,transcriber's ,note3 ,italic text is represented by underscores and bold text by equals signs4 ,illustration ,,talks ,,about ,,flowers4 ,,by ,,mrs4 ,m4 ,d4 ,,wellcome4 ,thank ,god for the beautiful flowers ,that blossom so sweetly and fair2 ,they garnish this strange life of ours1 ,and brighten our paths everywhere4 ,,dexter ,,smith4 ,,published ,,for ,,the ,,author1 ,,by ,i4 ,c4 ,,wellcome1 ,,yarmouth1 ,,me4 ,entered according to ,act of ,congress1 in the year #ahha1 ,,by ,i4 ,c4 ,,wellcome1 ,in the ,office of the ,librarian of ,congress at ,washington4 ,,printed ,,by ,b4 ,,thurston ,,co41 ,,portland1 ,,maine4 ,,preface4 ,to all ,flower ,lovers who may read these pages1 we come with kindly greetings4 ,to you we dedicate our ,work4 ,encouraged by the many testimonials of favor with which our ,flower ,sketches have been received1 which have appeared in the ,boston ,journal1 ,portland ,transcript1 and the leading ,floricultural journals1 we were induced to prepare this volume1 intending it to be made up chiefly of those articles revised and enlarged for this purpose2 but after entering upon this work1 we found so little that was adapted for use1 nearly every page has been written while the sheets were passing through the press4 ,before we were aware1 the printed matter had exceeded our proposed limits1 and we were obliged to enlarge the work by additional pages1 and even then omit our chapter of ,floricultural ,notes1 for we wished to put the book at a low price1 that it might reach the masses4 ,as it is1 we are sure that we have given you a great amount of valuable information1 and just such as amateurs need1 respecting the habits and requirements of those flowers which are best adapted for general cultivation1 and in a form specially new and attractive1 combining the history and literature of flowers1 with description and mode of culture4 ,it may be deemed strange that we should omit from a work of this character a ,talk about the ,queen of ,flowers1 but the subject was so full that we thought best to devote the space to other varieties and refer our readers to our recently published ,essay on ,roses1--advertised in another part of this work--in which they will find the subject fully treated4 ,we would here acknowledge our obligation to ,mr4 ,james ,vick for the beautiful ,bouquet of ,flowers which constitutes our ,frontispiece4 ,,mrs4 ,m4 ,d4 ,,wellcome4 ,yarmouth1 ,me41 ,june #i1 #ahha4 ,,contents4 ,,page ,introduction #i ,a ,talk to ,farmers' ,wives #ab ,a ,talk ,about ,the ,wild ,garden #ae ,a ,talk ,about ,stocking the ,garden #ai ,phlox ,drummondii #bd ,verbenas #be ,petunias #bi ,a ,talk ,about ,pansies #cc ,asters #ce ,balsams #cg ,a ,talk ,about ,geraniums #ci ,a ,talk ,about ,begonias #df ,gloxinia1 ,tuberose #ej ,a ,talk ,about ,gladiolus #ed ,a ,talk ,about ,pelargoniums #fj ,a ,talk ,about ,fuchsias #fi ,a ,talk ,about ,coleuses #ge ,ornamental ,foliage ,plants #hc ,a ,talk ,about ,primroses #ih ,carnations and ,picotees #aja ,a ,talk ,about ,climbers #ajg ,thoughts in ,my ,garden--,a ,poem #aag ,a ,talk ,about ,several ,things #aah ,the ,love of ,flowers #abb ,a ,talk ,about ,abutilons #abe ,a ,talk ,about ,dahlias #acj ,amaryllis #ace ,hoya ,carnosa or ,wax ,plant #acg ,among ,my ,flowers #ach ,a ,talk ,about ,cyclamens and ,oxalis #adc ,a ,talk ,about ,lilies #adg ,double ,bouvardia #aeb ,camellia ,japonica #aed ,azalea #aee ,the ,ingathering of the ,flowers #aef ,my ,window ,box #aeg ,hyacinths #aeh ,insects #afj ,introduction4 ,thank ,god for the beautiful flowers1 ,that blossom so sweetly and fair2 ,they garnish this strange life of ours1 ,and brighten our paths everywhere4 ,dexter ,smith4 ,i have been thinking for some time of writing a few articles about flowers1 not for the entertainment nor instruction of those who have extensive gardens artistically laid out1 and fine conservatories with skilled gardeners to care for the rare and costly plants1 but for those1 who1 like myself1 have only a few beds filled with flowers1 cared for by one's own self4 ,every year there is a marked advance in the floricultural kingdom4 ,books and periodicals devoted to flower culture are on the increase2 florists are enlarging their domain2 catalogues are scattered broadcast1 and as free as autumn leaves1 some of them beautiful with their colored plates1 handsome enough to frame4 ,very many of the literary1 religious1 and political journals of the day have their floral department1 in which the ladies gossip of their experience and exchange opinions1 and we doubt if any column is read with greater interest4 ,what recreation for the mind and body more pure1 refining1 healthful1 than that of the cultivation of flowers8 ,how they reveal the ,father's love1 and wisdom1 and power6 ,how perfect his work6 ,very fully have ,i realized this1 as ,i have examined bud1 blossom1 and leaf under the microscope4 ,its magnifying power when applied to man's work1 reveals coarseness and imperfection1 but in ,god's work only reveals new beauties1 and greater perfectness4 ,the tiny flower1 the details of which cannot be perceived by the eye unaided1 when magnified1 surprises us with its loveliness4 ,we wonder and adore that ,being whose hand created its perfect form and arranged its tints with so much harmony4 ,the study of flowers with the microscope is one of never failing delight1 and one needs not the costly instrument to enjoy this study4 ,the round open glass1 the size of a half dollar1 and costing the same1 serves every needful purpose4 ,not only have ,i enjoyed the examination of flowers1 but also of insect life1 specially of those terrible pests to our rosebushes and some other plants--the aphides4 ,i have closely watched their development1 from the tiny egg to the portly insect1 so filled with the juice of the leaf1 that like it1 he is green all over4 ,first ,i observe a little speck of red in the egg--then it has slight motion--next it runs about1 and the spot is a little larger1 sometimes it is black4 ,sometimes the baby aphis is all red4 ,now and then ,i find a different sort mixed up with them2 the body is much larger and transparent white4 ,some have wings4 ,skeletons1 or more properly1 cast-off skins1 are often seen1 but with the closest observation ,i have never been able to trace these to their source4 ,once1 ,i was sure that a fellow was divesting himself of his overcoat1 and ,i watched him till my eyes ached too badly for further investigation4 ,these insects are the cows of a certain species of ant1 and ,i am sure they are quite welcome to all ,i have1 provided they will have their yard on other premises1 though ,i would like to detain them long enough to see the milking process4 ,some have seen it and written about it1 so1 strange as it seems1 it is no fiction4 ,in this series of articles which ,i have entitled ,talks ,about ,flowers1 ,i shall1 in a very informal manner1 talk to you about just those matters pertaining to the flower garden1 in which beginners and amateurs are interested2 to this class ,i belong2 ,i am not a skilled florist1 my experience is limited2 ,i am only a student in the lower classes of floriculture1 but ,i dearly love my lessons4 ,i am acquiring knowledge both from books and personal observation1 and ,i shall enjoy imparting to those not so favored with time and resources the results of this study1 believing it will be duly appreciated by my readers1 and their interest in the cultivation of flowers be thereby increased4 ,i shall talk to you about the sowing of seeds1 the arrangement of your garden1 the plants with which to stock it1 treating of them historically and descriptively1 with mode of culture4 ,i shall talk to you about the most desirable bulbs1 about climbing plants1 hanging pots1 and the window garden1 and shall seek to meet in all these the wishes of many inquirers4 ,a ,talk to ,farmers' ,wives4 ,not useless are ye flowers1 though made for pleasure1 ,blooming in field and wood by day and night2 ,from every source your presence bids me treasure ,harmless delight4 ,once more ,i take my pen in hand1 as the old time epistle was wont to begin4 ,while a ,young ,farmer discourseth of matters pertaining to the farm1 ,i propose to talk to farmers' wives and daughters of matters relating to the flower garden4 ,this article is specially dedicated to them1 and not to them as a whole1 but to that class among them who take no periodical devoted to flower culture1 and find no time even to study the various catalogues scattered broadcast1 as sure precursors of spring as are the falling leaves of autumn4 ,therefore you who have your floral papers1 your bay windows filled with plants1 or your fine conservatories1 whether a farmer's wife or not1 this is not written for you1 and you need not read any further4 ,there are many farmers' wives who give little attention to the cultivation of flowers4 ,busy lives the most of them lead1 and their indoor work shuts them off largely from the enjoyment of those beauties nature has so lavishly spread around them4 ,it is a pity that any of them should say1 ,i have no time to waste over flowers2 they bring neither food nor clothing4 ,call that wasted time when tired1 nervous1 fretful perhaps1 you leave the heated rooms and run out to see if the seeds you sowed last week have come up1 or how the seedlings you set out are thriving8 ,to look at that opening rosebud1 pick off the withered leaves from the geranium1 stir the earth a bit around that heliotrope1 and linger over the dear little pansies as their bright faces are up-turned to greet you and cheer you with their diversified beauty8 ,gather a few2 they will bloom all the more because of it4 ,there1 now1 don't you feel nicely rested8 ,the feeling of fretfulness is all gone4 ,refreshed in body and mind1 you resume your housework1 and accomplish it much more effectively than if you had kept right on1 so tired and all out of sorts4 ,better far these moments of out-door recreation than blue pill or bitters4 ,all this is anticipatory of the good time coming to you this summer4 ,that kind husband of yours when he goes to the