales, the other in London ; and he could not have chosen a greater monkey of an amanuensis, for Jem was as full of mischief as a soldier's jacket is of pipeclay — the least touch set it flying in all directions. Davy's instructions were, to keep both the widows in tow, because, as he said, he could easily cast off* either when he had made up his mind. In my chest I carried a small folding-desk, containing all the neces- sary materials ; and with this upon his knees, Jem used to write the most inflammatory epistles, while old Davy sat by his side rolling his quid about, ejecting the tobacco-juice, and nodding his approval of what was read, which was a deal less ardent, if the truth be told. FEBRUARY. 33 than Jem had written. The answers, of course, passed through the same channel, and Davy prided himself no little upon the conquest he had made in hoth cases, little dreaming how^ much his agent was committing him to marriage, and a hundred things of the tender devotional kind, when the stars which ruled the old sailor's destiny- should grant him a happy meeting with them again. But the hrig went to London, and there the die was cast in favour of the Dutchman's widow, for such was the one residing in Wapping. It seems he had left a chest of capital clothes behind him, which re- quired no alteration to fit the person of old Davy, who was willingly adopted by the bereaved one to supply the vacant place in her affec- tions. The rigging turned the scale ; and a day's liberty on shore ended in the old tar's returning on board a married man, and — O shame to a seaman! — wearing a pair of short black gaiters, which soon caught the eye of the boys, and elicited the malicious inquiry if they were the " dead Dutchman's .''" to Davy's violent wrath and indignation. However, the marriage wore well whilst we remained in London ; and being summer-time Davy went with us to the west- ward, and, as luck would have it, afterwards to Wales, to the very port where the deceived one was only too happy to have the oppor- tunity of upbraiding him ; for both the widows being Welshwomen and from the sanie place, his infidelity had soon reached her ears. Having no cargo on board, we did not haul into the quay, but lay at anchor at some distance from it. The hands were idling about the decks — for there was little to do — when a boat was seen coming off to the brig. Of course all eyes, for want of something to look at, were turned upon her ; a man row'ed, and a woman sat in the stern. As she approached the vessel, old Davy was seen to leave the deck, and quietly take his way up the fore-rigging, where he folded his arms, and leaned upon the top-rail, casting his eyes below. By that time the boat was alongside, and with very little help the lady found her way upon deck, and inquired for him. He was pointed out to her, quite out of harm's way as regarded her talons, but not of her tongue, for she let that loose in a most mar- vellous torrent of Welsh gutturals, which Davy received without answering a word, patiently waiting for the squall to blow over. At last he replied in a gentle tone, apparently to appease her wrath, but it was only to rekindle it and to divert it from himself upon Jem, on v/hose luckless head Davy had laid all the blame, asserting his ignorance of what had been written, from his being no scholar. However, the old adage proved good in this case, for between the two stools she fell to the ground, and returned ashore protesting that she did not value the loss of him a cockle, and only lamenting that she had wasted the mittens and sundry other articles of woollen comfort which she had made to keep his old bones warm. How long his married life lasted and how it w^ore, I am unable to tell ; for shortly afterwards I left the brig, and saw him no more for years, when we accidentally met by the side of the City Canal in London. I offered to obtain him a berth well suited to his age and his experience as a first-rate seaman, in the East- India ship I 34 THE FLORIST. belonged to ; but be sbrunk, I suppose, from being under the con- trol of one he had domineered over in former days. He did not keep his appointment to meet me in the dry dock where my ship hiy repairing, and I have never met with him since. CAMELLIA SEED. The first indication of seed being set is the flower being thrust off, as it were, by an enlargement of the seed-vessel, which, if healthy, is of a deep green colour, round and glossy. It swells ratlier rapidly till it has attained the size of a small crab-apple. As the seed approaches maturity, which is generally in five or six months, it assumes a dull red colour, and ultimately partially divides in two equal parts ; this indicates ripeness in the seed and time of gather- ing. When the case or shell is separated at the time of planting, which should be in February, one, two, three, or more cells will be found, each containing a seed of an egg shape, and about the size of a small horse-bean. Sometimes as many as eight or ten cells will exist, in which case the seed is usually compressed a good deal, and forced into all sorts of indescribable forms. This, however, will not aff'ect its vitality. Plant each seed separately in a thum-pot about one inch deep in a light open loamy soil ; cover with a suitable glass, and shade from the direct rays of the sun. A moderate bottom-heat will facilitate germination, which, under favourable circumstances, will take place in about eight or ten weeks. The plants may then be gradually ex- posed, and shifted into larger pots as soon as the roots appear. IVhitehill, Newton Abbott. W. H. Story. PANSIES IN POTS. The time has now arrived for shifting the plants into the pots they are intended to bloom in ; and as the Horticultural Society has ofi'ered prizes for the best twelve in 8-inch pots, no doubt more than usual interest will be taken in the Pansy this spring : the 3d of May will soon be here, and there is no time to be lost. Growing them in pots is also by far the best method for obtaining early bloom, if cut flowers only are required ; in this case, pots one size less will be sufficient to grow them in, and the pit or frame will hold more plants, — no small advantage. Those that intend exhibiting plants must be careful in potting, as from the large size of the pots, more drainage will be required, combined with rather light and fibrous soil. They should not be pressed very hard when potting ; and another important point will l3e to select plants that have at least five leading shoots, if more, the better, provided they are tolerably equal in length, as the small shoots usually growing in the centre of the plant will not flower in FEBRUARY. 35 time, and should be cut away. There is some difference of opinion respecting the effect that Pansies will produce when thus shewn ; my belief is that they will look exceedingly well ; but I do not see the reason why cut blooms should not be shewn also. Twenty-four finely grown and well- arranged varieties form a beautiful and inter- esting object ; and the great number of admirers usually seen crowd- ing round them at the exhibitions proves this in a very satisfactory manner. Royal Nursery, Slovgh. Charles Turner. NOTES FROM THE EOYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, AND OF NEW PLANTS FIGURED IN CONTEMPORARY PERIODICALS. Amongst the herbaceous plants that bloom during the winter months are the various kinds of Hellebore, commonly known under the name of Christmas Roses, on account of their flowers being developed about that period. They are hardv, evergreen, dwarf in habit, and well adapted for beds or borders ; some of them have very showy flowers, which remain for a considerable time in perfection. The following are a few of the best, and aie well worth cultivation. If planted in light soil and in a somewhat sheltered situation, they produce abundance of large showy l)lossoms in the dreary months of the year. IIellebouus oi.ympicus. This species grows about a foot high, with five or seven serrated radical leaves on the apex of a footstalk. The flowers are two inches and a half in diameter, of a light pink, and are terminal, on an erect branching leafy stem. It is a native of India. H. NIGER. This is a native of Austria, and is generally well known; it has smooth serrated shining radical leaves, and large whitish flowers two mches and a half in diameter, one or two being placed on an erect scape, which grows about six inches high. H. RUBESCENS. A vcry pretty species, having smooth serrated radical leaves, and purplish red flowers which are terminal, on an erect branching stem, about a foot high. H. ATRORUBENs. Grows about a foot high, is very showy, and has serrated radical leaves, witli terminal flowers two inches and a half in diameter, of a dark red colour, on an erect branching stem. H. viRiDis. An ornamental species found in Germany, Italy, France, and England. It grows a foot and a half high, and has green terminal flowers on a branching stem. CiiiMo.NANTHUs FRAGRANS. This beautiful hardy Japanese shrub is one of the earliest flowering kinds we possess. It is nearly allied to the Calycanthus, or American Alspice. When trained against a wall, it has a charming' ett'cct at this season. The flowers are produced copiously along the branches without leaves, they are of a yellow and brown colour, and have a delicious fragrance. This is an old plant, but it is one that merits extensive cultivation. Gladiolus natalensis, var. roseo-purpureus. Few bulbous or tuberous pilants so amply reward the cultivator, with alnmdance of showy flowers as the Corn-flag. Many of them are extremely beautiful ; and when ])lanted in beds or borders of light soil, they produce a profusion of richly coloured flowers towards the end of summer. The present variety has flowers about three inches in diameter, of a deep rose-red marked with deeper purple-red. Oldfordiensis is another beautiful variety. The flowers are aliout three inches in diameter, of a delicate salmony flesh-colour marked with purple, and they are arranged in a dense spike near eighteen inches long. Both these varieties were raised by Mr. Cole, gardener to .F. Willmore, Esq., of Oldford. Figured in the Magazine of Botany for December. Ouo.Nr(jGL<>s.si'M ciiuosMi'M. One of the most showy of the genus, and the 3G THE FLORIcrT. most lovely of all Mexican Orchids. The flowers are large, lemon-scented, pro- duced on a pendulous raceme, from one to two feet long; the sepals and petals are white tinged with lilac, and the lahellum is yellow, with lilac or rose-colour. Figured in the Magazine of Botany for December, On'Cidium variegatum. a very pretty dwarf Orchid, having an erect panicle a foot and a half high of flat pink flowers richly stained with crimson. It is a native of the West Indies, and was first introduced by Sir C. Lemon from the llavannah. Paxton^s Flower-Garden for January. DiDYMOCARPLS CRiNiTA. An interesting evergreen stove herb, growing only a few inches high, having an erect stem, and leaves of a dark coppery green, with a velvety lustre, and purplish red beneath. Various species of dwarf plants are in cultivation that are exceedingly beautiful in foliage, but the flowers are gene- rally of an insignificant description and void of beauty. In the present species they are white. It is a native of Pulo-Penang and Singapore. IIydromestus maculatus. a soft-wooded evergreen stove under-shrub, rather showy, belonging to Acanthads. It is a free-flowering plant in a voung state, but like the generality of the order, soon becomes naked at the bottom, unless kept cut back. The flowers are of a bright yellow, and spring from a singularly nitid imbricated spike of large bracts, like the scales of some Pine cone. A native of Mexico. Myrtl's orbiculata. An erect and much-branching glabrous evergreen stove- shrub, attaining the height of from six to seven feet, having thick roundish coriaceous leaves, and yellowish white flowers, resembling the common Myrtle, and very sweet-scented. This is an old plant, having been introduced to Kew in 1824 from the Mauritius. Its season of flowering is late in autumn. J'he above three plants are figured in the Botanical Magazine for January. MouTAN officinalis, atrosanguinea. a very large showy double-flowering variety of tree Peony ; the flowers have dark blood-coloured petals, which are nearly as broad in the centre as at the edge, and much resemble the common ISIoutan papyraceaj. It is quite hardy, of vigorous growth, and has foliage of a deep green tinged with red. This is one of the finest varieties introduced by the Horticultural Society, through Mr. Fortune, from China. loNEsiA asoca. This is stated to be one of the most beautiful of flowering trees in its native climate. It is an evergreen stove-tree, with orange-scarlet flowers, which are sweet-scented. It is a native of various parts of the East Indies, and has flowered at Chatsworth. The two last-named plants are figured in Paxtons Flotcer-Garden for January. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kcto. J. IIoulston. DESCRIPTIVE LISTS OF FRUITS. No. II. PEARS. For some years after the establishment of the Horticultural Society of London, a part of its extensive resources was employed in getting together every known variety of all the fruits usually cultivated in British gardens ; and the result was, the most extensive collection that perhaps ever existed in one establishment. After a considerable time spent in proving these numerous varieties, such as were found to be the most worthy of cultivation were distributed amongst the fellows of the Society ; and by this means most of the best kinds then existing, especially of Pears and Apples, were made extensively known. But although widely distributed, many of the most useful sorts are less generally known than they deserve ; in fact, there are gardens in remote country districts wheie even the Marie Louise, FEBRUARY. 37 Glout Morceau, and others common in the London markets, are at this present time as totally unknown as though they had never been introduced, and where the only good Pears that now find a place are those ancient favourites the Jargonelle, J5rown Beurre, Crassane, Gansell's Bergamot, and Colmar, to the exclusion of newer varieties that surpass them in hardiness and {)roductiveness, and at least equal them in flavour. To assist, therefore, in making these improved sorts better known, it is proposed to give outline figures of some of the best, which, being accompanied by accurate written descrip- tions, will, it is thought, be more useful than a mere list, to amateurs and others who are not well acquainted with Pears. By a judicious selection of sorts. Pears can be obtained for des- sert from the season of the Jargonelle in August, with but little intermission through the months of September, October, November, December, January, February, and March, and in some soils and situations still later, — a recommendation which of itself is sufficient to justify the prominent place this fruit is about to occupy in the Florist and Fruitist. It is necessary to mention here a fact, that persons who have not had considerable experience in the culture of fruits may not be aware of; which is, that soil and situation exercise so much influence over the quality of Pears, that a sort which in one garden is flrst- rate, might in another be scarcely eatable ; and many a good Pear has got a bad local character through the grower of it not being aware of this. The sorts best adapted for particular places can, however, only be ascertained by actual trial, although in a well- sheltered garden, where the soil is a good loam, and under proper management as regards training, &c., every kind of Pear might rea- sonably be expected to attain perfection in the midland and southern Comte de Lamy. Seckel. 38 THE FLORIST. counties, without the assistance of walls. Long-keeping Pears, such as the Easter Beurre, Passe Colmar, Glout Morceau, Winter Nelis, and Beurre Ranee, are, however, equally as deserving of a wall as a Peach-tree. 1. Comte de Lamy. Rather below the middle size, roundish ob- ovate, having full swelling sides like the Bergamots ; narrow at the stalk, and often a little oblique. Eye large, in a wide depression ; segments short and broad. Stalk very short, inserted in a shallow cavity. Skin yellowish green, with a little russet sparingly distri- buted over it, thickly dotted with greyish ])oints, and occasionally very slightly stained with red on the side exposed to the sun. Flesh buttery and rich. Generally fit for table in the early part of Octo- ber, and is not excelled by any Pear of its season. 2. Seckel. A small roundish-obovate fruit, with a convex crown, and a broad oblique base. Stalk short, deeply inserted in a regular cavity. Eye not sunk ; segments particularly short. Skin yellowish brown, studded with small grey dots, and thickly covered with deep red on the sunny side. The flesh abounds in juice, and is almost of the sweetness of honey ; but combined with this there is a slight muskiness, which to some palates is not agreeable. It is fit for table from the middle to the end of October, and should be eaten directly it becomes soft, or its flavour will be quite lost. One of the very few American fruits that succeed in this country. J. B. Whiting. REVIEW. The Orchard-House, or the Cultivation of Fruit-Trees in Pots under Glass. By Thomas Rivers. Longman, London. This is a pamphlet of twenty-seven pages, written in Mr. Rivers' usually instructive style, and containing information which must be acceptable to every one who has a garden ; but more especially to persons of limited means, who, while they would like to have fine fruit, and with certainty, cannot afford the expenses of putting up costly erections for its production. For the latter class Mr. Rivers' orchard-houses will be found invaluable, not only for the growth of fruits, but also for that of many things which a little ingenuity will very soon suggest. In houses of this kind Mr. R. has ripened Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Vines, Plums, Cherries, Pears, and even Apples, Figs, and Strawberries, which succeed well on the borders, into which their roots enter and feed, while they have plenty of light and air to give colour and flavour. In fact, any thing that does well in the open air about Provence may be pro- duced in perfection in these orchard-houses, whose climate (without artificial heating) is stated to be equal to that of the south of France. The cost of such houses may be judged of from that of one 21 feet long, 12 feet 6 inches wide, 2 feet 9 inches high in front, and 7 feet 6 inches at the back, being only 1 7/. S^. 9c?. The pamphlet FEBKUAUY. 39 contains a plan of such a house, as well as rei)resentations of " brick Arnott stoves," which are used for heating forcing orchard-houses ; for, made a little closer than ordinary, they may also be employed for that purpose. We would gladly have shewn our readers how these cheap houses, which we are sure must become very popular, are constructed ; but in the mean time we would rather refer them for information on this point, as well as for a knowledge of the way in whicht he trees are managed, to the j)amphlet itself. We are anxious that it should have an extensive sale, for the profits to be derived from it are to be devoted to a praiseworthy object, viz. to repairing the old parish church (that of Mr. Rivers' forefathers, and probably that of his children's children), which had fallen into a dilapidated state. On this account, therefore, independent of its other value, it comes with an especial claim to our notice and acceptance, and we trust all will avail themselves of this opportunity of aiding a good cause. LISTS OF FIRST-RATE FLORISTS' FLOWERS. No. II. PANSIES. CLASS I. SELFS. ♦Augustus (Dickson), dark. * Blue-eyed Maid (Major), dark. Disraeli (Hunt), dark. *Duke of Perth (Handasyde). Emma (Lane), yellow. ♦Joseph Hunt (Bragg), dark. Lucy Neal (Scotcher), dark. Ophir (Widnall), yellow. Polyphemus (Thomson), yellow. Rainbow (Hall), dark. Sambo (Hale), dark. White Sergeant (Cook), white. CLASS II. YELLOW GROUNDS. Addison (Turner). ♦Cardinal Wiseman (Brown). ♦Cicero (Hunt). ♦Commander-in-Chief ( Youell). Constellation (Thomson). ♦Conductor (Hooper). Duke of Norfolk (Bell). ♦Flying Dutchman (Hooper). Juventa (Hooper). *Lady Franklin (Thomson). Leader (Hooper). ♦Lord Walsingham (Thomson). ♦Madame Sontag (Major). ♦Marchioness of Normanby (Frank- land). INIasterpiece ( Hooper). Milton (Major). Miss Edwards (Turner). ♦Mr. Beck (Turner). Mrs. Bragg (Bragg). ♦Neptune (Hooper). Ophelia (Fellows). ♦Rubens (Turner). ♦Sir J. Franklin (Major). Supreme (Youell). *Thisbe (Hooper). Viceroy (Turner). Wonderful (Hooper). Zabdi (Thomson). CLASS III. WHITE GROUNDS. Almanzor (Le Messurier). Ariadne (Cook). Aurora (Bell). ♦Caroline (Thomson)., Climax (Bell). Duchess of Rutland (Thomson) Helen (Hunt), Jenny Lind (Thomson). ♦Luna (Thomson). *Miss Thomson (Thomson). Model of Perfection (Chater). i^Irs. Beck (Turner). Mrs. Hamilton (Nasmytli). Penelope (Thomson). Princess (Turner). Queen of England (Fellows). ♦Shvlock (Hooper). ♦SirR. Peel (Hale). 40 THE FLORIST. A PACKET OF SEEDS SAVED BY AN OLD GARDENER. [Continued from p. 20.] These boys were a terrible plague to the only friend I seemed to have in the world that wore a petticoat : they were always torment- ing her and calling her a witch ; and they had nearly persuaded me too that she was one, when she first took me up. She'd lost her husband not long before I came, and having nobody else to scold, she seemed glad of me to keep her tongue in tune ; and yet in a little while I found it was only a habit of hers, and a cover to a deal of real kindness. One while she'd scold me for not being clean, another time because my clothes were dirty or ragged, and then she'd scrub my head or neck, or wash my linen, or put a patch here and a darn there ; and take so little of my money for doing it, that she was another mother to me for these matters. This poor woman's work was weeding in the garden and shrub- bery walks, or sometimes round the plantation hedges ; and what with sun and wind and old age, she was like a shrivelled apple with a little red colour left in its cheeks. The only place she could go to for dinner was the shed where I slept ; and there, over the stoke- hole, we used to sit and eat together; and many's the tale of trouble that poor creature's told me, especially in winter, when we were both of us the worst off. If it hadn't been for her, I'm sure I should have gone off to sea, or for a drummer-boy, spite of the horrid tales I'd heard my father's old comrades tell about the wars, when they used to be drinking together after they'd drawn their pension- money. And talking of that, I've never read of any bloody murders to match things I've heard some of them boast of doing, and glory in too. Not my father, he was the wrong sort of man ; and often, after I'd been listening, he would say, "Bad work, boy, bad work; and who's to account for it by and by I don't know ; but I hope not me, though I've had so much to do with it." And I must say, that, to this day, I can't quite see how that which is so dreadfully wicked for a man to do to serve his own ends can be any thing else but wicked when it's done for some trumpery little quarrel between one country and another, such as I have read about in histories. But I must not forget this poor old woman. I've said the stable-boys called her a witch ; and to prove it, they said the cats would always get about her if they could, and she could handle snakes without their hurting her ; and one boy said he once caught her with a great ugly toad feeding out of her hand. At last the kettle got too hot to hold the water, and blew the lid off, for all the horses were taken bad together ; and the coachman complained to the squire that it was all because he had offended the old woman, and she had bewitched them. The squire, for fun, I suppose, called old Mary to book ; but she soon shewed him that it was because she gave the cats mice and little birds that they purred about her ; and if she handled snakes, it was only the harmless sorts, and not vipers. About the toad she FEBRUARY. 41 amused him a good deal, by fetching a handful of tan out of one of the pits, that ^vas full of sow-bugs, and bringing him out of the flower-pot he lived in, she put it before him, and, as the squire said, he stood like his pointer would have done at a pheasant, only turn- ing his bright eye, and sending out his long tongue, and licking the sow-bugs up with a click, one after the other, before they could run out of his reach. It taught me a lesson, if it didn't any body else ; and that was, to look into things myself, and not take all for granted people say ; and I believe if all of us that are gardeners did this, we should find many things we think bad, like little birds, frogs, toads, efts, lizards, and snakes too, are good things in their places. I was glad to find my old friend come off so well, for I couldn't have borne to have stopped where I was without her ; and we went on very comfortably together till she died, when, for a while, it was like losing my mother again, I was so very lonely. But this kind of life was oddly brought to a close. One No- vember night I was fast asleep, when I woke and thought the world was come to an end. A furious gust of wind had blown the top off a great elm that hung over the furnace-shed where I slept, and crushed in one end of the roof, smashed the glass of the greenhouse, and ruined the whole concern. This worked my deliverance ; for the squire coming with my lady to look at the mischief in the morn- ing, saw my crib, and said, "What's that hole for.''" (His sporting dogs' kennel was a beauty to it.) I was by, and answered, " It's my bed-place, sir." " The it is !" said he. ** Why didn't you complain to me about it .^" I began to tell him that I had once asked for a little more wages, when he had only said, " That be ." But before I had said as much he moved away. Now, he was not a bad-hearted man, but he never looked into such things, as he did into things about his dogs and horses ; and if he used foul language, in " the good old times" I suppose it was thought " the thing." This I know, every man and boy about the premises did the same, and tried to improve upon it; and that's another thing I've learnt, that let servants try to imitate " their betters" in any thing else, they were always beat ; but at swearing and the like. Jack was as good as gentleman ; and if nothing else didn't make the quahty leave off the habit, I wonder that didn't; for suchlike persons as our squire like to see a distinction, as much as any of the florists. [To be continued.] REMARKS ON BRITISH FERNS. (Continued from p. 11.) No. II. AsPLENiUM ALTERNiFOLiuM. That this apparently scarce British Fern has every appearance of being an intermediate form between A. sep- tentrionale and A. Ruta muraria, and more especially the latter, I NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. II. K 42 THE FLORIST. suspect but few British botanists will be inclined to deny, considering that the extreme states of many of our Ferns, exotic as well as British, are so very different to the youn^ states of the same plants. I am not, however, at present exactly disposed to assert that such is ac- tually the case, as I have not yet had sufficient opportunity afforded me to establish the fact. Notwithstanding, if we are led by analogy, it is just possible that it may yet prove to be such, as undoubtedly there is a wider difference between the same states in A. adiantum nigrum, as will be seen by the remarks in my last article on that plant. I have repeatedly detected A. lluta muraria in the south of England approaching very closely upon our present subject, the principal difference resting in the pinnules, which are rather wider in A. Ruta muraria than in A. alternifolium : can that constitute a specific difference ? To me this is rather an interesting plant, as I happened many years ago to be located in the vicinity of its habitat, as given by Mr. Dickson, on Tweed-side ; still I was never fortunate enough to detect it, although I made many anxious attempts, in fact such as might have been expected from a young and enthusiastic botanist in quest of a stranger, for such it really was to me at that time and for very many years afterwards. I am, however, of opinion, that the form was seen near Kelso by Mr. Dickson, as it was several years afterwards that I visited the spot ; besides it was nothing particular for me to have overlooked it, as I have apparently done so with respect to some of the other habitats lately given, and I have no doubt correctly, for the same plant in Scotland ; and that it will be found in other stations ere long is my firm conviction, as it is at times very difficult to account for the various transitions in a plant from one form to another ; and hence, in my oj)inion, the many unexpected and extra- ordinary discoveries of late years in the way of new species and varieties of British plants in general. In cultivation it requires the same treatment as its co-partner A. Ruta muraria ; light sandy loam and peat suits it, either in a pot or otherwise. I must, however, here remark, that some of our Ferns, whose habitats are the crevices of rocks and old walls, submit but very reluctantly to any state of cultivation, arising doubtless from the difficulty experienced in making them adhere to the soil at first. In this case it would be advisable to pot them, and retain them in the pots until they are thoroughly well rooted before planting out, giving them at the same time a well-sheltered roof on the fernery. A. Ruta muraria. This Fern is very plentiful in certain locali- ties, but only in a few where really good specimens of it are to be met with ; and as its favourite haunts appear to be the mortar of old walls, it is not very likely that it will often be found in a very luxu- riant state. I have often lost two-thirds of a given quantity before I could establish it in a pot. As I had occasion to refer to this plant in my remarks on the preceding, it is not necessary that I should say more at present upon this subject. Foot's Cray. Robert Sim. FEBRUARY. 43 THE FRUITIST. The Cosford Nut. This most excellent of all the true Nuts is but little known ; it, however, deserves a place in every garden for its abundant bearing, its sweetness, and excellent flavour, and for its very thin shell. In size it is between the common Hazel-nut and the large Cob, and is slightly cleft at its extreme end, so that it will open with a smart pressure of the finger and thumb. For garden- culture, in common with the Filbert, it is better to graft it on straight stems four to five feet in height, raised from seed of the Spanish Nut ; it must, however, be grafted by approach, or inarched. Pretty round-headed trees are soon formed, occupying but little space, and abundantly prolific. The Purple-leafed Filbert. This is commonly known in nurseries as the Purple-leafed Nut ; it is, however, a true Filbert, of the same excellent flavour as the red and white Filbert. Hitherto it has been considered merely an ornamental shrub, which indeed it is, with its large purple leaves ; but it well deserves a place in the fruit-garden, and more particularly as a standard, as recommended for the Cosford Nut, As it is, however, imjjossible to procure plants tall enough to inarch a stock four feet in height, dwarf plants may be potted, then placed on a platform or any four-legged stool three feet in height, the stocks planted close to the platform, and the shoots thus brought to the proper height, so as to be easily inarched. T. R. OUR MONTHLY REMEMBRANCER. Auriculas will require protection from cold winds, &c. As the fibres move, a mat or two should be thrown over the frames at night ; and towards the latter end it may be increased to three. Give air whenever the weather will permit, but close the frames against frosty winds. More frequent supplies of water may now be given, and the quantity increased as the plants advance in growth. Rain is more beneficial than artificial waterings. Top-dress if the weather is open ; look over the young stock in small pots at the same time, and select those most likely to throw good blooms, or all that have filled their pots with roots, and shift them into a size larger. This should be done without breaking the ball of earth ; and if the fibres are much entwined among the drainage -crocks, do not disturb them, the crocks will do no harm ; cleanse all pots before using them a second time, prepare tallies, crocks for drainage, and have every necessary in readiness before commencing the work. Remove the top-soil down to the roots, which should be disturbed as little as possible. Take away all offsets that have a shoulder or tap formed, in order to strengthen the plant for blooming, and fill up with fresh soil a little above the bottom part of the foliage, covering the stem well. Plant the largest and best-rooted offsets in separate pots, and those with fewer fibres two or more in a pot. Protect them in a cold frame, or under a handglass, till they have become established. 44 THE FLORIST. The unrooted should be planted round the sides of small pots, and plunged in a south border up to the rim ; place a piece of tile or slate between each to prevent the entry of worms, and cover them with small Carnation- glasses. Keep the soil only moderately moistened ; they will root more quickly than if kept in a wet state : neither night-covering nor shading will be required. Secure the plants from slugs, by pressing the soil firmly round the rims of the glasses. Let the composts for offsets be, three measures of leaf-mould, one of medium loam, and one of silver- sand ; and that for top-dressing equal parts of decomposed sheep-manure, cow-manure, and loam of me- dium strength ; or nightsoil, cow- manure, and loam equal parts. Horse-manure may be used as a substitute for either of the above, if not at hand. The best and safest mode of taking offsets is care- fully breaking them out of the old stem, and filling the wound with a little finely-pounded charcoal. If the knife can be dispensed with, all the better. The sap flows from a cut wound for a considerable time, weakens the plant, quickly decomposes, and in many instances ultimately destroys the plant ; while from the broken wound the sap dries up immediately, and becomes sound, although presenting a rough appearance to the eye. Seed, if not already sown, should be put in at once. See that the soil in the seed-pans last month is kept moistened. As soon as it makes its appearance, give a slight sprinkling now and then of manure-water, i. e. an ounce of saltpetre of the oil- shops dissolved in a gallon of clean soft water, but carefully avoid exceeding these proportions. Calceolarias. Shift all plants required for exhibition, as in this month they will commence growing freely, and must not be allowed to get pot-bound. Draw the syringe over them occasionally towards evening when shut up, as they enjoy it, and repay sucli little attentions. Carnations and Picotees should be entirely open on every favourable occasion, and may be allowed to receive a little soft rain ; take care, however, that they do not get too much ; as the time is near at hand that they will be exposed to all weathers, the more hardy and exposed they are grown, the better. Keep the mould and pots dry, in readiness for potting ; and free the plants from de- cayed foliage. Cold Frames. The long continuance of mild weather during the past month has tended to encourage a degree of growth in the occupants of these structures; the consequence of which is, that their tissues are full of sap, particularly in instances where air has been admitted rather sparingly ; and in this state they are less able to resist either frost or damp, than if they had experienced harder treatment. Precautionary measures, as regards protection, must therefore still be adopted ; have sufficient covering materials at hand, "wherewith to bid defiance to frost ; water sparingly and carefully ; remove decaying leaves the moment they make their appearance ; and admit air freely whenever the weather will permit. Should green-fly r.ppear, fumigate ; but be careful in performing this opera- tion not to admit smoke in too warm a condition ; better fumigate on two successive evenings than run any risk of injuring the plants by FEBRUARY. 45 one strong dose. It is usual to syringe the plants after fumigating ; but at this season, unless a bright day occurs, this must be avoided, owing to the encouragement it would give to damp. A pair of strong bellows freely used among the plants will remove the dust which may have lodged upon the leaves, and also the greater portion of the dead insects, and the syringe may be used any morning after- wards, when there is a prospect of getting the damp dispelled during the day. Towards the end of the month preparations should be made for potting off the stock early in March ; for this purpose, sufficient soil of a suitable character should be stored in a dry place ; pots and crocks should also be in readiness. And it may be advisable to en- courage a little growth in the plants previous to potting ; this may be accomplished by giving less air during the day, and shutting up early in the afternoon. Those whose "bedding-out j^jlants" are scanty must make provision for increasing their stock. For this purpose a little heat will be necessary ; and this may be obtained by means of a hot-bed, which may be composed of two parts fresh tree-leaves and one part rank stable-dung. These should be well intermixed and thrown up in a heap to heat, when the bed may be formed of the required dimensions. It must be borne in mind, how- ever, that a bed to retain heat during the changeable weather which we usually experience at this season, must not be less than six feet long and live feet wide, and three feet six inches high in front ; the back should be as much higher than the front as will cause the frame to incline to the south at an angle of from 25° to 30°. A bed of these dimensions will afford a sufficient amount of heat for the pur- pose, particularly if it is thatched all round with two or three inches of straw. This w^ould guard it from piercing winds, and would prove a great saving of trouble and expense, which otherwise might be required in the shape of hnings. As soon as the heat rises, a covering of sifted coal-ashes three inches thick should be jjlaced upon the dung, and pressed closely against the sides of the frame ; this will serve as a medium for plunging in, and also prevent the ingress of rank steam from the dung, &c. The plants from which cuttings are wanted should be encouraged to make wood ; and if the hot-bed is properly managed, it will afford ample heat for tliis ])urpose. When the cuttings are removed, they should be inserted in pots filled with silver- sand or light sandy soil covered with a bell-glass and plunged in the coal-ashes. Nothing will be gained, however, in point of time, by separating the cutting from the parent plants until the w^ood is tolerably matured. Have the pots filled with the soil, &c., and placed in the frame two or three days before they are required ; this will vv'arm the material, and prevent the cuttings from receiving a check, which they would do if they were inserted in cold damp soiL It is presumed that there will be nothing to fear from frost as regards the pro])agating frame, but damp will require to be carefully guarded against. If the temperature inside the frame averages at G0° without sun heat, it will be sufficiently high, and will allow of air being admitted rather freely during sunshine ; but cold currents must be avoided ; and to efi'ect this, give air by raising the sheltered end of the sash, or by hanging a mat over the opening ; 46 THE FLORIST. the glasses with which the cuttings are covered should be frequently- taken off and wiped dry ; and water must be very carefully applied, indeed very little will be required. Dahlias. Observe if any choice variety is decaying or rotting downwards from the stems, in which case it should at once be placed in heat, to make growth before it has gone below the eyes. Epaciiises. No alteration will be necessary till the blooming season is over, and spring sufficiently advanced to give them their annual shift. Ericas. Give air when it can be done with safety: have all things ready to begin potting in March. Flower-Gardens. The present month, although still character- ised by a paucity of flowers, will furnish more than the last. The gay and varied -coloured Crocus, if provision was made at planting time for a display of its showy flowers, will supply a rich mass of colourc The Snowdrop will also be in full blossom, and no garden ought to be without an abundance of it. The winter Aconite will also lend its mite of interest and variety to the scene. These are all plants of easy culture ; and they may be removed after flowering to a spare corner, where they will perfect their growth, and prepare for the next February. They are cheap, and they pro|)agate themselves rapidly. Get every corner dug, so that the soil may be exposed to the influence of the weather. Sweep and roll gravel-walks and grass, and keep every spot in the neatest possible order. If any alterations are projected, they should be proceeded with as rapidly as possible ; all should be finished in the course of the month. If a supply of the early-blooming annuals was sown in the reserve-garden last Septem- ber, these should be transferred to the beds towards the end of the month ; or if sown now, they will come into flower towards the middle of May, and will be acceptable during the time in which the beds would otherwise be very deficient of flower. FucH;:iAs. Should the month prove genial, the plants that have been wintered in cold frames will begin to push : turn them out, re- duce the ball, cut back the roots, and repot them. Spur them back in a way best calculated to form a bushy head, place them for a week or two in a moderately warm house, or, if returned to the frame, keep it close ; water sparingly. Those selected for early bloom have, or ought to have been ere this, started in heat, and made sufficient growth to render occasional stopping necessary ; this should not be neglected. Do not force too much at first ; like a skilful whip, ra- ther increase the speed as you proceed on the journey ; a maximum temperature of 50° by day, and a minimum of 35° at night, is most suitable. As the roots strike the side or bottom of the pot, shift to the next size larger, using compost that has been shut up for at least a fortnight in a stove. Cuttings may be struck in gentle heat, covering with a handglass. Sow seed in pots in heat to induce early germination, or in all probability the plants will not bloom till the following year. Greenhouse. As the amount of solar light will be considerably more this month than last, the temperature may be allowed to range some 5° or 10° higher, but be sparing in the application of fire-heat. rERRUARY, 47 If it is desired to encourage growth in some of tlie inmates, as will probably be the case, such plants should be collected and placed together at one end of the house, where very little air should be given, and a little fire-heat might be used, which, with a little man- agement, might be made to maintain a temjierature at the warm end, such as vvould greatly assist in forwarding the progress of the plants ; and air might be admitted to those in the cool end of the house, so as to prevent their being affected by the lire-heat. Plants that are pot-bound may now be shifted into larger pots ; but remember that upon the proper performance of this operation depends, in a great measure, future success. It will be advisable after potting to place the plants in the warmest end of the house, in order to encourage them to strike root into the fresh soil. Great care must be observed in Matering newly-potted plants ; if too much is given, the fresh soil will become sodden, in which case the death of the plant is all but certain, and, on the other hand, the old ball may become too dry. A great help towards avoiding both these extremes will be found in raising the new soil about an inch higher than the old ball ; this is best done by placing turfy pieces upon the fresh soil, neatly and closely packed together, and made to stand about an inch higher than the old ball ; these will prevent the water running off through the fresh soil, and will force it to find its way through the ball where the mass of the roots are. Those who are fortunate enough to pos- sess a stock of Japan Lilies — and every amateur should strive to have them — should see that they are potted in fresh soil, as they will soon be making roots ; a few might be encouraged to start into growth, so as to have them in flower some time previous to their ordinary blooming season. The general stock will require more water this month than last ; water only when necessary, and then thoroughly ; and endeavour to water during the early part of the day, when air can be given, to prevent damp settling ujjon and spoiling the flowers. Pansies. If the weather be severe, protect them with inverted flower-pots. Repot those for blooming under glass into 7-inch pots, in soil similar to that for blooming Carnations in, but with more sand. If the plant is long, peg it down ; if otherwise, secure it with a small ])iece of deal stick, or they will often be injured by rocking to and fro, for they must be kept open generally, or they will draw. There will be a few vacancies to till up in the beds, and the seedlings will require looking to. Pelargoniums. Plants stopped for June flowering will have broken well by this time, and should be shifted, as well as all young stock-plants that have filled their pots with roots. If the latter are in 4 -inch pots, shift into a (J-inch size ; if they were struck from cuttings of last summer, it is as large as they require to bloom in. In shifting, rub off the outside and top of the ball. Plants which were finally shifted in autumn will require thorough watering, in order to moisten the ball throughout : this is of much importance. Seedlings as last month. Pinks. Press the soil to those that have been loosened by frosts. In severe weather give extra protection to delicate varieties. 48 THE FLORIST. Polyanthuses in pots should be top-dres«ed with a compost of equal parts cow-manure, loam of medium strength, and leaf-mould. Remove a little of the top soil, pick off decayed foliage, and earth up a full half-inch above the stem of the plant, that the young spring roots may early receive the benefit of the compost. Polyanthuses require more water than Auriculas ; when they require it, let them receive refreshing showers in temperate weather. Those in borders, if not already done, should be earthed up forthwith ; slugs should he killed by watering with lime-water. Sow Polyanthus seed, if not already done. Ranunculuses. About the middle of the month, with a coarse rake proceed to make the surface of the beds level, and not more than an inch higher than the surrounding walks. If the quantity of tubers be small, they may be planted with a dibble, so that the crowns of the tubers are 1^ inch in depth, and 5 x 5 or 6 X 6 inches apart. Seedling roots, though small the second year, require an inch more space than older varieties, in consequence of their sub- sequent vigour. If the quantity of roots be large, make drills a full inch deep, and press the claws of the tubers carefully into the soil, in order that the crowns may be the requisite depth, and the tubers secured from rising by the natural swell occasioned by rapid ab- sorption of a large amount of moisture. Rake level, and keep an eye to the operations of lobworms. Roses in Pots. As last month, be careful when watering, &c. not to break off the lengthening shoots, which the shghtest touch will readily do. Fumigate for green-fly. Shrubbery. Where this department has been judiciously planted and properly managed, it will be at this season the most interesting part of the garden. The old and all but neglected Mezereon will be, " Though leafless, well attired and thick beset With blushing wreaths investing every spray." One of the most delightfully fragrant plants which finds a home in our climate will also be in flower during the present month, viz. Chimonanthus fragrans. This well deserves and should receive the shelter of a wall with a southern aspect, where it might have the protection of a mat or a wooden shutter in case of severe weather. It will thrive in any light sandy soil. Jasminum nudiflorum is a plant well deserving of a place in even small collections ; it flowers early, and is of considerable beauty. These, with the beautiful Laurestinus, should be abundantly planted about every villa garden. Planting should be finished as speedily as possible, as every day which this is delayed after this month will increase the risk of failure. In planting, have a careful eye to the future size and habits of the plants. But never plant without previously having the ground pro- perly trenched and prepared. In pruning, cut away such branches of the less valuable sorts as will alFord space to the more desirable varieties. Avoid deep digging of shrubbery borders. If the spade is used at all, it should be merely to turn over the surface, so as to give a fresh appearance. Tulips. Guard them from frost ; stir the surface of the bed on a mild day. MARCH. -49 HEATING HORTICULTURAL BUILDINGS, PARTICULARLY UPON THE TANK SYSTEM. There are a variety of plans for heating glass erections. First, we have the old-fashioned flues ; and whatever may be said to tlie contrary, if they are well constructed, they answer the purpose entirely. Many of tlie late John Wilinot's houses, in which were produced the fruit for which his name was so famous throughout the country, were heated in this primitive manner; and we know several amateurs who quite {)refer this plan to hot water circulating in pipes. We do not agree with them; on the contrary, we should never think of heating a new house with flues, although one of our old erections so heated contains plants which, for health and luxuriance, are undistinguishable from any other portion of our collection. Of Polmaise we can say nothing favourable, having never seen a house heated entirely upon the principle, although we have seen many modifications of it which were called Pol- maise, and to which we should prefer flues. Arnott's stoves we have seen fixed at considerable cost, and we have also wit- nessed their removal to make room for hot- water pipes. But of the tank system we can speak in the most unqualified praise; and, after many years' experience, without the slightest failure, pronounce it unequalled for the general purposes of amateur gardeners. Believing that many of our readers are similarly interested in the question with our esteemed correspondent, we print a letter of inquiry we have received upon the subject, and gladly give such information as we possess. I am about to build a small tank, about 18 feet in length, and 9 feet in breadth, and of proportionate height, chiefly for the purpose of growing a few Orchids and Ferns, as well as for striking cuttings, and hastening into bloom plants for my conservatory. I am especially anxious for the benefit of your judgment and experience as to the material of which the tank should be made, whether of wood, slate, or iron. Tanks are beginning to come into great use at this place, and some difference of opinion exists as to the proper material of which they should be made. Two friends of mine had them made of wood; but they soon began to leak, so that they were taken up, and re- placed by iron ones. Another friend has one of wood, and it answers well. Slate has not been tried yet, though recommended by yourself for many garden purposes. You will confer a very great favour on myself and on many others, by giving, at an early period, full and complete instructions on tank-building. I ask the favour somewhat confidently, knowing, NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. III. F 50 THE FLORIST. as I do, so well, your readiness and desire to promote the interests of all gardening pursuits. Hull. F. 11. Horner, M.D. We have a range of narrow lean-to houses in tliree divi- sions of about 50 feet each, respectively heated with iron, wooden, and slate tanks. In addition, our Orchid-house is furnished with two wooden tanks with a path between them. They were originally contrived as beds in which Roses in pots were plunged and brought forward by gentle bottom-heat ; but they fully answer the purpose to which they are now applied. With the experience these houses give us, we proceed to a little description. Any one intending to erect a tank should first carefully consider what his wants are. Dr. Horner requires one to afford him atmospheric as well as bottom heat, and therefore we say, use iron ; for when the surface of the tank is covered with a material in which the pots are plunged, there will be abundant radiation from the bottom and sides to heat the atmosphere, which perhaps will not be the case if the tank is constructed of wood. Slate is entirely unfit for the pur- pose : it cannot be depended upon ; for it splits with expan- sion from heat, and from contraction in suddenly cooling. We have made ours tight at last, after much trouble and expense, by doubling it, with a waterproofing material placed between the two thicknesses, and in this manner it answers admirably. For greenhouse purposes, when the house is used merely as a conservatory for plants in the winter, wooden tanks, in our estimation, are superior to every thing else. For instance, the portion of the 15()-feet range so heated alluded to above, is on the following plan. Upon some 3 x S^-inch oak posts, 21 inches above the ground-line, with bearers framed into the same 3 x 2i-inch placed edgeways, is fixed a tank, formed of li-inch best yellow deal, entirely free from sap, dead knots, and shakes. For the bottom, the boards are placed length- ways, ploughed and feather-tongued, and bolted together with § bolts and nuts ; sides and ends the same, 9 inches deep, put together with back nails and white-lead in all joints. Down the inside and centre of the tank, to within 6 inches of the end farthest from the boiler, runs a l^-inch board on edge, 6 inches deep, with fillet round the sides of the tank of the same height. On these rest half-inch slates laid crossways, and beneath them 5 inches of water circulates through a boiler, the flow- pipe from which is introduced on one side of the division at the end of the tank, about 2 inches from the bottom, whilst the return-pipe is fixed in the bottom itself, and on the other side of the division. This forms the heating apparatus; but to make a plunging bed for propagation, the tank is deepened by MARCH. 51 removable sides, 7 inches deep, stayed by light iron bolts here and there, tightened by a nut and screw, to prevent their spreading outwards, whilst they are firmly secured on the top of the lieating tank by wooden studs. From the edge of the tank spring a series of shelves, rising with the pitch of tlie roof to the wall. Now for the advantages of this plan over hot-water pipes ; and we particularly request the attention of our readers to this point, assuring tliem that we have never used any fer- menting material, such as dung or leaves, from the day we set our first wooden tank at work, and consequently we have neither had the trouble nor litter they once occasioned us. During the season when our wooden tank-house is required as a greenhouse, the plants are placed upon the shelves as in any common erection of the kind, and the heat radiated from the surface of the slate efficiently excludes any amount of frost we are liable to. The flowering season over, the three lower shelves are removed, the surface of the tank is covered with the plunging material to the edge, and in this the cut- ting-pots, or whatever may require bottom-heat, are placed and covered with hand-lights. Here at once we have a pro- pagating pit of the best description ; for the sides of the tank being of wood, a non-conductor of heat, a small quantity of firing is sufficient for two or three days' gentle heating. When the business of propagation is over, the plunging material is removed, the shelves are replaced, and the young plants are arranged upon them. The space beneath the tanks is occu- pied by Gloxinias, Achimenes, Liliums, &c., which are placed there as they go out of bloom, as an entirely dry spot, where they are admirably rested for the winter. Now if the tank required by Dr. Horner was made of wood, as we said before, we fear he would at times be short of atmo- spheric heat, which cannot be the case if iron is used in its con- struction. The best arrangement of all w'ould be a wooden tank for the bed, and hot-water pipes to heat the air, all com- municating with one boiler, and with stop-cocks on both flow- pipes, to insure a perfect control over the whole arrangement. Another word in favour of well-constructed wooden tanks. If we were dropped down in a spot far removed from any thing in the shape of an engineer, we should, with the aid of a carpenter and a plumber, and a large-sized strong copper boiler of Stephenson's, such as we have long had at work, be able to garden away under glass most merrily. Wherever wooden tanks have failed, the fault has been in construction. The four we have had in use for years are as sound and as free from a leak as any other apparatus on the premises. Worton Cottage, Isleworth. Edward Beck. 52 TIIK FLORIST. NATIONAL FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. It is with very great satisfaction we inform our readers that the pre- liminary steps iiave been taken by some influential Florists to form a Fioricultural Society for the whole kingdom, upon the most en- larged and approved basis. The use of the Horticultural Society's exhibition-room, 21 Regent Street, has been obtained, and a better one for the display of Florists' productions could not be found in all London. Its immediate vicinity to the Universal Office, Regent Circus, from which conveyances are constantly running to and from all the railway termini, is no small advantage. We understand a preliminary meeting will shortly be held, and as soon afterwards as ])ossible, a public one will be called, which we hope will be very largely attended. It would be premature in us to assume what rules and regulations may be proposed ; every thing of the kind will no doubt receive the fullest consideration, and every suggestion offered to the promoters of the society will be gladly accepted and duly weighed. Every one must see the absolute necessity of such a society being formed, if the best interests of floriculture are to be promoted. Raisers are tired of this and that editor's opinion upon seedling productions, and of certificates granted by societies, which, costing nothing, are worthless. All want what the proposed society is calculated to afford, — public exhibitions in broad daylight, in a first-rate situation, paid judges, disinterested reports, and full and free discussions conducted in a proper manner. Purchasers will hail with pleasure its establishment, and look carefully over its reports before they buy what is advertised. We can easily imagine that opposition will arise ; but that may very easily be lived down. The door will be left open for every well-disposed Florist to enter; and we anticipate no little pleasure from attending meetings, where will be gathered, from far and wide, the productions of the whole country, as well as many of our most eminent Florists. It is very desirable that those gentlemen who are taking upon themselves the labour of the preliminary arrangements should have the countenance and sup- port of every one who sees, with us, the necessity of a central and universal society. Until the thing is brought into more shape, we shall be glad to receive and hand over to the parties alluded to, any thing that may be forwarded to us, whether names as subscribers, or suggestions. For ourselves, we shall gladly subscribe, and exhibit every thing we produce, promising to submit, without any repining, to the decisions of the censors, whoever they may be. We wish it was in full operation at this time, that we might exhibit a quantity of seedling Cinerarias, now in full bloom, many of which we would gladly submit to its censors. MARCH. 53 NOTES FROM THE LOG-BOOK OF AN ERRATIC MAN. No. III. WEEDS OF THE OCEAN. In a large and well-appointed ship, when the commander really takes an interest in his crew, and feels it no less his duty than his ])leasure to attend to their moral as well as physical condition, a Sabbath at sea is, under most conditions, a delightful day. In a vessel of this kind to which I once belonged, a free-trader to the East Indies, the performance of divine service on Sundays was never omitted, unless in very bad weather indeed. At a quarter to eleven the bell tolled for church, and at the hour, the crew, after being mustered in their best clothes, which were warm woollen or white duck, according to the climate we were in, took their seats on forms ranged across the quarter-deck ; on each side the passen- gers and officers, with the servants, were seated ; the capstan was covered with the ensign, and served for the reading-desk ; and from this place the captain read the service, one of the officers or the steward acting as clerk. Beautiful and impressive as the service of the Church of England is, no prayer in the whole collection ever found such a place with me when on the wide ocean, as that one specially appointed to be read at sea, varied as it should be to suit the merchant-service. And as it has happened to me to be afloat on a Sunday when a passenger in a large steamer, and the clergy- man who officiated appeared ignorant of its existence, or if not, neglected to read it, I shall introduce it without further preface, recommending my clerical readers not to forget it on the like occa- sions : " O eternal Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the raging of the sea ; who hast compassed the waters with bounds, until day and night come to an end ; be pleased to receive into Thy almighty and most gracious protection the persons of us Thy servants, and the ship in which we serve. Preserve us from the dangers of the sea, and from the violence of the enemy ; and grant that we may return in safety to enjoy the blessings of the land, with the fruits of our labours, and with a thankful remem- brance of Thy mercies, to praise and glorify Thy holy Name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Well, it was a lovely Sunday morning, just as the order was given at the conclusion of divine service to " clear away the church," that the officer of the watch presented himself, and reported to the captain, " We are in the weed, sir." What is a weed ? Every body seems to understand the word, and to feel an instinctive aversion to the idea ; but to explain it leaves many a dictionary at fault. All the rarest and most cherished objects of horticulture are but weeds of another clime. The fact is, that all small plants out of their place are branded with the name ; but in its place there is nothing in creation so despised or so insig- 54 THE FLORIST. nificant as not to have its claims upon our sympathy and regard. Now, of all the tribe of weeds, there is a proverb of 2000 years* standing, that those belonging to the sea are of least account ; and yet doubtless many that " go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters," can with me bear witness to the deep feelings of interest, even to emotion, they are calculated to excite. For instance, when the above announcement was made, " We are in the weed, sir," many amongst our number were soon looking over the ship's side ; those who were returning to England for the first time mechanically followed. Yet what was there to see } Scat- tered upon the face of the glittering waters, in single pieces and in patches, was a yellow sea-weed. And was that all? Yes, and a delightful all it was. India had been left, the Cape rounded, St. Helena called at for letters, the line crossed, the southern constel- lations had given place in our night-watches to Charles's Wain and the Polar Star ; and here we were on a Sunday morning, with de- licious weather, looking upon a simple yet unerring sign that we were now fast and assuredly drawing towards Old England. It spoke to all " Of home, and friends, and that dear time" long looked forward to ; and many of us blessed the stream of the Gulf of Mexico for bearing us this certainty of our whereabout. For myself, I spent that afternoon in one of the boats on the quarter, looking with delight at our noble ship, as with well-filled sails, low and aloft, she made music with the merry waves which seemed to laugh around her and wish her joy, as she pressed through them, flinging them from her broad bows in foam and showers of spray. I have grown, and successfully too, many flowers ; have enjoyed floricultural triumphs ; but I can truly say, that nothing of the kind has ever produced in my mind such exuberant delight, such emotions of hope and anticipated enjoyment, as were always created by a sight of these WEEDS OF THE OCEAN. DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FANCY PELARGONIUMS. Before proceeding to give the list in detail, it may perhaps be as well to say a word or two respecting the flowers which form the subject of our Plate. They were raised by Mr. E. G. Henderson of the Wellington Nursery, St. John's Wood, who has been very suc- cessful in producing many fine seedlings of various kinds, and were figured from plants exhibited at the Worton-Cottage Meetings. As the Plate will speak for itself, it is unnecessary to say any thing respecting the flowers represented, beyond stating, that being com- pact and handsome growers, they will be found useful additions to every collection. Annexed is the list alluded to : — Jaf^4ntlreiirf Dchf ^ ZTnre h*-irura [if I l-hah^. FeJar^ojiiinriE J heautv of Fl JohriE iwod. Z ExqinsrtP MARCH. 55 Defiance. Very dark maroon, with white belt all round, and pure white throat; size and form good, and a profuse bloomer. FoRMOSuM. Beautiful rosy crimson, upper petals shaded with purple, white ground, bottom petals clouded with the same colour ; good in habit, and a free bloomer. PicTURATUM. Upper petals rosy carmine, white ground, lower petals distinctly spotted with cherry ; very dwarf in habit, and an abundant bloomer. Jenny Lind. Ground-colour white, upper petals beautiful car- mine with white margin ; lower petals spotted with bright cherry ; fine in form, and robust in habit ; very free bloomer. MoDESTUM. Ground-colour white, upper petals bright rose, with white belt ; fine in form ; very dwarf in habit ; an abundant bloomer, both early in spring and late in autumn. Queen ISuperb. Ground-colour light flesh, upper petals spotted with bright rose, and havmg a white belt ; good in habit, and a free bloomer. Fairy Queen. Ground-colour white, upper petals bright crim- son with white margin, under petals spotted with crimson ; very showy, and a profuse bloomer ; perhaps the best flower for general purposes yet raised. Minerva. Ground-colour rosy lilac, upper petals veined ; a pro- fuse bloomer. Garland. Rosy-purple ground, clouded with violet; dwarf in habit, and an abundant bloomer. Alboni. Upper petals rosy purple with an edging of blush, under petals blush, sometimes blotched; good in habit, and a free bloomer. Hero of Surrey. Upper petals nearly black, and belted with white ; lower petals while with a crimson spot in each ; a free flowerer, and good in habit. Anais. Upper petals bright rosy pink shaded with purple, light ground, lower petals rosy pink with a light margin ; good in habit, and a free flowerer. Statiaski. Upper petals maroon with light margin, lower ones dark crimson with light margin; fine in habit, and an abundant bloomer. Zelia. Upper and lower petals rosy pink, with a light throat and margin ; fine in form, and a free bloomer. Madame Meillez. Upper petals dark crimson, lower ones light crimson, throat and margin light; form indifferent, but an abundant blocmer and good in habit. Orestes. Upper petals bright rosy crimson with purplish spot, under petals crimson purple with white centre ; a fine showy flower, and a very free bloomer. Reine des Fran^ais. Bouquet tout fait. Of these two I have not a flower at present whereby to judge of their colours. The above are all distinct and fine, and tolerably free growers. Batiersea. A. Ambrose. 56 THE FLORIST, PROPERTIES OF THE CALCEOLARIA. Having frequently heard conflicting oi)inions respecting the proper- ties of the Calceolaria, and my own opinion having heen often soli- cited in the matter, I venture to lay it before the public through the medium of the Florist. An opinion has long been entertained that this flower, to be perfect, ought to assume a globular form, even to the roundness of a cherry. Now this I think a decided error ; for even were such a form attainable, in order to carry out a correspond- ing uniformity it would seem to require more than one orifice, and similar markings all round the flower, which could not be character- istic, inasmuch as the markings would not be fully displayed ; and certainly the clouded and belted varieties would be much deteriorated, as truth and beauty could not be so boldly and clearly developed in flowers of so crippled or contracted a surface as those of a globular form would present. Before I proceed to describe the properties of the flower, it may not be improper first to mention that the Calceo- laria ought ever to be of a shrubby or half-shrubby character, with broad willow-like or neat ovate leaves, diflfering as much as may be in foliage from the coarse broad leaves of the herbaceous kinds. From this criterion we have all more or less diverged, and ought now to retrace our steps till we have regained a habit similar to one I first raised, and sent out under the name of " Majoriana," whose habit was freer, and whose leaves were larger, than Ilugosa. It is doubt- ful, were we to fall back upon real hard-wooded varieties like Ru- gosa, whether we should not be deficient in magnitude of flower. However, I hardly need say it is certain that magnificent blooms can be obtained without being obliged to cultivate the cabbage-like her- baceous kinds which I have at all times made a point of discarding. I may here state that the plants should be free and healthy in growth, exhibiting their blossoms loosely and freely on strong footstalks, suf- ficiently long to allow their blossoms to hang elegantly, shewing the face of the flower as much as possible. With regard to the properties of the Calceolaria : 1 . Its outline ought to be a perfect circle ; but in varieties such as this, breadth in form being preferred to length. 2. The flowers must be thick and firm in texture, and well inflated, shewing a swell both back and front, and the upper or front surface must be especially bold, swelling gradually from the edge or outline of the flower to the centre, and well filled about the orifice or throat, which should be perfectly smooth and round, and not too large. 3. The outline of the flower must be even and without notches, and the surface smooth, without ribs or furrows. 4. The lip or cap ought to be round and even, and not larger than what might seem to form a proper lid for the orifice ; and not too long in the neck, so as to fall back, but rather low or squat, so as to seem to hang over the orifice, and not to disfigure the circular outline of the flower. 5. (This head will be best illustrated by referring to the flowers figured in the Florist for December 1850.) When the flower is marked or spotted equally all over the surface, as MARCH. 57 at figs. 2 and 6 in the plate, then the cap or upper lip ou;;ht to be nicely spotted or marked, as they are there represented ; but when the markinn^s are densely gathered into the centre only, as at fig. 1, then I think it would be decidedly out of character to have the cap marked, as that would break the continuity of the belting. Although the ground-colour of the margin of figs. 3 and 7 is a little broken ])y spots, yet the dense markings in the centre, and the prevailing quan- tity of ground-colour in the margin, warrant the cap to partake of the ground-colour free of spots. Figs. 4 and 5, being more regularly marked all over the surface, would have been more in character with marked or spotted caps. In selfs or clouded varieties — varieties much wanted — clearness, richness, and brilliancy of colour are essential points. I know no family of plants in which so many distinct varieties may be produced without perplexity or confusion, nor one in which so many decided improvements have been made as regards form, markings, and richness of colour. And still much remains to be done ; and I think we ought to be particularly careful, while we aim at perfection, not to discard for some trifling defect, new, rich, and distinct varieties, until decidedly better flowers in the same class are produced. Up to the present time, attention to form has prevailed to the almost total exclusion of beauty and richness of colour in the markings. Form is undoubtedly a grand desideratum, but beauty and richness of colour are, in my opinion, at least its equals, and neither should prevail to the total exclusion of the other. Knosthorpe near Leeds, Jan. 7, 1851. Henry Major. REMAPtKS ON BRITISH FERNS. No. III. ASPLENIUM. A. sKPTENTRiONALE. In the wild state of this truly Alpine British Fern, we usually find the fronds once divided, with the segments toothed at the extremity ; but I have nevertheless had it under cul- tivation with the fronds repeatedly divided, and each division having several linear segments, which were also deeply toothed at their ex- tremities, and in this state of development it forms a very handsome tuft from three to four inches high. It requires to be well established in pots, if intended for the fernery ; and then, notwithstanding that it is an inhabitant of bleak, arid, and lofty mountains, it requires a well- sheltered nook, with a soil consisting of peat, loam, and silver- sand. Like most other Ferns, out-of-doors it requires to be protected from the attacks of slugs. It is not particularly rare ; but its habitats are not always very accessible to the collector. A. viRiDE. This pretty little Fern for the most part inhabits the crevices of moist shady rocks in sub-alpine countries ; and in some of these I have seen it extremely luxuriant, in short producing 58 THE FLORIST. fronds from six to nine inches high. I am not aware that there is any thing particularly attractive about its roots to induce grubs to attack them ; but I have had my entire stock destroyed more than once by their attacks, and that too before I was aware of their pre- sence, as the fronds continued green and upright for some time after the roots were entirely gone; on removing the soil, however, I soon discovered the cause. This is doubtless chiefly the reason of its being said to be difficult to cultivate. When planted out, it is not so sub- ject to their attacks. Young plants are at all times preferable to old ones ; a fact which I have often proved. The fronds are pin- nated, the pinnse roundish, and the whole plant exhibits a pleasing green. A. TRicHOMANEs. Much like the preceding, but generally stouter, and differing in the shape of the pinnae, which are dark green, with the rachis black. It appears to submit to cultivation much better than A. viride, and readily produces an abundance of seedlings, which appear, at least so far as I have seen, to come exactly like the original. Its habitats are rocks and old walls, both in the shade and out of it. A. FONTANUM. In this elegant little Fern we have a rather doubt- ful native, indeed I am inclined to beheve that few, if any, botanists of the present day have been fortunate enough to meet with it in a truly wild state. I have, it is true, both heard and read of its being detected in certain localities, but no further notice appears to have been taken of such discoveries. In short, I never considered it a really British plant, notwithstanding that I have known it for nearly forty years, and I believe I have successfully cultivated it for nearly as many. It readily adheres to a soil of peat, loam, and silver-sand, and consequently is not impatient under cultivation. Foot's Cray, Kent, Robkrt Sim. WINTERING THE CARNATION. No one, I should imagine, who has at all studied the nature of the plant will doubt its perfect hardiness. Carnation-frames do not require guarding so much from frost as from excessive wet. My own frames are constantly thrown open when the atmosphere is clear and dry, though the frost may be severe. I prefer narrow frames of considerable inclination, hinged to a hanging stile at the back, to the ordinary cucumber-frame ; for when the lights are propped in front two or three inches, there is still sufficient slope to throw oflf the rain. Such frames, after being placed in an aspect as near north as possible, are filled as close to the top as will allow the lights to be closed if necessary without crushing the plants, with finely sifted cinders, which are watered with a rosed watering-pot, and rendered somewhat firm by gently beating with the back of a spade. They are then holed with a hollow tapering tube of tin or copper, which is, in fact, the old-fashioned Tulip-planter, and the pots are plunged to within about half an inch of their rims. MARCH. 59 By this means a cavity is left below the bottom of the pots which ensures perfect drainage. The surface-soil can be kept moderately dry, as the roots receive sufficient moisture through the sides of the pots from the surrounding bed of ashes, rendering watering unne- cessary from the time they are finally arranged, about the end of October, until the first genial shower from the southward, in the latter end of January or beginning of February, occurs, when it may be permitted to fall on them for an hour or two together. Plants so wintered will be found to resist the cutting east winds of March, and, of late years, of April also, better than those which have been rendered tender and delicate by injudicious confinement, and which are excited to premature growth by winter and early spring sunshine. Woolwich. J. W. New HALL. THE FRUITIST. The October Greengage Plum. This, the " Reine Claude d'Octobre" of the French, is one of the best autumn Plums. I intro- duced it from France some five or seven years since. In shape and colour, even to those pretty spots of amber which are generally found on a well-ripened Greengage Plum, it is exactly like its favourite namesake ; but in size and season it diflfers widely ; it is scarcely more than half the size of a large Greengage, and ripens towards the middle of October, when Greengage Plums are almost out of mind as well as sight ; this renders it peculiarly valuable. In flavour it exactly resembles its near relative ; but in cool wet autumns it is not so rich. South of the Trent it bears most abundantly either as a standard or pyramid ; further north it ought to have a wall either s.w. or s.E. For cultivation in pots in the orchard-house it is admirably adapted, as its fruit may be preserved on the trees till November. The Mirabelle Plum. This, which ranks among the oldest varieties of Plums, is but little known in England, although in France it is, and has been for many years, a universal favourite, not as a dessert Plum, but for tarts, compotes, and preserving, as it forms a most delicious preserve. It is oval in shape, and in size it about equals a small oval Damson ; colour yellow, with brown spots : it ripens from the middle to the end of August, and bears most abun- dantly in the south of England, either as dwarf bushes, pyramids, or standards. In cool climates it should have a wall with a warm as- pect. The tree is rather dwarf in its habit, its leaves are small, and its buds are placed exceedingly close to each other. No Plum forms such a compact pretty little pyramid. Large quantities of this pretty little Plum are grown in France. I remember seeing, when in the Fruit-garden at Versailles in August 1847, numerous large baskets full of it destined for the royal kitchen. The gardener, I recollect, said that no preserved Plums equalled les Petites Mirabelles. T. R. 60 THE FLORIST. THE CHINESE PRIMULA. At a season when all nature appears dull and almost inanimate, this beautiful plant makes our greenhouses lively and attractive ; and much as has been said respecting its culture, no mode of treatment which I have seen advocated appears to me to possess advantages like that which I have been in tlie habit of pursuing. I sow the seed in a gentle heat in the beginning of April. As soon as the plants are up and sufficiently large to handle, I prick them out under handglasses at the bottom of a west wall, and shade them for a few hours during the day while the sun is powerful, giving them now and then a sprinkle with a fine-rosed watering-pot, and keeping them close. When they begin to grow, the glasses are re- moved at night, as the dew of the morning greatly strengthens them, and it is astonishing how fast they advance in growth. When suf- ficiently large, I pot them into 4 -inch pots, and place them in a close frame until they have become established a little, after which the lights are drawn off every night in fine weather, and air is given in the daytime by tilting the lights at the back, shading the plants lightly during the hottest part of the day. When the pots have be- come filled with roots, I repot into 6-inch pots, in which they are flowered. When they come into blossom, the most fimbriated and best-coloured ones are carefully selected and marked. After they have done blooming, and rested for a short period, the greater portion of the soil is removed from the roots, which are cut pretty close in ; at the same time the stems of the plants are cleared of all old leaf-stalks, and every thing is made clean and neat. They are then repotted in the following compost : equal parts turfy loam and peat, with a portion of well-decomposed cow- dung, and silver sand in it. The compost is used in a rough state, with broken crocks below it for drainage ; and the pots employed vary from six to eight inches in width, according to the strength and size of the plants. After potting they are placed in a close frame and treated exactly as recommended above. In this way I have grown splendid plants; and some have done better the third year than the second, but I have never tried them for a •longer period. By following the same plan every year, fine plants and good sorts are secured. R. Fielder. DESCRIPTIVE LISTS OF FRUITS. No. III. THE GOOSEBERRY. The Gooseberry is another of our common fruits, which, in conse- quence of its extensive usefulness, and the manageable size and easy culture of the plant, is peculiarly fitted for gardens wherein the neces- sary space cannot be afforded for many fruit- trees of larger growth. Several of the best sorts are cultivated in almost every garden, while many others of equal merit are rarely seen ; and to make these latter JIAUCII. 61 better known, is the principal purpose of the following list, from which, however, well-known sorts of proved excellence will not be excluded. It is not intended to give a minute description of every peculiarity belonging to the variety, but merely to mention the size, form, colour, and quality, or any other striking characteristic of the fruit ; and only a few of the largest class will be noticed, because the middle-sized and small sorts generally are much superior to them in flavour, and therefore preferable for the dessert. 1. Red Champagne. The berry is below the middle size, round- ish oblong in form, hairy, light red, but attaining a much deeper colour when suffered to become thoroughly ripe, in which condition it is one of the very best -flavoured Gooseberries known; it also makes excellent jam. It may be kept two or three weeks by mat- ting up the trees ; but for that purpose the next sort is preferable. In the north it is frequently called the Iroraonger, which is a very different variety, and much inferior to this. 2. Red Wain-ington. Resembles the preceding in colour, form, and hairiness, but the fruit is considerably larger. Ripens late, and hangs well upon the tree when matted, by which means, or by train- ing the trees against a north wall, and covering them with nets when the fruit is ripe, its season can be prolonged three or four weeks. Flavour very good, although not quite equal to No. 1 in that respect ; for jam this is one of the best. 3. Rob Roy. Another small hairy red sort, rather obovate in shape. Although not equal in flavour to the two preceding, this is a very good variety, and especially useful on account of its early ripening. 4. Melling's Crown Bob. A very large oblong hairy berry ; red in colour, but much intermixed with green towards the stalk end. Ripens late, and is well-flavoured for so large a Gooseberry, it being one of the Lancashire prize kinds, in which weight is considered the first quality ; this, however, is worth growing for the de?sert. 5. Farrow'' s Roaring Lion. Fruit of the largest size, oblong. The skin is thin, smooth, and of a dull-red colour. Ripens late, and is tolerably well-flavoured. Another prize Gooseberry, which ranks amongst the best of its class ; it is also a very fair table-fruit, for which use its size and appearance recommend it. 6. Bei-ry s Farmer's Glory. A large roundish-oblong Goose- berry, which ripens earlier than Nos. 4 and 5. The skin is rather thick, downy, red, slightly intermixed with green. As few, if any, of the large red Gooseberries equal this in flavour, it is well de- serving of cultivntion. 7. Leigh's Rifleman. A large roundish- oblong berry. The skin is thick, hairy ; colour red, slightly intermixed with green. Ripens late, and has a brisk agreeable flavour. This variety, from its merit and fine appearance, is grown extensively for the London markets. 8. Woodward's Whitesmith. Fruit large, roundish oblong, white, thin-skinned, very downy. Occasionally the exposed berries assume a brownish tinge when very ripe, and they are then exceedingly high- flavoured. One of the very best dessert Gooseberries, which ought to be in every garden. 62 THE FLORIST. 9. Saunders's Cheshire Lass. Fruit large, oblong, white; skin downy and thin. Ripens early, is very well-flavoured, and is there- fore a very desirable sort. 10. Cleworth's White Lion. A large oblong or obovate berry, with a thin transparent white skin, which is generally slightly hairy, but sometimes smooth. A very good Gooseberry, the value of which is increased by its late period of ripening. 11. Taylor s Bright Venus. The berry is rather below the middle size, obovate in form, very slightly hairy. Colour dull white ; but when very ri])e the fruit is overspread with a thin bloom, and in that state the flavour is exquisite. Ripens about the middle season of Gooseber- ries ; and the fruit will hang upon the tree in dry weather till it shrivels. 12. Cook's White Eagle. Fruit large, obovate. Skin thick, smooth ; colour white. Ripens late, and is well-flavoured ; which qualities, combined with its large size, make it valuable. 13. Early Sulphur. Fruit small, almost round, but many berries are rather oblong. Skin thin, pale yellow, very hairy. Ripens very early, for which reason it is desirable ; but in regard to flavour, it is not so good as the next variety. 14. Yellow Champagne. Resembles the preceding sort, but the fruit is not quite so large ; ripens ten days or a fortnight later, and is better flavoured. 15. Beaumonfs Smiling Beauty. Fruit large, oblong, generally narrowest at the base. Skin thin and smooth ; colour light yellow, or rather yellowish white. Ripens early, and is one of the best- flavoured of the large yellow Gooseberries. 16. Early Green Hai?y. A small round hairy dark-green thin- skinned berry. Ripens early, has a sweet and agreeable flavour, and is therefore a desirable table sort. 17. Parkinson's Laurel. Fruit large, roundish oblong; skin thin, very downy, pale green, or nearly white. Ripens late, and is well- flavoured. 18. Massey's Heart of Oak. Berry large and oblong, with thick tapering footstalks. Skin thin, smooth, green with yellowish veins ; flavour very good. 19. Pitmaston Greengage. A small obovate berry. Skin rather thick for a small fruit, smooth, green, but generally covered with bloom in the same way as No. 11. Ripens late, and will hang en the tree some time afterwards. An excellent-flavoured sort. 20. Rough Red. Berry small, nearly round, very hairy, dark red ; skin thickish. Ripens early, and has a brisk agreeable flavour; it is, however, chiefly esteemed for making jam. Among the twenty varieties above described are included most of the best dessert Gooseberries, several that are excellent for the making of jam, and a few of the highest-flavoured of the large sorts that were formerly grown for prizes in Lancashire, but are now mostly super- seded by newer and still larger ones. Those who think twenty sorts too many to cultivate, may take Nos. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, and 17, which comprise the earliest, latest, and best-flavoured. J. B. Whiting. 63 A PACKET OF SEEDS SAVED BY AN OLD GARDENER. [Continued from p. 41.] In the afternoon the butler came to me, and said I was to go and lodge at a cottage on the green. It belonged to our master, and he let a widow woman live in it rent free, because her husband, who was once coachman in the family, was killed by one of the horses flinging him at exercise. The butler was to give me the offer of a place too in the stable, and out of livery ; but I begged off, for I did not like stable ways ; and I knew that at exercise before breakfast the coachman and grooms always had something to drink at a public house they passed by ; and I hadn't then forgot what my father said at parting about drinking, and its making my bundle so small. So I begged off; and when I told the reason, the butler said I was a great fool, for " what harm did a glass do a man ?" and yet all the while his nose and face were giving the lie to his tongue. After work I went to my lodgings; and queer enough I felt when I went in with my bundle of little better than rags, for I'd my best on my back. I hadn't the heartiest of welcomes. The old lady did washing for the Hall servants, and the cottage wasn't the largest. She had two sons ; one was coachman to the squire, and one a servant somewhere else; and she had one daughter who helped at home. This girl was two years older than me, and so marked with the small-pox, that the other girls in the village used to call her " Pock-pitted Bet." You never saw any of them keep company with her in going to church ; (she kept no holidays ;) she was so plain, and she dressed so plain too and so neat. And there was something in that ; for any body that passed her and looked back at her face wasn't disappointed at all. It's often set me wondering how ordinary people can be so foolish as to dress so fine, and some- times outrageously grand, as if to call people to look at their want of beauty; and many a laugh I've seen at some of the Hall folks on this score. And not at the Hall folks only, for I've often seen the same in other people ; if you looked at the things on their backs, and their airs, you'd surely have taken them for quality ; and if you only watched 'em long enough, you'd see 'em slip into some little poking place, and no occasion to walk in after them to see if it was clean and all to rights ; for I always noticed that when people make themselves so fine for the sake of being looked at, they're sure to spend a deal of time looking at other people. Somebody goes by the window, up they jump ; and that look's not enough, they must go to the door, or to the bedroom up-stairs ; and if they once get their elbows on the window-sill, no more hearty work that day. But Elizabeth was none of this sort, and though she was so common- looking in her face and dress, and, as I said, none of the other girls kept her company, yet I always noticed, that when any of them were in any trouble, (and they were safe to be after our young gentlemen had been home from college,) they were sure to find their way to her to make her their friend. 64 THE FLORIST. But what's all this to do with flowers or gardening? Wait a bit, and you shall see ; and if young gardeners cannot learn a lesson from what I've noticed, they can't do what I did. That first even- ing I went in, I sat still and out of the way, till I saw the old woman going for some wood to make up the fire for her irons (she and her daughter were ironing), when up I got, and fetched it for her; and after a while, and some supper, I went to bed, — and such a bed! after my hole in the shed, it was like a nobleman's to me. Next morning, when I went to work, I was told by the head-gardener, that the young man above me was gone into the stable, and I was to have his place, and ten shillings a- week, out of which I was to pay one shilling and sixpence a- week to the widow for lodging and wash- ing. This was a fine lift for me in all ways ; for now I was to work in the houses as well as the grounds. Three months only I had in this place before the under-gardener left, and I got his situation. And now I found the use of having amused myself in reading and writ- ing ; for I had for a long time before put down every night what I had seen done or done myself in the day (though it was in a poor way of writing to be sure), and this helped me wonderfully. [To be continued.] CARNATION AND PICOTEE SOCIETY. 