store to buy his garden seeds1 or order them from abroad1 is going to include an equal number of flower seeds4 ,he would have done it long ago but he did not think anything about it4 ,but you are going to give him a hint this spring4 ,you can tell him that in the general seed box there is one corner where are certain dainty little packages labeled ,candytuft--purple1 carmine1 white or mixed2 ,mignonnette1 ,aster1 ,balsam1 ,pink1 ,petunia1 ,sweet ,peas1 etc41 etc41 and you tell him that those ,sweet ,peas bloom the most fragrant blossoms for five months1 while his ,extra ,early1 whether ,blue ,peter or ,blue ,tom ,thumb1 last only a little while4 ,so as he goes on his way he will think to himself1 ,wife works hard2 she makes capital butter and keeps the house real tidy1 and ,i guess ,i must indulge her4 ,when he returns home he gives you those little packages1 in each tiny brown seed of which there lies hidden a beautiful life--a life that shall1 by loving care1 develop the red1 white and blue in settings of emerald1 the influence of which shall be felt by the entire household1 and bring forth a fruitage of brightness1 gladness and love4 ,it may be that you live remote from the village store1 or perhaps there may not be kept there a good1 reliable assortment of flower seeds1 so ,i will tell you what to do in that case1 for ,i wish to be helpful every step of the way4 ,you must send to some good florist for what you want1 enclosing stamps1 if for an amount less than one dollar4 ,you have your seeds now1 and some of them need to be started in the house in order to secure early flowers1 ,asters1 ,petunias1 ,pinks1 ,pansies1 ,snapdragon and ,sweet ,peas4 ,sift your earth through a coarse sieve4 ,a little sharp sand is good to mix with it4 ,shallow boxes are best1 except for the peas4 ,i use cigar boxes4 ,dampen the earth1 then sow thickly in rows1 cover lightly with more soil1 dampen again1 label1 cover with paper so that the moisture may not evaporate rapidly1 and place in a sunny window4 ,daily sprinkle through a fine rose pot1 or with your fingers lightly if you have none4 ,however good your seeds may be1 they will not grow if kept dry1 and will rot if kept too wet4 ,the seedlings must be nursed with care1 not too much sun while tender4 ,i do not thin out mine till ,i transplant to the border1 but many do1 potting them singly4 ,peas can be set out earliest of any4 ,sunny days in ,may often tempt one to bed out their tender plants1 and sow seed in open ground2 then come cold nights1 when the fragile seedlings need a hot soapstone to their feet4 ,it is best to wait till warm weather is fully established1 and then choose a cloudy day for the work4 ,protect from the sun's rays till the plants are established in their new quarters4 ,now1 all this looks like much work and care1 ,i know1 but it is only a little work1 a little care each day1 and it is a work that will be a restful change1 and bring you better health and better feelings1 and when you gather the lovely flowers from the seeds you have sown and cultured1 you will not say3 ,my time was all misspent4 ,a ,talk ,about ,the ,wild ,garden4 ,the lengthened days have come1 ,the busiest of the year-- ,when the annual house cleaning treads heavily on the toes of spring gardening1 and one feels tempted to crowd the work of two days into one1 though sufficient for the present is the work thereof4 ,the bright warm days draw one forth to spend an hour or two they say1 and they mean it too--with shovel or spade in hand to prepare the flower beds1 but the air is so refreshing1 and there is so much to be done1 that they keep on a little while longer1 just a few minutes more1 till ,sol pours his burning rays down upon them with the unmistakable assurance that it is near the hour of noon4 ,these are the days that try men's souls1 and women's1 too2 days when one wishes with ,dudley ,warner for a cast iron back1 but would fain add the improvement of rubber hinges2 days when the inquiry is often provoked1 ,will it pay8 ,as we change the numerous boxes of seedlings from one position to another1 that they may catch the sunbeams1 ,will it pay8 ,as we take them out of doors these warm days1 and bring them all back again at night1 lest the air prove too harsh for the tender things1 ,will it pay8 ,yes1 we know from past experience that it will pay even a hundred fold for all our care when the restful days shall come1 and we watch with hopeful hearts each bud of promise as it grows1 and gather our hands full of lovely flowers1 the fruitage of our seed sowing and unceasing care4 ,have been bedding out to-day my old stocky geraniums1 after cutting off all the dead and unsightly branches4 ,these were just packed into large boxes in the autumn--as closely as possible--dirt then thrown in to fill up the spaces1 and they were put into the cellar and severely let alone till the weather admitted of their being taken out of doors4 ,many throw away their geraniums1 if the stalks decay by being frost-bitten or for some other cause1 when often the roots are alive1 and with proper care will sprout again4 ,i had a few in my window box that were touched by frost one intense cold night in ,december1 and died down to the roots4 ,to my surprise1 they sprouted in ,march1 for ,i did not suppose they would be seemingly lifeless so long in a sunny window4 ,some of my neighbors hang up their large geraniums by the roots in the cellar1 and thus keep them throughout the winter nicely1 but ,i have never been successful with this method4 ,my house plants are nearly all re-potted1 ready to be plunged into the ground the first of ,june4 ,i put in a bit of potsherd to keep the roots from going astray1 then small pieces of coal for drainage1 then fill with mellow sifted soil1 enriched with well-rotted manure4 ,i found it so much better last year to bed out in pots that ,i shall practice it more fully this summer4 ,when the time comes in the autumn for taking them in doors1 the work can be done in half the time4 ,my seedlings will be six weeks or more in advance than those sown in the open border4 ,my sweet peas must go out very soon or ,i shall have to give them a support1 they are so tall4 ,now ,i am going to tell you about another sort of a garden--a spick-span new sort--and ,i know you will be pleased to hear about it1 and ,i think you will want to have one of your own4 ,,the ,,wild ,,garden4 ,mr4 ,b4 ,k4 ,bliss1 of ,new ,york1 in a note1 said3 ,we have put into your box a packet of flower seeds for the wild garden1 which we think will interest you4 ,we also send you the initial number of our new paper1 ,the ,american ,garden4 ,in this journal ,i find a very interesting article on ,the ,wild ,garden1 how to make it1 and a description of one at the country residence of ,mr4 ,m4 ,s4 ,beach1 near ,peekskill1 from his own pen4 ,we will quote a part of it4 ,he says3 ,we plowed a strip about six feet wide all around a five-acre field1 close to the fence4 ,on this plowed ground1 the seed1 previously well mixed1 was thrown just as it happened to come4 ,the surface having afterwards been well smoothed over1 we waited the result4 ,this proved satisfactory4 ,we had a wild garden indeed4 ,the plants came up as thickly as they could grow1 and flourished and blossomed as freely as though they had enjoyed all the care usually given to hot-house exotics4 ,sweet ,alyssum1 ,mignonnette1 the pretty blue ,nemophila and bright colored ,phlox ,drummondii seemed to cover the ground4 ,morning ,glories of every shade and delicate ,cypress vines tried to cover the fences and run up every tree4 ,quaint little yellow and green ,gourds appeared in the most unexpected places1 and the whole bed seemed to be ablaze with the orange and yellow of the ,eschscholtzia1 ,marigolds1 ,calendula ,officinalis and ,zinnias4 ,one of the chief charms of this wild flower bed was the variety and change--not from season to season1 but from day to day4 ,every morning would find some new1 unexpected1 and previously forgotten flower in bloom4 ,the packet of ,flower ,seeds for the ,wild ,garden consists of more than a hundred varieties1 sufficient for a square rod of ground4 ,there must needs be a peculiar charm in the ,wild ,garden4 ,when one wearies of the monotonous ribbon beds and geometrical designs so long in fashion1 they can turn to the spot where flowers run riot at their own sweet will1 and give daily surprises because sown broadcast without any regard to their names and location4 ,multitudes there are1 who1 with abundance of land at their command1 can have one on a large scale1 others can have1 but a small spot4 ,there are many who have ground specially adapted by its wildness for the blending of the cultivated flowers with those which grow in their native dells or woods4 ,wild shrubs1 wild flowers1 wild climbers1 can be transplanted to situations quite like their own4 ,there can be ferneries and rockeries1 beds of violets and wild evergreens1 and combined with careless grace1 such tropical plants and brilliant annuals as would give the most pleasing effect and afford a beauty wholly unique4 ,make ,home ,beautiful4 ,make your home beautiful--bring to it flowers2 ,plant them around you to bud and to bloom2 ,let them give light to your loneliest hours-- ,let them bring light to enliven your gloom2 ,if you can do so1 ,o make it an ,eden ,of beauty and gladness almost divine2 ',twill teach you to long for that home you are needing1 ,the earth robed in beauty beyond this dark clime4 ,a ,talk ,about ,stocking the ,garden4 ,the flowers we love8--,they are those we gathered ,years ago1 when we played at home6 ,flowers by the door stone1 dropped and scattered ,here and there as a child would roam4 ,how shall ,i stock my garden8 is a question often asked by amateurs4 ,that depends very much on the size1 location and soil of the ground to be furnished4 ,if the site is elaborate1 and the beds to be geometrically laid out1 much skill1 artistic taste and generous expenditure is needful to produce a fine effect4 ,if the flower beds are cut in the lawn a different classification and arrangement