1'he frequent commendations which you have bestowed upon my seedlings, and the distinguished place which you have given them among the Illustrations of the Florist, demand my best acknowledg- ments. I would gladly contribute to your pages some new infor- mation upon the culture of the Carnation and Picotee, and point out to your readers by what means they might improve the growth, and multiply the varieties of, in my opinion, the fairest flowers in creation ; but as far as their management is concerned, I have nothing new to impart, nothing that has hitherto escaped the obser- vation of gardeners and amateurs. So much has been said, and well said, in the Florist, on the culture of Picotees and Carnations, that I must be permitted, for the present at least, to take my position rather as a pupil than as an instructor. It is well known that these flowers require extraordinary care, from the time the seed is sown until the bloom is produced ; and I attribute my success rather to great attention devoted to a single flower, than to any peculiarity of treatment of which other cultivators may be ignorant. While, however, I am in possession of no secret with which to enlighten your readers, I yet believe it will be doing good service to bring under their notice some account of a society which was formed last season, after the " Grand Trial Exhibition" took place at Slough, solely to promote the growth of the Picotee and Carna- tion. That such a society was needed will not be disputed, when we reflect on the benefits which have been derived from the nume- rous floricultural exhibitions which have taken place throughout MARCH. 65 the country, while the means at their command for rewarding suc- cessful growers in the varied productions which have come before them, have not unfrequently fallen short of the demand ; and while improvement in all art is mainly determined by the extent of com- petition, adequate reward is the great lever to set the latter in motion. To no flowers does this remark applj^ with greater force than to the Picotee and Carnation, which demand far more care, labour, and watching, than any other out-door inhabitant of the garden. Their multiplication is limited, their season of flowering short, the num- ber of blooms extremely few ; who, therefore, does not feel that these disadvantages demand the counterpoise of peculiar encouragement, which it is impossible that the claims of other flowers can permit general floricultural societies to afford ? At the present moment, not only is the cultivation in question much restricted, but in num- berless instances, growers will not exhibit. They will not sacrifice for a prize comparatively insignificant the pride of their stages. They prefer to enjoy at home what has cost so much pains and attention. The new society for the encouragement of the Picotee and Car- nation will be supported by the annual subscription of its members, who alone will be qualified to compete. Being thus devoted to one object, it is hoped that it will be able, not only to stimulate, but handsomely to reward merit ; and in this way to draw within its circle all who produce or admire the beautiful flower which it has taken under its guardianship. Morgan May. NOTES FROM THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, AND OF NEW PLANTS FIGURED IN CONTEMPORARY PERIODICALS. Brownea coccinea. This is one of the best stove-shrubs in cultivation. It is an old species, a native of the West Indies and South America; but it is seldom grown so as to form a compact handsome-looking plant. It requires great heat, with plenty of moisture and abundance of pot-room, to bring it to perfection; the foliage is of a pleasing green, somewhat pendulous, and the flowers are pro- duced from the stem at tlie axils of the leaves, in pendulous clusters of a bright scarlet, with brown scales at their base. A large plant of it has been flowering profusely at Kew during the dreary months of winter, and a truly beautiful object it makes. Adenocalymna comosa. This is an excellent species for planting in a stove and training up pillars or against rafters. It is a large-growing free-flowering Bignoniad, having flowers of a bright yellow, enlivening the stove during the early portion of the year. It is an old species, and is a native of Brazil. LucuLiA GRATissiMA. When well cultivated, few evergreen flowering-shrubs surpass this in beauty. No conservatory or greenhouse should be without it, as it grows freely, and flowers abundantly even when in a young state. The flowers are produced in large corymbs on the apex of almost every branchlet ; they are light pink, and very fragrant. When planted out, or allowed plenty of pot and head room, it forms a very handsome bush five or six feet high ; numerous plants of it have been flowering at Kew during the last two months. It has long since been introduced to English gardens from Nepal. SciiCENiA OPFOsiTiFOLiA. A tender greenhouse annual, equal in beauty to the Rodanthe Manglesii. It is an erect-growing branching plant, with a terminal inflorescence, the flowers forming a broad handsome corymb of a yellow and NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. III. G 66 THE FLORIST. rose-coloiir. It was raised at Kew from seed sent by Mr. Drummond from Swan Iliver. Figured in the Botanical /Magazine for February. LiLiUM Wallichianum. a scaly bulbous large- flowered lily, attaining the height of four to six feet, and having narrow leaves and solitary terminal drooping fragrant flowers nine to ten inches long, of a creamy white, with large yellow anthers. It resembles the habit of L. longiflorum and speciosum. It grows freely, is very showy, and will prove an acquisition for the greenhouse during autumn, as it is a late- flowering kind. It is a native of the north of India. Figured in the liotanicul Magazine for February. Vanda C/ERULea. a noble and exquisitely beautiful Orchid ; it has the foliage of Aerides odoratum, with flowers three to four inches in diameter, of a bluish lilac, and they are produced abundantly on upr'ght spikes. It is a native of woods on the Khasya Hills of India, and is one of the many valuable exotics introduced by Messrs. Veitch of Exeter through their collector Mr. T. Lobb. Figured in Paxton's Floicer-Garden for February. Banksia occidextalis. a pretty flowering evergreen greenhouse shrub, be- longing to Proteads. It is an erect hard-wooded shrub, forming a bush six to eight feet high in its native sandy peaty grounds in New Holland. This species belongs to a tribe wliich is but little cultivated unless in large collections, al- though many of them are elegant shrubs for decorating the conservatory or green- house, forming large handsome but>hes with a neat foliage and richly coloured flowers. 'J he present species is one of the best, and richly deserves a place in all collections. Its flowers are collected into elongated clusters, and are of a rich red. Figured in Pax:to7i''s Flower-Garden for February. Bii.BERGiA Morelliana. An evergreen stove-plant, belonging to the pine- apple family. It is one of the showiest of the genus, bearing a large pendulous panicle of flowers, a foot or more long, of a reddish-pink and blue colour, with many large reddish-pink bracts (not much unlike those of Medinilla magnifica). This species has recently flowered in one of the stoves at Kew. It was received from the continent under the name of Tillandsia Morelliana. Figured in the Magazine of Botany for January. Royal Botanic Gardens, Keic, J. Houlstox. WHY DO CARNATIONS RUN.' I HAVE cultivated (writes a Correspondent) Carnations for about six years, and with very indifferent success, though I have taken the greatest pains with them. I have been supphed by Ely, Nor- man, Holland, Groom, and Turner. I have an undue proportion run both in rich, middHng, and poor compost, both in the open ground and in pots. Would you be good enough to say what com- post you think least likely to cause this defect, and whether you consider want of shading from powerful sun when the buds are swelling could have any thing to do with it .'' This last season I had Lord Milton grown in pots in compost of three degrees of richness, as subjoined, and with the following results : ^"™ :lhr^ -~= - •., Sand . . tVJ * Sand , . yg-J Would you consider the undecayed fibre in sods twelve months dug injurious.? Do you think it would be better to have it picked out .'' I have now two heaps of compost prepared as follows : Loam . . . -I 1 T 1.1 Hotbed-dung. | yiwhtlv Sand . . . VeJ '■''"• Loam . . T 1 7- 1,^7 Dung . . I V[^9htly run. MARCH. 67 1. Sods dug and cho])ped Up in February last . . . . f Fresh stable- dung ^ Sand jL 2. Sods with all the grass and a great deal of the rooty fibre picked out ; the sods dug in October, and only taken four or five inches deep | Stable-manure put together under a shed last February I No sand. Any hint that can be given me will be gratefully received. LISTS OF FIRST-RATE FLORISTS' FLOWERS. No. III. PINKS. •Achilles (Looker). •Attila (Turner). ♦Agitator (Tyso). Alfred Morrison (Costar). •Bob Tickler (Craigv). ♦Brilliant (Ellis). ♦Charles Peers (Looker). ! Criterion (INIacIean). Diana (Smith). ♦Duchess of Kent (Harris). ♦Duchess of Marlborough (Looker). George Glenn v (Bragg). Great Britain "(Ward). •Harkforward (Smith). Harriet (Kerr). •Hon. Mrs. Herbert (Keynes). ♦Huntsman (Smith). ♦Jenny Lind (Read). King of Purples (Harris). Laura (Willmer). •Lola Montez (Costar). Lord Valentia (Kirtland). •Lord Norreys (Looker). •Magnificent (Keynes). •Morning Star (Turner). •Mr. Edwards (Turner). *Narl)orough Buck (Maclean). •Pindar (Colcutt). Prince Albert (Kirtland). •Post Captain (Ellis). Queen of England (Hale). Rubens (Henbrey). •Sappho (Colcutt). •Surplice (Willmer). Whipper-in (Smith). •Winchester Rival (White). XX (Young). LISTS OF WHAT TO AVOID. No. II. PANSIES. Arethusa (Brown). Alpha (Schofield). Attila (Hooper). Alexis (Gossett). Blooming Girl (Hooper). Blue Perfection (Byne). Celeste (Bragg). Curion (Brown). Commodore (Turner). Candidate (Thomson). Dr. Wolff (Backhouse). Emma (Youell). Earl Clarendon (Chaplin). Fire King (Turner). Glory (Iline). Julien (Schofield). Jenny Lind (Weatherall). Wace Cottage, Ilolloway. Kremlin (Lane). Lady Sale (Hooper). Lanei (Lane). Lord J. Russell (Bell). Lucy Ashton (Byne). Lady Lacon (Bell). Mary Jane (llooper). Negro (Schofield j. Optimus (Turner). Pliny (Thomson). Pizarro (Thomson). Polynices (Gossett). Princess Royal (Attwell). Queen of Iver (Thomson). Shakspeare (Thomson). Smut (Hooper). Sylph (Turner). J. EUWARDS. 68 THE FLORIST. OUR MONTHLY REMEMBRANCER. Auriculas. From the early part of this month till the pips are In danger of injury from rain (which will not be the case while the calyx covers the tube or pipe). Auriculas should be allowed the benefit of warm showers. Keep up a good supply of moisture ; the demand will be greater daily ; and in harsh drying windy weather give water between the pots, that the bottom of the frame may be continually moist. By the middle of the month, or thereabout, the trusses will have risen out of the hearts of the plants. At this period plants intended for exhibition should be selected. If for London shows, be sure they have seven pips. Give the preference to plants with level trusses, the buds well formed, round, and uniform in size. As soon as it can be safely done, cut away any ill-shaped pips, such as are likely to disfigure the symmetry of the truss ; and as soon as the trusses have so advanced in growth that the pips begin to separate, they may be thinned out by removing a few of the smaller ones least likely to be useful. During the day, let the glasses be drawn oflf as soon as possible, and remain so as late in the evening as convenient, if the weather be mild and open ; but if cold and severe, cover early with sufficient matting, or other material, to secure them from frost. Uncover in the morning as soon as the atmosphere is congenial. Towards the end of the month, shading for an hour or two in the middle of the day will be necessary, if the sun be shining powerfully. Give air by degrees to the rooted offsets taken last month before finally repotting them. Many will put forth new fibres by this time. Examine the unrooted ones also, and give water when necessary, but do not exceed moderate moisture. Destroy slugs, &c. under the glasses. Transplant seedlings w'hile in the seed-leaf, particularly if sown thick. Numbers will be found on the surface, not having pene- trated the soil ; and if not transplanted they will perish. Keep the soil continually moist, and well protect them from the mid- day sun. Calceolarias. General attention is required to specimen plants. Examine them frequently about the surface of the pot, both stem and leaves. If the w^eather is brilliant, as it sometimes is in IMarch, shade the plants in the middle of the day from powerful sunlight. Seed- lings should be shifted as they may require. If in the pots they are to bloom in, so much the better. Carnations and Picotees. If the weather is open, commence repotting for bloom immediately. The mould and pots having been kept dry, as before recommended, this important part will be done wdth much less trouble, and will give the plants a better chance. Begin with those that are strong and healthy. The weakly kinds should be deferred. If possible, shelter them from bad weather, should it set in after the repotting. Attend daily to w^atering as long as they are in small pots. Cinerarias. Shift those plants that are becoming too large for the pots ; where this is inconvenient, a larger supply of water must be given. A little weak manure- water occasionally will greatly assist MARCH. 69 them, both in brmging out their colours and maintaining the plants in health. Watch narrowly for the green-fl}'^ and the mildew. Cold Frames. Plants which have been kej)t in the cutting- pots during the winter, should now be potted off. For Verbenas and other bedding plants, four and five-inch pots will be sufficiently- large ; but the drainage should be so arranged, as to be effective and in a small compass ; therefore place one flat piece of crock over the hole in the bottom of the pot, and upon this drop a few finely broken pieces and then some rough fibrous bits of soil. In this way the largest possible portion of the contents will be available for the support of the plants, and as the latter will have to exist in these small pots for some eight or ten weeks, it will be worth a little trou- ble to secure sufficient support for them. Use rich light soil. After potting, the plants may require a little artificial warmth, but this will altogether depend upon circumstances ; if they are strong and healthy, and the weather continues mild, a sufficiently high tempera- ture will be obtained by keeping the frame rather close during the day, and covering it at night. It is a very common error in the management of bedding plants, to consign them after potting to a place where the temperature would suit tropical plants ; here they make rapid progress for a few weeks, and fill their pots with roots ; they are then unceremoniously placed in some sheltered spot, where, with their tissues full of sap and their roots confined to a few^ inches of exhausted soil, the effects of the change of climate is soon mani- fested in their impaired health. Plants thus treated are technically termed hardened, and very properly so, as they invariably remain hard for weeks after they are planted in their summer quarters. Such plants will require the protection of evergreen branches, to shade them from the rays of the sun, and with all possible care they remain long in a miserable state of existence ; whereas plants propagated last autumn and kept growing slowly until they are planted out, will be sufficiently hardened and vigorous to enjoy the full strength of a June sun, and will not be in any way injured by a slight hoar frost ; but such would prove the death of the hardened tribe. The proper management of such plants is, to propagate them early ; this will allow of their being kept hardy without hardening them. But where such things have to be propagated during the spring, it will be necessary to subject them to a w^arm moist atmo- sphere, particularly in instances where the cuttings have to be grown as well as rooted and established. Where such work has yet to be done, no time must be lost. The best method at this season is to insert cuttings of the half-ripened wood, in pans well drained, and filled with silver-sand; this allows of their being removed for potting without breaking or injuring the roots. The propagating frame should be kept warm (60° at night, and 75° with sun-light), and as soon as the plants are rooted, air should be freely admitted ; this may be done without allowing the temperature to become very low, and the plants will gain size without being so full of sap and so tender as would be the case if warmth and moisture were applied to them. Inure them to the full force of the sun and air as soon as possible. 70 THE FLORIST. avoiding, of course, cold drying currents of wind. If green-fly appear in the propagating-franie, fumigate at once. More water will now be necessary. See that the plants are all nioist, without being soddened. Dahlias. Cuttings of new varieties, or others much valued, should now be put-in in large numbers. There is much less trouble in striking them early in the season, before the sun has great power ; yet there is a difliculty attending early propagation, in keeping the plants dwarf, and also in preventing their becoming stunted in the heart : avoid the two extremes. Common border-flowers should be started in a little heat, that the root may be divided, leaving one shoot to each division. Epacrises. Many will be in bloom ; the only attention neces- sary during the blossom-season is, to see that w'ater is administered when necessary, which will be more frequently required during the usually drying winds of March. The stock-plants may be now shifted, stopping all shoots that may be soaring above their fellows ; by attending to this little matter now, the whole of the summer's growth will be usefully developing itself, and all cutting back by and by rendered unnecessary. Admit air freely upon all fitting occa- sions ; preventing the entrance, however, of cold, cutting winds. Ericas. As the spring-blooming varieties are now fast advanc- ing, it will be necessary to look them over ; finally arrange every branch, supporting those needing it with thin green-painted sticks, placed as inconspicuously as possible. Give the plants the bene- fit of all air free from frost, avoiding side- draughts ; an increased supply of water will be needed this month : do not deprive the plant of the smallest portion of sunshine. The shifting of " stock" may now be proceeded wdth on mild days, also the late-blooming sorts towards the end of the month. Flower-Garden. If any alterations in this department are in hand, they should be finished with the least possible delay, more especially if they involve removing or planting shrubs. This kind of work should be performed during autumn ; but wdth great care and a plentiful supply of water it may be done at almost any season. Finish pruning tender Koses, &c., and get every spot into the neatest possible order. Vacant ground, intended for the reception of " bed- ding plants," should be lightly dug as soon as the surface becomes somewhat firm and dry. This will greatly improve the texture of the soil, especially if it is of a heavy nature. Hardy annuals may be sow'n where they are intended to bloom. If an abundance of such things as Stocks, China Asters, Marygolds, &c., are sown in some spare corner, they will be found useful. Make a memorandum of any attractive plant which may be in flower during the month, par- ticularly such as can be easily removed to make way for the bed- ding plants, and attend to the propagation of such at the proper season. Clean and roll gravel and grass if necessary. Remember that if grass is to be under good keeping during any part of the sea- son, there is nothing gained by allowing it to get six inches high before it is cut. If not already done, dress ground occupied by herbaceous and American plants. Leaf-mould is an excellent article MAUCH. 71 for this purpose. Use the spade sparingly among the latter. Half- hardy annuals should be sown during the present month. These afford a variety of colour which cannot be obtained in the flower- garden without them. Tliey will require a little warmth to get them established, and should be placed in the propagating-frame until potted off, when they must be gradually inured to air and sun. FucnsiAs. Continue the treatment recommended last month. Seedlings should be potted off singly into 2i-incli pots, shifting as often as the roots make their appearance on the outside of the ball. Keep up, indeed rather increase the temperature recommended last month. Grekn HOUSE. Repot all plants which require it, but be care- ful before potting to have the balls in a proper state as to mois- ture. Never pot a plant about whose existence you care any thing while the ball is either too dry or too wet. Hard-wooded plants, intended to form specimens, should now be encouraged to make free growth. Plants in a growing state will require an abundant supply of water ; but be careful, for it is easier to over water now^ than it will be two months hence. Wash and clean the foliage of all plants which require it. Fumigate as soon as green-fly make their appear- ance, and spare no exertions to keep the stock healthy. Hardy Fruit-Trees. Finish pruning and nailing. Protect trees in blossom from frost : branches of the Spruce Fir or Yew will be found useful for this purpose. We use a light canvass, which costs 4^(1. per square yard. This is easily arranged so as to be let down at night and removed in the morning, and with care it will last for many years. It is an excellent plan to bring this into use as soon as the weather tempts the blossom-buds to swell ; but in this case it should be let down during bright days, and removed at night, so as to retard the blossoming as much as possible. Trees so treated will often be from a week to a fortnight behind others upon the same wall which have been exposed to the sun. This advice is, however, too late for this season, except in very late localities. Top-dress and lightly dig the ground among small fruits, but use the spade spar- ingly in such places. Trees intended to be grafted should be headed down at once, and the grafts may be put on as soon as the sap is in motion. Pansies will now begin to be very interesting. Grow them in pots as hardy as possible ; turn them round occasionally ; M'ater sparingly, unless in very growing weather. As soon as sufficiently dry, the beds will require top-dressing with rotten manure, previous to which fill up all vacancies, and look w^ell for young slugs, and destroy them before they have commenced their depredations, as a small piece eaten out of the bud in a young state will be a great dis- figurement in a fully-expanded bloom. Seedlings wintered in pans should now be planted out, and side-shoots taken and put in as cut- tings, if increase is required ; there will be httle trouble in striking them, if put in early in this month. Pelargoniums. About the second week stop back the plants required for blooming in July. Give air ut all opportunities, opening early in the morning, and shutting up early in the afternoon, say 72 THE FLORIST. three or four o'clock, according to circumstances, shutting out all cold easterly winds. Draw the syringe over the plants once or twice a week after shutting up with plenty of sunlight and warmth. The May plants will be fast shewing their trusses. When the plants require water, give them sufficient to moisten the whole ball. Pinks. Protection must be continued through this month. Earthing-up is a great security against wind. Seed may be sown about the middle of the month in any light and sweet soil ; if com- posed of a little leaf-mould, it will be all the better ; sift a little rather fine for the surface. By placing the pots or boxes in a western aspect, much trouble in shading will be saved, and the seed will germinate equally well. Cover with a flat sheet of glass or a hand- light, and be sure to keep the soil moist. Polyanthuses are not so liable to injury by rain as Auriculas ; let them have showers more frequently until the pips begin to ex- pand. Shelter and protect as for Auriculas. Due attention to watering must be observed ; the soil should be well moistened. Earth-up Polyanthuses in borders, if not already done. Carefully mark all seedlings that possess any claim to perfection, either as show or seedling varieties, and discard at once all of inferior stamp ; by this precaution you will improve the strain. Ranunculuses. Plant any out of the ground immediately ; the roots planted in the middle of last month should be looked over. Roses in Pots. Give abundance of air when the weather is favourable. If plants are required for exhibition, or a display in June, they should be pruned about the second week of this month. 73 NATIONAL FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. In our last we stated that the preliminary steps had been taken for the formation of this Society. Since that time many well-known and influential Florists, amateur and pro- fessional, have been indefatigably at work in preparing the rules and regulations for its conduct. These may be had by prepaid application to the Honorary Secretary (pro tern.), Mr. Edwards, Wace Cottage, Holloway ; and we tell our readers very plainly, that in our opinion there never was a fairer pro- spect for the true interests of floriculture than the establish- ment of this Society affords, and that it is the duty of all to promote its success by every means in their power. Let us inquire what it is the promoters and supporters of this institution propose to do by its establishment. First, to have one central tribunal, composed of men from all parts of the country, to which shall be submitted for judg- ment all seedling productions, before they are sold out to the public. Secondly, to have meetings for their exhibition, and for the finest varieties already out or going forth, v/ith which seed- lings can be compared. Thirdly, to supply in printed reports the real character of the productions brought before this tribunal. There is not a raiser or purchaser who must not see at a glance how valuable such a central society must be. No ex- pense will be spared to obtain the services of first-rate judges, as far as the funds of the Society will warrant their engage- ment from distant parts ; and as the expenses will be jealously watched over, nothing but the greatest supineness on the part of those most interested, in delaying to forward their names as subscribers, will stand in the way of the most perfect and entire success. As to pleasing every body, that no one ex- pects ; but every one may rest assured that the executive will make every effort, guided by experience, to meet all difficul- ties. The meetings being in Regent Street, and in the best room in the metropolis for the purpose, will be most interest- ing and attractive ; and they will be conducted with all that propriety and decorum which characterise those of the Horti- cultural Societ3% To these any member will be at liberty to introduce his friends ; and when we consider the publicity which will be given to any fine varieties which may be ex- hibited, from the personal observations of visitors, in addition to the printed reports, we may naturally suppose that there will be no want of productions, if raisers are alive to their own NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. IV. H 74 THE FLORIST. interest. Let us hope that nothing will prevent the cordial co-operation of all those interested in the prosperity of flori- culture. We congratulate the Society upon obtaining the services of Edmund Foster, Esq. as its president, as well as upon those of the other ofiicers whose names are already published ; and we look with much interest for the result of the meeting which is to be held before this is in the hands of our readers, but a report of which we are unable to publish, being obliged to go to press before the day. THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. The Chrysanthemum indicum was introduced into the gardens of Europe about the year 1760, and a few years later C. sinense fol- lowed it: these two, C. indicum yellow% and C. sinense rosy-purple, form the type of all those beautiful varieties which adorn our gar- dens and conservatories from October until the end of December ; just at the time when scarcely any other flower is to be seen, and none of such gay and varied colours. Like the Dahlia, it has been so improved by the Florists of Europe as hardly to be recognised by the gardeners of China ; and while the latter remain contented with the original type and some ill-formed semi- double varieties from it, we have obtained flowers of surpassing beauty, perfectly double, and exhibiting almost every shade of colour ; and, what is of more im- portance to an amateur, such a regularity of petals as nearly to ap- proach perfection in form. We must not, however, be contented with that ; we must aim at producing a perfect flower of different colours ; the prize is before us, but not yet won ; for now that the Chrysan- themum is admitted into the society of Florists' flowers, and claims her days of public exhibition, her motto must be, *' Aide toi ; le del f aider as. '^ The last exhibition at Stoke Newington must have as- tonished those who visited it for the first time ; and even such as had marked the annual progress of the shows were hardly prepared for so great an improvement or so fine a display of stands and specimen plants. The object of this notice, however, is not to enter into the merits of the flowers then exhibited ; sufiice it to say, that Queen of England, Goliath, Vesta, Duke, Annie Salter, Golden Cluster, Beauty, Warden, Princess Marie, and Madame Poggi, were shewn in splendid style ; some blooms of Queen of England measured more than six inches in diameter. The Chrysanthemum Annie Salter, represented by your Plate, was raised by my father at Versailles in 1843, and sent to England in 1845 ; it is now in almost every collection, and has been perhaps more extensively cultivated than any other variety. Its value as a show-flower is admitted by all ; it was in every stand and collection at the late exhibition ; and although its properties may not be alto- gether in accordance with the standard laid down (not being incurved, '9 JAruuvK. delf i Zu IiwOea.by Cliry santhenium s . Il^Paalidetto (Pompon) N*" 2. Annie Salter. APRIL. 75 but reflexed), yet its circular form, regularity of petal, high and full centre, beautiful colour, and constancy, render it absolutely necessary to every exhibitor ; while its value as a garden-variety or market- flower is equally acknowledged ; and its dwarf habit and profusion of perfectly double flowers make it an universal favourite. The Pompon Chrysanthemum Pouledetto, associated with Annie Salter, was raised in 1849 by Mr. Lebois of Paris, an ardent lover of this tribe of plants, and to whom we are indebted for many fine varieties ; it is a seedling from Mr. Fortune's Chusan Daisy, a pretty little variety distributed by the Horticultural Society of London a year or two ago. Alfred Salter. Versailles Nursery, Hammersmith Turnpike, ON THE RUNNING OF THE CARNATION. The experience and observation of some years incline me to reject the idea that composts can in any material degree either induce or prevent the propensity to sport observable in the Carnation, which we term ' running,' I have, by way of experiment, grown them in soils of various enrichment, from pure sandy loam to unalloyed de- composed animal manures, with about equal results in that respect. Take a given number of plants propagated from the same origi- nal, pot them into the same pot, and some will probably be run ; I cannot, therefore, understand why, if the compost were in fault, the effect should be partial. I have also observed, that in some summers the complaint of an unusual number of run flowers will be pretty general in a particular district ; and as it is barely possible to sup- pose that the composts used by several growers were all precisely the same, it appears to me that we must look elsewhere for a solution of this mystery. I view it simply as a natural tendency to sport (observable in other flowers besides the one in question) ; and though that inclination most frequently is to return to the natural self-colour of the original type, yet instances are not wanting of its taking an opposite direction ; — thus Ely's Lady Ely (r.f.) is a sport from Ely's Duke of Bedford (c.b.), as Fletcher's Duchess of Devonshire (r.f.) is also from Gregory's King Alfred ; while Puxley's Prince Albert, classed as a p.p.b., is often a very high-coloured c.b., and has posi- tively sported to an s.b. Moreover, it does not follow that be- cause the one or two leading blooms which the flower is alone suf- fered by Florists to bear happen to be run, that the lower ones, if they had been permitted to remain, would have been in that condi- tion. I have seen a leading bloom of Beauty of Woodhouse (p.f.), a purple self or clove, and the second flower on the same stem a pure white. I turned out last season into the border what I supposed from the bloom in the pot to be a run Ward's Sarah Payne, but late in autumn it produced a bloom low down on the stem perfectly clean. 76 THE FLORIST. Plaked flowers are not to be condemned as run if you can per- ceive the smallest stripe of pure white in them ; I have observed that the progeny of such is usually finely marked the ensuing season. Do not, however, mistake white spots caused by thrips for the natural white of the flower. Many sorts supposed to be run will return. This has happened with Martin's President (p.f.), Sharpe's Defiance (s.b.), and many others. Your chances of clean flowers are not equal whether you propagate from run or clean stools ; by which I mean to intimate my oi)inion, that as many plants will probably return to fineness from the one as from the other. As for your Correspondent's composts, I should pronounce half dung to be excessive, as far as the ultimate soundness of his stock is concerned ; and he should by no means deprive his loam of any fibrous or rooty matters which it contains ; that 1 consider to be by far its better part. J, W. Newhall. I regTct that I am unable to off^er your Correspondent any satis- factory solution of the problem proposed, — the rimnincj of Carnations being one of those subjects which seems to defy explanation ; and hitherto experiments have been so loosely conducted, or under such varying circumstances, that no positive deduction can be obtained from them. My impression is, that Carnations are run more fre- quently by the use of crude material than from any other cause. For instance, the loam has not been sufliciently ameliorated by the action of the atmosphere, or the manure not sufficiently decomposed, or the mechanical arrangement of the soil has prevented a proper drainage, and the removal of the fibre is likely to lead to this. To obviate this, therefore, should be our object ; and the first care is the compost. For this I look out for the best pasture 1 can obtain, choosing, wdien practicable, a yellow loam. This I get cut and stacked in August, or early in September, when quite dry ; and in this state, sheltered from heavy rains or snows, it lies till the suc- ceeding August, when I chop it down, and mix it with very old decomposed manure (not spent, but quite decomposed, and pliable when rubbed), in the projDortion of two-thirds loam, one-third old manure and leaf- soil; about one part in three of the latter. To this I add sand, if necessary, to make it more porous ; but in general a good sweet loam, with plenty of fibre — a most important point — will render the whole quite open without sand. This is my practice, and I am well satisfied with it. I should on no account advise the picking out the " rooty fibre :" almost all vegetation will flourish in it. Neither do I consider continued shad- ing of the buds advisable ; an hour or two during the extreme heat of the day may be beneficial. I think it likely your Correspondent has erred in not getting his compost well mellowed ; and I advise him to give his attention to that point. Derby. D. APRIL. 77 DESCRIPTIVE LISTS OF FRUITS. No. IV. PEARS {continued from p. .38). 3. Fondante cf Automne. Fruit micUUe-sized, regularly obovate in form, but often a little oblique, rounding off gradually to join the short thick stalk. Eye in a broad and very shallow depression, open ; segments erect, short and stout. Skin smooth, light-greenish yellow. Flesh white, not always perfectly buttery, but abounding in sweet and pleasant juice. A very handsome and good Pear, in the end of September and beginning of October. 4. Passans de Portugal. Fruit small, roundish oblate, generally oblique at the stalk end. Ej^e rather large, often without segments (the remains of the calyx), seated in a broad shallow basin. Stalk about half an inch long, strong, inserted in a broad shallow cavity. Skin of a greenish-yellow colour, thickly studded with minute dots or points of a russet colour, which on the sunny side often become brownish red. Flesh white, juicy and melting, sugary and agree- ably flavoured. Ripens in the end of August, and may be kept during part of September. One of the best early autumn Pears ; and the trees are very productive as dwarfs or pyramids. J. B. Whiting. 78 THE FLORIST. NOTES FROM THE LOG-BOOK OF AN ERRATIC MAN. No. IV. THE DESERTED SHIP. Often, when I have finished my employment amongst my plants, I resort to my quarter-deck, as I call it — a path immediately in front of one of my greenhouses, where, in the language of Wordsworth, " I pace unwearied and alone, In that habitual restlessness of foot With which the sailor measures o'er and o'er His short domain upon the vessel's deck, While she is travelling through the dreary sea." When thus occupied I have my *' reminiscences;" and though far less floral than those of many of your excellent correspondents, I hope they may serve by contrast to shew the Florist the happiness of his situation, and lead him, when surrounded by the beautiful objects of his care, to remember those to whom our gardens are so much indebted for the productions of other lands. Sailors, perhaps more than any others, have to see the closeness with which in this world sunshine and storm, security and danger, hope and fear, life and death, go hand in hand. Whatever use may be made of their opportunities, it is certain that the vicissitudes and uncertainty of human life are obtruded more frequently upon none than upon them ; and it sometimes happens that in the most cloud- less serenity of their course, a melancholy and silent record of some past disaster that has befallen others in the same path of life as their own, has told of what, but for the preserving care of God, might have been their own lot. It was a gloriously fine morning on the 1st of June, 1826, with a rattling breeze just enough to keep all the light sails stowed out of the way ; every body, from the captain to the cook, in the highest spirits, so exhilarating is such weather to the homeward bound. The merry laugh was present among the passengers, for whom the sea-breezes had done more in the way of restoration to health than all the calomel of India. And if the passengers were light-hearted, so were the men ; in fact, there was an air of cheerfulness through the whole ship, which all have known who have been much at sea, and particularly when, after a continuance of adverse gales, a favour- able one is speeding them on their way homeward. The sun and moon were in distance for obtaining lunar observations, the officers were on the poop with their sextants, the doctor held the time- piece, the captain had said, *' Are you ready }" when a man on the forecastle sung out, " Boat right a-head, sir." Down went the sex- tants. " Boat !" said the captain, " what boat can be here .'' a Scilly boat ? or can it be a pilot-boat so far to the west'ard } hand me up my glass." "Boy," cried the chief officer to his servant, "bear a hand and bring me mine for'ard ;" and he left the poop, and went aloft to the fore- topsail- yard. By this time every body was upon APRIL. 79 deck. " 'Tis a boat," said the captain to himself (though heard by every one about him); "'tis a boat ; yet it cannot be," said he, keep- ing the glass to his e)^e. " She has no canvass on her ; what can she be after, rolling about there in this breeze ?" By this time the chief officer had made her out, and the captain going into the waist re- ceived his report from aloft. "She's a wreck, the hull of a ship, sir; fore-mast gone by the board, stump of the main-mast standing, no sail set, nobody to be seen a-board, the sea going clean over her decks, bulwarks all gone ; we're nearing her very fast." " Clear away the first cutter," said the captain ; " get a breaker of water in her, some bread, and a bottle of brandy, and see all clear for lower- ing ; and, Mr. C," addressing the chief officer, who was now again at his side, " choose your boat's crew, and see all clear for bringing the ship to the wind." In a moment volunteers pressed forward, and whilst the rest of the ship's company went to their stations, they saw all ready for going away to the wreck. By the time sail was shortened, we had run nearly alongside her and rounded- to, crossing her bows. Every soul in our ship was clustered upon her side ; and what a fitting quietness there was in every countenance, voice, and action, — for 'twas indeed a melancholy sight ! There she lay, with the waves washing over her bleached decks, and falling in cascades over her sides, as she slowly and heavily pitched and rolled with the action of every following sea. That she had been long in this condition was evident from the barnacles attached to her whole length, which gracefully waved with her motions like a beautiful fringe-work of flowers, their white shells glistening beneath the sparkling waters, bathed in the intense light of a cloudless sun, which shone as in mockery upon that hapless ship. What was her tale ? where her crew ? Nothing could have existed below, for she was a timber-loaden ship and full of water, and her deck was as clear and desolate as a half- tide rock. There she lay all solitary in that wide sea, in the very track of hundreds of homeward-bound ships, an unknown, and by night an unseen peril of the worst descrip- tion. How many a ship reported missing, and fate unknown, has perished with all her crew from striking on such a floating rock ! Well might we congratulate ourselves on making her out in daylight and clear weather, for she lay right in our course. Satisfied that no one was on board, and sure that she had been overhauled, from every piece of rope being gone from her, the helm was put up, the yards squared, sail made, and she was soon left far astern. Yet there were gallant hearts amongst our number that would readily have volun- teered and attempted to carry that lone ship into port, if our com- mander would have furnished the needful supplies to have enabled them to make the attempt. We heard that her ultimate fate was to be stranded on the west coast of Ireland. We found also on our arrival that she had been reported at Lloyd's as boarded two weeks previous to our seeing her, when no one was on board, and nothing belonging to humanity was found but some long hair. 80 THE FLORIST. THE AMHERSTIA NOBILIS. To Mrs. Lawrence of Ealing Park belongs the merit of first flower- ing this fine leguminous plant in this country. Three bunches (one of which was presented to the Queen,) of most beautiful flowers were first cut off" it early in 1849. During that season many more suc- ceeded them ; and this year it has produced blossoms in such pro- fusion, that, at a late meeting of the Horticultural Society, that lady was able to exhibit not one bunch but several, charmingly adorned with scarlet and yellow flowers. This floricultural achievement has been brought about by Mrs. Lawrence in a very short period of time, as the following brief history of the plant will shew. When received at Ealing Park in July 1847, it was only 18 inches high, with eleven leaves on it. In the beginning of September 1848, such was the rapidity with which it had grown, that it measured 6 feet 7 inches high from the pot, about 10 feet through, and was profusely clothed with luxuriant foliage. Many of the young leaves measured then 2 feet 4 inches long, with leaflets 1 1 inches in length. After it had received a shift or two, it soon became too large for the house it was growing in, and, in order to give it room, a compartment was formed lor it in the large Orchid-house. Here the tub in which it was growing was placed on low brick pillars, in order to secure for it perfect drainage. To assist the bottom-heat, a bed of tan was formed round the tub ; and a hot- water pipe, over which were placed zinc evaporating troughs, ran round the tan. The ground temperature was thus kept up to between 80° and 90°, and the top-heat 75° to 80°, and even to 100° and 110° with sun-heat. While growing fast, it received plenty of water ; but as the wood began to ripen, it was kept somewhat drier. Such is the treatment this truly fine tropical tree has received at Ealing Park, and the results have been all that well- directed skill could have desired. Dr. Wallich says : " The first notice I had of the existence of this magnificent tree was at Rangoon, in August 1826, when Mr. Crawfurd favoured me with some dried unopened flowers, together with the following account, taken from a statement of his visit to the province of Martaban : ' At Kogun, on the Saluen river, is a garden belonging to a neighbouring monastery. The only plant in it which struck me as remarkable was a tree about 20 feet high aboundins: in long and pendulous panicles of rich geranium-coloured blossoms, and long and elegant lance-shaped leaves. It is too beautiful an object to be passed unobserved even by the uninitiated in botany. Hand- fuls of the flowers were found as oflFerings in the cave before the images of Buddha.' " In his report of a journey on the river Saluen, undertaken in March 1827, Dr. Wallich again says: "In about an hour I came to a decayed kioum (a sort of monastery) close to the large hill of Kogun, distant about 27 miles from the town of Mar- taban. I had been prepared to find a tree growing here, an account of which had been communicated to me long ago by Mr. Crawfurd, nor was I disappointed. There were two individuals of this tree APRIL. 81 here ; the hirgest, about 40 feet high, with a girth (at 3 feet above the base) of G feet, stood close to the cave ; the other was smaller, and overhung an old square reservoir of water lined with bricks and stones. They were profusely ornamented with pendulous racemes of large vermilion- coloured blossoms, forming superb objects, un- equalled in the Flora of the East Indies. I call this tree Amherstia nobilis ; the Burmese name is Thoka. Neither the people here nor at Martaban could give me any distinct account of its native place of growth, but there is little doubt that it belongs to the forests of this province. The ground was strewed even at a distance with its blossoms, which are carried daily as offerings to the images in the adjoining caves." Such is Dr. Wallich's account of this tree, of which he only met with two specimens ; but we have heard that it was found plentifully in the woods of Moul- mein by the late Dr. Griffiths. The speci- men in Mrs. Law- rence's garden is now nearly 16 feet in height, 14 feet across at the base, and is clothed with perfect foliage. Indeed it is scarcely possible to conceive any thing more beautiful than theyoung leaves when they first unfold ; and even if the tree bore no flowers'at all, it would be worth cultivating for the beauty of its foliage alone. The latter hangs down, to- gether with the shoots, to which it is attached in a most graceful man- ner. The floweis are individually large, as will be seen by the an- nexed woodcut, rosy pink, with the vexil- lum (a) and two wings (6)tipped with yellow, and scentless. They are borne in loose pen- dulous bunches be- neath the foliage. The soil in which 82 THE FLORIST. it has succeeded so well is Epping loam mixed with crocks, sand, and Wimbledon peat (the fibry part), to the extent of about one-third its bulk. As in all climates, with few exceptions, plants have a period of growth and rest, these conditions have been imitated in the artificial culture of the Amherstia. While it is growing it likes plenty of heat and moisture. This, indeed, will be readily conceived when it is remembered that it comes from the warm province of Martaban, near the gulf of that name, where the annual fall of rain is perhaps five or six times that of London, whose yearly average depth is about 24 inches. Magnificent, however, as the noble Amherstia certainly is, it will be unsuitable for the conveniences of many of our readers ; and we do not anticipate that any but those who can afford it large accom- modation and much heat will attempt its cultivation. Nevertheless we have thought it right to introduce to their notice, in the manner we have done, a novelty which has lately occupied much attention in the horticultural world, and from which much is yet expected. Since the above was in type, we have learned from the Gardener's Chronicle (to which periodical we are indebted for our woodcut) that the Amherstia has flowered in the Royal Gardens at Frogmore. The first raceme was taken to Buckingham Palace on the 7th ult., and others have unfolded their beautiful blossoms since. In its cul- tivation Mr. Ingram has found it necessary constantly to shade it from the rays of the sun, otherwise the 5^oung pendulous leaves are apt to get their edges scorched. It grows luxuriantly in a moist heat of from 65° to 70° Fahr. ; it likes a good supply of water, and some- times a little liquid manure. DESTRUCTION OF APHIDES. As the time is approaching when one of our most mischievous pests, the aphis, takes the field, permit me to impart to such of your readers as still burn expensive tobacco so ineffectively for its destruc- tion, an easy and certain method of completely and with little trouble placing the whole legion hors de combat. For a small greenhouse or moderately-sized pit, dissolve an ounce of saltpetre in a common teacup of hot water. In the solution steep two ounces of cheap tobacco, till the latter absorbs all the liquid ; open and spread the tobacco, which should then stand in the sun, or before the fire, until nearly but not perfectly dried. Place it in an old plate or pan, not too close to the plants ; ignite with a match, and shut close. In a few minutes so dense will be the obscuration that nothing within the house will be perceptible ; and next morning, not only will you find every plant perfectly clean, but for weeks — sometimes for a whole season — there will be no necessity for a repe- tition of the process. In late autumn and during the winter months, I would not advise the use of the prepared tobacco in shallow frames, the nitre acting injuriously on the damp foliage of tender plants ; at APRIL. 83 other times it may without risk supersede the old expensive and unwholesome method of fumigation. In larger structures the same quantity may be fired at the same moment in two or three parts of the house. K. REMARKS ON BRITISH FERNS. No. IV. ASPLENIUM. A. MARiNUM. This constant inhabitant of our rocky shores submits to cultivation with reluctance. Although I have been tolerably suc- cessful with it under hand-glasses out-of-doors, still it will not luxu- riate so freely as when kept in slight heat. But it may be said, and with propriety, this is not our object so far as British Ferns are con- cerned. Nevertheless, if such plants as A. marinum can be esta- blished on the fernery in any way so as to develope themselves as well as they do in their native habitats, it would be a great acqui- sition ; I therefore cannot see that a bell-glass in a sheltered part of the fernery would be very objectionable, or even much out of cha- racter in such a place. Undoubtedly most Ferns, both native and exotic, are more or less fond of heat, but it does not follow that they all require a high temperature to bring them to perfection ; on the contrary, heat absolutely drives some of them out of their natural habits ; and besides it is a decided denial to their numerous admirers, who may not all be prepared to give them a tropical climate. I have seen the present plant growing beautifully in a Wardian case, and to me it appeared that no Fern in the collection did so well ; in short, it may be said to be similarly situated in some of its native caves by the sea-side. I have been told that it will never succeed well out-of-doors if separated from the sea air ; but I consider this to be rather the exception than the rule, as w^e have very many plants, inhabitants of the sea-shores, which thrive extremely well when cultivated in inland districts. To prove this I need only in- stance Cystopteris fragiUs, var. Dickieana, which has been detected in similar habitats to those of A. marinum, and yet no Fern with which I am acquainted will succeed better or look more handsome on the fernery. I have seen the extreme state of the plant, wherein the pinnae were much longer, narrower, and more deeply toothed than in the young state, with fronds from six to eight inches in height ; and by those who had never seen it in that condition it might be considered a variety. Foot's Cray. Robert Sim. FLORAL NEWS FROM MOUNT BARKER IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. May 25th, 1850. — We have just received five Numbers of the Florist; and the more we read and see of the work, the more we feel 84 THE FLORIST. our vast inferiority, and the nothingness of our flower-gardens. We have Pelargoniums, but tlie)^ are poor affairs ; and the same may be said of TuHps, Ranunculuses, and Dahlias. We sometimes have wondered how it is that every flower and flowering-plant here should be represented by the meanest individual of its family ; but this is doubtless owing to the hardihood of the more inferior sorts, whose constitutions enable them to endure a voyage over half the globe better than the finer kinds. Nature here has herself been sparing of flowers ; they have not been strewed so lavishly over this country as over some ; it is a plain pastoral country, rich in grasses, the varieties of which are innumerable. But I may be hasty in saying that we are not rich in flowering- plants ; for I beheve that, taking the country through, and particularly amid the most wild and woody parts, many singular shrubs might be found. I have myself travelled little ; but in the scrubby wilderness country I have passed through, I have frequently met with plants which I should have liked to introduce into my garden. I have, however, mostly found this diflficult to accomplish, for the plant being in flower, I could get no seed ; and being two or three days' journey from home, roots were too troublesome to carry. Grov^^ing among the Gum scrub may be seen profusions of a dwarfish tuberous-rooted Pelargonium ; and then we come among innumerable bushes of the Correa, of which I have seen three varieties. Two of these are in our neighbourhood : one of them very much resembles the plate in the Florist of 1848, but it is not quite so brilliant ; the other has an erect blossom of similar colour, but the habit of the plant is low and rather crawling. In the blos- soms of both, the stamens are much more elongated than in the figures alluded to. The accom- panying sketch represents both of them, they being now in blos- som in my garden. I will try to save some seed of them. Of the pendent -blossomed one I may say, of a dozen plants which we brought from the top of Mount Barker no two are exactly alike ; some of the flowers are much more curled in the lip than others, some are shorter in the tube, others longer, and some are much disposed to be de- formed, thus ; so that 1 suspect it is a flower which a Florist would find very tractable in the way of pro- ducing varieties. The leaf of the plant is highly aro- matic. The native habitat of these Correas being nearly close at home, we have been able readily to get them into our garden ; but I have seen other plants and shrubs much farther off", which 1 should have liked to have obtained for cultivation. I believe there is no plant of the Rose genus in the 85 country. The native Violet has no scent. A great many plants and shrubs have the pea-shaped blossom, but the Acacias have the Mimosa flower. We have here two or three s])ecies of the Bush Mimosa, and some of them are pretty little shrubs, the flowers being mostly shades of yellow, I think I mentioned before the peculiarity of the Zantherrea not sending up its flower-stalk unless a bush-fire had passed over the plant in the previous summer. In the stringy back forests these plants abound. The road to Adelaide passes through ten miles of such country, and in passing along in the winter or following spring, on one side of the road the forest which was burnt the previous summer will exhibit these plants all alive and flowering, while on the other side of the way all are dull and asleep ; there is not one sufficiently awake to lift up its head; and they will remain in this condition for years, unless the fire awakens their dormant energies. I sup- pose the real state of the case is, that they are too much asleep to be able to flower, and in throwing up fresh leaves after their tops have been burned off, they send up a blossom-stalk too. The latter resembles a tall bulrush ; it is eight or ten feet high, and is thickly set at the top with small white flowers. Our garden now (June 1) looks win- terly ; the fruit-trees and vines have nearly lost all their leaves, and a strong wind to- day has been whirling them all about the garden ; but the weather thus far has been most delightful, more like spring than winter. Fuchsias and Pelargoniums are in flower in the open ground, and have scarcely yet received a check ; the Pelargoniums in particular are as vigorous and fresh as ever. With regard to the Fuchsias, I think a little more frosty weather would be acceptable ; for, flowering as they do from early spring till late in autumn, they seem to need a sound winter's sleep ; with us they have just sufficient frost to make them shed all their leaves, and keep them in sound repose for three or four months. But this season has been unusually mild, and the poor Fuchsias seem lingering out their day's work, but evidently now reluctantly, as if they wished it was over. We, however, much want some finer varieties. The Pelar- goniums do not make sound enough wood to stand much continued frost. The Aloes, and the more hardy species of Cacti, thrive well with us, and they are a handsome and singular addition to a garden ; but they are rather spiny, and their spines being barbed, they re- quire some care in handling. I will now wind up for the present, wishing prosperity to the Florist and its Conductor. E. M. 86 THE FLORIST. LISTS OF WHAT TO AVOID. No. III. PINKS. Bates' No. 2. Beauty of Bath (Parker). Berkshire Hero (Mahar). Bob Lawrence. British Queen (Looker), British Queen (Hillyer). Conqueror. Coronation (Holmes). Dr. Coke. Dr. Daubeney. Duke of Wellington. Earl of Uxbridge (Dry). Edward Bennett (Bennett). Elizabeth (StoAve). Elizabeth (Willmer). Fanny (Bell). Forget-me-not. Gauntlet. Henry Steers (Norman). Hero (Young), Hotspur. J. Dickson. Jenny Lind (Parker). Joseph Sturge (Lee). Lady F. Hastings. Lady Hallowell. Lady Dartmouth. Lord Hardinge. Mary Anne (Looker). Matilda (Fisher). Merry Monarch (Norman). Miss Jeans (Willmer), Miss Blackstone. Mrs. Fry. Mrs. Edwards (Keynes). Omega (Unsworth). Prince Albert (Ibbett). Prince of Wales (Willmer). Pride (Hooper). Prince Albert (Garratt). Princess Alice (Looker). Princess Alice (Willmer). Prima Donna. Queen (Henbrey), Queen of Purples (Bell). Rosalind (Marris). Sarah. Sir George Hoste (Norman). Superb (Costar). Squire Hetherington. Tom Davey. Triumphant (Ibbett). Unique. W. Cobbett. POT-CULTURE OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. The following lecture on this subject was delivered by Mr. James at a late meeting of the Stoke Newington Chrysanthemum Society. Being one of the best cultivators of this autumnal favourite, his in- structions may be followed with advantage. •'The cuttings should be clean, strong, and short-jointed; not suckers, but strictly speaking cuttings. As soon as a sufficient quantity can be secured, which should be effected by the middle of March or the beginning of April, proceed with the striking as quickly as possible. When properly rooted, pot them, either singly or three in a pot, as the varieties may respectively require. In my opinion, some kinds succeed best potted singly, and make finer specimens ; while, on the other hand, others do best three in a pot. The varie- ties I should advise to plant singly would be, Pilot, Queen of Eng- land, Annie Salter, Defiance, and Vesta : of such sorts as Golden- clustered Yellow, Madame Poggi, Gipsy, Madam Camerson, and Harris's Queen Victoria, I should by all means recommend three plants to be placed in a pot. I use 5-inch pots ; when thoroughly established in these, I at once shift them into the pots in which they are intended to bloom, which should either be 11 or 9-inch pots, ac- cording to the inclination or convenience of the cultivator ; if smaller pots are employed, it will be found extremely difficult to maintain a healthy and vigorous foliage on the plants ; and although a good head of bloom may be secured, yet I think it will be admitted that this with bad foliage is unsuitable for an exhibition-table ; foliage, more especially, is what I aim at, almost at the expense of bloom. The soil I use and prefer is, maiden loam and dung, three parts of the former to two of the latter, with the addition of charcoal-dust and coarse sand. Be particular as to drainage, or the foliage will be sure to suffer. With respect to watering, I apply water as often as is neces- sary, whether it be in the heat of the day or in the cool of the even- ing. I frequently use the syringe from the time they are potted till the time they are in bloom ; its application tends much to improve the colour of the foliage, and has the additional advantage of keeping the plants clean and free from insects. I am an advocate for the use of liquid manure, and I give a decided preference to sheep-manure water. It may be, and I believe is not so powerful as guano, but I consider it a much safer manure, more especially in the hands of an amateur ; I also think that it has the effect of securing a neater and more compact growth, which is of importance in a specimen-plant. I would advise the application of manure- w'ater from the middle of July up to the time of exhibition. Stopping the plants appears to me to be altogether wrong, al- though the practice is strongly recommended by many writers on gardening. I have tried it, and can speak confidently as to the re- sult, which has invariably been a decided failure. Be particular in tying out the plants properly in every stage of their growth ; you should begin at the beginning, for if the operation is neglected until the plants have attained size, it is extremely diffi- cult to make them assume the desired shape. By tying, in addition to form, you secure the branches from accident by wind or from other causes ; and it also ensures a free circulation of air among the foliage and branches. I find three sticks to each pot, placed in the form of a triangle, sufficient ; through these sticks I pass three rings of wire, one at the middle, the others near the top and bottom of the plant ; the advantage of this mode of tying is, that it does away with the neces- sity of using so many sticks, and in consequence gives the plant a more natural appearance. I would recommend plunging the pots, but be sure you have a dry bottom : in such a situation the roots are kept cool without being wet ; plunging has also the advantage of preventing the plants from being bluwn about by wind : be careful, however, not to plunge in a wet, cold, badly drained soil. The time for housing the specimens depends very much upon circumstances; as, for instance, the weather, the precise date on which they may be required, &c. Housing w^ill have the effect of slightly forwarding them : be careful not to shelter them too soon ; if you doj you will lose in a few days what has been the aim of a whole season to obtain, viz. good healthy foliage. 88 THE FLORIST. The varieties suitable for specimen-plants are the following' : Vesta, Annie Salter, Gipsy, Golden- clustered Yellow, Defiance, Queen of England, Madam Camerson, Pilot, Madame Poggi, the Duke, and Harris's Queen Victoria. I prefer growing two pots of each of the above sorts, which I can with confidence recommend. And now permit me to state, in conclusion, that the grand secret of Chrysanthemum growing (for I should be sorry to keep back any information that is at all calculated to enlighten you upon the subject), is time and attention. These constitute the keystone of THE BEST TWELVE CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR EXHIBITION, SUPPLIED BV MEMBERS OF THE STOKE NEWINGTON CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY. < fi ;5 NAMES. 3 o H >< a P3 o Hi Hi o o < < Annie Salter .... 95 99 99 Beauty » >' 99 99 99 Campestroni .... 99 i» 9> 99 99 Cloth of Gold . . . Defiance ,, 99 Duke ?9 99 99 99 99 Dupont de TEure . . ^, Gem Golden-clustered Yellow Goliath 99 99 99 Imperial King „ 9> ,, 99 Lucidum ^^ Madame Chauviere . . Pilot ,, Princesse Marie . . . Queen of England . . 51 99 Two-coloured Incurved Vesta Warden i1 9' » 99 19 99 99 99 99 99 NOTES FROM THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, AND OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN CONTEMPORARY PERIODICALS. Euphorbia jacquiniflora. This is a very pretty stove-shrub ; its flowers are of a bright scarlet, and remain a long time in perfection ; they are produced co- piously from the axils of the leaves, on slender and rather pendulous branches, which have a very graceful appearance. The plant requires to be treated like the West Indian Cacti, or it may be managed like an ordinary stove-plant. It grows freely, but soon becomes naked at the bottom, unless it" is stopped back, APRIL. 89 which should be done when it is at rest. Plants of it have been flowering at Kew for these last two months, and are now in great perfection. Phaius Wallichii. This stately Orchid belongs to a genus which contains some of the most ornamental plants in cultivation. They are natives of the East Indies and China. Potted in turfy loam, intermixed with rough peat and a little sand, they grow vigorously, and produce abundance of large rich-coloured flowers. Phaius grandifolius (or the Tankerville Phaius), although an old plant, richly merits cultivation. Several plants of it are flowering at Kew in great per- fection ; some of the flower-stems are five feet high, with eighteen expanded flowers on them. Phaius intermedius resembles the other two in habit, and is a very hand- some species. The leaves are from three to four feet long ; the flowers are large ; the sepals and petals are white externally, and of a yellowish brown within ; lip whitish, mixed with purple. Phaius bicolor. This is a very elegant species, much resembling P. Wal- lichii, but of a somewhat dwarfer habit ; it grows about two or three feet high ; sepals and petals pale yellow externally, and of a deep chocolate-brown within; lip yellow, Avhite, and rose-colour. Several other species belong to the genus, but these four may be considered the best for general cultivation. LupiNus Hartwegii is a half hardy annual, and very showy. If raised in a frame and bedded out, it attains the height of one and a half or two feet, and has a raceme of brilliant blue flowers tinged with red or purple. Its native country is Mexico. LupiNus PUBESCENS. A half-hardy species, allied to L. Bogotensis. It re- quires a treatment similar to L. Hartwegii ; it grows from one to two feet high, and bears a raceme of violet-blue flowers. Native country Guatemala. This and Hartwegii are figured in the Magazine of Botany for March. Thibaudia macrantha. a rather straggling evergreen stove or warm green- house shrub, of easy cultivation, allied to the common Bilberry. It is one of the handsomest of the whole tribe, having large pendent flowers two inches and a quarter long and one inch in diameter, of a red, yellow, and pure china white, beautifully marked with wavy red lines, resembling some handsome pieces of porcelain. They are produced from the woody portion of the stem, extra-axil- lary, two or three springing from the same point. It was raised from seed im- ported from the Kola mountain, Moulmein, by Messrs. Veitch of Exeter. Medimlla javanensis. An erect evergreen stove-shrub, having a terminal or lateral panicle of pale rose-coloured flowers. It was imported by Messrs. Rollisson of Tooting from Java. This species belongs to a genus which con- tains some very magnificent flowering plants ; the present one, although forming a handsome shrub, is not one of the most showy kinds. SoBRALiA SESsiLis. A terrestrial Orchid, rather pretty, of erect growth, about two feet high, and having small flowers produced on the apex of the stems. The sepals and petals are nearly white ; tinged with rose lip yellow, deeply stained with rose-purple. It is a native of British Guiana, and was introduced about ten years ago. Echixopsis campylacantha. a very handsome flowering-plant of the Cactus tribe, about a foot high, between ovate and globose. The flowers are produced near the summit of the plant; they are funnel-shaped, nearly six inches long, with pale rose-coloured petals. It is a native of the Argentine province of Men- doza, at the eastern foot of the Andes. The above four plants are figured in the Botanical Magazine for March. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. J. Houlsto.n. NEW series, vol. I. NO. IV. 90 THE FLORIST. A PACKET OF SEEDS SAVED BY AN OLD GARDENER. [Continued from p. 64.] The head-gardener was a kind man, and took as great pains to teach me as I did to learn. He was no one's enemy but his own, only in one way, and that was his example, which was bad for others. He must have had a good temper once ; but his drinking habits killed all his respect for himself, and then he forgot his respect for others, and was very violent to his under-men. I was eight years with him, and did all I could to keep things straight ; but the more I did, the worse he got ; for when he found things done, he kept more away from his duty, till affairs went back for want of help, and matters got very unpleasant indeed. Just as they were about the worst, I got another place, and that all in a hurry. I'd often won- dered if ever I should better myself ; and just when I had least hope, I got what I wanted, without asking. One day a friend of my master's was walking round with him, and just as they came where I was nailing some wall-trees, the gentleman said, "I want a good gardener; does your man know one .?" " There's one," said the squire ; " you may have him if you like." A few words settled it, and I was to go in a month upon trial. I don't know what else my master said, but I did hear hicn say, " He's a methodistical fellow, and that'll just suit you." It was the fashion fifty years ago to call any body a methodist that kept decent, and didn't go to church. The methodists had turned an old barn outside the village into a meeting-house, and a good many poor people used it, and very angry it made the parson and the gentry ; but they took an odd way to put it down, for they would give none of the charities to such as went to hear the preacher, nor let them have any of the allotments. It mattered not how good the people were, go to church they must, or nothing for them ; but let a man be ever such a blackguard, if he did but go to church, he got the coals and bread and allotment. All this was no use, it only made folks like a spiteful donkey at a hedge, — be as sharp as you will about him, there's his heels ready for you. Some labourers got discharged because they would go to meeting, and that made mar- tyrs of them, but a poor kind; for if it hadn't been for the notice they got, and being made something of, they'd soon have gone to church again of their own accord. Two things I noticed, and I've always found it the same every where : *' When the parson goes much to the Hall, The poor parishioners go to the wall ; And when a labourer's made a deacon, It always spoils his stomach for bacon." A word or two more, and I've done about this matter. If the Church-of-England ministers would only save seed more carefully, and sow it more industriously, they'd see a deal better crops ; and if APRIL. 91 we poor folks only talked religion less, and did religion more, we shouldn't hear so much sneering at meetingers. About a week after I got engaged, my old landlady died very suddenly, which was a great blow to her daughter, for it turned her upon the world ; but she got lodgings, and the promise of all the washing, and the house was to be given up when 1 went away ; and till then an aunt came to stop with Elizabeth. She and her mother had been all along very kind to me ; and when the day came for me to go, it seemed another leaving home, for I had looked so long at that face, that I knew eyery pockmark upon it. I helped to get her washing-tubs, lines, and things to her new home, and then bid her good-bye. I thought I saw a tear when she said, " I wish you well, or I would not say. Don't you be caught by Margaret." I went otf rather affronted at this, saw Margaret and some more, and started for my new place, near eighty miles off. It was morn- ing when I got there, and early, so I had a good look round, and found every thing very badly done : all was slovenly and dirty, and at sixes and sevens, and yet there was a good deal for that part and those days ; there was a conservatory, greenhouse, and pits, with two houses of grapes. It was November, and not a flower. As soon as my new employer was up, I was ordered in. He first asked me how I liked the look of things, and I told him very well indeed. He said he was glad of that ; his old gardener that had died was " a very clever fellow," and he hoped I should be as good. And I have heard this same said many a time since by gentlemen over as stupid fellows as ever robbed a real gardener of a place. He told me, in a way I was quite strange to, that he wished to see every body about him happy and comfortable, and that he must have no quarrelling ; and if those under me did not behave as I wished, I was to tell them civilly, and if they did not mend then, to bring them before him. He said I must join a benefit-club that the clergyman managed, and try and save something beside. " And mind," said he, " though you are upon trial, what you are at first is your own pattern, and I must have all the piece like it." He then told me to go to the butler, and have my breakfast in the servants' hall. It was a hall to the one I'd left ; for though I never eat in that one, I knew those that did by heart, and pleased enough I was to see the difference. I don't mean that my new acquaintances were extraordinary, not a bit of it ; only there was something about 'em that made you feel comfortable, and they had no stupid airs. Now here's another thing that's no puzzle, and yet I'll set it for an answer. How do you account for some hall-porters and livery and other servants being so saucy to decent people in some places, when in others, ay and very often where there's real rank too, all the servants are so civil and respectful } I've seen so much of thiSy that let me see the servants, and I'll tell you what the masters and mistresses are without seeing them. [To be continued.] 92 THK FLORIST. OUR MONTHLY REMEMBRANCER. Auriculas. Protect them from storms, and cover from night- frosts ; but take every opjDortunity of drawing off the lights in the day-time when it can be done with safety. Moisten the bottom of the frames between the pots, and keep up a humid atmosphere, to counteract the effects of parching winds. Water the plants liberally once or twice a week ; use the liquid manure mentioned below for seedlings, and at the same time sprinkle the foliage with it, but avoid touching the blooms : it is best applied in the evening, when the frames are being shut up. Where the plants are grown on a stage, the under part should be well wetted now and then; the saltpetre- water is best for this purpose. A temporary stage, consisting of two rails the width of the hand-glasses, and supported on short pegs, should be erected in a north aspect, for the hand-lights to stand upon over the plants. As soon as the first pip begins to expand, place the plant under the hand-glass, that it may be secure from injury : be sure the glasses are sound on the top, and free from drip, for the blooms dislike wet. The flowers expand most freely when in a humid and still atmosphere ; notwithstanding, air must be admitted, but not to the extent that will blow the blooms about. Let down the side- boards with which this temporary protection should be provided in calm weather, and close them when boisterous cold winds prevail. Cover up from night-frost, water, &c. as when the plants were in the frames. Select a few healthy plants for seeding ; look to the oflF- sets plunged in the south border, and transplant all that are rooted. About the second or third week shade the glasses on the south side, and let the shading remain till the plants are fit to remove. Trans- plant seedlings. An occasional sprinkling over head with saltpetre- water will be found of service ; it may be used with safety if the proportions given (1 oz. to a gallon) are not exceeded. Calceolarias. Fumigate for green-fly, and clean the plants thoroughly with soft water next morning. All plants not shifted into their blooming-pots should be done without delay. Carnations and Picotees, whether in pots or the open ground, ought to be in their blooming quarters ; if any are in small pots, shift them into larger ones. The size of the bloom mainly depends on the plants taking good hold of the soil before thej^ spindle for bloom. In an exposed situation, the tall-growing kinds, such as Flora's Garland, should be secured with small sticks. Sow seed in gentle heat ; let the soil be fine, and water sparingly when the plants are first appearing. Cinerarias should now have plenty of air by night as well as by day, when it can be safely given them ; shade from brilliant sun- shine, for they love the shade, particularly when in flower ; give suf- ficiency of water. Cold Frames. The season when the winter occupants of these structures will be required to take their places in the flower-clumps APRIL. 93 being near at hand, every eifort must be used to bring them into such a state as will enable them not only to outlive the change, but to be altogether unhurt by it. It is very desirable that plants which have received some seven or eight months' protection under glass, and much care and attention while there, should come into perfection, or at least produce some agreeable effect, very soon after they are placed in their summer quarters ; but their future progress will very much depend upon their condition when planted. If strong healthy plants can be obtained without the aid of artificial heat during this month, they will speedily strike root, make rapid growth, and will afford some recompense for the care and attention which they may have received ; whereas plants taken from a frame which has been kept close and moist to within a short time of their being fully exposed to wind and sun, will look more like rubbish for the dung-heap than ornamental subjects ; and unless much care and attention is bestowed upon them, they may prove as bad as they look, at least a large proportion of them. It will be advisable to take an early opportu- nity to go over the stock intended for clumps, and select all the plants that are well established, and either place them in some shel- tered spot where they can conveniently receive protection at night, or at one end of the frame, where they can have more air, and be gradually inured to the full influence of the sun. Spring-rooted cut- tings must be encouraged to make growth, and every effort used to get them established singly in pots towards the end of the month, so as to allow of their being gradually prepared during the first fort- night of May for their summer quarters ; and as soon as they are rooted in their pots, they should be freely exposed on all favourable occasions ; for their progress after planting out depends much more upon their being hardy and vigorous than upon size. Many plants usually wintered under glass may now be planted out, such as Pent- stemons. Snapdragons, &c. and their place will afford space for cut- tings, or it may be occupied with Balsams, Fuchsias, &c. for the autumn decoration of the greenhouse and sitting-room. Verbenas, and many other bedding-plants, are very subject to the attacks of aphides about this season : should these make their appearance, they must be destroyed at once. Brown's Fumigator will be found very useful for this purpose. Dahlias. Put in cuttings of these ; repot as soon as they are struck, and harden off as soon as they are sufficiently started in growth. Never allow^ them to stand in cold frames in very small pots, otherwise they soon become stunted. The roots will generally part, and make from three to six strong plants after they have done their work in producing cuttings. Sow seed without delay, in dung- beds strongly heated. If the bed is a proper one, the young plants will make their appearance in five or six days. Transplant as soon as the rough leaf appears. Beds intended for Dahlias should be turned over now, and broken fine. ErACRisEs. As they go out of bloom, except one or two kinds, cut them back hard, leaving a necessary quantity of spurs to break from. Give the annual shift, say from a 6 to a 9-inch pot, and in the 94 THk FLORIST. same proportion for larger or smaller plants ; tie out the main branches to give air to the centre ; a strong break will be much facilitated by a month or six weeks' confinement in a stove heat ; water liberally, but avoid the direct influence of the sun's rays. Cuttings taken from half-ripened wood will strike tolerably free in silver-sand, covered with a bell-glass, and placed in a shady part of a stove. In potting Epacrises, use the compost as for Ericas. Ericas. Water freely ; air during mild days. Shift "stock," and later-blooming specimens. Flowkr-Garden. Swelling buds and expanding blossoms render April one of the most delightful months of the year. True, the best- furnished gardens will be deficient in floral beauty compared with future months, but there will, nevertheless, be enough of colour and variety to aflford much gratification to the simple lover of nature. Many of the early Tulips are exceedingly beautiful ; these, with Hyacinths and other spring bulbs, together with hosts of bright- coloured perennials, will yield a rich return for the little attention which their cultivation demands. But these things are mentioned here more for the purpose of calling attention to the loss sustained by those who neglected to provide for a display of them, than with the view of giving directions concerning them. An occasional visit during the month to the garden of a neighbour who cultivates such things will do more to recommend them than any thing in the shape of written directions or advice. Choice Annuals may be sown any time during the month where they are intended to flower. Secure abundance of Mignonette and Stocks, which are among the sweetest and best of our Annuals. It is a very good plan to sow a quantity of the better sorts of Annuals upon a bed of light soil in some spare corner, where they can be thinned so as to keep them dwarf and bushy ; and should it be found that the stock of half-hardy plants is insufficient to meet the demand, these may be transplanted, and with a little care and a few waterings, they will suflfer nothing from re- moval. Get ground intended for the reception of plants wintered under glass into the kindest possible state ; heavy soils will be greatly benefited by an occasional digging when the surface becomes dry, and a dressing of quick-lime when the ground is in that condition will render such soils much easier worked. The pruning of tender Roses should be completed at once, if not already done. Any plants upon walls should have their shoots regulated ; and every thing should be got into the neatest possible order. Box will require to be trimmed, and grass edgings cut straight, and lawns should be rolled and cut regularly during the month. Gravel- walks will also require cleaning and rolling. Fuchsias. Keep them growing; syringe overhead at least once a day, also sluice the paths of the house to increase humidity. In giving the final shift, add a double handful of bone-dust to about a bushel of compost, — it is an excellent support to the plant during its flowering season. Water once a fortnight with a weak solution of guano-water. Shade in sunny weather ; admit air in the middle of the day from the roof ; never let them flag for want of water. APRIL. 95 Greenhouse. At no season of the year is good management of greater importance than during the present month. If hard-wooded plants can be brought into vigorous growth during this month, they will, if properly attended to, make an astonishing progress dur- ing summer and autumn. Carefully examine the whole stock, and repot all such plants as have tilled their pots with roots ; after pot- ting, it is advisable that they should be kept somewhat warmer, ■which may be effected by giving less air where they stand. Water must now be applied carefully, as plants frequently suffer much from an insufhcient supply at this season. With the increased amount of sun-light which we now experience, the temperature may be allowed to range considerably higher than during the early part of the season. The leaves of Camellias, Oranges, &c. should be thoroughly cleaned by means of a sponge and soft water ; such plants are greatly bene- fited by a thorough cleansing at least once a year, and it is hardly possible to have them in perfection unless they receive it. Fumi- gate whenever green-fly appears. Provide plants for autumn flower- ing ; few things will be found more serviceable at that season than the varieties of Japan Lilies ; these, and the beautiful Salvia splen- dens, are of the easiest possible culture, and should be plentiful in every amateur's garden. Hardy Fru it-Trees. Grafting and nailing should have been completed before this time ; but if any work of this kind remains to be done, forward it as speedily as possible. Continue to protect wall-trees for some time longer, but endeavour to arrange the covering so that it will admit light freely during the day-time. Peach-trees will be ready for disbudding towards the end of the month; this should be performed at three or four different times, allowing about a week to elapse between each disbudding ; when done in this gradual man- ner, the sap does not receive so severe a check as when the tree is denuded of the greater portion of its leaves at once. Watch carefully for insects, and use tobacco-water directly they make their appear- ance. Examine Apricots for caterpillars, w^hich are so destructive to them. Never allow insects to gain a footing, unless you are will- ing to lose your crop of fruit. Recently transplanted trees will be greatly benefited by a liberal watering, if the weather should prove dry ; and it will also be advisable to mulch the ground, which will prevent the necessity of watering so frequently as might otherwise be necessary. The mowings of the lawn will be very suitable for this purpose. Pansies, If flowers are required of large size, thin out the side- shoots, whether they be wanttd for cuttings or not. Sow seed in pans, in gentle heat. A bed may now be planted in a north aspect for summer bloom. Pelargoniums. Several varieties that have not been stopped back since heading down will be coming into flower this month ; it will be well, where shading is used, to put the sashes on at once ; and especially where the houses are glazed with sheet-glass, shading keeps the flowers much longer in perfection. Destroy green-fly be- fore they come into flower; fumigate two nights successively, and 96 THE FLORIST. on the following morning wash thoroughly with rain-water ; water occasionally with clear liquid manure-water, consisting of three parts sheep-dung, one cow- dung, one horse-droppings, and a small quan- tity of unslacked lime, to a sufficiency of rain-water to render it weak enough; use it a fortnight after it is mixed. Where a succes- sion of flowers is required, if a few plants are shifted into pots two sizes larger than those they are in, and stopped back in the last week of this month, they will flower in the middle of August. After these have well broken, keep them in as cold a place as possible ; if it is in the north side of the house, and protected from heavy rains, so much the better. Pinks. If the beds have not been top-dressed, do it the first dry day. Hoe the surface, and destroy insects. Pinks preserved in pots through the winter should now be put out ; be careful not to break the ball of earth more than is possible, for the less the fibres are disturbed the finer and more correctly will the flowers lace. It is not too late to sow seed. The snail, the slug, and the wood- louse devour young Pinks : the best protection against them is to fix the pans over water. Polyanthuses in pots should be treated as Auriculas ; but they will require more water. Preserve the named flowers in beds from slugs. Look over seed-beds, and mark promising sorts. Ranunculuses. If the soil runs or cakes, it should be scratched over with a small fork, and about three quarters of an inch of fine sand added as top-dressing. Protect choice beds from late frosts. Seedlings should be watered regularly, and shaded ; one dry day without protection is sufficient to ruin a spring- sown crop. A little rich fine mould should be sprinkled over the young plants as a top- dressing. Roses in Pots. Keep a sharp look-out for young shoots as they start from last month's pruning, for the rose-maggot will be busy at work before the shoot is unfolded. Water once a week with liquid manure. Tulips. Stir the surface carefully, to prevent it becoming crusted, particularly before blooming time. It is to be presumed that your covering is in its place, and is used for the necessary protection; frosts will prove its usefulness against both cold and cats. If the latter end of the month is very dry, give a slight watering in the evening over the foliage through a fine-rosed water-pot, and im- mediately cover the beds with the mats. The freshness and vigour consequent on this will be apparent in the morning. Anr7ri^rs. Jhlt A 7,mcc Prmif^ Try ' Cfi.iioi C^plo.^yne Macuiata, Var. 97 CGELOGYNE MACULATA. Those of our readers who possess an Orchid-house, and nearly every garden now has one of some khid, will do well to add to their collection this charming little plant, which is certainly one of the most beautiful of the genus to which it belongs. In habit it approaches nearest to Wallich's Ccelogyne, or ra- ther perhaps to Prajcox ; but in our opinion it is far better worth cultivating than either of those species. Its finely- formed lip, together with the beautiful contrast of colours which it presents, cannot fail to render it an especial favourite; and if proper skill is but applied, we do not anticipate that it will be more difficult to manage than some of the less hand- some kinds. Mr. Williams, gardener to C. B. Warner, Esq., of Hoddesdon, flowered it with facility a few months after it was imported, and from this plant our representation was prepared. Mr. Williams says, " This beautiful Indian Orchid blossoms in November and December on the young growths, and it will last in beauty several weeks, provided the flowers are kept free from damp. Being deciduous, it requires to be treated dif- ferently from some of the other Coelogynes. Our plant was imported by Messrs. Veitch, and sold at one of Mr. Stevens's sales, where Mr. Warner purchased it. *' As soon as I received it, I washed all the pseudo-bulbs, and then potted them in rough fibrous peat, placed on good drainage, which is of great importance in the successful growth of this tribe of plants. I introduced at the bottom of the pot about three inches of drainage, on which I placed a layer of sphagnum moss, and then filled the pot with peat, on the top of which I set the plant, fixing it in its position with a strong peg, and covering up the roots. The plant should be elevated about two inches above the rim of the pot. After potting, a little water should be given it — just enough to moisten the peat, but be careful not to wet the pseudo-bulbs, that being very injurious to fresh-imported Orchids. After our plant had begun to grow and make roots, I gave it more water ; and when tlie growth was about two inches in height, I gave a good supply at the roots, but not over the leaves. After potting, the plant was put into the hottest house along with the East Indian Orchids, such as Aerides, Saccolabiums, &c., and there it succeeded admirably, making fine pseudo-bulbs and leaves. After it had finished its growth, I removed it to a cooler house, the temperature of which varied from 50° to 60^ placing it near the glass, in order that it might have all the light pos- NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. V. K 98 THE FLORIST. sible during its season of rest. "While it is in this condition it should receive just sufficient water to keep the pseudo-bulbs from shrivelling-, and no more. When symptoms of growth began to exhibit themselves, I moved it back into the East- Indian house, but did not give it too much water at first. When the shoots had got about two inches in height, a good supply was administered until the plant had finished its growth, when water must be given sparingly, and the plant should be put back into the cool house, in order to give it a good season of rest, so as perfectly to prepare it for the next flowering." The above is Mr. Williams's mode of treating this pretty little plant. We had hoped to have given a similar account along with our plate of Cattleya Pineli, inserted in No. II. of the present year's volume; but unfortunately the statement did not reach us until after the Number was published. ON THE RUNNING OF THE CARNATION. In curtailing my article at page 75 you have made me contradict myself in the last paragraph but one. What I did write was, that I was not sure, in the case of Cartwright's Eainbow and another flower, that the chances were not equal of obtaining clean stock from run as from fine stools. I certainly do not hold, nor did I express, the opinion, that this case applies generally. My view in writing thus was to draw the attention of growers to the varied freaks in which the flower displays its sportive propensities, as I believe that many fine plants are doomed to destruction on the slightest suspicion of being in a run state ; and I quoted one or two instances of flowers coming under my own ob- servation favouring a different view, presuming it fair to suppose that others might be in a similar condition. I also wish, if your space will allow me, to explain that I did not intend to confine the presence of " the smallest stripe of white" ab- solutely to " flaked flowers," as indicative of a probable return to fineness. That class, when it runs, I believe invariably goes back to a clove or self; at least I do not remember an instance of the white flushing and leaving the stripes or flakes visible. Bizarres, however, sport: 1st, to a flake, losing the dark or bi- zarre stripe ; 2d, to a flake, losing the lighter colour. In this case it is most commonly a coarse marine flake, with a dingy white ; some p.p.B.'s, however, will sport to good p.f.'s; 3d, to a striped flower, having the white suffused with a lighter colour ; and 4th, to a clove or self. In the first case, it is not desirable that they should return to the original. In the second, it is, I consider, hopelessly and irrecoverably run. In the two last, I incline to think that the presence of " the smallest stripe of white" is indicative of a probable return to fineness. Woolwich, April 4th. J. W. Newhall. MAY. 99 CULTURE OF THE DAHLIA FOR EXHIBITION. The following,- concise rules, to be observed in the successful culture of the Dahlia for exhibition, are not presented so much for any no- velty in the practice recommended, as to point out a few of the most essential things to be done at the proper time. For economy in carriage, the plants are grown and sent out in small pots; therefore, on receiving them from the nursery, place them in a close frame for a day and a night to recover them from their confinement ; then repot them into 4-inch pots, using rich soil : the pots should be drained with coarse partly decomposed leaf-mould, so that in planting out there w^ill be nothing to abstract from the ball of earth. A good start is of great importance; therefore care should be taken that the plant is grown to a fair size without drawing dur- ing the time it is in the pot ; the stouter it is the better, without being tall ; and it should not be pot-bound at the time of planting out : both the roots and the point of the plant should be in a thriv- ing condition, and free from aphides. It may perhaps be unnecessary to state that the plants must be carefully hardened off before they are turned out. If the soil and plants are in a proper state, the first week in June will be a good time for the general planting, which, wdth ordinary care and atten- tion, will produce good blooms in time for the earliest exhibition. A short period will suffice to have plants of a good size ; but it should be borne in mind that hours lost in repotting them when in a young state will make a difference of days in the time of bloomin^, and it is important that this should be clearly understood, that no neglect in the matter may be permitted to take place. Examine the plants often to see if any require water; by no means let them become dry so long as they are in pots. Secure them with proper and strong fastenings at the time of planting ; water whenever they require it, and sprinkle the foliage slightly almost every evening with soft water. Tie out the branches, and, as the plant increases in size, secure the side-shoots firmly to extra stakes. Cut away all superfluous small shoots. Some varieties have scarcely any to remove, while others have a considerable number. Fearless is of the class which has but few shoots requiring the use of the knife; but such kinds as Shylock require it freely. Indiscriminate pruning must therefore be avoided. Study the habit of the plant, and consider if the flower will be im- proved by increased size ; all varieties need some thinning and dis- budding, which should be effected at diflferent periods. Small flowers require it as soon as the young shoots and buds can be removed, while large flowers, such as Thames Bank Hero, Princess Louisa, and many others, would be rendered coarse and valueless for the purposes of exhibition if a number of buds were not permitted to remain till the ])lant was coming into bloom. Size in this case would be gained at the expense of quality ; besides, there is the advantage of having three blooms where two w^ould be grown. On the other hand, size, in moderation, must not be lost sight of. It was not with small 100 THE FLORIS^T. blooms that I have taken first prizes for these last fifteen years. I would therefore advise the young grower to avoid the two extremes. In shading blooms for exhibition, as a general rule, they should be one-third blown before they are put under the shade ; and take care to secure such as appear to be coming good, and at the time they are required, from injury by friction. Slugs and earwigs are very destructive, and must be perseveringly kept down from the time the plants are put out till the end of the season. If you should be annoyed by a small black insect (which is often the case in July), use every means to encourage the plants to make rapid growths, by watering and syringing them overhead, and by brushing the depredators from the points of the shoots. Snuff, to- bacco-water, and various other remedies are often resorted to ; but these, if effectual in killing the pests, generally destroy the points of the shoots : if the plants are in a thriving condition, they will soon recover themselves. If the season proves dry, water freely two or three times a week ; but never let it be done by halves : give a good soaking when you do water, if that should not be so often. Employ manure-water once a week as soon as they begin to throw up their buds ; but it should be used in a weak state at the commencement. Before concluding these remarks, permit me to bear witness to the increasing interest taken both in the culture of the Dahlia for competition and in the raising of seedlings. The enjoyment and pleasing recreation attending the cultivation of Florists' flowers add numbers to the fancy ; and I have much satisfaction in stating that no flower is more generous in repaying the enthusiastic Florist for his labour than the Dahlia. Royal Nursery, Slough. Charles Turner. DESCRIPTIVE LISTS OF FRUITS. No. V. GRAPES. The Grape occupies so important a place at dessert, and is more- over such a universal favourite, that it is considered expedient to go more into detail in describing the peculiarities of the varieties recom- mended for cultivation in the following Hst than I have hitherto done as regards other fruits. To assist in clearing up the confusion that has been caused by giving numerous names to one and the same sort, I shall copy the synonyms (or false names) of each sort from the Horticultural Society's Fruit- Catalogue, adding such observations upon them as my own experience has satisfied me are correct. In that catalogue as many as eighty- six sorts are described; and the names of a considerable number are given to which no descriptions are appended, making in all over a hundred varieties, of which only about a dozen are worth cultivating under glass ; and some six or MAY. 101 eight more may be grown against south-aspected v;alls in the south- ern parts of the kingdom, with some probabihty of the fruit acquiring an eatable state of ripeness in favourable seasons. In the subjoined list all the most esteemed varieties are noticed, with the exception of a few new sorts, whose merits have been highly extolled by some persons, but which have not yet been sufficiently tested to warrant me in recommending them. 1. Black Hamburgh . Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Catalogue : Warner's, Warner's Black Hamburgh, Purple Hamburgh, Red Hamburgh, Brown Hamburgh, Dutch Hamburgh, Hampton-Court Vine, Valentine's, Gibraltar, Black Gib- raltar, Black Portugal (of some), Black TenerifFe, Salisbury Violet, Victoria, Admiral, Frankendale, Frankenthaler, Frankenthaler Gros Noir, Trollinger, Blue Trollinger, Pale- wooded Trollinger, TroUer, Languedoc, Malvasior (of some).* Bunch large when well-grown, and then the shoulders are large also ; berry large, varying slightly in form, but generally nearly round, and sometimes there are little flat spaces on the sides as though the berry had been hammered ; the skin is thick, dull black, toler- ably well covered with bloom ; pulp sweet and very agreeable, but not highly flavoured ; juicy when just in perfection, but after hanging on the vine a month or so after ripeness, part of the juice exhales, and the pulp becomes much more fleshy. The leaves are large, coarsely serrated, smooth. On vigorous vines the young wood is strong, and more pithy than that of many other sorts. Unquestionably this is the most useful black Grape in cultivation, and its merit is in a manner indicated by the numerous names it has received, for it is the fate of every superior variety of fruit to be re- peatedly renamed and resold by ignorant or interested persons. Of the synonyms given above, that of Frankenthaler appears to be the name by which this Grape is generally known in Germany ; Ham- burgh is therefore merely a provisional name, taken from the town it is supposed to have been obtained from. It is maintained by many that two or more distinct varieties of the Black Hamburgh are cultivated, while others, again, assert that no greater differences exist than might have been caused by dissimilar soils and manage- ment. Without attempting to decide this vexatious question, I would suggest that those who suppose they possess distinct varieties should graft them all upon one vine, when accordingly as the supposed dif- ferences are found to be permanent or transient, the dispute would be decided. One of these subvarieties has lately been loudly trum- peted under the name of " Wilmot's New Black Hamburgh," which some, again, say is nothing more than the old Dutch Hamburgh. Con- nected with this question the following fact may be worth mention- ing. Several years since, the late Mr. Wilmot of Isleworth was em- ployed by a gentleman in this neighbourhood to superintend the * I have omitted about a dozen names, chiefly German, as it is not supposed that any Englishman will ever try to pronounce them. 102 THE FLORIST. making of new borders, and to supply young vines for planting three new vineries, and amongst those plants were two of-' Wilmot's New Black Hamburgh." Names were not attached to the vines when planted, and now the gardener, who has had the management of them for seven or eight years, cannot distinguish Wilmot's from the common Black Hamburgh. 2. White Muscat of Alexandria. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Catalogue : Alexandrian Frontignan, Muscat of Jerusalem, Tottenham- Park Muscat, Lunel, White Tokay (of some), White Mus- cat of Lunel, Malaga, Passe-Musquee, White Passe-Mus- qu^e, Passe-longue Musquee, Muscat Eschcolota, Zebibo of Sicily. Bunch large and long, generally having wide- spreading shoulders ; berry very large, oval; skin thick, yellowish when quite ripe; pulp rather fleshy, exquisitely flavoured ; leaves large, deeply lobed and acutely serrated ; young wood strong, very firm when properly matured. The name of White Tokay is familiarly applied to this variety in the north of England, and my belief is that they are one and the same sort, notwithstanding a different Grape having been lately ex- hibited at the Horticultural Society's rooms under the name of Tokay. Judging from the notice of that Grape in the Gardeners'' Chronicle, it is very likely to have been a firm-fleshed, late-keeping, but little cultivated sort, indiscriminately called White Hamburgh or White Raisin. Muscat Eschcolota, or EschcoUata, is a catchpenny name given to the White Muscat by a dealer not inaptly named " Money," who, under the plea that the fruit would ripen against open walls, managed to convert his pretended new variety into a goodly number of guineas. I'he Tottenham-Park Muscat was sent out many years ago as a distinct sort, said to have been raised from seed in the Mar- quis of Ailesbury's garden; but if a seedling, it has been found not to diff'er from its parent. I have also seen this Grape bearing the names of Athol's Nonsuch and Thome's House Tokay. This admirable kind is generally acknowledged to have no equal; and it would doubtless be so universally cultivated as to exclude most others, only that a high temperature is absolutely necessary for its perfect maturation. It is an excellent sort for late keeping, provided it is well ripened early in autumn. I have frequently cut fruit in December which was eatable in the beginning of August. 3. Ca7ion-Hall Muscat. Bunch longer and generally less broadly shouldered than the pre- ceding sort ; berry very large, oval, but more blunt at the ends than that of the White Muscat; skin thick, dull white, acquiring a yel- lowish tinge when thoroughl)^ ripe ; pulp firm, partaking of the peculiar flavour of the White Muscat, although not equally so to that sort. In all respects there is a great resemblance between this Grape and its probable parent — the White Muscat ; the principal diff"erences being in the Canon Hall having larger and more obtuse berries, and MAY. 103 in its wood and all other parts being more gross ; it is also tenderer in constitution, demanding more heat to bring it to perfection than any other variety I ever cultivated. Although a noble Grape in ap- pearance when well-grown, it is certainly inferior in general merit to No. 2 ; therefore one vine is as many as need be coveted even by a grape-fancier, and that should occupy the warmest situation whicli can be appropriated to it. 4. Grizzly Fronticjnan. Synonyms : Red Frontignan, Red Frontignac, Red Constan- tia. Grizzly Frontignac, Muscat Gris, Muscat Rouge. Bunch rather below the middle size, long in proportion to its breadth, being generally but little shouldered ; the branches of the fruit-stalk, including the pedicels, are stiff, whicli gives the bunch a rigid appearance ; berry middle-sized, very nearly round ; skin thick, peculiarly coloured, the ground being dull yellowish, whicli is thickl)' and closely marked with pale red, imjiarting to the whole a sort of" grizzly" hue, — in well-coloured fruit the red is deeper and brighter, from which accidental circumstance one of its false names has arisen ; pulp juicy and rich, having much of the esteemed flavour of the White Muscat; seeds large in proportion to the size of the berry ; the leaves are moderately large, smooth above, and nearly so beneath, with their indentations very sharply cut. From the above list of synonyms several of Italian and German origin have been omitted, as being of little consequence to the Bri- tish cultivator. Nearly all the works on gardening that have come under my notice in Mhich Grapes are described make no less than five varieties of Frontignan Grapes, viz. the black, white, grizzly, blue, and red. In the last edition of the Horticultural Society's Fruit-Catalogue, the red is rightly made a synonym of the grizzly, thus reducing the number to four, which, however, is still one more than really exists. Considerable experience among Grapes has satis- fied me that there are no more than three Frontignans, and these are the black (sometimes called the purple), the white, and the grizzly, which resemble each other as closely as possible in all their characters except in colour. The sort called Blue Frontignan in the above- named catalogue is not a Frontignan at all ; that is to say, it does not possess in any degree that particular musky flavour which cha- racterises all the true Frontignan Grapes, and consequently it is not entitled to the same appellation ; in appearance, however, it is con- siderably like the Black Frontignan ; but besides differing in flavour from that variety, it can be further distinguished by its berry being more disposed to an oval form, and by the skin being of a more in- tense and shining black colour, resembling that of the Black Prince, whereas the skin of the Black Frontignan is a dull reddish black. Some writers on Grapes call this variety the Black Constantia. which is a much more appropriate name than Blue Frontignan. All the Frontignans are generally highly esteemed, although they are less inviting in appearance than many comparatively inferior sorts. The vines are more tender at the root than most others, and never succeed well in heavy ill- drained borders. 104 THE FLORIST. 5. Chasselas Musqu^. Synonyms : Josling's St. Alban's (according to some) ; Wil- mot's New Muscat. Bunch rather large, broadly shouldered and rather loose ; berry middle-sized, round ; skin thin, dull yellowish green, thinly covered with a whitish bloom ; pulp juicy and highly flavoured, resembling the White Muscat in the latter particular, but inferior to that sort ; the leaves are middle-sized, smooth, and rather thin in texture. The merit of this otherwise valuable Grape is much lessened by an unfortunate tendency in the skin to a^ack when just on the point of ripening. I have had very fine bunches so much disfigured by this defect, that when quite ripe they were totally unfit to send to table. Possibly if the vines were planted inside of the house, where the supply of moisture to their roots would be under control, the fruit might be less liable to this failing. As regards its name, this Grape has acquired some notoriety. In the first place, it was sold some years since at a high price as a new Muscat ; and latterly it is said to have obtained another new title — that of Josling's St. Alban's. Respecting the latter, however, it is no more than fair towards Mr. Josling to state, that previous to selling what he still maintains was a seedling Grape, he submitted the fruit to the inspection of compe- tent judges, who did not recognise it to be the Chasselas Musque, nor is it yet clearly ascertained, although strongly suspected, that the two are identical. Even if such should eventually prove to be the case, those who know how difficult it sometimes is to identify a single specimen of any sort of fruit, will readily excuse the mistake. 6. Black St. Peters. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Catalogue : Saint Peter's, Black Palestine, Oldaker's West's St. Peter's. Bunch large, generally having wide shoulders ; the pedicels being short, the berries stand out stiffly, without drooping ; berry rather above the middle size, nearly round in shape ; skin thin, intensely black, and covered wuth a fine bloom ; pulp very juicy, not highly but agreeably flavoured, its sweetness being nicely blended with a little acidity, and this pleasant briskness is not dissipated by long keeping; the young wood is dark brown, and short -jointed ; the leaves are bright green when young, becoming deeply tinted with crimson-purple in autumn, smooth and shining ; petioles short. An excellent very late Grape, perhaps the best in cultivation, but requiring a warm vinery to ripen it in perfection. When well ma- tured by the beginning of November, it will hang upon the vine till the end of the following February. It was first brought prominently into notice by Mr. Oldaker (then gardener to Sir Joseph Banks, at Spring Grove), who wrote a description of it in the Horticultural Transactions, under the name of " West's St. Peter's." Some years afterwards the Mr. Money before alluded to advertised for sale a different Grape (see No. 7) by the same name, and that created considerable confusion, which was increased rather than abated by Mr. Loudon, in the Gardeners' Magazine, designating one of these MAY. 105 Grapes " Money's West's St. Peter's," and the other " Oldaker's West's St. Peter's." The name given above has been restored by- Mr. Thompson in the Horticultural Society's Catalogue. 7. Black Lombardy. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Catalogue : West's St. Peter's, Money's West's St. Peter's, Raisin des Carmes, Raisin de Cuba, Poonah. Bunch moderately large, generally but little shouldered ; berry- very large, oval ; skin thin, dull reddish black, thinly overspread with bloom ; pulp juicy and tender, delicately but not highly fla- voured ; the leaves are middle-sized, of a deep green colour, slightly woolly on the lower side, and their serratures are shallow. This kind is seldom seen, and yet it is well deserving of cultiva- tion, being showy in appearance, and of considerable merit ; it, how- ever, requires a warm temperature to bring it to perfection. In Lou- don's Gardeners' Magazine, vol. v. p. 737, it is said, on the authority of Mr. Money, that this Grape was raised from seed by a person named West, and that the original plant grew and ripened its fruit against the wall of a dwelling-house, — a statement which must be considered rather apocryphal ; for, growing in the same house with the Black Hamburgh, it requires two or three weeks more time to acquire maturity ; besides, its present name, if correct, indicates a foreign origin. J. B. Whiting. REMARKS ON BRITISH FERNS. No. V. ADIANTUM. In this genus the clusters of fructification are usually of an ob- long shape ; and the involucres of a beautiful texture on the margins of the lobes of the pinnules, but not formed of them. A. Capillus Veneris. This is the only Adiantum as yet detected in Britain, and may very justly be said to be one of the most hand- some, if not the handsomest of all our British Ferns, and it is asso- ciated with a family, the exotic species of which are almost unparal- leled in beauty in the way of Ferns. Adiantum Capillus Veneris appears, from what I can learn, to be very widely distributed over the globe ; as a correspondent told me a short time ago that he had seen it in great abundance in some parts of India, which I had no reason to doubt, since I have had both Mosses and Lichens from that country identical with some which I had formerly collected in the mountainous parts of Scotland. I cannot at present charge my memory with ever having seen a British form of this elegant little Fern, at least constantly apart from the original. I have, however, been kindly favoured by H. B. Ker, Esq. with a stout form of it, brought by Mrs. Ker from Cintra in Portugal, where that lady detected it in great abundance growing upon an old damp wall ; and doubtless it must have been very fine, 106 THE FLORIST. if we are to judge from the specimen forwarded to me. In this form the pinnules appear to be much larger, and more deeply lobed, as well as serrated, which may be attributed to the plants growing under more favourable circumstances than Britain can lay claim to. It will, however, be readily admitted, that Mrs. Ker is too accurate a botanist to be much deceived in her exotic Fern of A. Capillus Veneris. From its altogether apparently stronger habit, I would fain hope that it will prove to be a plant of easier cultivation out doors than our British form, which is at the best but a troublesome subject in the fernery, if not provided with a well- sheltered and con- stantly damp corner, which is not constructed without a considerable degree of both trouble and expense. In a mixture of heath-mould, light sandy loam, and silver- sand, it will submit to pot-culture freely. I have seen it very fine in a Wardian case, where it was not too closely shut up. CETERACH. C. OFFiciNARUM. This pretty little Fern is said by some to have no real involucre ; but, in fact, the whole underside of the frond is very conspicuously covered with chaffy scales, some of which may perhaps perform the part of an involucre. Be this as it may, the plant has from time to time been refeired to other genera, and under such circumstances it perhaps cannot be better arranged than where it now is. However, if associated at all, I for one should be disposed to refer it to Scolopendrium, as what I consider, if not mistaken, to be an involucre, corresponds better with that genus than any other. It submits to cultivation readily, and forms a handsome and very distinct object in the fernery. I can well remember many ^^ears ago having seen it growing in great profusion on some rock- work in the gardens at Sion House, where many of the plants were undoubtedly seedlings. It is not a scarce Fern. Nursery, Foofs Cray. Robert Sim. HOW TO OBTAIN THE BEST CUT BLOOMS OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR EXHIBITION. At the risk of being blamed for devoting so many of our pages at this season to the Chrysanthemum, we cannot refrain from furnishing such of our readers as did not attend the last meeting of the Stoke Newington Chrysanthemum Society with the admirable lecture de- livered on that occasion by Mr. Taylor, and which is as follows : — " I shall confine my remarks to the practice I have pursued in producing the beautiful blooms of this flower, for which our annual exhibition is distinguished. That perseverance and watchfulness are the only means by which we can hope to obtain success in our la- bours is evident to all engaged in the cultivation of flowers ; without assiduity on the part of the gardener or amateur, nothing beyond MAY. 107 ordinary results need be expected, and this is pre-eminently the case with the Chrysanthemum. I stated last year that the cut blooms produced by me at the exhibition of 1849 were from cuttings struck on a hot-bed, mostly as late as March, and afterwards gradually hardened off; but further experience has led me to i)refer propagat- ing as soon after the blooming season as I can get cuttings ; as by striking early it enables the plant to store up sufficient matter in its young state to meet the demands made on it in the growing season ; for in m)'^ opinion the plant cannot be too strong, if the production of large and perfect blooms is the object in view. In selecting cut- tings, I prefer the strongest suckers, with a portion of root attached to them; I then fill some 3-inch pots with sandy loam, and in each of these I insert three cuttings ; they are then placed in a cold frame and kept rather close for a short time. I am opposed to striking in heat, as it deprives them of that robust habit in the early stage of their growth, which is necessary to ensure superb blooms. In April most of them M'ill require potting ; I then prepare a compost, con- sisting of one-third yellow loam, one-third rotten turf, and one-third rotten manure, mixing all well together, and adding sufficient rough sand, or grit, to make the whole porous. I shift them out of the 3-inch pots into G-inch ones, care being taken not to disturb the young roots. After potting I place them in the open air, in a situation sheltered from easterly winds, and sufficiently distant from each other to pre- vent their growing up weakly. During their growth I frequently alter their position, in order to rightly balance their shapes, and to prevent their rooting through the pots into the ground. In the end of June or the beginning of July, if all goes on well, they will be ready for receiving their final shift. This is effected by providing some large pots in which there is plenty of drainage, and using the com- post mentioned above, but in a much coarser state ; I then place them in a situation fully exposed to the influence of the sun, adopting the same practice as before, and into each pot I fix stakes for tying the plants as the)'^ may want it. Requiring, as the Chrysanthemums do, a liberal supply of water during the growing season, they should not, under any pretence, be permitted to suffer from drought ; if this is the case, deformed blossoms will often be the result ; but, on the other hand, the soil should not be so drenched as to become sod- dened, for that would also prove injurious to a fine bloom, as well as to the health of the plant. If they are well established in their pots by the end of August, I commence supplying them with liquid manure at least once a week, beginning with it rather weak at first, but increasing its strength in proportion to the growth of the plant. I discontinue the manure-water when the blooms expand, jireviously diminishing its strength gradually until the sujiply is cut off. Constant attention is essential in the early stage of the growth of the plant. Without it the blooms will be indifferent. As laterals are produced, I pinch them oft'; but I never stop the main stem. As soon as the blooming stems become visible, I remove all but tlrree or four, according to the strength of the plant. When the flower- buds 108 THR FLORIST. can be discerned, I thin them, leaving one bud on each stem. I pre- fer leaving the centre bud if it be round and perfect ; but if at any- time afterwards the buds shew signs of being deformed, I remove them at once. At this stage of the plant's growth the earwig will com- mence the work of destruction by eating the buds. My traps con- sist of bean-stalks placed among the branches ; they creep into these at night, and in the morning I blow them into a bottle of warm water, which kills them, and replace the stalk. As the blooming season draws near, I remove the plants into the greenhouse. My object being to obtain large flowers, they are not checked in their growth by stopping ; they are therefore tall, and, to some, might ap- pear unsightly ; but to remedy this defect I intermix Camellias with them, the beautiful leaves of which afford an agreeable screen to their tall stems. By having the flowers on a level with the tops of the Camellias, a pleasing contrast is created, which is very efi'ectual. I have cut some of my finest blooms from plants grown under a south wall, where they were treated exactly as under pot-culture ; as soon as the blooms begin to expand, they must be protected from wind, rain, and all kinds of inclement weather. Some of the varie- ties which flower early require shading from the sun ; the later flowers should have a glass fixed over them, in order to enable them to fully develope themselves by the time fixed for exhibition. I need not say- that a little attention should be paid to tilting the glasses, so as to allow the condensed moisture in them to escape, or it will destroy the under petals before the upper ones are in perfection. The following list contains the varieties which I consider most suitable for cut blooms. I have divided them into the two classes of cupped (or curved) and reflexed flowers. CUPPED. King. Queen of England. Princess Marie. Duke. Goliath. Two-coloured Incurved. Dupont de PEure. Vesta. Beauty. Campestroni. Defiance. Pilot. Warden. Sydenham. Lucidum. Formosum. Golden Clustered. REFLEXED. Salter's Annie. Jenny Lind. Phidias (new). Rabelais. Rebecca. Cloth of Gold. In regard to the properties which constitute a perfect bloom, I consider that each petal should be broad, thick, smooth at the end, and a little cupped or curved, but not so as to shew the under part too much ; the centre should be good, the whole flower forming little more than half a ball. Vesta, in my* opinion, nearest approaches these properties. As we cannot do without reflexed flowers at pre- sent, they should have broad thick smooth petals lying regularly- one over the other, and the centre of the flower should be good, as, for example, Salter's Annie ; all loose flowers, and those that have notched petals, should be disqualified, as, for instance, such varieties as Zoe, General Marceau, Perfection, &c. The Anemone, or Aster- flowering varieties, should either be distinctly classed at exhibitions, or entirely discarded." MAT. 109 AN AFTERNOON AT DRAYCOTT. DuAYcoTT is a pleasant little village some six miles south-east from Derby, and here Mr. Allestree lives, a gentleman very famous in this neighbourhood for his Roses ; to describe which is the object of this paper. As an exhibitor Mr. Allestree has invariably taken a high place at the shows held here ; and it was therefore with much pleasure I received an invitation to visit his collection. A few minutes' ride by rail sufficed to bring me to the village of Borrowash, from whence a stroll of half an hour's duration, through rich meadows and fertile fields, brought me to my destination. Entering from the high road, the Rosery lay immediately before me, about half an acre in extent, and sloping gently to the south-east. The ground round the house is laid out in tastefully-formed beds and clumps ; farther removed it is divided into quarters, one being assigned to each division of the Rose family. On the right, and masking the boundary-wall, were some noble specimens of Pillar-Roses, luxuriant in health, and literally covered with flowers. Amongst others, I jotted down as more especially fine, Paul Perras, Charles Duval, General Jacquemont, Great Western, La Calaissienne, Leopold de Bauffremont, Triomphe d' Angers, General Kleber, and Hypocrate. In front of these were the Bourbons, consisting of some fifty varieties, among which Sou- venir de la Malmaison, Armosa, Splendens, Augustine Lelieur, Le Grenadier, Paul Joseph, Madame Tripet, Edouard Desfosses, Reine de Congres, George Cuvier, Souchet, and Queen, were conspicuous for their beauty and promise. On the opposite side of the lawn, facing these, were some fine clumps and beds of Hybrid Perpetuals, which comprised magnificent examples of the following : Baronne Prevost, Clementine Seringe, Comte Egmont, Comte de Montalivet, Comte de Paris, Comtesse Duchatel, Cornet, Dr. Marx, Due d'Au- male. Duchess of Sutherland, Jacques Lafitte, Lady Alice Peel, and La Reine, the flowers of the latter were exceedingly large and per- fect. Geant des Batailles demands a special notice, three small plants having upwards of twenty fully expanded blooms on each, and its freedom of flowering, combined with its constancy in giving forth autumnal blossoms, must make it a sine qua non to the Rose-grower. I had almost omitted my old favourite, Madame Lafl^ay, which I thought finer than I had ever before seen it. Robin Hood, ALir- quise Boccella, Sydonie, &c. were good. Amongst newer varieties which were pointed out as desirable, I remarked Cymedor, Duchess de Praslin, General Negrier, Madame Trudeaux, and Standard of Marengo, — the latter is something like Geant des Batailles, having stiff', finely-formed petals, and being of good shape. Of the Damask Perpetuals, Bernard and Mogador seemed the only varieties now de- sirable to retain. The Summer Roses were superb ; in fact, they were one vast sheet of bloom. In Mosses, Laneii was most beautiful, and must undoubtedly become a favourite. Blush, too, was fine ; as were also 1 10 THE FLORIST. Eclatante, Alice Leroy, Princess Royal, De Meux, Prolific, and the common Provence, Crested Queen, and the common INIoss. This last was truly magnificent, rich alike in growth and flowers. Of French Roses, CEillet Parfait, Schismaker, Boula de Nanteuil, Cynthia, D'Ao-uesseau, Grain d'or, Grandissima, Kean, Letitia, Ohl, and Shak- spere, were distinct and fine. In Albas, my attention was most at- tracted by Felicite, Josephine, Beauharnais, Madame Audot, Madame Legras, and Sophie de Marsilly. Among Damasks, I saw nothing better than La Ville de Bruxelles, Madame Zoutman, Madame Hardy, and Semiramis ; and in Hybrid Provence, I liked Emerance, Comte Plater, Blanchfleur, and Pauline Garcia, the most. Among Chinas, I saw nothing superior to the well-known Cramoisie Superieure and Madame Breon. In Tea- scented, there were fine plants of Devo- niensis, Safranot, Bougere, Pactolus, Mansais, and Clara Sylvain, all of which had withstood the severe winter of 1S49 and 1850, and were flowering well. There were large beds of others which had been wintered in frames and turned out ; but these were not in flower. Mr. Allestree, who is a keen experimentalist, had worked many of the stronger-growing varieties on the Dog- Rose, hoping thereby to obtain additional hardihood, so as to enable the plant to withstand a midland-counties winter. I also remarked a long wall planted al- ternately with CHmbing and Bourbon and Perpetual Roses, Mr. A.'s object being to obtain (by crossing) a Climbing Perpetual. Adjoining the Rose-garden, but separated from it, is a large plot devoted to the raising of young stock. Here there were large " quar- ters," or " flats," as they are termed, of plants budded during the past season, the whole in the finest health. Indeed I was struck with the luxuriance and health of the whole stock, not an aphis being visible. Mr. Allestree attributed the health of his plants, and their freedom from fly, entirely to thorough trenching of the ground, — a point, to use his own words, " indispensable in the successful cul- tivation of the Rose." Z. Derby. [Since the above was in type, the following list of " Roses to avoid" has been kindly furnished by Mr. Allestree himself.] Some five or six years ago, owing to a change of residence, I was released from the management of a large farm ; and having only some grass-land to attend to, 1 had comparative leisure, and became a Rose-grower ; although previously, in common with most farmers, either from want of time or inclination, or both, I had paid very Httle attention to gardening. Well, my first lot of four dozen were pro- cured from an eminent cultivator of the queen of flowers, the selec- tion of sorts being left to himself. Rose-catalogues were afterwards searched, and those described as " superb," "beautiful," " excellent," were speedily added. Mr. Rivers', and more recently Mr. W. Paul's, work on the Rose, together with the reports of metropolitan exhibi- tions, were consulted, and in a short time my collection amounted to rather more than four hundred varieties, scarcely one of them being MAY. Ill without a recommendation of some kind. Of course I had a great many beautiful sorts, but I found that man)^ were of middlini^ quality, and others were so much alike as to be scarcely distinguishable, while in about fifty or sixty sorts defects were so glaring that they were discarded after the first flowering. Since then new varieties have been added ; but as I consider it far better to have several of a first- rate sort than a great number of \'arieties, many of them of an inferior kind, my new manuscript catalogue contains only 150 sorts, which alone will be propagated with ten or twelve new Hoses " on trial," which will be inserted or rejected as they prove first-rate or otherwise. The following are kinds to avoid, at least I shall avoid them : Provence. Curled, Sylvain, Unique, Petite Mignonne. Moss. Aixa, Comtesse de Murinais, French Crimson, De Metz, Etna, Grandiflora, Luxembourg, Malvina, Pomponfeu, Princesse Adelaide, Renoncule Pourpre, De Vieillard, Unique, Sage-leaved. French. Celestine, Columelle, Cambronne, Due de Trevise, Eblouissante de Laqueue, Enchantresse, Feu Brillante, General Damremont, Guerin's Gift, La Calaissienne, La Jeune Heine, Latour d'Auvergne, Matthieu Mole, Oracle du Siecle, Pharericus, Pierre Jaussens, Triomphe de Jaussens, Village Maid, Village Maid (new), Wellington, Aglae Adanson, Nelly, Hien ne me surpasse, Tricolor. Alba. Due de Luxembourg, Fanny Sommerson. Damask. Arlinde, Bachelier, Calypso, La Cherie, Leda, Pope. Hybrid Provence. Aspasie, Duchesse d'Orleans, La Ville de Londres, Madame L' Abbey, Mrs. Rivers. Hybrid China. Beaute Vive, Brennus, Fulgens, Hippocrates, Jenny, Petit Pierre, Triomphe d' Angers, Velours Episcopal, Hiego. Hybrid Bourbon. Belle de St. Cyr, Edouard Delair, Eliza Mer- cceur, Great Western, Hortense Leroy, Hichelieu (Duval), Celena plena. Las Casas. Climbing. Bennett's Seedling, Dundee Hambler, Huga, Splen- dens, Amadis, Hampant, Queen of the Prairies. Damask Perpetual. Antinous, Laurence de Montmorency. Hybrid Perpetual. Aubernon, Bouton de Flore, Commandant Fournier, Comte d'Egmont, Comte d'Eu, Comte de Montalivet, Comte de Paris, Cornet, Dr. Marx, Earl Talbot, Edouard Jessy, Lane, Louis Bonaparte, Madame Dameme, Marquise Boccella, Mrs. Elliot, Princesse Helene, Psyche. Bourbon. Alfred, Amenaide, Crimson Glebe, Dr. Blandin, Due de Chartres, Gloire de Paris, Grand Capitaine, Imperatrice Josephine, Lady Canning, Lavinie d'Ost, Leveson Gower, Madame Aude, Madame Lacharme, Miss Fanny, Princesse Clementine, Princesse de Modena, Heine des Vierges, Theresita, Vicomte de Cussy. China. Abbe Mioland, Beau Carmin, Belle Emilie, Fabvier, Henry V., Marjolin du Luxembourg, Meillcz, Napoleon, Tancrede. Tea. Abricote, Bardon, CaroHne, Clara Sylvain, Hardy, Man- sais, Marie de Medicis, Nina, Princesse Helene. Noisette. Clara Wendel, Du Luxembourg, Fellenberg, La Biche, Pourpre de Tyre, Solfaterre, Victorieuse. It may be imagined by some that beauty in flowers is a mere 112 THE FLORIST. matter of taste, and that the points of excellence insisted on by the Florist are founded in caprice ; but it might be asserted with equal reason that inferior paintings are as beautiful as the productions of the best masters, because they may happen to be considered such by the uninitiated. In the case of the Rose, what constitutes per- fection is obvious at first sight, viz. flowers circular, petals of good substance, entire, symmetrically arranged quite to the centre, with good habit and abundance of bloom. And in other Florists' flowers, stout petals, entire margins, circular outlines, intensity and regula- rity of colouring, will remain the foundation of what constitutes perfection so long as floriculture shall be the pursuit and delight of refined and intelligent minds. DAHLIAS. The following have been sent out since the lists were published at p. 114, in 1849, and should be in every collection grown for exhi- bition. Blanchfleur (Morley). Charles Turner (Turvill). Duke of Cambridge (Fellows). Duke of Wellington (Drummond). Earl of Clarendon (Union). Elizabeth (Daniels). Fame (Turvill). Fearless (Barnes). Frederick Jerome (Widnall). John Edward (Salter). Magnificent (Keynes). Mr. Seldon (Turner). Mrs. Seldon (ditto). Mrs. C. Bacon (Whale). Negro (Fellows). Princess Louisa (Fellows). Queen of Lilacs (Turner). Queen of the East (Barnes). Queen of the Isles (Skynner). Seraph (Fellows). Sir F. Bathurst (Keynes). Snowflake (Dodds). Thames Bank Hero (Robinson). Utilis (Drummond). FANXY DAHLIAS. Comte de Flandre (Van Renynghe). Conspicua (Salter). Elizabeth (Prockter). Floral Beauty (Whale). Forget-me-not (Hooper). Gasparine (Sieckmann). General Cavaignac (Hunt). Highland Chief (Keynes). Jeannette (Fauvel). Lady Grenville (Bragg). Lady Cullum (Barnes). Madame Bresson (Dubras). Mademoiselle Eberts (Deegen). Miss Compton (Liddiard). Miss Blackmore (Dodds). Miss Stevens (ditto). Mrs. Labouchere (Turner). Picturata (Barnes). Postsecretaire Hane (Deegen). Princess Helena (Turner). Striata Perfecta (Batteur). Unique (Turner). The following new varieties were most conspicuous at the Exhi- bitions last season. Napoleon. Regina. Nepaulese Prince. Roundhead. Nil Desperandum. Sir Charles Napier. Queen of Beauties. Admiral. Barmaid. George Glenny. Hon. Mr. Herbert. Summit of Perfection. Elegantissima. Kingfisher. Miss Weyland. FANCY DAHLIAS. Mrs. Hansard. Mrs. Willis. Pretty Polly. Queen of the Fairies. MAY. 113 THE FRUIT J ST. The British-Queen Strawberry under Glass. This most undoubtedly finest of all strawberries — and indeed, in my opinion, finest of all known fruits of English growth — is but seldom tasted in full perfection. Owing to an uncertain climate, it requires protection from the accidents of " flood and field" to have all its peculiarly deli- cate, yet rich, flavour fully preserved; and glass alone can do this — not to force it, but fully to mature its fruit. The following simple method will give results all that can be wished for. As soon as the runners are long enough — and this will be by the middle of June or beginning of July — take them, and place one on the centre of a pot filled with mould. Employ as many pots as you please ; but, mind, there must be only one plant to a pot, and that in the centre. A small stone placed on the joint of the runner will keep it in its place. Water daily in dry weather, and the runners will soon fill the pots with roots, and be in a tit state to be separated from their mothers in August. And now as to the mode of filling the pots, and com- post. Take 6-inch or S-inch pots — the latter the better, if you wish for very strong plants ; place two or three large pieces of broken pots at the bottom; then mix your compost two-thirds loam — not too light and sandy — and one-third rotten manure; put in a handful of it, and pound it with a wooden pestle, and so keep on a handful and a pounding till your pot is full of well-compressed compost as hard as a barn-floor. As a severe winter often injures the young plants of this Strawberry, it is by far the best method to plunge the ])ots in coal-ashes or old tan, in a garden-frame, or any where under glass, giving them abundance of air at all times, unless the frost is very severe. In February remove them to a shelf near the glass, in a greenhouse or vinery where no fire-heat is employed. Let them have plenty of air, and only the assistance of glass to rii)en them ; they will come in only a few days before those in the open air, and be all that can be wished for in size and flavour. A common garden- frame will ripen them as well as a vinery or greenhouse ; in fact, any glass structure will do, for all they require is to be near the glass, and to have abundance of air. T. R. NATIONAL FLOIUCULTURAL SOCIETY. March 27. Mr. Arthur Henderson in the chair. At this, the first general meeting, the minutes of the preliminary one were read and signed, and such other arrangements as were considered neces- sary to commence the business of the Society on April 3d, were com- pleted. In addition to the fifty-four members already enrolled, the names of forty-four new candidates for election were proposed. April 3. Mr. Veitch, jun., in the chair. Forty-four members were elected on this occasion ; and the names of forty-eight more NEW series, vol. I. NO. V. L 114 THE FLOllIi^T. were placed on the lists for election. Large collections of seedlings and named varieties of Cinerarias were contributed by Messrs. Dob- son, Smith, Lane, Keynes, Copeman, Henderson, Macintosh, Rogers, Lay ton, Ivery, Robinson, Gaines, and Parr ; Pansies were furnished by Messrs. Bragg and Turner, and by the Rev. C. Fellowes, Nor- wich ; Camellias, Geraniums, Polyanthuses, Auriculas, Hyacinths, Epacrises, Gloxinias, by Messrs. Storj^ Veitch, Turner, and Hen- derson ; Azalea vittata, by Messrs. Standish and Noble ; A. rosea striata, by Mr. Wood. Rhododendrons were communicated by Messrs. E. G. Henderson, nurserymen, St. John's Wood. Tlie following awards were made : certificate to a Cineraria, Queen of Beauties, from Mr. Smith, Tollington Nursery, Islington ; this was a white self, of great purity, good in habit and shai)e. Certificate to Cineraria, Orpheus, from Mr. Ayres, of Blackheath ; this was good in habit and general form ; colour, lilac purjile, with a light disk. Certificate to Rhododendron, Superbissimum album, from Mr. E. G. Henderson ; this had a fine truss of blush-white flowers, which were deeply spotted with dark crimson. Mr, Turner sent a promis- ing Pansy, named National, a white-ground variety. Mr. E. G. Henderson, Cineraria, Loveliness, a good flower, as was likewise Christabel, from the same establishment. Mr. Rogers, of Uttoxeter, forwarded Lady of the Lake, Cineraria ; promising, but insufliciently in flower. Mr. Story's Camelha, Exquisite, had fallen entirely to pieces. Many written instructions were destroyed by using the paper on which they were written as the wrapper for tin and other boxes. Contributors should take care to avoid such errors. A Pri- mula and Polyanthus, in a cut state, were contributed by Messrs. Chater. In addition to the group of Seedling Cinerarias, Air. Ayres sent several named kinds, among which Madame Meillez, Blue Per- fection, Electra, and Adela Vilhers, were the most remarkable ; also a fine specimen of Pelargonium Quercifolium coccineum. OUR MONTHLY REMEMBRANCER. Auriculas. As soon as the flowering is over, they should be re- potted. Many dispute this, and prefer the month of August, assigning as a reason that it prevents their blooming in autumn ; but experi- ence proves that autumnal potting only partially prevents autumnal flowering. Besides, the second blooms from spring- potted plants are frequently exhibited, and have taken prizes ; while the second blooms from the autumn-potted plants are seldom, if ever, fit to exhibit. In repotting old plants, shake out the greatest part of the old compost from between the roots, and examine the tap-root. If long and aged, break off" a joint or two, and dip the end into pounded charcoal to prevent bleeding. Calceolarias. If large specimens are desired, shift at once into 12-inch pots, and use compost consisting of equal quantities of rotten turf, leaf-mould, good sandy peat, rotten cow-dung, and silver- MAY. 115 sand. Never allow a curled leaf to esca])e attention, but see if the green-fly does not occasion it. This pest must be ke])t down by fumigation. Before smoking, elevate the large lower leaves with sticks, to ensure the tobacco-smoke reaching them. Caiinations and PicoTKES. Thcsc should be staked. The foliage will now be fast decaying, and should be removed. Many of the strong plants will throw up blooms from the bottom, which should be stopped. The surface-soil will require stirring; top-dress with rotten manure and loam mixed. CiiVEiiAuiAs. Make notes of the varieties you see in bloom. " Whatever you cultivate, let it be the best of its kind." Air well, shade from bright sunshine, and keep down insects. Cold Frames. " Bedding plants" must be prepared as speedily as possible for planting in their summer quarters. Such portion of the stock as may be already well established should be freely ex- posed to sun and air, merely guarding against the effects of frost at night, which may yet occur. Should we experience the bright sun- shine and parching winds which sometimes characterise the first weeks of May, the exposed plants must be very carefully and libe- rally supplied with water, otherwise the small quantity of soil in which their roots are confined will become so dry, as to be unfit to afford sufficient nourishment, and the result will be a severe check, which will greatly retard their progress after planting out. If any portion of the stock is not yet sufficiently established to be risked in the open air, considerable care will be necessary, in order to encourage it to make rapid growth, without at the same time rendering it too tender. Such plants should be freely supplied with air on all favour- able occasions ; for it will be found that there is no object gained by keeping plants in a close moist atmosphere until within a few days of their exposure to our changeable climate. Aim at obtaining well- rooted, hardy plants, and if they are small when planted out, with ordinary care they will strike root, and grow without any seasoning- time ; whereas plants hurried along in a close warm frame will, heed- less of all care, for weeks after planting out, refuse to move, save in the way of growing smaller. Before the work of planting out is commenced, carefully examine the whole stock, and if it is found to be the least infested with aphis, fumigate with tobacco-smoke directly. After planting their beds, SiC. gardeners invariably have a consider- able reserve stock, with which to supply the place of any plants that may die ; therefore, should any remain after the beds are filled, take care of them until it is clear that they will not be \v anted. As the frames become empty through the removal of " bedding things," they may be used for the growth of plants for the autumn decoration of the greenhouse ; for which purpose they are far more suitable than more expensive structures usually are. Balsams, Lobelias, Globe Amaranthus, Fuchsias, Salvia splendens, Japan Lilies, and the lovely varieties of Achimenes, will, with a little management in the way of giving less or more air according to their various habits, thrive luxuriantly in cold frames. Indeed most plants will do so during the summer months. 1 16 THE FLORIST. Dahlias. Endeavour to have tine plants ready to plant out by the end of the month ; they will not be safe sooner, unless they are protected at night. Shift, therefore, all that have been struck in small pots into 5-inch pots. The soil should be light and rich. Great care should be exercised in haidening-off seedlings ; keep them growing, without allowing them to draw. The old roots which have been en)ployed to produce cuttings may be divided ; they will form, when putted, strong plants with little trouble. Level ground that has been ridged- up during winter, preparatory to its being finally dug at planting-time, and have plenty of rotten manure prepared to set the plants in. Free from slugs and green-fly the moment they appear. Epacrises. Give them a general shift, as the plants have made new growth, and are hardened off. Give a few days' shading, and shelter until there is no longer fear of frost : a cold frame is the most fitting place ; then the shady side of a hedge or shrubbery for the remainder, of the summer, taking care that they never suffer from drought or saturation. Ericas. Small plants, not arrived at a flowering state, may now be shifted, as also those varieties that bloom in July and onwards. Aristatas, Odoratas, Vestitas, Ventricosas, and their varieties, must be deferred for six weeks or so. Tie any straggling branch requiring support; remove decayed leaves, weeds, &c. ; attend to watering; give all the air the weather will permit ; and the moment mildew presents itself, kill it with sulphur. Flower-Garden. If any thing can be done to the soil in order to render it more suitable to the early growth of the plants which are soon to be consigned to it from the frames, proceed with it at once, so that every tiling may be in readiness, and in the best pos- sible order for the reception of the plants. There is one very material point in the arrangement of the flower-clump too frequently neglected by amateurs, viz. the proper arrangement of the plants. Space will not admit of directions about their proper distribution as regards colour, height, &c. ; but this is the less to be regretted, for amateurs can arrange those things in a very superior manner, if they will only give their attention to it at the proper time. It will be found of great assistance in deciding upon the arrangement of the colours to use a rough sketch of the ground to be planted ; upon this pieces of coloured paper may be arranged and re-arranged until they are suitable ; but due attention must be paid to the height of the plants which are to produce the different colours, otherwise the arrange- ment may be very perfect as respects colour, and still be far from satisfactory. As regards the proper time at which to commence or finish planting out the half-hardy plants, so much depends upon cir- cumstances that no definite time can be stated. Most persons com- mence early in the month, if the weather is favourable ; but it will be safe to reserve the less hardy portion of the stock till after the middle, especially if they have not been well inured to sun and wind. After planting, it will be necessary to give a gentle watering to settle the soil about the roots, and, should the weather prove as dry as it MAY. 117 sometimes does at that season, water must be frequently and liberally applied until the plants are fairly established in their fresli quarters. As soon as the planting is finished, have all the shoots \vlnch are long enough pegged down in a regular manner. Annuals whieh have come up tiiick should be thinned out so as to allow them sufficient space for their full development. A further sowing may be made for autumn flowering. Grass and gravel will require constant atten- tion, and the scythe and broom, or mowing-machine and roller, must be used freely if neatness is desired. The llose-maggot will be par- ticularly busy, and will do much damage ; and unless a careful and almost daily war of extermination is maintained against this pest, " Roses in June" may be hardly worth the name. Many plants which serve to enliven the parterre during the early spring months will become somewhat unsightly, as they will have done flowering, and the foliage of many will soon become brown. All such things should be removed, taking care to lift them with as little injury to their roots as possible, and to plant them in some well- prepared soil, watered and shaded from the sun, until they can emit fresh roots. Very many of our spring- flowering plants may be thus removed with- out their sustaining the slightest injury, and they can be returned to where they are wanted to Hower when the autumn frost has cut otl' the half-hardy plants. Fuchsias. Those that have been forced for early flowering may shortly be removed to a cool house. Should any plants not have been removed from their winter-quarters, pot and trim directly ; they will bloom well in September, October, and November. Shift seed- lings ; keep them pretty close during this month; towards the end of the month remove to a cool house, beginning with the strongest plants : they will bloom between July and September. Greenhouse. The proper treatment of the greenhouse at this season depends so much upon its inmates, and the purpose for which it is used, that it is very difficult to give such directions as will be applicable to all cases. Much assistance will be derived from careful attention to other portions of the Remembrancer. If the house is used for the accommodation of a general collection of young growing plants, strict heed should be paid to their natural habitats, and they should be arranged with as much regard to this as circumstances will allow ; less or more air can be given by the different ventilators, according to the wants of the plants which are opposite them ; and although this arrangement does not afford the opportunity of treating the plants so nicely according to their wants as if they were placed in different houses, it will, with assiduous attention, be found useful. Camellias and Azaleas which have done flowering should be i)laced in the closest end of the house until their growth is completed and their flower-buds formed. While growing they will be greatly bene- fited by a liberal use of the syringe during morning and evening ; and the same may be observed in regard to nearly all young growing stock. It will be of great advantage to such things if they can have a slight shade against the violence of the sun during bright days; but this ought not to be applied early in the morning, nor allowed 118 THE FLORIST. to remain after three or four o'clock in the afternoon. In cases where it is desirable to have the greenhouse for the accommodation of plants in flower, its general treatment must be very different to what would be proper if it contained an ordinary collection of growing plants. If used for this purpose air must be very freely admitted, and the shade may be used more freely. The passages should be frequently sprinkled with water during the day and the house kept as cool as possible. Attend to shifting tlie growing stock as its appearance indicates that it requires more pot-room. Never shift a plant at this season until you have rendered the ball rather wet than dry. Red spider will be very apt to make its appearance during the month, and must be de- stroyed before it gains a footing. If any particular plant is found to be infested with it, lay it down upon its side, and play upon it with soft w^ater from a syringe as powerfully as it will bear without break- ing the sprays or injuring the leaves; and do not be afraid of using too much water, but stand behind the plant, so as not to dash the water against the soil, which in that case might sodden it. Have an eye upon green-fly and thrips, and treat the harbingers of these pests W' ith a dose of tobacco-smoke. Should insects make their appearance upon any of the plants which have been removed out of doors, their destruction must be attended to, but if the plants are clean when turned out, they will probably not be much trouble in this respect. Many ordinary greenhouse plants may be removed towards the mid- dle or end of the month to a suitable situation out of doors ; but be careful not to expose plants too suddenly, which, either from having been crowded in a shady house, or from being in a soft-growing state, are somewhat tender. Be attentive and careful in the applica- tion of water ; give abundance without giving too much. Hardy Fruit-Trees. Continue to protect the blossom and young fruit against frost. So far the season has been favourable, but it must not yet be concluded that all danger is past. It is a bad practice, however, to allow^ even the slightest covering to re- main upon the trees during the day, or to use it save in cases of necessity. Proceed with the disbudding of Peach and Nectarine trees, but do not disbud a tree at one operation ; remove only a portion of the superfluous shoots at various times, which will not check the sap and cause gumming, evils frequently the case when the work is begun and finished at once. As soon as green-fly makes its appearance apply tobacco- w^ater. Apricot- trees are very often infested with a species of caterpillar, which if not detected and eradicated imme- diately^ upon its appearance does great damage, by devouring the leaves and eating a portion of most or all of the young fruit. This small enemy is a busy one, able to destroy the fruit of a very fine tree in a few days. Pear-trees will require to be regularly attended to, and to have the ill-placed and useless shoots rubbed off^, and others stopped. They should be gone over in a regular way once a month during the growing season. This will hardly occupy more time than is expended by those who allow them to become a perfect forest before they attempt to do any thing for them. Disbud and lay in the shoots of vines upon walls. MAY. 119 pANsiES. Examine seedlings, and weed out inferior plants; assist promising' ones by placing a little dung round them. During the first two weeks of this month most varieties will exhibit their true character. Put in as many cuttings as can be procured. Pelakgoniums. The plants which have not been stopped back since they were cut down will now be fast coming into flower. Bees must be excluded from the house by netting; for if allowed access, they fertilise the flowers, and they soon fall. Fumigate the May plants, whether you see green- fly or not ; and if you have several houses, smoke them all ; for we are apt to carry plants from one to the other without thought, and so introduce tenants whose room is better than their company. Pinks. Keep the beds clean. The surface of the soil must be kept open, and in dry weather water liberally, and mulch in light soils ; the bloom-stems may be thinned out when about four or five inches long. If fine blooms are required for exhibition, those varieties that produce but few petals may be reduced to one stem, such as Hedge's Gem, Headley's Duke of Northumberland, and others. On the more robust sorts, that produce a superfluous number of ])etals, two or three may be left^ according to the strength of the plants. While putting this into practice, remember the number of shows yuu have to attend, and leave some backward shoots to come in late, and some for the early exhibitions. Prick out seedlings an inch apart. PoLYANTHusKs. Part and transplant them. Plant out early- sown seedlings. Water them, and keep them free from slugs and snails. Ranunculusks. The Ranunculus, though hardy, will be bene- fited by a slight protection from late frosts ; one unfortunate late frost is sufficient to blight the hopes of the cultivator. Imperfectly formed buds are to be attributed to frost. A close covering would weaken both foliage and blooms. Flake-hurdles, which admit air and light, will be found sufficient. They should be supported just above the foliage, on short stakes driven into the beds. The Ranunculus delights in a moist soil; and if there be deficiency of rain during the month, water must be liberally supplied. Apply it between the rows, and not over the foliage. If the weather be mild, water in the even- ing. Stir the beds, and trap wire- worm by means of moist bran, or sliced potatoes or carrots. About the middle of the month plunge the .seed-boxes or pots in the open ground in a sheltered place. Roses. Plant out Bourbon, China, Tea-scented, Noisette, and Hybrid Perpetual Roses on their own roots from small pots ; in light sandy soils a dressing of rotten manure, about four inches in depth, well mixed with the soil with a three-pronged fork to a foot in depth, will be all that is required. In stiff soils the following is an excellent preparation: cover tlie bed to be planted with luunt earth, well sa- turated daily a week before it is used with strong liquid manure, two or three inches in depth ; then stir this into, and well mix it with the soil with the fork, as directed above for the manure. Roses in pots to bloom in June will want frequently looking over for the maggot, even if you have cut out all the old spurs. Any plants of China, Tea, 120 THE FLORIST. or Bourbon varieties that are now stopped back will come into flower again by the end of July. Tulips. Get the top and side -cloths on ; if the stage be a com- plete one, the top-cloth can be rolled up by the pulleys, and let down instantly if a shower of rain or hail threaten. On a warm showery day, if the cloth be let down, the bed will receive all the benefit of the moist growing atmosphere, Avithout being deluded or injured by the rain. As soon as the blooms shew colour, exclude the direct rays of the sun, but let them have all the air possible. The side-cloth should be very thin canvass — the sort used by dairymen in the manu- facture of cheese is best for the purpose, as it keeps off the sun, and at the same time admits a free circulation of air. As soon as the flowers begin to fade, and the beauty of the bed declines, take off the cloths, and let them have all the weather. >'-. '<^ AfuTreMTS, ])e& le. %ma> J^nleJ.-by dChouicb CamelUa Japonica. JUNE. 121 THE GREAT HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. May bns again brought its flowers and their exhibitions ; but tlie Horticultural Society's meeting was unhappily attended with cold winds and rain, keeping away the company which would otherwise have been present. For many years we have not failed to be upon the ground as early as six o'clock ; but on this occasion circumstances obliged us to defer our visit till about four in the afternoon, when every thing wore an uncom- fortable, gloomy look, which neither music nor flowers, beau- tiful as they were, could counteract. In consequence of the inadequacy of the prize, there was not a Pelargonium staged; the large tent appro])riated for their exhibition was conse- quently empty and forlorn enough. For the particular objects of interest, we must refer to the report, which will follow in its place. One of the lions of the day was Mr. Paxton ; and we were amused to see the eagerness of a country gardener to catch sight of one who has taken so conspicuous a place amount the men of his day. " Here he comes," said this gardener's friend, "and the Duke with him, and the Duchess of Suther- land; they both wear white hats you see." Right well spoken, thought we ; it tells of the triumph of merit. From the Bo- tanic Society's exhibition we were entirely absent, but there we sustained a defeat, our plants being placed second to Mr. Turner's of Slough, and that on the first occasion of his ex- hibiting Pelargoniums. Respecting the National Floricultural Society's exhibitions, we are sorry to say, that in spite of all advice to the contrary given for years, people will persist in forwarding their flowers in paper and other fragile boxes, which are invariably crushed in passing through the post-office. It is therefore our duty to warn raisers that, if they do not avoid this error, they are wasting their time and the money spent in postage. We again earnestly commend this flourishing society to our readers' notice. The arrangements are now all but, if not quite complete. Parties sending objects for examination will receive an im- mediate report of the judges' opinions upon their merits; that is, if they are members and have paid their subscriptions, — a thing, by the by, a few want reminding they have neglected to do, and which should be done forthwith. We shall be on the look-out for fine objects to select our Illustrations from ; and we take this opportunity of reminding some of our readers who are requesting us to figure flowers which have not yet appeared, that we shall be glad to do so as soon as we meet with seedlings calculated to form valuable additions to the varieties in present cultivation. NEW SERIliS. VOL. 1. NO. VI. M 122 THE FLORIST. NEW CALCEOLARIAS. Mr. Woodhouse*s notes on this subject, published in No. xxxvi. of your last volume, have induced me to offer a few remarks respecting this deservedly popular flower. The leading sorts of Calceolarias of the last few seasons exhibit blooms of large size, beautifully diver- sified with singular blotches and spots, but possessing bad forms, numbers being deficient in the outline and throat, whilst all are much too flat, with the habit of the plant quite devoid of that shrub- biness and neatness of foliage which are so very desirable. If I am correct in my assertion, that the present race of Cal- ceolarias is of too herbaceous a character, it is evident that no ad- vance towards shrubbiness can be attained by crossing the present Florists' varieties amongst themselves ; consequently recourse must be had to the strictly shrubby species. In support of this view, I will endeavour to give some idea of what the probable result would be of crossing the opposite species (from the trifling success that has attended my individual efforts). In 1848 I obtained a few of the best Calceolarias that I could pro- cure ; these I crossed with Rugosa and its congeners ; the seedlings from this union shewed very shrubby habits, but the flowers, with one exception, were long, flat, and small; the variety that I saved was a decided advance on the old sorts in every property but size. The seed of 1849 gave a still further improvement: two plants produced flowers almost as round as a marble ; another was almost as shrubby as Rugosa, with marks in the style of Lady Constable ; another shrubby variety gave flowers nearly an inch in diameter ; besides which, there were a dozen seedlings fully equal to the new Calceolarias that are annually inflicted on the public as superior selections. Though the whole of these seedlings are far from possessing the properties of a perfect Calceolaria, I feel confident that, as a whole, they comprehend the materials out of which a clever hybridist would soon produce something good ; indeed I entertain so favourable an opinion of the capabilities of these plants, that, having no spare room in my greenhouse, I have presented them to a Florist, — with the understanding that I should enjoy the pleasure of raising seed for him. I trust that I have said enough to induce a few amateurs to adopt my suggestions ; as I feel satisfied that half a dozen persons leaving the present beaten path, and depending on some of the old (possibly new) shrubby species, to give them both form of flower and habit of plant, would in a few seasons elevate the Calceolaria to the rank of a real Florists' flower. A. Clapham. JUNE. 123 A HINT ON THE OUT-DOOR CULTURE OF TEA-SCENTED ROSES. Being an ardent admirer of Roses, but more particularly of the Tea- scented varieties, the culture of which I have pursued with great success for several years, I am induced to offer a few remarks, think- ing if my system were more generally known and adopted, it would greatly tend to improve that beautiful class of flowers, both as re- gards longevity, size, and blooms. All who are in the habit of buy- ing Standard Tea- Roses must have found that, even with the best culture, most of them are very short-lived : this circumstance induced me to bud a few of the best sorts on the White Banksia, a stock known to be exceedingly vigorous. I well recollect a few years ago being in the garden of a friend, where I found some of the most superb blooms of EHza Sauvage I had ever seen, and upon inquiry I was told that it was budded on the Banksia ; this induced me to try the experiment, and I have ever since had the finest flowers that could possibly be produced. There are two large White Bank- sias occupying a south-west wall in my garden ; on these I have strong plants of Eliza Sauvage, Moire, Devoniensis, Josephine, Alal- ton, Goubault, Safranot, Smith's Yellow, Vicomtesse de Cazes, Cloth of Gold, and Pactolus. There are also on them good plants of Geant des Batailles, Duchess of Sutherland, La Reine, (Hybrid Perpetuals,) Souvenir de la Malmaison, Reine des Vierges, and Acldalie, besides several buds of the best Teas, which were inserted last autumn ; all are doing well, and the established plants bloom most beautifully. It is worthy of remark that the Cloth of Gold is growing on a very old stem of the Banksia ; in fact, it is more than half denuded of its bark, and the plant even now shews an abundance of flower-buds, and has always evinced a greater disposition to bloom than any other I possess. One more suggestion I cannot help offering, viz. that should any of your readers have a south-west wall unoccupied, they cannot do better than plant it with Banksias ; it will soon be covered ; and when the midsummer shoots are strong enough, bud them with any of the Roses I have mentioned, and they will be amply repaid by having a fine display of blooms from May till November. A. A. THE FRUITIST. The Purple Fontainebleau Grape. Some ten or twelve years ago, in early autumn, when in the garden of the late Mr. Scott, a retired agriculturist, then living at Wenden, near Saflfron Walden, he directed my attention to a grape-vine against a south wall covered with fruit, although very young. He stated that a friend had re- cently brought it from France under the name of " The Muscat of Fontainebleau," and that it was the hardiest, the earliest, and the 124 THE FLORIST. most profuse bearer he had ever met with. I may mention that he was a great collector of grapes, and had a great number of varieties. I received some cuttings from the vine in question, and have since cultivated it extensively. It has amply borne out all that Mr. Scott reported of it : its berries are of a very light purple, in size a little larger than the Burgundy, and round ; its bunches are also clustered like it, but they are larger; its young shoots and leaves are very thickly covered with down; it is very hardy, and its fruit ripens freely in any aspect to the s.e., s., or s.w., in those parts of England where grapes ripen in the open air ; but its most extraordinary feature is its wonderful fertility, every bud producing from two to three bunches. Every one having a nook with a suitable aspect ought to plant a vine of this sort, and every cottager might make it a source of profit. One of my young vines trained to a stake, and only six feet high, bore last season — 1850 — fifty bunches. Finding no Muscat flavour in it (it has a brisk sweet flavour), I have ventured to change its name, and to call it as above. T. R. CULTURE OF THE CINERARIA. There is scarcely a more useful or beautiful plant for the general purposes of greenhouse decoration, or for furnishing a supply of cut flowers, than the Cineraria ; and as I have paid much attention to its cultivation, perhaps a few words on the subject may not be uninte- resting. As soon as the plants are out of flower, and seed saved from the best sorts, I cut them down close to their bottoms, turn them out of their pots, and plunge them in leaf-mould, or in any other compost not required for use. I find that they succeed best in the former, under a west wall, where they require only the attention of a few waterings with a fine rose-pot, to prevent them from becoming too dry. About the middle of August the old stools ^\dll be growing vigorously. I then separate and select as many of the strongest off- sets as I consider will form a nice specimen. I cut their roots close in, and increase such sorts as are good. I then pot them into 6- inch pots, in a compost of turfy loam, peat, and well -decomposed cow- dung, with a portion of silver-sand in it, the whole being used in a rough state. They are afterwards transferred to a close frame, shaded from the rays of the sun, and kept well sprinkled with the watering- pot or syringe; for the Cineraria delights in a moist, cool, shaded atmosphere. When the plants have become established, the lights are drawn off them every night in fine weather — for they are greatly strengthened by receiving the dew of the morning — shading them lightly when the sun is powerful, and tilting the lights nine or ten inches at the back to admit plenty of air. When the pots have become filled with roots, I transfer the plants to a 9-inch pot, in which they are flowered, I then remove them to their former situa- tion, where they remain under the above treatment until the end of JUNE. 1*25 October, when they are taken either to the greenhouse or conserva- tory. When the most early ones have their flower-buds well above the foliage, six of the best are placed in the stove, w^here they come into full bloom in a fortnight or three weeks. These are replaced by six others, which are again succeeded by others, as may be required. In this way I have plants with splendid heads of bloom from Christ- mas till the end of May; and the majority of them do not require the assistance of a single support. Success much depends upon keeping the plants well watered ; and the syringe should oftentimes be apj)lied to their foliage. About four fumigatings, at different intervals, will keep them clean and in health- ful vigour through the season, whicli will amply repay any attention bestowed upon their culture. West Hill, 8th April, ISol. R. Fielder. NOTES FROM THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, AND OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN CONTEMPORARY PERIODICALS. Salvia gesneriflora. This free-flowering Sage very much resembles S. ful- gens. It is one oftlie most l)rilliant of tlie genus, having erect racemes of hirge scarlet flowers, that are sweet-scented, and remain a long time in perfection. It grows freely if allowed jilenty of pot and head room ; and with a little training it forms a very handsome bush three or four feet high. Plants of this species are now in flower at Kew ; and being of a l)right rich colour, they form a beautiful contrast with Acacias, Cinerarias, &c. in the greenhouse. LuxEMBURGiA ciLiosA. Although this was introduced into English gardens ten years ago, we seldom even now meet with a well-cultivated specimen of it. It forms a neat shrub, and is not diflicult to flower if treated as a stove-plant during its season of growth, and afterwards removed to the temperature of a common greenhouse. It is a native of the Organ Mountains in Brazil, where it grows in moist peaty soil, forming a branching shrub from eight to twelve feet high. The foliage is a good bright green, and the flowers are produced on the ends of the branches in loose racemes or sub-corymbose clusters. It is at pre- sent in flower at Kew. DiELYTRA sPECTABiLis. A Very handsome hardy herbaceous plant, and one that richly merits cultivation. It "is the best of the genus to which it belongs. The flowers are pendulous, large, of a rose-colour shading off to white, and ar- ranged in a single row on a raceme nearly a foot long. Polygonum Bruno.ms. Also a handsome hardy herbaceous plant, suitable for borders or rockwork. It has a creeping perennial stem, with smooth leaves slightly serrated, and terminal spikes of rosy or rich brownish-red flowers, which have a gay appearance in the end of summer and autumn. Native country Nepal. Figured in Paxton's Flower-Garden for .March. P. VACCiMFOLiUM. A neat species, growing only a few inches high, with creeping perennial stems, and small ovate leaves. It is admirably adapted for rockwork, or for planting near the margin of beds or borders. It grows in dense tufts, and has spikes of rose-coloured flowers in the end of summer and autumn. Figured in Paxton's Flower-Garden for jMarch. BouvARDiA LEiANTHA. A free-blooming evergreen greenhouse shrub, at- taining the height of two or three feet. The flowers, a rich deep vermilion, are produced from the axils of the leaves. It is stated to flower from .July to No- vember, hence it will be a valuable bedding- i)lant during summer. Native coun- try Guatemala. Figured in the Magazine oj Botany for April. 126 THE FLORIST. RoGiERA CORDATA. A branching evergreen stove-shrub, grooving from four to six feet high, and bearing large cymes of rose-coloured flowers that are sweet- scented. It is a native of the temperate regions of Guatemala, and was raised from seed about four years ago by Mr. Smith, gardener to J. Anderson, Esq. of the Holme, Regent's Park. Figured in the Magazine of Botany for April. EpiDENDRUM LiNEARiFOLiUM. A frce-flowering little Orchid, having small psuedo-bulbs and narrow grassy leaves, and bearing a slender rather lax panicle, consisting of from twelve to fourteen flowers. The sepals and petals are of a purple brown, yellowish at the apex ; lip yellowish white, delicately veined with purple. Probably a native of Mexico. WiGANDiA CARACASANA. A rather pretty soft-wooded tropical stove-plant, having a terminal panicle or compound raceme of large unilateral flowers, of a pale violet colour. It was introduced to our English collections from Berlin. Its season of flowering is about February. A native of Caraccas. Chtsis aurea, variety macllata. This very elegant variety belongs to a genus of Orchids that contains but three species in cultivation. They are all natives of South America, and have long pendulous pseudo-bulbs, and racemes of showy flowers. The present variety was introduced a short time ago to English gardens from Columbia, and has flowered with Messrs. Lucombe and Pince of Exeter. It has a pendulous raceme of six flowers ; the sepals and petals have their upper half occupied by a large orange spot or blotch, and the middle lobe of the labellum is prettily spotted with purple. Acacia urophylla. A moderate-sized evergreen greenhouse shrub, with pale-yellow flowers, not very showy. It was raised from seed sent by Mr. Drummond in 1843 from Swan River. The above four plants are figured in the Botanical Magazine for April. Hemiandra pungens. a pretty free-flowering low greenhouse shrub, having small linear leaves, and large axillary flowers of a pinkish lilac, with fine crim- son spots. It is a native of Australia, occurring frequently in the Swan River colony, and also at King George's Sound. It has been recently introduced to English collections from the garden of Baron Hugel of Vienna. Figured in the Magazine of Botany for April. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. J. Houlston. STORING APPLES. It may seem out of season to speak of storing Apples at this time of the year, as any hints are sure to be forgotten by the time they might be useful. But lest I myself should forget what I have to say when Apples are ripe, I wish to mention that on this day, March 15, I have on the table a dish of Nonpareils as green, as plump, and as high-flavoured as they were from the same store on Christmas-day. This prolongation of their season is produced by a plan I have used for several years, and always with the same result, adopted at first merely to keep too curious eyes and hands from the choicer table kinds, but examined with some care since its effects have been perceived. It consists in storing them in glazed earthen- ware. In this neighbourhood we make much use of a coarse and cheap kind of glazed earthen jars of all sizes, from the dimensions of those which figure in the history of the Forty Thieves down to a common pipkin. They have lids to them, and answer the triple purpose of preserving their contents from light, from evaporation, and very tolerably from a circulation of air. It is in the union of these three requisites, I imagine, that their efficacy consists ; for I JUNE. 127 have purposely tried a well-made box, in which the first and third quality appear in a superior degree than in the jars ; but of course it was deficient in the second ; and the result was the loss of half the fruit, and the shrivelhng of the remainder. I have never tried a very large jar, having never had enough best table Apples of one kind to require one. But of moderate sizes it does not appear to make an appreciable difference whether the quantity stored be large or small. There is also another effect produced, and that is the prevention, in a great measure, of the perspiration Apples are sub- jected to when first brought under cover. In a jar this is so slight, that few of them perish from that cause, though no further care be taken of them. And altogether, where such jars are to be had cheap, the plan is worth any one's while to try as an experiment. Iota. COLLECTING ORCHIDS IN DEMERARA.* Having got every thing prepared for the expedition, we commenced our journey up the river. The day was fine, though cloudy ; and as you sail along, a fund of interesting objects meet the view. During daytime birds of the most beautiful description flit across the stream or by the water side, and at night myriads of insects of every shape and hue buzz from sundown until sunrise, the fire-flies illuminating the river and its margin with dazzling brightness. Nocturnal noises and confused sounds are, however, frightfully distinct, presenting a dismal contrast to the allurements and splendid scenes of daylight. The savage growl of the jaguar, as he roams through the bush, and the still more horrible cry of the large red monkey, are individually dreadful enough ; but most of the wild tenants of the forest howl in concert, and throw an indescribable gloom over the spirits, at once grand and appalling. The river may be traversed for a hundred miles, and not a habi- tation to be seen. Beautiful climbers and elegant Ferns may be observed, the former even on the loftiest boughs ; and occasionally some of the forest-trees are adorned with parasites, whose rich and splendid flowers divert the eye of the traveller and change the mono- tony of the scene. Sailing up a branch of the Hayama creek, which flows into the river, we arrived at an Indian settlement. This simply consisted of a few wooden sheds, open on all sides, and roofed with plantain thatch. The Indians are greatly on the decrease ; only a few are left to perpetuate the name of the red Americans. Since Europeans settled tliere, the aborigines have been driven from their homes near the sea-shores into the interior of the country ; they have become all but extirpated from their primeval haunts ; and before a century shall have elapsed, they may have totally disappeared from the vicinity of the white man. The tropical Orchids are found almost without exception upon * Notes from the portfolio of a collector. 128 THE FLORIST. trees on the margin of the forest. They derive their nourishment from the decayed bark which has collected in the holes and crevices, and there they produce their brilliant inflorescence amid a variety of Passion-flowers, Bromelias, and Ferns. The creepers, like a graceful tracery, interlace the branches, and swing to and fro in the breeze, sometimes hanging from the trees a hundred feet, rendering it scarcely possible to distinguish the gorgeous climbers from the trees which they adorn. It is difficult to determine at what height Orchids will grow. They flourish on the topmost branches, and are found upon slender boughs a few yards from the ground. In general, how- ever, they do not aff'ect great heights ; and their variety of form and richness of colour attract attention even from the untaught savage. Some that by accident have become detached from the trees may be seen growing vigorously on the ground or upon stones. In such situ- ations I have found Liparis elata, Cyrtopera Woodfordii, and some of the Catasetums. Gattleyas flower as beautifully and as finely on rocks as on trees. Hope Nurseries, Bedale. C. May. HERBACEOUS PLANTS. The " massing -system" of flower -gardening, now so universally adopted, has nearly driven these out of the field. Many of them, however, are very pretty, and would well repay the little care and attention which they require. A shrubbery or wall-border some four or five feet broad might be made to assume a gay dress throughout the year by judiciously classifying these plants. As regards their heights and colours, the tallest should, of course, be kept farthest from the walk, and in front a few patches of pretty annuals might be introduced with advantage. The following list will supply plants suitable for the purpose : Aconitum Starkianum ; blue, 3y feet high. bicolor ; blue and white, 4 feet high. Alyssum saxatile ; yellow, 6 inches high. Anemone coronaria pleno ; double scarlet, 10 inches high. Arabis caucasica ; white, 8 inches high. Aubrietia deltoidea ; pale lilac, 6 inches high. Campanula glomerata ; blue, 15 inches high. pleno ; double purple, 1-^ feet high. ■ persicifolia maxima ; blue, 2 feet high. alba pleno ; double white, 15 inches high. urticifoUa pleno ; double white, 1-^ feet high. Ce7'astium frigidum ; white, 6 inches high. Co?ydalis nob His ; yellow and brown, 15 inches high. Dracocephalum argunense ; light blue, 1^ feet high. Delphinium Barloicii ; blue and purple, double, 3 feet high. amoenmn ; blue, 5 feet high. dictyocarpum ; blue, 5 feet high. JUNE. 129 Epilohium angustifoUum ; pink, 4 feet high. Gentiana acauUs ; dark blue, very dwarf; makes a pretty edging. Hepatica acrulea pleno ; double blue, very dwarf. rubra pleno ; double red, ditto. triloba ccerulca ; blue, ditto. triloba alba; white, ditto. triloba rubra; red, ditto. Iberis saxatilis ; white, 9 inches high. Garrexiana ; ditto, ditto. Lychnis chalcedonica pleno ; double scarlet, 1^ feet high. ■ alba pleno ; double white, J 2^ feet high. Morina longifoUa ; white, changing to pink, 2 feet high. Narcissus Bulbocodium ; yellow, 6 inches high. Orobiis vermis ; purple, 1 foot high. Phlox omnijlora ; white, 1 foot high. setacea ; pink, dwarf, and very pretty. Van Houtii ; white and pink, 2 feet high. Scilla bifolia ; blue, very dwarf. siberica ; light blue, ditto. Scutellaria macruntha ; bluish purple, 1 foot h.igh. Valeriana rubra; bright pink, 2-i feet high. Veronica amethystina ; blue, \^ feet high. latifolia ; blue, 3 feet high. rosea; rose, 2 feet high. spicata ; blue, I foot high. alba ; white, \^ feet high. Kew, W. Allan. NOTES FROM THE LOG-BOOK OF AN ERRATIC :MAN. No. V. A FRAGRANT GREETING. A FEW days after the occurrence related in my last leaf, we had " Struck soundings In the channel of Old England," and were feeling our way to the eastward pretty well satisfied with our position from having spoken a boat but a short time out from Plymouth. The weather was very thick, after much warm rain and a southerly wind. It was about ten o'clock p.m. ; t)ie ladies had just retired to their cabins for the night ; the gentlemen were over their last game of chess and backgammon ; when the captain, who was on deck, desired the steward to send the servants round to the ladies with his compliments, and to request their company upon the poop. The fog had been suddenly cleared away by the wind coming off the land, and with it had come all the charming fragrance of our English fields and wild flowers, appealing as palpably to the senses as if we had run bump into the middle of a haycock. 