of plants will be needful4 ,if they consist of long beds bordering a walk1 or one bed only1 beneath the front window1 there needs to be a grouping of flowers adapted to the situation4 ,none but the wild garden ought to be stocked hap-hazard style4 ,arrange always so that there shall be a succession of flowers during the entire season1 for if you devote a space for those of brief duration1 you will by and by have a barren spot by no means pleasing4 ,the most exposed situations ought1 of course1 to be arranged with special reference to the best possible effects or continuity of bloom and harmony of colors4 ,don't mix in all sorts of colors and sizes of plants in any bed4 ,masses of distinctive colors always have a fine effect4 ,where there are varieties that have more show of flowers than of leaves1 it is well to intersperse plants whose beauty lies more in their foliage than in blossoms4 ,the beautiful ,coleuses1 ,achyranthes and ,alternanthera1 with their richly colored leaves1 and ,pyrethrums with their vivid green lancelated foliage1 are very effective for this purpose4 ,cannas are very fine among tall1 free blooming plants1 particularly for centers4 ,care ought always to be had in selections1 so that a tall and coarse plant shall never have for its surroundings the low and delicate growers4 ,imagine the effect of a gorgeous ,california ,sunflower or a towering ,hollyhock in the midst of a bed of ,pansies1 or ,tea ,roses1 or a ,dahlia in a bed of ,verbenas6 ,have your large stocky plants in a bed by themselves1 unless it be as a background border for the more delicate flowers4 ,a long bed running beside a fence1 or one beneath the windows of a dwelling-house1 can have1 with good effect1 a dense background of shrubs or ,pompone ,dahlias1 or even the taller ,dahlias1 if relieved by a fence4 ,where there is a large bed directly beneath the front windows1 a good arrangement is to have1 first1 trailing vines that shall cover far up the sides of the dwelling4 ,for this1 the ,ipomoeas are very appropriate2 of these there are numerous varieties4 ,i4 ,bona ,nox1 with its large fragrant blossoms1 which however1 expand in the evening2 ,mexicana ,grandiflora ,alba1 immense flowers of white1 long tube1 a native of ,mexico2 grows to the height of ten feet4 ,i4 ,hederacea ,superba is bright blue1 with white margin1 ,ivy-like foliage1 and ,i4 ,fol ,mormoratis1 a new ,japanese variety1 with foliage beautifully mottled and marbled with white2 ,coccinea1 or ,star ,ipomea1 bears a great profusion of small flowers1 scarlet striped with white4 ,with any of these1 vines of the ,canary ,bird ,flower intermingled1 would have a superb effect2 the light green1 deeply lacinated leaves and bright1 yellow fringed flowers1 proving a marked contrast to the foliage and blossoms of the ,ipomea4 ,it is a very rapid grower1 and will climb and branch out ten feet or more4 ,in front of these climbers1 or whatever others may be preferred1 a row of ,sweet ,peas1 quite thickly set1 can be trained so as to fully cover the vines below the flowering branches1 and to conceal the unsightliness of these low down1 a row of ,pyrethrums or some dwarf compact plants would be attractive4 ,then a walk1 if the bed is sufficiently wide4 ,the plants on the opposite side can be arranged so as to have those of medium height next to the path1 and low bedding ones for the foreground4 ,verbenas are very fine for this1 and so is the ,double ,portulaca4 ,for an edging1 many things are appropriate2 whether one desires merely a low green1 or a border of dwarf blooming plants4 ,for the latter1 we know of nothing prettier than the new dwarf ,candytuft1 ,tom ,thumb4 ,its habit is low and bushy1 and its clusters of white blossoms continue a very long time4 ,mr4 ,vick has for several years recommended ,thrift as the best edging plant for northern climates4 ,it is easily propagated from cuttings2 every piece will make a plant1 if taken in the fall or spring1 and is perfectly hardy4 ,it bears tiny clusters of pink flowers1 and the foliage is fine for floral work4 ,in arranging your garden stock study the adaptions of your plants to certain positions4 ,some require for their best development1 a great deal of sunshine1 others require somewhat sheltered positions4 ,portulacas revel in dry and sunny spots1 laughing at drought1 while ,pansies love a cool and moist situation1 therefore to bed them in a sandy soil1 and a position where they would be exposed to the intense sunshine of mid-day1 and the ,portulaca in the sheltered1 moist situation would be a great mistake4 ,coleuses ought not to be set in a very open sunny place1 but with plants that will serve as a protection somewhat1 or they will lose their vivid markings4 ,we observed this first with ,c4 ,shah2 when exposed to a strong light1 the rich1 velvety maroon changed to a dull color hue1 but when partially shaded it was of a very deep1 rich color4 ,the next summer we had the beautiful ,pictus1 and its leaves looked as though they were indeed painted with yellow1 brown and green1 but exposed for a time to the direct sunshine nearly all day1 it changed to a dark green1 with brown markings1 and1 robbed of its gold1 it possessed no special beauty4 ,we speak only of our own experience1 which has not been limited by any means to these two varieties4 ,we have had a few that would retain their distinctive markings well1 even in quite an exposed situation4 ,in the arrangement of your garden1 have it adapted to its surroundings4 ,the broad leaved ,palms1 the ,tropical ,caladiums1 the stately ,cannas1 the ,cape ,jessamine and ,crape ,myrtle are in perfect harmony with the well kept lawn and stately mansion1 but quite out of place in the simple border of a vegetable garden1 or rough grass-plot belonging to a low1 plain cottage4 ,i will tell you of a bit of a garden furnished in harmony with its surroundings4 ,it was rudely dug and roughly finished by two very small hands4 ,it was a very wee bed1 indeed4 ,it was fenced on the west side by a rough board shed2 on the north by an old stump2 the other side and end had no protection4 ,without any method of arrangement1 or reference to artistic effects1 here was massed the following assortment3 ,monks ,hood1 ,bachelors ,buttons1 ,butter and ,eggs1 ,star of ,bethlehem1 ,poppies and ,marigolds2 these last more odorous than fragrant4 ,old fashioned flowers truly4 ,but they harmonized with their surroundings1 and the little pale faced child thought them very beautiful4 ,it is not essential to harmony however1 that the flower bed be rudely prepared1 though the cot be lowly and its surroundings rough2 the garden1 however small1 can be neatly prepared1 provided there are stronger and older hands than those of the little maid referred to1 and there may be a display of taste in the arrangement of the most common flowers1 in our day at least1 where beautiful varieties are within reach of all4 ,but it was not so fifty years ago2 boxes of flower seeds were not to be found in the shops2 catalogues were not scattered broadcast like autumn leaves and as free2 a greenhouse at your door1 was not then1 as now1 a verity4 ,school girls exchanged their limited floral treasures1 and now and then a slip could be begged from the fortunate possessor of a few house plants4 ,but if greenhouse flowers were rare1 there were thousands in the meadows1 on the hills1 in the woods2 the sweet ,may flowers1 unknown then to the little maiden as the ,trailing ,arbutus1 the ,anemone1 ,hepatica1 ,columbine1 ,violets of different hues1 ,wild ,roses1 ,gay ,lilies1 and late in autumn1 the lovely fringed ,gentian3 ,each chalice molded in divinest grace1 ,each brimmed with pure1 intense and perfect blue4 ,what could be more lovely among the garnered treasures of the greenhouse8 ,but our talk is a long one1 and we will defer to another what we have further to say on this subject4 ,the ,phlox ,drummondii4 ,flowers for gladness and flowers for sorrow1 ,shadowing forth what we fail to tell2 ,mystic symbols of tender meanings1 ,such as the heart interprets well4 ,this is one of the most desirable of our annuals1 coming into bloom early in the season and continuing in flower till frost4 ,they are very effective in massed colors1 and make fine ribbon beds4 ,contrasting shades should be selected4 ,a writer in the ,garden says that the following are very desirable for this purpose3 ,phlox ,lothair1 salmon shaded with violet2 ,mons ,henrique1 brilliant reddish crimson2 ,venus1 pure white2 ,mons ,goldenschugh1 rosy violet2 ,spenceri1 dark rosy lilac4 ,an excellent front edging for this ribbon bed is the variegated ,periwinkle4 ,in order to grow them thoroughly well1 and so to insure a lengthened period of blooming1 the ground should be deeply trenched and well enriched with good manure from the farm yard1 and not more than six heads of bloom should be allowed to each plant4 ,thus treated1 when planted in long lines1 it is difficult to convey an impression of these and similar varieties4 ,there are many beautiful varieties of color2 deep blood purple1 brilliant scarlet1 large blue with white eye1 not truly a blue1 but the nearest approach to it of any2 ,leopoldii1 splendid deep pink1 with white eye2 ,carmine ,queen and ,violet with a large white eye2 ,vick's ,new ,double ,white1 the only one that is reliable1 from seed1 to produce double flowers4 ,then there are the buffs and the stripes1 crimson striped with white1 and rose and purple4 ,mr4 ,vick1 who makes a specialty of the ,drummondii ,phlox1 they being a favorite with him1 devotes acres to their cultivation1 and who has been experimenting with them for several years1 has produced several new sorts that are very fine2 one of them is deep red with a fringed edge4 ,there have been very marked improvements since this plant was first discovered in ,texas by ,mr4 ,drummond1 a botanical collector sent out by the ,glasgow ,botanical ,society1 and it was one of the last1 if not the very last1 sent to ,europe by him4 ,he soon after went to ,cuba1 where he died of a fever in the prime of life4 ,sir ,n4 ,j4 ,hooker named the plant after its discoverer as a memento4 ,when first discovered it was very inferior to the flowers seen in our gardens1 as is very apparent from an engraving of it taken from a drawing in ,mr4 ,vick's possession1 which was made in #ahch1 three years after its discovery4 ,it is given in ,vick's ,magazine for ,september1 #ahhj1 with the items we have cited4 ,the word ,phlox signifies flame1 and is supposed to have been applied in allusion to the flame-like form of the bud4 ,a lady who had excellent success with her seedlings1 started early in a box1 and bedded out one cloudy day in ,may1 says3 ,i was surprised to find flowers on the plants when so young and small4 ,i don't believe they had been transplanted five days before half of them had flowers1 and soon the rest followed1 and for more than two months my bed has been glorious--a mass of bright colors more beautiful than any carpet or dress pattern ever made4 ,it is near the middle of ,september1 and if the frost will only keep away1 it looks as though they would keep on flowering for years4 ,tell everybody to have a ,phlox bed and how to do it4 ,it is the cheapest pleasure possible4 ,,carrie1 in ,vick's ,magazine4 ,,verbenas4 ,this we must have1 for it is one of the most beautiful annuals cultivated4 ,so varied its hues6 ,so abundant its blooms6 ,not a brief season of flowering1 and then naught but leaves1 which are1 not of themselves attractive1 but an increase of blossoms from ,june till ,october1 and it requires quite a severe frost to mar their beauty4 ,they have the best effect massing each color by itself1 and beds of a circular form cut in the lawn and filled with ,verbenas1 have a superb effect4 ,seedlings are much the best for bedding out1 they are so much stronger and more bushy4 ,those plants offered for sale in pots1 having one tall slender stem1 crowned with a cluster of flowers1 are almost worthless for the garden4 ,true1 if you get a healthy one1 by layering and pegging down1 you can sometimes get good plants1 but you had better purchase seedlings by the dozen as they are offered in boxes and baskets1 or order them of the florist by mail or express1 and you will have plants that will grow compact1 bloom early and profusely1 with far better foliage than the puny straggling ones rooted from cuttings4 ,one objection to purchasing seedlings by the clump is1 ,i am well aware1 the fact that they are not labeled as to color1 and everybody wants to know that they will have at least one scarlet1 one white1 purple1 and so on1 and unless the color is peeping through the bud1 one must buy with the risk of not knowing the desired color4 ,this is the true state of the case so far as my own observation extends4 ,but it need not be so1 and we presume it is not so everywhere4 ,seedlings can be raised of course with each of the leading colors separate1 and those in greatest demand in large quantities to meet the wants of the general public1 while the fancy sorts can be of mixed varieties4 ,those who raise their own seedlings1 usually buy a paper of mixed sorts1 so in that case they are no better off than those who purchase seedlings of the florist1 and as their facilities are far greater for raising early plants1 it seems preferable as a general thing1 to buy of them1 for these reasons4 ,in order to have good sizable plants for bedding out in ,may and ,june that will bloom in ,august1 seed must be sown the first of ,march1 at the latest1 for it takes weeks for the little dry sticks to germinate1 and then they are such slow growers1 unless under the most favorable circumstances1 they do not become strong vigorous plants by the time you want to bed them out4 ,few can care for them properly while their sunny windows are full of choice house plants1 so that as a rule1 we should deem it preferable to wait until ,may1 and then purchase the large budded seedlings1 which so quickly unfold their beautiful flowers to brighten the garden1 when it is almost barren of bloom4 ,they do not cost usually more than sixty cents per dozen1 and one is saved from so much care4 ,however1 for the benefit of those who prefer to sow their own seed1 we will give directions for the best method4 ,first1 be sure that the seed is new4 ,don't sow old seed for it will not germinate4 ,if you have no hot bed1 make one in a box or pan by putting in a layer of quite fresh horse manure for bottom heat2 over this a layer of coarse sand2 then fill the box with finely sifted soil1 mixed with at least one-third fine sand4 ,make it smooth2 then in little rows drop the seeds1 not very sparsely1 for all may not germinate1 and if too thick when they come up they can be thinned out4 ,press the seed down with a bit of flat board1 sift a little soil over them and then dampen by light spraying with tepid water2 a brush dipped in water makes a gentle sprayer4 ,cover with paper1 glass1 or what is better1 a bit of soft flannel wrung out of water laid on the surface1 as it keeps the soil damp without sprinkling1 by being wet as it dries4 ,the soil must be kept moist1 not soaking wet1 for however helpful to germination a previous soaking may be1 when sown the seed must not be drenched1 and the same rules are equally applicable to the seedlings1 for in either case rot would surely follow4 ,it is just here where the special care is requisite to insure success4 ,after the plants have come up1 the flannel or paper must be removed and the seedlings given sunshine and air1 though it is well to have a glass over the top of the box for a week or more1 as more moisture is thereby secured2 but there ought to be an aperture for the admission of air4 ,when two or more leaves are developed1 it is well to prick them out into other boxes or pots1 if they are too thick for free growth2 not all1 a part can remain undisturbed4 ,they should be gradually hardened as a preparation for out-door life1 by being placed in cool situations4 ,while heat is essential to start the seed into growth1 it is not beneficial to the plants1 and those who have a cold frame had better remove the plants to it as soon as the temperature will admit4 ,in bedding out1 an open situation is preferable4 ,the ground should be well dug and enriched1 with well-decomposed manure1 and if the soil is heavy a liberal mixture of sand4 ,a situation where the morning sun will not strike them before the dew is off in the morning is best1 as this is one cause of the mildew or rust which so frequently saps the vitality of the leaves4 ,in order to promote their spreading1 it is a good plan to fasten down some of the branches when sufficiently flexible to the ground1 and for this1 nothing is more convenient than hair-pins4 ,all the seed vessels should be pricked off in order to secure the best results1 as much of the strength of the plant goes to them if allowed to remain4 ,one can afford to be very liberal in gathering the flowers1 for the more liberally they are picked off1 the more rapidly buds form and develop4 ,as it was with one of ,bunyan's characters3 ,there was a man 7though some did count him mad71 ,the more he cast away1 the more he had4 ,the wise man says3 ,there is that scattereth and yet increaseth4 ,a florist says that to grow ,verbenas successfully1 plant them in beds cut in the turf4 ,chop the turf well and thoroughly mix with it a good share of well-decomposed stable manure2 never1 on any account plant them in old and worn-out garden soil as they will most assuredly fail4 ,give them a change of soil each season1 as they do not thrive well two years in the same bed4 ,as a house plant the ,verbena is not a success4 ,it is most always sickly1 and infested with red spiders4 ,they cannot be kept over winter in a cellar2 it is growth or death4 ,verbenas were first introduced into ,europe about fifty years ago from ,south ,america1 and a few years later into this country4 ,they have been greatly improved1 and the varieties are very numerous4 ,many are fragrant4 ,the only hardy sort is ,montana1 a native of ,colorado4 ,it is a profuse bloomer1 color1 a bright rose4 ,there are the ,german ,hybrids1 the ,italian stripes1 and the ,drummondii from ,texas4 ,every year brings its novelties1 as with other flowers4 ,mr4 ,c4 ,e4 ,allen1 who makes a specialty of seedling ,verbenas1 is sending out several fine ones this season2 ,silver ,queen1 ,florence1 ,emma1 ,carroll1 ,ralph and ,variegata are very attractive according to the descriptions4 ,,petunias4 ,illustration ,few things in the garden will make more show throughout the entire season1 even after quite severe frosts1 than a bed of ,petunias from a paper of seed marked ,choicest ,mixed from ,show ,flowers4 ,they will produce such a profusion of flowers1 charming one from day to day with their variations of markings1 and of color4 ,some retain their distinctive characteristics1 while with others they are changeful as the ,kaleidoscope4 ,stripes1 blotches1 sprays1 white throats1 green edges1 they are just lovely4 ,then there are the double sorts2 purple with white spots1 white with purple2 rose color1 white1 purplish-crimson margined with white2 lilac veined with purple2 white with stripes of purple in the center of each petal1 some exquisitely fringed2 large and full as a rose1 and some almost as sweet4 ,in nothing1 perhaps1 has there been such a wonderful improvement by culture and hybridising as the ,petunia4 ,mr4 ,vick tells us how that half a century ago1 he saw for the first time1 a ,petunia4 ,it was a novelty--a strange flower from a flowery land1 ,south ,america1 and it was carefully treated in green-houses4 ,the flower was white and small1 and looked somewhat as if made of paper--such a flower as would now be destroyed if by chance seen growing accidentally in our gardens4 ,the novelty soon subsided1 and although it was ascertained that it could be grown in gardens1 it did not possess sufficient merit to gain popular favor4 ,a little later1 however1 about #ahca1 to the astonishment of the floral world1 it was announced that a new ,petunia1 of a purple color1 had been discovered in ,buenos ,ayres4 ,it was first flowered and seeded