'J'he moon, too, was 130 THE FLORIST. sufficiently high to shew the bold outline of the Devonshire coast, so that the captain's message, and " Land ho !" sounding through the ship, soon brought every body upon deck ; that is, every body who had no watch to keep, for it is no trifle that brings sailors out of their hammocks when it is their watch below. They might have been awakened by the cry, but in another couple of hours be on deck they must, and they knew well enough that the land would keep where it was till that time. It is an interesting sight to watch the different manner in which persons are affected on such occasions. Some are all raptures in their expressions ; some take a pride in shewing no emotion at all ; and some are overcome to tears, and stealing from the throng, indulge in them. On the occasion in question, I carefully watched one lady, who, with her daughter, about twelve years of age, was returning from India, having left behind a husband and father to whom they were tenderly attached, and who was to have accompanied them, had not public business prevented him at the last moment. The lady's state of health brooked no delay ; and well it was that she had been com- pelled to make the voyage with us, for her station, and above all her hisrh mind and intellectual character, had shed such an influence over the rest of the lady passengers, to whom her sweet disposition was shewn in the kindest offices, that our passage home had been marked throughout with entire harmony ; a rare occurrence indeed in pas- senger-ships of those days. After joining with the group in the burst of mutual congratula- tions on the auspicious event, she drew her daughter to her side (who was a stranger to England, having been born in India), and explained to her, as well as she could make her comprehend, w4iat a delightful season it was on the shore, and her hopes that we should land in time for her to sport among the hay, gather wild flowers, press them, and send them to her father, to remind him of the fields in which he had played when a boy, and to which she hoped he would soon be able to return. But the theme w^as too much for her sensitive mind, and bidding me, as officer of the watch, good night (for the rest had already retired with the intention of an early rising), she left me alone to my quiet nocturnal pacing of the deck. But those few words to her child had found an echo in my breast, for I too was reminded by the " wind of night" of the pleasant fields sur- rounding my country home, of the little cottage and the orchard, upon which my long-left bed-room looked, of the distant rookery, and its noisy, yet to me musical tenants, of the gentle sweUing hills covered wdth the waving crops ripening for the harvest, and of the music of the " sabbath bells" which I hoped would be borne to my ears ere another week had passed over. It is not an easy thing to convey to another the exquisite feelings present to the mind on such an occasion. To be alone is to have the very best company, and at this time I found it particularly so. Merry peals of laughter from the watch who were gathered to- gether about the biits rose every now and then, as a jet-black African tickled their fancies with some humorous relation or other connected JUNE. 131 with his adventures on shore. Mixed with their merriment came the lowing of the cow, and the occasional crowing of the few cocks left in the hen-coops ; for strange as it may appear, animals seem perfectly aware of their vicinity to land, when after a long voyage they approach it, although it is quite unseen by them. As the night grew, the breeze freshened, and long before my watch was over, the ship was pushing the water out of her way at a rapid rate, and leaving behind her a long broad white pathway or wake, on which the moon shone with peculiar brilliancy. And on she continued steadily to speed from that time until she finally closed her wings off the East India Docks, just in time for me to go ashore, start off for the Old Inn Yard, jump on the coach as it was coming out of the gateway, and reach my home on the Saturday night. On the morrow, as I had anticipated the week before, I sat with my arms on the window-sill, a glowing sunshiny morning, with a sweet-brier hedge under my nose, the air filled with the song of the lark and other birds, and with the rich fragrance of the hay-fields and wild flowers. Is it a wonder that I hummed to myself, " Ah, what is sweeter than to find Our hearts at ease, our perils past, When anxious long, the lightened mind Lays down its load of care at last ! When, tired with toil on land and deep. Again we tread the welcome floor Of our own home, and sink to sleep On the long wished-for bed once more." No ; in such an hour all past perils and privations are forgotten, and we can say in the language of the French air, " Where can we be happier than in the bosom of our families?" VINES IN POTS. The Huddersfield Horticultural Society, with a view to promote the cultivation of Vines in pots, offer prizes for their production. Some parties in this neighbourhood have placed pots to the base of fruiting branches of last year's wood ; the shoot strikes root into the pot, and derives its support not only from its own roots, but from the old Vine, where they will remain until the day of exhibition ; they will then be separated from the parent plant, and shewn as Vines grown in pots. Perhaps some of your readers will say whether this is the meaning of growing Vines in pots ; if so, I have no hesitation in stating that I could shew a fruiting Vine at our next exhibition grown in a coffee-pot. ^ ^ J. Riley. 132 THE FLORIST. CULTURE OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. If you thought it necessary to apologise last month for inserting something more about the Chrysanthemum, I can hardly hope you will think it right to notice this ; but it is a flower which is annually growing in the public favour, and this is just the time when any hints upon its culture are likely to be of service. Now, in common with all growers of the flower, I cannot but feel an obligation to Messrs. Taylor and James for their lectures upon its proper mode of cultivation, and I hope to profit largely by their instructions. I also beg to express my obligations to the Florist for the opportunity of reading those lectures. But at the same time, there are two things in them which I think merit further discussion, and I be^ your readers not to suppose the methods there given to be the onl^ones for producing a successful result ; namely, the time and mode of propagation, and the avoiding of stopping the plants. I have now about one-third of my young plants taken early in the month of January ; and very fine, of course, they are. But 1 have some struck last month in heat^ and then planted in the open ground, which for the characteristics of excellence enumerated by Mr. Taylor I should prefer. What the blooms from each may be on compa- rison, I hope to know better next November. And while speaking of propagation, it may be of service to mention that the Chr}^san- themum is one of the few plants that strike indifferently at a joint or at a distance from one. You need not therefore risk spoiling a small specimen by taking off the head at a joint ; and so readily do they strike, that out of 172 cuttings, 171 have taken with me this year. And though it certainly does appear to me, as I have read in your pages, to " dislike much stopping," yet of this I am certain, that stopping does not always prove " a decided failure ;" for a finer spe- cimen-plant than I had last year in Annie Salter, which I stopped twice, I can hardly hope ever to see. Unhappily it had no flowers (don't laugh ; but I am only a year old in Chrysanthemum growing); for I suffered the buds to be nipped by an October frost. Iota. DESCRIPTIVE LISTS OF FRUITS. No. VI. PEARS {continued from p. 77). 5. Easter Beurre. A large Pear, of which the general form is roundish obovate ; in some specimens the crown is rounded, in others considerably flattened ; the base is broad, and indented by a large cavity, and the whole surface is frequently uneven. Eye deeply sunk in a wide, angular basin ; segments strong and leathery, and con- JUNE. 133 verging so that the points meet. Stalk of medium length and thick- ness, deeply inserted into the hollow base. Skin dull-yellowish green, much speckled, or rather marbled, with brownish russet. From stand- ard trees the fruit is frequently nearly covered with a dingy russet. Flesh whitish, buttery, and rich, not sweet, but brisk, and particu- larly agreeable. Season January and February, and sometimes will keep till March, or even later. An excellent and free-bearing sort, which ought to be in every garden. Like other late-keeping Pears, it well deserves a wall — east or west in the midland and southern counties, and south in the northern. 6. Beurre d'Aremherg. Nearly equal to the Glout Morceau in size, and something like it in form, but more obovate, and generally having fuller swelling sides ; broad at the stalk-end, and often oblique. The surface of the fruit is uneven. Eye very small, often wholly without segments, sunk in a deep and narrow cavity. Stalk of me- dium length, inserted in a small, sometimes a lipped, hollow. Skin smooth and shining, pale yellow, finely reticulated, and dotted with light russet. Flesh white, melting, remarkably juicy, and having a pleasant subacid flavour. In eating from the end of November till 134 THE FLORIST. January. A good Pear, but not equal to the Glout Morceau, with which it has often been confounded. Requires a wall to bring it to perfection. It is necessary to explain that these descriptions were written when the fruit was in a fit condition for eating, and w^hen conse- quently the skin had assumed the yellow tint which in most sorts indicates ripeness ; previous to that period the ground-colour of the skin is green in nearly all Pears. 7. Gendesheim. Fruit middle-sized, obtuse-pyriform in shape, often a Httle compressed below the middle, broad and generally ob- lique at the small end. Stalk of medium length, deeply inserted in a large opening. Eye in a shallow depression ; segments small and erect. Skin yellowish green, mottled or netted with russet. Flesh melting and juicy, having a peculiar brisk or slightly subacid fla- vour. Season from the middle of October to the end of November. The trees are hardy, and bear well ; and altogether this little-known Pear is well deserving of cultivation. J. B. Whiting. CHISWICK AND REGENT'S PARK EXHIBITIONS. Having adverted to these in another page, it will only be necessary for us here to give as minute an account as our space will permit of the different subjects produced on the occasions of the 3d and 14th ult. At both exhibitions stove and greenhouse plants were contributed in great beauty and profusion ; and although they did not make so brilliant a display as the Azaleas did, yet they were highly interesting, not only as respects their beauty, which was great, but also as regards the improvement in the art of cultivation, which they so abundantly exhibited. Ill-grown plants are now no longer to be found at our great shows ; a result which must ever attend such meetings, w^herever they are held, provided they are fairly and judiciously conducted. In the collections of stove and greenhouse plants we did not observe much that was new, though we saw a great deal to admire : Eriostemons, Chorozemas, Boronias, Pimeleas, Everlastings, Adenan- dras, and Polygalas in variety ; but nothing so showy as the different kinds of Ixoras, to which the more recently introduced sort from Java makes a splendid addition. We remarked the lovely Hovea Celsi in several collections charmingly flowered ; and when well cul- tivated, what plant is more beautiful ? Every body who has a com- mon greenhouse can grow it ; it however requires a little skill to have it bushy and fine ; but who would not labour where a profusion of flowers is the reward ? Tetratheca verticillata is a plant of easy culture, which every amateur should possess ; and those who have a small stove will find Hoya campanulata, well worth attention, on account of its sweet scent, so refreshing in the evening after the heat of a bright summer-day. We would advise all who have Gom- JUNE. 135 pholobium polymorphum to twine it over stakes in the form of a little bush, for in this shape it has a much more tasteful appearance than when trained to a stiff-looking wire trellis. Orchids were plentiful at both exhibitions, and their variously coloured and curiously formed flowers made them objects of general admiration. We well remember the time when these were only to be found here and there in our great gardens. They were con- sidered to be essentially the plants of the rich and opulent ; but now, who that has a little stove would be without his Dendrobiums, Sac- colabiums, Aerides, Vandas, Cattleyas, Phalaenopsis, and Oncidiums 1 Why they excite more interest than half the other productions of the garden. For a small collection to begin with, we would especially recommend Dendrobium nobile and densiflorum, Phalaenopsis grandi- flora, Cattleya Mossifc and Skinneri, the larger-flowered variety of Oncidium ampliatura, Saccolabium guttatum and praemorsura, Cy- pripedium barbatum, Calanthe veratrifolia, and Phaius grandifolius. These might be augmented as opportunity offered ; but even if the cultivation of this charming class of plants was carried no further, we are sure that the beauty of the few we have named would amply repay a small share of ordinary care. Azaleas were numerous, large, and brilliant. Among the differ- ent sorts, we remarked specimens of Double- Red, Gledstanesi, late- ritia, praestantissima, vivicans, sinensis, coronata, exquisita, optima, triumphans, variegata, Rawsoni, speciosissima, rosea superba, Law- renceana, pulchra, splendens, Fielder's White, violacea superba, and Smith's Red. One collection of tall Cacti in flower was exhibited. It contained Epiphyllum speciosum, E. rubrum coeruleum, Ackermanni, E. auran- tiacum, E. Russellianum, and Cereus speciosissimus. Rhododendrons. A magnificent collection was shewn at Chis- wick, by Mr. Ivison, gardener to the Duchess Dowager of Northum- berland, at Sion House. It consisted of beautiful light and purple flowered kinds. The best of the former were stated to have been obtained between altaclerense and the white ponticum, the others between altaclerense and the white tree Rhododendron. At both shows Roses in Pots surpassed any thing of the kind we have hitherto seen. The collections of both dealers and amateurs shewed that each had done his utmost ; the flowers were beautifully coloured, and the foliage was ample and clean. The gems of Mr. Francis's collection, to whom the first prize was awarded at Chis- wick, were Paul Perras, with blossoms regularly dispersed over the plant, large and w^ell-blown ; Coupe d'Hebe, rich in shape and colour ; Lamarque ; Armosa, a profuse-blooming medium-sized Rose ; Chenedole, and La Reine. We observed in all instances that the buds of the latter did not open kindly. Madame de St. Joseph, in Messrs. Paul's group, which was second, was the admiration of every body. It is a delicate salmon, with a delicious fragrance, and the plant was covered with blossoms ; Vicomtesse des Cazes had been very fine, but its beauty was somewhat past ; not so Niphetos, which was just in perfection, and studded with flowers of snowy 136 THE FLORIST. whiteness ; William Jesse and Comte de Paris were also in beautiful condition. Among Messrs. Lane's plants were the universal fa- vourites, William Jesse, Duchess of Sutherland, Aubernon, and the glorious Geant des Batailles ; these possessed a surprisingly fine co- lour for the season. In the collections of Messrs. Terry, Roser, and Rowland, were Aubernon, Fulgorie, Mrs. Bosanquet, Nina, Marquise Boccella, La Reine, Armosa, Geant des Batailles, Blairii No. 2, Au- gustine Mouchelet, Duchess of Sutherland, Goubault, William Jesse, and Baronne Prevost, the latter with flowers at least six inches in diameter. At '*the Park," Messrs. Lane's collection, which was first, was uncommonly fine. Their Couj)e d'Hebe was quite a mass of flowers. Mr. Francis too had the same variety in beautiful condition, as had also Messrs. Paul. Among other varieties we noticed Louis Bona- parte, Meillez, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Duchess of Sutherland, Devoniensis, Pauline Plantier, Augustine Mouchelet, Elise Sauvage, Goubault, William Jesse, Mansais, Madeleine, La Reine, Bougere, and Aubernon. In the amateurs' class, Messrs. Terry, Williams, Roser, Rowland, and Chitty, had beautifully managed plants, more especially Mr. Terry's. The fohage was clean and healthy, and the blooms numerous and well grown. Dr. Marx, Persian yellow. La- marque, Las Cases, Mrs. Bosanquet, Bouquet de Flore, Bourbon Queen, Bardon, Odorata, and Comtesse de Lacepede, were remark- able for beauty and profusion of bloom. Mr. Francis had a box full of Geant des Batailles, " worked" plants in 3-inch pots, each having a single stem about a foot high, with a brilliant crimson or rather scarlet flower on ^ts summit. These excited much interest. Cape Heaths w^re numerous, and generally finely flowered ; and we noticed a collection of Epacrises from Mr. Quilter of Norwood. Single Specimens. The best consisted of two plants of the glori- ous Medinilla magnifica, a fine bush of Erica elegans and Cattleya Mossise, from Messrs. Veitch ; a beautiful example of Erica Sindry- ana from T. B. Graham, Esq. of Clapham Common ; Pimelea spec- tabilis and Boronia serrulata from Mrs. Lawrence ; Erica perspi- cua from Mr. Quilter ; the charming Chinese Indigofera decora from Mr. Ivison, gardener to the Duchess Dowager of Northumber- land, at Sion ; and a nice plant of the Griflith Ixora from Mr. Green. In addition to these, Messrs. Veitch furnished the Jasmine-flowered Rhododendron ; Mr. Cole, the Hovea Celsi ; Mr. Stewart, Physo- lobium gracile ; Messrs. Fairbairn, Erica favoides elegans ; and Mr. Stanly, E. Hartnelli. Some interesting novelties were produced. Messrs. Veitch had their lovely Cantua dependens ; M. Baumann of Ghent, Deutzia gracilis, a white-flowered slender-growing hardy shrub from Japan ; Mr. Loddiges an Aerides, with long racemes of gay rose-coloured blossoms, and a new Lycaste from Bolivia, with pale-yellow flowers ; Messrs. Henderson, the Broughtonia violacea ; Mr. Franklin, gar- dener to Mrs. Lawrence, an Epidendrum ; Mr. Carson, Trichopilia coccinea, a promising species, with a large dark red coloured lip ; Mr. Cole, the Oleander-leaved AUamanda ; Mr. May, gardener to JUNE. 137 Mrs. Lawrence, Pimelea Nieppergiana, a very pretty white kind ; and M. de Jong^he, of Brussels, a rather handsome Bilbergia. At "the Park," Messrs. Veitch had Pimelea VerschafFeltiana ; Messrs. Hen- derson, Ceanothus papillosus and rigidus, and Franciscea confertiflora, a promising violet-Howered species ; the sulphur-coloured Brunsfelsia nitida, from Jamaica, was shewn by Mr. Mitchell of Brighton ; Mar- shall's Wallflower, diffusing a fragrance like that of Violets, by J. Edwards, Esq. ; the Oleander-leaved Allamanda, and some equally well-known plants, from Messrs. Henderson of the Wellington Road Nursery. We also remarked that certificates of merit were awarded to cut specimens of Beaumontia grandiflora, and the very fragrant Murraya exotica. Mrs. Lawrence had Pimelea Nieppergiana, Hoya bella, and a cut spike of Amherstia nobiHs. At Chiswick, for reasons we have stated. Pelargoniums were en- tirely confined to one or two "Fancies" and "Capes ;" w^hile at " the Park" the ordinary kinds were furnished in profusion and in great variety, making a truly magnificent display. Among seedlings, the best was Mr. Hoyle's Magnet, which was awarded a certificate of merit for fine colour and abundance of bloom. He had also Chief- tain, which is a good flower, and others. Mr. Turner shewed First of May ; Mr. Dobson, Leader, a promising flower. Gem, Vulcan, and Isabel ; and Mr. Ayres received a certificate of merit for his Fancy called Formosissimum. In the tent provided for seedlings at Chiswick, Messrs. E.G. Hen- derson of the Welhngton Road Nursery had a fine collection of new Cinerarias, containing Lady Hume Campbell, white, edged with blue ; Marianne, white, tipped with rosy lilac, good in fo^m ; Dora, white, with lilac disk, but wanting in substance ; and Prrice Arthur, bright rosy purple. Mr. Hoyle sent Pelargoniums, Chieftain and Magnet. Mr. Kinghorn an Epacris, named Conspicua, a free-flowering kind, in the way of Grandiflora, but a considerable improvement on that variety. Cinerarias were shewn plentifully ; but we did not observe among them any thing very remarkable. Mr. Robinson had the best col- lection. It consisted of Newington Beauty, Flora Mclvor, Bessy, Angelique, Annie, and Fairy Ring. Pansies in Pots were exhibited at Chiswick by Mr. Bragg and Mr. Turner of Slough ; the latter not for competition. This mode of shewing Pansies bids fair to become a favourite. Mr. Bragg's varieties were, Ophir, Mr. Beck, Polj^phemus, Constellation, Junius, Conspicua, Juventa, Madame Sontag, Eliza Ann, Queen of England, Lady Carrington, and Flying Dutchman. Mr. Turner's plants were well-bloomed, and the flowers were as large and fine as those usually produced in a cut state. The sorts were, Juventa, Polyphemus, Queen of England, SurpHce, Mr. Beck, iMrs. Hamilton, Thisbe, Al- manzor, Swansdown, Constantino, Leader, Ophir, Goliath, Euphemia, Duke ofNorfolk, Disraeli, Constellation, Aurora, Bellona, and Supreme. Auriculas were furnished (not for competition) by Mr. Turner of Slough, and Mr. Willmer of Sunbury. In their respective collec- tions we observed Lovely Anne, Ringleader, Champion, Mary Ann, NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. VI. N 138 THE FLORIST. Conqueror of Europe, True Briton, fine (Hepworth) ; Countess of Wilton (Cheethara), Squire Chilman, Earl Grosvenor, Colonel Taylor, Fair Maid, Lancashire Hero (Cheetham), very fine. A collection of Tulips was shewn at "the Park" by Mr. Willmer. It contained some good varieties ; but as we hope to see them again, we will not enumerate their names here. Verbenas. Two or three nicely managed plants were produced by Mr. Lockner. The varieties were, Minerva, Wonderful, Desdemona, Heroine, Perrier, and Reine du Jour. Some seedling Calceolarias were exhibited ; but they were all deficient in shape, and otherwise inferior to kinds already out. We trust that we have now furnished materials from which our country readers will be able to gather some idea of the nature of our two first great shows. The account, we own, is imperfect, for which want of room must be our apology : what we have missed now, we may be able to overtake hereafter. ROYAL SOUTH-LONDON FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. April 23. — This exhibition was held at the Horns Tavern, Ken- nington. Few stove and greenhouse plants were produced; and as a Florist show it was certainly inferior to former years. For the best pair of Auriculas in the amateurs' class, the first prize was awarded to W. S. Ginger, Esq., for Litton's Imperator and Oliver's Lovely Anne ; 2d, to Mr. Moseley ; 3d, Mr. Chapman. Nurserymen : 1st, Mr. Turner of Slough, for Ringleader, Squire Chilman, Prince of Wales, and Conqueror of Europe ; 2d, Mr. Dickson, of Acre-Lane, Brixton, for Ringleader, Oliver's Lovely Anne, Hedge's Britannia, and Taylor's Glory. Several collections of Auriculas were shewn, and some Polyanthuses, among which we remarked Pearson's Alex- ander, King, Princess Royal, and Buck's George IV. Pansies. Amateurs: 1st, J. Edwards, Esq., Hollo way ; 2d, Mr. Parsons, Enfield. Nurserymen : 1st, Mr. C. Turner, Slough ; 2d, Mr. Bragg, ditto ; 3d, Messrs. Hart and Co., Guildford. The leading flowers shewn were. Hales' Sir R. Peel, Duke of Norfolk, Ophir, Rubens, Bertha, Mr. Beck, Leader, Almanzor, Juventa, Disraeli, Mrs. Hamilton, Addison, Supreme, Queen of England, Mrs. Beck, Robert Burns, Miss Ed- wards, Privateer, Climax, Ibrahim Pasha, Thisbe, Zabdi, Elegant, and Sir John Franklin. Dora and Euphemia are two large showy seedlings, which will make fine varieties for exhibition, and must be constant from the number of blooms shewn. A nice collection of Cinerarias was exhibited by Mr. Robinson ; and there were also a few seedlings. A first-class certificate was awarded to Mr. Smith of Hornsey, for Queen of Beruties, a small white flower with a dark centre. 139 NATIONAL FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. April 24. — The following awards were made on this occasion. A certificate to Mr. Hoyle for Pelargonium Chieftain ; upper petals dark maroon blotch edged with scarlet, lower ditto vermilion. Mr. Turner of Slough produced a seedling Pelargonium named First of May ; it is in the way of Constance, but better formed. It was com- mended by the censors. Mr. Ayres shewed his fancy Pelargonium, Formosissimum ; for which a first-class certificate was awarded. Mr. E. G. Henderson received a first-class certificate for Cineraria, Marguerite d'Anjou, a crimson self with dark disk ; also a certificate for Marianne, white-ground variety, with lilac margin. Mr. George Smith obtained a certificate for his white Cineraria, named Alba magna ; a flat full-sized flower. Mr. Ayres of Blackheath shewed Model of Perfection, a shaded purple variety which was commended by the judges. Mr. Ivery, Peckham, exhibited Beauty, a good flower; white, delicately edged with lilac ; it was commended by the judges. A grey-edged Auricula, in the style of Ringleader, was produced by Mr. Griffin ; it was named Beauty of Bath, and was awarded a first- class certificate. Of named flowers, Mr. Ayres sent, Pelargoniums, Gipsy Queen, Lady Rivers, &c.; Mr. E. G. Henderson, Scarlet Gera- niums, Bridal Bouquet, Golden Admiration, and Peach Blossom ; Mr. Gaines, a Rhododendron named Taglioni, a promising variety, and a yellow Azalea named Flava. Messrs. Henderson, Pine-apple Place, had a collection of Cinerarias, consisting of Jetty Treffz, Lettice Arnold, Desdemona,Carlotta Grisi, Renville, Pauline, Lilacina, Madame Sontag, Lady Gertrude, Dehcata, Cerito, Mr. E. G. Henderson sent Claude Melnotte, Formosa, Georgiana, Duke of Wellington, Mr. Charles Kean, Brilliant, Climax, Cerito, Pauline, Alboni, Amoena, Amy Robsart, Effie Deans, Admiration, Enchantress, Lady Hume Campbell, Mrs. Charles Kean. Mr. Ivery, Blue Perfection, Electra, Rogers's Lady Vernon, Ormsby Beauty, and Hammersmith Beauty. Mr. Turner produced six Auriculas ; and cut blooms of Pansies were shewn by Messrs. Edw^ards, Turner, and Bragg. A Rhododendron called Jacksoni came from Messrs. Jackson of Kingston ; in appearance it was somewhat striking, being deep blush striped on the outside with rosy pink. We noticed, among other things, some seedling Heaths on the table ; but though pretty enough, they were not very distinct from Aristata. May 8. — Cinerarias formed the bulk of the exhibition; collections of these came from Messrs. Henderson of Pine-apple Place, and Mr. E. G. Henderson of the Welhngton Road Nursery. The latter had also the beautiful new sorts. Lady Hume Campbell, Marianne, and Mrs. Sidney Herbert. Three blooms of Epiphyllums were produced by Mr. Willison of Whitby ; a flower of a red Azalea by Mr. Catiel of Liverpool ; cut specimens of three Calceolarias by Messrs. Scho- field of Leeds; and Pansy-blooms from Messrs. Youell of Yarmouth, and the Rev. J. H. Gossett. Messrs. Henderson sent a Pelargonium 140 THE FLORIST. called White Unique, an Amaryllis, and a pretty Cape Heath named Victoria. Three Cinerarias were produced by Alessrs. Widnall and Co. of Granchester, and a similar number by Messrs. Ivery of Dorking. Eight varieties of this useful flower were also exhibited by Mr. E. G. Henderson of WeUington Road, and some two dozen kinds by Mr. Jeyes of Northampton. The latter also sent two sorts of Azalea : A. magnifica, loaded with semi-double purple flowers, was contributed by Messrs. Henderson ; and Mr. Reed, gardener to W. A. Coombe, Esq. of Northfleet, sent A. pictura, a white variety striped with rosy purple. This was worked on a plant of A. reful- gens, and both being in flower at the same time caused one side of the specimen to be red w^iile the other was white. Pansies were communicated by Mr. Bragg of Slough ; two promising fancy Pelar- goniums and a Cineraria by Mr. Ayres ; a Cineraria by Mr. Lock- ner; a variety of Erica tricolor by Mr. Epps ; and Pelargonium Lilac Unique by Mr. Ivery of Peckham, who had also two Cinerarias. No awards were made on this occasion, and the only flower selected as commendable was Cineraria Prince Arthur, a good- habited variety, with a crimson puce colour. It was furnished by Mr. E. G. Henderson of the Wellington Road Nursery. May 22. — J. W. Newhall, Esq., in the chair. We have just time to intimate, before going to press, that there was a very interesting exhibition to-day. Seedhng Pelargoniums, both " Fancies" and common kinds, were produced ; but in neither class were any awards made. Our P. Incomparable was commended for fine colour ; and Mr. Hoyle's Magnet and Herald were recommended to be *' seen again." Mr. Ambrose's Fancy called Attraction was similarly distinguished ; Mr. Gaines' Calceolaria Antiope is pretty, but rather too small ; ground creamy yellow, nicely blotched in the centre. He had also one or two other promising seedlings. Cine- raria formosa, white ground, rosy purple tip, from the same grower, was commended as a desirable "sale plant." Nonsuch, from Mr. E. G. Henderson, lilac purple self, was commended; and Rosalind, from the same cultivator, was aw^arded a certificate ; flower medium size ; ground-colour wdiite, with a grey disk, and narrowly tipped with ultramarine blue. A similar award w^as also made to Pansy Pandora from Mr. Hunt. This had a bright yellow ground, with a pucy-purple broad margin ; sliape and substance good. Collections of Pansies were shewn by Messrs. Turner, Skynner, and Bragg. Some nice Mimuluses came from Mr. Wyness ; among which Magnificent was a showy bold flower, and fair in shape. Wil- lison's Tulip King (breeder) had good broad stout petals ; but the broken flower bearing that name is not nearly so good as a broken bloom breaking into narrow petals. It might be termed too, like Hutton's, Optimus. Queen breeder is a promising by- blcemen. Rose breeder (Juliet) is good in shape, and has a very pure base. His breeders generally were recommended as worthy of cul- tivation, and particularly Juliet, for which the censors awarded a label of commendation. In addition to the above, we observed a straw-coloured Rhododendron ; a pink Azalea, raised between a Rho- JUNE. 141 dodendron and an Azalea ; some cut heads of Rhododendrons, and collections of named Cinerarias. Altogether it was a very instruc- MR. GROOM'S TULIPS. We inspected these on the Derby-day, and found them in excellent condition. The best bed was a glorious sight, and it presented several novelties, which we hope to see again. Dr. Horner (bizarre) and a rose called Fleur de Marie were especially fine ; the former a first-rate flower of its class. HAMMERSMITH HEARTSEASE SOCIETY. May 7th.— 1st prize, 36 blooms, Mr. C. Turner, Slough ; 2d, Mr. Bragg, Slough ; 3d, Mr. T. Thomson, Iver. Amateurs' 24 blooms. Equal, 1st, Mr. Treacher and Mr. Lane, both of Wycombe; 2d, J. Edwards, Esq., Hollo way ; 3d, M. Browu, Esq., Tulse Hill. We remarked the following in fine condition : Almanzor (Thom- son), Ophir(Widnall), Polyphemus (Thomson), Commander-in-Chief (Youell), Constantine (Turner), Bertha (do.), Mrs. M. Hamilton (Nasmyth), Mr. Beck (Turner), Juventa (Hooper), Duke of Norfolk (Bell), Diadem (Fellowes), Dora (Turner), Mrs. Beck (do.), Euphemia (do.), Constance, Masterpiece (Hooper), Duke of Perth (Handasyde), Pompey (Hale), Sambo (do.). Rainbow (Hall), Queen of England (Fellowes), Elegant (Thomson), Sir J. Franklin, Penelope, Premier, Ophelia (Fellowes), Rubens, Sir R. Peel, Zabdi, (Thomson), Ibrahim" Pasha, Addison (Turner), Thisbe, and Supreme. Class Shewing. For White-ground flowers : 1st, Mr. Turner, for Almanzor. Yellow-ground : 1st, Mr. Turner, for Diadem (Fellowes). Yellow or Straw (selfs) : 1st, Mr. Lane, for Ophir. White : 1st, Mr. Turner, for Swansdown. Dark: 1st, Mr. Bragg, for Sambo. Mul- berry : 1st, Mr. Treacher, for a seedling. The prize of 205. given by M. Brown, Esq. for the best seedling, was awarded to Mr. Turner for Chieftain, a yellow-ground flower with with rich bronze red margin, fine eye, shape, and substance. There were some other seedlings possessing considerable merit : altogether the show was much better than we had expected, owing to the lateness of the season. PELARGONIUMS. What w^ould John Dobson say to a " Vulcan'' just opening with me, on which I count (as near as I can manage) 120 well-formed buds } Iota. 142 THE FLORIST. OUR MONTHLY REMEMBRANCER. Auriculas. Any work left undone last month should he imme- diately attended to, and the plants neatly arranged in a northern aspect. The more Auriculas are exposed to the full benefit of light, the more healthy they will be. Shading from mid-day sun is also necessar}^ and should be attended to from about eight o'clock in the morning till four or five p.m., according to the intensity of the sun's heat. Continue a liberal supply of water as long as the plants are growing freely, giving preference at all times to moderate showers. Pick off decayed leaves, and shghtly stir the soil ; destroy insects, the small green caterpillar, &c. ; gather seed-pods as they ripen, and keep them in a dry and airy situation, in a paper or linen bag, adding a small piece of camphor, to preserve them from insects. By the last week in this month the plants will not require so much water ; but a moderate supply must be given. Calceolarias. They should now be yielding a fine head of bloom ; cross such flowers as appear likely to yield the most desir- able colours and shapes. As your plants fade, cut off the flower- stalks above a joint, and repot into a larger size, placing them in a shady situation, protecting them from heavy rain, bat allowing them a free circulation of air and exposure to the night- dews, which are very favourable for the production of the young shoots, which you require to make your succession-stock from. Carnations and Picotees. Tie up the shoots, and top-dress the pots or beds with a mixture of equal parts of very rotten manure and loamy soil. Remove green-fly ; cut off the old foliage as it de- cays, and stop all shoots throwing blooms beside the leading shoots. The number of buds to be left on the blooming-stalks depends on the variety, whether a fine flower or a thin one, and the purpose for which the blooms are wanted; — if for exhibition, they must be of good size, and the plants should be disbudded accordingly. Cinerarias. Plants going out of flower should not receive too much water ; rather endeavour to rest them. Watch those that are seeding, and carefully preserve the seed in a dry place. Dahlias. By this time they will be strong and well hardened; the ground will also be in a good state to receive them ; therefore plant out on the first fine quiet day, and secure the plants to strong stakes at once : placing some fine rich soil about their roots will help them in starting. Guard against slugs and snails. Some attention should be paid to arrangement ; it is objectionable to see tall plants near the outside, and dwarf ones in the centre ; a good distribution of colours also greatly improves the general effect. Epacrises. Plants that have broken strongly, and made growths of tolerable consistence, may be removed to their summer quarters, which should be on the shady side of a hedge or shrubbery, where they may obtain a free circulation of air, yet in some measure pro- tected from the force of a summer storm, and altogether from the JUNE. 143 heat of a mid-day sun. Give the plants plenty of room. Certain shoots will break through, and grow ranker than others ; these should be stopped in an early stage, say when three inches long ; no shoots should be pinched off later than June. Water regularly. Ericas. As soon as the early- blooming varieties become un- sightly, remove the decaying blossoms with a pair of small-pointed scissors, first taking away all the supports ; this done, repot, regulat- ing the shift to the health and habit of the plant. When shifted, place them for a few days in a shady, airy situation ; then remove them to their summer quarters, which should be an exposed situa- tion, protected from alternate rains and scorching sunshines by a thin canvass awning. Plants that have yet to bloom must, of neces- sity, receive such shelter as a house alone can give ; but on all favourable opportunities throw each cover and light open to their full extent. Examine each pot daily, and water liberally those that emit the well-known ring. Fuchsias. The principal attention that they require this month consists in watering, giving support to those seedlings that require it, tying out and arranging future growth of specimens, and fumigat- ing for aphides. Pansies. Thin the young shoots, water with weak liquid ma- nure, and shade very sparingly ; shading should only be resorted to in very hot weather a few days before the blooms are wanted for exhibition. Pelargoniums. Where any young shoots can be spared, they can be taken off, and two or three put into a 3-inch pot, placing them round the edge. If plunged into a gentle bottom-heat, they will be ready to pot off in three weeks ; and by shifting them on as they fill their pots, they will make good specimens for the next season. After the plant is potted off out of the cutting-pot, and you can en- sure three or four eyes, pinch the top out, and train the shoots out as they grow. Seedlings of promise should have notes taken of them, and cut down, if not wanted for exhibition ; let the plants be dry before cutting down. Pinks. If the weather should set in hot and dry, a large supply of water will be requisite, to assist the swelling of the pods, and to insure a free development of tlie blossom. Prepare all requisites for blooming, the glasses for forwarding, the shades and tables, &c. ; and have all clean, and fit for immediate use. Go over the plants daily, select the most promising buds, and carefully tie them in good time ; and look to those that have been tied a day or two previously ; if too tight, release them, and retie. Manure- water may be given two or three times a week ; and during the expanding of the blos- soms, water the footways round the beds once or twice during the heat of the day. The piping-bed should now be prepared, and no time lost in taking cuttings. Prepare a bed for seedhngs, make the surface- soil rather fine, and take advantage of the first dripping weather about the end of the month to plant out. Polyanthuses. Gather the seed, as directed for Auriculas. Ranunculuses. Shade every clear day ; flake-hurdles are ex- 144 THE FLORIST. cellent as a first shade, as they admit abundance of air, and the use of them will give effect to the waterings, which, without protection from the sun's rays, are soon lost by evaporation. As the blossoms advance, a more effectual shade will be required, such as mats, or canvass over hoojjs. The dark sorts require the greatest protection both from sun and rain. Stir the surface of the bed, and stop cracks. Some varieties, especially seedlings, produce more flower-buds than they ought to mature ; therefore disbud all laterals, and reduce the leaders to the number the plants appear capable of sustaining. If seed is wanted, those varieties that offer a pericarp should be inocu- lated with pollen from such as afford it, and possess striking colours and good petals. The more double the flowers are from which the farina is taken, the greater will be the probabiUty of procuring double varieties. Tie up seed-bearing stems with two or three bands of matting to short sticks. Gather seed-pods when brown. UosES. As those in pots go out of bloom, they should have their flower-stalks removed, and a top-dressing of decayed stable-dung given them, and then be placed in a shady situation. If the weather is bright and sultry, this will prepare them for the autumn flowering. Keep down green-fly. Succession-plants should be placed in a glass- covered house, with abundance of air on all sides, and with arrange- ments for shading. Trees (Hardy Fruit). Finish disbudding Peach-trees, if not already done ; and stop and regulate the young wood upon all sorts of fruit-trees. Water and mulch recently planted trees, as they may require it ; and do not forget to give the strawberry- plants a very liberal supply about the time that they are setting their fruit ; and afterwards mulch the ground with straw, or any thing which will keep the fruit clean, and retard evaporation. Destroy weeds, and keep the surface of fruit-borders clean. Tulips. Remove the top and side cloths directly the blooms fall. When the foliage turns brown, and the stems will bend without breaking, the bulbs will be fit to take up. Let great care be exer- cised in not exposing them for one minute to the rays of a hot sun, which would surely damage or destroy them. Morning or evening is the best time for taking up. Let the bulbs be exposed to the air ; but it must be in a cool, dry, shady place. ( rff-->" >? ! ^ -^ J^'JnJrnn. Psir & Ana. "rmtf.J Tj C. Chaicxr 145 A WORD FOR THE PRESENT, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR THE FUTURE. At a time wlien so many foreigners are drawn to our shores b}"^ the Great Exhibition of the world's industry, we have natu- rally felt anxious that our horticultural displays should be of no commonplace character ; and it has gratified us to learn that, much as was expected by our visitors, their general feel- ing has been one of unqualified admiration, — the displays at both Chiswick and Regent's Park having exceeded their most sanguine expectations. The weather was happily much finer than in May, and the number of visitors \vas consequently very large at both places, affording an excellent opportunity of seeing a gathering of our countrymen and women under the most favourable circumstances ; which in our uncertain climate is something to tell of. May we be allowed to indulge a hope that it will not be long before challenges are made and accepted for holding hor- ticultural fetes on both sides of the Channel, say at Dover and Calais, Folkstone or Boulogne, or, better still, at Paris and London. To ourselves it would afford sincere gratification to take part in so generous a rivalry. At this moment, when the two greatest nations of Europe seem starting on a race of mutual goodwill and friendship, instead of continuing the wicked, foolish, and expensive animosities which once reigned so universally between them, why should we not, amongst other means of cementing our friendly intercourse, seriously contemplate a tournament of this kind, to rival that of the Field of the Cloth of Gold ? Is it too much to suppose that, if such meetings were arranged upon the most liberal scale as regards exhibitors, they would prove attractive even to the Royalty of our isle, or to the President of the French Re- public ? In these days of speedy locomotion, when plants from Exeter are brought to our metropolitan exhibitions with more ease and safety, and in better condition, than from a place fifteen miles distant by turnpike-road, what is to hinder our exhibiting on the other side of the w^ater ? Lot it be tried. He will deserve well of both countries that shall come forward with the best-devised plan for carrying out our sug- gestion. Liberal subscriptions would soon set the thing going. Imagine such an exhibition in Paris as should display to our neighbours, among other proofs of our horticultural skill, that wonderful collection of Pitcher-plants produced by Messrs. Veitcli. But we will not enlarge upon the subject; but turn for a moment to our own National Floricultural Society, and NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. VII. O 146 THE FLORIST. add a few words to what we have already stated in previous numbers. We have just come from a meeting of the Finance Committee. It is satisfactory to state that the preliminary expenses, which have been heavy, and all accounts to this time, have been audited and paid, and provision made for those coming due, such as rent of rooms, &c. &c. Many things have occasioned a great amount of labour to fall upon our friend Mr. Edwards, who has been really overdone. Will subscribers bear in mind that it is too much to expect from him replies to private communications about the Society, its exhibitions, &c. Pie will gladly receive any suggestions ; all he asks is, to be spared replying, as it adds too much to his labour as the honorary secretary. We trust this hint will be accepted and acted upon. AMATEUR TULIP-SOCIETY. May 29. — For stands of 9 blooms : 1st prize to Mr. Edwards of Holloway, for Triumph Royal, Optimus, Cleopatra, Princess Royal, Cerise Blanche, Claudiana, Polyphemus, Triomph de Lisle, and Pilot ; 2d, to Mr. Crook of Brixton, for Roi de tiam, Claudiana, May's Ulysses, Royal George, Vivid, La Tendresse, Bijou des Amateurs, Triumph Royal, and Strong's King ; 3d, to Mr. Sanders of Staines, for Royal George, Strong's Queen, Cerise Belleforme, Polyphemus, Salvator Rosa, Marshal Scult, Rose Brilliant, Camuse de Croix, and General Bournonville ; 4th, to Mr. Wallace of Petersham, for Holmes's King, Rose Astonishing, Vivid, Polyphemus, Bijou des Amateurs, Catalani, Lucetta, Marshal Soult, and David ; 5th, to Mr. Holmes of Hoxton, for Franciscus Primus, Triumph Royal, Ponceau tres Blanc, Polyphemus, Holmes's King, Surpasse Catafalque, Aglaia, Vivid, and Lalla Rookh. For stands of 3 tricolours: 1st, to Mr. Crook, for Milo, Belladonna, and William IV. ; 2d, to Mr. Holmes, for Aker's Lansoni, Miss Porter, and Carlo Dolce ; 3d, to Mr. Wal- lace, for Carlo Dolce, Ariadne, and Ivanhoe. For the best 3 Roses : 1st, to Mr. Edwards, for Triumph Royal; 2d, to Mr. Bancks, for Catalani; 3d, to AJr. Wallace, for Aglaia. For the best 3 bybloe- mens : 1st, to Mr. Delaforce, for John Delaforce, new; 2d, to Mr. Wallace, for Holmes's King ; 3d, to Mr. Sanders, for Cleopatra. For the best 3 bizarres : 1st, to the Rev. Mr. Jephson, for Vivid ; 2d, to Mr. Holmes, for Vivid ; 3d, to Mr. Lane, for Strong's King. THE PLANTS IN THE CRYSTAL PALACE. " How delightful to have such beautiful flowers where one is taking refreshments !" exclaimed a lady near us, as we were preparing to take a few notes for this article. The idea that suggested such an JULY. 147 nddenda to the rlcli stores of the Industrial Pahice was no doubt a happy one, and is another exemj)litication of the good taste of those to whom the arrangements of its contents were entrusted. But alas, those who merely look occasionally on the masses of ornamental plants disposed about the transept of the building are little aware of the havoc that dust and an impure atmosphere plays amongst them. Such a result was not anticipated by the nurserymen furni:^hing them, or we venture to state, that few plants would have added their charms to the indescribable beauty of the scene. We have entered by the south transept, and have wandered to the opposite termination of it, casually noticing the groups as we pass along. The line Palms from Messrs. Loddiges are scorched and dusty, looking as if an Indian monsoon would be acceptable to them. The old Elms, contributing so much to the beauty of the interior, are languishing for a breeze and a shower. The Rhododendrons are regretting the pure atmosphere of Bagshot; and the Pines and Azaleas are equally not "at home." We much regret such a state of things, because the expense to the parties furnishing must be considerable, to say nothing of the loss of plants. The bouquet-trade too is almost a failure. Those who had reckoned on that source as a slight recompense for their trouble in other ways will, we fear, be disap- pointed. But we must describe the plants exhibited. If you commence at the north end of the transept, immediately on the right is a large collection of greenhouse plants from Messrs. Lane and Son, Berkharasted. The group is composed mostly of Azaleas and iihodo- dendrons. A plant which seemed to command universal attention was R. sulphureum ; certainly a charming variety. The individual flowers are large, and the truss admirable. The rich-coloured R. Broughtonii too was conspicuous. On the opposite side, near the Queen's robing- room, is a collection of Coniferous plants from Messrs. Paul of Cheshunt. Representatives of most of the popular members of the family are in the group. Near the refreshment-stalls is another small collection, consisting of Azaleas, Roses, and cut flowers, belong- ing to the same firm. Directly in front of you is a circular group of hardy Rhododendrons from Messrs. Standish and Noble, Bag?liot. Amongst them are some fine stands of new and esteemed kinds. Towardii, with its immense flower and well-formed truss, is con- spicuous. Blandyanum is scarcely less so. The latter is a universal favourite. Cryptomeria japonica, Cupressus funebris, and C. Gove- niana are included in the group. Several Wardian cases exhibited by the inventors are placed in this part of the building. Passing onward, we notice some grotesque vases filled with various plants. Near this part, Messrs. Rendle of Plymouth are represented by a few miscel- laneous plants, as Ericas, Mignonette, a Rhododendron or two, &c. Mr. Ferguson of Stowe has filled a large ornamental stand, com- posed mostly of Staffordshire tiles, with various cut flowers and some miscellaneous living plants. Messrs. Weeks and Co. of Chelsea, besides a collection of Geraniums, &c. exhibit various garden arti- cles, such as ornamental iron chairs, vases for plants, and a model 148 THE FLORIST. of a conservatory ; also a leaf of the Victoria regia, said to be grown in the open air at Chelsea. Near this sj)ace is a fountain, around which the two last-named persons have arranged a quantity of plants to resemble flower-borders in the open air. Messrs. Weeks also have a stand of cut flowers. So also has Mrs. Dennis from King's Road, besides living plants. Mr. Bragg from Slough has a collection of Pansies in pots, and a box or two of cut blooms, with a stand of various soft-wooded greenhouse plants. Mr. Clark of Streatham is also one of the exhibitors. At the period of our visit his collection was composed mostly of Heaths, Azaleas, and a few Roses in bloom, with some other plants. Still passing onward, we arrive at the fine groups of noble Palms exhibited by Messrs. Loddiges of Hackney : they add much to the beauty of the arrangement. We are now at the magnificent crystal fountain erected by Messrs. Osier. Beyond and near the south entrance are the plants belonging to Messrs. Knight and Perry, King's Road. Two beautiful specimens of Araucaria excelsa occupy conspicuous places on either side of the entrance. Near them, and in the middle of the transept, are the other plants, forming an oblong group. Here is the Cowrie Pine of New Zealand, Croton pictum, some pyramidal trained Bay-trees, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and numerous other j^lants. TEA-ROSES. TnE Tea -Rose, on account of its beautiful tints and peculiar fra- grance, is a general favourite ; yet with amateur cultivators, who, like myself, reside within a few miles of the metropolis, and are com- pelled necessarily to grow it under glass in pots, it turns out a com- plete failure after a season or two. We may be successful with most kinds of plants, but this one proves always more than our match. With great care, I get at first certainly very satisfactory specimens; but I find it impossible to keep the plants in the same state, and the blooms speedily deteriorate. However, before giving up this vexa- tious and disappointing culture, I have made a new attempt, which has been quite successful, and it is to make this plan known that I trouble you w'ith these lines. J planted about fifty half-standards and dwarfs in the autumn, consisting of Souvenir d'un Ami, Elise Sauvage, Adam, Devoniensis, &c. &c., in a well-prepared compost, and I erected a low span-roofed house over them, having glass sides to the ground, and side windows for ventilation ; and 1 find it to answer admirably : the plants are looking remarkably healthy, and promise well ; the shoots are most vigorous, and are covered with buds. Stoke Newington^ May 20. W. G. 149 NOTES FROM THE LOG-BOOK OF AN ERRATIC MAN. No. VI. TOBACCO. I DO not propose to tell your readers what seed to sow, how to culti- vate the plant, when to gather, nor how to cure it ; but rather to amuse them with a characteristic sketch of an old and esteemed ship- mate, of whom I have long lost sight, and who I would fain hope has found a comfortable retreat for his latter days in some quiet spot and amongst kindred spirits, who would estimate his worth, and where his few and simple wants are well supplied. If, like many more of my shipmates, he lies buried in the deep blue sea, or in a foreign strand, then let this little remembrance of him stand in the stead of the far more enduring monument his virtues deserved. I was as tired as a foxhound after a hard run, and only too glad to go below and jump half undressed into my cot at 8 o'clock p.m. of a wintry night, when homeward bound from the Indian Isles. I was soon in a profound sleep, and as insensible as the dead to the howling of the wind and the noise of the angry sea, before which we were scudding under a couple of reduced sails — nautically, a double- reefed maintop-sail and reefed foresail. The weather was very foggy ; before us lay the Western Islands, and our course was shaped for a passage between St. Michael's and 'i'ercsira, towards which the old ship, leaded with sugar, and as deep as a sand-barge, was rolling along at some nine knots an hour. There was an ugly sea on, and occasionally heavy squalls, with hail, snow, and sleet. I had not been in the blankets a couple of hours, when I was awakened by the captain. Half asleep, I was out of my cot in an instant, so startled was I by the unusual occurrence of being called by him ; and my surprise was by no means lessened at finding the water slushing across my cabin-floor nearly ankle- deep, and keeping time with the rolling of the ship. " There's two feet of water in the hold," he said to me quietly and composedly, "and it increases ; all hands are turned out, and the pumps going." 1 slipped on my watch-coat and shoes, and immediately accompanied him upon deck. The weather was worse, and the night as dark as a dungeon. The water was comino- from the pumps, a disagreeable compound of salt and sweet, telling too truly how the sugar-bags in the hold were being washed. What to do was soon decided upon, and that was to heave the ship to, first upon one tack, then upon the other ; and if that did not answer, to throw all the sugar overboard that was stowed upon the lower deck, about 700 bags. No time was to be lost ; and as soon as it could be done, the foresail was furled and the maintop-sail close reefed, that is, reduced in size as much as possible, and then, from running before wind and ?ea, the ship was turned round to face them as much as a sailing vessel can be made to do so. The object was to bring the force of the wind so as to press one side into the water and propor- tionately elevate the other. No sooner was this done than the leak, to our great satisfaction, seemed stopped ; and the water was soon so far reduced by the pumps, that the watch, or half the seamen, were 150 THK FLORIST. sent below, to their great content. The captain retired to his cabin to wait for daylight, and the third mate and I adjourned to his cabin, where my boy had got some coffee ready by the aid of a spirit-lamp. There we discussed the supposed cause of the leak, which was proved at dayhght to have been occasioned by a heavy sea striking the stern and damaging some woodwork ; mischief which the carpenter in a couple of hours full)'' repaired in the morning, and so needs no more to be said about it ; my present business being to remember a little of this excellent fellow, Taylor. Mr. Taylor was a man of about forty years of age, a first-rate practical seaman, of the most unprovokable good temper, quiet, smart, and always keeping his place with the men, who greatly re- spected him, though he had received no education. He was an un- bounded favourite of mine, and often afforded me a fund of diversion in his recitals of the incidents of his life. Promotion he had never sought, it had been thrust upon him. His constant expression, " I'm as easy as an old shoe," was the key to his unambitious life. Bad weather had no more effect on him than on a Mother Carey's chicken (the stormy petrel) ; if his rest was broken, he stoically endured it ; if he got plenty of sleep, he enjoyed it ; if he was wet through, he shifted himself; and if the bad weather lasted long enough to soak all his things, he felt for the least wet amongst them, drily remarking he had one jacket left that had never been wet through ; he had had it all his life, and it had never wanted mending. There was but one thing that could have disturbed his equanimity ; and that was, the being without tobacco. On the night in question, after we had dis- posed of the coffee, and shifted ourselves into some dry under-gar- ments, Taylor went to his chest and brought out a considerable-sized linen bundle, which as he talked he deliberately unfolded. Shirt after shirt was unrolled, until he came to a handkerchief, in which was tightly bound up his store oi pigtail. " There," said he, displaying it, and proceeding to cut off some and replenish his box, " I wonder you never use it." " Why," said I, " it would make me sick." " It might do so at first," he replied, "just as a new flannel-shirt frets your skin for a while ; but it's warm, is it not ?" " Well, it is," said I; "but still, if I were as comfortable without a flannel-shirt, I'd never take to one." "Ah, but," said he, " if j'ou would but take to to- bacco, you'd find you'd always a friend about you. If the captain's out of temper and falls aboard of me, I take a bit of pigtail between my teeth, and that employs my tongue better than answering him. If I think of the hard life I've led, if it's only for a minute, I just shift my quid, and that shifts my thoughts altogether. I had a sweet- heart once, but she jilted me, and I believe it would have broken my heart if it hadn't been for tobacco. You often say how well the men behave with me to what they do to somebody else," pointing with his thumb upwards, where the second mate was heard pacing the deck over our heads. " Why, here it is," said he, " here's the secret; he doesn't use tobacco. Now if a poor fellow in my watch has a worse job than another, or a bad trick at the wheel, or gets wet through at his look-out, I just give him a plug, and you should hear how heartily JULY. 151 he says, ' Thank you, Mr. Taylor.' It docs not cost much, and it's worth taking care of," said he, as he replaced his stock carefully in its various envelopes. " It's worth taking care of. I wish you'd try it." "Never," said I; "why I couldn't shew myself in any decent company with my cheek sticking out with a piece of tobacco, and scenting the whole room with the smell of it." " You know best about that," said he. " You can stop ashore for a spell, and please yourself; all I've to do is to get away from the land as soon as I can. All the use the shore is to me is to spend my money upon, and that's soon done." Yes, honest noble-hearted Sam Taylor, it was indeed soon done ; for thy hard life and labours on the wide sea kept an aged mother from work and want, as she told me herself with a thankful acknov*^- ledgment to God for giving her so good a son. " I wish he'd been a scholard," said the good creature ; " he'd sure to have been a Hadmiral." NOTES FROM THE ROYAL BOTANIQ GARDENS, KEW, AND OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN CONTEMPORARY PERIODICALS. Ranunculus spicatus. A hardy herbaceous perennial, growing about a foot high in any common garden soil. It has round hairy stems, with five or six flowers on each, and each flower is two inches broad. The petals are oblong, spreading, and of a peculiarly glossy bright yellow, with flabelliform orange- coloured spots at the base. It is a native of Gibraltar and Algiers, where it appears to be very common on the hills. IxoRA JAVANiCA. This genus contains some of the most ornamental flowering evergreen stove-shrubs in cultivation. To grow them successfully, they require to be well cut back, and plunged in a brisk bottom-heat, Avhere they form very handsome compact bushes three or four feet high. The present species is a glabrous hard- wooded shrub, with compact rounded branches, whicli are of a coral colour while young, and leaves from four to six inches long. The flowers are produced in a large terminal corymb, on a long peduncle of a deep coral colour; the tube of the corolla is red, with a limb an inch across, and of a deep orange. This charming species, like the majority of the genus, is a native of Java, and was imported by Messrs, Rollisson of Tooting, with whom it has flowered, and it is at present in bloom at Kew. There is a plant figured under the above name in Paxton's Magazine of Botany, vol. xiv. p. 265, but it is a very difterent- looking thing from this. FoRSYTHiA viRiDissiMA. A rather showy free-flowering hardy deciduous shrub, from four to six feet high. It is perhaps best adapted for planting against a wall, as it flowers early, and its young leaves are apt to be aftected by late spring frosts. It grows freely in common garden soil, and produces flowers of a bright yellow colour copiously along the branches. The leaves are of a dark brown,*^serrated, and appear after the flowers. It was found growing in a garden along with Weigela rosea at Chusan in China, and was introduced through the instrumentality of Mr. Fortune to the Horticultural Society a few years ago. It is said to flower in a wild state on the mountains in the interior of the province of Cliekiang equally as well as when cultivated. The above three are figured in the Botanical Magazine for June. Melaleuca fulge.ns. One of the showiest of our hard-wooded evergreen greenhouse shrubs, and one that deserves cultivating. Although an old species, it is seldom seen well grown. It is a much-branching free-flowering erect bush, having sessile flowers of a light red or rose-colour, produced on elongated clusters on the small branches. It is a native of New Holland, and attains the height ]52 THE FLORIST. of five or six feet. This and the following species are flowering profusely in one of the greenhouses at Kew. Melaleuca iiypericifglia. A much-branching and rather graceful-growing kind, with an inflorescence similar to INI. fulgens. It grows five or six feet high, and has flowers of a dull red or rose-colour. It is an old species, long since intro- duced from New South Wales. EpiscfA bicolor. a dwarf perennial herbaceous stove-plant, belonging to the natural order Gesneriaceai. It is a free-blooming species, producing flowers in succession for several weeks together, and requiring the same treatment in cultivation as Gloxinias, Nipheas, and similar plants. It has large spreading hairy leaves, with very lively-looking flowers, which are white with a purple border. It is not anew plant, having ))een raised at Kew from seed sent by Mr. Purdie from New Grenada, about five years ago. Pulten.ea ericoides. a very distinct and pretty-flowering evergreen green- house shrub, having small leaves similar to an Erica, and flowers of a yellow, brown, and somewhat rosy-purple hue, produced in heads on the apex of the branches. It is said to be a profuse bloomer, and one that may easily be trained to form a very handsome compact bush, as it never attains a large size; con- sequently it Avill be an acquisition to our greenhouses. It was raised by Mr. Henderson, Pine-Apple Place, from seed sent by Mr. Drummond from the Swan River Colony. Erica Leeana, var. viridis. This pretty and interesting variety, although introduced to English collections many- years ago, is at present rare in cultivation. Like most of its congeners, it is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, where a large tract of country is adorned with these truly beautiful plants, which are justly styled "the glory of the Cape." The flowers of this variety being green, are not so striking as those of gayer colours, but they serve to produce contrast. There are several Heaths with green-coloured flowers; but for cultivation, the present appears the most preferable of them. These three are figured in the Magazine of Botany for June. Habrothahinus corymbosus. a hardy free-flowering shrub, introduced a few years ago from Mexico, and is a valuable acquisition to our jiarterre. It grows freely in any kind of garden soil, and succeeds admirably planted against a wall. A plant of it against a west wall at Kew is at present literally covered with its deep rose-coloured flowers, Avhich harmonising in colour with Roses, Jasmines, &c., have a very nice eff"ect. Bigxgnia speciosa. This charming evergreen stove-climber is one of the best of the genus, and is very managable in pot-culture, as it grows and flowers freely if coiled round a trellis, and produces a nice eflfect, its large light purple- coloured flowers and glossy foliage forming a good contrast. But like most other robust-growing kinds, to attain any thing like perfection, it requires to be planted out where it can be trained on a trellis or against a wall. A plant of it was planted about eighteen months ago in the palm-house at Kew, and trained on a trellis near the glass, where it is now covering a space of 14 feet by G, and in May was literally covered with its large showy flowers. This is not a new species, having been introduced some years ago from Buenos Ayres. BiGNONiA capreolata. A grecnhousc species from North America. It is not a very showy kind, although admirably adapted for covering walls, pillars, or other unsightly objects. The flowers are small compared with 15. speciosa, and are of a dull red colour. It flowered in May in one of the greenhouses at Kew.^ Aponogeton distachyon. A very interesting hardy aquatic herb, having daik- looking bulbs about the size of a small hen's egg^ with floating leaves, and a forked inflorescence, producing abundance of delicate fragrant white flowers throughout the summer, and even into January in the South of England. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and has been long in cultivation. Figured in Paxtnn's Flcicer-Garden. Siphocampylos microstoma. This is one of the best of the genus. It is a half-climbing herb:;ceous stove-plant, about two feet high, having a compact leafy terminal umbel of bright scarlet flowers. Although not a new species, it richly merits cultivation, as it may be kept in a flowering state nearly the whole summer. Native of New Grenada; introduced to Kew a few years ago. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. J. Houlston. JULY. 153 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EVERGREEN PLUM OF CALIFORNIA (Cerasiis ilicifolia, Nuttall). A NEW hardy evergreen is at all times very desirable ; but when one is introduced which combines utility with ornament, it is doubly so ; and such is the case with the subject of this notice. The Evergreen Californian Plum grows to the size of a large bush or small tree, from ten to twelve feet high, in its native moun- tains, and will, I think, prove one of the finest evergreens introduced for many years into England. It may very justly be compared to the Holly for size and general appearance, but with smaller, rounder, and more spiny leaves, and fruit as large as a middling-sized plum, of a bright red colour, which is " very sweet and pleasant to eat." Such is Mr, Hartweg's description of it, and as such it must be classed as likely to become one of our very best autumnal orna- ments, as it ripens its fruit in September ; but when it is likely to become valuable as an eatable fruit, it becomes of some greater im- portance. I will therefore endeavour to draw attention to its culti- vation and improvement as a fruit-tree, by giving an account of all that is at present known about its history and merits ; and in so doing, it may be the means of bringing quite a new feature into our fruit-gardens, namely, an Evergreen Cherry or Plum, whichever it may be ; and if we look at the present plant, and the large- sized fruit it produces, with a tendency, even in its comparatively wild state (when planted by the Indians in the mountains), to produce on some trees very much larger and better-flavoured fruit than on others, we have at once a great point gained towards its general improvement; and under the improving hand of cultivation, and the horticultural skill of the present day, it may at no very distant time become one of our common fruit-trees, and particularly when the present large size of its fruit is taken into consideration, and its tendency to vary in size and quality. 'I'he Evergreen Plum is the Cerasus ilicifolia of Professor Nuttall ; but it certainly has but little resemblance to a Cherry (Cerasus) or Plum {Primus), for its flowers are produced in small racemes, some- what like the flowers of the common Berberry or Bird-Cherry {Pa- dus) ; but the fruit is as large as a middhng-sized Plum, has a soft pulpy flesh like a Cherry, and the plant is as good an evergreen as the common Holly ; the stone inside the fruit is rather large, with a very thin shell, and quite smooth on the outer surface, like the stone of a Cherry ; the kernel is sweet, and forms an important part of the Indians' food in the autumn ; they first bake and pound up the kernels into a powder, and afterwards make gruel of it, which they very much esteem, and for which purpose they plant the Ever- green Plum round their huts, living upon the ripe fruit while in season, and afterwards upon the kernels, which are large and sweet, and easily obtained, the shells being so very thin. The plant was 154 THE FLORIST. first introduced by the Horticultural Society in 1848, through their collector Hartweg, who found it growing on the lofty coast-range of mountains called San Antonio and San Luis Obispo, or Bishop Mountains, in Upper California, in company with Pinus Sabiniana, and the beautiful Evergreen Oak of California {Quercus agrifoliu). It grows from ten to twelve feet high in its native mountains, with a compact habit, and thickly set with foliage ; the leaves are of a dark glossy green, quite round, heart-shaped at the base, finely toothed round the edges, much undulated, and have, when bruised, a very powerful smell of bitter almonds. Mr. Hartweg compares it to a large bush of the common Holly, thickly studded all over with middle-sized bright-red plums. Its native name is ' Islay.' If the plant is not botanically distinct from the Cherry {Cerasus), it certainly forms a very distinct section of that genus, which might have the name Ilicocerasus, or Holly-Cherry, given to it ; and when its fruit gets improved by cultivation, it will greatly improve the barren appearance of our orchards during the winter months by its beautiful foliage. It grows freely in any good garden soil, and is said to flower in April or May, and ripen its fruit in September. It is increased by cutting or by eyes, like the Vine, in heat, and is quite hardy. George Gordon, A.L.S. DESCRIPTIVE LISTS OF FRUITS. No. VII. GRAPES {continued from p. 105). 8. Black Ptince. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue : Sir Abraham Pytches' Black, Alicant, Black Spa- nish, Black Valentia, Black Portugal, Black Lisbon, Po- cock's Damascus, Cambridge Botanic Garden, Lombardy (of some), Steward's Black Prince, Boston. Bunch large and long, for the most part regularly shouldered, and tapering off in a gradual manner to the lower end ; berry above the middle size, oval ; skin thick, very deep purplish black in colour, overspread with a fine bloom ; pulp juicy, with a brisk and agreeable flavour. A peculiarity belonging to this sort is, that when the berry is pulled off the stalk, a portion of the flesh, like a little core, gene- rally remains attached to the stalk. The leaves are of medium size, not deeply lobed or serrated ; dark-green in colour, but they generally assume a purplish-crimson tint when old. The Black Prince is a handsome, free-bearing, and useful Grape, and although, upon the whole, not equal to the Black Hamburgh, it is well worthy of cultivation. In warm situations and favourable seasons, the fruit sometimes becomes eatable from the open wall ; but it requires more heat to bring it to maturity than is JULY. ] 55 afforded by the majority of summers, and is therefore not to be re- commended for an out-door Grape. 9. Royal Muscadine. Synonyms, according to riorticultural Society's Fruit Cata- lof^ue : Amber Muscadine, Common Muscadine, Early White TenerifFe, Chassehis, Chasselas Dore, Cha?selas de Fontainebleau, D'Arbois, D'Arboyce (of Speechley), White Chasselas, Pearl (of some), Amiens, llaisin de Champagne. Bunch moderately large, seldom broadly shouldered ; berry mid- dle-sized, round ; skin thin ; colour yellowish white, with some- times a tinge of amber on the sunny side when the fruit is not grown under glass ; pulp juicy, sugary, and pleasant, but devoid of any par- ticular flavour. 'I'he young wood is slender and short-jointed, and the leaves are rather small, with shallower and less acute divisions than those of the Frontignans and some others. In addition to the synonyms given above, this Grape is commonly called by gardeners the "White Muscadine;" it is also erroneously called the " Sw'eetwater" by some persons, who distinguish the true Sweetwater by the name of "Dutch Sweetw^ater." This is the sort which is usually seen growing against cottage-walls in the southern counties, where, in summers of average warmth, its fruit acquires an eatable degree of ripeness, and might in all seasons be reckoned upon for furnishing that best of all liome-made wines — grape-wine. It is, how^ever, well w^orth a place in an early or a late vinery, as in the first its fruit will be ripe before that of the Black Hamburgh, and in the last it will not rot so readily in damp weather. 10. White Sweetwater. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue : Stilhvard's Sweetwater, Dutch Sweetwater, Water Zoete blanc, Chasselas precoce, Chasselas royale. Bunch below the middle size, not much shouldered, frequently formed of a few large and many very small berries, owing to im- perfect setting. The perfect berry is large in size and round in shape ; the colour is a faint yellowish white, and wall-grown fruit often becom.es tinted with amber or russet on the side exposed to the sun. 'J'he pulp is juicy and particularly sweet, but hardly superior in flavour to sugar and water, as is aptly implied by its name. The leaves are of a more shining green, and the young wood is grosser than in the White Muscadine. This very early Grape is not much cultivated in vineries in this country, chiefly in consequence of its shy setting, which defect can- not easily be remedied by artificial impregnation, because the Sweet- water wall open its flowers some days sooner than any other table variety that might be grown in the same house. On open walls it is liable to the same imperfection even in a greater degree, although it is sometimes cultivated in such situations on account of its early ripening. 11. Scotch White Cluster. Synonym : Blacksmith's White Cluster. Bunch short and compact, nearly destitute of shoulders, and the 156 THE FLORIST. pedicels being short, the berries are very closely set on the bunches. The berries are rather larger than those of the Royal Muscadine, roundish-oval in form. The skin is rather thick, pale greenish white with lighter veins, and overspread witii a white bloom ; when highly matured, it is sometimes faintly tinted with pale amber. Pulp very- juicy and tender, sugary and agreeably flavoured, but not rich. The leaves are large and very little lobed, serratures wide and obtuse ; the upper surface is nearly smooth, lower hispid ; the footstalks likewise are hispid and stained with red. Early in autumn, the leaves become blotched with pale yellow in a peculiar manner. Said to have been raised from seed by a Scotch blacksmith. A valuable wall Grape, ripening about the same time as tlie Royal Mus- cadine, and although the bunches are smaller, the flavour excels that variety. I have never seen this sort grown under glass ; but it well deserves a trial in an early house. 12. Esperione. Synonyms, from Horticultural Society's Fruit Catalogue : Hardy Blue Windsor, Turner's Black, Cumberland Lodge, Red Port (of some). Bunch resembling that of the Black Hamburgh in appearance, but scarcely so large ; berry large, roundish generally, but varying in form, some being slightly oval, and others a little flattened ; skin thick, deep purplish black in colour, with a blue bloom. The pulp is juicy and tolerably sweet, having very little flavour, and being frequently tainted with a slight astringency. The leaves are middle- sized, variously lobed and serrated, and they frequently acquire a red tint in autumn ; the petioles are dark- coloured, and, as well as the principal veins on the lower face of the leaf, often densely hispid. This Grape has been much over-lauded. It is hardy and pro- ductive, and has the further merit of ripening against open walls in good seasons ; but in quality, as a table variety, it is very inferior, and certainly unworthy of a place in a vinery. Of the twelve varieties I have described, those most worth}' of cultivation under glass are, Nos. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9 ; and for open walls, Nos. 9 and 11. Besides the two last, the Pitraaston White Cluster, a small white Grape ; the Miller's Burgund}^ a still smaller black Grape, with remarkably hoary leaves ; the Black Cluster, an- other small black sort, and some other varieties of similar early habit, are adapted for wall-culture ; less, however, for the production of table-fruit, than for the purpose of being converted into wine. But as a glass structure suitable for the cultivation of the better kinds of Grapes can now be erected at a moderate cost, and as such a house might in winter be appropriated to other uses, such as the protection of plants for the flower-garden, &c., I would recommend all who desire really eatable Grapes not to trust them to the tender mercies of an English climate, for unless specially favoured in soil and situa- tion, disaj)pointment must be looked for at least every third year. In concluding the subject of Grapes, I must explain, for the guid- ance of persons who are inexperienced in their culture, that the distinctive marks mentioned in the foregoing descriptions must not JULY. 157 be understood as absolute and luivarylng ; on the contrary, circum- stances often cause great variations in such points as the size and the smoothness or hispidity of the foHai^e, the size of the bunches and berries, and even the flavour. My descriptions should therefore be taken as representing plants and fruit of average strength and quality. J. B. Whiting. A PACKET OF SEEDS SAVED BY AN OLD GARDENER. [Continued from p. 91.] I SOON got to work ; and the weather being bad, and the squire (this was squire as well as the last) not able to get out, I had a good chance to alter things a little. I began upon the greenhouse, washed the glass and paint-work outside : this made a better light to get the plants cleaned, and a pretty job it was to get the scale off and the tiy killed. It was long since they'd smelt tobacco. I had a foreman, two men, and a boy; and a good set they were, only at first humdrum and sleepy, like him that was gone before me. After the plants were got in as good order as thej^ could be, a few lumps of lime slacked in water served to whiten the wall and flue ; and a sponge, brush, and mop, altered the inside of the paint-work as much as the out. When we had finished, my foreman said, "I would not have believed it." We did just the same with the vineries ; and when they were finished, I made my men clean them- selves ; for I always say, that a gardener that does not keep his body and clothes clean is a dirty gardener with his plants ; and if I was a gentleman, I'd have nobody about me that neither pleased eyes or nose. I had a comfortable pretty little cottage on the premises, and that's where a gardener should be. One nice room opened on to the garden, and that was fitted up for my master and the ladies. An elderly woman did for me and the boy, who slept in the cottage, as I was not married. She worked tjo a little in the garden, and every little was a help then, for there was every thing to do except the kitchen-garden ; that was in order. There was not a mould-heap — nothing to hand — all to make. It was tight work, I assure you. There was the cow-man to please, for the cart that brought fodder for his yard was the only one I could get. Then there was the keeper on the look-out to pick a hole in my coat about disturbing his game when I went in the woods for leaf-mould ; and the coachman, he would not half muck his stables out, for he said he wanted his horses to lay warm, and so had clean straw over a foot of dung. Clipping wasn't the fashion then. When they all said no to my wants, I said, " Very well," and thanked 'em ; and ' no' they said a long while, but yet I thanked 'em, till I fairly tired 'em out into say- ing yes ; and as I shewed myself ready to oblige them, they soon took to obliging me. People can stand quarrelling with all their lives ; 158 THE FLORIST. it's like whetting your scythe with your rubber, — the longer you do it the sharper it gets ; but they can't stand good nature ; let 'em be ever so cross, they're sure to give in, like the same scythe against moss. The keeper was the worst, and they always are. Kind, good man as our squire was, the game seemed to lie nearer hi? heart than any thing else. That's often been another puzzler to me, how gen- tlemen that are justices of peace can keep so much temptation for the poor man as a head of game, when they see every week and every sessions what comes of it. Then look at Mr. Keeper: if the tenants didn't please him, they couldn't call the farm their own, for he'd watch for some flaw about 'em as he'd watch a poaciier, and he'd have 'em out by hook or crook. But I got the riglit side of him too, and in a little while had my mould-heaps all to hand, well turned over, frosted, and housed. I brought some few things with me, and a few neighbouring gar- deners helped me to a few more, and I made the best of a little. I noticed, that whenever my master or mistress came into the garden, it was only to walk, not to look in the houses, which they didn't come near. Christmas- day came round ; and when my lady came into the breakfast-room, I contrived that she should find a basket of forced flowers ; poor things to be sure, but enough for what I wanted. Christmas-time was not kept at the Hall, except by the in-door ser- vants ; all the out- door ones had beef and things for puddings, for my lady said she thought wives and children ought to have their share. When the Christmas party w^as all gone, the squire and his lady were walking one day as usual, when they left the terrace and came to the houses, and went through them ; and my master said, " Have you got all you want, gardener?" Now that was the very thing I wanted. When men go to new places, they often frighten their em- ployers by saying they must have this and that and the other, instead of doing their best with what they find. I told him I should be glad of a few things, and he gave me orders to get them. I could tell that he saw the money wouldn't be thrown away, though he said nothing of the kind. My lady said a word or two about the pretty flowers I'd sent in, and noticed what I'd been doing about their garden-room front. But I'd watched, and seen that their eyes were not idle in the houses, and I heard too, when they were going away, "New brooms sweep clean." " Ay," thought I, "and so will the old stump, if you only put it to the right kind of work." 1 found I'd a comfortable place of it; and now and then a brother gardener would call in, fori didn't go about much, and in particular when the family was away, though then's a leisure time. But even- ings in winter seemed long; and one day a neighbouring gardener asked me if I'd go to the King's Head on a Wednesday evening, and smoke a jiipe with a few more that met in a friendly way. I didn't think much about it, and said I would ; and yet before that time, and I don't know why, I wished 1 hadn't agreed. However, as I'd pro- mised, I thought I'd go and see what it was like, and if it didn't please me, I needn't keep it up. JULY. 159 It was a cold February evening when I walked to the King's Head ; and I believe you, it was a pleasant sight, the great fire and clean sanded floor, and well-rubbed tables, with clean pii)es, and screws of tobacco, and a box, that when a penny was dropped in opened its lid, and said, " Fill away; but shut down tight, or pay another penny." One dropped in after another, till all were together, when I was colled, as they called it, and put in the chair, for wliich 1 had to stand treat. One meeting was a fair sample of all ; we had a deal of business, as there always is at such times, minding other people's and neglecting our own. It was wonderful how wise we were about our masters, and all that went on in their families ; then we'd talk about the affairs of the parish and the nation, and as to the Parliament-house, it was a fool to us ; and I believe we talked, and smoked, and drank ourselves into the belief that there was but a few folks that knew any thing, and they were to be found at the King's Head any \^'ednesday even- ing. One thing I wondered at, and that was, where the money came from to pay for mixed liquors, which some called for. I know my pocket was getting very bare, and that very fast ; for where I never had any thing to drink but at meals, now I wanted half a pint for lunch, and half a pint at four o'clock ; and I often found myself saying, " It's only half a pint ;" excusing myself like to myself. I often re- membered my poor father, and his last words ; but then I thought I should never get like him, and kill myself with it as he'd done. But now I think I should soon have been just such another poor slave to drink, only one morning the squire pulled me up short with, " Well, gardener, you and the King's Head are too well acquainted to please me." At first I was for making some excuse ; but he stopped that very short, and said, " You can do as you like, and I can do the same. You may choose the public-house for your evenings, and I can choose a man that spends his time at home ; but let me tell you, whether with me or in another place, you'll find bad habits like your flower- pots,— you may break 'em, but you'll never wear 'em out;" and then he left me. My eye was opened, and I turned over a new leaf, and left the King's Head altogether ; for which I got called a few hard names, but they spoil no meat. I must say that at first I used to sneak ofl^, if I saw any of my old companions ; for somehow or other I couldn't stand being twitted with, "He's afraid of his master," and the like. Before I took the place, the old gardener always paid the quarterly bills ; but now they were paid at the house : but when the squire found I was always in my cottage of an evening, he sent me to pay the tradesmen ; and then I found out how it was that the mixed liquors were paid for. There was the glazier took the money, and offered me a shilling in the pound ; and so with them all. They said it was the custom. "But," said I, "does the squire know it.'"' " No," said they, " nor has no business to." Well, I didn't want to make myself out over-honest; but yet I couldn't help thinking, that if it was any body's, it was my master's. Then I thought, " If I speak to the squire, it will make trouble ; so I'll think it over." When I was ordered to take my book in, I took courage, though I didn't like 160 THE FLORIST. the job, and asked if he allowed me to take poundage. He seemed rather bothered at first ; but when I told him wliat I meant, he said, *' Gardener, take it now, and I'll talk to you about it another time." And so he did, and gave me tiventi/ pounds a-year more wages, and told me always after that, at buying to do as well for him as 1 should for myself; and tell the tradesmen, that it was not to be paid by them any more. And so he did with the butler and the coachman ; and we all liked it, for they said there always seemed something under- hand about it ; and so there is too, and I wonder masters don't know better, and pay fair good wages, and do away with these things. 