in the ,botanic ,gardens of ,glasgow1 and thence seed was sent all over ,europe and to ,america1 where it soon became a great favorite4 ,about thirty years ago a double ,petunia was grown and propagated by cuttings4 ,it was only semi-double and white1 but it was the commencement of a new era in ,petunia culture4 ,truly wonderful have been the advances in development of this beautiful flower4 ,the ,petunia is divided into three distinct classes1 the ,grandiflora1 ,small ,flowered and ,double4 ,the ,grandiflora varieties have a strong succulent growth1 the flowers are not so numerous as some others1 but are very large and double1 frequently measuring three inches in diameter1 and some kinds are exquisitely marked with various shades of violet1 purple1 maroon and scarlet upon white ground2 some striped1 others bordered1 some marbled1 some deeply fringed4 ,the double ,petunia gives no seed1 and it is only by fertilizing single flowers with the pollen of the double that seed can be obtained4 ,but ,petunias of all kinds are easily multiplied by cuttings4 ,the ,small ,flowered class are those that make our gardens so attractive with their varied hues and markings4 ,some of the new hybrids are of wonderful beauty4 ,last year gave two of the ,double and ,fringed sort that have been frequently noted as gems of the first water4 ,mrs4 ,edward ,roby1 color1 a glowing crimson-maroon1 edged with pure white1 very double and deeply fringed4 ,model of ,perfection1 deep maroon1 heavily edged with white1 and deeply fringed4 ,these were priced last year in a ,western catalogue at #a4ej each2 this year they are priced at #cj cents4 ,so one gains by waiting a year for high-priced novelties4 ,new ,double ,fringed ,petunia for #ahha1 is ,president ,garfield1 which originated with ,mr4 ,c4 ,e4 ,allen1 and is thus described in his catalogue3 ,color1 light purple veined with deep purple magenta1 edged with a broad band of an exquisite shade of green4 ,very novel in its appearance and a new color in double petunias2 flower very large and deeply fringed4 ,plants strong and vigorous2 one of the finest sorts ever offered4 ,for a ,petunia so unique as this1 with its broad band of green1 and now offered for the first time2 its price1 #ge cents1 is low4 ,pansies4 ,open your eyes1 my ,pansies sweet1 ,open your eyes for me1 ,driving away with face so true1 ,the chilling wind and wintry hue1 ,that lingers so drearily4 ,open your eyes1 my ,pansies sweet1 ,open your eyes for me4 ,where did you get that purple hue8 ,did a cloudlet smile as you came through8 ,did a little sunbeam bold ,kiss on your lips that tint of gold8 ,tell me the mystery4 ,in your eyes a story ,i read-- ,a story of constancy4 ,after the storms and winter's wind1 ,softly you come with influence kind2 ,then as ,i bend with listening ear1 ,your cheerful voice ,i plainly hear1 ,preaching a sermon to me4 ,so1 whisper to me1 my ,pansies sweet-- ,tell me in rustlings low1 ,of that beautiful land where fadeless flowers ,brightly bloom in immortal bowers1 ,and no blighting wind doth blow4 ,tell of the care that is over all-- ,that gives you your garments gay2 ,whose loving hand clothes the floweret small ,that grows in the field1 or by the garden wall1 ,whose life is only a day4 ,yes1 tell of the love1 my ,pansies sweet1 ,of the love that knows no end2 ,that through earth's winter safely keeps ,watch over his children1 and never sleeps2 ,the love that paints the violet blue1 ,and quenches your thirst with drops of dew1 ,the weary heart's faithful friend4 ,a ,talk ,about ,pansies4 ,pray you love1 remember1 ,there's ,pansies--that's for thought4 ,shakespeare4 ,i find my ,pansies are coming up finely4 ,my bed of ,pansies last year from choicest mixed seed sown in ,april1 began to bloom in ,june1 and afforded me so much pleasure with their varied beauty1 that ,i resolved this year to have a great many of them4 ,i see1 now that the snow has melted from the bed1 that the plants have wintered well4 ,i had all of the colors shown in the chromo plate of my catalogue1 excepting ,emperor ,william1 dark blue4 ,i think that somebody else must have got him1 for my packet of seed was divided and sub-divided4 ,king of the ,blacks was rightly named1 a mere dot of yellow in the center1 and ,pure ,white was in striking contrast1 while ,pure ,yellow was golden1 and ,odier was splendid with its dark center banded with yellow and scarlet4 ,then there was copper-colored and striped1 and such rich purples with a dot of yellow4 ,how lovely they were6 ,they were not very large at first1 but in ,august after a rain1 ,i had superb specimens4 ,they were bedded beneath a fruit tree1 where they were sheltered from the noonday glare4 ,they thrive best in a moist1 partially shaded situation4 ,the blossoms ought to be picked as they fade1 for if left to seed the strength is taken from the plants and the blossoms are smaller4 ,this season ,i have sown musical ,pansies4 ,musical ,pansies6 what are they8 ,what sort of music do they make8 ,will it be of the ,brass ,band order1 or that of the hand-organ style8 ,no1 no6 ,not that coarse1 harsh1 loud sort at all4 ,if you could hear their low1 sweet notes1 you would be enraptured4 ,but this cannot be4 ,i call them musical1 because named for the great composers1 ,mozart1 ,handel1 ,schiller1 ,goethe1 ,beethoven1 ,haydn1 ,mendelssohn1 and ,schumann4 ,they are the ,new ,german ,pansies1 of which types are given in oil colors1 in the catalogue of ,b4 ,f4 ,bliss ,sons1 and represent the most beautiful strains ,i have ever seen4 ,they are no fancy sketch1 but drawn as true to life in color and size as it was possible to make them1 if we will accept the testimony of ,dr4 ,thurber in the ,american ,agriculturist4 ,he says1 that no doubt many who have seen the colored plate published by ,messrs4 ,b4 ,f4 ,bliss ,sons1 have supposed that the artist had exercised his imagination both as to size and the strange combinations of colors4 ,so far from this being the case1 the flowers are1 if anything1 rather below the real size1 and as to colors1 it would be impossible to conceive of any artificial colors more brilliant1 or more strongly contrasted1 than they are in flowers1 produced by this remarkable strain of seeds4 ,in my childhood ,i knew nothing of the ,pansy4 ,the little ,heartsease or ,ladies' ,delight1 as it was then called1 was alone cultivated4 ,mr4 ,vick tells us how it grew to be the fine flower now so highly prized4 ,about sixty years ago1 a very young ,english lady living on the banks of the ,thames1 had a little flower garden of her own1 and one bed she filled with ,pansies1 selecting from her father's grounds the finest she could obtain4 ,the gardener1 seeing her interest and success1 became ambitious to try his hand1 and grew plants from the finest specimens4 ,these attracted the attention of professional florists1 and speedily the ,pansy became a popular flower4 ,every country gives it a pet name--,heartsease1 ,fringed ,violet1 ,trinity ,flower1 ,butterfly flower1 and ,johnny-jump-up1 while the ,french call it ,pense1 from which our name of ,pansy is probably derived4 ,it means to remember or keep in mind4 ,a floral work published in #agcb1 illustrates it with a colored plate1 which shows it to have been then small like the ,ladies' ,delight4 ,,mode ,,of ,,culture4 ,for summer blooming plants sow seed in the house1 in ,march or ,april4 ,cigar boxes are very suitable for seed sowing4 ,put in a layer of coarse sand for drainage1 then one of horse manure for bottom heat4 ,fill with rich1 mellow earth sifted and mixed with one-third silver sand1 or finely pulverized leaf mold4 ,have it moist but not drenched4 ,with a narrow strip of board1 make tiny furrows about one and a half inches apart1 and in these carefully drop the seed one by one an inch distant4 ,cover slightly1 and press the soil firmly1 then lay a piece of old soft flannel folded once or twice1 and wrung lightly out of warm water1 carefully over the soil1 which will keep it damp4 ,cover with glass1 and keep in a warm place4 ,in a few days see if the covering is dry1 if so damp it again1 and watch for the seedlings4 ,when they appear1 remove the flannel1 but still keep on the glass1 not1 however1 so close as to exclude all air4 ,gradually inure them to the sunlight1 and as soon as they have made four or five leaves1 it is best to transplant every other one1 so that they may have room to grow4 ,great care is needful with tender seedlings to keep them from damping off4 ,if too wet1 they will do this1 or if kept too shady4 ,good judgment is essential for success4 ,as the weather becomes warm1 expose them at first an hour or two1 to the outdoor air1 and thus prepare them for early bedding out4 ,being hardy plants1 living out of doors during the winter1 with slight protection at the ,north1 they will bear transplanting sooner than many other seedlings4 ,a rich moist soil1 and somewhat cool and shaded situation1 are best adapted for their growth4 ,for winter flowers1 sow seed the last of ,august1 or first of ,september1 in a frame or boxes kept in a shady place4 ,,asters4 ,these must be included among the essential annuals for the garden4 ,they are one of the chief attractions of the border in the autumn1 when many flowers have passed their prime4 ,this plant1 like the ,petunia1 has in skillful hands and by hybridization1 developed from a very inferior flower to one of great beauty and numerous classes1 which embrace a great many varieties4 ,they are represented by ,dwarfs and by ,giants1 ranging intermediately from five or six inches in height to two feet4 ,dwarf ,bouquet presents a mass of flowers with scarcely a leaf1 while ,tall ,chrysanthemum grows to the height of two feet1 and the ,new ,victoria1 ,giant ,emperor1 ,truffant's ,perfection and the ,new ,washington bear immense flowers of great beauty4 ,the last named bears the largest flowers of any variety2 sometimes they measure more than five inches across4 ,the ,new ,rose is of a strong habit1 and the petals of its large blossoms are finely imbricated4 ,truffant's ,fiery ,scarlet and ,dwarf ,fiery ,scarlet1 are a novelty in color among ,asters4 ,goliath is of a bushy form1 and its flowers are very large4 ,fine colors4 ,victoria is a dwarf2 snow-white1 very double4 ,the ,crown ,asters have white centers surrounded with various bright colors1 and are very pretty4 ,the ,quilled ,asters are quite distinct in character1 the petals consisting of tubes or quills with outer blossom petals slightly reflexed4 ,newest ,shakespeare and ,diamond and ,meteor are novelties of recent introduction1 and come in numerous colors4 ,we grew them last year and deem them admirable4 ,the native country of this plant is ,china1 hence it has been called frequently ,china ,aster4 ,it had originally only a few rows of petals and a large disk4 ,it was first discovered about a century and a half ago1 by a missionary1 and sent to ,europe4 ,it was first cultivated in ,france1 and the ,french florists have done the most toward perfecting the flat-petaled ,aster1 and this style of flower is known as the ,french ,aster4 ,on the other hand the ,germans have sought to produce fine flowers with tubular petals1 and the quilled are therefore called ,german ,asters4 ,within a few years1 however1 the ,germans have rivaled the ,french in originating superior varieties of the flat-petaled style4 ,when first cultivated in ,france it was called ,reine ,marguerite1 meaning ,queen ,daisy2 afterward in ,england it was called ,china ,aster1 which means ,china ,star4 ,asters require a rich1 deep soil4 ,twelve inches apart is a very good distance for the large varieties1 the dwarf can be set about six inches1 or even less will do4 ,the tall kinds need to be staked1 or they are liable to be blown down1 or prostrated by heavy rains4 ,do not tie one string around the entire plant1 but use several1 and confine a few branches with each1 so that1 while having sufficient support1 they may retain their natural position4 ,,balsams4 ,illustration ,have been sowing my ,balsams to-day in a box1 so as to have nice seedlings to bed out in six weeks from now4 ,my ,balsams last year were superior to any ,i had seen1 but ,mr4 ,j4 ,l4 ,childs1 who rather prides himself on his plants1 has sent me several packages for trial4 ,he says3 ,my stock of ,balsams is undoubtedly the finest in the world2 all who saw them flowering the past season were astonished at their size and magnificence4 ,the new variety 7,child's ,camellia ,flowered ,perfection71 is indeed a great acquisition2 its flowers are of gigantic size1 and so double and perfect that they resemble small ,camellias2 it is also a very free bloomer4 ,i have counted five and six hundred perfect flowers upon a plant at the same time4 ,that is a wonderful yield1 truly2 ,i cannot expect so many1 but half that number would satisfy me4 ,the ,camellia ,flowered ,perfection comes in nine colors2 pink1 scarlet1 striped white and purple1 mottled1 white and delicate pink1 magenta spotted with white1 crimson spotted with white1 purple spotted with white1 pure white1 and rose-flowered perfection1 lavender color1 buds when half open1 resemble a rosebud4 ,i shall sow some of the seeds in ,june1 for autumn blooming1 and shall try more fully than last year the pruning method4 ,this is done by removing all of the branches1 and then the main stock will grow two or three feet in height1 and be a perfect wreath of blossoms4 ,another method is to remove the leader and let two or three branches remain4 ,the flowers are larger1 and the plant handsomer than when allowed to grow at its own sweet will4 ,they do best in a light1 rich soil1 and a liberal supply of liquid manure will greatly advance their growth4 ,a writer in the ,gardener's ,chronicle says3 ,considering the very effective display that these plants make when associated with stately foliage plants in sub-tropical beds1 ,i think they are worthy of more extended cultivation4 ,there are few plants better adapted for the above purpose than the ,balsam1 being easily raised from seed1 and as is well known1 they are rapid growers if they are planted in a rich soil4 ,several samples of these plants with us are now three feet through and over two feet high1 and they work admirably with such things as ,castor ,oils1 ,cannas1 and the beautifully striped ,japonica4 ,the plants referred to were planted out early in ,june1 and ,i am so pleased with their behaviour in the sub-tropical garden1 that ,i intend to grow them largely another year4 ,i know of no reason why the ,balsam might not with good cultivation thrive as well here as in ,england4 ,let us try our level best1 and see what we can do4 ,a ,talk ,about ,geraniums4 ,my interest in this class of plants was specially awakened four years ago by the successful cultivation of a dozen or more new varieties which ,i was induced to send for by the reception of the catalogue of the ,innisfallen ,green houses1 containing a more attractive list of geraniums1 and at lower prices than ,i had ever seen4 ,i secured a ,club by a little effort1 and thus obtained so many fine extras1 that it was a very agreeable surprise4 ,i have since learned that very many others have had a similar surprise4 ,the next spring ,i had a much larger assortment1 and last year the greatest variety ,i ever saw4 ,i am sure that ,i had sixty kinds in bloom at once4 ,although very small plants1 as they always are when many are ordered by mail1 they throve wonderfully1 and with one exception1 were all in flower in a few weeks1 and kept on blooming till after removal in the autumn4 ,my method of treatment is the following3 ,on opening the boxes ,i find them packed in damp moss1 many closely tied together4 ,i take off the oiled paper1 loosen the moss packed around them1 and put them in a shallow pan1 in which is sufficient tepid water to cover the roots4 ,after an hour or two ,i set them in three and four inch pots1 first putting a bit of crock over the hole in the bottom of the pot1 so as to keep the roots from going astray1 then some of the coarse siftings of soil1 or small bits of coal for drainage4 ,as geraniums are not at all fastidious about soil1 ,i take whatever is available1 mix a small quantity of sand with it to make it friable1 enriching with old manure4 ,i nearly fill the pot1 and then make a hole in the center1 set in the plant1 press the earth firmly around it1 fill to the top and press down again1 water1 and set the pot in a cool and shady place for several days1 then bring to the light for a few hours1 gradually accustoming them to the sunshine1 until they become fully established in their new quarters4 ,when the weather is sufficiently warm1 ,i plunge the pots in the border for the summer1 covering the pots entirely4 ,i choose a cloudy day if possible2 if otherwise1 ,i do the work late in the afternoon1 so that the intense sunshine may not at the first beat upon them4 ,i prefer massing these new plants by themselves1 as the effect is more pleasing than when intermixed with other kinds4 ,the geranium bed is the most attractive one of my garden4 ,it is always full of bloom1 and the varied hues commingled are very attractive4 ,i remove all decayed leaves1 and the trusses as soon as the flowers have faded4 ,frequently there will be a few decayed pips marring the beauty of a fine truss1 and these ,i carefully remove4 ,all of my large stock geraniums which have been wintered two years1 ,i set by themselves1 and they furnish an abundance of flowers for bouquets1 and cuttings for new plants4 ,where one has a plenty of garden room1 they need not mind having several choice geraniums of a kind4 ,slips will root well during the summer months1 if set in the earth near the parent stock1 where they are shaded from the direct rays of the sun4 ,care must be had to set the cuttings well down in the soil1 and firm the earth compactly around them4 ,in this way one can obtain with little care nice plants for the winter window garden1 which will be more shapely than those which have become very branchy4 ,geraniums are ill growing plants unless pruned and trained with skill4 ,but they are so easily cultured1 adapting themselves to most any situation whether of shade or sunshine1 are so hardy1 and bloom so freely1 that we can but admire them though they yield no fragrant flowers4 ,there are many varieties of scented leaved geraniums1 and these mixed with the odorless blossoms are almost an equivalent4 ,then the beautiful ,golden ,bronzed ,zoned geraniums1 and the ,silver ,margined and ,tricolored1 are so beautiful in foliage1 while ,happy ,thought1 with its creamy yellow leaf margined with green2 ,distinction1 with deep green leaves zoned with black2 ,mrs4 ,pollock with bronze red zone belted with bright crimson margined with golden yellow1 are exceedingly ornamental4 ,beside these there are many perhaps equally attractive1 not often named in the general collection4 ,freak of ,nature1 first sent out last year1 is an improvement on ,happy ,thought the center of pure white narrowly margined with light green2 flowers light scarlet2 habit very dwarf and spreading4 ,it originated with ,mr4 ,gray of ,england1 and was awarded three first class certificates4 ,illustration3 ,,bishop ,,wood ,,geranium4 ,of the numerous classes into which geraniums are divided1 few only are given usually by florists4 ,there are the ,ornamental ,foliage of which we have cited a few examples1 and the ,golden ,tricolors1 ,silver ,tricolors1 ,golden ,bronze1 ,nosegay and ,lilliputian ,zonale2 ,double and single ,geraniums4 ,we will specify a few varieties worthy of special note1 as we can testify by personal observation4 ,bishop ,wood1 ,madam ,baltet1 ,c4 ,h4 ,wagner1 ,madam ,thibaut1 ,victor ,hugo1 ,jean ,dolfus1 ,cassimer ,perier1 ,john ,fennely1 ,naomi and ,rose d',amour1 all double sorts4 ,of the single1 ,dr4 ,john ,denny possesses a rare beauty1 and is thus described by an ,english writer3 ,dr4 ,john ,denny1 raised by ,j4 ,sisley1 has quite set at rest the probability of a blue or a purple1 which is a positive fact1 and great honor is due to its distinguished raiser4 ,it also possesses another novel and distinct feature4 ,the