'Tisn't in human nature to make bills small, when the larger they are, the better for him that pays them. It can't be expected that a man that gives nothing shall get orders, when another man allows poundage. Give good full wages, say I, and you'll get the best of servants, or else change them. [To be continued.] ROYAL SOUTH-LONDON FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. May 28. — There w^as an interesting show on this occasion ; and the day being fine, there was a fair attendance. One tent was filled with stove and greenhouse plants, contributed by Messrs. Over, Hamp, Stanly, Fraser, Pam.plin, and Hook. A second tent was oc- cupied by Azaleas, Cape Heaths, and Calceolarias ; and a third by Pelargoniums and \''erbenas. Tulips were furnished in quantity, and very good, considering the season. In the Amateurs' Class, for 12 varieties, the first prize was awarded to J. Edwards, Esq., of Wace Cottage, HoUoway, for nice blooms of MadameVestris, Cerise Blanche, Optimus, Polyphemus, Cleopatra, Triumph Royal, Platoif, Byzantine, Claudiana, and Pilot. Mr. Betteridge, who was second, had Gbry of Abingdon, Mountain Sylph, Elthiron, Lady Exeter, Polyphemus, M. Catalani, Roi de Siam, Vivid, Triumph Royal, and Holmes's King. Nurserymen : 1st prize to Mr. Lawrence of Hampton, for Strong's King, Thalia, Aglaia, Norah Creina, Jefirey's Elizabeth, Everard, Cleopatra, Brown's Polyphemus, Pandora, Lawrence's Rose Lucetta, Vivid, and Catalani; 2d, to Mr. Turner of Slough, for Queen of the North, Triumph Royal, Mary Lamb, Polyphemus, Alcon, Heroine, Pilot, Princess Royal, Catalani, and Strong's King. Heartsease. — First prize to Mr. Turner, for Constellation, Lucy Neal, Almanzor, Disraeli, Bellona, Mrs. Hamilton, Duke of Perth, Lord Walsingham, Sir R. Peel, Eustace, Constantino, Thisbe, Ophir, Ophelia, France Cycole, Mr. Beck, Climax, Zabdi, Duchess of Rut- land, Leader, Madame Sontag, Ibrahim Pasha, Queen of England, Addison, Caroline, Rainbow, Sambo, Supreme, Milton, Master Lacon, Princess, Polyphemus, Mrs. Beck, Viceroy, and Jenny Jones. In the Amateurs' Class the first prize was won by Mr. Betteridge. For Seedlings, Mr. Norman of Woolwich w^as awarded a first- JULY. 161 class certificate for a medium -sized byblccmen Tulip, named Mr. Smith, and a second prize for a rose Tulip, named Princess Helena. Mr. Gaines had some nice Calceol 'Has ; and Mr. Lockner sent a pretty Verbena, an improvement on Desdemona. In a stand of Ver- benas from Mr. Smith of Hornsey Road, we remarked trusses of the beautiful varieties Shylock and Purple Rival. A first-class certifi- cate was given to Mr. Hunt for his Pansy Pandora. DAHLIA-TABLE. I SHALL be pleased if the accompanying plan of a Dahlia-table is of any service to your readers. It is of very simple construction, and easily applied. By merely inserting a wedge between the table and the stake, you can raise the plate to any height required. Two or more tables can bo put on one stake, and turned to any point of the com})ass. By my invention I can table six flowers in less time than it took me to do one by the old method. Hill Top, West Bromwichy Staffordshire. Owen Jones. Under- PART of Table. ^3^ Spindle inch thick, two inches Avide at base, hole inch square; table of pine eight inches dia- meter. V 7 Tables fixed on Stake. CANTUA BUXIFOLIA. A VKRY elegant flowering greenhouse shrub, of easy cultivation, and capable of being trained into a neat bushy form. It has rather small NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. VII. P 162 THE FLORIST. leaves, and drooping tubular flowers three or four inches in length. The latter are borne in a sort of leafy terminal corymb. The tube is of reddish yellow streaked with darker red, and the limb consists of five spreading obcordate red lobes. It is a native of the Andes of Peru. It has flowered with Messrs. Veitch of Exeter, who inform me that with some slight protection it has withstood the tvvo last winters in the open air in Devonshire. J. H. CHISWICK AND REGENT'S PARK EXHIBITIONS. These great June shows were both favoured with dry weather, and numerous and fashionable attendances. Mr. Hosea Waterer's mag- nificent collection of American plants at Chiswick was in full bloom, and its inspection formed a source of pleasure and profitable amuse- ment to thousands. Arranged on a skilfully diversified surface, new " phases" presented themselves at every turn, and viewed from the little eminences here and there, traversed by the grass-margined walks, a beautiful whole at once stretched forth to view. But floral beauty had strayed from this "spot," sweet as it was on this occa- sion, and had diff'used itself over the whole garden, and more spe- cially the Arboretum. Here many of the ornamental trees and the Rhododendrons exhibited all the perfection of which gay flowers and fine foliage are capable of attaining. The large Wistaria against the conservative wall, though past its best, was in great splendour; and even standard trees of this charming plant were blossoming pro- fusely on the lawn. But the afternoon " wears on," and we must have a look at the magnificent stove and greenhouse plants, the Orchids, the Heaths, the Roses, the Pelargoniums, and the Fruit. That beautiful collec- tion of plants there belongs to Mrs. Lawrence of Ealing Park. See how the huge Pimelea, loaded with small round white floral balls, is admired ; and well it might, for a P, spectabilis seven feet in diame- ter, and otherwise well proportioned, is no every-day sight. Then the rosy-flowered P. Hendersoni, smaller and better suited for ama- teurs, is not less creditable. But what is that group of ladies and gentlemen examining so eagerly farther down the tent.? It is the Orchids — those aerial-looking plants of strange forms which inhabit the arms of trees and the crevices of damp rocks in tropical climates. Colours of all hues may be found in these singular flowers, and these often so amalgamated in the same species as to produce the most lovely tints imaginable. But here are more extraordinary members of the vegetable creation still — a collection of Pitcher-plants. " Some, the Nepenthes, from the forests of the Indian Ocean, threw abroad their tendrils, and suspended their curious bags of green and crim- son and white by whatever they could cling to. Others, the Sarra- cenias, from the swamps of North America, stood erect, like living trumpets, or imitating ewers and jugs of green and crimson : even while the spectator was looking at them, the unhappy fly might be JULY. 1G3 seen entrapped amongst the relentless teeth with which tlie recesses of their cups are guarded. The most curious of all ])erhaps, and the most heautiful in form, was the Cephalotc, from the Australian bogs, whose delicate goblets reared their richly-carved and many- tinted crests above their bed of moss." These came from the nur- sery of Messrs. Veitch of Exeter. The Fruit passed over, we arrived at a remarkable exhibition from the garden of the Duchess of Northumberland at Syon. This con- sisted of a "tree bearing ripe Nutmegs; a branch of Vanilla with flowers, and ripe as well as unripe pods ; a Gamboge-tree, with rich orange fruit ; and a piece of the Serpent Trichosanth {Trichosanthes colubrina), loaded with its long-striped and twisted Cucumbers." Tall Cacti were brilliant and effective ; Azaleas and Roses not so fine as they were in May ; Cape Heaths probably in greater per- fection than on that occasion. And now we come to Pelargoniums, which were scarce, owing to reasons stated in our report of the May show. The only exhibitors were Messrs. Gaines, Bragg, Chapman, Ambrose, and Henderson. Collections of Calceolarias were contributed by Mr. Franklin and Mr. Chapman. The former had Elegans, Earl of Roslyn, Admiral, Goldfinch, Isabella, Alonzo, Lord Byron, Grandiflora, Bridal Ring, Miss Talbot, and Lucy Ashton. The latter sent Success, Cavalier, Floribunda, Sidonia, Crocus, Marion, Alpha, Cardinal, Sappho, Prince of Wales, Cleopatra, and Keepsake. Pansies in Pots were shewn by Mr. Francis of Hertford, and Mr. Bragg of Slough. The former had Juventa, Duke of Norfolk, Mar- chioness of Lothian, Mrs. Beck, Penelope, Lucy Neal, Aurora, Purity, Androcles, Supreme, and Miss Edwards. Mr. Bragg produced Ju- nius, Industria, Clotho, Vulcan, Viceroy, Queen of England, Luci- dum. Magnificent, Snowflake, Lucy Neal, Madame Sontag, and two seedlings. A neat collection of thirty Ranunculuses was furnished by Mr. Costar of Benson, Oxon. It consisted of Maria, Mrs. C. Turner, Mr. Shelling, Apollo, Atlas, Joseph Paxton, Dr. Lindley, Eliza Cook, Mr. Tyso, Lady Sale, Lord Gough, Regalia, African, Mr. Wolland, Sophia, Medora, Delectus, Naxara, Cedo, NuUii, Squire Devenish, Sabina, Victoria, Alice Maud, and Gentoo. Owing to the lateness of the season, only one collection of Pinks was exhibited. It came from Mr. Willmer of Sunbury, and con- -sisted of Merope, Jenny Lind, King of Purples, Lola Montez, Harry, Morning Star, Laura, Village Maid, Coronation, Oxoniensis, Sur- plus, and Lord J. Russell. There was little novelty present which we have not heretofore recorded. The gardens at "the Park," seen under the influence of a sum- mer's sun, which had just succeeded a day of gloom and rain, looked unusually fresh and beautiful. The Rhododendron show was in full splendour, and the first impression it made was not soon forgotten. The Rose exhibition too promised fairly ; and we hope to see here, ere long, the " queen of flowers" in as great beauty and magnificence, 164 THE FLORIST. even under the hazy atmosphere of murky London, as under the pure air of Hertfordshire. The tents presented a charming array of the denizens of our greenhouses and stoves ; but as nearly all that was shewn on this occasion was at Chiswick on the 7th ult., little is required at our hands, except to notice the Pelargoniums, &c., wliich were truly magnificent. In new and first-rate varieties, amateurs, Mr. Cock w^as placed first, and Mr. Robinson second. Nurserymen : Mr. Turner 1st, Mr. Dobson 2d, Mr. Gaines 3d, Mr. Bragg 4th, and Mr. Hunt 5th. In old varieties, Mr. Chapman came in 1st, Mr. Gaines 2d, Mr. Staines 3d, and Mr. Weir 4th. The whole of these collections were excel- lent. In the fancy class, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Cock were avvarded equal first prizes. Mr. Staines was third. Nurserymen : Mr. Tur- ner 1st, Mr. Ambrose 2d, Mr. Gaines 3d, and Mr. E. G. Henderson and Mr. Hunt received an extra prize. In Cape Pelargoniums, the first prize was awarded to Mr. Parker. The prizes offered by the " Seedling Pelargonium Fund" were contested for on this occasion, on which the following raisers were contributors, and many varieties were represented by two, three, and four plants: from Mr. Beck were, Incomparable, Gem, Arethusa, Ambassador, Painter Improved, Cardinal, and Exhibitor; from Mr. Story, Purity; from Mr. Hocken, Nightshade and Honeybell ; from Major Foquett, Annette and Agatha ; from Mr. White, Charming May and Martile ; from Mr. Bragg, Jullien ; from Mr. Turner, Fljdng Dutchman, Vivid, Supreme, Little Nell, Proteus, Breba, Cynthia, Sheet-Anchor, and Illuminator ; from Mr. Foster, Scarlet Echpse, Shylock, Lablache, Optimum, Purple Standard, Rubens, Ariadne, Eurydice, Enchantress, Pulchrum, Lavinia, MeUissa, and Pansy; from Mr. Hoyle, Beatrice, Elise, Herald, Magnet, Gany- mede, Remus, Chieftain, Azim, Colonel of the Buffs, and Van Tromp. The censors, Messrs. Riley, Staines, Veitch, and Robinson, furnished the following award : First prize, Magnet (Hoyle) ; se- cond, Purple Standard (Foster); third, Elise (Hofle) ; fourth, Gany- mede (Hoyle) ; fifth. Scarlet Echpse (Foster) ; sixth, Arethusa (Beck); seventh. Herald (Hoyle). Seedling Fancy Pelargoniums were shewn in classes, the division of colours being, class A, light flowers, not darker than Modestum ; class B, rose flowers, not darker than Minerva; class C, crimson flowers, not darker than Fairy Queen ; class D, dark, not lighter than Hero of Surrey ; class E, dark self, not lighter than Defiance ; in these classes 34 varieties were shewn. The censors made the fol- lowing award: class A, none worthy; class B, Mirandum (Ayres), a second prize; class C, Formosissimum (Ayres), a first prize; Per- petuum (Ambrose), a second prize; Triumphant (Ambrose), a third prize; class D, Superbum (Ambrose), a first prize; Richard Cobden (Ambrose), a second prize ; Caliban (Ayres), a second prize (equal) ; Gipsy Queen (Ayres), a third prize; class E, Captivation (Ambrose), a first prize. Advancer (Ayres), a second prize. The Society's certificates were awarded to Ariadne (Foster), and JULY. 165 Elise (Hoyle). A small silver medal was awarded to Mat^net (Hoyle), for an exhibition of four plants ; the same variety receiving the So- ciety's certificate at the previous exhibition. In Fancy Pelargoniums, Superbum (Ambrose), Captivation (Am- brose), and Advancer (Ayres), were selected by the Society's censors for certificates. Fuchsias. Two groups were produced, in which were Nevvto- niensis, Corallina, Elegantissima, Dr. Smith, Admirable, Crimson King, Acantha, Exoniensis, Miss Roberts, Cassandra, Cleopatra, and Dr. Jephson. Pansies. A first prize was awarded to Mr. Turner, and a second to Mr. Bragg, both of Slough. The following varieties were shewn in good condition : Blanche, Diadem, Lucy Neal, Duke of Perth, Swansdown, Mrs. Beck, Lord Walsingham, Mr. Beck, Addison, and Queen of England, and a highly promising seedling named National. Ranunculuses were shewn in good condition by Mr. Carey Tyso of Wallingford. The sorts were: Apollo, Irreproachable, Milo, Naxara, Dr. Channing, Gomer, Berinus, Lady Dartmouth, Burns, Amasis, Ki'gour's Princess, Coronation, Carouse, Highland \^enus, Sabina, Dido, Mrs. Neilson, Dr. Neill, Beroth; and the following seedlings of Mr. Tyso's : Exhibitor, Festus, Olympia, Alexis, Dilectus, Protector, Hephzibah, FeHx, Lambton, Victor, and some unnamed varieties. NATIONAL FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. June 12. — Mr. Beck in the chair. There was a good display of seedling Pelargoniums on this occasion. A first-class certificate was awarded to Elise, a large flower, with pink under petals, and white eye ; upper petals maroon, edged with delicate pink. A similar award was made to Ganymede, a distinct nice-looking flower with delicate pink under petals, shaded with lilac ; upper petals dark, narrowly edged with lilac. Ditto to Magnet, on account of its fine colour and profusion of bloom. The above came from Mr. Hoyle of Reading. Mr. Beck of Isleworth received a certificate for Arethusa, a nice variety, with maroon top, very delicate salmon under petals, and a light eye. Incomparable, from the same raiser, w^as commended for fine colour. Purple Standard, from Mr. Foster of Clewer, received a certificate; and so did the same grower's Enchantress and Ariadne, both highly desirable sorts, more especially the latter. Mr. Ayres of Blackheath was awarded a first-class certificate for a Fancy Pelar- gonium, named Advancer, a well-shaped very desirable flower ; and certificates for Caliban, Miranda, and Gipsy Queen. These were pleasingly marked nice varieties. Beauty of St. John's Wood, from Mr. E. G. Henderson, was commended for its colour ; but in its present state it is too small. The same nurseryman's Queen of the Fancies was commended for fine form and general promising rppear- ance. Dr. Maclean had a seedling Piidv, called Mrs. Maclean, which we hope to see again. No Calceolarias were worth rewarding. 166 THE FLORIST. Magnum bonum and Purity were commended. A shrubby yellow- flowered bedding kind, from Messrs. Wood and Ingram of Hunting- don, was very showy ; but it was loose in habit. Wellington Hero (bright yellow), from Mr. E. G. Henderson, was commended for bright colour. Mr. Turner of Slough had the beautiful seedling Pansies named National, Blanche, Swansdown, and Euphemia, and five Pe- largoniums. Messrs. Henderson sent a nice light Fuchsia. BERBERIS DARWINH. Amongst the many species of Berbery introduced to English gardens within these last few years, the Darwin is one of the most beautiful. As an ornamental plant for a clump, or a single bush on the lawn, or for planting against a wall, this fine evergreen shrub should be in every collection. It is quite hardy, and grows freely in good open garden soil, forming a handsome bush three or four feet in height. The leaves are small, and the flowers are produced copiously in racemes of a very bright orange colour. Its native habitat is moun- tains in various places of South America. It is one of Messrs. Veitch's introduction, through the instrumentality of Mr. T. Lobb. J. H. OUR MONTHLY REMEMBRANCER. Auriculas Carefully attend to shading, and keep the plants as cool as possible. The soil must be continued at a moderate moisture till the end of the month, when the supply may be gradually in- creased as the plants begin to shew signs of growth. Avoid as much as possible drenching rains; they are very injurious to Auri- culas at this season, more particularly if sultry weather follows. Slightly move the surface of the soil now and then ; it will be of great service. Pick off^ the decayed foliage as soon as it is fit. Clear the weeds away while they are young ; they should not be suffered to root deeply into the compost, for they exhaust the soil and dis- turb the fibres of the plants when they are drawn out. Green-fly must be kept under ; brush them off as soon as you find they make their appearance; and if found in the folds of the hearts of the plants, sprinkle a little fine silver-sand among the pests ; it will set them in motion, when they may be more easily blown out. Some time this month prepare a little compost for potting; 5^ou may find a few plants that will require shifting into larger-sized pots ; and if the stock was not repotted in May, provide enough of material for the whole, that it may be ready for the beginning of August. Calceolarias. Do not let them over-bloom themselves, to the destruction of the plants ; but as soon as the flowers begin to fade, cut down, preparatory to repotting. JULY. 167 Carnations and Picoteks. These flowers will now absorb the attention of the Florist. They are generally in perfection from the 20th to the 30th of this month, and between these dates would be the best time for an exhibition to take place. Weak li(|uid manure may be used occasionally, if the weather is dry. Protect forward buds (as soon as they shew colour) with small glasses. Cinerarias. Sow seed now for new varieties ; if properly at- tended to, they will make fine plants by the autumn, and will flower all the winter. Sow in pots or pans well drained, and in mould of a light texture ; cover the seed slightly ; keep it constantly moist and in the shade until it is well above ground. As soon as the plants have formed the rough leaf, let them be pricked off into store-pots for a little while. Where the old plants begin to throw up suckers, a few of them may also be potted for an early stock. Dahlias. The principal things to attend to are, to keep them well watered, which should be done at night, with soft water, over the foliage, and to look well after insects ; earwigs eat the young foliage as well as the blooms of Dahlias, and should be trapped and got under as soon as the plants are out. Rake the surface between the plants as often as it becomes at all hard and run together by rain. Tie the plants as they advance in growth. Epacrises. Watering and weeding are all that will be neces- sary to those plants that have been shifted and settled in their sum- mer quarters. Ericas. Ditto. Fuchsias not forced will be now beginning to shew flower. Ar- range the new growth, to assist the effect when in full bloom, by placing a stick here and there amongst the foliage as inconspicuously as possible. If properly managed, two or three short stiff sticks will answer the purpose. This is effected by tying to the old spurs, which, by a slight deviation on this side or that, will effect the object sought. Care must be taken not to attempt too much, or you will split the wood, it being somewhat brittle. This mode of tying will only answer for those plants that have been kept well stopped ; those that have been suffered to go, must, of course, be arranged in the ordinary way. Pansies. Gather seed, and continue to increase new or fine varieties, which should be transplanted as soon as struck, into a bed prepared with light sandy soil. Shade during the hottest part of the day, until they have taken hold of the ground. Pelargoniums. Those who are desirous of having " stocky" plants must cut their specimens down boldly. Let the plants become dry before using the knife, the wounds will heal the sooner; and when they are so healed, moisten, and keep them close, in order to induce the eyes to break vigorously. When the shoots are about an inch long, withhold water till dry, and then clear away every portion of the soil about the roots, which should be cut off with a sharp knife to within two or three inches, leaving the fibrous parts. Repot them into some open soil with plenty of drainage, and replace them in a close situation, or plunge them in gentle bottom-heat until they have 168 TIIK FLORIST. thrown out their fresh roots, when air may be freely given them. When cutting down, select cuttings from those parts which have bloomed to your satisfaction. It is well to cut away any portion of a plant that brings sportive or deformed flowers. Pinks. Put out the young rooted pipings as soon as they are hardened off; they succeed much better when j)lauted while the fibres are young. Prepare beds to receive them ; the soil should be well jmlverised, in order that their tender roots may the more easily pene- trate it. If a little half-rotted manure be added^ and worked in with the surface-soil, it will greatly facilitate the growth. If the weather be dry, water the soil before beginning to plant. Continue to take cuttings till a sufficient number is obtained to fill the beds, and a few extra pairs to provide against accidents. Polyanthuses may be parted at the end of the month, if not done in May last. Be sure to plant them deep enough, so that the new fibres may at once enter the soil, instead of being exposed to the ravages of the slugs, &c. In dry weather these troublesome insects take shelter beneath the foliage of the Polyanthus, and, if not looked after, will not only devour the young roots, but also eat holes in the stem of the plants. Earthing up, and frequent stirrings of the sur- face in hot weather, will destroy numbers, and prevent much mischief. PvANUNCULUSEs. Gather seed, when ripe, on a dry day. Take up the roots as they ripen, not all at once. Beds containing valuable sorts should be kept dry, to prevent a second growth, which would injure, and in some cases destroy, the vitality of the tubers, though they may be sound in appearance when stored. Dry the tubers in an airy, shady place, and store them in a room to which neither mildew nor mice have access. Seedlings should be taken up, and the soil sifted, to detect small roots. They may be kept safely in diy sand till the return of the planting season. Roses. Nothing is to be done but to enjoy their beauty, and to prepare for the blooming of the perpetual varieties. Remove all dead flowers, and place those in pots in trenches on bricks. Seedling Petunias by this time should be in separate pots, and the greater number in flower or shewing bud. Pay attention to the small and Aveakly plants ; encourage their growth, that they may blossom this season. Look over them daily, select the promising, and, if necessary, shift them into larger sized-pots. When the blooms are expanded, shade them from the sun in the middle of the day. Moderate supplies of water should be regularly given. Tulips. The bulbs will now be thoroughly ripe, and should be taken up forthwith. Let all the offsets remain attached to the parent bulb until they are well dried. The drawers should not be put into the cabinet immediately the bulbs are taken up ; let them be placed in a cool, shady situation out of doors for some days ; the bulbs will thus become gradually dry and firm, and will not be so liable to shrivel as when they are shut up in the cabinet too soon. Com- mence removing, making alterations, improvements, and additions now, while the circumstances are fresh on the memory, as well as noted down in the Tulip-book. AUGUST. 1 C9 THE CRYSTAL PALACE. ** What is to become of the Crystal Palace ?" is the ever- recurring query ; and many they are that come to the rescue ; but there must be many more, or that thing of light must pass away, and be remembered but as a dream. We say it in sober earnest, — we believe that its like will never be seen again in the present generation, if it be taken down; and down it must come, unless the general voice be raised against such an act of barbarism. We know how little we can do to avert such a fate ; but that little we must do, and earnestly plead with all our readers, to swell the petition to the Legislature that it may remain. Applied, as Mr. Paxton suggests, to the purposes of a Winter-garden, it will form an object of sur- passing public interest ; and the adjoining property will reap advantages fully compensating for all the temporary depre- ciation occasioned by the Great Exhibition ; for it cannot be doubted that the proximity to such a covered garden would command great rents. This view of the case will, we hope, prevail with the owners of the adjoining estates to withhold any opposition to its permanence. We do not want to see it converted into a tropical house, — we have that in the Palm- house at Kew ; we ask it for the purpose of providing a Winter-garden, the temperature of which shall be genial when all without is the very opposite; in which we shall see such productions as the Norfolk-Island Pine in all their beauty, and our sense be gratified by exchanging for awhile our un- genial climate for that of Madeira. There can be no doubt as to the perfect suitability of the structure for the contemplated purpose ; and that it can be made self-supporting may be asserted without fear of con- tradiction. We would therefore earnestly urge upon all to bestir themselves in the matter, and not to neglect tlie only opportunity afforded them for obtaining so great a desidera- tum. Time slips along very fast ; the grouse will soon be inviting our legislators to quit St. Stephen's for the moors; and unless the public voice is unmistakeably heard in favour of its permanence, the opportunity will be lost, and the Crystal Palace will be spoken of as a thing that was. NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. VIII. Q 170 THE FLORIST. A CHAPTER IN THE IIISTOUY OF HYBRID RHODODENDRONS. The folio winj^ article, taken from the Journal of the Horticultural Society, affords such concise and at the same time good informa- tion on this somewhat obscure subject, that we think many of our readers will thank us for extracting it : " Every lover of flowers," say Messrs. Standish and Noble, the authors of the chapter, " is charmed with the appearance of Rliodo- dendron arboreum. Its symmetrical trusses of the richest crimson are objects which attract the most ordinary observer, and the con- noisseur amongst plants is equally delighted with them. But on account of the protection of a conservatory being necessary during a considerable portion of the year to ensure the production of these beauties, comparatively few who possess gardens can enjoy this fine plant in perfection. From this circumstance an early desire evinces itself in the gardening community to procure hybrids between it and the hardier American kinds; but the result of such crosses, although much was accomplished, was not of a satisfactory nature. It is true, many beautiful hybrids were produced, among which we may mention Russellianum and Altaclarense, presenting a richness of colour almost equal to their Indian parent; but they did not inherit sufficiently the hardy constitution of the American. Their tendency to bloom so early in the year, generally from the latter part of February to that of April, invariably exposed them to cutting winds and severe frosts, so prevalent in this climate at that season. And again, the length of time required to bring them into a blooming condition was a severe tax upon the patience of the cultivator, from ten to twelve years being occupied in this probationary state. We have known many instances where hybrids of the character we are describing have been full twenty years old before the anxious eye has been gratified with a flower ; and often, when the production of flower-buds had been effected, and the promise of abundant bloom was about to be realised, an unfavourable season has prostrated all hopes of seeing the flowers in any thing like perfection, if at all.* Knowing that the many disappointments of this character were exer- cising a retrograde movement in the taste for hybrid Rhododendrons as they were then constituted, about twelve years ago we commenced a series of ' crossings,' with the view of remedying the great defects so apparent in the earliness of blooming and susceptibility to frost. In this we have been perfectly successful. B)^ crossing the Ameri- can species again by the first hybrids, such as Altaclarense, &c., we have still retained the rich tints of the Indian kinds, with all the hardiness of the American ; and, what is of equal import, the results • At Highclere, the seat of the Earl of Carnarvon, are large masses of Rhododendron Altaclarense and Russellianum, 10 t<) 12 feet in height, which for the last two seasons were well covered with flower-buds. Had the weather been favourable, they would have formed magnificent objects ; but unfortunately this was not the case, and the whole were completely destroyed by the frosts. AUGUST. 171 of such crossings are the production of varieties which have a ten- dency to bloom in a very young and dwarf state, and sufficiently late in the season to escape spring frosts, producing their flowers from the middle of May till the latter part of June. As so little is known in connexion with the nature and effect of hybridising amongst plants, we shall take this opportunity of en- deavouring to describe, with reference to the Rhododendron, some of the peculiarities which a very extensive practice has presented to us. We find that, analogous to what is observed in the animal kingdom, the greater the cross the more healthy the progeny, and that breeding ' in and in' produces weak and deteriorated constitu- tions. We have a remarkable instance of this in a batch of hybrids, raised from Caucasicum album (that being a hybrid), fertilised by its own pollen. I'he plants are extremely dwarf, with variegated foli- age. So dwarf are they that many of them had eight or ten flower- buds on, when only from four to six inches high, and four years old. They, however, bloomed quite freely when only three years old, and about as many inches high. Flowers produced by these dwarfs were again fertilised by their own farina, and although seeds were pro- duced and vegetated, the plants could not be kept alive ; but after various durations of existence, from two to eighteen months, they finally disappeared. One of the dwarfs above named, which we have called Bride, fertilised with the pollen from another distinct hybrid, has, however, produced some very healthy seedlings. A re- markable example of the varied nature which hybridising effects in the Rhododendron is afforded in a hybrid raised from R. Cataw- biense by a large yellow Ghent Azalea. The ol)ject was to raise a hardy yellow hybrid ; but in this we have been disappointed, as it has proved to be pink, and we have named it Deception. It is an extraordinary cross ; we never recollect meeting with so decided a * sport.' It resembles neither of its parents, being one of our best growers, with foliage large and thick, of a bright green, and when in a young state it has the appearance of being coated with varnish. Another remarkable sport is a hybrid, which we have called Towardii, raised from Catawbiense by Altaclarense, being a perfect giant in every respect. The foliage is very fine, and the flowers, both indi- vidually and in the truss, remarkably large, each forming a perfect cup. We know no Rhododendron equal to it in size and perfection of flowers. Having shewn some of the effects of hybridising upon the Rho- dodendron, and the various breeds produced, we would beg to recom- mend all who intend practising this very interesting branch of horti- culture, no matter what class of plants they propose to operate on, to choose the parents, whether species or hybrids, as far removed from each other as is consistent with the constitution of the plants and the result aimed at. We have in a tabular form appended a descrip- tion of eight distinct sections of hybrid Rhododendrons ; and it will be seen that all our third crosses, although all hybrids, have been selected as distinct from each other as possible. The plants raised from these crosses are all as healthy as we could wish, and they pre- sent a very great diversity in the characters of their foliage. We 172 THE FLORIST. anticipate that many of them will flower in the spring of 1852, and we shall derive much pleasure in watching their different characters. Catawbiense Arboreum :} A Itaclarense Section I.* r Catawbiense Altaclarense Blandyanum. Towardii. Meteor. Elefjans. ohleanum bicolor. ulchellum. \Ei Ponticum Maximum :} Section II. r Hybrid Maximum Hybrid Maximum Altaclarense fSlandishii. Mrs. Loudon. Pictnratum. Vivid. Captivation. Raeanum. Section III. Ponticum album 1 f Caucasicum album, J. Caucasicum < fertilised by its own- Caucasicum . .J album . L farina . . . . 'Bride. Original, and a race of remarkable dwarf and variegated varieties. Section IV. Section V. Purpureum "1 ^ victoria, Altaclarense . J ^ Caucasicum . . -Xn^-^^^,.^ . , ,, yLoriaceum. Arboreum album . J Sectic N VL Catawbiense . Large Yellow Ghent A za'lea '] ^^eception. Sectio N VIL Campanulatum . Hybrid Maximum ' ■ Hybrid Campanulatum. Sectio: s VIIL Bride . . . . • Dried farina from Dalhousieanun ' - Seedlings not yet flowered. ■ Queen Victoria. Blandyanum. r Bride. \ Hybrid Campanulatum. ' Queen Victoria. Picturatum. r Bride. 1_ Pictum, " Standishii. Blandyanum. f Coriaceum. L Pictum. ■ Captivation. Blandyanum. J Coriaceum. \ Hybrid Campanulatum. ■ Mrs. Loudon. Blandyanum. r Coriaceum. \ Album elegans. ■ Hybrid Campanulatum. Pictum. f Album elegans. \ Multimaculatum. r Bride. \ Album elegans. All the above crosses were fertile, and fine healthy seedlings, none < the seeds have produced a quantity of 3f which have as yet flowered. • When the name in this arrangement is printed in ordinary type, it indi- cates the plant to have been a breeder; when in italics, a hybrid produced. Thus, Catawbiense, fertilised with pollen of Arboreum, produced Altaclarense. 173 DESCRIPTION Altaclarense . . Arboreum . . „ album Album elej;.ins . Blandvanum . . Bride". . . . Campanulatum . Catavvbiense . Caucasicum . . „ album , Coriaceum . . Captivation . , Deception . . Dalhousieanum . Eiegans . . . , Hylirid Maximum Hybrid Campanulatum Maximum . . , Meteor .... ]\Iultimaculatum Mrs. Loudon Nobleanum bicolor Original . . . , Pontic um „ album Picturatum . . . Pictum . . . . Purpureum . . . PulchcUum . . . Queen Victoria . . Russellianum . . Raeanum .... Standishii . . . Towardii . . . . Vivid OF RHODODENDRONS IN ANNEXED TABLE. hyl)rid deep crimson. deep crimson, sometimes nearly scarlet. nearly white, and very much spotted. pinkish white, fine form. rosy crimson. flowers pure white, foliage much variegated. white tinged with lilac, much spotted. rosy lilac in many shades. pinkish white. whiter than the last, and shaded with pink. white with green spots fine foliage. rosy crimson, l)lack spots pink spotted, very fine foliage. large white, tinged with pink. deep rose, fine truss. rosy white. shaded white, much spotted. white tinged with rose, spotted. fine rosy crimson. pinkish white, much spotted. pale l)right rose, and, unlike any other Rho- dodendron, the whole of the petals are spotted. deep rose, white throat. pinkish white, foliage very much variegated. lilac. white tinged with lilac. bright rose, very much spotted witli crimson. pinkish w^hite, spotted. purple. rosy pink, white throat. deep claret. rosy crimson. deep crimson, black spots. violet crimson, black spots, free bloomer. rosy lilac, immense Hower and truss. bright purplish rose. species hybrid S]>ecie3 hybrid species hybrid species hybrid S2)ecies hybrid species hybrid NOTES fro:m the log-book of an erratic man. No. VII. THE PINE-TREE TOP AT SEA. Few persons are aware of the very heavy work attendant upon the loading a ship with lumber* at a port like Quebec, particularly when she lies at a distance from the timber-ponds. The rafting and towing it alongside, the heaving it in, the stowing it in the hold, and the broken rest at nights, make it a joyful moment when the last stick is hove into its berth. A glass of grog all round to the crew is fol- lowed by hoisting the ensign, jumping into the rigging, and giving three cheers, always answered by the ships around, and the imrae- Then taking Catawbiense as the female again, and fertilising it with the pollen of the hybrid Altaclarense, a race of excellent flowers, such as Blandvanum, Towardii, &;c., were produced. * " Lumber" is a term used for all wood cargoes. 174 THE FLORIST. diate unrigging of every thing that has been required for the purpose of loading. I write of a year long since gone, when, on a fine sunny day in August, we announced in this manner to the sliips in Wolfe's Cove that we should soon be on our way homewards. It so happened that our jolly-boat had either broken adrift or been taken from the ship's stern in the previous night, and I was ordered to take a light skiff, and search the shore as far down as the Falls of Maranza, in- quiring as I went wherever I was likely to get information. I started on the ebb-tide, pleased enough with my mission, and commissioned by the crew not to return without a good handsome young pine-tree top to fasten to our jib-boom end. The St. Lawrence is a glorious river to float upon, and the city of Quebec, for the beauty and grandeur of its situation, can scarcely be surpassed. And were it not that the Falls of Niagara stand pre- eminently at the head of all the cataracts in creation, these of Ma- ranza would draw thousands of admiring visitors from all parts of the world. But my business lies not with them, though I spent hours of leisure waiting for the returning tide, and gazing on the sublime spectacle of a whole river tumbling headlong down a precipice, only broken by a projecting mass of rock, on which a few fir-trees and shrubs braved the dangers of their position. I found not the boat; but I procured a splendid fir-tree top with a noble one year's leading shoot, which on my return to the ship was securely fastened to the jib-boom end. In due course we went to sea, and carried with us a westerly breeze from the Island of Anticosti, which steadily increased as we sped before it, until it became a downright hard gale of wind, before which we scudded under a close-reefed main-top-sail, with a high Atlantic sea chasing hard after us, and hazy weather. It was desperate kind of work ; but we had daylight, and we hoped the gale would moderate during the day. Is^oon came, but brought no change ; and there was every thing to portend a very bad night, particularly about four o'clock, when all hands were set to work to secure all that was upon the deck. 1 had the look-out for- ward. There was nothing very sentimental about me, but it cannot be thought surprising if, with that pine-tree top before my eyes, my thoughts involuntarily wandered back to the time and place of beauty when and where I procured it. Then how exquisitely beautiful was every thing around me ; now all was wild uproar, the wind howling through the rigging, the ocean wrought by its violence into the most orderly confusion, the brig one moment lost between two seas, sail becalmed, and looking as if she would quietly subside altogether ; the next moment, with stern lifted up, she was running along on the crest of an enormous wave, the sail stretched to the point of splitting. It seemed a very race of Hfe and death between wind and waves on the one hand, and our poor barky on the other, which seemed determined they should not have her. But they had nearly succeeded ; and missing her, had much more nearly caught me. AUGUST. 175 Whilst looking out, tlie mate came forward and ordered me to pass another gasket or fastening round the jilj, that it might not blow adrift when we hove to, that is, made the ship face the gale instead of running from it, which had now become absolutely necessary. In doing this my very nose came in contact with the pine-tree top, now des])oiled of all its greenness, and miserably dead and brown, as it well might be after exposure to such weather and the salt sea-spray. Could it have spoken, how would it have upbraided me for having transferred it to such a situation ! But it spoke not, nor I either ; I made the sail secure, and left the jib-boom ; and not a minute too soon, for I was scarcely in the fore stay-sail netting, before round came the ship into the trough of the sea, having broached-to. Quick as thought the helm was put down, the braces were let go, forward went the yards, and all hands jumped into the rigging, and watched with no little anxiety the event. In rounding broadside-to, up went her stern, and in an in- stant afterwards her bowsprit was buried in the sea ; but I was in a place of comparative safety, if the bowsprit did not give way ; for my arms were well locked into the netting, and, to use a seaman's phrase, I held on in the water " like grim death to an apple-tree.'' Up she lifted again, bang above my head went the fore stay-sail clean out of the bolt-rope, and is tlying yet for all I know. That helped her round, and in another minute she was riding like a duck on the water, and gracefully bowing and presenting her broad bows to the seas as if perfectly indifferent to all their raging. I soon made my way on board, and helping at the down-haul of the remains of the fore stay-sail, rejoiced to see the pine-top had escaped as well as myself. THE FRUITIST. MORELLO AXD DUKE CHERRIES CULTIVATED AS DWARF BUSHES. My attention has within these two days (June 21) been drawn to a row of Morello Cherries, which are planted 4 feet apart, are 3 years old, and covered with fruit; indeed they have more fruit than leaves. Now as it is usual to cultivate this valuable Cherry on walls with a north or north-east aspect — and those who have not had such appen- dages to their gardens have been obliged to forego the pleasure and protit which their culture gives — I am induced to offer a few hints for that purpose, the result of experience. In the first place, it is quite necessary the trees should be grafted or budded on the Alahaleb stock {Cerasus JMahaleb), for this stock seems to suit the Morello Cherry well, and gives it a very fertile habit ; it also seems to bear summer pinching better when on this stock than when grafted on the usual stock employed, the common black Cherry ; and although it grows freely, it seems to be formed into a bush with greater facility. Trees of one or two years' growth may be planted any time from 176 THE FLORIST. November till the end of February ; and if their young shoots have not been shortened to the bush form, they may be so on planting, to within nine inches of their base, and the trees planted in rows four feet apart from row to row, and the same distance in the rows. No manure netd to be employed, for Cherries on the Mahaleb stock will grow well in the poorest soils. If, however, it is clayey and tenacious, some light friable mould should be ])ut to the roots of each tree for the young fibres to strike into. They will not bear fruit the first season after planting, unless root-pruned trees are planted ; but the second year a good crop may be expected. As soon as the young shoots in June have pushed six to eight inches, the tip of each must be pinched off with the finger and thumb ; and any that make their appearance where not wanted, so as to crowd the tree, may be shortened to within an inch of their base ; these will ultimately form fruit-bearing spurs. This annual pinching in June is nearly all the pruning required ; for it is only necessary to look over the trees in winter, when the leaves are off, to remove any shoots that cross each other, so that the head of the tree forms a compact well-regulated bush. In summer, as soon as the fruit commences to ripen, long slender sticks must be stuck in the ground on each side of the row of trees, and bent over and tied so as to form a hoop. On this spread a net, and fasten it to the ground with pegs. The fruit may thus be kept till September ; or if more convenient to plant the trees singly, each tree may be hooped and netted separately. Not only may Morello Cherries be cultivated after this manner, but the May Duke, Jeffries* Duke, the late Duke, and some others, all fine Cherries, may be made to contribute to the dessert from July till October. T. R. ROYAL SOUTH-LONDON FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. This Society held its third show for the season on Wednesday the 25th June. The day was favourable, and there was a large atten- dance. The show itself was a good one. Stove and greenhouse plants, Cape Heaths, Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, cut Roses, and other flowers, were plentiful, and there were a few Orchids. Pinks were somewhat small in size. In the Amateurs' Class, for 12 varieties, the first prize was awarded to Mr. Baker of Woolwich, for Sappho, Whipper-in, Lola Montez, Narborough Buck, Double X, Harriet, Alpha, Hark-forward, Criterion, Countess Rossi, and Mrs. Herbert; 2d, to Mr. Halladay of Woolwich, for Alfred Mor- rison, Lady Mildm.ay, Double X, Lola Montez, Lord J. Russell, Hardstone's William, Agitator, Harriet, Jane Sarah, Brilliant, Win- chester Rival, and Oxonian ; 3d, to Mr. Edwards, of Wace Cottage, Holloway, for King of Purples, Lady Mildmay, Double X, Winches- ter Rival, Laura, Harriet, Oxonian, Prince Albert, Rosalind, Alfred Morrison, Mrs. Herbert, and Jenny Lind. Other exhibitors in this class were Messrs. Ellis, Hardstone, Venables, and Willmer. Nur- AUGUST. 177 serymen : 24 varieties, 1st prize to Mr. Norman of Woolwich, for King of Purples, Rosea elegans, Narborough Buck, Willmer's Sur- plice, Lady Mildmay, Whipper-in, Goliath, Lola Montez, Rubens, Double X, Surpriser, Harriet, Brilliant, Diana, Criterion, A. Morrison, Laura, Morning Star, Alj)ha, Kate, Pickwick, Countess Ross^i, Jenny Lind, and Melona ; 2d, Mr. Ward, for Narborough Buck, Lady Mild- may, Smith's Goliath, Harriet, Hillier's Goliath, William, Winchester Rival, Brilliant, Bell's Henry, Laura, Melona, Morning Star, Lord W. Russell. Prince Albert, Jenny Lind, Lord J. Russell, Willmer's Elizabeth, Duchess of Kent, A. Morrison, Creed's President, Alpha, and Countess Rossi ; 3d, Mr. Bragg of Slough, in whose stand we remarked, in addition to the flowers mentioned above, John Bull, Gay Lad, Sir Robert Peel, Benjamin, Nonpareil, Edward, British Queen, and Mrs. Hooper. Ranunculuses. In the Amateurs' Class, the first prize was awarded to Mr. Airzee, for good blooms of Alphonso, Queen A'^ic- toria, Lord Byron, Ferdinand, Claudiana, Leonidas, Mrs. Airzee, No- mistake, Bijou, Jenny Lind, and Valerius. Messrs. Franklin and Costar had Hogarth, Dr. Gardner, Orange Brobance, Milo, Mrs. Airzee, Demosthenes, Queen Victoria, Bensoniensis, Prince Albert, Venus, Intruder, Juliet, and Triumph. In a stand of cut Verbenas from Mr. Lockner we observed the beautiful scarlet white-eyed variety called Shylock. Irises were furnished by Mr. Salter of Hammersmith. In the Seedling tent were several novelties. Mr. Foster's Pelar- goniums, which were not sufficiently in bloom at the last show, were this time shewn in excellent condition. Optimum is a magnificent variety, robust in habit, large trusser, and free bloomer ; colours crimson scarlet, with black blotch in the top petals, shaded to the margin with vivid crimson scarlet ; very attractive. Enchantress possesses the colours and shape of Gipsy Bride, but it is nearly twice the size ; it is good in habit, and constant. Ariadne, rosy-purple, with dark blotch on the upper petals, a free bloomer, and a good ex- hibition plant. Rubens, crimson, with dark blotch on the upper petals, the latter being nicely margined with scarlet crimson ; very stout. Fancy varieties were shewn by Mr. Ambrose and Mr. Salter. Richard Cobden, in the way of Hero of Surrey, is a good- shaped flow^er ; Superbum, mottled rosy purple, is good in shape ; Crispinum too much like Alboni, but showy ; Symmetry is a nice flower, and Premier is a showy variety, but defective in form. Many others were too much like sorts already out. Several Pinks were shewn ; one. Turner's Optima, rich dark lacing on the purest white, was very evenly marked, quite smooth on the edge, and a large first-class variety; 22 blooms were shewn, w^hich served to prove its constancy. Mr. Bragg had several sorts, all of which were more or less rough on the edges. Mr. Costar had two seed- ling Ranunculuses, INIadonna and Venus, both nice flowers. Banks' Verbena Cynthia is a pleasing light variety with purple centre. Pansies, Blanche and Swansdown, two good whites ; Black Diamond, the darkest we have seen, and National, a flower described before. 178 THE FLORIST. were shewn in good condition. There was a promising Picotee, heavy purple, large and distinct, named Fellowes' Prince Arthur. First-class certificates were awarded to j\lr. Black, gr. to E. Fos- ter, Esq., for Pelargonium Optimum, Enchantress, and Ariadne. To Mr. Turner, for Pink Optima ; ditto Pansies, Swansdown and Black Diamond ; and to Mr. Bragg, for Pink Desdemona. Mr. Foster's Pelargoniums also received first, second, and third prizes from the "Seedling Fund." Mr. Turner's Pinks, first; Mr. Bragg's second, ■from the same source. A PACKET OF SEEDS SAVED BY AN OLD GARDENER. [Continued from p. IGO.] After a while I asked the squire for a holiday, to go and see my friends at the old place; and when he said "Yes," he told me he should not find fault if I got a wife, provided she was the right sort ; for he said it didn't look well for a man to live single when he'd a comfortable place, and was a little ahead of the world. I'd thought the same thing; and, to tell the truth, that was just what I wanted the holiday for. Old friends at the old place shook hands very hearty, and Margaret, with all her fine clothes, hadn't forgotten me ; and when we shook hands, hers was so soft, I could but look at it, and so white it was and so small, that it set me thinking a deal more than I care to tell ; but this I did, I went a few miles, and bought a golden hoop to have a leap through. " You might have called before this," said Elizabeth, " to see an old friend," as I opened her door one evening. ** I saw you pass ; and I did think you'd have looked in." I made some excuse, and we sat down, and talked over old times, over those dead and gone, and those still about ; and we felt more like brother and sister than any thing else. She told me all her troubles — how hard she had to work, and how she'd lost part of the washing at the Hall through the lady's maid, though she couldn't learn why, only it was so ; and then she said she meant to go to service ; and if I should hear of any thing likely to suit her, she'd thank me to let her know : she wasn't afraid of work, only she wanted to be comfortable, — for she wasn't at all so, as things were. "Well," said I, " I know just the place for you, if you'll take it; but you'll have to work hard, and live hard, and sometimes have to put up with a good deal ; for the master's an obstinate man, and, right or wrong, he will have his way." " I don't mind that," said she, " if I can but be comfortable, and be let do my work ; — but you'll see me again before you go, and then you can tell me more about it ;"and she put out her hand, and said, "good-bye." "But," said I, "there's no hurry; this hard hand of yours has done enough for to-day ;" and I slipped the ring on her finger, and said, " If you're of my mind, we'll make another move with the old AUGUST. 179 washing- tubs, and the hnes, and the pegs ; and for fear you lose the place, say you'll take it, and I'll soon shew you the way." 'Tisn't worth telling; for nothing's easier than getting married, if )'-ou go the right way about it. And though the girls in the village said I was taking her home to scare the birds off my seeds, I knew what I'd got, and so did they, and none better than Margaret. But less said the better ; only I'd have young men know, that there's more truth than they think for in the old saying, " Fine feathers make fine birds." Ay, too fine by half; and 'tisn't till they're fixed for life that they find out how often " a silk sock hides a sore toe." How the squire and his lady did giggle when they saw the wife I'd brought home, though they did all they could to hide it, and turn it ofl;'on something else. " Let them laugh that wins," thought I ; though I did feel vexed, I must allow. But they were a pattern of a master and mistress ; no looking down upon those Providence had placed under them, — always a kindly look or word for all that be- haved themselves ; but if there was any thing wrong, then look out ; there was to go into master's room, and such a lecture — he was like a counsellor. Dear me, if employers would but talk a little more, in a kindly way, to their people, how many wrong notions would be got rid of ! Why, there isn't one master in a hundred knows any thing about what goes on in a man's mind ; how it rankles in their hearts to see a sick horse or a lame dog sat up with ; while, if he's bad, he may lie at home, and never so much as a kindly message. Yet it's all for want of thought ; for there's a deal lost by it. A kind heart's like getting into a cold bed in a winter's night : if you warm the sheets first, there's the blankets underneath to warm you in return ; and so it is with poor men : if you're frightened at the first chill, you'll never find the glow there is about them, that only wants fetching out. I hate to hear some say, " The poor are so ungrateful." Look now, people give away some coals in winter-time, or some clothes to poor women, — and some mean well enough, ay and do such kind things and let nobody know it ; but if it wasn't for seeing their names in print, and it's being a public subscription, five out of ten wouldn't give sixpence. Well, perhaps, by and by, these same people want a job done for one shilling that's worth two shillings and sixpence ; and then comes the cry, "Poor people are so ungrate- ful." Out on such charity ! say I. And now let me tell about a bit of my foolishness ; for I've been foolish, like my father before me, though maybe in a different way. I feel ashamed of it; but perhaps the telling it may help some young men to keep out of the pit I fell into, and teach 'em, when they've got a good place to try and keep it ; for I've learnt — ay and bitterly too, once in my life — that if good men are scarce, good places are not like hedge-fruit in autumn. I've heard men, when they've got discharged, and been a bit fuddled, say : "I don't care ; more places than parish-churches." That " don't care" saying does a deal of harm, for men use it till they believe it ; and very often when they say it loudest, they care the most ; but young people catch the word, and soon find the trouble " don't care" brings. But I'm forgetting ISO THE FLORIST. my sto^5^ I was now a sober man, a steady man ; and as to work, it never frightened me. I was always at it ; and the squire saw this and left things in the gardens and grounds pretty much to me. People saw this ; and where they used to call me James, or Gregory, now they called me "iMr. Gregory." The Bible says true enough, " Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." I began to take on ; and if the squire gave me any orders, I did not take 'em as I ought to have done. If he had a plan, 1 had a plan ; if he wanted any thing done, I was just going to do it, only some- thing or other: and then I was often saying, at such times, "I'm sure I'm always at work; I do the best I can," and the like. I little thought what was coming, and all of a sudden too. One evening when I went in as usual with my book at the end of the month, after the squire had looked it over, he turned full to me, and lifting his spectacles off his nose, said ; " Gardener, I wish you to get another place : I give you a month's notice, and I'll iiive you a month's pay beside ; but in a month the man I've taken on will be here. You want your way in every thing, and I'll have my own. If you do all you can, you are always telling me so ; and I want a man that '11 re- collect that I do my part too." My eyes flew open like a pair of window-shutters, and I saw all as clear as if I'd just come out of a wood : but it was no use asking him to let me stay with him ; he heard all I had to say, but still the same answer, " My new man will be here in a month." I never shall forget my walk back to the cottage, nor all I felt when I told my wife that I was to go, and when 1 looked at the children as they lay asleep in their little beds. I couldn't read the chapter in the Bible that night, as I always used to do ; but my wife took the book, and said, " The more trouble, the more need of some- thing to mend it." But, poor thing, her voice was so choky, I couldn't have understood her if I'd hstened, which I couldn't do at all. Time never went faster than it did that black month. I couldn't hear of any place ; or if I did, I couldn't get it ; for 'twas not easy to get one after leaving our squire. People always thought there must be something wrong, though I shewed a good character from him ; and at last I was obliged to turn out of my happy home into a bit of a cottage in the village. I made it as late as I could before we went in ; and how strangely I did feel, as the children ran up and down the ricketty old stairs, so pleased with a new place; and the canary sung so loud, whilst our hearts were so heavy. Next morning I got up early, and dug up the bit of garden, and put that to rights, and tied in the honeysuckle in front of the house : and my wife, she cleaned the windows, and made all as tidy as we could ; for we wanted people to see that we weren't idle folks, though I was out of place. 1 let the little shopkeeper know too, and asked him to tell others for me, that I was willing to do a job for any body, till I got another situation; and so I got jobbing work here and there in gardens, or at trees, with the farmers, and other people that didn't keep regular gardeners. But no one knows how my heart ached to see our little savings going, and my wife wearing down with work and illness among the children ; AUGUST. 181 for they took ill about three months after I lost ray place, and kept so a long time : and when one died, it came so heavy to think it might be all owing to our poor house and living ; and I took up hard feelings against the squire, for what I thought was cruel in him to discharge me as he did; as if he hadn't as much right to choose a man as I had to choose a place, or how to behave in it. I think I could have done, if it hadn't been for sickness, for we lived very close ; but at last we had spent our little club-money, and were obliged to ask a little credit. That we had never done before ; and now we found out what a miserable thing it is ; for when the debt got a little larger instead of less, my wife told me she noticed the shopkeeper served other people before her, though she came first, and had been waiting; asking them what they'd please to want, but letting her ask for herself. My heart was as proud as ever, and couldn't bear this ; so one morning I took a few little silver things I had, and told the grocer to keep them till I could fetch them away and pay him ; but I daresay he thought that would never be, for he knew we were going down hill ; and one of my windows got broke, and had a sheet of paper pasted over it, and there's no poorer look than that ; and glad I was afterwards it was broke, — as I shall tell, just to shew how one good turn deserves and gets another. [To be continued.] DESCRIPTIVE LISTS OF FRUITS. No. VIII. PEARS {continued from p. 134). 8. Glout Morceau. Fruit rather large, very peculiar in shape, being much swollen about the middle, from whence it diminishes considerably to the crown, which is narrow ; towards the other ex- tremity it is much contracted, and terminates in a truncate manner. Eye rather small, deeply sunk in an unusually large cavity, the sides of which are uneven ; segments long and narrow, erect. Stalk about an inch long, inserted in a deep, often oblique, hollow. Skin pale- greenish yellow, punctated with numerous very small greyish points, and occasionally a little mottled with russet ; when fully exposed to the sun, it sometimes acquires a blush of dull red. Flesh whitish, perfectly buttery, and abounding in juice, which has a flavour pecu- liar to itself. Season from the end of November till January, when it is one of the very best Pears known. To do it justice, however, the trees ought to be planted against a wall, and a south aspect ■would be required in the north of England. 9. Duchess of AngouMme. Fruit of the largest class ; its general figure is obtusely-obovate, but the sides are often compressed, and many of the fruit are a little flattened ; very broad at the stalk-end, whilst it diminishes somewhat towards the eye. The whole surface is made remarkably uneven by a great number of knobby protuber- 182 THE FLORIST. ances. The eye is placed at the bottom of a broad cavity, which in large fruit is considerably more than half an inch in de})th ; segments broad and strong, but short. Stalk about an inch long, thick, in- serted in a broad and deep hollow, with uneven sides. Skin greenish 1;'i^l^ yellow, thinly studded with small brownish dots, with a slight tinge of red occasionally on the sunny side ; rarely in any degree russeted. Flesh not perfectly buttery, but juicy, sugary, and very agreeable. Although this cannot be called a handsome fruit, yet from its great size it makes a fine appearance at dessert ; the quality is also very good, although strictly speaking not first-rate. Tlie trees are hardy, and bear freely as pyramids. J. B. Whiting. 183 NATIONAL FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. June 26ih. — Mr. Fairbairn in the chair. Interesting stands of seedHng Pansies were contributed on this occasion by Mr. Hunt ; collections of Finks by Messrs. Turner, Edwards, Norman, Bragi^, Ellis, Ward, and Ncwhall ; Antirrhinums by Mr. Joy of Oxford ; and Petunias by Mr. Wyness. Certificates were awarded to Pelar- goniums Optimum, Rubens, Ariadne, and Enchantress, descriptions of all which will be found in our report of the Royal South-London Floricultural Society in another page. These were shewn by Mr. Black, gardener to E. Foster, Esq. Mr. Rogers of Uttoxeter had a Pansy named Kossuth, which received a certificate. It is a large rich glossy dark-purple self, of good substance. Mr. Ambrose's Fancy Pelargonium, Richard Cobden, was also distinguished by a certificate ; as was a lilac-blue self Verbena, named Orlando, from Mr. Smith of Tollington Nursery, Hornsey-road. This is a showy large-flowered variety. The same grower likewise sent a good red Verbena, called Koh-i-noor, which was commended by the censors. July lOth. — E. Foster, Esq., President, in the chair. Various Pelargoniums, Petunias, Fuchsias, Verbenas, Calceolarias, Carnations, Picotees, and Pinks, were this time exhibited, together with a per- fectly double Cineraria, and one or two other plants. Mr. Turner of the Royal Nursery, Slough, received a certificate for Dodwell's Mary Picotee, a pleasing variety, but wanting in purity ; Fellowes' Prince Arthur, though rather rough, was commended. The same grower was also awarded a certificate for Fuchsia, Banks' Diamond, a dark variety, much reflexed, but a little loose in habit. Messrs. Henderson's Carnation-striped variety of Drummond's Phlox, called Mayi variegata, was commended for its colour and suitability as a bedding plant. A first-class certificate was awarded to J. Edwards, Esq., of Holloway, for a Primrose-coloured Antirrhinum, which, on account of its size and shape, is certainly an acquisition to this class of plants. Mr. Edwards's Pink Titus appears to be a first-rate flower; but only a single bloom was shewn. Of Mr. Major's Cal- ceolarias, Nos. 9 and 1 1 were the best; some of the others were, how- ever, very beautiful flowers. Certificates were given to Mr. Smith of Hornsey for Verbenas Purple Rival and National, both desirable kinds. Mr. Ambrose had a Fancy Geranium, named (very inaptly) Fireball, which was commended. Some good Gladioli were furnished by Mr. Stains ; and Gloxinias, Princess Alice and Victoria, by Mr. Parmenter of Kentish Town. NOTES FROM THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, AND OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN CONTEMPORARY PERIODICALS. Acacia hispidissima. A very elegant greenhouse shrub, nearly allied to A. pulchella, bearing dense massea of downy neat foliage, and globose heads of rich Ib4 THE FLORIST. deep yellow flowers. It is one of the best and most showy species in cultivation, attaining the height of three or four feet. It is a native of Swan River. PiTCAiRNiA EXSCAPA. A curious and rather handsome stove- piant, belonging to the Pine-apple tribe, having narrow leaves three feet long, and bearing a densely bracteated spike of red flowers springing from a kind of pseudo-bulb at the base of the plant. It is a native of New Grenada, and was imported among some Orchids purchased by Messrs. Jackson of Kingston, with whom it has flowered. These two are figured in the Botanical Magazine for July. Clematis integrifolta. This very handsome species is one of the best of the genus. It grows freely and flowers copiously in common garden soil, at- taining the height of about three feet. It is quite hardy, and destitute of that straggling habit so common in this genus. It is well suited for planting in beds, borders, or in a clump on the lawn. It has large opposite entire leaves, and light blue flowers more than two inches in diameter. Clematis diversifolia. A showy hardy species, with a rather straggling habit. It is w'ell adapted for beds, clumps, or for planting against a wall. It grows freely in common garden soil, attaining the height of six or seven feet. If })lanted in the centre of a large bed or clump, and supported with a strong stake, it has a charming eff^ect when in flower. It has moderate-sized pinnate leaves, and deep blue flowers three inches in diameter. Callistemon SALiGXA. Fcw hard-wooded greenhouse shrubs are more truly beautiful at the present season than this. It is an evergreen very much resem- bling a Melaleuca, and forms a handsome bush five or six feet high. The flowers are produced on the young branches in elongated sessile clusters of a bright red or rose colour. It is a plant well adapted for a greenhouse or conservatory, or it will withstand the vicissitude of our climate when planted against a wall, if matted up during severe frosty weather. Broughtonia lilacina. a very delicate and beautiful Orchid, having small flattened elongated pseudo- bulbs, bearing several leaves on the apex, and a slender purple scape, with a racemose crowded group of large delicate flowers, of a beautiful lilac tint veined with purple ; the blossoms remain a long time in perfection. It is a native of St. Domingo, and has flowered with S. Rucker, Esq., Wandsworth, and with Messrs. Henderson, nurserymen. Pine-apple Place. Acacia grandis. A showy neat greenhouse shrub, forming a moderate- sized bush, and flowering freely in a small state. It is of easy culture, and said to flower rather late in the season, which is an acquisition to this tribe of plants. It flowered in the nursery of Messrs. Henderson in the spring of the present year; the flowers are produced from the axils of the leaves on peduncles, which bear globose heads of yellow flowers, one on each. The above three plants are figured in the Magazine of Botany for July. The utility of Acacias as winter and early spring flowering plants is familiar to all Horticulturists, and generally appreciated ; for although their flowers are mostly of a yellow colour, thej^ have a diversity of foliage, which in many of the species is exceedingly neat, and being mostly profuse blooming plants, they have, in the spring months, a very gay appearance. It is the most extensive genus of Leguminosje, containing between 200 and 300 species, which are natives of tropical and sub-tropical regions, and are very aliundant in New Holland. More than a hundred of them that are greenhouse species are in cultivation at Kew, among which are many that are but of little interest, except in a botanical point of view. The following list, in addition to the two species above-noticed, contains the best and most showy kinds, which are well worth cultivation, and are most suitable for small collections. The flowers of Section 1. are collected into globose heads, with a solitary head on each peduncle ; and those of Sec- tion II. are in cylindrical spikes, or racemose heads, along the axillary peduncles, section I. pulchella. conferta. argyrophylla. linearis. sulcata. decipiens. rutaefolia. hybrida. diptera. armata. praemorsa. suaveolens. difi^usa. ovata. silicifolia. undulaefolia. pentadenia. pendula. AUGUST. 185 SECTION II. vestita, lanigera. affinis. pubescens. Riceaiia. dealbata. prominens. platyptera. lophaiitha. SophorsB. ciiltriformis. oxycedrus. ruscifolia. glaucescens. oncinophylla. longifolia. dentifera. astringens. SLibveiticillata. celastrifolia. onyrtifblia. penninervis. Royal Botanic Gardens, Keio. J. Houlston. REGENT'S PARK AND ClilSWlCK EXHIBITIONS. The last Exhibitions for the season of these Societies took place respectively on the 2d and 19th ult. The meeting at "the Park" claims our attention first. It was favoured with a fine day and a large attendance, and the display of flowering plants was, on the whole, magnificent. The Pelargoniums, though not so fine as in June, were supplied in great abundance, as were also stove and greenhouse plants. Cape Heaths, and Orchids. New plants consisted of a Bejaria from Mr. Ivison ; Gloxinia ccerulea grandifiora from Messrs. Veitch ; a Blandfordia from Mr. Barnes; a hybrid Statice in the way of Macrophylla from Mr. Scott; Achimenes longiflora alba and a white Escholtzia from Messrs. Hen- derson; and Nepenthes javanica from Messrs. RoUisson. Messrs. Standish and Noble of Bagshot exhibited the following rare hardy plants : Ilex microphylla, an Ilex something in the way of cornuta ; Berberis japonica, a dwarf variety of Cryptomeria japo- nica ; Quercus inversa, Q. sclerophylla, the funereal Cypress, 6 feet high ; Ilex cornuta, Libocedrus chilensis, Cephalotaxus Fortuni, Abies Jezoensis, an unnamed Ilex, and Berberis Bealii. Pelargoniums, as we have stated, were plentiful, and in good con- dition, considering the season. Varieties in 8-inch pots. Nursery- men : 1st prize to Mr. C. Turner, Slough, for Foster's Gipsy Bride, Narcissus, Alonzo, Conspicuum, Hoyle's Nectar-cup, Ajax, Nandee, Beck's Centurion, Emily, Turner's Rowena, Illuminator, andFoquette's Magnificent ; 'id, Mr. Bragg, Slough ; 3d, Mr. Gaines, Battersea. Amateurs : 1st prize, Mr. Black, gardener to E. Foster, Esq., Clewer Manor, for Foster's Enchantress, Shylock, Monteith, Lavinia, Con- spicuum, Spot, Voltigeur, Ariel, Sheet-anchor, Rubens, Pulchrum, and Rous's Ahbi ; 2d. Mr. R. Stains, New Road ; 3d, Mr. Robinson, Pim- lico ; 4th, Mr. Cock, Chi^wick. Six plants in 1 1 -inch pots : 1st prize to Mr. Chapman, Hammersmith, for Forget-me-not, Matilda, Negress, Bianca, Rosy Circle, and Cassandra ; 2d, Mr. R. Stains. Fancies. Amateurs : 1st prize to Mr. W. Miller, gardener to R. Mosely, Esq., for Jenny Lind, Heine des Frangais, Orestes, Lady St. Germans, Fairy Queen, and Bouquet-tout-fait ; 2d, Mr. R. Stains; 3d, Mr. Robinson. Nurserymen: 1st prize to Mr. Gaines, for Sta- tuaski, Odoratum magnificum, Triumphans, Queen Superb, Fairy Queen, and Orestes; 2d, Mr. Ambrose; 3d, Mr. Chapman. Certi- NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. VUI. K 186 THE FLORIST. ficates were awarded to the Seedling Pelargoniums Optimum and Purple Standard, varieties described by us on former occasions. Cape Pelargoniums from Messrs. Parker, Stanly, and Stains. Picotees. First prize for 12 varieties, to Mr. C. Turner, for Mary (Dodwell), General Bem (Read), Cleopatra (May), Prince Arthur (Fellows), Miss Burdett Coutts ( Burroughes), Duke of Rutland (Holyoake), Constance (May), Beatrice (May), and four seedlings ; 2d, Mr. WiUmer. Carnations. 1st prize for 12 Carnations, to Mr. C. Turner, for Romeo (May), Prince Albert (Hale), Blondel (Puxley), Count Pauline (Holmes), Cradley Pet (Wallis), Lord Byron (Taylor), Voltigeur (Cheetham), Percy (May), Cardinal Wolsey (May), Omnium Primum (Kaye), and 2 seedlings ; 2d, Mr. Willmer. Pinks were shewn very large and fine, and in tolerable quantity for July: 1st prize for 12 varieties, to Mr. C. Turner, for Optima (Turner), Great Britain (Ward), Goliath (Hillyer), Lola Montez (Costar), Sappho (Colcutt), Narborough Buck (Maclean), Diana (Smith), Lord Valentia (Kirtland), Spark (Turner), Criterion (Mac- lean), Huntsman (Sm.ith), and Whipper-in (Smith) ; 2d, Mr. Bragg; 3d, Mr. J. Edwards. Pansies. First prize for 24 varieties, to Mr. C. Turner, for Con- stantine (Turner), Bellona (Hooper), Duke of Perth (Handasyde), Sambo (Hale), Mrs. Coleridge (Turner), Queen of England (Fellows), Lord Jeffrey (Blanche), National (Turner), Swansdown (Turner), Disraeli (Hunt), Mrs. Beck (Turner), Black Diamond (Turner), and 11 seedlings. Fuchsias. These consisted of Acantha, Cassandra, Exoniensis, Dr. Jephson, Elizabeth, Sir R. Peel, Exquisite, Crimson King, Duke of York, Star, Cavalier, Dr. Grosse, Shylock, Magnificent, Lord Nelson, Dr. Smith, Beauty of Leeds, and Pearl of England. Mr. Turner shewed a good light seedling, called Conspicua. Calceolarias were shewn by Mr. Gaines and Mrs. Lawrence. The sorts were, Amcena, Desperanda, Mary, Magnifica, Standard, Baron Eden, Earl of Rosslyn, Chieftain, Lady Flora, Duke of Roth- say, Rosalind, and Catherine Seaton. Tall Cacti were produced by Mr. Green ; the sorts were, Epi- phyllum formosum, Jenkinsoni, Greenii, Mexicanum rubrum, coeru- leum, and aurantiacum. Cut Roses were exhibited in great profusion and variety by Messrs. Lane, Paul, Francis, Terry, Rowland, and others. Among them we remarked splendid boxes of Paul Ricaut, Geant des Batailles, and Devoniensis. They maintained their freshness well throughout the day, and formed a very attractive feature of the show. Among miscellaneous subjects, the more prominent were collec- tions of Ferns, Lycopods, and white Lilies (L. longifiorum and exi- mium). In his group of Ferns, Mr. Wooley sent two exceedingly well-managed plants of Adiantum trapeziforme and Asplenium cicu- tarium. Mr. Williams had also good exhibitions of this interesting tribe of plants. The Rose exhibition, consisting of plantations of the " queen AUGUST. 187 of flowers," by Messrs. Rivers, Paul, and Lane, was open on this occasion ; and although the varieties had not bloomed so nicely or were so finely coloured as we could have wished them, yet as a whole it was well worth ins[)ection, and afforded a source of gratification to thousands. The sorts were the best that could possibly have been found for the purpose ; and if it has failed, it has not been for want of a fair trial. Such exhibitions have our warmest wishes ; and we hope, if the same thing is attempted next year, that it may meet with better success. The weather atChlswick was very unpropitious, heavy rain falling during the greater part of the day ; a most unfortunate occurrence, for, in addition to the attractions of one of the best July shows that ever graced the gardens, the Duke of Devonshire's pretty grounds and villa were thrown open to the visitors in connexion with the Society's establishment. Such inducements could not fail to draw a numerous company ; but under the circumstances we were cer- tainly not prepared to see upwards of 9000 persons enter the garden. This was, however, the case ; and we were informed that 300 tickets, at the advanced price of 7s. 6d. each, were purchased at the gates on the day of meeting, — such was the enthusiasm to see the show. As regards the subjects exhibited, stove and greenhouse plants. Orchids, Cape Heaths, &c. were in great beauty and profusion, and the cut Roses were plentiful and fine. Geant des Batailles, Haron Prevost, La Reiiie, and other autumn favourites, were present in all their gaiety and fragrance. Carnations and Picotees in Pots afforded much interest, more especially to Florists ; and the mode of shewing them was, we be- lieve, very generally approved of. In 12 Carnations, the 1st prize was awarded to Mr. Lockner of Paddington, for Ariel, Paul Pry, I^ady Ely, Caliban, Comte Pauline, Prince Y\lbert (Puxley), William the Fourth, Lord llanchffe, Edgar, Squire Trow, Sarah Payne, and President ; 2d, Mr. Newhall of Woolwich, with Mercutio, Great Northern, Flora's Garland, Lydia, Rainbow, Game Boy% President, Queen Victoria, Henry Kirk White, Lord Ranclitfe, Twyford's Perfection, and William the Fourth. In the Nurserymen's class, Mr. Norman of Woolwich was first, with Duncan, Flora's Garland, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria, Tele- machus. Beauty of Woodhouse, Comte Pauline, Hero, Thomas Hew- lett, Sir J. Reynolds, and Lord Rancliffe ; 2d, to Mr. Bragg of Slough, for True Briton, Flora's Garland, Comte Pauline, HotS])ur, Prince de Nassau, Duncan, Sarah Payne, Squire Trow, Defiance, Queen Vic- toria, Earl Grey, Earl Spencer, and Prince of Wales ; ad, Mr. Will- mer of Sunbury. In Picotees, 1st prize was awarded to Mr. Lockner of Paddington, for Isabella, Lady H. Moore, Venus, Amethyst, Lady Dacre, Regina, Rosalind, Lord Nelson, Leader, Portia, Ann Page, and Mrs. ^Barnard ; 2d, to Mr. Newhall. for Lady A. Peel, Isabella, Miss Rosa, INIrs. Bevan, Venus, Leader, Alfred, Lord Nelson, Gem, Mrs. Norman, Proconsul, and Jessica. 188 THE FLORIST. Among Nurserymen, Mr. Norman was first, with Regina, Elizabeth, Leader, Prince of Wales, James the Second, King of Purples, Mrs. Norman, Alfred, Queen Victoria, Venus, Mrs. Barnard, and Lord Nelson; 2d, to Mr. Bragg, for Amethyst, Enchantress, Lord Nelson, L'Elegant, Mrs. Norman, Leader, Regina, Lady Chesterfield, Miss B. Coutts, Mrs.Buckland, Portia, and Mrs. Bevan ; 3d, to Mr. Willmer. Pelargoniums, though not very numerous, were well cultivated and flowered. For 12 varieties in 8-inch pots, the first prize was awarded to Mr. Gaines of Battersea, for Grenadier, Ariel, Virgin Queen, Lord Stanley, Alderman, Star, Electra, Ariadne, RosaUnd, Pictum, Centurion, and Governor. Fancy Pelargoniums. First prize was awarded to Mr. Gaines, for nice plants of Lady of the Lake, Elegans, Parodii, Mignon, Ellen, and Orestes. Mr. Turner of the Royal Nursery, Slough, exhibited a neat col- lection of dwarf well-grown plants, not for competition, amongst which were conspicuous, Ajax, May Queen, Mont Blanc, Rowena, Alonzo, Prince of Orange, Corrine, Alderman, Hero of Surrey, For- mosa, Statiaski, Princess Maria Galitzan, Ophelia, Gaiety, Perfec- tion, Madam Rosati. Mr. Turner had tw^o light and three dark seedhng Fuchsias. Of the former class. Honey-bell has a stout pure tube, with purple corolla and a graceful free habit, wdiile Diadem is a capital dark sort. These we expect will prove acquisitions. For such of our readers as take an interest in stove plants with finely variegated leaves, we subjoin a list selected from two col- lections that were shewn on the occasion, viz. Pavetta Borbonica, Dracaena terminalis, D. t. variegata, Croton pictum, Maranta san- guinea, zebrina, bicolor, and albo-lineata ; DiefFenbachia maculata, Caladium bicolor and variegatum, Vitis velutina, BartoUna maculata, Physurus pictus and argenteus, Cypripedium venustura, Cleroden- dron indicum. Aspidistra lurida variegata, Hoya carnosa picta, Til- landsia zebrina, Eranthemum leuconervium, Tradescantia zebrina, and Campylobtrys discolor. New plants on this occasion were scarce. Messrs. Henderson had a nice lilac-flowered Hemiandra, called Pungens ; Mr. Mylam, a new and rather pretty Epidendrum ; Messrs. Rollisson, Cattleya granulata, var. Leopoldii, with its beautiful purple lip ; and Messrs. Veitch, a small-flowered greenish yellow Hoya, with chocolate centre. Some others were shew^n ; but they were comparatively of little im- portance. "THE LILY" OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.* The word Krlnon is translated " Lily" in the New Testament. It occurs in two places (Matt. vi. 28 and Luke xii. 27), in which our Lord calls upon us to consider the Lilies of the field. Let us, then, in obedience to his command, endeavour, in humble dependence on * Abridged from the North British Agriculturist. AUGUST. 189 his Spirit, to do so ; and thus to derive that instruction in righteous- ness which these lowly plants are fitted to convey. In the first place, what are the plants denominated Lilies of the field ? They must have heen well known to all our Lord's hearers as growing in the fields near the sea of Galilee, where he was dis- coursing. It would appear from the reports of those who have visited Pales- tine, that in the early spring months the fields abound in various species of Lily, Tulip, and Narcissus. Many have thought that the white Lily was the plant meant in the passages quoted ; but this can- not be the case, inasmuch as that plant is not considered to be a native of Palestine, although it is occasionally cultivated there. Dr. Royle, from the evidence of various parties, concludes that the Chalcedonian, or Scarlet Martagon Lily (Lilium chulcedoniciim) , is the plant referred to. It is in flower at the season of the year when our Lord's Sermon on the Mount is supposed to have been de- livered ; it is abundant in the district of Galilee ; and its fine scarlet flowers render it a very conspicuous and showy object, which would naturally attract the attention of his hearers. Let us now see how the Lilies grow. Their mode of growth is hidden and unseen. By a slight and gradual process, which man cannot comprehend, they shoot out the blade from their bulbs. At first the young bud is under ground, obscured by the earth ; but soon it pushes upward, producing the delicate green blade, then the flower- stalk and the flower. In all these stages of progress there is no toiling or spinning on the part of the plant. They are carried on by the working of an unseen Power; even by God, who waters the ground and maketh it bring forth and bud (Isa, Iv. 10). Our heavenly Father, in his wondrous providence, supplies all that is necessary for their nourish- ment and growth, and superintends the formation of every minute cell and tube which enters into their composition. Never let us suppose that any thing is too small for God to notice. Every thing, even the smallest, is constantly under his care. How beautifully this is stated in Ps. Ixv. 9-11, where the water- ing of the very ridges and the settling of the furrows are attributed to the direct agency of the almighty and omnipresent Creator ! Even the tiny moss, which we pass by as beneath our notice, is cared for by God. This cannot be too deeply impressed upon our minds. The truth, "Thou, God, seest me" (Gen. xvi. 13), should extend to our every thought, word, and action. The Lilies thus speak to us of the care God takes of his children, and the special interest he has in his people. The believer's growth in grace is a hidden work, known only to God. The heavenly plant — the spark of life — is at first much obscured by earth ; but, under the fostering care of the Great Husbandman, and by the dews of Christ's Spirit, it springs up and flourishes. It will only be in heaven that it will appear in all its glory. We are told that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these Lilies (Matt. vi. 29 ; Luke xii. 27). In order to under- 190 THE FLORIST. stand this, let us look at the beautiful structure in which the colours of the flower reside. The flower-leaves of the Lily, when magnified by the microscope, are seen to consist of a number of beautiful honeycomb-Hke cells, forming a sort of net-work, in which the colouring-matter is arranged and stored. It is an elegant texture, "which far exceeds any thing that man could make. Solomon's robes, if examined by means of a magnifying- glass, v/ould, so far as they were the work of man, aj)pear coarse ; but the more the clothing of the Lily is magnified, the more exquisite is its beauty. The colour of Solomon's robes might have been gorgeous, but they were not dis- posed in the way in which God paints the flower. What are the finest works of man when compared with those of the Almighty Creator ! The green covering of the grass of the field, which probably means the foliage of the Lilies, defies all the art of man to imitate. The believer has a clothing brighter far than the robe of any earthly monarch. He has the garment of Christ's righteousness (Isa. Ixi. 10) ; the pure and spotless robe of the Redeemer (Rev. vii. 13, 14). The more that robe is examined, the more beauteous and complete it appears ; and the eye of faith sees daily more of the wonders of its almighty workmanship. Let us, then, from the Lilies of the field learn the lesson of per- fect dependence on God for every thing. Let us view him as our Creator and Preserver, our bountiful Benefactor, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy (I Tim, vi. 17). OUR MONTHLY REMEMBRANCER. Auriculas. If repotted this month, it should be but a partial shift, reducing the ball a little ; for the less the fibres are broken or dis- turbed at this late season, the stronger the plants will flower in spring. Young plants may be improved by shifting them into larger- sized pots, without breaking the ball; where this is necessary, it should be attended to. The whole stock should be gone over this month ; loosen the surface of the soil, and add a little fresh compost ; this will greatly invigorate them. Give a more liberal supply of water; they will have now commenced the autumn growth, and require more moisture. Destroy insects. Calceolarias. Cut down all plants as the flowers fade, and repot into a larger size ; place them in a shady situation ; protect from heavy rains, but expose to the cool night air and dew ; take off shoots as you can get them, and prick them out round the edge of the pots, which should be plunged in gentle bottom-heat, shaded from the sun. Smoke if attacked with aphides ; and watch carefully that decayed leaves do not cause the cuttings to fog ofl^. Sow seed in shallow pans, just covering it with light soil. Carnations and Picotees. All the shoots too high up the plant for pegging down having been piped about the middle of June, proceed to layer the general stock ; use light sandy soil, and peg them securely after making a clean incision at about the third joint ; AUGUST. 191 then place them a little in the shade for a few days. Those about to be layered should be made rather moist, as the water they will receive for some time after vvill be through a line-rosed watering-pot. To ensure seed from any fine varietj^ place small bell-glasses to i)ro- tect the flowers from wet, admitting all the air possible. Transplant pipings when struck to make good growth before potting up in autumn. Beware of thrips and earwigs. Cinerarias. Sow seed for a general crop ; take off suckers from old stools for the same purpose. Seedlings sown and pricked off last month should now be put singly into small pots, and shaded from bright sunshine. Keep the lights off on all favourable oppor- tunities, and constantly at night, unless there is danger of a storm. Dahlias. Frequently thin-out superfluous shoots, so that much may not be cut off at a time. The proportion must be according to the known habit and size of the flower. Hero, and such flowers, should have all their wood and buds reserved for some time. Black Prince, Imbricata, Mr. Seldon, &c. require a medium course of treat- ment ; if very large flowers are desired, they may be cut hard, as it ■will not produce them coarse. Queen of Roses, and flowers of this class, must be thinned very hard to come sufficiently large to be put with others disbudded in the same proportion. Keep the branches securely tied. Turn up the soil about the plants, and place rotten manure round them. Soak them vvell twice a-week at the root, and give a little over the foliage every night. Epacrises. These want but little attention at present, further than that recommended below for the Erica ; as it 's to be presumed that each plant has received its due share of stopping, tying out, &c. Should an unruly shoot have persisted in overtopping the rest, cut it down to their height ; it is better so than allowed to disfigure the whole plant. Ericas. As mildew is more apt to be generated in the autumnal months than at any other period of the year, more than ordinary vigilance is now necessary to detect at an early stage the presence of the enemy, which, as soon as discovered, should be attacked without mercy. When the summer growth has become perfectly ripened, with ordinary care little danger need be apprehended. As eacii plant goes out of flower, thoroughly clean it from all dead foliage, and give it its annual shift. Some varieties will have perfected their summer growth sooner than others ; when that process is completed, and the plant is in a state of comparative rest, it is desirable to curtail the supply of water. Cleanliness being indispensable to the health of plants, and of gratification to the eye, frequently sweep away the litter that is apt to lodge upon and around the pots ; rake over the surface of the coal-ashes on which your plants stand, and replace the latter according to height, &c., leaving ami)le room between each. Loss of moisture by evaporation at this season is immense, conse- quently eveiy plant should be examined at least once a day, and the soil felt, to ascertain whether water is wanted; for be it understood, that if the ball is suffered to become perfectly dry, even for an hour, the plant is irretrievably lost. 192 THE FLORIST. Fuchsias. This brilliant-, charming genus will now be rapidly- developing its floral beauties ; to heighten the effect, and add to the graceful tout ensemble, arrange and su])port all straggling growths in as neat and inconspicuous a manner as possible, so that the Howering- shoots shall be regularly disposed over the whole plant, or as nearly so as circumstances will permit. To display fully the grace and elegance of this flower, prolong the bloom, and prevent its getting bruised, care should be taken in tying out, to cause each particular flower to hang indei)endently of its neighbour ; a little practice will soon effect this. Nothing more than the usual every day's routine of watching is necessary during the season of growth. Pklaugoniums. The plants which were cut down last month will have broken sufficiently at the eyes to be shaken out and dis- rooted ; do not forget to place them in gentle bottom-heat, or in a close frame, till they have again rooted out to the sides of the pots, when they may have abundance of air night and day, sheltering them from heavy rains, and keeping them clear of green-fly. Cut- tings that were taken early and struck should be shifted on, and stopped when you can ensure three or four breaking-eyes, as this is the time to lay the foundation for stocky plants for next season. Seed as it ripens should now be sow^n in pans or pots in open soil, and just covered. Water, when required, should be given through a fine rose ; cover with a sheet of writing-paper in very bright sunny weather. Pinks. Continue to put out the rooted pipings, and prepare the beds for the next season's bloomers ; add plenty of manure, and fre- quently turn the soil over, that the former may become w^ell incorpo- rated with the latter, and the whole thoroughly sweetened, and fit for use. Pipings may still be taken. Tulips. Every bulb should now be examined, the loose dry skins removed, and the offsets large enough to bloom next year separated ; but the small ones had better remain attached to the parent bulb. All who contemplate making alterations in the ar- rangements and additions to the quantity and quality of the Tuhp- bed, whether by purchase or exchange, should do it at once. Let each bulb be placed in the boxes as it is intended to bloom next season, and then transcribe the name in the Tulip-book for 1852. The advantage arising from this method is, that the bulbs are in order for planting at the right time ; when this is done, the practical operations of the Tulip-grower may be considered suspended until the time arrives for making preparations for planting ; the principal attention meanwhile required being an occasional looking over the boxes and drawers, in order to ascertain that all is right. See that the tops of the bulbs are free from aphis or green-lly, for in some seasons they are very numerous, completely covering the point of the bulb. If any small speck of rust or canker be visible, let it be care- fully removed with a sharp penknife. Towards the end of the month, or beginning of next, a bed may be prepared for offsets. J-'jiru/n'ta.tit/-^ :i„. Ihnisd^ .^Oaiet/ GladioLus SEPTEMBER. GLADIOLI. 193 The hybrid Gladioli," says the late Dean Herbert in his valuable work on AmanjUlds, *' flower about the same time as the lioses, and contribute quite as much in general effect to embellish the garden by their fine colours and profusion of bloom. They succeed," he adds, "very well in the natural soil of the garden at Spofforth, which is a good yellowish li-ht loam suitable for barley; and also in the artificial borders of peat and sand, where, however, in dry summers, they stand more m need of water. These hardy crosses are between G. cardinalis, blandus, carneus, inflatus, angustus, and tristis ; and they vary with every shade of colour from white to scarlet, rose coppery, and blackish-purple; and some are exquisitely speckled in consequence of the cross with tristis. They suc- ceed best when grown into a thick tuft, in which state the pro- lusion of blossom is admirable, the cluster of bulbs and the old skins of decayed bulbs permitting the wet to drain away, and preventing the earth from lying too close and heavy on the bulbs in autumn and winter. Clusters have stood undisturbed at bpoftorth above ten years, with the precaution of coverino- them with leaves from November to March or April. There is danger in disturbing and parting them, for numbers will rot It reset separately ; and if they must be divided, it is best to do so in April ; or, if it be done in the autumn, the roots taken up should be potted and turned out again in the spring. The beautiful crosses with hirsutus, recurvus, and versicolor are more delicate plants, and do not succeed well in the border, beedling Gladioli will often flower the first autumn. The best treatment is to sow the seed in pots, and give them shelter till the seedlings are pretty strong, and then turn out the ball unbroken into the border, where they will produce a crowded nosegay of flowers of various shades of colour." From our own experience we may remark, that the tenderer sorts alluded to m the above extract arrive at a high degree of perfection if potted about twelve in as small a pot as\vill hold them, late in the autumn, and planted in a warm border in May. They will require to be shifted once in the early spring ; but should not m the first instance be put in a large pot, as, if the soil is good, they will have plenty of nourishment, and the closer they are planted the more beautiful will be the appearance of the clump when in bloom. Three of the most beautiful species are those sold by the trade under the name of floribundus, gandavensis, and Brenchleyensis. At Bury Hill, near Dorking, some plants of Gladiolus NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. IX. K 194 THE FLORIST. Colvillii, and other hybrids, grow in the open border without any protection, and they flower finely every year. G. cardinalis is also quite hardy, as the following extract from the Gar- deners Macjaz'nie will shew. Mr. A. Mackenzie, of Blair Adam, N. B., states, that "in a space of about 12 feet by 7, there were not less than 500 trusses of this magnificent flower. It is generally considered tender ; yet it grows here on an elevation of about 900 feet above the level of the sea, the sub- soil naturally cold and wet, in rather a light soil, with little or no protection. For two winters I gave a covering of leaf- mould about 2 inches deep ; but the last two winters they got none whatever, and the result is, that they were never seen growing here in such luxuriance and splendour. About the beginning of October, when I wish to propagate them, I take from well-established plants, a ball or cluster of corms, about J or 2 feet in circumference, from one side of the strongest plants, and plant them in beds 2 feet wide, and the plants 1 foot apart, putting a little sand beneath the bulbs ; and in the course of two or three years, the beds will be covered with the plants : I plant them about 2 or S inches deep. In 1839, I planted a bed in this manner, and with as little care as I would take in planting any herbaceous plant; yet, in both seasons, namely, 1840 and 1841, the bed was nearly covered with strong trusses of flowers." The writer further recommends " that single bulbs be grown in pots, and protected during winter (especially from damp) until they grow into a cluster of bulbs. When they have attained a sufficient size, they may be planted out with safety, and will stand the winter." The flower represented by our plate, as will be seen, is a beautiful variety, the two colours which it contains contrast- ing charmingly together, and making it well worthy of intro- duction into every collection. Our drawing was prepared from a plant growing in the garden of R. Stains, Esq., at Maida Vale, Paddington. In addition to Gladioli, there are many more interesting bulbs which will, for the most part, thrive in the borders amongst other plants. Some of these are Erythronium Dens canis (Dog's-tooth Violet), Tigridia pavonia, Pardanthus chinensis, Zephyranthes atamasco and Candida, Fritillaria im- perialis and meleagris, Leucojum aestivum and pulchellum ; Scilla amoena, campanulata, and prascox; Asphodelus ramo- sus, tauricus, and lacteus; Van Thol, Sun's-eye, and Parrot Tulips ; Ornithogalum pyramidale, &c. SEPTEMBER. 195 ON AUTIFICIAL ROCKERIES.