base of the two top petals is of a bright crimson tinted with orange1 which gives it a most striking appearance2 this1 together with its immense sized trusses1 free growth and shape of blooms1 renders it one of the best for pot or house decoration1 and is of great acquisition4 ,jean ,dolfus belongs to this purple magenta class1 a double geranium1 very beautiful4 ,also ,zuleika1 which has larger pips and trusses4 ,it is a little more striking in color than ,john ,denny1 but both are just as lovely as a geranium can possibly be4 ,when ,jealousy was sent out1 there was much ado over it because it was the nearest approach toward a yellow ,zonal1 but it was eclipsed pretty soon by ,guinea1 which was an advance by a shade or two4 ,we had the two in proximity last summer1 and though but little difference1 it was sufficiently marked to enable us to decide that ,guinea for color1 size and form1 was preferable4 ,we just get settled down on that1 when we are startled by the announcement of another novelty1 ,new ,guinea by name1 a great improvement on ,guinea1 being two shades brighter4 ,well1 well6 we must have that1 too1 and see if in other respects as well as color1 it is worthy to eclipse our favorite4 ,henry ,cannell--this is a new geranium1 originating with ,mr4 ,john ,thorp of ,queens1 ,new ,york1 who makes a specialty of seedling geraniums1 and has sent out from his grounds many of great value1 one of them ,happy ,thought1 so widely known4 ,we have not tested ,h4 ,cannell1 ours was sent from ,innisfallen during the winter1 and has not yet bloomed1 but we are sure that it would never have received the name of the most distinguished florist in ,england1 if it were not a superior variety4 ,new ,life originated with ,mr4 ,h4 ,cannell of ,swanley ,england1 in our ,centennial year1 and he sent out the first thousand by subscription only1 at #a each--not one sold till the thousand were engaged6 ,when introduced the following year to this country1 stock plants were sold for #e4jj each4 ,now you can purchase it at prices ranging from ten cents to thirty4 ,it is unique in color1 being splashed1 striped1 and flecked with salmon and white on an intense scarlet ground4 ,it is sometimes freakish1 having pips with some petals salmon1 others partly white and partly scarlet1 others pure scarlet4 ,but this very freak is charming1 for with beautifully striped trusses there will be others thus sportive4 ,its habit is dwarf1 compact1 and its dark leaves zoned with black are very handsome4 ,it cannot be surpassed as a free bloomer4 ,mr4 ,cannell1 when sending it out1 expressed the wish that the day might come when there would not be a cottage in the land where ,new ,life was not found4 ,john ,fennely1 salmon striped with white1 and ,fairy1 flaked and striped with crimson on a bluish white ground1 are very pretty4 ,dazzle1 ,harry ,king1 ,richard ,dean1 and ,jean ,sisley are scarlet with white eye4 ,of several single white geraniums in my garden1 ,i gave decided preference to ,madame ,quinet4 ,there is a great difference in the duration of the flowers4 ,victor ,hugo1 a splendid geranium1 retains its beautiful trusses full five weeks4 ,bishop ,wood is also admirable in this respect1 and ,jenny ,dolfus and ,naomi we believe cannot be surpassed4 ,illustration ,of the ,sweet ,scented ,geraniums1 we have none equal to the hybrid1 ,mrs4 ,taylor1 for beauty of foliage and of flower4 ,it is a fine grower1 and for green to mix with flowers it is admirable4 ,dr4 ,livingstone1 a more recent novelty1 is very handsome and fragrant4 ,rose and ,lemon scented are delicious4 ,lady ,plymouth is a variegated rose2 leaves bronzy green1 fringed with creamy white1 sometimes assuming a pink tinge2 very ornamental4 ,london ,blue is a very rare variety of scented geranium1 of heavy creeping growth1 with large crimped or curled leaves covered thickly with fine spines or hairs4 ,seldom blooms4 ,we have specified a goodly number1 yet but a few from the many1 and we can assure you that if you have a large bed of geraniums you will greatly admire them1 and feel satisfied that you have the most effective bedding plants1 requiring the least care1 and for the smallest outlay1 that you could possibly obtain4 ,in ,california they grow without culture to an enormous size4 ,from an editor's notes we cite the following3 ,a little slip of geranium planted out in the spring1 had grown in the summer to #aej branches1 its stalk at its base four inches thick1 and bearing over a thousand blooms6 ,i saw a fence fifteen feet high1 sixty-five feet long1 covered with geranium vines that had clambered up one side1 and then dropped down the other1 filling both sides with a blanket of scarlet blossoms4 ,it grows like weeds1 and needs no care4 ,geraniums are so hardy that one can leave them to the last in removing from the border in autumn4 ,frosts that kill ,dahlia tops1 and many other plants1 do not harm geraniums4 ,some of mine1 for lack of time to remove1 are exposed till late without harm4 ,the roots have great vitality1 and when the stalk has frozen and rotted to the ground1 a new growth will start forth1 sometimes in a few weeks1 and sometimes not for three months4 ,i have had this proved by plants in my window boxes4 ,so one need not be in a hurry to pull up the frozen geraniums4 ,my large stocky plants ,i pack in dry goods boxes1 filling in earth around the roots1 and put them in the cellar where they have little light4 ,the pot plants1 also1 are mostly put away so as to give all the available room to the cuttings rooted in the summer1 and the rare and tender plants that will not live in a cellar4 ,these cuttings make fine plants for bedding out in ,may or ,june4 ,in the spring the large geraniums are brought up to the open air and trimmed of their dead leaves1 pruned of dead branches1 and put in a large bed with the ,hybrid ,perpetual ,roses4 ,a ,talk ,about ,begonias4 ,my first ,begonia was a ,rex4 ,it thrived for several years1 and then to my regret died1 for it was quite a favorite with me4 ,its large leaves with broad silvery belt and red dots1 were very handsome4 ,this species thrive best in a ,wardian case and are of rare beauty and size1 grown under such circumstances4 ,a cool1 moist atmosphere is the best for them2 they burn and shrivel exposed to the intense sunlight4 ,they are easily multiplied from the leaves4 ,cut the leaf so that a small portion of the stem will remain1 insert this in a pan of damp sand1 laying the leaf out flat upon the sand1 upper side uppermost4 ,it can be retained in place by bits of stone or small pegs4 ,cuts must then be made in a number of places so as to sever the veins1 thus checking the flow of sap4 ,a callus then forms at the base of each piece of vein where severed1 and just above it1 a bud starts out1 and thus a new plant is formed4 ,it is essential for success1 that there should be bottom heat1 and that the air should be moist4 ,a bell glass is the best to put over the leaf1 and if there is danger that the air become too moist1 the glass can be tilted up to allow of an escape4 ,the leaves best adapted for propagation are those neither very young nor very old1 but healthy and vigorous2 yet that this is not absolutely essential is shown by the experience of a lady who had excellent success with a leaf that was some what decayed around the edges1 and for that reason was cut off and thrown away4 ,remembering afterward that the plant was sometimes grown from pieces of a leaf1 she hunted it up1 trimmed off the decayed portion1 and planted it at the foot of a tree1 about half under ground1 and pressed the soil firmly around it4 ,a few months afterward she had a nice little plant from it1 with its beautiful leaves unfolding finely4 ,illustration ,there are many varieties of the ,rex family2 some have brilliant colors in their leaves1 others are thickly covered with short hairs4 ,these are more difficult to manage1 and require great care to preserve from dust1 as like all rough leaved plants1 they do not enjoy spraying1 as do smooth leaved ones4 ,it is well to set them out in a mild shower occasionally4 ,tepid water is the best for watering4 ,,begonias1 ,,not ,,rex4 ,this class are the most generally cultivated1 and they embrace a great many varieties1 which are specially distinguishable by the diversity of their leaves4 ,most of them are one-sided1 that is1 they are larger on one side of the mid-rib than on the other4 ,some have fern-like foliage1 others lobated4 ,some have large palmate leaves1 others are spotted and laced with white4 ,as a class they are very beautiful for their foliage1 but when to this attraction is added beauty of flowers1 it will be seen at once that they are eminently deserving of the prominent position now given them both in the open border and the window garden4 ,we will name for the benefit of amateurs some of the most desirable as given by ,mr4 ,vick3 ,fuchsioides1 with its drooping scarlet flowers1 is one of the most desirable of the whole class2 the leaves are small1 and of a dark green color1 and the small1 delicate brilliant flowers are produced in great profusion4 ,as a winter blooming sort it is indispensable4 ,f4 ,alba bears white flowers4 ,richardsonii1 a variety with white flowers and deeply cleft palmate leaves1 requires more heat than the former1 therefore well adapted to our warm rooms4 ,subpeltata nigricans has large1 dark purple leaves1 and bears clusters of large rosy flowers1 very ornamental4 ,grandiflora rosea1 with light pink flowers1 and ,sandersonii1 scarlet flowers2 ,weltoniensis1 of dwarf habit and small dark green foliage1 rich pink flowers1 are all fine winter bloomers4 ,argyrostigma picta has long1 thick leaves1 with white spots4 ,metallica1 an elegant plant with bronzy green foliage1 and producing an abundance of pale peach-colored flowers1 is of very recent introduction4 ,louis ,schwatzer has a beautiful marked foliage in the style of ,rex1 dwarf habit4 ,mons4 ,victor ,lamoine1 leaves marbled like lace4 ,glaucophylla ,scandens is of quite recent introduction1 and the very best of all for a hanging basket4 ,it