* Among the numerous natural embellishments which are so abun- dantly scattered over the surface of this country, and the natural facilities afforded for beautifying the private pleasure-ground of the wealthy proprietor, there are but few instances where these natural facilities have been advantageously turned to account in artificial decoration. Now if natural decorations increase the interest and beauty of a garden, accordingly as they are treated in an artistic manner, so also do decorations merely artificial gain in proportion as they resemble nature. But the artificial has never the value or the interest of the natural, any more than a copy has the interest or value of an original picture from the hands of one of the old masters. So truly is this the case when applied to garden scenery, that a place wholly artifi- cial, however well executed, has little interesting or pleasing about it, until by age it has obtained something of a natural appearance. An object purely natural, in the midst of a pleasure-ground, is not only a pleasing relief to the mind, but is also more striking and impressive, more august and grand, than the ornamental vase or the geometrical parterre. These may be pretty or beautiful ; but even the hard, cold, stern features of a projecting rock gives us a nobler and more exalted kind of pleasure than these artificial niceties. A large mass of rocks, however tastefully arranged in a spacious plea- sure-ground, has less influence on the imagination than a small irre- gularly arranged group in a confined and secluded nook, with all the wild savageness of primitive nature around it. Indeed, a low confined dell, the channel of a ravine, or a quiet secluded hollow, retired from every thing architectural or artificial, appears to be the most proper place for a rockery. The spectator should come upon it quite unexpectedly, but not by a sudden transition of the general scene, although circumstances may often occur to render sudden transitions unavoidable. One of the prettiest rockeries I ever beheld was made in an old stone quarry, which in its original condition was not only dan- gerous, but a serious disfiguration to the place. Trees were planted on the margin, and threw their dependent branches irregularly down the face of the rocks. Ferns and other plants were planted in niches and clefts made in the rocks in ditferent places ; paths were also cut for walking along the steep sides ; groups were arranged in different forms and of different heights ; jets were introduced in different places, in small basins, and formed the most enchanting spot imaginable. It is not, however, absolutely necessary to deprive a small garden of rockwork. The monotony and tameness of a villa-garden may be considerably relieved and diversified by the introduction of rocks, especially if the grounds afford a position naturally favourable, such as natural rocks, or a secluded corner, or water in any form ; for • Abridged from Mr, Downing's American Horticulturist. 19(5 THE FLORIST, water, if possible, should invariably form an appendage to a rockery. But to introduce large stones and boulders on a lawn, or in a shrub- bery contiguous to the house, or having them scattered about singly on the grass, on the margins of a lake, or beside a bridge, as they are frequently to be seen, may justly be regarded as an infringement on taste and a mockery of nature. Rockwork may sometimes be placed in the proximity of glass structures, and even in flower-gardens, with good effect, when these are of a gothic or rustic character ; but here the rockwork must have none of the savage wildness of nature about it, and conse- quently nothing of the impressive picturesqueness of natural rocks. It should be rendered conformable to the objects around it, and appearing to be placed there for the purpose of cultivating those plants that succeed best among rocks, or for shewing the natural habits of plants that grow naturally among rocks, or those that pro- duce a better effect when planted on them. In these cases the rocks should be more artistically and tastefully arranged. It should be clearly shewn, by their arrangement and accompaniments, that no attempt is made to imitate nature, but rather a proper place for dis- playing and cultivating the plants that are grown upon them. Rockeries of this kind depend for their interest and beauty more on the disposition of the plants than on any influence possessed by themselves ; and therefore they should never be allowed to be- come bare, otherwise they dwindle down to meaningless conceits. They ought also to be formed of choice materials, as specimens of rare minerals, metallic ores, ricli conglomerates, stalagmites, fossils, scoria, fine specimens of crj^stallography and vitrification, forming a kind of cabinet, which excites the attention of the spectator, and affords interest and gratification to the more curious examiner, and tending also to divest the rockery of any incongruity which might arise from its being out of place. It may likewise be observed, that rockeries should always be in detached groups, and, whether large or small, should never present straight lines or flat surfaces. The more irregular the arrangement, the more striking the effect produced. It should also be so situated as to be partly shaded and overhung by pendulous trees, to screen it from the glare of sunshine; it should always be rather cool, and, if possible, shut in by itself by shrubbery, and, if possible also, should be accompanied by ^jet d'eau or basin of water, or both. To attempt giving rules for the arrangement of rockeries is use- less, as their forms entirely depend upon the taste of the builder ; and in this kind of work, more than any other branch of ornamental gardening, will the taste of the builder be brought out ; and here also will be perceived the difference between those who have studied from nature, and those who have no vivid conceptions of natural beauty. It may here be observed, however, that the whole design should be diversified in its outlines, in its heights, and in its general forms. No two parts should bear the slightest resemblance to each other, and the greater the irregularity, the more interesting the effect. The great artificial rock-gardens at Chatsworth, and other places SEPTEMBER. 197 in England, can neither be regarded as works of instruction nor models of imitation, but rather monuments of extravagance, and may- be viewed in the same light as the famous Hanging-gardens of Baby- lon. Natural cropping clefts, and romantic rocky spots, may, how- ever, be easily turned to excellent advantage, and far excel those artificial rock-gardens, at comparatively small cost ; and sure enough such spots are sufficiently numerous in this country, if wealthy men who build fine country houses, would bring themselves to choose localities where they might have trees, landscapes, and rock gardens, ready made. The following remarks are appended by the editor : — Both rock- work and artificial ponds are, in our estimation, dangerous features in ornamental gardens for any one to meddle with who has not a great deal of taste, or a lively feeling of natural beauty and fitness. We quite agree with our correspondent, that they should occupy secluded spots in the grounds, and that they are never so successful as when they may be wholly mistaken for nature's own work. A little round pond, like a soup-basin, set in an open smooth lawn, and a pile of rocks heaped up upon a formal mound, as we have some- times seen them, in the midst of high artificial flower-garden scenery, are equally offensive to good sense and good taste. Nature puts her small pool of water, and her ledge of rocks filled with mosses and ferns, in the depths of some secluded dell, or under the shelter of some dark leafy bank of verdure. Touching the rock-garden at Chatsworth, we must differ from our correspondent. That rock-garden has, to our mind, but one de- fect, viz. that you enter it from a highly dressed portion of flower- garden scenery. For the rest, time and vegetation have now so com- pletely harmonised it with the wild scenery of the high hills of Der- byshire, which rise behind it, and of which it seems a spur, that we will venture to say nine strangers out of ten would walk through it in the full belief that it was a natural rocky pass in the grounds, if they were not asked to wonder at it as a work of art and labour. It was probably more new and raw when our correspondent obtained his impressions. NATIONAL CARNATION AND PICOTEE SOCIETY. July 28. — The first meeting of this new Society took place in the grounds of the Royal Nursery, Slough. There was great competi- tion, and the blooms were large and well -coloured. Carnations (Amateurs): 1. Mr. M. May, Sonning ; 2. Mr. J. Edwards, Holloway ; 3. Mr. Newhall, Woolwich. Picotees : Rev. A. Matthews, Weston-on-the- Green ; 2. Mr. M. May ; 3. Mr. Lochner, Paddington. Crtnzfl^/o«5 (Open Classes) : 1. Mr. C.Turner, Slough; 2. Mr. Bragg, Slough ; 3. Mr. Willmer, Sunbury. Picotees: 1. Mr. C. Turner; 2. Mr. Bragg; 3. Rev. A. Matthews. Yellow- ground Picotees : 1. Mr. Bragg ; 2. Mr. Turner ; 3. Mr. Holey, 198 THE FLORIST. Reading ; 4. Mr. Willmer. Several seedlings received certificates. We have thought it better to give the names of the most conspicuous flowers exhibited in each class, than to give the entire lists, and in doing this we have included some new varieties growing in Mr. Turner's collection. Of Carnations, — in scarlet bizarre, Admiral Curzon, Lord Lewis- ham, Lord RatclitFe, and Bolingbroke, were in good order. Crimson bizarres were very numerous and good ; Lord Milton, Duncan, Jenny Lind, Owen Glendower, Black Diamond, Puxley's Queen, and Queen of Trumps, were in excellent condition, as were also Puxley's Fa- vourite and General Monk, the latter having the best white in this class, and otherwise good. In pink bizarres. May's Falconbridge stands high, being large and well marked. The old but favourite flower, Puxley's Prince Albert, was very fine, and had but few equals. Sarah Payne, Twyford Perfection, and Henry Kirke White, were also shewn. In purple flakes. Beauty of Woodhouse, Premier, Squire Trow, Poins, and Perfection, were the favourites. Scarlet flakes were represented by Cradley Pet, Simpson's Queen, Puxley's Stand- ard, and Africanus. Of rose flakes, Puxley's Princess Royal, Flora's Garland, May's Ariel, Poor Tom, Lorenzo, Antonia, and Wood's Haidee, were the best. Picotees. These advance towards perfection much faster than Carnations do. Foremost in the heavy red-edged class was Mrs. Norman, a full-sized variety, of fir.st-rate properties, fully maintain- ing the opinion we gave of it last season ; Prince of Wales, King James, Hogarth, and two of Mr. Fellowes' seedlings were good ; also an intermediate variety between red and rose. Costar's Chris- tabel is a neat pleasing flower, of good properties, without the slightest bar. Light red, Youell's Gem, Duchess of Sutherland, Miss Holbeck, and Dodwell's Mary, the latter is good in size and very evenly marked. Heavy purple, Dodwell's Alfred, Lord Nelson, Portia, Lady H. Moore, Prince Arthur, Viola, and Duke of Rutland, the latter a fine constant flower, were in the best possible order. In light-edged purple, Matthews' seedling was the best ; it is a superb flower. In this numerous class, the following were good : Ophelia, Ganymede, Willoughby, Circe, Jupiter, Juliet, and Fellowes' seedling 51. Heavy rose and scarlet — the most attractive class of all — was represented by Venus, Green's Queen, Princess Royal, Marris' Victoria Regina, a bright fine flower, and Marris' Grace Darling, a flower similar to Princess Royal, but wider in the petal ; Unexpected is a medium- sized neat variety ; and Jeannette has a fine petal, but is rather thin. Light-edged rose ; Mrs. Barnard, as usual, stood at the head of this class ; and Countess Howe is a pleasing bright variety. The meeting for 1852 will be held, we believe, at Norwich. SEl'TEMBKR, 199 RANDOM NOTES ON GARDEN MATTERS. 1. The Chinese Primrose. Those of the readers of the Florist who have never used guano for this most useful and beautiful flower would do well to begin at once. Of course every one who cultivates plants at all has at least some Chinese Primroses. They are, in the strictest sense of the term, every body's flowers. We frequently hear persons complaining of the difliculty of growing them well. Tlie truth is, I beheve, that in the main they are too much coddled. Plants may be killed with kindness as well as with neglect. But I am not at present about to write a treatise on the culture of the pretty favourite in question, but merely to tell those who may be ignorant of the fact, that guano-water improves wonderfully the colour of the flowers and the general health of the plants. I'll just say what I did with some, and how they progressed under the treat- ment. At the time to which I shall revert to them, they were in 48-size pots, in which I intended blooming them. 'J'he soil was very light, nearly half decayed leaves. As I did not wish them to be in bloom till mid-winter, I picked out all the blossoms which appeared during the autumn, using merely soft water for them when they required any. By thus preventing the development of the blossom, the plants accumulated vigour, became sturdy in stem and leaf, and were in excellent condition for producing plenty of bloom when it was required. It may be as well to observe, however, that for a week or two before they were required to produce the flower-buds intended to remain, water was given very sparingly, the plant often being allowed to flag. After this a liberal treatment was gradually aflforded them ; and when the heads of blossom were about half-deve- loped, guano-water was applied twice a week, gradually increasing it in strength. Nothing could be finer than the masses of bloom which each plant produced. Compared with others to which no guano had been applied, the colour was infinitely superior. The plants, though small, were charming objects, and much admired for the beauty and profusion of their blossoms. 2. Lycopodium ccesium is a pretty Lycopod, generally treated in a stove or warm greenhouse. But at the entrance of a grotto, in a garden in Stattordshire, I remarked a plant flourishing in the open air. 3. One of the prettiest hardy climbers is Clematis montana which is worthy of a more extensive cultivation than it enjoys. Few gardens possess it, or, if possessing it, sufficient encouragement is not aftorded it. During the spring I saw a most exquisite specimen in the garden of R. Mangles, Esq., Sunning Hill, Berks. In the same garden, which contains many fine specimens of Conifers, amongst which is a Pinus Sabiniana worthy of notice, is a plant of Solanum crispum as a shrub, some 10 or 12 feet high, and when in full blossom is a novel and beautiful shrub. Trained to a wall at the end of the magnificent range of houses in the Royal Gardens at Frogmore is another speci- men worthy of attention when in blossom. G. L. 200 THE FLORIST. REVIEW. Observations on the Culture of Roses in Pots. By William Paul. Second edition, pp. 43. London, Piper. This is a shilling pamphlet of the utmost value to those who take an interest in the cultivation of the "Queen of flowers" in pots. It contains all that it is necessary to know on the subjects of potting and preparing the plants, pruning, training, forcing, and retarding them for wdnter bloom ; and in addition to this information, it has suitable lists of varieties adapted for all purposes and seasons, besides excellent advice on budding, grafting, and choice of stocks, with the following paragraph on soil : " The soil in which Roses succeed well, and that generally used here, is, two parts of stiff turfy loam, broken up, but not sifted, two parts manure (road-gatherings laid by for a season, or the remains of a hot-bed, not too far decomposed), and one part burnt earth. This compost should be thrown up in a heap in autumn, and turned two or three times during winter, and a little newly-slaked lime scattered throughout, to destroy worms and grubs. This is the soil used for the mass ; but for the delicate varieties (Chinese, &c.) it may be improved by the addition of one part leaf-mould, or well- pulverised manure." On the vexed subject of Yellow Roses, Mr. Paul says : " Since the first edition of this little work was penned. Yellow Roses have become a special branch of culture. Separate prizes have been offered for them by the London Horticultural and Royal Botanic Societies. But what are Yellow Roses ? This question provoked some discussion in the pages of the Gardeners' Journal last year, through the withholding of a prize by the Royal Botanic Society. To prevent any misconception at future exhibitions, that Society has named the varieties considered eligible for competition. Let us reproduce them here : Yellow Banksise. Single Yellow (Austrian). Williams's Double Yellow (ditto). Harrisonii (ditto). Persian Yellow (ditto). Old Double Yellow (Sulphurea). Cloth of Gold (Noisette). Solfaterre (ditto). Le Pactole (ditto). " We proceed to analyse this group. The first on the list — the Yellow Banksise — is a pretty enough Rose, with small flowers pro- duced in clusters. It may be grown w'ell in a soil composed of equal parts of loam, peat, and leaf-mould. It requires but little pruning: the mere tips of the shoots may be taken off. Spiral training is re- commended as the most suitable. The succeeding five varieties are nearly allied in nature, and may be grown in a soil similar to the last. Manure is here positively objectionable ; but the addition of sand unless the peat or loam be sandy, will prove advantageous. Narcisse (Tea-scented). Smithii or Smith's Yellow (ditto). Pauline Plantier (ditto). Queen Victoria or Princesse Ade- laide (ditto). Vicomtesse de Cazes (ditto). Jaune, or Yellow China (ditto). Sulphurea superba (ditto). SEPTEMBKK. 201 Very little pruning is necessary : some of the shoots may be cut out entirely ; the others have their mere ends taken off. If grown on their own roots, they may be trained as globular or columnar bushes ; if grown on stems, the branches may be drawn downwards in the form of a Weeping Hose. The two next in order — Cloth of Gold and Solfaterre — are of vigorous growth, producing large flowers of great beauty. Both are shy bloomers, especially the former. The same soil as recommended for Pot-Roses in general may be used for these varieties. Little pruning is necessary, and spiral training is recommended. Seven out of the remaining eight varieties belong to the Tea-scented, and the whole require a rich soil and close prun- ing. The most advantageous systems of training are the round bush or the pyramid. Were this group to be viewed critically, it might be said they are not all ' ptirely yellow.' It might also be said there are kinds excluded which have as just a right to the appellation of ' yellow' as they. But when it is considered that the declension from yellow to white and buff is so gradual that it is scarcely possi- ble to fix the line of demarcation, and that a list of sixteen varieties is given from which to select six, these points of criticism are hardly tenable. If none others are allowed to be exhibited, or none whose flowers are less yellow when brought to the exhibition-tables than those of the sixteen above enumerated, the practical utility of the arrangement will soon become apparent." The following chapter on forcing will exhibit the clear and satis- factory way in which the matter is treated : " Roses required for forcing will succeed tolerably well if potted early in the preceding autumn. It is, however, obvious, that by being potted a twelvemonth previously, they become thoroughly es- tablished, and are better enabled to support an accelerated growth and premature development of bloom. If, therefore, we are anxious to obtain a perfect bloom of forced Roses, and have plants that have been a twelvemonth or more in pots, they should certainly be taken in preference, and the fresh -potted ones be allowed to grow on for the natural season of flowering. Presuming, then, the plants about to be forced have been grown one year in pots, we will proceed with our subject. Forcing -house. — A span-roofed house, with a longer roof toward the south, is perhaps the best style of building. The interior may be fitted up according to the taste of the proprietor. The various systems of heating horticultural buildings now in vogue have been frequently descanted on in the gardening periodicals, and it would be out of place to speak of them here, except in general terms. Heating by hot water, in its various modes of application, is gene- rally acknowledged to be preferable to the old flue system, and in no instance is it more so than for forcing Roses ; nevertheless they will flower well in houses heated with flues. W^hen the latter mode is adopted, syringing should be more freely resorted to ; and a pot or two of water, poured down on the floor of the house every morn- ing, is necessary to keep a moist atmosphere, which is very favour- able to forced Roses, and, at the same time, noxious to the red spider, 202 THE FLORIST. which is very likely to appear under the flue system of heating. Ar- nott's stove, which is used by some, is found to answer exceedingly well. Ripening the Wood. — It is important, with regard to Roses in- tended for forcing, that the wood be well ripened early in autumn ; and to effect this end, they should be placed in a sunny and airy situation during summer, and should not have too free a supply of water when completing their growth. So soon as they have done growing, they may be thinned out, as previously proposed ; the shortening-in of the shoots being deferred till the plants are con- veyed into the forcing-house. Housing the Plants. — The first week in January is an excellent time for this purpose, commencing with a gentle heat. It is advis- able to keep the plants as close to the glass a? possible ; and if a gen- tle bottom-heat can be secured, so much the better. At first the fire should be lighted of a morning, and kept in for a few hours only, to throw a little warmth into the house, and no air need be admitted. When the buds begin to swell, the heat may be steadily increased till we reach 60° to 80° by day, and the night-temperature should never be lower than 40°; a difference of 15° or 20° between the day and night temperature proving beneficial. If, on entering the forcing-house, there is discovered a freshness and glaucous hue on the leaves, we may rest satisfied that the atmosphere and tem- perature are agreeable to the plants. But should the leaves droop and present a flabby appearance, we should attribute this to too dry an atmosphere, or too high a temperature maintained at night. The remedy is easy. Admission of Air. — Early in the season it is well to be cautious in the admission of air ; for the young leaves of forced Roses are very tender, and suffer much from the cold. As the season advances top air may be given for a few hours in the middle of the day, in still mild weather, with great benefit to the plants ; but in cold wea- ther air should be admitted from the lower part of the house only ; and if it can be made to pass over the pipes or flue on entering, that it may become more thoroughly amalgamated wdth the warm air of the house before reaching the leaves, so much the better. Syringing. — In bright weather the plants should be freely syringed morning and evening : in dull weather very lightly, and once only ; soot-water may be used here with good effect. Insects — Mildew. — The green-fly is a great pest among forced Roses, but is easily destroyed by fumigating with tobacco, which should be done as soon as any of them are seen, and repeated as often as they re-appear. Another annoyance is the grub, with which most Rose-cultivators are too familiar, and whose ravages, if not stopi)ed, will, as well as destroying the leaves and causing the plants to look shabby, mate- rially injure the bloom. Wherever the leaves are curled, or found sticking together, this insect will be comfortably rolled up within, and not unfrequently does it ensconce itself in the growing point of a young shoot. The plants must be looked over frequently, to re- SEPTEMBER. 203 duce these destructive visitants, and they require to be very closely sought. Every precaution should be taken against mildew. If the wea- ther be cloudy and wet, a brisk heat should be maintained, that we may not have a cold, damp atmosphere. The house ought also to be swept out frequently, and kept clean. Probably the close atmo- sphere in which the plants are necessarily grown during the early part of the forcing season contributes, in no small degree, to en- courage mildew : if it does appear, it is seldom till late in the season, when the plants have been in the house some length of time. The appHcation of sulphur is a well-known remedy, dusted on the leaves, while wet, from a dredging-box ; and by admitting abundance of air, and at the same time applying lire-heat, should the house be damp, to establish a free circulation among the plants, its progress will cer- tainly be arrested. Suckers. — Among the worked plants, an eye should be had to suckers, which may, when young, be radically removed by clasping them firmly between the thumb and finger, and drawing them stea- dily out. Watering. — During their growth, the plants should be freely watered ; occasionally with guano-water, about the temperature of the house ; or, if worms work in the pots, lime-water is an efficient remedy. Season of Floivering. — Late in Februaiy a few precocious flower- buds will expand. By the middle of March the plants will probably be in full bloom, when syringing may be dispensed with for a time. A light shading will be found necessary during the middle of the day, to prevent the flowers flagging, and fire-heat should be in some degree diminished. A continual succession of flowers may be obtained, by remov- ing some of the plants, at different periods, as the buds shew colour, to a house of a lower temperature. This will also be the means of increasing the size and deepening the tints of the flowers. Now, as soon as the plants have flowered, such as are termed Summer Roses (those blooming but once in the season) may be re- moved to a cold pit or house, to make room for the admission of fresh plants kept in reserve for the purpose. Pruning Autumnals for Second Bloom. — The shoots of the Au- tumnal, or perpetual-flowering kinds, may be cut back, and they will give forth a second crop of flowers in fine perfection by the end of May. Many, if not pruned, would continue flowering ; but prun- ing is recommended, if care be taken to remove no more leaves than is necessary in the operation. After April, very little fire-heat is necessary, especially if the weather be warm and sunny ; and after flowering a second time, the plants may be removed from the house, surfaced with a little manure, and plunged in an airy situation, there to remain till required for forcing the succeeding year. Thus treated, they may be induced to flower well, forced several years in succession." As regards late-flowering varieties, Mr. Paul has the following excellent remarks : 204 THE FLORIST. " To obtain Roses late in the season, the first point necessary is to keep the plants in a growing state. For this purpose the Autum- nals must, of course, be taken ; and it has doubtless been observed by all Rose-cultivators, that many of these Roses produce flowers at the termination of almost every shoot ; or, in other words, if they grow, they flower. In the spring of 1843 I shifted about a hundred of these from 3-inch into 5-inch pots, selecting the freest bloomers, and plunging them, when shifted, in the open ground. Through the early part of summer all the flower-buds were nipped out as soon as seen. Notwithstanding the deprivation of the early blos- soms, the plants, by continuing to grow, formed fresh flower-buds. Those formed late in the season were suffered to remain, and in September, before the frost, the plants were removed to a cold pit, giving all available air by day, and covering it with a straw mat by night. They were crowned with flower-buds when placed in the pit ; these gradually unfolded, and I cut a good bunch of Roses at Christmas, in great perfection. It was certainly a mild autumn ; and perhaps a more certain method of obtaining success would be, to take them at once to the forcing-house, or other greenhouse, where they would probably continue flowering still longer, as the dampness which destroys many of the backward flower-l)uds in a cold pit might there be prevented. For this purpose, such kinds as produce a great quantity of flowers, and open freely, should be selected ; for instance, Bourbons : Armosa, Queen, and Phoenix. Noisettes : Fellenberg and Euphrosyne. Chinese : White, Fabvier, Bardon, and the like, are of the best description." Some clever woodcuts, illustrative of training and pruning, have been introduced into this edition, which altogether must be considered a very cheap shilling's worth. We heartily recommend it to the notice of our readers. DESCRIPTIVE LISTS OF FRUITS. No. IX. PEACHES. In the class of Fruit now about to be noticed, the difference of ap- pearance between the various sorts is less obvious, generally speak- ing, than in the case of Grapes and many other kinds of fruit. Thus, judging by the fruit alone, a Royal George might easily be mistaken for a Grosse Mignonne, or the latter for a Bellegarde, these and se- veral other varieties being very much alike in form and colour. It is therefore necessary to attach more importance to other points of dis- tinction, such as the size and colour of the blossoms, the serratures of the leaves, and the absence, or form when present, of certain glands w^hich in some sorts are to be found upon the footstalk close beneath the base of the leaf. Upon these and some few other characters SEPTEMBER, 205 Mr. George Lindley founded a classification of Peaches and Nectarines, which every cultivator ought to make himself acquainted with. It is to be found in the Horticultural Transactions, and in a very useful, though in many points erroneous, work entitled A Guide to the Orchard and Kitchen- Garden. In this paper I shall wholly reject the division termed " Clingstone Peaches" — that is, those kinds whose flesh adheres firmly to the stone — as being unworthy of culti- vation. The varieties I shall describe are well known to most gar- deners ; but these papers being intended more especially for the use of amateurs, I have selected those kinds which are generally con- sidered the best, in preference to others which are less common but inferior in merit. It should also be explained, that the time of ripen- ing stated refers to the neighbourhood of London ; further north they would be somewhat later. A favourable or unfavourable west situa- tion will likewise cause a difference of several days in this respect. 1. Royal George. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue : Millet's Mignonne, lied Magdalen, French Chan- cellor (of some), Madeleine Rouge a Petites Fleurs, Lock- yer's Mignonne, Griffin's Mignonne, Early Royal George, Early Bourdine (of some). Double Swalsh (of some), Superb. Flowers small, dull deep red. Leaves serrated, glandless. Fruit large, nearly round in form, but frequently a little flattened on the summit ; suture (that is, the line which divides the fruit on one of its sides into two parts,) moderately deep. Skin very dark purplish red where freely exposed, breaking off into small red dots towards the shaded side, which is dull yellowish white. Flesh white, deeply rayed with red round the stone ; perfectly melting, very juicy and rich. The stone is moderately large and of a reddish colour. This excellent Peach, which is suitable either for a wall or a peach-house, generally ripens from the beginning to the middle of September, al- though in some seasons ripe fruit may be obtained in the end of August. The foliage is rather subject to mildew in some situations. 2. Noblesse. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue : Mellish's Favourite, Vanguard, Lord Montague's Noblesse. Flowers large, pale blush. Leaves serrated, glandless. Fruit large, generally roundish, with a slightly flattened apex, upon which there is a small protuberance or nipple ; occasionally, however, the fruit acquires a more elongated shape, and then the crown is more rounded and the nipple less prominent. Skin pale yellowish green on the shaded side, next the sun dull red marbled with lengthened patches of a deeper colour. Flesh greenish white, in most cases throughout, but in some fruit a slight tinge of red is perceptible round the stone, which is large, ovate, pointed, and of a brown colour. This variety is highly esteemed, being large, handsome, and of excellent flavour when eaten at the proper period, but if allowed to become over-rine on the tree, it is apt to become mealy. Season, 206 THE FLORIST. the beginning of September. A Peach called the Malta very closely resembles this. 3. Grosse Mignonne. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue : Grimwood's Royal George, Grimwood's New Royal George, Large French Mignonne, French Mig- nonne, Mignonne, Vincusc, Veloutee, Veloutee de Mer- \et, French Grosse Mignonne, Swiss Mignonne, Pourpree de Normandie, Pourpree Hative (of some), Purple Hative (of some), Early Purple Avant, Purple Avant, Avant, Early May. Early French, Early Vineyard, Padley's Early Purple, Neil's Early Purple, Johnson's Early Purple, Johnson's Purple Avant, Forster's, Forster's Early, Ro- nalds's Early Galande, Ronalds's Seedling Galande, Belle Bausse, Belle Bauce, Belle Beaute, Kensington, Royal Kensington, La Royale (of some), Superb Royal, Vineuse de Fromentin, Transparent. Flowers large, deep rose-colour. Leaves crenated, with globose glands. Fruit large, of a flattened globular figure, with a slightly hollow crown. The cavity at the base is wide, and the suture is strongly marked. Skin very dark rich red next the sun, on the shaded side yellowish, thickly mottled with red. Flesh yellowish, with red rays surrounding the stone ; very juicy and of excellent flavour. The stone is rather small, oval, having one projecting edge and very rugged sides. Ripens about the same time as, or rather earlier than, the Royal George, and is a most valuable sort both for forcing and for wall culture. 4. Bellegarde. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue : Galande, Noir de Montreuil, Violette Hative (of English), Violette Hative Grosse (ibid.). Early Galande (of some), Brentford Mignonne, Ronalds's Brentford Mig- nonne, French Royal George, Smooth -leaved Royal George (of some). Large Violet, French Violette Hative (of some). Flowers small, reddish pink. Leaves crenated, with globose glands. Fruit large, globular, and for the most part regular in form, having a shallow suture and slightly hollowed summit, upon which there is generally a small point. Skin, on the sunny side very deep red, with broken streaks or blotches of dark purple intermixed ; yellowish green where shaded. Flesh pale greenish yellow, slightly tinged with red next the stone ; very juicy and highly flavoured. The stone is rather large, and slightly pointed. An admirable Peach, which ripens towards the middle of September, immediately succeeding the Noblesse. 5. Barrington. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue : Buckingham Mignonne, Colonel Ansley's. Flowers large. Leaves crenated, with globose glands. Fruit SKl'TEMBER. 207 large, frequently globular, with a moderate suture along the side, and a slight depression at the apex, but some specimens assume a more elongated shape. Skin dark red on the exposed parts, somewhat marbled with a still darker colour ; })ale yellowish green when quite shaded. Flesh greenish white, faintly tinted with red next the stone ; very juicy and well flavoured. The stone is of a brown colour, small, oval in form, with a lengthened point at the top. Ripens from the beginning to the middle of September, and is a very good Peach, although perhaps not quite equal to those previously described. 6. Chancellor. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue : Chancelliere var. (of Duliamel), Noisette, Late Chancellor, Steward's Late Galande, Edgar's Late Melting. Flowers small. Leaves crenated, with reniform glands. Fruit moderately large, long rather than round, and in some specimens decidedly oval. Skin dark red where fully exposed to the sun, shad- ing off to a greenish yellow next the wall, and partially mottled with red about the union of the two colours. Flesh greenish yellow, with much red near the stone ; melting, and very good. This is a valuable Peach, inasmuch as it comes in for use between the Bellegarde and the Late Admirable. The Belle Chevreuse is extremely like it ; indeed I am not quite certain that this description was not taken from that variety. 7. Late Admirable. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue : Royal, La Royale, Peche Royale, Bourdine, Bou- dine, Boudin, Narbonne, French Bourdine, Teton de Ve- nus, Belle Bausse (of some), Belle Bauce (of some), Judd's Melting, Late Purple (of some), Pourpree Tardive (of some), Motteux's. Flowers small, pale red. Leaves crenated, with globose glands. Fruit very large, generally rounded and regular, with equally swell- ing sides, but occasionally inclined to an oval figure, and the apex is frequently pointed with a small nipple. Skin pale yellowish green on the shaded side ; next the sun red, partially marbled with deeper red. Flesh greenish white, faintly tinged with red next the stone, which is above the middle size, oval, sharply pointed at the apex, and of a reddish brown colour. Ripens in the end of September, and is the latest really good Peach cultivated in this country; for which reason, in addition to its other high qualities, it deserves a place in every garden. The sorts above described, with the addition of the Walburton Admirable, noticed by Mr. Rivers in a former Number, are as many as the majority of cultivators will require; there are, however, two or three other varieties which deserve notice on account of their earli- ness, or some other peculiar quality ; and these, with the Nectarines, will form another paper. J. B. Whiting. 208 THE FLORIST. ROYAL SOUTH-LONDON FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. July 24. — This Society had a very wet day for its fourth show, which was in consequence thinly attended. There was, however, a large number of growers present, both amateur and professional. The July meeting being the Carnation and Picotee show, the names of the winning flowers were as follows : Carnations, 12 blooms (Amateurs). — 1st, Mr. May, Sonning, near Reading, with Horsa, Beauty of Woodhouse, Sir H. Smiti, Antonio, Earl Spencer, Ariel, Poins, Owen Glendower, Prince Albert (Puxley), Africanus, Rosetta, Squire Trow ; 2d, Mr. Lochner, ViA- dington, with Flora's. Garland, Lord Rancliffe, Ariel, Duke of Wel- lington, Sir H. Smith, Beauty of Woodhouse, Paul Pry, Queen Vic- toria, Squire Trow, Prince Albert (Puxley), Prince Albert (Hale), Knosthorpe Pet; 3d, Mr. Newhall, Woolwich, with Tipton Hero, Queen Victoria, Flora's Garland, Howard, Princess Pvoyal, Black Diamond, Squire Meynell, Owen Glendower, Lord Rancliffe, Prince Arthur, Twyford Perfection, Dido ; 4th, Mr. Edwards, Holloway, with Justice Shallow, Prince Albert, Antonio, Regular, Squire Trow, Romeo, Rainbow, Duke of York, Cradley Pet, Lord Milton, Fire- brand, True Briton; 5th, Mr. Sandeland, with Fanny Gardner, Flora's Garland, Prince Albert (Hale), Brutus, Beauty of Woodhouse, Hero of Middlesex, Premier, Fire-ball, Lady Gardner, Iris, Duke of Wellington ; 6th, Mr. Hardstone, Foots-Cray, Kent, with Prince Albert (Puxley), Conquering Hero, Flora's Garland, Lady of the Lake, Hero of Middlesex, Hugo Meynell, Prince Albert (Hale), Harriet, Majestic, Lord Hardinge, Earl Spencer, Ringleader. Picotees. — 1st, Mr. Lochner, with Prince of Vv'ales, Mrs. Bar- nard, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria, Portia, Mrs. Norman, Isabella, Gem, Lady H. Thorn, Phoebe, Anne Page, Venus; 2d, Mr. May, with Exquisite, Mrs. Norman, Constance, Portia, Juliet, Issbelle, Fanny (Dodwell), Mrs. Barnard, Venus, Alfred, Mirander (May), Prince of Wales (Marris) ; M, Mr. Edwards, with Mrs. Bevan, Lady H. Moore, Mrs. Barnard, Lady Harwood, Mrs. Norman, Gem, King of Purples, Lilacea, Regina Isabella, Alfred, Venus ; 4th, INlr. Newhall, with Lady A. Peel, Lord Nelson, Gem, Sebastian, Amy, Mrs. Barnard, Regina, Miss Rosa, Fairy Queen, Phcebe, Lorina, Venus ; 5th, Mr. Hardstone, with Sunbeam, Mrs. Bevan, Lady Douro, Queen, Venus, Mrs. Barnard, Princess Royal (Willmer), Mrs. Trahar, Juliet, Jenny Lind (Edmonds), Prince of Wales, Gem ; 6th, Mr. Sandeland, with Goliath, Mrs. Barnard, Mrs. Bevan, Mr. Trahar, Isabella, Prince Albert, Miss Desbora, Green's Queen, Unique, Juno, Fanny Irby, and Gem. Carnations, 12 blooms (Nurserymen). — 1st, Mr. C.Turner, Royal Nursery, Slough, with Owen Glendower, Victoria (Simpson), South London, Duncan, Madame Sontag, Splendid, Beauty of Woodhouse, Cradley Pet, Admiral Curzon, Lord Milton, Garland, Twyford Per- fection ; 2d, Mr. Bragg, Slough, with Lord Rancliffe, Flora's Gar- land, Earl Grey, Ariel, Duke of Bedford, Hotspur, Sarah Payne, SEPTEMBER. 209 Queen Victoria (Simpson), Dido, William IV., Duke of Wellington, Defiance ; 3d, Mr. Ward, Woolwich, with Fanny Gardner, Princess Royal, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria (Simpson), Lady Ely, Admiral Curzon, Squire Meynell, Georgiana, Black Diamond, King of Scarlets, Lord Milton, Lord RanclifTe ; 4th, Mr. Frankland, City-road, with Prince Albert (Puxley), Flora's Garland, Brutus, Princess Royal, Lady Rowley, Defiance, Rainbow, Conquering Hero, William Cob- bett, Beauty of Woodhouse, Double X., and Georgiana. Picotees. — 1st, Mr. Turner, with Portia, James IL, Constance, Mirs. Norman, Enchantress, Lord Nelson, Green's Queen, Lady Har- riet Moore, Prince of Wales, Mrs. Barnard, Juliet, Venus ; 2d, Mr. B^agg, ^vith Duchess of Bedford, Mrs. Norman, Gem, James IL, Prince of Wales, Miss Holbeck, Isabella, Portia, Princess Royal, Lady Harriet Moore, Mrs. Barnard, Queen Victoria (Green) ; 3d, Mr. Ward, with Prince of Wales, Lady Dacre, Princess Royal, James IL, Regina, Mrs. Norman, Gem, Juliet, Venus, Alfred, Mrs. Barnard, Maid of Athens; 4th, Mr. Willmer, with La Elyant, Goliath, Rival, Sebastian, Isabella, Queen (Green's), Lord Nelson, Regina, King James, Lady Harriet Moore, Venus, and Portia. Certificates were awarded to May's Falconbridge, pink bizarre Carnation, a large finely marked flower, the best of its class. Several Picotees were shewn : Marris's Victoria Regina, heavy scarlet edge ; Fellowes' Ganymede, Hght purple edge ; HoUyoake's Duke of Rut- land, heavy purple edge ; and Alay's Ophelia, light purple edge : all possessed considerable merit, and the two former received certificates. Hollyhocks were contributed by Mr. Turner of Slough, and Mr. Bragg. NOTES FROM THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, AND OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN CONTEMPORARY PERIODICALS. Callistemo.n lanceolatum. An exceedingly handsome species, whose leaves are larger than those of C. saligna, and tlie flowers are produced in elongated sessile clusters, often six inches long, and of a bright red colour. If planted out in a greenhouse or conservator}', it forms a very compact bush five or six feet high, and when in flower is a beautiful object. It will succeed planted against a wall, and protected from severe frosts during Avinter. Tricopilia marginata. a rather pretty dwarf Orchid, having long narrow pseudo-bulbs with one leaf on each, and large spreading solitary flowers, sepals and petals pale green, with purplish shading chiefly on the upper side, leaving a light margin: lip very large, of a deep purplish rose or plum colour, with a Inoad white recurved margin. It is a native of New Grenada, and has been recently introduced to English collections by Mr. Linden. It will require the tempera- ture of the cool part of the Orchid house. Labichea diversifolia. a rather neat free flowering greenhouse shrub, with small leaves, and short clusters of axillary yellow flowers much resembling those of some Cassia. This is rather a scarce species. It has flowered in the nursery of Mr. Glendinning of Chiswick, and is a native of rocky places on tlie west side of New Holland. Thyrsacamhus ltlacinls. An evergreen stove-shrub, about two feet high, belonging to Acantliads. It is not very showy, but it is valuable on account of NFAV SERIES. VOL. I. NO. IX. T 210 THE FLORIST, producing its lilac-coloured flowers during winter. This is the Justicia lilacina, an old plant in gardens, and a native of tropical America. Trichopilia coccinea. a pretty Orchid, with narrow compressed pseudo- bulbs, each having one lanceolate leaf, and one or two large flowers ; sepals and petals once twisted, brownish, with yellow; lip large, even, carmine with a white border. The flowers of this species are described by Mr. Warczewicz, from native specimens, as being of a deep rich carmine, but in the cultivated plants the colour is not so bright. It is a native of central America, and has flowered in several collections. It is figured in the Magazine of Botany for July under the name of T. marginata. Nymph^a rubra. One of the most beautiful stove aquatic herbs in cultiva- tion. Althougli it has long since been introduced to English gardens from the East Indies, yet it is still rare, appearing only in first-class collections. It attains nearly the same size as the blue Water Lily. Its leaves are roundish ovate, reddish, slightly peltate, and downy on the under side ; the flowers are from four to five inches in diameter, and are crimson. Pleigne humilis. A beautiful little alpine herbaceous Orchid, producing its flowers when the leaves are absent; the pseudo-bulbs are flask-shaped, fur- rowed ; sepals and petals linear lanceolate, spreading, pale violet ; lip hooded, emarginate, fringed at the edge, and covered with red spots. The species (six in number) forming this genus have been recently separated from Coelogyne by Dr. Lindley. They are all very elegant dwarf deciduous herbaceous Orchids, and are very distinct as a group, independent of their botanical characters. The May Number of the present Volume contains a figure of one of them. The present species has been recently sent to Messrs. Veitch by Mr. T. Lobb, who found it, at an elevation of 7000 feet, on the Khasijah hills. The other four sorts are lagenaria, Wallichiana, prsecox, and diphylla. These six Orchids are all figured in Paxton's Floiver- Garden for July and August, EscALOMA MACRANTHA. A much-branching hardy evergreen shrub, growing about four or five feet high, in any moderately good soil, succeeding best when planted against a wall. It has dark shining green leaves, and terminal panicles of deep red crimson flowers, which are developed in June, and continue onwards for a considerable period. It was imported a few years ago by Messrs. Veitch of Exeter from Chile. OsBECKiA STELLATA, An crcct frec-growing, evergreen stove-shrub, belonging to Melastomads, and attaining the height of two or three feet. The leaves are from four to six inches long ; the flowers large and very showy, measuring about two inches across, and lilac-rose colour. This plant was introduced many years ago from Nepal. Deutzia GRACILIS. A vcry neat, rather slender, free-flowering hardy shrub, growing naturally from six to seven feet high ; and well adapted for border or pot cultivation, or it is suitable for planting against a wall. It grows freely in any good garden soil, and is a plant that should be found in every collection. The branches are half pendant, with terminal panicles of white flowers, which are produced during the spring months. It was introduced from Japan to Belgium by Dr. Von Siebold. Allamanda Schotth. Some of the most splendid flowering stove plants belong to this genus, and although very manageable in pot-culture, yet to be seen in perfection they require to be planted out, where they can have a con- siderable space to run over. The present species is not one of the largest flower- ing kinds, but the flowers are produced for some months in succession. A plant of it at Kew flowered profusely during last winter and spring months in one of the stoves, forming a splendid object. Having more of a shrub-like habit than the other species, and flowering for months in succession, it is a valuable addi- tion to our stove-shrubs. Royal Botanic Gardens^ Kew. J. Houlston. SEPTEMBER. 211 NATIONAL FLOmCULTURAL SOCIETY. July 31. — Mr. Marnock in the chair. Not the least interesting part of the exhibition on this occasion was a box of beautiful seedling Roses from Messrs, Paul. Of these, Queen Victoria, a large and very fine hybrid perpetual, with the colour of the Celestial Rose, received a first-class certificate. A similar award was also made to a climbing perpetual named Robert Burns. This had the colour of Chenedole, and being a profuse bloomer must have a very striking effect, more especially on a pillar some 12 feet high, which it was stated to be capable of covering. The other sorts consisted of Prince Albert, a free-flowering Bourbon with a good colour, and Washington Irving, a medium-sized neat rosy-lilac hybrid perpetual. Mr. Tur- ner of Slough was awarded certificates for Victoria Ilegina, a heavy rose-edged Picotee, and for Duke of Rutland, a heavy purple-edged variety. These are both pleasing flowers, which cannot fail to be- come favourites. A rose-flake Carnation, called Lady Pollock, from Messrs. Wood and Ingram, was recommended to be seen again, as was also Mr. Fellowes' Picotee No. 51. Mr, Turner's Carnation, General Monk, and Picotee Ophelia, were commended. A neat small-growing dark Fuchsia called Nonsuch, from the same raiser, was awarded a certificate for its excellent habit. Mr. Payne sent a mule Pink, which was commended for its bright crimson colour and desirability as a border plant. Mr. Smith of Hornsey contributed a rosy-purple Verbena, with a white eye ; it was named Eliza Cook, and was commended by the censors. Some Hollyhocks were ex- hibited by Mr. Chater and Mr. Laing, but as they were not shewn on spikes, no correct opinion can be given of their merits. Mis- cellaneous plants were communicated by Messrs. Henderson ; named Picotees and Carnations by Mr. Edwards ; Petunias by Mr. Barnes of Stowmarket ; two shrubby Calceolarias by Mrs. Conway of Brompton ; and striped Pansies, a Phlox, and other plants, by Mr. Salter of Hammersmith. August 7. — Mr. C. P. Lochner in the chair. A first-class certi- ficate was awarded to a variegated scarlet Pelargonium, named Mountain of Light, from Messrs. Lee of Hammersmith. Several plants of it were shewn, all dwarf and bushy. The foliage is beauti- fully variegated, the truss good, and the flowers bright scarlet. Mr. Costar's Picotee, called Christabel, received a certificate. Mr. Holland had a promising heavy purple variety, named Countess of Wilton. Mr. Edwards sent collections of Carnations, Picotees, and Dahlias. Messrs. Henderson Phlox Mayii, the tall purple Lobelia called Aurora, and the pretty Gloxinia tricolor. Hollyhocks in spikes. Carnations, Picotees, and Dahlias came from Mr. Bragg of the Star Nursery, Slough ; a Hollyhock, called Purple Perfection, from Mr. Laing of Twickenham ; and a nice exhibition of Marygolds from Mr. Barnes. These constituted the principal subjects exhibited on this occasion. 212 THK FLORIST. NOTES FROM THE LOG-BOOK OF AN ERRATIC MAN. No. VIII. FRUIT FOR THE SAILOR. Our ship was a complete floating hotel, and the consumption of mutton, pork, poultry, and all the other et-cteteras for the table, was startling, for we numbered seventy odd souls, in addition to the cap- tain and oflicers. To replenish our stores, we were to call at the Cape of Good Hope on our way from Calcutta, and for that purpose shewed our faces off" Cape Aguillas, the southernmost point of Africa, and running along the land, opened Table Bay at daylight the next morning. " Come, my lads," said the chief officer to the crew, as he saw them all at their stations, " we have caught Old Nick napping for once ; if you will but work the ship as you ought to do, we'll have her at anchor and be at breakfast before he gets his table-cloth laid." Above Cape Town lies a lofty flat table-mountain, from which the bay takes its name. Over its edge rolls a fleecy cloud, called the Devil's Table-cloth ; and whenever it is seen, the prudent mariner entering the bay immediately reduces his sail sufficiently to bear the heavy squalls which invariably accompany the appearance in question, and which give him no Httle trouble to reach the anchorage. Most of our men had " weathered the Cape" too often not to understand the chief officer's remark, and turning-to with hearty good-will, we worked the old ship up to the anchorage just as the first thin vapour was gathering on the mountain's edge. In came all the sails, and down went the anchor, startling the fish that with staring eyes and open mouths had been watching the bright shining sea-monster coming into their waters, for surely such our burnished copper bottom twenty-two feet below the surface must have appeared to them. Scarcely were the sails stowed and the ship made snug, before the boats were conveying the passengers and their servants ashore ; and shortly afterwards a bum-boat came alongside, filled \^-ith all the little things poor Jack has a taste for, — loaves of bread, vegetables, tobacco, pipes, crayfish, ostriches' eggs, Hottentot hats, &c. &c. In addition, there was a considerable quantity of fine ripe grapes and other fruits. Over the side went the chief mate, and to the merri- ment of the men, who were hanging over the hammock-nettings and wondering what he was about, began bargaining for every thing eatable in the lump. After a deal of haggling, he purchased the whole for a moderate sum, and had it got upon deck ; when, help- ing himself to a quantity of grapes, and ordering them into the cuddy, he told the crew that as they had pleased him in working the ship into the anchorage, they might just share the rest among themselves. Sailors are ready hands at any thing in the shape of vegetable production, — it comes so refreshing after long dieting on salt pro- SEPTEMBER. 213 visions ; and it was quite a treat to see the good -will with which they gave their attention to the contents of the bum-boat ; and the good feeling between officer and men, of which it was at once both the token and the cause, was well worth the purchase. The monkeys too, sitting on the booms, grinned and chattered with delight as they saw it spread forth and lotted into messes ; for what a tooth for fruit has a monkey ! they will leave any thing else for it ; and with intelligence enough to know that they will be thrashed for thieving, they cannot resist it. Speaking of monkeys, I must say that the negro's opinion, that " they can speak, but won't ; because if they did, they'd be made to w^ork," never seemed to me far wide of the truth ; and I always think it one of the most humiliating of sights to witness the actions and manners of the most intelHgent of this tribe of animals. Those we had on board at the time I speak of were soon enjoy- ing their share of the fruit which fell to their owner's lot ; and for my own part, I followed their example, and gladly exchanged my usual breakfast for some most delicious Frontignan-flavoured grapes, which I ate upon deck, — for shame it would be to spend an un- necessary moment below, where all before us was so very beautiful and refreshing to the eye. Before we tripped our anchor and left the bay, every cabin was furnished with bunches of grapes suspended overhead in every avail- able space ; for such opportunities are never neglected, and particu- larly when it can be done so well and at so small a cost as at Cape Town. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. At a late meeting in 21 Regent Street, Mr. Rivers of Sawbridge- worth exhibited Cherries, Plums, Pears, and Peaches, in the shape of small trees in pots, bearing (except the two latter) ripe fruit. Al- though many of the Cherries and Plums had dropped in travelling from Sawbridgeworth to London, still enough remained to shew that very small plants of these kinds of trees in pots will bear heavy crops of fine fruit. They were stated to have been produced in what Mr. Rivers terms an Orchard House, i. e. under a glass roof, with a beech hedge for a back wall, and a yew hedge for the front. The pots had been standing on a raised border, and were open at the bottom, in order to allow the roots to pass into the bed below. Two or three were covered with Haythorn's muslin net, to shew how late Cherries may be preserved in the autumn ; for being under glass, autumnal rains do not injure them. Late Plums may also be preserved in the same manner : they shrivel, and become very delicious. Some of the pots were painted round with chopped horse-hair, tar, and salt, which has been found to be a capital bar to the snail tribe. 214 THE FLORIST. OUR MONTHLY REMEMBRANCER. Auriculas will now assume a more healthy appearance. Con- tinue to remove the foliage as it decays, and keep the plants clean and clear of insects, the common aphis particularly. Moderate waterings must be given regularly if the weather continues dry, and if wet, light showers will be preferable. See that the surface of the soil is open ; slight stirrings are always attended with benefit, and should be repeated as often as the surface appears closed. If any of the plants intended for next year's exhibitions throw up for bloom, allow the stems to rise above the foliage, and then carefully rub off the buds from the crown of the stem, without injuring the latter, if it can be avoided. Calceolarias. Look well to the whole stock, old and young, to keep it clean. Aphides, and their accompaniments, are utter destruction to all tender foliage, and the curl of the leaf which fol- lows their attack makes a harbour from which it is difficult to dis- lodge them by fumigation. Shade in the heat of the day, and give all possible air at night, sheltering from soaking rains. Sow seed, if not done, if it is desirable to have strong plants in spring. Carnations and Picotees. Little requires to be done before the end of the month, further than keeping them clean, and seeing that the pots are placed so as to ensure good drainage. Prepare soil for potting them off for wintering, which should be as heavy as that for blooming them in : less manure, but a little more coarse sand. The state of the plants must decide when they should be potted off. The last week in September, or the first two in October, will be an excellent time. Cinerarias. Seed may still be sown where late-flowering plants are required. Continue to take off suckers from the old stools, where a sufficiency is not already obtained, or where a succession of flowering plants is required. Continue shifting into larger pots when neces- sary ; remember not to allow them to become pot-bound. Be sure also to keep them free from insects and mildew : both are likely to be troublesome now. Plenty of air and judicious watering are most conducive to health at all seasons. Dahlias, Protecting the blooms will be the principal occupation of the Dahha-grower this month, unless he has a late piece, which will require tying, trimming, and disbudding. If the shades or other contrivances used for protecting the blooms do not admit of plenty of air, they should be removed a short time during morning and evening. Many fine blooms are rendered useless by placing them under the shade in too young a state, by making them so tender that they will not stand the journey to the exhibition. They should be one-third grown before shading ; but as soon as the petals elevate themselves above the disk, secure the heads in such a manner that they cannot sustain injury from other parts of the plant by friction. Seed should be secured as soon and as often as it can be found ripe. Epacrises. These need not be disturbed, although they should SEPTEMBER. 215 suffer a little from heavy rains ; a few dry days will put them all to rights. Keep the pots free from weeds as well as the surrounding ground ; nothing looks more slovenly than to see them peeping their heads up between the flower-pots. Should this month jjrove genial, and even the first two weeks in October, Epacrises are better out of doors than in ; about that time many varieties will shew for flower, when they should be directly housed, and the temperature of the house regulated according to whether an early or late bloom is wanted ; by this means theymay be hastened or retarded at least six weeks. Water in moderation. Ericas. Take care they do not get soddened from wet. Destroy slugs and snails, and remove all weeds and moss from the soil. Should mildew present itself, sulphur the moment it is detected, using an old pepper-box for the purpose, and washing it off^ with the syringe next day. The great object from henceforth will be to check growth as much as possible ; consequently water should be judi- ciously administered. Fuchsias. Plants that are intended to be started in heat about February should now be cut down, kept tolerably dry, and as cool as possible. Seedlings of a promising character should be treated in the same way if seed is not wanted ; by this means earlier growth in the spring will be obtained, and bloom in July, instead of, perhaps, in September. Pansies. Plant out for spring blooming a good distance apart, if plants are in good health ; and pot up into small sizes such plants as are intended for blooming in pots next spring. Plant out seed- lings, and continue to propagate by putting in cuttings and dividing the root. Pelargoniums. General attention is now required to keep the plants clear from green-fly, and it must be done by fumigation. If any plants are standing about out of doors, they should be either put into a greenhouse or frame, but the house is preferable. If the plants are left out of doors, they become soddened with wet, which will most likely bring on the spot, and cause them to look unhealthy through the winter. Having but little young wood to support, they require little water to keep them in good health. It will be well this month to get the diff'erent soils into an open shed ready for repotting at the final shift for the year. This soil should not be wet when used, only moist — not dry. Stop back young plants that have been struck this season, so as to leave about three or four eyes to break from ; this will cause them to make healthy plants. Seedlings should be shifted from the seed-pans into small pots as soon as they get four leaves ; water with a fine rose, and shade for a few days. Pinks. Look over the beds, and see that the young plants are not being overgrown with weeds. Hoe between the rows, and give water if necessary. Some seasons pinks flower late, and then the young plants are late also ; but it is now time the beds were ready. Examine the stock in order to ascertain what sorts (whether old or new varieties) are wanting, and arrange for them at once, for early application generally secures strong plants. 216 THE FLORIST. Polyanthuses. Pick off all dead leaves, and hoe the surface between the plants ; taking care to well earth-up the stems at the same time, and as much as possible secure them from the attacks of slugs. The weather at this season is generally favourable for the destruction of this pest ; and if the surface-soil in the beds is care- fully stirred occasionally during hot dry weather, but few can escape. Seedlings shewing flower this month should be examined, and a mark placed on the promising and good flowers. Polyanthuses in pots should be treated after the manner of the Auricula, Ranunculuses. Preparations should now be made for next spring. Manures can be mixed, composts turned, beds excavated, much better now than in February ; the soil will work now in better condition, and have time to settle. The first sowing of seed may be made in boxes of any portable size, and six inches deep. Place them under glass, as a protection from heavy rains, but not in a close frame. As the seed should not be more than a sixteenth of an inch deep, regard must be had to supplying an even amount of moisture : excess of either drought or rain is ruinous. Tulips. The bulbs will now be at rest, safely, it is to be hoped, in boxes and bags, where they should remain until attention is again required. They should, however, be occasionally looked over, in order to ascertain how they are keeping. If mouldiness attack them, it should be carefully removed, and the boxes or bags well aired on a dry day. J-m^ ivCCL OCTOBER. '217 PAUL'S QUEEN VICTORIA ROSE. The subject of our present Plate, wlilcli is certainly the Rose of the season, was raised from seed in the vicinity of Paris, where it was met with by Mr. William Paul, of the Nurse- ries, Cheshunt, Herts, who succeeded in purchasing the entire stock. It is a seedling from La Heine, which it resembles in habit of growth and form of flower ; but it is less double, and consequently opens more freely. The colour is white, tinted with the softest rose, equal in delicacy and beauty to that of the old Celestial Rose. It belongs to the class of Hybrid Per- petuals; but the Messrs. Paul inform us that it does not bloom so freely in the autumn as some of its congeners. This, how- ever, is likely to be but a temporary defect. It is well known that some of our finest Hybrid Perpetual Roses, of which we may instance Robin Hood and "William Jesse, were shy autumn bloomers when they first made their appearance ; but they are now much improved in this respect. The probable theory by which we can account for this is, that the variety when fresh from the seed-bed possesses more vigour than at any subsequent period, and hence the disposition to make wood rather than flower-shoots. This tendency becomes modified by age, and greater fruitfulness is the result. Until this state of things arrives, it is easy to secure a good crop of blooms in the autumn months by cutting oft' the June buds as soon as they have been formed ; a new growth follows the operation, and a new crop of flowers is developed. We might say much of the beauty and symmetry of this flower, but our drawing speaks more eloquently on this point than we could do. Suf- fice it to say, that we believe it to be true to life, and with the single remark, that the growth is at present very vigorous, we leave it to tell its own tale. We may just state, that plants will be first sold early in November of the present year; and that amateurs will do well to lose no time in adding so fine a variety to their col- lections. NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. X. 218 THE FLORIST. COTTAGE DRAPERY.* Our readers very well know that, in the country, whenever any thing especially tasteful is to be done, — when a church is to be " dressed for Christmas," a public hall festooned for a fair, or a saloon decorated for a horticultural show, — we have to entreat the assistance of the fairer half of humanity. All that is most graceful and charming in this way owes its existence to female hands. Over the heavy exterior of man's handiwork, they weave a fairy-like web of enchantment, which, like our Indian summer haze upon autumn hills, spiritualises and makes poetical whatever of rude form or rough outlines may lie beneath. Knowing all this, as we M'ell do, we write this article especially for the eyes of the ladies. They are naturally mistresses of the art of embellishment. Men are so stupid, in the main, about these mat- ters, that if the majority of them had their own way, there would neither be a ringlet nor a ruffle, a wreath nor a nosegay, left in the world. All would be as stiff and as meaningless as their own meagre black coats, — without an atom of the graceful or romantic about them ; nothing to awaken a spark of interest, or stir a chord of feeling ; nothing, in short, but downright, commonplace matter- of-fact. And they undertake to defend it — the logicians — on the ground of utility, and the spirit of the age ! As if trees did not bear lovely blossoms as well as good fruit ; as if the sun did not give us rainbows as well as light and warmth ; as if there were not still mocking-birds and nightingales as well as ducks and turkeys. But enough of that. You do not need any arguments to prove that grace is a quality as positive as electro-magnetism. Would that you could span the world with it as quickly as Mr. Morse with his telegraph ! To come to the point, we want to talk a little with you about what we call the drapery of cottages and gardens ; about those beautiful vines, and climbers, and creepers, which nature made on purpose to cover up every thing ugly, and to heighten the charm of every thing pretty and picturesque. In short, we want your aid and assistance in dressing, embellishing, and decorating, not for a single holiday, fair, or festival, but for years and for ever, the out- sides of our simple cottages and country homes ; wreathing them about with such perennial festoons of verdure, and starring them over with such bouquets of delicious odour, that your husbands and brothers would no more think of giving up such houses, than they would of abandoning you (as that beggarly Greek Theseus did the lovely Ariadne) to the misery of sohtude on a desolate island. And what a difference a little of this kind of rural drapery, taste- fully arranged, makes in the aspect of a cottage or farmhouse in the country ! At the end of the village, for instance, is that old-fashioned stone house, which was the homestead of Tim Steady. First and last, that family lived there two generations ; and every thing about them had a look of some comfort. But, with the exception of a * Abridged from the American Horticulturist. OCTOBF.R. 219 coat of paint, ^vhicll the house got once in ten years, nothing was ever clone to give the phice the least appearance of taste. An old half-decayed Ash-tree stood near the south door, and a few decrepit and worn out Apple-trees behind the house. Jjut there was not a Lilac-bush, nor a Syringa, not a Rose-b,ush, nor a Honeysuckle, about the whole premises. You would never suppose that a spark of affec- tion for nature, or a gleam of feeling for grace or beauty, in any shape, ever dawned within or around that house. Well, five years ago the place was put up for sale. There were some things to recommend it. There w'as a " good well of water;" the house was in excellent repair ; and the location was not a bad one. But though many went to see it, and " liked the place toler- ably well," yet there seem.ed to be a want of heart about it, that made it unattractive, and prevented people from buying it. It was a good while in the market ; but at last it fell into the hands of the Widow^ Winning and her two daughters. Tliey bought it at a bargain, and must have foreseen its capabilities. What that house and place is now, it would do your hearts good to see. A porch of rustic trellis-work was built over the front door- way, simple and pretty hoods upon brackets over the windows, the door-yard was all laid out afresh, the worn-out Apple-trees were du£^ up, a nice bit of lawn made around the house, and pleasant groups of shrubbery (mixed with two or three graceful Elms), planted about it. But, most of all, what fixes the attention, is the lovely profusion of flowering Vines (creepers) that enrich the old house, and trans- form what was a soulless habitation, into a home that captivates all eyes. Even the old and almost leafless Ash-tree is quite overrun •with a creeper, which is stuck full of gay trumpets all summer, that seem to blow many a strain of gladness to the passers by. How many sorts of Honeysuckle, Clematises, Roses, &c. there are on wall or trellis about that cottage, is more than we can tell. Certain it is, however, that half the village walks past that house of a summer right, and inwardly thanks the fair inmates for the fragrance that steals through the air in its neighbourhood ; and no less certain is it that this house is now the " admired of all admirers," and that the Widow Winning has twice refused double the sum it went beg- ging at when it was only the plain and meagre home of Tim Steady. Many of you in the country, as we well know, are compelled by circumstances to live in houses which some one else built, or which have, by ill-luck, an ugly expression in every board or block of stone, from the sill of the door to the peak of the roof. Paint wont hide it, nor cleanliness disguise it, however goodly and agreeable things they are. But Vines (creepers) will do both ; or, what is better, they will, with their lovely graceful shapes, and rich foliage and flowers, give a new character to the whole exterior. However ugly the wall, however bald the architecture, only give it this fair drapery of leaf and blossom, and nature will touch it at once with something of grace and beauty. " What are our favourite Vines (creepers) ?" 'I'his is what you would ask, and this is what we are most anxious to tell you. 220 TIIK FLORIST. Our two favourite Vines, then, for the adornment of cottages, in the Northern States, are the double Prairie Rose and the Cliinese Wistaria. Why vvc Hke these best is, because they have the greatest number of good qualities to recommend them. In the first })lace, they are hardy, tln-iving in all soils and exposures ; in the second place, they are luxuriant in their growth, and produce an ellect in a very short time, after which they may be kept to the limits of a single pillar on the piazza, or trained over the whole side of a cottage ; in the last place, they are rich in the foliage, and beautiful in the blossom. Now, there are many wall-plants more beautiful than these in some respects, but not for this purpose and taken altogether. For cottage drapery, a popular creeper must be one that will grow any \vhere, with little care, and must need no shelter, and the least possi- ble attention, beyond seeing that it has something to run on, and a looking over, pruning, and tying up once a year — say in early si)ring. This is precisely the character of these two. They will give the greatest amount of beauty with the least care, and in the greatest number of places. The Prairie Roses are no doubt known to most of you. They have been raised from seeds of the wild Rose of Michigan, which clambers over high trees in the forests, and are remarkable for the profusion of their very double flow^ers (so double, that they always look like large pouting buds, rather than full-blown Roses) ; and their extreme hardiness and luxuriance of growth, — shoots of twenty feet in a single year being a not uncommon sight. Among all the sorts yet known the Queen of the Prairies (deep pink) and Superba (nearly white) are the best. For a cottage climber, that will take care of itself better than almost any other, and embower door and windows with rich foliage and flowers, take the common Boursault Rose. Long purplish shoots, foliage always fresh and abundant, and bright purplish blossoms in June, as thick as stars in a midnight sky, — all belong to this plant. Perhaps the richest and ])retticst Boursault is the one called by the nurserymen Amadis, or Elegans ; the flower a bright cherry colour, becoming crimson purple as it fades, with a delicate stripe of white through an occasional petal. There are two very favourite climbers that belong properly to the Middle States, as they are a little tender, and need protection to the north or east. One of them is the Japan Honeysuckle {Lonicera japonica, or fiexuosd) ; the species M'ith very dark, half evergreen leaves, and a profusion of lovely delicate white and fawn-coloured blossoms. It is the queen of all Honeysuckles for cottage walls or veranda pillars ; its foliage is always so rich ; it is entirely free from the white aphis (which is the pest of the old sorts) ; and it blooms (as soon as the jilant gets strong) nearly the whole summer, — affording a perpetual feast of beauty and fragrance. The other is the sweet-scented Clematis (C. famwula), the very type of delicacy and grace, whose flowers are broidered like pale stars over the whole plant in midsummer, and whose perfume is the most spiritual, im- palpable, and yet far-spreading of all vegetable odours. OLllJlSKll. 221 All the Honeysuckles are beautiful in the garden, though none of them, except the foregoing, and what are familiarly called the " Trumpet Honeysuckles," are fit for the walls of a cottage, because they harbour insects. Nothing, however, can well be prettier than the red and yellow Trumpet Honeysuckles, when planted together, and allowed to interweave their branches, contrasting the delicate straw colour of the flower-tubes of one with the deep coral-red hue of those of the other ; and they bloom with a welcome prodigality from April to December. Where you want to produce a bold and picturesque effect with a Vine, nothing will do it more rapidly and completely than our na- tive Grapes. They arc precisely adapted to the ])orch of the farm- house, or to cover any building, or part of a building, M'here expres- sion of strengtli rather than of delicacy is sought after. Next to the Grape-vine, the boldest and most striking of hardy creepers is the Dutchman's Pipe (Aristoluchia sipho). It is a grand twining climber, and will canopy over a large arbour in a short time, and make a shade under it so dense that not a ray of pure sunshine will ever find its way through. Its gigantic circular leaves, of a rich green, form masses such as delight a painter's eye, — so broad and effective arc they ; and as for its flowers, which are about an inch and a half long, — why, they are so like a veritable meerschaum — the pipe of a true Dutchman from " Faderland" — that you can- not but laugh outright at the first sight of them. And now, having glanced at the best of the climbers and twiners, properly so called (all of which need a little training and support- ing), let us take a peep at those climbing shrubs that seize hold of a wall, building, or fence, of themselves, by throwing out tlieir little rootlets into the stone or brick wall as they grow up, so that it is as hard to break up any attachments of theirs, when they get fairly established, as it was to part Hector and Andromache. The prin- cipal of these are the true Ivy of Europe, the Virginia Creeper or American Ivy, and the Trumpet Creepers {Bignonias). These are all fine, picturesque Vines, not to be surpassed for cer- tain eflects by any thing else that will grow out of doors in our cli- mate. You must remember, however, that, as they are wedded for life to whatever they cling to, they must not be planted by the sides of wooden cottages, which are to be kept in order by a fresh coat of paint now and then. Certainly the finest of all this class of climbers is the European Ivy. Such rich masses of glossy deep green foliage, such fine con- trasts of light and shade, and such a wealth of associations, is pos- sessed by no other plant ; the Ivy, to which the ghost of all the storied past alone tells its tale of departed greatness ; the confidant of old ruined castles and abbeys ; the bosom companion of solitude itself, — " Deep in your most sequestered bower Let me at last recUne, Where solitude, mild, modest flower, Leans on her ivy\l shrine." True to these instincts, the Ivy does not seem to be naturalised so 222 THE FLORIST. easily in America as most other foreign vines. We are yet too young — this country of a great future and a little past. The richest and most perfect specimen of it that we have seen in the Northern States is upon the cottage of Washington Irving, on the Hudson, near Tarrytown. He who, as you all know, lingers over the past with a reverence as fond and poetical as that of a pious Crusader for the walls of Jerusalem ; yes, he has completely won the sympathies of the Ivy even on our own soil, and it has gar- landed and decked his antique and quaint cottage, Sunnyside, till its windows peep out from amid the wealth of its foliage, like the dark eyes of a Spanish seiiora from a shadowy canopy of dark lace and darker tresses. The Ivy is the finest of climbers too, because it is so perfectly evergreen. After this plant comes always our Virginia Creeper, or American Ivy, as it is often called {Ampelopsis). It grows more rapidly than the Ivy, clings in the same way to wood or stone, and makes rich and beautiful festoons of verdure in summer, dying off in autumn, before the leaves fall, in the finest crimson. Its greatest beauty on this account is perhaps seen when it runs up in the centre of a dark Cedar, or other evergreen, exhibiting in October the richest contrast of the two colours. It will grow any where, in the coldest situa- tions, and only asks to be planted to work out its own problem of beauty without further attention. The common Trumpet Creeper all of you know by heart. It is rather a wild and rambling fellow in its habits ; but nothing is more showy or magnificent. It absolutely glows in July with thousands of rich orange-red blossoms, like clusters of bright goblets. We might go on and enumerate dozens more of fine twining shrubs and climbing Roses ; but that would only defeat our object, which is not to give you a garden-catalogue, but to tell you of half a dozen hardy shrubby wall-plants, which we implore you to make popular ; so that w^herever we travel we shall see no rural cottages shivering in their chill nudity of bare walls or barer boards, but draped tastefully with something fresh, and green, and graceful : let it be a Hop-vine, if nothing better ; but Roses, and Wistarias, and Honeysuckles, if they can be had. A word or two about Vines in the garden and pleasure-grounds before we conclude. How to make arhoiirs and trellises is no mystery, though you will, no doubt, agree with us that the less formal and the more rustic the better. But how to manage single specimens of fine climbers in the lawn or garden, so as to display them to the best advantage, is not quite so clear. Small fanciful frames are pretty, but soon want repairs ; and stakes, though ever so stout, will rot off at the bottom, and blow down in high winds, to your great mortification ; and that too, perhaps, when your plant is in its very court-dress of bud and blossom. Now the best mode of treating single Vines, when you have not a tree to festoon them upon, is one which many of 3'ou will be able to attain easily. It is nothing more than getting from the woods the trunk of a Cedar-tree, from 10 to 15 feet high, shortening-in all OCTODEn. 223 C:^" ^B the side branches to within two feet of the trunk (and still shorter near the top), and setting it again, as you would a post, two or three feet deep in the ground. Cedar is the best, partly because it will last for ever, and partly because the regular disposition of its branches forms naturally a fine trellis for the shoots to fasten upon. Plant your favourite climber, whether Rose, Wistaria, or Honeysuckle, at the foot of this tree. It will soon cover it, from top to bottom, with the finest pyramid of verdure. The young shoots will ramble out on its side branches, and when in full bloom wall hang most gracefully or pic- turesquely from the ends. " But what shall those of us do w^ho have neither cottages nor gardens } — who, in short, are confined to a little front and back yard of a town life, and yet who love Vines and climbing plants with all our hearts }" That is a hard case, truly. But, now w^e think of it, that ingenious and clever horticidteur. Monsieur Van Houtte, of Ghent, has con- trived the very thing for you.* Here it is. He calls it a Trellis mobile ; and if we mistake not, it will be quite as valuable for the ornament and defence of cities, as the garde mobile of the Parisians. It is nothing more than a good strong wooden box, upon wooden rollers. The box is about 3 feet long, and the double trellis may be 8 or 10 feet high. In this box the finer sorts of exotic climbers, such as Passion Flowers, Everblooming Roses, Maurandyas, Ipomea Learii, and the like, may be grown with a charming effect. Put upon wheels, as this itinerant bower is, it may be transported, as Mr. Van Houtte says, " wher- ever fancy dictates, and even into the apartments of the house itself." And here, having fairly escorted you back to your apartments, after our long talk al)out out-door drapery, we leave you to ex- amine the Trellis mobile, and wish you a good morning. * Flore ties Serres. 224 THE FLORIST. RANDOM NOTES ON GARDEN MATTERS. (Concluded from p. 199.) 4. Pinus patula is considered tender; possibly it is so in some localities, but in the gardens at Redleaf is a most charming specimen of this exquisite pine. If P. insignis is remarkable for its deep green and noble aspect, as it most certainly is, P. patula is no less attractive for its delicate tint and airy foliage. 1 know of no pine more beau- tiful than P. jjatula. I have in some other garden, which I cannot recollect, seen another specimen, evincing no sign of being tender. Those who may have been deterred from planting this Pine from ideas of its being too tender may take courage from these notes. 5. I have frequently thought, when walking through rough and romantic spots, which are often found in many gardens. — I mean, in the walks leading through woods and old disused quarries, and such- like situations, — that if strong-growing climbing plants were intro- duced, the beauty of such spots would be much enhanced. Appro- priateness is one of the first principles to be attended to in garden scenery ; and in such localities unrestrained wildness would be es- sentially appropriate. The Vine, flinging its beautiful festoons of foliage from bough to bough unchecked by the pruning knife, would be ajipropriate. And if prepared spots were provided, and plenty of the Orange-gourd, or any of its numerous relations, were encouraged to wreathe overhead their large foliage and flowers, and hang their gigantic fruits amid the branches of the overhanging trees, a novel feature would be eff^ected. Creepers are not employed sufficiently in our gardens. So graceful are they in the disposition of their branches, so appropriate in many situations, and so rapid of growth, that nothing but apathy or neglect can be pleaded as apology for neglecting them. There is another circumstance in connexion with the flower-garden, or rather the pleasure-ground, to which I may here advert, I mean, the pertinacity with which, in the majority of cases, the outline of the shrubbery is from year to year renewed. Masses of shrubs, gracefully spreading their boughs to the turf, are infinitely superior in beauty to those having a hard outline of new edging, yearly renewed with the edging iron. The contrast between the two can scarcely be credited, except by comparison. Amongst the numerous readers of the Florist must be some who are familiar with the gardens of Sir George Beaumont, near Ashby- de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. Their recollection will be familiar with the appearance of masses of Rhododendron on the lawn there, in the condition I am advocating. These gardens are celebrated as having been partly laid out by the poet Wordsworth. In the remains of an old stone- quarry, which forms part of the grounds designed by him, is a seat like a niche hewn out of the solid rock. In this the poet was wont to sit during the progress of the works, reading and giving directions by turns. Much cannot be said for that portion of the grounds in the present day, the original design being now obliterated OCTOBER. 225 by the large size of the shrubs. Near the poet's seat above alluded to is a ruined building, with dilapidated steps, partially concealed with ivy, rendered classical from being associated with Wilkie the painter. One of his pictures, an old woman, seated on some half- ruined steps, owes its origin to the ruin in question, the original sketch having been taken there. G. L. ROYAL SOUTII-LONDON FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. Sept. od. — The fifth and last exhibition this season took ])lace on this occasion. JMiscellaneous stove and greenhouse plants were nu- merous, and cut flowers fine. Collections of cut Roses were pro- duced in high character for freshness and fragrance. In Mr. Paul's group, which was first, were Therese Margot, Etcndard de Marengo, Pius IX., Angeline Boccella, Comte de Alontalivet, Julia de Fonta- nelle, Joan of Arc, Comte Bobrinsky, Ophrie, Chereau; Mr. Francis sent Cloth of Gold, EHse Sauvage, Princess de Modena, Leveson Gower, Augustine Mouchelet, Gonda, Maria de Beaux, Geant de Batailles, and \^icomtesse de Cazes. Hollyhocks, both in spikes and detached blooms, contributed largely to the general effect, and were greatly admired : Messrs. Cha- ter, 1 ; Bragg, 2 ; and Paul, 3 ; each had spikes. Among the sorts were, Aurantia, Rosy Queen, Rosamond, Elegans, Sulphurea perfecta, Spectabilis, Magnum Bonum, Delicata improved. Surprise, Coccinea, Rosea grandiflora, Bella Donna ; Mr. C. Baron, Model of Perfection, Enchantress, Walden Gem, Nobilissima, Sulphurea perfecta, Sir W. d'Eresby, Standard of Perfection, Susannah, and Sir D. Wedderburn, the last four being Scotch varieties. Verbenas were well represented by Mr. G. Smith, 1 ; and Mr. Stewart, 2 : likewise by Mr. Lochner, 1 ; Mr. Young, 2 ; and Mr. Robinson, 3 : from the Tollington Nursery were Macrantha, Defi- ance, Laura, St. Margaret, Surprise, Model of Perfection, Voltigeur, King, Heroine, Exquisite, Wonder, Vergrets, British Queen, Reine Hortense, Lady of the Lake, Figaro, Iphigene, Perfume, Aspasia, Minerva, Desdemona, Shylock, and Othello, Mr. Lochner's dozen were, St. Margaret, British Queen, Reine Hortense, White Perfec- tion, Voltigeur, Lady of the Lake, Exquisite, Enchantress, Ninon de I'Enclos, Laura, and Psyche. Dahlias. Of private collections there were 5 twenty-fours, 17 twelves, 6 six fancies, and 5 six new sorts. Dealers : 1 1 twenty-fours, and 5 twelve fancies. To these must be added several for extra prizes, together with many seedlings, three only of which, however, received certificates, viz. a fancy, Laura Lavington (Keynes), a dull red-tipped white; Attraction (Jeffries), a fancy of but little merit; and Dr. Frampton (Rawlings), a small but meritorious flower having the colours of Princess Radziwill. Amateurs, 24 : 1st prize, J. Edwards, Esq., with Sir C. Napier, Whale's Elizabeth, Summit of Perfection, Negro, Fearless, Mr. Palmer, 226 THE FLORIST. Rep^ina, Snowflake, Grenadier, Mr. Herbert, Duke of Cambridge, Duke of Wellington, Queen of Lilacs, John Edwards, Yellow Standard, Jullien, Thames-Bank Hero, Earl of Clarendon, Cobden, Admiral, Miss Herbert, Roundhead, General Faucher, and Baltic ; 2d, Mr. Weedon, Hillingdon, with Beeswing, Mr, Edwards, Mr. Seldon, Earl of Clarendon, Coccinea, Anticipation, Toison d'Or, Shylock, Magnifi- cent, Bathonia, Scarlet Gem, Elizabeth, Roundhead, Richard Cobden, Duke of Cambridge, SirF. Bathurst, Admiral, Model, Seraph, Grena- dier, Negro, Jullien, and Psyche; 3d, Mr. Hopkins, Brentford; 4th, Mr. White, Chelmsford. 12 blooms : 1st prize, Mr. J. Robinson, Pimlico, with Queen of Lilacs, Mrs. Seldon, Thames-Bank Hero, Lady St. Maur, Earl of Clarendon, Mr. Seldon, Duke of Wellington, Cob- den, Fearless, Essex Triumph, Sir C. Napier, and Sir F. Bathurst ; 2d, Mr. Black, gardener to E. Foster, Esq., Clewer, with Leda, Model, Barmaid, Black Prince, Duke of Wellington, Queen of the East, Essex Triumph, Mr. Seldon, Mrs. Seldon, Earl of Clarendon, Sir C.Napier, and Cobden; 3d, Mr. James, Stoke Newington, with Earl of Claren- don, Mrs. Bacon, Duke of Wellington, Negro, INIr. Seldon, Sylph, Sir F. Bathurst, Admiral, Summit of Perfecticn, Hon. Mrs. Ashley, Essex Purple, and Sir C. Napier ; 4th, Mrs. Mosley, Maida Hill ; 5th, Mr. Bennett, Dulwich ; 6th, Mr. Allen, Shacklewell ; 7th, Mr. Kirkpa- trick, Camberwell ; 8th, Mr. Harris. Fancy varieties, six blooms : 1st prize, Mr. Black, with Empereur de Maroc, Raphael, Princess Louisa, Jenny Lind, Mrs. Hansard, and Pretty Polly ; 2d, Mr. Ed- wards, W'ith Mrs. Hansard, Rachael, Pretty Polly, Jenny Lind, Lady Grenville, and Elizabeth ; 3d, Mr. Pope, with Highland Chief, Tri- omphe de Magdeburgh, Jenny Lind, Mrs. Hansard, Reizende von Elsthal. New flowers : 1st prize, Mr. Black, with Model, Leda, Barmaid, Roundhead, Sir C. Napier, and Nepaulese Prince ; 2d, Mr. James, wdth Nil Desperandum, Napoleon, Jullien, Roundhead, Admiral Napier, and Nepaulese Prince ; 3d, Mr. Robinson, with Regina, Nil Desperandum, Roundhead, Sir C. Napier, Duke of Rothesay, and Ne- paulese Prince. Nurserymen, 24 varieties: 1st prize, C. Turner, Slough, with Cobden, Barmaid, Model, El Dorado, Princess Radziwill, Beeswing, Queen of Lilacs, Mr. Seldon, Fearless, Thames-Bank Hero, Magnifi- cent, Black Prince, Earl of Clarendon, Gem, Nepaulese Prince, Duke of Cambridge, Sir C.Napier, Mr. Herbert, Duke of Wellington, Blanch- fleur, Princess Louisa, Essex Triumph, Mrs. Seldon, and Sir F. Bath- urst ; 2d, Mr. Keynes, Salisbury, with El Dorado, Queen of Lilacs, Duke of Wellington, Seraph, Magnificent, Mrs. Seldon, Earl of Cla- rendon, General Faucher, Sir F. Bathurst, Yellow Superb, Essex Tri- umph, Gem, Beeswing, Aliss Chaplin, Fearless, Snowflake, Mr. Seldon, Nonpareil, Madame Gouberts, Mr. Herbert, Princess Radziwill, Fre- derick Jerome, Sir Robert Peel, and Negro ; 3d, Mr. Barnes, Stow- market, with Magnificent, Princess Louisa, R. Cobden, Fearless, Gre- nadier, Earl of Clarendon, Ambassador, General Faucher, INIr. Seldon, Mr. Palmer, Fame, Miss Chaplin, Seraph, Yellow Superb, Negro, Duke of Wellington, Queen of the East, Summit of Perfection, George Glenny, Uranus, Mrs. Williams, Thames-Bank Hero, Charles Turner, OCTOBKR. 227 and Sir F. Bathurst ; 4tli, Mr. Bragg, Slough; 5th, Air. Drummond, Bath; 6th, Mr. Lcgg, Edmonton. Nurserymen, 12 fancies: 1st prize, C. Turner, with Empereur de Maroc, liachael, Ehzaheth, Mrs. Willis, Pretty Polly, Mrs. Hansard, Lady Grenville, Jeannettc, Mrs. Laboucliere, Jenny Lind, Gasparino, and Floral Beauty ; 2d, Mr. Keynes, with Princess Charlotte, Comic, Lady Grenville, Conspicua, Mrs. Hansard, Madame Wachy, Striata j)ertecta, Empereur de Maroc, Rainbow, Admiration, Jenny Lind, and Flying Dutchman ; 3d, Mr. Barnes. For three blooms of George Glenny : 1st, Mr. Black ; 2d, Mr. Cook. In class showing, seedlings, the best Dahlia was Dr. Frampton (Rawlings) ; the best fancy, Laura Lavington (Keynes) ; the best Fuchsia, Nil Despcrandum (G. Smith) ; the l)est Hollyhock, King of Roses (Bragg); '.d, no name (Black); 3d, Satisfaction (Bragg). The best Verbena, National (G. Smith) ; 2d, Koh-i-noor (do.) ; 3d, Or- lando (do.). AN OBSERVATION OR TWO ON BEDDING ROSES. A FEW years since, it was said to be impossible to grow Roses in pots that should be creditable specimens. The belief was current till somebody tried and j)roved its fallacy ; and now all good garden- ers can do the thing well enough. The same has occurred in other branches of gardening than the one mentioned, and will doubtless often occur again, for there is a vast deal to be done before perfec- tion can be reached. Now, Roses for bedding is a fertile subject of discussion and argument. Some are recommending a certain kind, and another says it is of no use for the purpose. More tell you that another is the only one likely to remunerate you ; the next person you ask condemns it in ioto. And thus you may go on inquiring, thinking to get the best advice, till you are so involved in a chaos of instruction, that you can create nothing from it. Advice is of course often invaluable, and should never be rejected if it is likely to benefit you in its ado})tion. But when you seek instruction in a matter about w^hich nothing definitely is known, a valuable adjunct will be to use your own observation and common sense. In select- ing Roses for bedding, this will come to one's aid, and the practice of it will yield useful results. Take your note-book and pencil, visit the Rose-ground of some extensive Rose-grower in the autumn, and you may record more valuable hints in an hour than an octavo trea- tise of a hundred pages could furnish, or than you could reap from a lecture from Mr. Paul himself. Shape, size, colour, habit, adap- tation for late blooming, are all laid open before you, and you can find little difficulty in making a good selection. Without professing any proficiency in the art of bedding Roses, 1 have occasionally made a few notes in relation thereto : as they may be useful to some one, I record them. One of the first essen- tials in a bedding Rose is that it should stand well up on its foot- stalk. For a pole or climber the reverse of this would, of course, be 228 THE FLORIST. the most graceful ; one is to be looked down upon, the other up at. If this is remembered, the value of such qualities in their respective adaptations will at once be recognised. However abundant or pro- longed a bloomer a Rose may be, if it droops its flowers, half its effect in a bed is entirely lost. And if a shower of rain falls, the accumulated moisture, acting by its weight on the feeble footstalk, increases the evil tenfold. A bed of such Hoses can never give satisfaction. Scrambhng Roses, to be pegged down during their season of growth, do not make the kind of effect in beds that one could wish. I would have all •* worked" plants, selecting them with different heights of " stock," to suit the different positions in plant- ing ; the dwarfer on the outside, the latter in centre. I should not expect great results in the first season of planting. During that period I should have an eye to the formation of the head, endeavour- ing to extend it horizontally as much as possible. When once the surface of the bed becomes overarched with good flower-bearing wood, and the luxuriance of the j^lants checked, supposing the kind of Roses to be suitable, nothing in the way of massing could be more beautiful. This may be inferred from the effects of a single head of a free-blooming standard of any kind. Then Roses offer such faciUties in point of colour to work our harmonies, or contrasts, or combinations ; although it must be con- fessed the kinds really valuable for bedding purposes are not nume- rous. Fancy a bed of Paul Joseph, or Geant de Batailles, 8 or 10 feet in diameter, edged with a row of Mrs. Bosanquet. If in good condition, would it not be admirable } and there is no reason why it should not be. To get good beds of Roses some little time must be consumed in the preparation. One must not be impatient. Young and luxuriant plants will never realise all that is expected of them. But there is no reason why the necessary preparation should take place in the flower-garden. The reserve-ground is the proper place for preparation, and Roses may be prepared there as well as in the beds in which they are to flower. Suppose two seasons' probationary treatment is required, they can there be attended to, and transplanted in full condition to their allotted beds in the garden. To treat Roses as ordinary bedding plants, and selecting from them at random, must ever end in partial disappointment; and from not giving the subject due consideration, and taking the necessary precautions, doubtless there arises most of the disappointment in this branch of flower- gardening. I have said that, comparatively, few kinds are really suitable for bedding; at the moment I can only recollect half a dozen. They may not be the best for the purpose ; but they at least are pretty good, and others will suggest themselves to the reader. First in the list must be named Geant de Batailles, with its fine foliage and rich crim- son flowers standing boldly up, as a warrior should do. Baronne Prevost may be named as a successor ; colour pale rose. Dupetit Thouars is equally good, rivalling the Geant in colour, but not so fiery, being subdued by a tint of purple. The latter, however, as- sumes a similar tint after being a day open. Paul Joseph is a good OCTOBER. 229 Rose, a free bloomer, firm in its footstalk, and of a rich crimson. Proserpine is equally gocd, but perhaps too much like the last named. For a white, Mrs. Bosanquet is good as far as freedom of blooming extends, but it is not all one could wish in firmness of footstalk. Any of these named would make a good bed, and could not fail of affording satisfaction to all admirers of the massing system of gar- dening. Supposing Roses to become extensively used as "liedders," some of the climbers could be brought into use to cover the sides and handles of ornamental baskets. These, if contrasted in colour with the red forming the centre, would have a pretty effect. Care, however, should be taken to select such as continue in bloom to- gether, and late into the autumn. One great point to be attended to, and one upon which w-ill hinge much of the success as regards abundant and prolonged blooming, is to remove all blossoms as soon as they are past their best. Such should be neatly cut away every morning. G. L. VAUXHALL GARDENS. Three interesting show^s have been held here this season. At the last one, which was held on the 20th ult., there was a beautiful dis- play of Dahlias. Amongst the varieties exhibited that were sent out last spring, we noticed the following in good condition : Nil Despe- randum, scarlet, very full and large ; Roundhead, salmon ; Summit of Perfection, purple ; Sir C. Napier, vivid scarlet ; Admiral, lilac ; Nepaulese Prince, maroon ; Mr. Herbert, orange ; Gem of the Grove, purple ; Model, bronze ; Leda, orange ; Queen of Dahlias, pale lilac ; Mrs. Hansard, yellow, tipped with white ; Elegantissima, white and bluish puri)le ; and Pretty Polly, red and white. The following old but favourite sorts were shewn in good order : Duke of Wellington, Mr. and Mrs. Seldon, Fearless, Essex Triumph, Richard Cobden, Scarlet Gem, Privateer, Princess Radziwill, Shylock, Black Prince, Nonpareil, and Queen of Lilacs. Among the Hollyhocks were good blooms of Charles Baron, Comet, Rosy Queen, Magnum Bonum, Aurantia, Enchantress, Charles Turner (seedling), Susanna, Sir D. Wedderburn, Model of Perfection, Lord Willoughby d'Eresby, Venosa rubra, Nobilissima, Prince Albert, Delicata, Standard of Perfection, Rosea alba, Rosea grandiflora, Ele- gans, Eclipse, Sulphurea perfecta, Premier, Beauty of Haverhill, Bella Donna, Lady Clark, Bessy Bell, General Bem, Queen of Whites, An- drucana. Queen, Obscura, Napoleon, Caroline, Pitho, Subram, Wal- den Gem, Mount Etna, Mulberry Superb, Formosa, Bicolor, Presi- dent, Queen of Lilacs, Snowflake, Princess Alice, Watford Surprise, and Conspicua. Mr. Parsons had some promising Seedlings, Fuchsias consisted oi—Dark varieties: Eppsii, Exoniensis, Ser- ratifolia, Orion, Prince Albert, Orestes, Inaccessible, Sir J. Falstaff, Don Giovanni, Magnificent, Exquisite, Kossuth, Sir R, Peel, Coral- lina, Dr. Smith, Splendida, Clapton Hero, and Nonpareil. Li(/ht 230 THE FLORIST. kinds: Fair Rosamond, Duchess de Bordeaux, Pearl of England, Queen Elizabeth, One-in-the-ring;, Diana, Dr. .Tephson, Globosa alba grandiflora. Napoleon, Purity, and Gem of the West. Roses were generally small and somewhat out of character ; hut among them we remarhed fair blooms of La Heine, Saffranot, Cloth of Gold, Aimee Vibert, Charles Souchet, Mrs. Elliott, General Allard, Acidalie, Bouquet de Flore, Paul Joseph, and other favourite kinds. Verbenas were numerous ; but rather past their best. A PACKET OF SEEDS SAVED BY AN OLD GATIDENER. [Continued from p. 181.] Time wore away, and I did as well as I could. Once I had got a few days' work at a farmer's some way off, and had to get up early, and was late getting home; and I wasn't quite as strong as I used to be. At this farmer's I always had my meals given me, and I managed to save a bit to bring home for my wife and the children. I left one very ill one morning, my only boy ; and when I got home at night he was very bad. I never found my wife in such trouble before ; and when we looked at his poor worn face and bony hands, and then when oar eyes met one another, I thought no two people on earth could be more miserable. 1 noticed, as I got in, the broken window was mended ; and so for something to talk about, and turn our thoughts a bit, I spoke about it. " Oh," said my wife, " I forgot to tell you that George came and put it in, and said that he'd do any other little thing for us like that, and be glad of it." This George was a poor outcast of a boy that I'd got the painter and glazier to take, when it was worth his while to please me ; and he'd behaved well, and got on, and made himself a workman and useful ; and while I was out he'd walked down, and asked my wife to let him m.end the broken square ; for he said Fd made a man of him, and he'd never forget it while he could handle a diamond ; and before he'd see our window go broken, he'd go without a day's victuals. It almost made me whimper to see this bit of sunshine, when every thing else looked so cloudy. It was late in summer, and I was up early next morning and off to my work, got it done, and went into the house to get my supper and my money, for they paid me at this house every day. " I haven't got your two shillings for you," said the maid ; " for master and mistress went out, and I suppose forgot it." She saw me turn colour a bit, I dare say, for she said, " I can let you have it out of my own money, if you like ;" but 1 hastily said, " No, thank you ;" and putting my supper in my basket, went off home. My way was through a field, with a roundish hill and a plantation in it, and the paths went right and left from the stile to the two ends of the village ; and the right-hand one was my proper track. I never went the other M'ay, for it took me past my old happy home, and I couldn't OCTOBER. 231 bear the sight of it. Things never looked worse than tliey did this evening ; for I thought of my home, and my sick boy, and my quite empty pocket. Wliy I did it I can't tell, but I took the left-hand path this time, and struck up to the side of the j)lantation that looked right down on the cottage. It was empty, for the man that got my place Avas gone ; and the clergyman, when he told us he was going away, once when he came to see our sick boy, said that the squire had told him he'd engaged another, and that before I could have asked him to take me on again. I sat down, as much out of sight in the hedge of the plantation as I could ; the workmen were all gone home, and the windows were open to let the paint dry, for it was being done uj) all through. The ro?es, honeysuckle, and the jasmine, that 1 had planted, were all unnailed and laid down for them to nail fresh bark u])on the uprights and over the })orchway. I felt as if my heart would burst as I looked at it and the garden beyond, and I stopped and stopped, for the more I remembered my home there, the more I dreaded going to the one in the village. I don't know how long I'd been there, when I heard a rustling, and directly after out came the squire's favourite retriever, and he just behind him, out of a little gate to a private path through the plantation. He saw me in a minute as I jumped up, and said, " Is that you, Gregory.^" I tried to lift my hat; but whether my sad thoughts had made my forehead swell, or Mhat it was, I couldn't move it, and I turned my head away, for I didn't want him to see all my face would have shewn him, for I'd been thinking he might as well have given me the place again as have taken on a stranger ; and I thought, too, he might as well have let me earn the little things his lady often sent to my wife ; for they were very kind, and gave us many little nice things for the sick children we couldn't have bought. When I got in, I found the boy better, and the young ladies and their governess had been to the cottage, and somehow cheered up my wife ; for when I told her I had an empty pocket, she tried to cheer me up too, and said, " Why, Gregory, never mind ; if 'tis winter with us now, spring '11 come by and by. You never knew the longest night without a morning ; if we've care now, comfort '11 come in time; so let's hope on." It did me good to hear her; but afterwards I laid it to her having had a present of a new warm shawl and stout pair of shoes, which the young ladies' governess had given her ; and about her I'll have a word to say before I've done, for I've learnt a little about other people beside gardeners, though I've been one all my life. Though I've told all my troubles, I wouldn't have young gar- deners think I was a chicken-hearted, snivelling kind of fellow ; through 'em all I walked stiff and upright ; I never put my nose in another man's pot, and never begged a favour of a living soul. Pinched as I was, nobody knew it but my partner; and badly as we were off, all was as tidy as a new pin ; she'd have no rags nor dirt, no reminding me what we once had l)ecn, and what I'd lost; and if our sick children hadn't kept her at home, she'd never have 232 THE FLORIST. wanted a day's charing, for she was a favourite with gentle and simple, and in the worst of times was always ready to help a poor sick neighbour ; and every body had a kindly word for her when they saw her homely face. The day after I met the squire, I was coming down the path home, and when just in sight of the cottage I met the young ladies and their governess, as 1 often did, and very kindly 1 thought they all =poke to me as they struck off to the other pathway for the gate by my old garden cottage, which they used to go home by. The nearer ray house I got, the more I stared ; the bit of blind was took away from the window, and it was wide open, and somehow it looked very strange ; and the women neighbours were standing gos- siping in a lot together. I couldn't make it out, and most of all when I got in and found the place as empty as an egg-shell. Nobody was there, only a boy, who gave me a little note and walked out directly ; and this is what it said, and it almost took my breath away to read it : " James Gregory, — If you hke to go back to your old cottage, you are welcome to do so ; and it will be your own fault if yc'U ever have to leave it again. You will find your good wife and your children there. I wish to see all about me happy and comfortable ; and the way for you to be so is, to let me be master and you be man. If you think so too, go back to Birdwood again." (To be continued.) SHACKLEWELL DAHLIA SHOW. Sept. 9th. — This, the annual exhibition, was far above the average ; Dahlias were excellent in character, and abundant. Certificates were granted to Dr. Frampton and Sir F. Thesiger (Rawlings) ; the for- mer has already been noticed ; the latter is a lilac of medium size, and of good form ; ditto to Triumphant, Laura Lavington, and Nancy (Keynes) ; to Lizzy (Perry), a flower the exact counterpart of Keynes' Queen of England, but more certain; and to Miss Ward (Turner), a yelloM'-tipped white fancy. Of other novelties, we noticed a seedling scarlet with white tip, named Miss Mathews (Bragg), a valuable ad- dition, and a great improvement in its class, being full, deep, and bright; Wonderful (Keynes) is a flaked flower of fine quality; colours, amber striped with purplish pink : these both received certificates. Among other seedlings possessing merit, may be mentioned John Davis (Cook), similar to Richard Cobden, Fairy Queen (Turner), Edmund Foster (Turner), Morning^ Star (Turner), Louisa Glenny (Rawlings), Flora M'lvor (Keynes), fancy rosy purple and white, fine ; Miss Creed (Edwards), pale yellow tipped with white, said to be an improvement on Mrs. Hansard; Globe (Turner). Dealers, 24 blooms : 1st, Mr. I'urner, with Mr. Seldon, Duke of Wellington, Princess Louisa, Yellow Standard, Thames-Bank Hero, Snowflake, John Edwards, Richard Cobden, Queen of Lilacs, Black OCTOBER. 233 Prince, Sir Charles Napier, Globe (Turner), Fearless, Model, Mrs. Seldon, Shylock, Sir F. Bathurst, Admiral, Andromeda, Summit of Perfection, Nonpareil, Blanchfleur, Essex Triumph, and Elizabeth ; 2d, Mr. Keynes, with General Faucher, Negro, John Edwards, Queen of Lilacs, Toison d'Or, Snowflake, Richard Cobden, Princess Louisa, Princess Radziwill, Mr. Herbert, Mr. Seldon, Seraph, Magnificent, Triumphant (Keynes), Yellow Superb, Duke of Cambridge, Shy- lock, Elizabeth, Yellow Standard, Sir F. Bathurst, Douglas Jerrold (Keynes), Duke of Wellington, Fearless, and Sir R. Peel ; 3d, Mr. Barnes, whose stand contained, among others, Grenadier, George Glenny, Nil Desperandum, Earl Clarendon, Fame, Uranus, Mr. Pal- mer, Beauty of Layerthorpe, and Roundhead ; 4th, Mr. Legge. 12 fancies: 1st, Mr. Turner, with Mrs. Willis, Elegantissima, Miss Weyland, Elizabeth, Jeannette, Miss Compton, General Cavaignac, Mrs. Hansard, Forget-me-not, Duchess of Sutherland, Princess Louisa, and Jenny Lind ; 2d, Mr. Keynes, with Empereur de Maroc, Elizabeth, Mrs. Hansard, Lady Grenville, Laura Lavington (Keynes), Miss Compton, Gasperine, Miss Blackmore, Comte de Flandre, Tri- urr.phant (Keynes), a sport from a self. Remembrancer, Flora M'lvor (Keynes) ; 3d, Mr. Legge; 4th, Mr. Black; 5th, Mr. Barnes. Amateurs, 12 varieties: 1st, Mr. Black, with Nil Desperandum, Mrs. Seldon, Thames-Bank Hero, John Edwards, Duke of Wellington, Sir F. Bathurst, Queen of Lilacs, Richard Cobden, Sir C. Napier, Princess Louisa, Model, and Nonpareil; 2d, Mr. J. Edwards, with Nil Desperandum, Mrs. Seldon, Thames-Bank Hero, General Faucher, Earl Clarendon, Richard Cobden, Duke of Wellington, Negro, Re- gina, Fearless, Elizabeth, and Shylock ; 3d, Mr. James, with Richard Cobden, Yellow Gem, Duke of Wellington, Sylph, Marchioness of Cornwallis, Admiral, Princess Radziwill, Sir F. Bathurst, Carmina, Hon. Miss Ashley, Gem of the Grove, and Duke of Cambridge ; 4th, Mr. Weedon ; 5th, Mr. Hunt; 6th, Mr. Cook ; 7th, iMr. Allen ; 8th, Mr. Holmes; 9th, Mr. Jones; 10th, Mr. Hatchman ; 11th, Mr. Prockter; 12th, Mr. Callahan; 13th, Mr. Hopkins; 14th, Mr. How- ard. 6 fancies : 1st, Mr. Black, with Frend Smidt, Mrs. Willis, Mrs. Hansard, Elizabeth, Lady Grenville, and Miss Weyland; 2d, Mr. Allen, with Miss Compton, Forget-me-not, Mrs. Hansard, Eliza- beth, Madame Wachy, and Unknown ; 3d, Mr. James, with Miss Blackmore, Mrs. Hansard, Miss Compton, Lady Grenville, Elizabeth, and Floral Beauty ; 4th, Mr. Bennet ; 5th, Mr. Hatchman ; 6th, Mr. Edwards. Six new varieties : 1st, Mr. Black, with Leda, Queen of Beauties (fine), Carmina, Model, Nepaulese Prince, and Nil Des- perandum ; 2d, Mr. Holder, with Model, Hon. Mrs. Ashley, Car- mina, Mr. Palmer, California, and Sir C. Napier ; 3d, Mr. James, with Carmina, Hon. Mrs. Ashley, Nil Desperandum, Admiral, King of Dahlias, and Roundhead ; 4th, Mr. Edwards, with Nil Desperandum, Mrs. Hansard, Napoleon, Sir C. Napier, Model, and Regina; 5th, Mr. Weedon ; 6th, Mr. Dyson ; 7th, Mr. Howard ; 8th, Mr. Cook; 9th, Mr. Jones; 10th, Mr. Allen. Extra prizes oflfered by Mr. Keynes for four flowers, let out by himself this season: 1st, Mr. Allen, with Mr. Herbert, Nepaulese Prince, Summit of Perfection, NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. X. X 234 THE FLORIST. and Beauty of Kent ; 2d, Mr. James, with the same sorts ; 3d, Mr. Black ; 4th, Mr. Edwards ; 5th, Mr. Pope. Roses were shewn by Mr. Francis, to whom a prize was awarded, Messrs. Paul and Son, and Mr. Parsons. Hollyhocks in spikes : 1st, Mr. Parsons; 2d, Mr. Bragg. Cut blooms: 1st, Mr. Black; 2d, Mr. Dyson. A certificate was awarded to Hollyhock, C. Tur- ner (Black). Liliums were furnished by Mr. G. Bunney ; Fuchsias by Mr. James and Mr. Allen. Other subjects, for the purposes of decoration, were largely contributed. REVIEW. An Hour with the Hollyhock, By William Paul. Piper, London. This is a pamphlet of thirty-two pages, containing much excellent information on this progressing and just now popular flower. It commences with some account of the history of the Hollyhock from the earhest period to which it can be traced up to the present time. The properties of a good flower are then touched upon, and the rest consists of lists of the best kinds, with ample instruction regarding all that relates to cultivation. The following remarks on " what constitutes a good Hollyhock" will perhaps serve to convey some idea of the way in which the va- rious topics are treated. '• 1. The diameter of the centre should not be less than three inches, and the outline not less than half a globe : the florets of which it is composed should be thick, dense, whole on the edges, and entirely free from fringe or serrature. 2. The principal or guard-petals should not extend more than from a quarter to half an inch beyond the outline of the centre : they should be thick and flat, forming a circle, and entirely free from notch or serrature. 3. Size is a distinct property : when equal in other respects, the larger the better." The above " characteristics" are supplied by Mr. Downie, and to this definition he appends the following list, which he considers twelve of the best Scotch flowers : — 1. Captain Peat (Downie and Laird's), light purplish rose. 2. General Bern (R. Veitch's), vivid scarlet. 3. Illuminator (Do^vnie and Laird's), deep crimson. 4. Lord Willoughby d'Eresby (Downie and Laird's), bright ruby red. 5. Mesmeriser (Downie and Laird's), nearly black. 6. Nova Scotia (Gemmell's), dark ma- 7. Napoleon (Pow's), shaded lilac. 8. Professor Syme, or Jamie DufF, (Downie and Laird's), deep rosy purple. 9. Spectabilis (Downie and Laird's), fine rosy peacli. 10. Sir David Wedderburn (Currie's), dark chocolate. 11. Susanna (A. Yeitch's), shaded white. 12. William (A. Veitch's), purplish On the same subject Mr. Chater of Walden thus writes: — OCTOBER. 235 * The definition of a good flower, in my humble opinion, is as fol- lows : 1. It is indispensably necessary that the petals be oi thick sub- stance, the edges perfectly smooth and even. 2. The florets occupying the centre must be compact, closely arranged, rising in the middle so as to make a half globular form, with a stiff guard-leaf extending about half an inch, or rather more, from the centre florets. 3. The arrangement of the flowers on the stem or spike ought not to be too thick or too thin. I consider most of the following six varieties perfect flowers ; and as regards their general habits, excelled by none that I have ever seen : Walden Gem, Enchantress, and Pulchella (Chater's) ; Model of Perfection, Queen, and Rosea grandiflora (Baron's).' The following is Mr. Chater's li.-^t of the next best that he has seen, arran2;ed accordins; to colour : — Magnum Bonum (Baron's), dark. Purpurea elegans, neiv (Chater's), purple. Rosea alba, new (Chater's), mixed colours. Bicolor (Chater's), mixed colours. Sulphurea perfecta (River's), yellow. White Perfection (Chater's), white. Obscura (Chater's), mottled. Attraction (Baron's), mottled. Mr. C. Baron (Chater's), salmon and pinkish salmon. Aurantia (River's), salmon and pinkish salmon. Comet (Chater's), red. Fireball (Bircham's), red. Coccinea (Baron's), red. The next definition is from Mr. Parsons of Ponder' s- end, one of the oldest and most successful amateur cultivators of this flower. 1st. Shape: this should be something less than half a ball. The flowers should be free from pockets, the anthers not seen. The petals should be free from indentation or notch. 2d. Size : the ball should be from 1^ to 2^ inches high, accord- ing to its diameter : the greater the diameter the greater should be the height. The diameter of the ball should never be less than '2\ inches. The guard-petals should extend from f th to |th of an inch beyond the ball : the larger the ball the broader should be the guard- petal. What we aim at is proportion. The different parts of the flower should bear such relation to each other that the whole may be uniform, and in nothing offend. 2d. Substance : the petals should be thick and smooth. 4th. Spike : this should never exceed seven feet. The longer the footstalks, in moderation, the better, as the bulk of the spike is in proportion to their length, and the greater the bulk the finer the object. The following are twelve of the best flowers I have seen : — Comet. Rosea alba, neic. Enchantress. Rosea grandiflora. Magnum Bonum. Rosy Queen. Mr. C. Baron. Suli)hurea perfecta. Obscura. Walden Gem. Queen (Baron's). Watford Surprise. In analysing and comparing the foregoing definitions, we find those of Mr. Chater and Mr. Parsons so nearly agreeing as scarcely 236 THE FLORIST. to require comment. Mr. Downie, however, although agreeing in regard to substance, &c., differs in the essential points of size and form. This is the distinction : the Scotch Florists attach more im- portance to size : they contend also for a higher ball and a narrower guard- petal. After constructing various models, examining numerous flowers, and duly weighing these points, we venture to give the fol- lowing proportions : — Height of ball, l^th inch. Diameter of ball, 2^ inches. Extension of guard-petal beyond ball, | th inch. This is given as the smallest dimensions admissible. We would not fix a limit to the increase ; but whatever it may be, it should hold the same proportions." A sketch in outline is furnished in illustration of Mr. Paul's idea, and further instruction afforded on the same subject ; but in the meantime we would refer our readers to the book itself, from which the best information may be gleaned respecting this deservedly fa- vourite autumnal flower. NOTES FROM THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, AND OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN CONTEMPORARY PERIODICALS. Leucothoe neriifolia. a very handsome moderately-sized evergreen half- hardy shrub, very similar to an Andromeda. The leaves are oblong and very coriaceous ; the flowers, which are scarlet, are produced in solitary racemes, nearly erect from the upper axils of the leaves. It is a native of tropical Brazil, and is in cultivation in the nursery of Mr. Cunningham of Edinburgh. Arbutus mollis. A tolerably pretty flowering evergreen shrub, scarcely able to withstand the vicissitude of our climate, unless planted against a wall where it can be protected during winter. The leaves are oblong- lanceolate, coriaceous, with a terminal raceme, forming a loose panicle of large, flask-shaped, white or greenish, rose-coloured flowers. Introduced to our gardens by Mr. Van Houtte of Ghent, and is a native of Mexico. Cathcartica villosa. a rather interesting herbaceous plant, probably hardy, belonging to the Poppy tribe. It grows about a foot high, is very hairy, and has moderately large yelloAv flowers, produced in June. It was raised at Kew from seed imported by Dr. Hooker from Sikkim Himalaya. Primula Sikkimensis. A tall free-growing handsome species, which may be cultivated in a frame, or probably hardy in a sheltered situation. It is the pride of all the alpine Primulas, and has the habit of the common one. The leaves are all radical, from eight inches to a foot long, and the stalk from one to two feet high, bearing an umbel of lemon-yellow flowers, much resembling the common Primrose, and about the same size. It was raised at Kew from seed imported by Dr. Hooker from Sikkim Himalaya. These four are figured in the Botanical Magazine for August. Pentstemon Wrightii. This is one of the most beautiful of the genus ; it grows from one to two feet high, flowering copiously during summer, and is a great acquisition to our bedding-out plants. It may be kept in a frame during winter, as it is probably not hardy, unless under very favourable circumstances. The flowers are about an inch broad, drooping, and of a deep rich rose colour. It was raised at Kew, last year, from imported seed, and is a native of Texas. Grevillea lavendulacea. a very neat evergreen greenhouse shrub, easily cultivated, and with a little training it would form a compact handsome bush ; it OCTOBER. 237 grows about three or four feet high and mucli resembles G. rosmarlnifoliiu The flowers are collected in tufts at the ends of the branches, and are of a rose colour. It was raised by Mr. Henderson, Pine apple Nursery, Edge ware Road, from Swan River seed, transmitted by Mr. Drummond. Royal Botanic Gardens,, Kew. J. IIoulston. NATIONAL FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. August 21. — Mr. Lane in the chair. Certificates of merit were awarded to the following flowers : Dahlia, Nancy, from Mr. Keynes, a dull red and white fancy of very fine form. Douglas Jerrold, ditto, yellow tipped with red ; this possesses the form of a good Andro- meda, and although its petals are rather long, it will no doubt become a favourite. Fuchsia, Nil Desperandum, from Mr. Smith, a dark variety with a good habit. A Larkspur (Delphinium Hendersonii), from Mr. E. G. Henderson. A Hollyhock, named Rosamond, from Mr. Chater. This is a rosy-pink flower, full, and well formed, with just sufficient guard-petal and no more. The blooms were very thickly arranged on the spike. Erica Marnockiana, from Mr. Marnock ; a pleasing variety, in the way of retorta, but distinct from that variety. The following were commended : Hollyhock, Meteor, from Mr. Bircham ; ditto Magnet, from Mr. Chater ; Gladiolus National, Psitta- cinus superbus, and Atro-roseus, from Mr. Wilmore ; and Dahlia, Dr. Frampton, from Mr. Rawlings. Mr. Mackintosh, nurseryman, Maida Vale, Edgeware-road, shewed a Hollyhock named Duke of Welling- ton, which is certainly an improvement on Napoleon, Bicolor, and all of that class ; the blooms were, however, unfortunately rather past their best. Sept. 4. — Mr. Perry in the chair. Some good seedling Dahlias were shewn on this occasion. A certificate was awarded to Mr. Noakes, for Phantom, a bright buff" well-formed flower, of consider- able depth, and having a good centre. Mr. Keynes received a first- class certificate for Triumphant, a ruby-red medium-sized kind, a fair outline and average depth, centre firm ; ditto to Laura Lavington, from the same raiser. This is a dark salmon-brown with light tip, and desirable in shape, size, and centre. Mr. Rawlings was assigned a first-class certificate for Dr. Frampton, alight-shaded purple -mottled flower, which we have mentioned before. Mr. Turner had a label of commendation for Morning Star and Globe, both promising sorts. In Hollyhocks, Mr. Bragg of Slough received a certificate for King of Roses, a fine kind, which probably would have had a higher award, had it not been injured by travelling. The same raiser was also voted a first-class certificate for Swansdown, well shaped, a paper white. Labels of commendation were given to King of Yellows, Joan of Arc, and Safranot, from Mr. Parsons. The first of these would have re- ceived a higher reward if a spike had been shewn instead of blooms. Some good Gladioli were communicated by Mr. Wilmore, who re- ceived a first-class certificate for Miss Wilmore ; a pleasing variety, and certificates for Josephine and WeUington, both good sorts, which cannot fail to find places in every collection. Sept. 18. — Mr. Barnes of Stowmarket in the chair. Several nice 238 THE FLORIST. Hollyhocks were shewn. A first-class was awarded to Mr. Bircham for Model of Perfection, a pale primrose flower of fine form and tex- ture, guard-petals smooth, centre well proportioned ; ditto to Pourpre de Tyre (Bircham), a rosy-purple sort, and one of the best of its colour. Certificate to Penelope (Bircham), deep/osy pink, large and fine, guard-petals smooth, centre not sufficiently elevated. First-class certificate to Mr. Parsons, Ponder's-end, for Safranot, a desirable pinkish salmon-coloured variety, with buff guard-petals ; ditto to Pillar of Beauty (Parsons), a bright rosy-crimson flower of fine form ; ditto to Trium])hant (Parsons), a pale primrose kind, occasionally tinted with delicate rose. The above were all shewn in spikes. Among Dahlias, a first-class certificate was awarded to Mr. Turner of the Royal Nursery, Slough, for Miss Ward, bright lemon, with tips of pure white, a decided improvement on Mrs. Hansard ; ditto to Morning Star (Turner), orange suflfused with scarlet, fine in shape, and certainly an improvement on Earl of Clarendon. Certificate to Mr. Keynes of Salisbury, for Una, a good white ; ditto to Mr. Raw- lings, for Sir F. Thesiger, a rosy-lilac flower, which has been favour- ably noticed by us on former occasions. OUR MONTHLY REMEMBRANCER. Auriculas. They may be removed to a southern or w^estern situation for the winter ; the latter is preferable. Cleanse the frames and glass, that when necessary to cover the plants, they may have the full benefit of the light. Continue to keep the soil moist through the month, and open the surface as often as it appears closed. Calceolarias. The shoots which were removed from the pa- rent plants, and are now well-rooted, should be shifted into about 4-inch pots, with plenty of drainage, for the winter. Seedlings which require it should also receive the shift which is to serve them until the days lengthen. Keep the plants free from green- fly. Carnations and Picotees. Potting for the winter should now be completed. Care should be taken to remove all dead foliage ; and they should be grown as hardy as possible. Cinerarias. Winter them in a cold pit or frame, with a good dry bottom. If frosty nights occur, roll a mat over them; but let the lights be drawn oflf at every opportunity. Some of them will now be forming the flower-stems ; if early flowers are desired, a few should be placed in a greenhouse. Shift into larger pots such as require it. Water should be given more sparingly. Green-fly and mildew are the greatest enemies of the Cineraria. There is no excuse for the first; tobacco, either by fumigation, or syringing with a solution, will extirpate that : the second is not so easily disposed of; dust with sulphur on its first appearance; it is an unsightly remedy, but the only sure one at present known. Let the compost be one barrow of good brown turfy loam, one ditto good old well- decomposed horse or cow-dung, half ditto leaf-mould, quarter ditto silver-sand. Dahlias. They should be gone over before the bloom is past, OCTOBER. 239 to see if all are correctly named. Examine all plants on a fine day, in order to secure whatever seed may be ready ; and in cutting, leave a good piece of the stalk attached ; tie in bunches consisting of about six heads, and hang them up in some dry and airy place ; as fast as they turn brown, pull them to pieces, and spread the seed thinly on canvass till it becomes dry. The time for taking up the roots must depend on the weather ; if the tops are quite destroyed by frost, get them up on the first dry day ; but should the season be favourable, and there be no frost, two objects will be gained by allowing them to remain in the ground for a time, viz. more seed, and a shorter winter to preserve the roots in. There is no difficulty in keeping many kinds sound through the winter ; those with large stems and long stringy tubers decay first. Epacrises. It is expedient now to place them in their winter quarters, giving them all the air practicable night and day, except in the event of a probable frost ; water somewhat sparingly. Earlier bloom may be obtained without injury to the plant by a temperature for the time being of about 65° or 70°. Ericas. It will be desirable to house them ; another fortnight's exposure may do much mischief; therefore set at once about clear- ing, weeding, arranging all stray branches, and removing the plants to the heathery, keeping the house as cool and airy as the weather will permit. Should any symptoms of mildew present themselves, scatter a little sulphur vivum over the parts affected. Gradually diminish the supply of water. Fuchsias. The blooming season will now be on the wane ; those plants intended for early flowering should now be spurred back, placed in a cool situation, and just sufficient water given them to keep life in them till it is desirable again to excite growth. Defend your ripening seed-pods from injury. Any seedlings that have bloom set, and are become stunted and pot-bound, may be stimulated with a dose of weak guano- water. Pansies. Complete the planting either of seedlings or named flowers for spring bloom ; but should the plants of any variety be weakly, pot them in preference to planting out, and winter them in cold frames, unless you can cover them with small glasses in very wet or severe weather. Should the soil get baked by heavy rains, hoe between the plants. The general stock should now be potted up ; they will do equally well one plant or several in a pot, provided they are planted out early in the spring, before the roots become matted together. Pelargoniums. Shift all young plants that require it; repot the bottoms that have been disrooted and have got well established again, putting them into their flowering- pots, as they will not re- quire another shift for flowering in May. Water sparingly, and in the morning ; light a fire now and then in the daytime, so as to get the heating apparatus in order, in case it should be wanted in a hurry. Seedlings will require but little water ; if wet weather should set in, light a little fire in the morning, to rid the atmos],)here of the house of excessive moisture. Pinks. Planting should be closed; complete the beds for next 240 THE FLORIST. year's flowering. If the weather continues dry, occasional watering will be necessary. Clean and frequently stir the surface-soil. Polyanthuses. See that the stems are not exposed ; if so, earth them up to the foliage. Clear away weeds and all harbours for slugs. Ranunculuses. Turn the surface of the beds in dry weather. Make one or two sowings of seed in the early part of the month, and supply moisture moderately and equally. Seeds that are laid bare by waterings should be covered with fine mould. Roses in Pots. Shift if required. If they are in large pots, turn them out, and cut the roots back, replacing them in the same- sized pots. If they can be plunged in trenches, with sawdust, they will soon root out with vigour. Winter the tender varieties in a frame ; or if no such convenience is at hand, the plants should be closely stuck round with pieces of yew, or interlaced with fern on the appearance of frosty weather; but these are mere uncertain makeshifts. Shift all small plants requiring it into larger sizes ; also top-dress all large plants, that do not need repotting, with some well-rotted dung and loam. Tulips. Examine the bulbs, and if not previously done, let them now be arranged for planting, making the alterations and im- provements noted down in the Tulip-book during the blooming- time ; this should be done immediately the bulbs are taken up, while the changes intended to be made are fresh in the mind. New varieties should be procured at once, and then re-arrange them. The bed should now be got ready for planting. If the soil has been in use only one year, and the bulbs did well in it, there is no advan- tage to be derived from changing it, for they will do well in the same soil (if it be good) for two or three successive years; all that is re- quired is, to remove about three inches from the surface, laying it in a ridge by the sides of the bed ; then fork over the mould left in the bed, laying that also in a high ridge for a w^eek or ten days. If the soil require changing, it need not be removed ; take about ten inches off the top, then put about six inches of two-year old potted turf and loam and road-grit, well mixed together (three-fourths loam and one- fourth grit), on the soil left in the bed ; fork it well over two or three times, turning some of that left with the mould just added, so as to mix it well, and lay it up in a high ridge; two or three days before planting, rake it down, laying it two inches higher in the middle than the sides. In planting, place a small quantity of river- sand on the spot the bulb is to occupy, and put as much sand on the bulb itself as will just cover it ; then carefully put the mould on the bed, covering the bulbs four inches and a half deep in the centre, and three inches on the outsides ; protect the bed at once, by plac- ing small-sized iron hoops over it, rising about six inches from the surface, and run some small string diagonally from each hoop. About the second or third week in October is the best time for plant- ing in general. The best plan is to begin planting whenever the bulbs push forth their green spear, and the fibres swell at the bottom of the root ; for the longer they are kept out of the ground when this is the case, the greater injury they will sustain. -^^ J^^^l/bvKs. du'''S I Diantlius ;lLmt) NOVKMBER. 241 THE SWEET WILLIAM. This is a kind of Pink tliat is said to be indigenous to Ger- many, from whence it has been scattered over all parts of Europe. For what it wants in fragrance it supplies by masses of flowers and splendour of colours, which ensure it a welcome reception in all classes of gardens. D. liembertus Dodoneus, who was physician to the Emperor Charles V., is reputed to have been the first author who has written about this plant. Dr. Turner has not noticed it in his work of 15(J8; but twenty-nine years afterwards it is mentioned by Gerard, who says, " We have in our London gardens a kinde of Sweet William, bearing most fine and pleasant white flowers, spotted very confusedly with reddish spots, which setteth foorth the beautie thereof, and hath beene taken of some to be the plant called of the later writers the Pride of Austrich." The same author quaintly observes, that " these plants are kept in gar- dens more to please the eie than either the nose or belly." But although this really pretty plant has long been an inhabitant of our gardens, and although many fine varieties exist of it, yet few will deny that it is still capable of great improvement; and from wdiat we have seen both last year and this, we trust we are right in stating that attention has been and is still being directed towards this point. Among others, our friend Mr. Hunt of High Wycomb has been cul- tivating Sweet Williams with ardour for at least these twenty years back, and many magnificent flowers have rewarded his exertions. The fine variety represented by our plate is an instance of his success. It was selected from a stand of thirty- six sorts shewn by this gentleman, in July last, at the Surrey Zoological Gardens, where " they were the theme of universal admiration and surprise." Each truss formed in itself a bril- liant bouquet of flowers, such as it is seldom our lot to wit- ness. We believe that they will be *' let out" next season. We need scarcely say that the Sweet William is perfectly hardy, and that its blossoms last long in perfection, for it is well known to possess these qualities ; but the art of raising improved varieties is, perhaps, not generally so well under- stood ; and on this point, as well as on his mode of management, we are glad to say that Mr. Hunt has promised us an article. We need, therefore, only add, that it is easily increased by cuttings, and that few flowers require less trouble or atten- tion. NEW SERIES. VOL. I. KG. XI. 242 THE FLORIST. BULBS FROM THE CAPE. There are not many possessors of gardens who have not rejoiced at the reception of a box of Cape bulbs ; and there are not many gar- deners who have not evinced an opposite condition of mind at the same occurrence. The bare mention of " bulbs from abroad" is, as a general rule, sufficient to disturb the equanimity of any knight of the pruning-knife in the three kingdoms. Let any gentleman, elated with the morning's epistolary announcement, that a case of the plants in question is on its way from " abroad," despatched with the greatest care, as a present from his honourable friend Captain So-and- So, announce the fact to his gardener, and if the latter has not an admirable command over the expression of his features, they will quickly assume the cast known to certain physiognomists as "the blues ;" and not without reason. The majority of bulbs received from the source named, and which gardeners are for ever being pes- tered with, should on their arrival be thrown to the rubbish-heap ; and if the recipients are not adepts in the endurance of hopes de- ferred, they would consult their peace of mind by adopting the prac- tice. There are exceptions, but the general condition of such arrivals warrants the advice given. It would be difficult to visit the greenhouses of any establish- ment, limited or extensive, without meeting with quantities of bulbs either not cared for at all, or thrust into some out-of-the-way corner, and merely recognised as denizens of the place. Should you be tempted to make any inquiries in reference to them, the substance of the replies will be, that they were received two, three, or perhaps ten years ago from the Cape, and that they have never flowered, but they are said to be very beautiful things. Now, the fact is, that very few plants of the kind reaching this country from casual travel- lers or from non-gardening residents ever do flower, unless they happen to fall into the hands of those who are conversant with the probable facts of their history, and take the necessary steps to effect the desired consummation. Li the majority of cases a considerable amount of care is bestowed for one, or perhaps two years. No flower rewards the trouble taken, enthusiasm lags, attention is with- held, neglect follows, and the bare means for vegetation is all the unlucky exiles can hope for for the future ; they are tolerated, not encouraged. While gardeners, from repeated experience, know very well what to expect from these presents of bulbs, they do not always attribute the scanty results to the right causes. They tell you that such and such kinds are difficult to flower, not caring to recollect that the plants are not in a condition to do so, and the only means by which they are to be brought into that condition are withheld before the required results are realised. In the countries from whence such plants are procured, are per- sons who dig up bulbs for the same purpose as a notable personage, often made mention of, is said to have made his razors — to sell, and NOVEMBER. 243 care nothing as to the results they produce In tlie hands of their pur- chasers. With them a bulb is a bulb ; the stipulation that it is to flower does not enter into their contract. Tliey visit the habitats of the plants when they are in full foliage or flower, because they can then be easily recognised, and make their collections. After the bulbs are removed, they undergo a drying process ; all indication of foliage is removed, and in this state they are sorted and j)acked for sale. In this condition they are purchased by persons having garden-loving friends at home, and despatched to this country, a source of vexa- tion to the recipient rather than a pleasure. Every one at all con- versant with the first elements of the physiology of plants, knows quite well that to materially damage the foliage of a j)lant is to dis- turb its whole economy. In the most ordinary i)]ant this is obvious ; in bulbous plants, if possible, it is doubly so. Many of the Amaryl- lids if removed, or if their foliage is much damaged before the flower-bud is formed, will not recover themselves and regain a flow- ering condition with the best treatment for two or three seasons. It is scarcely necessary to say, that in all bulbs the flowers we enjoy this season are formed perfect in every particular in the preceding, and carefully deposited within its tissues, waiting for the proper sea- son and condition to unfold its beauties. During this process all the energies of the plant are called into activity. The leaves, the roots, are absorbing and elaborating the necessary matter, out of which is to be fashioned the future flower. If in this state the functions of the plant are interfered with, and their action retarded at this stage, no flower is produced, and an additional amount of damage is done in weakening the constitution of the bulb. The next season is ab- sorbed in recruiting its exhausted energies, and another in elaborat- ing a flower ; and a long period must elapse, under the most favour- able circumstances, ere you can be gratified with one. In bulbs having perennial roots, if they are deprived of them, a longer recruiting period is found to be required, the first season almost the whole energy of the bulb is thrown into the formation of roots, or in what may not be inaptly termed preparing to grow ; then there is estabhshing its constitutional vigour ; then the final elaboration of the matter for the formation of the flower. Thus season after season is consumed, till no wonder patience becomes exhausted, and where pleasure was expected, disappointment is found. If you exa- mine carefully an arrival of these imported bulbs, you may readily trace the action of the knife on the denuded foliage, and often ob- serve the flower-head cut in two as it was emerging from the crown of the bulb ; and its exhausted appearance and flaccid texture are cer- tain indications of its wasted energies, and the long period it would require to recover them. Other kinds only bloom once from the same bulb, producing oftsets at the season of growth, which are to produce flowers in succeeding seasons. It is obvious that if vegeta- tion is arrested during the formation of these bulbs, how great the injury must be, and how the period of flowering may be retarded in consequence. All these violations are perpetrated by the bulb- ga- therers, who make a trade of the business. In reality, no kind of 244 THE FLORIST. plants are more easily managed, or are more beautiful in their flowers ; and however anomalous it may appear, it is no less true, that their successful cultivation is the exception, not the rule. Those who would enjoy them in perfection, without the disappointment alluded to, should purchase flowering bulbs from some known grower of them. When once in a flowering condition, they are easily kept so. Half a dozen procured from such a source are worth a whole easeful sent by your friend from the Cape. G. L. WINDOW-GARDENING. There are many who have not the convenience of a greenhouse, who are, nevertheless, equally fond of flowers, who spend con- siderable sums yearly in purchasing plants, and bestow a great deal of pains in attending to them. It is not to be denied too, that, after all their endeavours, their plants frequently look sickly, and finally die. The blame is often laid at the door of the Florist who supplied them for not giving healthy plants, when in almost every instance the fault lies with the buyers. The plants, it is true, which come into the market have generally been under a high state of cultivation. They have been regularly watered, potted in soil ac- cording to their diff'ereni habits, and grown in pots according to their size. The heat, air, and light have all been arranged and regulated as the utmost skill and experience could suggest. The transition from all this regularity to the tender mercies of the purchaser is soon felt. Drowning or starving, or neglecting altogether, is no uncom- mon fate. The pots are taken home, put into pans or saucers, de- luged with water, and the water left in the saucers, or they are set in some conspicuous place, and left to their fate. In the first case, the leaves turn yellow and drop, the flowers fall, and in a very short time all that can be seen of them is their naked stems, with little tufts of green on the tops or points of the shoots, which a few days before were in perfection ; in the latter case, the plants die with all the leaves and bloom upon them. Nearly all the evils attending plants grown in windows are to be traced to these two causes. I will therefore attempt to lay down a few general rules, which, if pro- perly attended to, will do away with nearly all the complaints under this head. 1st. Never water but when the plants actually want it. That is easily known by feeling the soil with the finger, or giving the pot a rap on the side with the knuckles. While it is moist no water is needed ; when it feels dry, then water — which latter will not be oftener than three times a- week in autumn and winter, and every day in spring and summer, — giving it copiously every time, and allowing it to run away entirely from the plant, so that the pots may never stand in it. The water used should be either rain or river water. If neces- sarily from the pump or spring, it ought to stand in the air a day or two before usino-. NOVKMBER. 245 2d. Give plenty of air at every possible opportunity, when the weather is mild, either by having the window up, or by removinf}^ the plants outside. If, in warm weather, this is done under a bright sun, the pots will have to be shaded, as the sun upon the sides of pots would prove injurious to the young roots, and would greatly injure the plant ; and if in bloom, and exposed to the sun, the Howers would soon fade and drop. 3d. Keep the rooms where the plants are of as uniform a tem- perature as possible, and the plants tiiemselves as near the window as is convenient, except in severe weather, when they are better near the middle of the room during the night. 4th. Examine them occasionally, to see if the pots are full of roots. If this is the case, and the plants are worth it, get some good soil, and shift them into pots a size larger ; or if not shifted, be more careful in supplying water, as they will require more when in this state. In summer, water them frequently over the foliage, but not except they also need it at the root as well. These may be adopted as very general rules, though more abso- lutely necessary to some j)lants than others, but very good to all. There is a good deal to be considered in buying plants, in making the proper choice ; for however gratifying it may be to have those which look best in full bloom, it is most satisfactory to have those which last longest in perfection, especially those which have a suc- cession of bloom, and ichose foliage is interesting when the bloom is gone. This rule may be deviated from in behalf of Tulips, Crocuses, Hyacinths, and other bulbs^ which are valuable when little else is in flower. These will also bloom in the darkest streets of our cities. They ought to be purchased either in the beginning of this month, when the roots are dry for planting yourselves, or in pots when they are beginning to grow ; for if delayed till they are in bloom, nine- tenths of their value is lost, because they are interesting in every stage of their growth, from the first formation of the leaves to the 1 • 1 perfection of the flower. Every day of development has its charm ; and therefore they ought to be possessed from the first. If in pots, all these require a plentiful supply of water when in a growing state ; and if kept cool after shewing flower, their season of blooming is prolonged. Horticulturalist. HARDY SHRUBS FOR FLOWER-BEDS IN SPRING. In order to give a novel and diversified appearance to the flower- garden, tlie earlier spring-flowering shrubs, trained on wire- work, or fastened to pegs of wood, at the height of six inches from the ground, and kept of a uniform length in the manner of dwarf Roses, would be exceedingly showy and attractive, even in the most limited flower- beds. The earlier flowering shrubs, as Ribes, &c., are more beautiful than the generality of tilings which bloom in summer, and superior 246 THE FLORIST. in display to many simple flowers which characterise the first advent of spring ; blossoms of all kinds are, however, especially grateful after a long and dreary winter. The Cydonia (Pyrus) japonica blooms when we have little else to charm us ; a week or a fortnight of mild weather, at intervals from December to March, will be enough to tempt a dozen stray blossoms to appear on every plant. Evergreens, as the Alaternus, Laurels, or the Garrya elliptica, with its gracefully pendent catkins, form a contrast to the scarlet flowers and leafless branches of the Cydonia, the Amygdalus nana (Dwarf Almond), with its " flowers of rosy hue," the Berberis aquifolium. Rhododendron dauricum atrovirens, Laurustinus, the Ribes sangui- neum, atrorubens, albiflorum, and pleno, with their abundance of showy blossoms, and the double-flowering Peach, are plants to be included for the above-mentioned purpose. These, but more espe- cially the double Ribes sanguineum. Dwarf Almond, Lilacs, and double-flowered Peach, are admirably suited for bouquets. By means of a little forcing, much earlier flowers may be anticipated. For the growth of those shrubs in beds, no stimulants are required, unless the soil is very shallow or inferior, and then a little leaf-mould would be beneficial. Hope Nursery y Bedale. C. May. REVIEW. An Analysis of the British Ferns and their Allies. By G. W. Francis, F.L.S. London, Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. 1850. Fourth edition. To Mr. Francis belongs the credit of having been the first historian, in modern times, of the Briti:?h Ferns and their allies. The original edition of his Analysis — published, we believe, in 1837 — was, more- over, in advance of the information which prevailed on this subject at that period. From these two circumstances combined, Mr. Francis's book gained considerable popularity, and not undeservingly so ; though, at the same time, it was not free from error, and was illustrated by figures which, in most cases, were much too small to convey correct notions of the plants they were supposed to represent. The second edition (which we have not seen) was improved by the substitution of a fresh set of plates, in which the figures were of larger size, and also by various corrections and additions. In the succeeding editions, we believe, no alterations have been made, not- withstanding that the subject has been much advanced by the labours of Newman, Moore, Deakin, and others, who have subsequently taken up the literature of the Ferns. This "fourth" edition cer- tainly differs from the third only in the date on the title-page ; and the third also would appear from the preface to differ from the second in no other particular. The book before us is an octavo of 88 pages, illustrated by nine plates, each containing usually six figures in compartments. There NOVEMBER. 247 is also a woodcut, with magnified views and dissections, given under each genus. The text consists of an introductory portion, treating on the structure, the chissification, and the geographical distribution of the Ferns and Fern allies ; these being de:jcribed individually, with references to the localities where they are found, and other technical information, form the bulk of the book. There is also a short appen- dix, in which the culture of Ferns is briefly treated. The introductory part is written in a very lucid and interesting style, as will be seen from one or two extracts which we shall make ; indeed, we look on this as being now the best part of the book. The affinities of the Ferns, for example, are thus stated : " The Ferns and their allies form the first order of the Linnscan class Cryptogamia, and the structure of them shews so exactly an intermediate character between the Vasculares and Cellulares, that all systems of classification have assigned them this station among vegetables. They are without flowers, have but imperfectly-formed vessels, and no deposition of real woody fibre ; they therefore cannot with propriety be arranged with Pha^nogamous plants ; while their serai-vascular texture and fully-developed leaves shew their organi- sation to be greatly above that of any other order of Cryptogamia. Although the true Ferns have a direct analogy with the Palmae and Cycadete, the connexion between them and other orders is more apparent in the Pteroides or Fern allies, particularly the Equiseta and Lycopodia. The Equiseta are nearly connected with several orders of flowering plants. In their hollow, jointed, silicious stems, they resemble the Grasses ; in other respects, the Coniferae and Amentacese, approaching the one by means of the genus Casuarina, and the other by that of Ephedra ; nor are they far removed in structure from the Charas ; thus connecting also the Ferns and the Algae. The other of the Fern allies, the Lycopodia, w'ere considered by the earlier botanists as Mosses, so slightly do they diff'er from that tribe, not only in habit, but in many important characteristics. Thus the tribes under consideration, w^iich are divided accord- ing to the modern system into Filicales, Lycopodales, and Equisetales — the first the true Ferns, the others the Pteroides or Fern allies, — altogether form valuable, because well- connecting links in the great chain of nature." Passing over the details of structure, which we have not space to examine, we come to a very interesting paragraph on the number and distribution of the dorsiferous Ferns, for which it appears the author is indebted to Mr. H. C. Watson, a gentleman well known by his writings on botanical geography : " Dorsiferous Ferns are found in every part of Britain, except on the summits of the loftier mountains, and in small spaces of the lower grounds, whence they are banished by local peculiarities of the soil or surface. But overlooking these merely local exceptions, of trifling extent, Polypodiace?e may be stated to range over the whole of Britain, from south to north, from east to west, and from the shores of the sea almost to the summits of the highest hills ; in 248 THE FLORIST. which latter situation their absence is to be attributed rather to the bleak exposure than to the absolute heig-ht. The number of our dorsiferous Ferns will be estimated variously, according to the views entertained with respect to union or division of reputed species, but 35 is the number most generally received. These bear a proportion to flowering plants (reckoning the latter at 1400), of 1 to 40. The order has a great numerical predominance over the other orders of Filicales, all taken together ; the proportion of its species being to those of the other three orders, as 6 to I. And since the most abundant and widely- ranging species of Ferns are also to be found amongst the Polypodiacese, the effect of this order in the general vegetation of our island much exceeds that of the allied orders of Ferns. Of the six species referred to other orders, one is exclu- sively an inhabitant of Yorkshire (if it really be there still) ; namely, Trijhomanes brevisetum ; a second, Hymenophyllum tunbridgense, is local ; a third, H. Wilsoni, though much more plentiful, is limited to the northern and western counties ; whilst the other three, the Osmunda, Botrychium, and Ophioglossum, though widely scattered through Britain, are by no means so generally present as many of the Polypodiacese. Several of the British dorsiferous Ferns are so widely and plentifully scattered throughout the island, that there can be no doubt about their existence in every county of Britain ; although published records will not enable any one to make the as- sertion on evidence. Others, on the contrary, are much more limited in their range, being absent from the southern, or northern, or low- land counties of England. Only a few species can be called decid- edly rare. The m.ountain valleys below 1500 or 2000 feet are the head quarters of Polypodiaceae ; very few species wholly shunning the mountain tracts, and a still less number being exclusively con- fined to the higher parts of the hills. The specimens are numerous amongst the mountain valleys, in the western counties, and in the vicinity of the coast. On the contrary, they are few in marshes, on low plains, dry moors, exposed downs, and places destitute of woods or other shelter from sun and wind. Apparent exceptions to the favourable or unfavourable effects of any of these conditions may usually be explained by excess in some other and counteracting one. Thus the salt spray and violent winds of the western shores are highly unfavourable to the growth of most Ferns, though otherwise their humidity of atmosphere would be favourable ; and accordingly whilst the exposed shores and cliffs may be almost without Ferns, caves and sheltered raj^ines in their immediate vicinity may be nume- rously tenanted. For the most part, however, even situations that are unsuitable to the majority of Ferns have their own appropriate species. Thus, Asplenium marinum flourishes on clifts exposed to the sea ; Pteris aquilina and Blechnum often grow on the unshel- tered heaths, in places open to sun and wind ; Asplenium Ruta mu- raria and A. Adiantum-nigrum live in the crevices of dry walls and rocks. There are, however, no aquatic Ferns, and scarcely any of the Polypodiacese that can be designated marsh plants ; unless that occu- pant of swampy bogs, Aspidium Thelypteris, be called a tenant of the NOVEMBER. 249 marshes. A light friable soil, and more especially that formed by the decay of tree-leaves, mosses, or other vegetables, is suitable to the roots of most Ferns ; but some delight in limestone soils, as Grammitis ceterach, Polypodium calcarcum, and Cistopteris fragilis; whilst the Asplenium septentrionale and Woodsia ilvensis seem to affect the basaltic trap and the harder ])rimary rocks. The oj)erations of human industry have greatly interfered with the natural distribu- tion of Ferns in this country. They have been banished from our roads, corn-fields, meadows, and artificial pastures ; and the cutting of peat, and burning of heath and furze, often check the growth of species fitted to thrive in places where these operations are per- formed. On the other hand, our hedge-banks, loose stone fences, old buildings, and neglected quarries, frequently become artificial fernetums, by affording suitable habitats for several species. These remarks on the distribution of Polypodiaceee will be understood to apply to the island of Great Britain only. Ireland has twenty-six species of dorsiferous Ferns ; but of their range and distribution within that island little is known. All those of Ireland are natives also of England." Another passage, on the uses of Ferns, may be cited : " The uses of the Ferns are not very conspicuous. Their bitter principle renders them unpalatable to ^ll creatures. Neither men nor brutes employ any species as an article of food, unless driven by the necessity of hunger ; and even the little insects that infest herbaria refuse to prey upon them. Professor Henslow was kind enough to point out to me some time since that I had forgotten the circum- stance of the New Zealanders living mainly upon Fern roots. It is true that they do so ; still Ferns are a sorry food, and now that the colonists have taught the natives the art of cultivation. Fern roots are becoming less and less an article of consumption. That hunger alone induced the islanders to use these roots as food, may be in- ferred from the circumstance, that they were ready enough to work for the first settlers merely to be supplied with the commonest Euro- pean grain or pulse, though the Fern grew abundantly on every side, and might have been procured and prepared comparatively without labour or expense. They are not, how'ever, wholly useless, either in medicine or the arts. Their nauseous taste renders them efficacious in expelling intestinal worms ; some of them have been used as a substitute for hops in brewing, and with better success than most other plants, on account of the tannin and g^lic acid they contain, precipitating the feculent matter in the wort. The same constituent principles render them also serviceable in preparing kid and other light leathers, and when burnt they yield much comparatively pure potass. The dried fronds of the common brakes are valuable to pack fruit in; and as they retain moisture less, are much better than straw to shield garden plants from frost. Except for these uses, the Ferns have been but little employed, unless, indeed, for those purposes to which most plants when dry are available, namely, for thatch, for fodder, and for fuel." Similar information is given in respect to the other groups asso- 250 THE FLORIST, ciated with the dorsiferous Ferns, which include, beside the remaining orders of true Ferns, theLycopods, thePepperworts, and the Horsetails. In the descriptions of the species, Mr. Francis adheres to the old nomenclature, retainini^, for instance, the old genus Aspidiura en- tire, and placing the Filix-femina in Aspleniura. The descriptions are brief, but clear, and such as will enable a persevering student to identify the plants. We must give an illustration of the manner in which this part of the book is executed, and select for that purpose the account of the Beech Polypody, which may be taken as a fair specimen : 2._rOLYPODIUM PHEGOPTERIS. BEECU FERN. WOOD POLYPODY. SUN FERN. Cha. — Frond bipinnatifid. Lower pinnae deflexed. Lobes obtuse, entire, hairy. Syn. — Polypodium Phegopteris of Linn.^ Willd., Swz., Spreng., Huds.^ Light/.,, Bolt.,, With., Smith.., Hook.., Mack., A^e^fm.— Polystichum Phe- gopteris, Roth. — Polypodium latebrosum, Gray, Salisb. YiG.—E.D. 222i.— Bolt., 20 {not good).— Flo. Dan. 1241. Des. — Root perennial, hairy, slender, creeping horizontally. Frond triangular, herbaceous, erect, hairy, 6 to 12 inches high. Pinnae opposite, very acute, adnate, the lower pair bent forwards, pendulous, and distant from the pair next above them. The lobes of all are obtuse, entire, and directed towards the point of the pinnae, particularly the two lowest, which with those on the opposite pinnae form a cross. The rachis is smooth, and without pinnae on the lower half. Sori round, distinct, very small, brown, and seated around the margin of the lobes. The pendulous character of the lower pinnte, and the cruciform direction of their bases, are most apparent in vigorous plants, and serve as characters which immediately distinguish this plant from its congeners. Sit. — In moist woods and rocky dells, chiefly in mountainous countries. Hab. — Eng. : Rocks at the foot of Cheviot, above Langley Ford, Mr. Winch. Cawsey Dean, Durham, Mr. R. B. Bon-man. Around Keswick, Cumb., Mr. H. C. Watson. Wensley-dale, Yorks., Mr. J. Ward. Common about Settle, Yorks., Mr. J. Tatham. Prestwich Clough and Boghart Clough, Lancashire, Mr. Mer- rick. Egerton Moss, near Bolton, Mr. W. Christy. Rocks at the Belle Hag, one mile from Sheffield, G. F. Norwood, Surrey, and near Brentford, Middx., Mr. J. Bevis. Lidford Fall, Beckey Fall, Dartmoor, Devon, Jones's Tour. Isle of Man, Mr. E. Forbes. — Wales : Llanberris, first and second field towards Snowdon, Mr. C. C. Babington Capel Curig, North Wales, Mr. T. H. Cooper. Frequent in Caern., not at any considerable elevation, Mr. W. Wilsoii. — Scot. ; Grampians, Aberdeensh., Red Caird Hill, W. of Invernesshire up to 1150 yds., Forfarshire, Sutherland, Dumbarton, and other parts of the Highlands, Mr. H. C. Watson. Moray and Kosshire, Rev. G. Gordon. Ben Lomond, Prof. Hens- low. Ruberslaw, Jedburgh, &c. Campsie, near Glasgow, Mr. T. H. Cooper. — Ire.: Powerscourt Waterfall (right-hand side), Mr. 0. Kelly. Waterfall above Lough Eske, co. of Donegal, and at other places in the northern counties, Air. Mackay. Geo. — Throughout Germany, and indeed most European countries as far north as Lapland, but not in the South countries. Linnaeus received specimens from Canada." Having thus briefly described Mr. Francis's Analysis, and spoken favourably of commendable portions of it, we must now gently criti- cise certain parts which seem deserving of censure, and make a few comments on some other points. We do not quarrel with the author NOVEMBER. 251 for adhering to the old nomenchiture, which he probably thinks the best ; but when he states, as he does in the Preface, that the new system of classifying Ferns according to their venation is neither correct, convenient, nor practicable, we must join issue with him. We maintain the exact opposite. Indeed, Mr. Francis appears to have totally misconceived the system itself, as though venation was made to overrule every thing else ; which is by no means the case, it being only made auxiliary to the fructification. We also differ in toto with Mr. Francis as to the genus of the Scaly Hart's-tongue, wdiich he still places in Grammitis — an error long since exploded, Grammitis being a genus of Polypodiesc, while the plant under notice evidently belongs to Asplenieaj. This error has, however, arisen from trusting to the single character of the absence of an indusium. The plant should be referred to the genus Ceterach. The figure given of Polypodium calcareum represents the allied P. Dryopteris. This error is the more remarkable, as Mr. Francis has evidently de- scribed the true plant, and insists on its distinctness in opposition to some contrary published opinions. The two species of Woodsia could not be recognised from the figures given of them. Cystop- teris dentata is kept distinct from C. fragilis ; and perhaps correctly so, though almost all authors now unite them. The Aspidium acu- leatum of this book is one of the many forms of A. angulare. Mr. Francis's Aspidium spinulosum would appear, from some points of his description, to be really a form of A. dilatatum, although he takes especial care to explain that it is not. Either this is the case, or there is some confusion in the descriptions, the phrase " indusium glandulous" not being applicable to the true A. spinulosum. Aspi- dium recurvum is jumbled up wdth A. dilatatum, as in the earlier editions, notwithstanding that Mr. Newman, so long ago at least as 1844, clearly distinguished it, and that all botanists who have paid any attention to the subject now acknowledge its distinctness. The Rock Brakes is named Cryptogramma crispa, a genus alHed to Pteris. On this point w^e differ, and refer the plant to Allosorus, a genus of the Polypodie?e, the edge of the frond which covers the sori being simply turned back, and not changed in texture, so as to become a true indusium. Trichomanes brevisetum is retained as the name of the rare Bristle Fern, long since identified with the T. speciosum of continental authors, and by some believed to be the same as T. radi- cans, a species described even earlier than T. speciosum. Neither of these synonyms are quoted. Passing to the Equisetums, we find no mention whatever of E. Mackaii, a distinct species published by Mr. Newman at least as long since as 1844, nor is it in any way alluded to. Our limits, of course, prevent us from going into any detail on the doubtful or erroneous portions of the book ; but we think the preceding enumeration will at least justify us in stating that Mr. Francis's work has now fallen behind the state of our knowledge on this particular subject. The author, we believe, is now a resident in Australia, which may account for the defect, but does not render it a less blemish. We must protest, too, against these booksellers' " new editions," which are mere unre vised reprints of former issues. 252 THE FLORIST. DESCRIPTIVE LISTS OF FRUITS. No. X. PEARS {continued from ^. 182). 10. Beurre Diel. Fruit very large, generally of an obtuse-pyri- form shape (like the figure), but sometimes more obovate ; irregular in outline. Its greatest diameter is at about two-thirds of its length from the stalk, from whence it diminishes to both extremities ; the base is broad, and often oblique ; the crown is generally broad and uneven. Stalk about an inch long, thick, inserted in a small cavity, often obliquely. Eye seated in a wide uneven basin; segments NOVEMBER. 253 nearly erect, widely separated. The ground-colour of the skin is yellow; but generally it is nearly covered with dark-brown russet, and often there are many black specks in the cuticle. Flesh whitish, rather coarse in appearance, but buttery, juicy, and very good, al- though the flavour is slightly musky. Eatable in the end of Octo- ber and November. This handsome and valuable Pear has the ad- ditional merit of being a free bearer, and in the vicinity of London succeeds well on standard trees, from which the fruit is better fla- voured than when grown against a wall ; although in the northern counties an east or a west wall would no doubt be necessary. J. B. WniTiNG. SCOTTISH PANSY SOCIETY. The seventh committee-meeting of this society was held at Falkirk, this year, for the purpose of examining the merits of seedlings raised by members in 1851. There was a numerous display of new flowers, evincing a growing determination to bring the Pansy to the highest state of perfection. The committee awarded first-class cer- tificates to four flowers, three of which were produced by Messrs. Dickson and Co., Edinburgh, and the other by Mr. Finlayson of Kincardine. These were. Count de Flahault (Finlayson), a yellow-ground flower, with dark maroon belt and top petals, large, and of a rich velvety texture, very fine form, and smooth outline. Will be a fine show-flow^er. Sovereign (Dickson and Co.), a yellow self, with large and very dark blotch in centre. Etna (Dickson and Co.), also a yellow self, with a beautiful blotch of deep sienna. On comparing these with the best of the class (yellow selfs) in cultivation, they were unanimously considered far superior. Miss Talbot (Dickson and Co.), a pure white-ground flower, with deep purple belting and top petals, blotch large and dark, fine form and texture. There was another flower, named Miriam, in Dickson and Co.'s stands, particularly noticed, and doubtless very fine ; but being in bad condition, the committee delayed giving a decisive opinion on it till seen in a good state. There were a number of seedlings sent by Mr. Whamont, Ar- broath, but unfortunately so much injured in carriage that no de- cided opinion could be given. One variety in Mr. Whamont's col- lection, named Jane, attracted the particular notice of the committee, and which they unanimously recommended to be brought forward again . Amongst other flowers forwarded by Mr. Gowanlock of Perth, but also much injured in carriage through post, there was a white- ground flower, with bluish purple belting and top j^etals. The com- mittee were of opinion that, had this flower been in good condition, 254 THE FLORIST. it would doubtless rank amongst the finest of its class ; and they strongly recommended that it should be brought forward on a future occasion. The eighth grand annual competition of the society will be held in Glasgow in June 1852, of which due notice will be given. STOKE NEWINGTON FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. Sept. 25. — No less than twelve collections of Dahlias were staged on this occasion by amateurs, each with twelve varieties, and eight were rewarded. The 1st prize, for 12 dissimilar blooms, was voted to Mr. James, for Mrs. C. Bacon, Danecroft Hero, Queen of Lilacs, Mrs. Seldon, Nil Desperandum, Elizabeth, Duke of Wellington, Admiral, Fearless, Yellow Standard, Sir F. Bathurst, and Shylock ; 2d, Mr. Cook, for Mrs. C. Bacon, Scarlet Gem, Queen of Lilacs, Earl of Clarendon, Fame, George Glenny, John Davis (Cook), Fearless, Essex Triumph, Absolum (Cook), Elizabeth, and Duke of Wellington ; 3d, Mr. J. Edwards, for Goliath, Queen of Lilacs, The Hero, John Edwards, Mr. Seldon, Richard Cobden, Mrs. Seldon, Fearless, Miss Chaplin, Snowflake, Duke of Wellington, and Thames-Bank Hero ; 4th, Mr. Black, for Mr. Herbert, Mr. Seldon, John Edwards, Princess Louisa, Thames-Bank Hero, Queen of Lilacs, Mrs. Seldon, Fearless, Sir R. Peel, Goliath, Miss Spears, and Shylock ; 5th, Mr. Weedon, for Duke of Wellington, Admiral, Nil Desperandum, Earl of Clarendon, Fearless, Essex Triumph, Mr. Seldon, Duke of Cambridge, John Ed- wards, Queen of Beauty (Drummond), Psyche, and Sir F. Bathurst; 6th, Mr. Thurley, for Thames-Bank Hero, Duke of Wellington, Mr. Seldon, Princess Louisa, Fearless, Purple Standard, Mrs. C. Bacon, Napoleon, General Negrier, Queen of the West, Scarlet Gem, and Queen of Yellows ; 7th, Mr. Holmes, for Frederick Jerome, Mrs. Seldon, Thames-Bank Hero, Queen of Lilacs (5 ?), Fearless (6.?), Duke of Wellington, El Dorado, Miss Vyse, Shylock, C. Turner, Sir F. Bathurst, and Scarlet Gem ; 8th, Mr. Bennett, for Mrs. C. Bacon, Mr. Seldon, Queen of Beauties, The Hero, Thames-Bank Hero, Queen of Lilacs, Imbricata, Princess Louisa, Duke of Cam- bridge, Crocus, John Edwards, and Fearless. In the Dealers' class, for 24 varieties, Mr. Gurney received the 1st prize. 6 fancies : 1st, Mr. Black, with Highland Chief, Rachel, Miss Compton, Lady Grenville, Mrs. Hansard, and Queen of Fairies ; 2d, Mr. J. Edwards, with Miss Compton, Mrs. Hansard, Highland Chief (3), Queen of Fairies, Flying Dutchman (5), and Captivation ; 3d, Mr. James, with Highland Chief, Mrs. Hansard, Elizabeth, Miss Compton, Rainbow, and Madame Bresson. Fine spikes of Hollyhocks were staged by Mr. A. Parsons, of Ponder's End. They consisted of Pilot, Aurantia Superb, California, Hero, Triumphant, and Beauty. These are seedlings which are wholly in the possession of the exhibitor. Enchantress, Obscura, Charles Baron, and Model of Perfection owe their origin to Mr. NOVEMBER. 255 Chater. These, with Delicata and Rosea grandiflora (both Baron's), com])leted the dozen. jpirst-class certificates were awarded to Dahlias : Ariel (Turner), a bold and apparently pure white; to Miss Ward (Turner), yellow, with white tip (fancy) ; to Dr. Frampton (llawlings), one of the most successful flowers of the year; and to Sir F. Thesiger (llawlings), a lilac of great promise. (Dther seedlings consisted of Morning Star (Turner); Malvina (Turner); Louisa Glenny (llaw^lings), deep yel- low, and a flower of which the raiser entertains the highest opinion ; Defiance (llawlings), an extra-sized blush white ; Sarah (Pink), mot- tled lake ; Lord Lyndhurst, deep maroon, with white tips ; Rose of England (llawdings), cheerful rose-pink ; Scarlet King (Green), pre- viously described; as was also George Villiers (Union), Miss Merry (Union), fancy. The prizes were handed to the several winners in the course of the evening. SIDNEY SMITH'S SALAD. Two large potatoes pass'd through kitchen-sieve Unwonted softness to the salad give ; Of mordent mustard add a single spoon — Distrust the condiment which bites so soon ; But deem it not, thou man of herbs, a fault To add a double quantity of salt ; Three times the spoon with oil of Lucca crown. And once with vinegar, procured from town, — True flavour needs it ; and your poet begs The pounded yellow of two well-boil' d eggs ; Let onion-atoms lurk within the bowl, And, scarce suspected, animate the whole ; And lastly, on the flavour'd compound toss A magic teaspoon of anchovy sauce. Then, though green turtle fail, though venison's tough, And ham and turkey are not boil'd enough, Serenely full, the epicure may say, Fate cannot harm me — I have dined to-day ! NEW DAHLIAS. The following are a few of the best seedling Dahlias shewn during the season of 1851. Sir Richard Whittington {Drummond). Dark ruby crimson; large, full, well-formed flower ; centre very compact ; petals smooth, and gently cupping to the centre ; the best of its class. Triumphant {Keynes). Crimson of a peculiar shade; good general form ; has been much exhibited. 2d J THE FLORIST. Alice (D?'ummond) . Fawn, with small bronze tip ; quite new in colour ; of medium size ; very smooth ; outline good. Bob Drummond (Drummond). Deep scarlet ; plentiful as scar- lets are, this is about the best ; Sir R. Peel, Sir C. Napier, and this variety, are all fine ; but are of very different shades of colour, and can be shewn together ; a full -sized constant flower. Malvina (Howard). White, mottled, and ti})ped with purple ; the best and most constant white-ground Dahlia ; centre and outline very good. Dr. Frampton {RawUngs). White and rose, mottled in the style of Princess Radziwill; not so large, but more compact, and better in form ; should be grown in a moist situation. Morning Star (Turner). Orange; much brighter than Wel- lington or Clarendon ; very full-sized well-formed flow^er, with close high centre ; the brightest of this class. King of Scarlets (Green). Deep scarlet; petal something re- sembling Scarlet Gem ; wnll be a useful flower. Globe (Turnei-). Rich brown; novel and good form; rather small. Una (Keynes). White, large ; rather open ; good centre. Douglas Jerrold. Yellow tipped with lake ; very attractive ; early. Edmund Y osier (Turner). Crimson; full, deep, and symme- trical. Ariel. Good white ; by the same raiser, but appeared to be uncertain. NOTES ON STRAWBERRIES. Kitley's Goliath proves to be a valuable variety, resembling the British Queen in size and form, but of a deeper and brighter colour. The plants also seem to be more hardy ; however it certainly is not equal to the Queen in flavour. Myatt's Eleanor deserves a somewhat better character than it received at p. 8. In colour and flavour it has been better this season than I had previously found it, although by no means good enough to be recommended as a dessert Strawberry. Myatt's Surprise is well spoken of by some who have grown it, and may therefore be worthy of a trial. La Liegeoise, a large dark Strawberry of continental origin ; and Patrick's Seedling, a home-raised variety of somewhat similar cha- racter, promise to be serviceable sorts. Several seedlings are advertised to be sent out for the first time this autumn ; but it would be premature to oflfer an opinion upon their quality till they have been further proved. J. B. Whiting. NOVEMBER. 257 SLOUGH DAHLIA SHOW. Sept. 30. — This was a highly interesting meeting, and tlie blooms were in capital order. Amateurs : 12 varieties, 1st prize, Mr. Kirkpatrick, with Richard Cobden, Mrs. C. Bacon, Imbricata, Admiral, Sir F. Bathurst, Nil Desperandum, Snowfiake, Frederick Jerome, Mr. Seldon, Purple Standard, Fearless, and Earl of Clarendon; 2d, Mr. Weedon, with Nil Desperandum, Model, Admiral, Duke of Wellington, Jullicn, John Edwards, Snowfiake, Earl of Clarendon, Queen of the East, Yellow Standard, Mr. Seldon, and Sir C.Napier; 3d, Mr. Prockter, with Queen of Lilacs, General Negrier, Mrs. C. Bacon, Mr. Seldon, Richard Cobden, Mrs. Seldon, Standard of Perfection, Fearless, Ad- miral, Utihs, Duke of Wellington, and Princess Louisa ; 4th, Mr. Hunt, jun., with Duke of Wellington, Magnificent, Marchioness of Cornwallis, Earl of Clarendon, Queen of Beauty, Hon. Mrs. Ashley, Black Prince, Mr. Seldon, Shylock, Fearless, Scarlet Gem, and Queen of the East ; 5th, Mr. Cook, with Earl of Clarendon, Richard Cobden, Abigr.il (.''), Negro, F'earless, Absolum (?), Essex Triumph, Mrs. C. Bacon, El Dorado, Mr. Seldon, Queen of Lilacs, and Sir F. Bathurst; 6th, Mr. Hopkins, with Mr. Seldon, Toison d'Or, Queen of Lilacs, Mrs. Seldon, Scarlet Gem, Beauty of Hants, Duke of Wel- lington, Beeswing, Yellow Standard, Fearless, Richard Cobden, and Seraph ; 7th, Mr. Ford, with Duke of Wellington, Essex Triumph, Mrs. Seldon, Magnificent, Blanchfleur, Mr. Seldon, Earl of Ckaren- doii, Marchioness of Cornwallis, General Faucher, Grenadier, Hon. Mrs. Ashley, and Sir R. Peel ; 8th, Mr. Humber, with Princess Radziwill, Snowfiake, Fearless, Mrs. Seldon, General Faucher, Scar- let Gem, Negro, Richard Cobden, Hon. Mrs, Ashley, Mr. Seldon, and Mrs. C. Bacon. Six new varieties : 1st, Mr. Weedon, with Leda, Jullien, Duke of Rothsay, Ilegina, Admiral, and Gem of the Grove ; 2d, Mr. Prockter, with Mrs. Hansard, Napoleon, Admiral, Sir C. Napier, Yellow Gem, and Nepaulese Prince ; 3d, Mr. Holder, with General Faucher, Cahfornia, Sir R. Peel, Hon. Mrs. Ashley, Gem of the Grove, and Admiral ; 4th, Mr. Cook, with Sir C. Napier, Jul- lien, Mrs. Hansard, George Glenny, Miss Herbert, and Regina. 6 Fancies: 1st, Mr. Prockter, with Miss Compton, Gasperine, Highland Chief, Mrs. Hansard, Elizabeth, and Contribution ; 2d, Mr. Ford, with Discount, Elizabeth, Lady Grenville, Miss Black- more, Lady Cullum, and Floral Beauty. Dealers, 24 : 1st, Mr. Turner, with John Edwards, El Dorado, Mr. Seldon, Leda, Negro, Duke of Wellington, Yellow Superb, Mag- nificent, Fearless, Black Prince, Queen of Lilacs, Grenadier, Mrs. Seldon, Princess Louisa, Richard Cobden, Mr. Palmer, Sir C. Najjier, Beauty of Kent, Andromeda, Snowfiake, Mrs. Saunders, Princess Radziwill, Marchioness of Cornwallis, and Jullien ; 2d, Mr. Bragg, Avith Princess Radziwill, Earl of Clarendon, George Glenny, Nil Des- perandum, Magnificent, General Faucher, El Dorado, Mr. Seldon, Duke of Welhngton, Fearless, Carmina, Hon. Mrs. Ashley, Sir R. NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. XI. 7. 258 THE FLORIST. Peel, Yellow Superb, Sir F. Bathurst, Mr, Palmer, Victor Boheira, Seraph, Miss Chaplin, Black Prince, Admiral, Essex Triumph, Queen of the West, and Fame. 12 Fancies: 1st, Mr. Turner, with Miss Compton, Jeannette, Highland Chief, Elizabeth, Mrs. Hansard, Dulcinee, Nonsuch, Fly- ing Dutchman, Rainbow, Miss Weyland, Kingfisher, and Gaspe- rine ; 2d, Mr. Bragg, with One-in-the-ring, Flying Dutchman, Keep- sake, Highland Chief, Miss Pope, Kingfisher, Lady Cullum, Gaspe- rine, Madame Wachy, Forget-me-not, Lady Grenville, Mrs. Hansard. First-class certificates were granted to Una (Keynes), a bold white, which has been very successfully shewn during the season; Malvina, (Turner), mottled lake and white ; Morning Star (Turner), brilliant scarlet orange ; Miss Mathews (Bragg), remarkably bright, full, deep, and bold, in every qualification an improvement on Lady Gren- ville, a variety it much resembles : Flora M'lvor (Keynes), was shewn; Miss Ward (Turner), Absolum (Cook), golden buff. Hollyhocks : 1st, Mr. Dyson, with Magnum Bonum, Bella Donna, Rosy Queen, Queen, Sulphurea, Lady Smith, Subram, Rosea gran- diflora, Enchantress, Rosea, Albo, Caroline, and Model of Perfection ; 2d, Mr. Holder, 12 spikes, mostly seedlings of considerable promise, were set up by Mr. Bragg. Pansies were contributed in good condition by Mr. Bragg and Mr. Turner, NOTES FROM THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, AND OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN CONTEMPORARY PERIODICALS. Nymphea elegans. a very pretty flowering aquatic herb, a native of Mexico. It is cultivated at Kew in the tropical aquarium, but may probably be found to suit an out-door one during summer, as many of the species will do with much less heat than is generally given them, if placed beyond the reach of frost during winter. The leaves are floating, six inches long, and four or five broad, with the upper surface dark green, and purple beneath ; the flowers are nearly the size of the common N. alba ; they rise about a foot above the water, are of a yellowish white tinged with purple blue, and very fragrant. It was raised at Kew last year from seed. It has been well figured in the Botanical Magazine for September. Pentstemon cyanthus. a hardy herbaceous plant, attaining the height of about two feet, and flowering freely in May and June. The blossoms form dense spikes, a foot or more long, on the upper part of the stems, and are of a very bright clear azure blue. It is a native of the upper valleys of the Platte river, in the Rock}^ Mountains, and has been raised from imported seed and brought into notice l)y Messrs. Lucombe, Pince, and Co., of Exeter. It is said to be of a rather tender constitution, but its bright blue colour renders it a very desirable addition to our hardy flowering plants. Sarcopodium Lobbii, var. Hexshalli. A dwarf-growing stove Orchid, closely allied to a Bolbophyllum. Pseudo-bulbs smooth, with a solitary leaf on the apex, and a scape arising from the base, bearing a solitary flower about three inches across, of a yellowish bufl" faintly streaked with brownish purple. It Avas imported by Messrs. Rollisson of Tooting from Java, through their collector Mr. Henshall. These last two are figured in the Magazine of Botany for September. Tritoma lvaria. This truly beautiful flowering hardy herbaceous plant is NOVEMBER. 259 one that thrives freely in any light garden soil, and is one which no garden should be without. It is an old species, having been introduced to English collections many years ago from the Cape of Good Hope. For a bed or border it is admir- ably adapted, growing about two or three feut high, and producing alnindance of flowers of a light red and orange colour, toward the cud of summer and in au- tumn. Various plants of it are at present in flower at Kew, and some of them being large produce from ten to twelve racemes of flowers, which, from their lively colour, have a charming effect. Royal Botanic Gardens, Keio. J. IIoulston. A PACKET OF SEEDS SAVED BY AN OLD GARDENER. [Continued from p. 232.] I NEED not tell how quick I was off, and how often I said, and how heartily, " Thank God!" I was soon there. And what a happy sight! the window-blind just enough of one side to shew the old table in the old spot, all laid out and ready, as if I had never moved away at all ; and inside there was my sick boy in his chair, and the two little girls, and dicky's cage on its old nail, and every bit of furniture in its place ; and the little corner mahogany cuj)board, with its glass front and little silver things that I had left with the shopkeeper, that was back too. " How's this, mother .?" I said to my wife ; " how's this .'" But, poor thing, she couldn't speak ; and so to tea we went : but do what I would, I couldn't swallow a bit to eat, only a cup or two ; and I was off and on my seat so often, and here and there to look at things, I was just like a chip in an eddy. After tea, I set to work, and got the bedsteads put together, and things upstairs all to rights ; and when the children were laid down, I had my wife tell me all about how it was I'd got back. It was not the new shawl and shoes made her so cheerful the evening before ; but the squire had been down whilst I was out, and told her I was to be his gardener again ; but that she wasn't to say a word to me about it, for he did not want me to know, and he'd send the cart and take all the things up to the cottage, and she was to go up and make all as comfortable as she could before I got back from my work. When she thanked him, she was like all womenfolks, she out with all our troubles, and what we'd suffered one way and another ; and would have kept on for an hour, I dare say, only the squire blew his nose so loud to stop her, as she thought, and bid her not say a word to me, only do as he bid. " And," said he, " if you are glad he should live with me again, you may thank Miss Laura the governess ; for I always thought Gregory was doing very well, till she told me he was not, and then I meant him to come back when my gardener left ; and I would have told him so when I saw him up against the planta- tion, only he did not seem to care to speak to me." " That shews," said I, " how people don't understand one another, all for want of a word or two. If he'd only have said he wanted to speak to me, how glad I should have been to have heard him say as much as he did to you !" 260 THE FLORIST. Gardeners, like other people, think they are worse oiF than every- body else ; and when they see fine clothes, and fine houses and horses, and the like, they fancy them that have them must be happy. So listen to this. Before I lost my place, one stormy November evening about eight o'clock, we were sitting by the fire, when there came a knock at the door. I took the light, and had hardly turned the lock and handle, when open it blew, out went the candle, and in came, with the wind and rain, a young lady asking shelter. We soon had her in by the fire ; and, poor thing, what a figure — so wet and so drag- gled ! With it all she put on a deal of airs, and talked about being used to ride in a carriage, not being used to get wet, and the like. My wife gave me a hint, and so I took my lantern, put on my coat, and off into the houses to see all right, as every gardener should do before he goes to bed. A drop of candle-grease here and there, now and then, always pleased me when I saw it in a morning, as it shewed my foreman had had a look out for a slug or something the evening before. W^ell, the rain cleared off and the moon shone out ; and when I got in-doors again the lady was gone. " Poor thing," said my wife, " she's the governess at the Grange House, and been brought up a lady, and yet she's so thin of clothes, and so proud, I could hardly get her to put on my thick shawl and a pair of my shoes and stockings to go home in, though she'd catch her death of cold to keep those on that's by the fire. I did get her to, with some coaxing, poor thing, though she sobbed as if her heart would break when 1 wrapp'd her up well and made her comfortable, and saw her into the village. '' A few evenings after this, she came again, and brought back my wife's things. We were sitting round the table, and our little boy was drawing, in his way, to amuse himself, and had got a sprig of jasmine. She didn't seem in any hurry to go, but took her bonnet off, and sat down with us, and took his pencil, and shewed him how to make it look more natural, and said if he would like to learn, she should like to teach him a little ; and she drew him a stalk, with a leaf and fiower, and bid him copy them a good many times, till he could do them well, and she would give him another lesson when she came again. After this she often looked in, and very kind she grew ; and, like every body else, she told my wife all her troubles — an odd thing to me ; but I take it they looked upon her as a kind of nurse. Her father had been quite a gentleman, but spent all his money while he lived ; and when he died, his house and all his land went to the eldest son. It seems unnatural, but I believe it's true ; for I know when my lord died, my lady and all the children had to leave the park, and live in a small house some miles off, and their eldest son, a very wild fellow, came into all. Poor Miss Laura had to go out for a governess, and came into a family, not far from our squire's, to teach their daughters. The master was as nice kind a man as ever lived ; but the lady hadn't been brought up with gentry, and nobod)'- could bear her, she was so mean and unhandsome in every thing she did. NOVEMBKR. 261 The night Miss Laura came to our cottage so wet, she had been sent to a house a good bit off, to get her out of the way, because some young hidies were coming to the Grange ; and vi.sitors hked her company more than they did her betters'. She did not have a great deal of money given her, though she could talk a many strange languages ; and has made us stare many a time to hear her sing to our children songs of people that live over the seas, and so natural too, it seemed no trouble at all to her. But it was not want of money she complained of, when she was talking free and easy to my wife ; but the being looked down upon, and the way the servants treated her, copying like after their mistress. My wife, who knew a little about these things, when she could do so and not give offence, used to recommend her to wait on herself all she could, and shew a kind way to them ; and when she tried it, she said she found there was nothing she couldn't do for herself. We missed her a great deal when we lived in the village ; for when the children were ill, she was forbid to come and see us, for fear of carrying home the complaint ; though it was all an excuse, for it wasn't at all catching. About two months before I went back to the squire's, she went into his family, after their governess married, and then we saw her again, and times were better with her ; and to shew she hadn't forgot my wife's kindness in former days, she had made her the present of the shawl and shoes ; and, unknown to us, had told the squire how glad I should be to go back to my old place again ; and begged my master to take me on, as soon as ever she heard the other gardener was going. Nobody seemed happier than she was when she came late in the evening, and saw us all settled in comfortably again ; and then she told us how it was the gardener left. He was a very re- spectable young man, and came from a good place ; but he had mar- ried a fine-looking young woman, who had been brought up to the dress-making. Her mother, like a foolish woman, instead of teaching her how to clean house, cook, and so on, and getting her into a re- spectable family, said her daughter should never be a slave, and gave her too much her own way. Well, when she was married, and had two or three children, she made a poor slovenly housekeeper, and was very untidy in herself. On Sundays she made a good show, but on week-days she was down at heel, and her clothes hung about her as if she had been dragged through the bushes ; and so you may guess how the garden-room was kept. A good deal of fault was found at its being so dirty and dusty ; but she wouldn't bear speaking to, and at last persuaded her husband to give up his place, and take a bit of land near a neighbouring town, and turn master for himself, — a kind of market-gardener. Poor Miss Laura ! trouble did her and all of us good ; it was just like a heavy fall of snow over the spring flowers, it kept us in our right places ; and when it melted away, we never enjoyed the sun- shine more. She afterwards married very well, to a young farmer ; but she soon died, in childbed, and lies in our village churchyard. He's gone away over the seas, so I've heard say ; but wherever he is he'll never forget her, nor I either, the generous young lady : I wish there were more like her. 262 THE FLORIST. When she went away the evening we got back and I'm telling of, the foreman came in, and I got my lantern, and we walked round the houses together. There seemed a good deal of alteration, and the plants looked uncommonly well ; but I laid it all to the candle- light ; but next morning I found there was no mistake ; the man that had gone aw^ay was a deal cleverer than I was. I could see that with half an eye. Every thing was in the best of order, and so many new plants. So, said I, it will not do to get behindhand : and ever since I've took in all the different gardening books and papers I could iifford, and more ; and I often went and looked at other places, and saw^ what other people were doing. You may stop at home and look at your own doings, till you think you cannot be beaten ; but I've learnt there's nothing like looking about you; and however well you may do a thing, try and do it better. [To be continued.] OUR MONTHLY REMEMBRANCER. Auriculas. Although it is desirable to remove the plants to a western aspect, they will, nevertheless, receive little harm, if allowed to remain in a northern one till February. In low situations it will be advisable to elevate the standing, and ensure a dry bottom. Water should be given sparingly; a moderate moisture, however, must be sustained. Be sure the glasses are sound, and do not drip. Before finally placing the plants, clean, and slightly stir the surface of the soil, and add a little fresh compost, if required. Search the bottoms, and also under the rims of the pots, for slugs ; for if they happen to escape your notice, they will commit much mischief in warm nights during the winter season. Air is most essential this month ; draw the lights quite off as often as the weather will permit, and tilt them both at front and back in wet weather. Raising the glasses behind only, is not sufficient to insure health ; especially when the plants have to be covered for days together. Calceolarias. Give old varieties that general attention which all things require at this time of the year, not killing them with kindness. Presuming the seedlings are pricked out well apart in large pans, or placed singly in pots, there let them remain as cool as they can be without freezing them ; and keep them clean and free from fly. Carnations and Picotees should by this time be well estab- lished in small pots for wintering. In this case, the lights should be drawn off as often as the weather will permit. Exposure to heavy rains must be avoided ; of the two, keep them dry at this time ; but not so much so that the plants shall flag. In wee or boisterous weather the lights should be tilted back and front, as a free circula- tion of air is indispensable, and will prevent the spot, so destructive, if neglected in the autumn months ; an excess of moisture is the main cause of this evil. Some varieties are much more subject to it than others; as, for instance, Lorenzo, Princess Royal, and Paul Pry, &c., are often affected with it when their companions are nearly NOVEMHEU. 203 free. In Picotees, Princess Alice is about tlie worst. The best practice is to grow such singly, instead of in pairs, as is the usual method ; and to place them at a greater distance from each other in the frame or pots. Cinerarias. These w'ill now be in rapid growth, and conse- quently they should not receive any sudden check. Occasional frosts may now be expected ; and it would be wise to be prepared with mats, and occasionally with litter, to protect those in pits or frames. Protect them also from cold, blustering winds, which fre- quently occur in November. Bring a few that are throwing up flower-stems, into the greenhouse for early flowering. Give plenty of air ; a cold, damp, conflned atmosphere will cause them to lose all their bottom leaves. Continue shifting those which require it into larger pots. Watch for green-fly and mildew : for the former fumi- gate ; for the latter, dust with flour of sulphur. Dahlias should now be taken up and stored away for the winter. The usual places for keeping them are under the greenhouse stage, dry cellars, and tool-houses, where the frost cannot reach them. If the soil at the time of taking up be tolerably dry, the tubers will keep better by having a little left about them. iSee that no water remains in the hollow of the stem, and that the name or number is firmly attached with M'ire. The roots should be gone over occa- sionally, to observe if any are likely to decay ; in which case, if a valuable or scarce variety, it should be placed in heat, and started into growth. Others may require to be spread out, on a fine day, for a few hours, should they be getting damp and mildewed. Atten- tion to these last observations will suffice for the next three months. Epacrises and Heaths. Presuming that the plants are neatly arranged according to their respective heights, with plenty of room to admit the free circulation of air between each, nicely cleaned and weeded, all they require for the next three or four months is, to admit air freely on all fitting opportunities, keeping the plants as cool as possible short of freezing; vigilance early to detect symptoms of mil- dew, and prompt application of sulphur, together with a sparing application of the contents of the watering-pot. Pansies. If sufficient have been planted out for spring blooming, it will be the safer plan to pot oft' a few lights full for spring plant- ing ; for should the winter be severe, they will be found very useful. If the plants are small, three or four in a pot, planted close to the edge, will answer as well, if not better than singly. Those for bloom- ing in pots will require all the air possible, and not to be crowded in the frame. The same treatment as for the Carnation during winter will answer admirably. Seedlings should now be planted out, and looked over every morning until they are established, firming those in the ground that have been disturbed by worms. Seed may still be procured, but that saved in the spring produces the best flowers. Pelargoniums. There is little to do with these plants this month. Water but seldom, and never unless they absolutely require it, which is easilj'' learnt by rapping the pot outside w'ith the knuckle. Clean all the glass thoroughly ; for the more light they get in the dull 264 THE FLORIST. months the better. Place the plants in the situations they will oc- cupy when in bloom ; the space between may be filled up with flower- ing- bulbs. Tie a piece of strong bast under the rim of the pot, and to this train down the shoots, taking care not to break them out of the stem. The best time to do this is when the plants are dry, and the shoots pliable. No more shifting will be required till January. Seedlings not removed into their blooming-pots had better be shifted at once, if well rooted round the ones they are in. A 5 or 6-inch size will be quite large enough for them to flower in. If fire is required, let it be no more than is absolutely necessary to exclude frost. Pinks. If the beds intended for next year's bloom are not already completed, no time should be lost in making a finish. The surface of the bed should be moved as often as closed by rain^ and the soil pressed to the roots of such plants as are loosened by worms. Fresh earth may be added if the 'beds have sunk, and require it. Look over the tallies, and replace those that are not legible. Late and weakly pipings of valuable and scarce kinds may be potted, one pair in a 6'O-sized pot, and protected in frames through the winter. Polyanthuses. The directions given last month for the manage- ment of the plants will apply to the present ; and if not carried out, should have early attention. Make an industrious search after slugs at this period ; it will avert much mischief in the spring. Draw the soil well up to the shoulders of the plants, or add a little more, if required, to make the beds level. Polyanthuses, under pot-culture, will bear more moisture than Auriculas ; but, in other respects, the treatment will be the same for this month. Ranunculuses. Seedlings which came up last month should be placed in a cold frame, giving air at all favourable seasons, and care- fully protecting from excess of moisture. Watch against the ra- vages of slugs. Much damage to seedling crops is done by these depredators while very young, only recently hatched ; and with the protection of frames, their industry does not cease so soon as in the open air. An occasional look at the stock of tubers, to see if they are free from damp and vermin, is the only attention required at this season. Roses in Pots. Plants that have been making a gay appearance under glass, will now be going fast out of flower; and it will be well to give a little protection after taking them out of a greenhouse, before plunging them for the winter. Tulips. If Tulips be not already planted, no time should be lost in doing so; the longer they are out of the ground, the greater will be the probability of a deficient and imperfect bloom next season ; nature herself, in pushing forth the bulbs, is plainly telling where they ought to be. If the mould on the surface of those beds, w'hich are already planted, be set or battered by the rain, a light raking on a fine dry day will be beneficial. DECEMBER. 265 THE PASSING YEAR AND ITS EVENTS. The year 1851 is now fast drawing to its close ; a year long to be remembered as a starting-point in the history of the world, upon what we trust will be a glorious and humanising career. Beneath the roof of a wonderful erection, dksignkd by a GARDENER, men of all nations have met and parted in a way in which such multitudes have never met and parted before. The recolk'ction of the happy hours spent within that won- derful building will ever be gratel'ul to thousands, av, mil- lions; and if the Crystal Palace is to come down, if the noble elms, whose early foliage shed such a charm upon the scene, are to be again uncovered to the winds of heaven, we hope they may long stand to mark the site of one of the proudest trophies ever raised to the glory of the Creator by the intelligence and industry of man. In our own way there was no little to in- terest and to instruct. Under numerous disadvantages, a really respectable display of plants and flowers was maintained by the following Nurserymen, from the opening of the Exhibition to its close, and it is meet that we record their names. The fine Palm-trees of Messrs. Loddiges lent a natural grandeur to the various works of art that surrounded them. Messrs. Lane's charming collection of flowering Azaleas and other plants was the admiration of all who beheld them ; and scarcely less beau- tiful was the circular group of Rhododendrons from Messrs. Standish and Noble of Bagshot. Messrs. Knight and Perry had some interesting Conifers, as had also Messrs. Paul of Cheshunt; and Messrs. Clark of Strcatham, Mr. Bragg of Slough, Messrs. Weeks, Messrs. Rendle, Mrs. Dennis, and Mr. Ferguson, all contributed an ample share of nature's pro- ductions, which served in no small degree to vary and beautify the noble transept of the glorious building which has been entrusted with the protection of the world's fair. Captivated as every one was by the marvellous display of objects collected from all parts of the globe, it is not to be wondered at if the contribution of Messrs. Peter Tiawson and Son of Edinburgh escaped a portion of the admiration it so richly deserved. It was in itself a vegetable museum of the first order, and re- flected the very highest credit upon this enterprising firm ; and we sincerely hope that the generosity which prompted the oflfer of it as a whole to the Commissioners may be met by its being arranged and placed where ready access may be had to it by the public. In recording the events of the past year, we must not forget the establishment of the National Floricultural Society, — an NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. XII. A A 266 THE FLORIST. institution calculated to confer the greatest benefits upon tlie floricultural world, if supported in the way it deserves to be. We must also remember that an old and tried friend of flori- culture, Mr. Wood, the Editor of the Midland Florist, whose work has always been conducted in a manner deserving the utmost praise, has had his services acknowledged by the pre- sentation to him of a handsome silver tea and coffee service, the result of a public subscription originating with our friends at Derby. May he still continue his endeavours to promote the advancement of the pursuit he has so long followed and so ably supported ! Our obituary must contain the departure of the Gardener's Magazine of Botany ; a work carried on with much spirit, and numbering amongst its contributors some of the first gar- deners of the day. It is painful to observe that success has not crowned the efforts to produce and maintain a work of such excellence. As to ourselves, now finishing our fourth year, here we are, and shall be as long as our readers support us, the leading monthly •publication of the day, calculated to please and instruct, but dependent in part upon the contributions of our readers, both amateur and professional. From it we wish all to derive much gratification ; and therefore we trust our subscribers will render us their cordial and efficient assistance. A happy new year to them, one and all, as we say farewell for 1851. PRIMULA SINENSIS. The culture of this general favourite having already appeared twice in the Florist, I ought perhaps to state my reasons for offering it a third time, and this I shall do in a few words. I think that if a plant is worth growing at all, it is worth the trouble necessary to have it in the greatest possible perfection ; and as the authors of the two previous articles appear to have taken it for granted that the readers of the Florist would prefer very small examples of this popular plant to well-grown specimens, I judge that the following hints will be useful to those who may be anxious to have the plant in something like perfection. I sow the seed in July, at least I did so when I propagated by seed ; but having obtained some first-rate sorts, I increase them by cuttings in preference to depending upon seedlings; and I recommend all amateurs to do the same as soon as it is convenient. I fill the seed-pots with light sandy soil, and nicely level the surface with a circular piece of board. The seeds are then sprinkled regularly over the soil, and pressed gently into it by a piece of board. I then let a little mould fall upon them from a fine sieve, cover the whole with DECEMI5RR. 2G7 moss, water lightly, and place them in a damp pit. Tlie moss must be sprinkled with water as often as it may be necessary to keep tlie soil in a damp state; but care must be taken to have it removed as soon as the plants begin to make their appearance, otherwise they will be greatly injured, if not spoiled. As soon as the i)lants are up, they should be watered with care ; and to prevent dainj), they must be placed near the glass, where they will receive abundance of air, but they should be guarded against cold currents. As soon as they are sufficiently large to handle, which will be about the beginning or middle of September, pot them singly in small thumb-pots, using light sandy soil — half peat and half loam will answer perfectly. After potting return them to the pit, and keep them close until they become established ; they may then be removed to the front of the greenhouse, or to any cool place near the glass. They will require no further attention during the winter except a moderate supply of water. About the beginning of March, or as early as convenient, remove them to a pit where they can be kept close, and receive a little warmth, to encourage them to grow freely. As soon as it may ap- pear necessary, shift them into 5-inch pots, using the same quality of soil as before ; and observe that, in potting, they require to be placed a little deeper in the soil each time ; for unless this is done, they have a tendency to become top-heavy, and will tumble about upon the surface of the pot ; and as they emit roots all up the stem, they are benefited by having the latter inserted deeper in the soil. As the sun becomes powerful, it may be advisable to shade them slightly during a few hours on very bright days ; but this will hardly be necessary before May ; and by this time they ought to be ready to receive a second shift : use 7-inch pots, and add a portion of thoroughly decomposed cow-dung, say a third, to the compost. This should be well broken up and rubbed through the hands with the sand before being added to the soil, as when done in this way it is less liable to be in lumps, and becomes more intimately mixed with the rest of the materials. A cool damp pit, partially shaded from the forenoon's sun, will be the most suitable place to summer them in. Here they should be liberally supplied with water, and should be placed upon something which will prevent worms from finding their way into the pots : nothing answers this purpose better than coal-ashes. I need hardly state that the flower- stems must be pinched out as they make their appearance. Towards the middle of July, or beginning of August, they should receive their final shift, and this may be into 10 or 12-inch pots, according to the taste of the grower. I pot a portion of my plants, such as I intend for early flowering, in 10-inch, and the remainder in 12-inch pots. The soil should be much the same as that recommended for last shift, only a larger proportion of dung may be used witii advantage. Great care must be observed in order to secure thorough drainage, as the plant requires a large supply of water during its long season of bloom, and unless the drainage is efficient, the soil will become sjur, and the plants will be all but destroyed. The soil, too, should 268 THE FLORIST. be used in a rough state, and it should be Hberally mixed with sharp sand. The plants should be returned to the pit, and they will re- quire no further attention than that of being; supplied with water as may be necessary. The plants intended for early flowering should not have their flower-stems pinched out after the beginning or middle of September, and they may be removed to the greenhouse or sitting-room window as soon as they are wanted. Those intended for late flowering should be allowed to remain in the pit as long as they can be conve- viently guarded from frost and damp. In order to secure large spe- cimens, there will be no occasion for artificial heat, as, if they have been treated with ordinary care, they will be already satisfactory in that respect. During their flowering season, which may be from October to May, they should be placed in a situation near the glass, where they will receive abundance of air, and they should be liberally supplied with water, taking care not to wet the flowers. Plants treated in this manner will be among the showiest and most satis- factory of winter flowering-plants which the amateur can grow ; very diff^erent from puny, starved specimens in 5 -inch pots, as some of your contributors have recommended. When they go out of flower, or rather as their places can be filled with other things, for they will blossom incessantly for twelve months or more, they may be thrown away, merely reserving some few of the best varieties with a view to furnish seed or cuttings. As soon as the weather will permit, these should be removed to a shady place out of doors, and, after they have become inured to the open air, they may be placed in a situation where they will receive more sun and air. The propagation by cuttings is so simple that I need only state that the cuttings may be put in at any time during the summer or autumn, so as to allow of their being rooted before the arrival of the dull days of winter. They may be treated during the latter season, and following periods of their growth, exactly as recommended for seedlings. I ought to have stated, however, that if the cuttings are put in directly they are separated from the plants, they will be liable to damp oflf, particularly if stripped of their leaves and the fresh wounds buried in damp soil ; and as I have known several kill their plants through inattention to this, I would advise that they be all had through hand a week previous to potting, having as many leaves removed as may be discoloured, and that cuttings be trimmed a week previous to their removal from the plant. This aftbrds time for the air to dry up the wounds, and prevents disappointment and loss. Those who prefer the double varieties may grow them, and will find them just as easily managed, and to require exactly the same treat- ment as the single propagated by cuttings. I greatly prefer the best fimbriated sorts of the single to the double, and esteem them more beautiful, and equally, if not more showy. QUISQUALIS. DECEMBER. 269 NEW ROSES. Every season now brings with itadditions to those universal favourites, autumnal Roses, and more particuhirly to that class known as Hybrid Perpetiials. It is a pity some more eligible name was not at first adopted ; but change in the names of plants has been and is attended with so much inconvenience, that it is not advisable to endeavour to give this beautiful class of Roses a more elegant and agreeable appel- lation. Among the Roses of this group, seedlings from La Reine seem to give much promise. We are approaching to pure white, and ere long a crimson Rose, with all the beautiful characteristics of that justly esteemed Rose, may be expected. We have in Auguste Mie, one of the children of La Reine, a most vigrrous- growing glossy pink Rose, very nearly as perfect in shape as that standard of finely-shaped Roses, Coupe d'Hebe; and in Louise Peyronny, another jille de La Reine, a Rose brighter in colour, and, if possible, more beautiful than the preceding ; its petals are not so abundant as those of its parent, so that it always opens freely. Victoria, introduced by Messrs. Paul is, it seems, of the same parentage. A bloom of this Rose, which I saw when being figured by Mr. Curtis last Julj% was truly beautiful (I have not seen his figure) ; but owing to its thick fleshy petals, it is not likely to open freely in moist weather ; for some blooms exhibited at the show of the Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park, in July, as a " seedling Rose," were passed over by the judges as unworthy of notice ; they were brown at their edges, and like the flowers which Souvenir de la Malmaison occasionally gives when they do not open well ; but when in a perfect state, no light-coloured Rose can be more beautiful than Victoria. Baronne Hallcz has proved the past season a truly brilliant and free-blooming autumnal Rose ; its colour, so lively and agreeable, scarcely coming under either light crimson or carmine; in fact, Roses defy words to describe their varied and beautiful shades of colour. Blanche de Beaulieu and Caroline de Sausal are two nice deli- cately-coloured Roses, leading on to what we shall have, pure white Hybrid Perpetual Roses. Chereau is a charming bright Rose, rosy red or rosy crimson ; in short, very bright and very pretty. We have a nice addition to this family in some Roses with the foliage of Bourbon Roses ; in fact. Hybrid Bourbon Roses blooming in autumn ; and among these are Colonel Foissy, General Brea, Gra- ziella, and L'Klegante Nouvelle (the latter a great improvement on L'Elegante), all of different shades from rose to deep pink, and all robust in their habits, and blooming freely in autumn. To Rose-lovers familiar with that free-blooming Rose, Due d'Alen- 9on, Desgaches will be a welcome addition. It is not what is called a perfect double Rose, but, like Due d'Alen^on, it blooms in large corymbs till quite late in the autumn, and in colour its flowers are of the most brilliant carmine ; it is, indeed, a most elegant and charm- ing variety. Lucie de Barante, or Lucie de Barante de Montozon, or Barante de Montozon according to some catalogues, is remarkable, 270 THE FLORIST. not exactly for its colour, which is simply bright rose, but for its shape, which is exquisite, and its delicious perfume, which is like that of the Cabbage Rose. Madame Fremion is one of our brilliant addi- tions in colour, its carmine is particularly striking ; it is indeed a very distinct and nice Rose. William Griffiths, something of the same race as General Negrier, is, like that very fine Rose, a standard of per- fection as regards shape ; its footstalks are like those of the latter, tirm and erect ; its petals thick and admirably placed ; in colour only is it deficient ; its rosy lilac is merely agreeable, without being striking. The news of the day about Roses is, that the gardens at Chiswick are to have a Rose-house not covered with canvass but with glass, in which all the finer kinds of autumnal Roses are to be planted on raised beds, the plants to be kept as dwarf bushes on their own roots. I observed a short time since the floricultural editor of the Gar- dener's Chronicle inquiring w^hy our favourite Rose should be named Le Geant des Batailles ; he suggested it ought to have been Champ des Batailles : surely he ought not to have been at a loss. Was not Napo- leon the Geant ? and is he not alluded to by Frenchmen at all times and in every thing when at all possible ? Thus we have the Standard of Marengo — by the way, this fine rich-coloured Rose has bloomed admirably the past autumn ; it requires a very good soil, — and we shall have, the forthcoming season, in our flower-stands, " Le Lion des Combats" and "L'Etendard du Grand Homme;" thus we have four Roses named after his memory. Napoleon, always Napoleon : " Vive I'Empire"— des Roses ! T. R. THE BEAUTY OF PLANTS. "Plants," says Reid in his Science of Botany, '^presenting an in- finite variety both in external form and internal structure, calculated to interest the inquiring mind, and combining beauty alike for the eye and the understanding, with utility in the great scheme of crea- tion, must always be regarded as among the most delightful objects which man can contemplate and study. What were the face of the earth without the vegetable creation ? a dreary waste, a desert, as in the arid sands of Africa, or the desolate regions round the poles. Plants invest with charms the scenery of nature, and clothe with beauty the world around us. Presenting a rich and variegated array of colours, and every variety in form, it is the vegetable creation that lends beauty to the landscape. It is plants which we admire in the verdure of the fields and meadows, in the flowers which enliven the banks and roadsides, in the trees and forests which adorn the pro- spect. We welcome re-animating nature in the buds and opening flowers of spring, and to these, expanded by a genial sun, the bright and joyous summer owes its bloom." DECEMBER. 271 DESCRIPTIVE LISTS OF FRUITS. No. XI. PEACHES AND NECTARINES. 8. Pourpree Hdtive. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue: Pourpree Hative a Grandes Fleurs, Early Avant (of some) ; Avant Rouge (of some). Flowers large. Leaves crenated, with reniform glands. Fruit middle-sized, nearly globular in form, generally having a slight de- pression at the apex, and a strongly marked suture. Skin pale yel- lowish white on the shaded parts, and dark red where exposed. The flesh is faintly tinged with yellow, and much rayed with red round the stone ; very juicy, and highly flavoured. This is the best of the early varieties, ripening a full week, or more, before the Royal George; the constitution of the tree is, however, rather delicate, and it is therefore only suitable for a warm situation and a favour- able climate. I have never seen it forced in a Peach-house, but it would no doubt answer well for the purpose. 9. Early Anne. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue : Anne, White Avant (of some). Flowers large. Leaves serrated, glandlcss. F^-uit below the mid- dle size, often disposed to assume an ovate form, with a slight de- pression at the crown. Skin pale greenish straw-colour, in some specimens very slightly marbled with faint red on the side exposed to the sun. Flesh pale yellowish green, having a few tints of red near the stone ; juicy, sweet, and agreeably flavoured. Stone small, flattened, and not very rough. Ripens from the beginning to the middle of August, and is a pretty and desirable Httle Peach, although not equal to No. 8. If any one curious in Peaches should be desirous of growing a larger collection, he might add to the foregoing the Yellow Alberge, Hoffman's White, and the Morrisania Pound Peach, all distinct sorts, and possessing some merit, although inferior to those described. NECTARINES. The Nectarine is by many preferred to the Peach, its flavour being considered more delicate. There is a great similarity of appearance among several of the best varieties, neither, with two or three ex- ceptions, is there much diversity of flavour in Nectarines, so that it is not necessary to notice more than about half-a-dozen sorts. 1. White. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue : Neate's White, Flanders, Emmerton's New White, Cowdray White, Iiargc White. Leaves crenated, with reniform glands. Flowers large, bright rose-colour. Fruit a little above the middle size, nearly round, but 272 THE FLORIST. having a deep suture. Skin pale yellowish green, or often nearly- white, in some cases slightly tinged with red where exposed to the sun. Flesh greenish white, juicy and tender, with a high and some- what peculiar flavour. Ripens generally in the end of August and heginning of September, a few days earlier than most Nectarines of its size. The tree can be distinguished from other sorts by its glossy dark-green leaves. In the Fruit Catalogue above quoted, this Nec- tarine is named New White, in contradistinction to another called Old White; but I am inclined to the opinion that there is only one White Nectarine at present in cultivation. 2. Pitmaston Orange. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue : Williams's Orange, Williams's Seedhng. Leaves crenated, with globose glands. Flowers large, bright rosy pink. Fruit middle-sized, broad and deeply hollowed at the base, but narrowing to the apex, which is very slightly flattened ; suture wide and shallow, terminating in a rather conspicuous nipple on the top of the fruit. Skin deep yellow where quite shaded, dark purplish red intermixed with a little yellow on the parts that are fully exposed, and at the junction of the two colours the yellow is marbled with dull red. Flesh deep orange, rayed with red at the stone; firm, but perfectly melting, and having a high and rather peculiar flavour. The stone is sharp-pointed, very rugged, and of a dull purplish colour. Season the very end of August and beginning of September. This handsome and excellent fruit was raised from seed by a celebrated horticulturist, John Williams, Esq., of Pitmaston, near Worcester. 3. Hunt's Tawny. Synonyms : Hunt's Small Tawny, Hunt's Early Tawny. Leaves serrated, glandless. Flowers small, deep dull pink. Fruit below the middle size, inclining to an ovate form, but somewhat fuller on one side of the suture than on the other. Skin deep dull yellow where shaded, on the exposed side dull red interspersed with rus- sety specks. Flesh dark yellow, melting, juicy, and well flavoured, although not so vinous as No. 2. Ripens from the middle to the end ot August, on which account it is desirable ; in other respects it is inferior to the Pitmaston Orange. 4. Elruge. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue : Anderson's (of some). Common Elruge, Claremont, Oatlands, Temple's (of some), Spring Grove. Leaves crenated, with reniform glands. Flowers small. Fruit middle-sized, of a roundish ovate form, and not much channelled by the suture. Skin pale yellowish green, clouded with dark dull red where exposed to the sun, and a very little mottled and specked with russet. Flesh pale greenish white, slightly stained with red round the stone, very juicy and excellent in flavour. Season the beginning of September. This variety, which is one of the best in cultivation, is said to have been raised about a hundred years ago, *' by John Greening, gardener to the Duke of Newcastle, who then lived at Claremont." Although this Nectarine is generally called Elruge, that DECKMBEK. 273 name properly belongs to another and a very dilferent sort, which (if it is still in existence) has serrated glandless leaves. Elruge is therefore a misnomer, and the name of Claremont, by which it is sometimes known, would be more appropriate for this kind. 5. Violette Hdtive. Synonyms, according to Horticultural Society's Fruit Ca- talogue : Violet, Early Violet, Brinion, Early Brugnon, Brugnon Red at the Stone, Lord Selsey's Eh-uge, Hamj)- ton Court, Large Scarlet, New Scarlet, Aromatic, Vermath (of some), Petite Violette Hative, Brugnon Hatif, Violette d'Angervillieres, Violette Musquee, Violet Musk, Violet Red at the Stone. Leaves crenated, with reniform glands. Flowers small. Fruit rather above the middle size, roundish, or a little ovate. Skin pale yellowish green on the shaded parts, on the sunny side a shining dark purplish red, intermixed with small russet dots. Flesh pale yellowish green, considerably stained with red about the stone, juicy and sugary, with a fine vinous flavour. In season about tlie begin- ning of September. This is an excellent Nectarine, equal to, and not readily distin- guishable from, the variety last described. It may be known, how- ever, by being generally darker in colour, and more especially by the greater redness of the stone and the flesh surrounding it. Nearly allied to the two last are the Imperatrice and the Balgone, or Balgowsn. The Imperatrice is one of the seedlings raised by T. A. Knight, Esq. ; and the other, which is said to be the better of the two, is probably of Scotch origin. Another kind, which is expected to prove of great value, first fruited at Stanwick Park in Yorkshire, one of the seats of the Duke of Northumberland, where it was raised from a stone obtained by his grace from Syria. Ripe fruit was sent to the Horticultural Society on the 29th of August, 1846, and is thus described by A-Ir. Thompson in the Society's Journal : — The Stanwick Nectarine " is about the size of an Elruge, and like it in shape, except in being less heart-shaped at the base. Its skin is pale, like that of the white Nectarine, where shaded, with a violet tinge next the sun. The flesh is white, exceedingly tender, juicy, rich, and sugary, without the slightest trace of the flavour of prussic acid. The stone is middle- sized, ovate, with rather a prominent sharp edge, very rugged, and of a chocolate colour. The kernel is sweet, like a nut, possessing nothing of the bitter-almond flavour." Its adaptability to our cli- mate has not yet been ascertained, as I believe the trees have not borne fruit without the assistance of glass, that in question having been produced in a Peach-house, in which situation the fruit is said by Mr. Baillie, gardener at Stanwick, to have ripened fourteen days later than that of the Bellegarde Peach, upon which the Nectarine is budded. J. B. WuiTING. Erratum : p. 205, 1. 14, /or west read local. 274 THE FLORIST. A PACKET OF SEEDS SAVED BY AN OLD GARDENER. [Concluded.] I DID not see the squire for some time after I got back, for the family went away the next day ; but when he came home, and into the garden, I was nailing some trees, and he came beside me before I was 'ware of it, and looking very slily and kindly, he said, " Is that you, Gregory ?" "Yes, sir," said I ; " and very much obliged to you I am for all favours." "You will have nothing to thank me for," said he, "if you do what I wish ; and if I tell you to cut off half the trees' heads in the orchard, I'll have it done, though I'll hear all you've got to say against it ; and I'll not blame you if I do wrong. If you gardeners don't take care, you'll sicken half the masters in the country, and they'll employ labourers instead ; for I'd rather plough my place up than have a man in my service that thinks himself too great to do what he's told and when he's told. If I want my land cropped to my fancy, do you think my bailiff is to do as he pleases ? No ; he's too much good sense for that ; but half of you gardeners mustn't be interfered with; and that makes gentlemen care so little about changing a gardener." He then walked away ; but I soon heard his voice again, and I thought he si)oke as if he was angry, and I am sure my foreman was, for it was he the squire was talking to ; but as I didn't see him before the men left work, I didn't hear what it was about just then. In the evening, after tea, in comes the foreman into my cottage, looking as red as a turkey-cock, and as stupid as an owl, and the king's English had got so hard to him all of a hurry, that he couldn't get some of his words out. "I won't stand it, that I won't," he kept stammering out; "and you may tell him so to-night, when you go up to the house. I'm as good a man as he is, though he is so rich ; but I don't care ; no, that I don't. I do my work ; and what business are my clothes to him ? his money didn't pay for 'em ; and if they are patched, that's no business of his. You tell him I won't stop ; no, that I won't. I don't care ; no, that 1 don't," — and so he went on. I saw in a minute what the squire had scolded him about ; but I let him go on without saying any thing, for talking to a tipsy man is like putting dry leaves on a bonfire, it only makes it blaze the more. " Come," says I, " just go with me, will you, and let's see if any of those boys are in the upper garden, stealing the potatoes out of the pits; you take that lantern, and I'll take my own;" and he grew so maudlin to me ; and then he'd abuse the squire, and tell me to be sure and mind that he wouldn't stop, no, that he wouldn't, if he'd go down on his bended knees to him. When we'd got out of doors it was raining finely, which I knew well enough ; and he asked me to lend him something to put over his shoulders. " Never mind a drop of rain," says I ; " come on ; you don't care for a little wet, do you ?" I took him the worst road and the longest way, DECEMBER. 275 and it pouring hard all the time. He soon left off talking about not standing it ; and his voice got clearer, and he said, such a night as that no boys would be out stealing taters. " We'd better be sure," said I ; " and you take the outside the garden-wall, and Fll go in ; and be sure you catch 'em if I halloo." When I thought he was downright well soaked, I called to him over the wall, and said there was nobody about ; and we'd go home again, if he'd go back to the gate. How he shivered and shook, to be sure, when we met ; he was as clear-spoken too as I was ; and when I asked him if he was wet, then he said he was, for his clothes were old, and he'd got some holes in them. " I suppose, then," said I, " the squire was telling you of them holes." " Yes," said he, " and angry enough he was." *' Well," said I, " you get home as quick as you can, and shift yourself; it's no use your going to my cottage; the sooner you're dry the better; so, good night." " Good night," said he ; " but perhaps you'd better not say any thing to the squire to-night." " Ah, but," says I, " suppose he says something to me, and says you're to go." " That'll be a bad job," said he ; " and perhaps you'll say a word for me." " Well, good night," said 1; " get home as soon as you can, and I'll see you to-morrow." I shifted myself when I got in, and then went up to the house ; and after I'd given in my book, and got all settled, just as I exj)ected, the squire began. " Gregory," said he, " that man David must be sent about his business — a ragged fellow ; surely he earns enough to keep decent clothes about him. I'm afraid he drinks too much ; there's a something about him I don't like ; he never looks comfort- able ; and when I happen to drop upon him unawares, he always seems to wake up and move faster at what he's about ; and that's a thing I never like to see, for it tells plainly that he's only an eye- servant, and an eye-servant I will not have. I like a man to feel as much pleasure in earning his wages as I have in paying them. Come," said he, " Gregory, tell me how you account for it ; can he afford better clothes or can he not.''" " I ask your pardon, sir," said I, " and mean no offence; but if you'll let me tell you all I've thought about it, may be I shall do no harm, and you'd be better pleased than if I held my tongue." " Go on," said he. " Well, sir," said I, " you see he's all you say, — he's ragged and he drinks, and he does no more work than he can help ; and all shews that he's got no respect for himself, so 'tisn't likely he'll have much for other people ; if he had, he wouldn't have spoke to you as he did. He was a decent lad when he first came ; but I thought he didn't get much better before I left, and I used to tell him he went out too much of nights. Since I've been back, I went up one evening to his room, to talk to him about getting to the King's Head, and stop- ping out so late. He wouldn't say it was wrong ; but he said, * Look here, who's to spend his time always in this place .'' Look at the walls, how damp they are.' And so he went on, finding fault with every thing. 1 told him the other two men had just the same lodgings, and they found no fault. ' Not to you,' said he, ' but 276 THE FLORIST. they say plenty to me.'" The squire stopped me when I'd got so far, and said, "I'll look to it ; you meet me at their rooms to- morrow at ten o'clock." Next morning I was there, and shewed him how damp and w^et the rooms w^ere, — too near the ground, and never a bit of sun ever to shine in front of them. " Now, sir," said I, " if I may be so bold as to say so much, I think if you'd be so good as to put up some rooms just over against the poor men's gardens, with the backs of them looking into the grounds, and the fronts to the south, that I could manage to make the men more respectable, or get some that would be ; and if you'll make them a bit ornamental, I'll see that they shall be kept clean and tidy, and no dissight to the place. Bad rooms drive men to pubHc-houses ; for you'll see the difference in comfort, sir, if you look any evening into the tap-room of the King's Head, and then in here. 'Tis a wonderful temptation to a poor man, that a rich one knows nothing about ; and a good m.any that blame him the most ought to say the least." He heard me very kindly, and then went to the place I wanted him to build on, and said he'd see to it, for he'd got many things to think of that he'd never thought of before ; " And who knows," said he, " but David may be mended ? and so do not discharge him, but tell him he's on his good behaviour." NEW FLORIST FLOWERS. In a previous page we have touched upon the importance which attaches to the National Floricultural Society. Since that article was written, the first part of its proceedings — well arranged and care- fully compiled — has made its appearance, from which we glean the following useful information respecting the best flowers which have come under its notice since its commencement up to September 4th. Antir7'hinmn : Primrose Perfection, received a first-class certificate. Auricula: Beauty of Bath, ditto. Azalea indica : Pictura, label of commendation ; Vittata, ditto. Calceolaria (shrubby) : Wellington Hero, ditto. Carnation : General Monk, ditto. Cineraria: Marguerite d'Anjou, first-class certificate ; Alba Magna, certificate of merit ; Marianne, ditto ; Orpheus, ditto ; Queen of Beauties, ditto ; Ro^ahnd, ditto ; Beauty, label of commendation ; Christabel, ditto; Field Marshal, ditto; Formosa, ditto ; Lady of the Lake, ditto ; Loveliness, ditto ; Model of Perfection, ditto ; Nonsuch, ditto ; Prince Arthur, ditto. Dahlia : Dr. Frampton, first-class certificate ; Laura Lavington, ditto ; Triumphant, ditto ; Douglas Jerrold, certificate of merit ; Nancy, ditto ; Phantom, ditto ; Globe, label of commendation ; Morn- ing Star, ditto. Delphinium : Hendersonii, certificate of merit. Erica: Marnockiana, ditto. Fuchsia: Diamond, ditto ; Nil Desperandum, ditto ; Nonsuch, do. DECEMBER. 277 Gladiolus: Mrs. Willmore, first-class certificate; Josephine, cer- tificate of merit ; Wellington, ditto ; Atro-roseus, label of commenda- tion ; National, ditto ; Psittacinus superbus, ditto. Hollyhock : Swansdown, first-class certificate ; King of Roses, cer- tificate of merit ; Rosamond, ditto ; King of Yellows, label of com- mendation; Joan of Arc, ditto ; Magnet, ditto ; Meteor, ditto ; Safra- not, ditto. Mule Pink (without name), label of commendation. Pansy : Kossuth, certificate of merit ; Pandora, ditto ; Swansdown, ditto ; No. 2, label of commendation. Pelargonium : Advancer (fancy), first-class certificate; Elise, ditto; Formosissimum (fancy), ditto ; Ganymede, ditto ; Optimum, ditto; Magnet, ditto; Mountain of Light (variegated), ditto ; Arethusa, cer- tificate of merit ; Ariadne, ditto; Caliban (fancy), ditto ; Chieftain, ditto; Enchantress, ditto; Gipsy Queen (fancy), ditto; Mirandum (fancy), ditto; Purple Standard, ditto; Richard Cobden (fancy), ditto; Rubens, ditto ; Attraction, label of commendation ; Beauty of St. John's Wood (fancy), ditto ; Fireball (fancy), ditto ; First of May, ditto ; Herald, ditto ; Incomparable, ditto ; Lady Emma (fancy), ditto ; Queen of the Fancies (fancy), ditto. Phlox Drummondii : Mayii variegata, label of commendation. Picotee : Christabel, certificate of merit ; Duke of Rutland, ditto ; Mary, ditto ; Victoria Regina, ditto ; Ophelia, label of commendation ; Prince Arthur, ditto. Pink: Optima, first-class certificate. Potentilla : Alpha, label of commendation. Rhododendron : Superbissimum, certificate of merit. Rose : Queen Victoria, first-class certificate ; Robert Burns, ditto. Tulip : Juliet, label of commendation. Verbena : National, certificate of merit ; Orlando, ditto ; Purple rival, ditto ; Eliza Cook, label of commendation ; Koh-i-noor, ditto. The characteristics of the above flowers have, for the most part, been given in our reports of the meetings at the time. We have therefore only now to observe, that the Society has been pre-eminently supported by seedling-raisers, the subjects submitted during the six months numbering many hundreds. NOTES FROM THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KE^V, AXD OF NEW OR RARE PLANTS FIGURED IN CONTEMPORARY PERIODICALS. Browallia Jamesom. a rather erect straggling-growing soft-wooded warm greenhouse shrub, attaining the height of four or six feet in its native country, having glossy ovate leaves, with a terminal corymbose panicle of large rather showy yellow flowers. This species was introduced from New Grenada by Messrs. Veitch about two years ago. Epidendrum verrlcosum. a very fragrant handsome Orchid, and one of the most beautiful of all the Epidendrums. It bears a branching panicle of lilac and white flowers. It is easily known from its congeners by the flower-stalk and 278 THE FLORIST. branches being minutely covered with warts ; there are two varieties of it in cul- tivation, which are known by the more or less marking on the lip. Grammanthus chlor/Eflora. a very dwarf compact-growing and pretty hardy Cape annual, similar to a Crassula. It should be raised under glass, and planted out towards the end of May, in tufts or patches, near the margin of an open border, where it has a charming appearance during summer ; the orange and yellow flowers remain a long time in perfection, and expand beneath bright sunshine. It has been flowering at Kew throughout the summer. Camptose.ma rucicundum. An evergreen stove climber, suitable for a trellis work, or rafters ; it grows freely, especially in good soil, but is rather a shy bloomer. The flowers are in pendulous racemes, on rather long peduncles, similar to those of Laburnum or Urstaria. They are of a deep ruby-red colour. It is a native of Southern Brazil and the adjacent Argentine provinces. In England, and on the continent, this plant has been cultivated under the name of Kennedia splendens. It is at present in flower, trained on a trellis near the glass, in the great Palm-house at Kew. Rhododendron Champion je. This is a very handsome species, known only as yet by drawings or dried specimens. It is described as growing seven feet high, and found abundantly among rocks in a ravine at Fort Victoria, Hong Kong ; the flowers are from four to six in an umbel ; white, with a delicate rose colour. Galeandra Devoniana. a terrestrial Orchid of great beauty, and one that is rather scarce among collections, although introduced ten or twelve years ago from South America, where, in its native state, it grows in clusters or patches, five or six feet high, and ten or twelve feet in circumference. The sepals and petals are of a darkish purple, green at the margin ; lip very large, projecting, white tipped and streaked with purple ; the above six plants are figured in the Botanical Magazine for October. Tacsonia mollissima. a plant of this species, planted in the open border, and trained against an east wall at Kew, is at present growing very vigorously, and has upon it numerous flowers ; whether it will withstand the rigour of the forthcoming winter remains to be proved, but we hardly suspect it will. Erythrina laurifolia. a very fine plant of this species is now in flower at Kew, and has been since June. The early shoots having blossomed through the summer, some of them have legumes, with nearly ripe seed on them, and the lateral ones are covered with their beautiful deep coral-coloured flowers. SiPHOCAMPYLUS AMCENUS. A rather pretty flowering stove-plant, with oblong lanceolate leaves, and a terminal many-flowered raceme of small rather straight orange-red flowers. This plant has been introduced to English collections from the nursery of Van Houtte, Ghent, and is a native of Central America. Delphinium speciosum, var. Wheeleri. A magnificent flowering hardy herbaceous plant, of a stiff habit, growing about three and a half feet high, with erect branching stems ; the principal one terminating in a densely-spiked raceme, a foot or more long ; the lateral branches bear looser racemes, all of a dark brown and bright blue. This is one of the best of the tribe, and Avill no doubt be an acquisition. Ipom(ea oblongata, a trailing herbaceous half hardy or greenhouse species, having large fleshy roots, and numerous hairy stems, five or six feet long, with large bell-shaped flowers of a purplish rose colour, one or two produced at every leaf-joint. It is said to be a fiee-flowering plant, producing flowers from May to September, many opening daily. It has been introduced to English collections from the valley of the Buftalo river, near King William's town, in British Kaf- fraria. These last three plants are figured in the Magazine of Botany for October. Vaccinium Rollissoni. a neat -looking evergreen half-hardy shrub, about two feet high, having glossy box-like leaves, and terminal racemes, nearly sessile, of four to six drooping flowers of a rich scarlet. This species will form a neat bush for open borders during summer ; but it is probably not quite hardy, unless in a very sheltered situation. It is a native of Java, where it was found growing on the lava of the "silent volcanoes," the highest land in the island. It was imported by Alessrs. Rollisson. PoTENTiLLA AMBIGDA is a rather pretty free-growing species of suffruticose habit, which rapidly increases by its stoloniferous roots, and soon forms a large DECEMBER. 279 patch. It flowers very freel}' through the summer, and even until late in au- tumn, producing large yellow flowers. Being a native of the elevated region of Sikkim Himalaya, it may be expected to be hardy. Impatiens I'ULCHEHRiMA is a succulcnt tender stove annual, having very showy flowers, which are produced abundantly through the summer months. It is a native of Bombay, and may be considered one of the flnest of Indian Balsams. FiTz-uoYA Patagomca is a hardy evergreen sub-antarctic Conifer, which was found growing in great abundance on the Pacific side of Patagonia. It is stated to be one of the most interesting of the South American kinds. Small plants only of it are in cultivation, in the nursery of Messrs. Veitch, to whom the seed was transmitted by their collector, Mr. W. Lobb. The above four are figured in the Botanical Magazine for November. LiLiuM LoDDiGESiANUM. A hardy bulbous plant, growing about two or three feet high, and having an erect terminal raceme of a few large yellow flowers, each two or three times as long as its stalk, with tlie divisions of the flower rolled back. It was raised by Mr. Loddiges from Russian seed, and is a native of the Caucasus. Aerides roseum. An East Indian Orchid, and one of the most beautiful of the genus to which it belongs. It has been long known in cultivation, and is nearly allied to A. affine. It is a stift"-growing phint, with drooping dense ra- cemes of rosy-coloured flowers, and is one that should be in every collection. Brownea ariza. a brilliant -flowering evergreen stove -tree, that deserves extensive cultivation. It flowers freely wth ordinary treatment, producing its blossoms in a short spike, on the side of the main stem, forming a globe of glow- ing crimson. It was found by Mr. Hartweg, in woods in the province of Bogota, where it attains the height of thirty or forty feet, and was transmitted by him to the Horticultural Society, at Chiswick. These last three are figured in Paxton's Flower-Garden for October. BuDDLEA Madagascariensis. This evergreen slender-growing hard-wooded stove-shrub has been several years in cultivation. It is a very neat-flowering and free-growing species, suitable for planting against a wall, pillar, or trellis-work, requiring plenty of head and pot room. Under such circumstances it becomes a very interesting object. A plant of it was planted out nearly two years ago, and trained on a trellis near the glass, in the great Palm-house at Kew, where it is now twelve or fourteen feet high, and covers a space nearly as wide, and is at this dull season of the year thickly covered with its large panicles of orange- coloured flowers. Royal Botanic Gardens^ Kew. J. Houlston. HINTS ON THE HYACINTH. Since the publication of the last Florist, we have been appealed to by a lady in terms which we cannot resist, to give a paper on the cultivation of the Hyacinth. In her note she says, " I have no gar- den, but am passionately fond of flowers (what lady is not ?), especially of the Hyacinth ; but from some cause which I cannot explain, mine never succeed as I could wish. If, good Mr. Editor, you can give me a few practical hints in your next Number which will enable me to succeed better in future, I shall be exceedingly grateful." Of course, we shall do all in our power to merit the gratitude of so inte- resting a correspondent ; and we are sure our readers will not accuse us of vanity when we say, that no small degree of our popularity is due to lady gardeners. We always write on garden subjects with pleasure ; and when we know, as in the present instance, that our 280 THE FLORIST. remarks are penned for the especial gratification of the lady portion of our readers, that pleasure becomes doubled. The Hyacinth, like the Rose, is a universal favourite ; for though a diversity of taste occurs in floral matters, as in all others, the merits of the Hyacinth never are questioned.* Every body loves it for its beauty and its fragrance ; and it is worthy of it. The Dahlia-fanciers may " look down" upon the Pelargonium ; the Florist who never sees beauty but in the eye of his pet Pansies, may rank all other flowers as inferior ; the enthusiast who would grow nothing but Tulips, and root up even those which did not produce his acme of perfection, a semi- globular flower, may pride himself on his eccentricity, and hold him- self aloof from the recognition of the universal loveliness of flowers ; but one and all will unite in terming the Hyacinth a " household flower," and no greater praise could be awarded it. When we had penned thus far, we received a copy of a little cheap work entitled Practical Hints on the Cultivation and Properties of the Hyacinth, by G. P. Tye,t which, on perusing, we found to contain so many valuable hints on the subject which we were writing on, that we determined to enrich our remarks wdth some extracts from its pages ; but we are sure that any one of our readers who may be in a like position with our fair correspondent will immediately pro- cure a copy of the little work in question. We may premise, however, that the first element of success in the cultivation of the Hyacinth, is to encourage a free and healthy root-action before the production of the flower-stems. This general rule applies equally to those grown in pots or glasses. One of the most frequent causes of failure arises from a violation of this fun- damental rule. We have seen the bulbs, from the first moment of their being brought home, placed in the glasses and set in the win- dows, or some equally strong light. In such a position, and under such circumstances, but a sorry amount of gratification will be reaped. Much has been said on the superiority of certain varieties for glass or pot culture, and many seedsmen continue to make such indi- cation in their bulb-lists. For ourselves, we give no heed to such dis- tinctions, and believe there is no foundation in them. Our author has some remarks on the " selection cf bulbs," from which we take the following: "As an important element v,\ success, an early selec- tion of bulbs is recommended. This, in m';st cases, will ensure to the purchaser larger quantities from which to choose, and finer bulbs may l)e obtained." And again, at page 7. in deprecating the practice of allowing the bulbs to begin rooting before they are purchased, he says, " If the food it seeks be withheld, it will draw from sources within itself the nourishment with which nature has supplied it; but, like many other unassisted efforts, it fails to mature its parts, and perfection is not attained. Let, therefore, the bulbs be chosen he- fore they begin to grow." And we beg to add, that in removal * Of course, we are here speaking of its general character, not criticising it individually. + Groombridge and Sons, Paternoster Row. DECEMBER. 281 such young roots are frequently broken off, thus increasing the evil by weakening the bulb, as such roots have to be replaced by a second drain on its resources. Of the kind of bottles to choose, there is the following quotation from M'Intosh's Flower-Garden : "As all roots shun the light with as much instinctive care as stems and leaves court it, the sort of bottles best suited for growing Hyacinths in water are those of the darkest colours, such as blue and green. Black or opaque would be preferable." The little paragraph on the " Manage- ment of Bulbs" we give entire : " Having filled the bottles with clean rain-water, introduce the bulbs, but do not let them touch the water by half ; n inch. Place them in a dark closet or cellar, in order that the roots may grow first, for reasons before alluded to. The flower starts from the heart of the bulb so soon as it can escape from the leaves which enclose it, when it requires and must have nourishment. If it has but few and short roots, the flower will be poor and dwarfy in consequence. When the roots are of sufficient length, say four or five inches, re- move the bottles to a situation where the bulbs will have light, but not too bright at first, and in a week or so i)lace them near the glass in a greenhouse, or in a sitting-room window. In each case be careful to avoid too great a change of temperature, which should be but little higher than that of the place from whence you remove the bottle. Let the plants have air on all convenient occasions, or they will grow tall, pale, and weakly. A variety of methods for giving vigour to the plants, and brighten- ing the colours of the flowers, have been resorted to ; such, for ex- ample, as adding to the water a few lumps of charcoal, a little nitrate of soda, or a small portion of saltj)etre ; but the following has been found to answer well : dissolve half an ounce of guano with so much chloride of lime as would equal the size of a large pea in a quart of rain-water. Let this mixture stand for a day or two to become clear. Pour about two teaspoonfuls into the bottle twice a week after the flower appears well out of the bulb." There is one important feature in the successful cultivation of the Hyacinth in glasses, which, we think, is not sufficiently known or re- cognised ; we allude to changing the water. On this branch of the subject, at page 10, we have the following excellent bit of advice, the italics are our own marking, because we know the importance of attention to the precept given: " The water requires changing every two or three weeks. Let the fresh supply he of the same tempera lure as that in which the bulb has been growing, for remember the heat of the room, or greenhouse, has taken off^ the ' chill.' The flowers will receive a check if you do not attend to this." And in reference to the too prevalent practice of allowing the flower- stem to become '* drawn," we extract the following : " Such plants as appear to grow too rapidly should be removed to a little cooler situation ; say from the sitting-room to the parlour, or any such i)lace, according to con- venience. On the other hand, such as appear too stunted should be removed for a short time to a little warmer situation, on the chimney- piece, for instance, in the sitting-room ; but not for too long a period, NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. XII. B B 282 THE FLORIST. or they will be weak and pale, as before stated. Observation is the best guide in all these matters." It is found that, in the majority of cases, the flower-stem requires artificial supports, although we confess we believe that superior culti- vation will obviate such an application. A Hyacinth in the open border will not require it, and from such we must infer that artificial treatment alone renders such necessary. At page 13 of the Practical Hints is a woodcut representing an improved glass with support at- tached, which merits attention. The design of the glass is certainly a great improvement on the old shape, and will not be out of place on the table of those who appreciate beauty of design in the useful as well as the ornamental. Of the treatment of the bulbs after flower- ing, so as to render them creditable, " if not equal to the first season" of flowering, the following is given : " Many bulbs are rendered utterly worthless by careless treatment after they have done blooming ; whereas fine blooms, if not equal to the first season, may be relied upon if treated in the following manner : — The moment the flowers begin to decay, remove them from the glasses, and plant them in good rich compost, consisting of three parts of good decayed turf, and one each of well-rotted cow-dung and sand. Let the flowers and leaves die off before taking up the bulbs ; and do not on any account cut them off" when green, as this greatly impoverishes the bulb." In the pot-culture of Hyacinths, as w^ell as in that of glasses, a thorough root-action must be procured before the stimulants to growth in the leaves and flowers are applied, or failure will assuredly follow. Of the " properties" of the flowers we say nothing ; the present arti- cle has been penned for those who love a flower for its beauty, and not for the shape of the petals, or the length of its foot-stalk. G. L. NATIONAL FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. Oct. 9. — Mr. Stains in the chair. Hollyhocks were furnished by Mr, Clarke; Dahlias by Messrs. Bragg, Pope, Rawlings, and Drum- mond. Three nice Fuchsias came from Air. Dobson, of Woodlands Nursery, Isleworth, and some good Petunias from Mr. Gadd. A first- class certificate was awarded to Mr. Drummond of Bath, for a very beautiful Statice, apparently a cross between S.imbricata and S. ma- crophylla. The same raiser also received a certificate for a bright scarlet Dahlia called Bob Drummond. It was well-shaped ; but in the flowers exhibited, the centre appeared to be scarcely sufficiently elevated. Two new members were added to the lists, and two more were proposed for election at the next meeting. November 13. — Mr. Hoyle in the chair. A certificate of merit was awarded to a Chrysanthemum named Versailles Defiance, a rosy lilac-coloured variety, of good form, and broad in the petal ; Pentste- mon variabilis received a label of commendation. It is a promising geenish-white flowered kind, tipped and marked with cherry ; both DECEMBER. 283 these subjects were contributed by Mr. Salter of Hammersmith. A nice tray of Pansies was sent from the Royal Nursery, Slough. Mr. Wilkinson of Ealing, and Mr. Clark of Playford, were elected members. GLASGOW PANSY EXHIBITION. A Pansy competition lately took place at Glasgow, open to all Scot- land, for the best one, the best two, and the best three seedling Pan- sies of 1851, when the whole of the prizes were gained by the Messrs. Dicksons and Co., Nurserymen, Edinburgh. The best one was a yellow- ground flower, with rich maroon belt- ing and top-petals, the under and side-petals beautifully laced with gold, blotch large and dark, form perfect, style of Youell's Supreme, named Victory. The best two : 1 st, A pure golden yellow self, with a beautiful large and dark blotch, outline perfectly smooth, of good substance and form, named Golden Eagle. 2d, A beautiful primrose ground, with rich lively bluish purple belt, and top-petals ; the belting being narrow, and blotch large and very dark, gives it an imposing appear- ance : fine show-flower, named British Queen. The best three : 1st, A yellow ground, with dark maroon belt and top-petals, style of Youell's Supreme, but quite distinct; an improve- ment on that fine old flower, and named Peacock. 2d, A pure white ground, with rich purple belt and top-petals ; the ground-colour meeting in the under and side-petals so very exactly, together with a large dark blotch, produces an admirable etFect in a stand : it was considered the finest flower of any class brought forward on the occa- sion, and named Ro5^al Standard. 3d, A yellow ground with dark bronze purple belt and top-petals, of great substance, very large and circular ; a striking show-flower, named GlifF. STOKE NEWINGTON CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY. Nov. 20. — We have only space at this advanced period of the month, to lay before our readers the names of the flowers in the more prominent collections. As an exhibition, we candidly avow that every success attended the unanimous exertions of the executive, for a finer display, even under the auspices of this well- organised society, no one could desire. The leading prizes were awarded to Mr. Holmes and Mr. Elliott, equal 1st for G plants ; the sorts being, Annie Salter, Queen of Eng- land, Madame Camerson, Vesta, Pilot, Defiance, jNIadame Poggi, Minerva. The specimen plants were, 1st, Defiance, Mr. Scruby ; 2d, Madame Camerson, Mr. Bundel; 3d, Pilot, Mr. Elliot. 24 blooms : 1st, Mr. G. Taylor, Beauty, King, Campestroni, Queenof England, King, Goliath, Beauty, Queen of England, Racine (?), Phydias, Pio Nono, Defiance, Golden Cluster, Phydias, Defiance, 284 THE FLORIST. Clustered Yellow, Formosum, Sydenham, Cyclops, Guillaume Tell, The Duke, Pio Nono, — (?), Sydenham ; 2d, Mr. Scruby ; 3d, E. San- derson, Esq. : other prizes were awarded. 12 blooms: 1st, Mr. G. Taylor, Goliath, King, (?), Phydias, Clustered Yellow, Queen of England, Formosum, Madame Laborde, Pio Nono, Duchesse d'Abrantes, Defiance ; 2d, Mr. James ; 3d, Mr. Scruby : many other prizes were awarded. 6 blooms: 1st, E. Sanderson, Esq., Goliath, Queen of England, Defiance, Beauty, The Duke, Aristides. Eight prizes were awarded in this class. We promise a full report in our opening Number of 1852. LUCULIA GRATISSIMA. It has often been a matter of regret to me, that I have not met with this charming plant in the collections of my amateur friends. For winter flowering it has few, if any, equals, and it is highly deserving of a more extended cultivation than it has hitherto received. Its large cymes of hydrangea-like and deliciously fragrant flowers claim for it a place in every greenhouse. Its season of flowering is from November to March, and even at that time, when the showy Camel- lia is in full bloom, a well-managed plant of the Luculia will com- mand at least equal admiration. Combining, as it does, so many de- sirable properties, it seems reasonable to imagine, that were it not for the opinion generally prevalent among amateurs, that it is very dif- ficult to cultivate, it would ere now have become as common as a Camellia ; but the fact is, if we except its propagation, it is not more difficult to manage. The following is the treatment I give it ; and as I have found it to be perfectly successful, I recommend j^our readers to give it a fair trial. As I have experienced considerable difficulty in its propagation, I shall presume that the cultivator has plants capable of furnishing cuttings, which he may at any time procure, as they are cheap in the nurseries ; and I shall first state my method of increasing it. I select short-jointed pieces of the half-ripened wood for cuttings, which I slip off and insert with a heel, as I find that they root better removed in this way than when cut across at a joint in the ordinary manner. I use peaty soil, with a large proportion of sand, say one-third, and pot the cuttings singly in thumb-pots. I am very careful to have the soil in a rather moist state, as frequent waterings cause damp and the loss of the cuttings. And I am also careful to select cuttings in what I have found to be the proper stage of maturity ; but a little observation and experience will teach the operator how to judge of this better than I can tell. I place the pots upon the border, or floor, in a perfectly shady but not damp part of a house where the temperature may average about 55°, and cover them with a hand-glass. The only further attention which they re- quire or receive is a glance in passing, and a sprinkling of water if they appear to be in absolute want of it. This I apply towards even- ing, and allow them to remain uncovered until the following morning ; but the moisture arising from the border or floor will prevent the ne- DECEMBEIl. 285 cessity of watering often. If the cuttings are allowed to remain in this state, and merely guarded against damp and drought, they will root as certainly as any plant with which I am actiuainted, the only difference being in the time in which this takes place. Cuttings in- serted in April will probably, if treated in this way, be found suffi- ciently rooted before winter to allow of their being removed to a lighter and more airy situation, and probably the loss will not amount to one in ten. As early in the spring as convenient, such of the plants as are found to be rooted should be placed in a gentle growing heat, and shiited into 5 -inch pots ; and if they can be placed in a mild bottom- heat, they will grow the faster. They must be stopped frequently during the growing season, if dwarf bushes are desired, as the habit of the plant is rather straggling, and its growth rapid. They should be kept in a shady part of the house or pit, as the foliage suff^ers very much if exposed to the direct rays of the sun ; and unless they are kept in a growing state, and receive a liberal application of the syringe, they will probably be infested with red spiders ; they are also selected for the depredations of the black thrips ; and if the latter once secures a footing, it will cost considerable trouble to clear the young plants of this pest, and if they are not cleaned effectually, they may as well be thrown to the rubbish-heap, as this puny locust will speedily eff'ect their entire ruin. The plants should not be stopped after the begin- ning of July, as they will be apt to flower weakly if stopped after this time. About the beginning of August they should be removed to a situation in the greenhouse, where they will receive abundance of light and air without being exposed to the direct rays of the mid- day sun ; or they may be placed in some sheltered warm spot out of doors, where they will be partially shaded from the forenoon's sun ; but if intended to be placed out of doors, they must not be stopped after the beginning or middle of June, and they must be removed to a situation under glass early in the autumn. To secure their flower- ing freely, they should be placed in the warmest end of the green- house, and kept rather close ; or if they can be put in a shady pit and kept close, they will be more at home than in the greenhouse. When in flower, which will be from the middle or beginning of No- vember to March, they may be placed in the greenhouse or sitting- room window : and if the flowers are guarded against damp, they will remain in perfection for six weeks or longer, and will load the atmo- sphere with the most agreeable odour. After their flowering is over, the plants should be closely cut back, and not over liberally supplied with water for (say) a fortnight, and while in this state they should be carefully cleared of every vestige of insects. As soon as they have broken their buds, and made a fair start for growth, they may be re-potted, and treated in the way re- commended for their first year's growth. I should have said, how- ever, that the i)lants require plenty of pot-room ; but this must be regulated according to their health and vigour. For flowering plants of one year's growth I use 8-inch, and generally liloom them the second year in 12-inch pots. 286 THE FLORIST. Soil composed of two parts sandy loam and one of peat, with a liberal mixture of silver sand, will suit them perfectly; but this should be used in a rough state, and care be taken in potting, to secure a perfectly good drainage, as the hair-like rootlets of this fine plant are very impatient of a sodden soil, or any thing approaching to it. I can easily fancy, that the successful growers and propagators of this plant will indulge a smile at the idea of cuttings being six or nine months in rooting, while they root them in three weeks ; to such I can only say, that I should be glad to know how to do so also ; for I confess that the Luculia is to me rather troublesome to propagate, and I have seldom met with an amateur who had ever succeeded in rooting a single plant by means of bottom-heat, though I have known many failures, and many plants lost through haste and roasting. I will also say, that the method I have described is sure, although slow. I have said nothing about the adaptation of the Luculia for plant- ing in a conservatory-border, as I meant my instructions for amateurs only, and they seldom have very spacious conservatories to furnish ; but it is well known and generally esteemed as one of the most valuable plants for such a situation ; and if any amateur can find it a place in a conservatory-border, he will find that it will soon attain the size of an ordinary specimen of the Sweet Bay, and will furnish abundance of flowers and ample gratification during the winter months, to repay him tenfold for all the trouble involved in its simple culture. Adiantum, OUR MONTHLY REMEMBRANCER. Auriculas. — Carefully shelter the plants from wet, and con- tinue to give as much air and light as possible, particularly when the atmosphere is heavy and foggy. In severe, black, frosty weather, attended with brisk drying easterly or northerly winds, the frames may be closed while it continues ; for sufhcient air to carry off the evaporations from within will penetrate between the laps of the glass. Light waterings must be given where the soil in the pots is getting dry ; little moisture is requisite at this season, but that little should be kept up to insure a healthy condition. Prepare a little compost for sowing seed in; a small quantity of vegetable mould will be necessary — that obtained from decomposed oak-leaves is excellent for the purpose ; clean it of worms and other insects, and preserve it in a moderately moist state ready for use. The heap of compost in- tended for next season's potting should be turned over now and then. The winter rains waste a considerable portion of the nourishing quali- ties, if it is left fully exposed. A temporary covering over the heap is advisable, so that the soil shall be preserved in a half-dry state ; the frost will then act upon it more beneficially. Calceolarias. — The stock should be carefully gone over, remov- ing any fogged foliage, particularly about the neck of the plant, or at its junction with the soil ; give air at all suitable opportunities, and fumigate when necessary. DECEMBER. 287 Carnations and Picotees. — Those not potted early, unless shel- tered from wet some time before potting, will suffer much. Keep the stock dry without going to extremes ; cut away dead foliage as often as it appears ; give plenty of air, without allowing the rain to wet tlie plants, or the wind to loosen them. I'he surface of the mould in the pots should be slightly scratched, to prevent its becoming green. CiiVEUARiAS. — Prepare now for the coming winter, by removing them either to an airy part of the greenhouse, or securing well the pits or frames by banking up and plenty of litter. Cinerarias will stand no frost. Those who wish to have handsome i)lants, good foliage, and fine flowers, must not keep them crowded. Give plenty of air on all favourable occasions ; continue shifting into larger pots as they require it ; water more sparingly, and keep the foliage, parti- cularly that in the pits, as dry as possible ; look sharp after insects. Dahlias. — A very little attention will suffice for the next two months ; if in a damp place, bring them out on a fine day, and cut away any decayed part of the root. There will be considerable trouble in wintering such varieties as produce large stems. Those that are small just above the crown, and solid, cause much less trouble. Epa CRISES. — Water sparingly, and when air is required for a short time in the middle of a sunny day, give it from the roof ; have fuel always at hand, to light a fire before going to bed should the ther- mometer be approaching the freezing-point. Ericas. — The mode of procedure for the Erica during this and the following month or two may be stated in a few words : keep the plants in as quiescent a state as possible, by maintaining a uniformly low temperature, and using no more water than is sufficient to im- part a slight dampness to the soil. Regulate the admission of air by the temperature from without ; if the weather be dry and calm, the thermometer not lower than 35°, admit air from the roof-lights till three o'clock ; not from the sides, as chilly currents coming into immediate contact with the plants are apt to turn the foliage rusty, more especially that of Vestitas and their allies. Should the air be humid and the plants feel damp, down with the top-lights, light a fire, and expel the enemy ; in a word, keep the plants as dry and cool (short of frost) as possible : to raise the temperature, fire heat should be resorted to but seldom. Never light a fire before going to bed, unless you conceive it more than probable that there will be 6° or 7° of frost out of doors before the hour of rising in the morning. Fuchsias are in cold frames at rest ; nothing, therefore, is neces- sary to be said about them. Pansies planted out should be secured from rocking by the wind with old Caniation-pegs. The surface of the beds must be loosened occasionally, if there is rain, which makes them hard ; and they will become sour if this is not attended to. If the beds are in a very wet state, dig out the alleys or walks to the depth of a si)it, or spit and a half. Those in pots should be kept moderately dry, clean, and with plenty of air. The situation of the frame for wintering them should be very light. 288 THE FLORIST. Pelargoniums. — The plants ought still to be at rest, and watered sparingly, and in the morning. Fires will be required on cold nights, and then caution must be used not to have the houses too high ; a temperature of 40° to 45° will be sufficient : if too much fire is used, the first crop of flowers is generally lost. The latter end of the month, or beginning of next, is the time for stopping the plants that are intended to flower in June. Let them be moderately dry, and keep them so till the wound is healed over, which will be in about a week or ten days. If there is the convenience of a second house, where they can be kept a little warm for a week or two, it will greatly assist them in breaking. Seedlings will require attention this month. Keep all decayed leaves picked off', and the surface of the soil just stirred up. Pinks. — If the weather during this month continues open and moist, worms will continue troublesome. Much mischief may be prevented by placing a few small twigs round each of the weakly and tall-growing varieties, to support them ; it will also protect them from being broken by high winds. Polyanthuses (see Auriculas). — Same attention is necessary ; but they will bear considerably more moisture with good eff'ect. Keep the soil well up to the shoulder of the foliage of Polyanthuses in pots, and in a tolerably moist state. Plants of this kind in borders, if much troubled with insects, should be looked to at every opportunity in fine weather. Ranunculuses. — Arrange roots for planting, little beyond this will be demanded in respect to dry tubers. Seedling plants, how- ever, will require some attention : probably a very thin sprinkling of dry rich soil may be needed as a top-dressing. Give all the air prac- ticable on every fine day, and protect from severe frosts. Roses in Pots. — Cut these at once for blooming in May. If for exhibition, select from the best Hybrid Perpetuals, Bourbons, and Tea- scented varieties; the whole of these are suitable for the partial forcing they will require. Shorten the Hybrid Perpetuals to two or three eyes. Bourbons a little longer ; and train the wood of the Tea- scented varieties, just shortening the points. Do not use the knife at all to the Persian Yellow, however long the shoots may be. Roses of this class are peculiar in their flowering, and therefore require peculiar pruning. They are very early bloomers, and make no wood previous to flowering. They generally put forth the leaf and bud about one time ; it is therefore necessary that as much as possible of last year's wood be retained, particularly the ends of the branches, from whence most of the flowers proceed. The method that must be pursued, in order to get as much flowering wood as possible, is not to prune them when other Roses are pruned, but shortly after they have done flowering, leaving three or four branches a little shortened. The rest must be cut well back, when they will make good flowering wood the remainder of the season, and ripen it well. Tulips. — On the presumption that all Tulips are now planted, nothing more is required by way of direction till they begin to near the surface. GENERAL INDEX. Acacias, list of, 184, Amhcrstia nobilis, 80. Anemone, Tyso on, 17. Aphides, to destroy, 82. Apples, to store, 120". Art Journal, 17. Berberis Darwinii, ltl(j. Cacti, dwarf, 29. Calceolarias, select, 2. properties of, 5(i. new, 122. Camellia seed, 34. Cantua buxifolia, 161. Cape bulbs, 242. Carnations, lists of, 4. to winter, 58. ■ running of, 66, 75, 98. Carnation Society, G4, 197. Cherries, dwarf, 175. Chiswick shows, 134, 1G4, 185. Chrysanthemum, the, 74. pot-culture of, 8b'. for exhibition, 88, lOG remarks on, 132. ■ show at Stoke New- ington, 283. Cineraria, culture of, 124. Clematis montana, 199. Climbers, hardy, 218. Coelogyne maculata, 97. Conifers, Knight's Catalogue, 17. Cottage drapery, 218. Crystal Palace, 147, 16"9, 2(J5. Dahlias for exhibition, 99. list of, 112. nIiow at Vauxhall, 229. Shacklewell, 232. Stoke Newington, 254. Dahlia-show at Slougli, 257. Dahlia-table, lO'l. Exhibitions, metropolitan, 121. French and English, 145. Ferns, British, 10, 41, 57, 83, 105. by Francis, reviewed, 246. Filbert, purple- leaved, 43. Florist, new series of the, 1 . Florists, hints to, 28. Florist flowers, new, 276. Flowers, new northern, 31. Flower-beds, shrubs for, 245. Fruit-trees, dwarf, 213. Geranium at sea, 12. Gladioli, culture of, 193. Gloxinia, the, 3. Gooseberries, list of, GO. Grapes, list of, 100, 154. purple Fontainebleau, 123. Greeting, a fragrant, 129. Heating, remarks on, 49. Hollyhock, by Paul, reviewed, 234. Hyacinth, culture of, 279. Lily of the New Testament, 188. Luculia gratissinia, 284. Lycopodium ctosium, 199. Midland Florist, 18. Mount Barker, news fiom, 83. National Floricultural Society, 52, 73, 113, 139, 1G5, 183, 211, 237, 282. Nectarines, select, 271. Nut, Cosford, 43. Orchard-house, Rivers'", 38. Orchids, collecting, 127. I'acket of seeds, 18, 40, (i.S,