is of a drooping habit1 and its bright glossy leaves are very handsome4 ,it bears large panicles of orange salmon flowers4 ,,tuberous ,,rooted ,,begonia4 ,this is a class of quite recent origin1 and differs from the more general varieties1 in that it has bulbous roots which can be taken up and stored during the winter like ,gladioli and ,gloxinia bulbs4 ,it has larger flowers than the other species2 red1 orange1 yellow1 with intermediate tints4 ,a writer in the ,london ,garden says of them3 ,the bulbous ,begonias1 mostly of the ,boliviniensis and ,veitchi sections or families1 may have also a brilliant future in the flower garden4 ,meanwhile1 their proper place seems to be in the conservatory1 greenhouse and window garden4 ,for such positions it is well-nigh impossible to match the bulbous-rooted ,begonias for brilliancy1 grandeur and grace1 three qualities seldom combined in the same plant4 ,the plants are also characterized by great distinctness and freshness of style and character4 ,they are both double and single4 ,of the single flowered1 the most important sent out last year was ,davisii4 ,it is a native of the ,andes of ,peru4 ,dwarf in habit1 the leaves and flowers all springing from the root stalk4 ,the scapes which rise erect above an elegant bluish green foliage1 are light red2 each scape bears three dazzling scarlet flowers4 ,the plant is of very free growth1 and a profuse bloomer4 ,frobelii1 a new species from ,ecuador1 said to be very attractive1 producing1 well above the foliage1 erect branches of large brilliant scarlet flowers2 the foliage is of bright green1 furnished on the under side with a thick covering of white hairs4 ,white ,queen1 a very elegant variety with numerous racemes of ivory white blossoms4 ,of the new double flowered1 ,glorie de ,nancy is represented as a magnificent variety1 with large very double carmine flowers1 and very floriferous4 ,louis ,van ,houtte1 flowers large1 of a crimson scarlet color2 of fine habit1 and a free bloomer4 ,comtesse ,horace ,choeteau1 is an inch or more in diameter1 very double1 and of a delicate1 soft shade of rose2 the young plant in a three-inch pot presented a number of flowers and buds1 indicating a good blooming habit4 ,as a double flower it is remarkably fine1 the petals being well formed1 pretty smoothly laid and imbricated4--,james ,vick4 ,the soil best adapted for ,begonias is turfy loam1 leaf-mold1 sand1 and old well-rotted manure in equal parts4 ,when growing1 they require a liberal supply of water1 applied directly to the soil4 ,the ,begonias are natives of the tropical countries of ,asia1 ,africa1 and ,america1 and most of them inhabit the mountainous regions at a considerable elevation4 ,they were first brought to notice and introduced into cultivation about two hundred years ago by a ,french naval officer1 ,michel ,begon1 from whom they derived their name4 ,,gloxinia4 ,this bulbous plant is a native of the tropical region of ,south ,america1 and deserves a more general culture1 for all the varieties of this genus are very handsome1 magnificent is not too strong a term to apply to many of them4 ,they may be raised from seed by sowing early in spring in a finely sifted soil of leaf mold and garden loam4 ,but great care is needful1 and then one has to wait the following year for the flowers4 ,it is better to obtain the bulbs in the spring all started1 then they will bloom during the summer4 ,mine had several leaves1 and ,i removed them from the thumb pots to five-inch size1 which ,i judged would be sufficiently large for them4 ,they need plenty of light and heat and plenty of air4 ,to prolong the flowering an occasional watering with manure water should be given4 ,in the autumn they must be gradually dried off and the bulbs kept in a warm1 dry place1 secure from frost4 ,they can be potted any time from ,february to ,may4 ,the bulb must be planted so that its top will be level with the surface of the soil1 and watered sparingly until the leaves appear4 ,i will describe a few superlatively beautiful4 ,cinderella1 pure white with pink band4 ,brilliant1 bright crimson1 margined with rose1 rich violet throat4 ,rose d',amour1 rose carmine1 cream colored throat1 zone of cerise4 ,nero1 dark purple1 white throat4 ,princess ,royal1 tube and edges white1 throat mottled with dark blue4 ,lamartine1 very beautifully undulated1 magnificent shape2 white bordered rose limb1 veering to cochineal1 marbled with white and elegantly veined with rose4 ,boule de ,neige1 pure snowy white1 an abundant bloomer4 ,these are only a few selections from the many1 but sufficient to give you an idea of the variety of colors4 ,,tuberose4 ,what flower can be whiter1 sweeter1 and more lovely than the ,tuberose8 ,as the flowering bulbs can be bought for ten and fifteen cents1 according to size1 no one need be without this charming flower4 ,it is a native of the ,east ,indies1 and was introduced into ,europe more than two hundred years ago4 ,until recently ,italy grew the tubers for ,europe and ,america1 but it has now been discovered that ,american grown tuberoses are superior in quality to the imported1 and many florists of ,europe now advertise them4 ,here is a description of the tuberose1 which appeared originally in a volume entitled ,the ,flower ,garden ,displayed1 published in ,england in #agcb3 ,this is a bulbous root1 brought to us from ,italy every year4 ,it brings a spike of white flowers on the top of a stalk about three feet high1 and is very sweet scented4 ,the flower buds are a little tinted with a lake or carmine color4 ,we raise this by planting the roots in pots of fine earth1 and plunging them in hot beds in ,february or ,march2 but give them no water till they sprout1 then we have this flower in ,july4 ,or else set the roots in a warm border under a south wall1 and they will some of them flower in ,august and some in ,september1 or this month or the next4 ,when these blossom you may pot them and set them into the green-house1 and some will even bloom in ,december4 ,mr4 ,vick1 from whose magazine we quote the foregoing1 gives an engraving copied from the work1 showing the character of the tuberose as it was nearly a century and a half ago4 ,it represents a small single flower1 that would be lightly esteemed by us4 ,the flower stalk is from three to five feet in height1 and bears from twenty-five to eighty blossoms4 ,the ,pearl is much the finest sort4 ,when the bulbs are obtained from the florist they have usually several little tubers round the large one4 ,these ought to be taken off and placed in rich1 mellow soil to the depth of four or five inches4 ,they must be cared for by keeping the earth loose and watering occasionally4 ,before frost they should be lifted1 their tops cut away1 and then kept in a dry1 warm place during the winter4 ,the strongest ones will usually blossom in the autumn4 ,but summer flowering bulbs are so cheap it seems scarcely worth the trouble4 ,will ,tuberoses flower the second year1 is a question frequently asked1 and usually answered in the negative1 even by popular florists4 ,a writer in an ,english periodical1 ,gardeners' ,chronicle1 gives the following facts3 ,last year1 instead of throwing away all our plants when they had done flowering1 as is1 ,i believe1 customary1 ,i saved back twelve plants1 not picked ones1 which were placed under a stage in a late vinery1 where they remained until the end of ,april without receiving any water to the roots1 other than what they derived from the moisture of the house1 by which time most of them had thrown up their flower-spikes1 which proceeded from young tubers1 formed immediately upon the top or crown of the old ones1 and from the union of which--when the plants had received a thorough watering1 and otherwise were subject to a growing temperature--a profusion of roots emanated1 after which the plants received a suitable shift to a small #bd4 ,the spikes of these plants1 although not so strong or fine as those produced by tubers imported last autumn1 are nevertheless good1 both in spike and each individual flower1 which1 moreover1 expanded in the most satisfactory manner possible1 so much so1 that this and other seasons ,i intend to save all my tuberoses for flowering the second year1 and perhaps the third4 ,i may here remark for the information of the uninitiated in tuberose culture1 that in potting the tubers all little bulbets or offsets should be rubbed off1 and subsequently any suckers which may appear should be removed forthwith1 otherwise failure to flower these most beautifully scented flowers will1 in all probability be the result4 ,the plant is of comparatively easy and simple culture1 and considering the value of the tuberose while in flower1 and its great suitability for bouquet-making1 etc41 the wonder is that it is not more extensively cultivated in private establishments as well as by market gardeners4 ,a gentleman writes me of a new method with ,tuberoses2 new to him1 and he says that in a large range of horticultural reading he has never seen it mentioned nor heard of its being used except in the instance he cites4 ,he says3 ,i have grown ,tuberoses for the past ten years with varying success1 but the main difficulty has been that so long a time has been required in rooting and stocking them that the first frost finds a large proportion of them just budding1 or not commenced to spindle4 ,had tried various places1 hot-bed1 furnace-room and hot-house1 and all the early spring months and ,december1 but that made no difference2 they would not start until they got ready1 and ,i lost many bulbs from rotting4 ,two years ago1 a friend who had had a similar experience surprised me by showing me plants about the first of ,may with fine tops that had been planted but three weeks1 and the first of ,june had stalks a foot high1 while my bulbs which had been planted the first of ,february1 did not commence to sprout until ,june1 although they had been in a hot-house under favorable conditions4 ,now the reason simply was this3 ,he had taken his bulbs and not only pulled off all the small ones attached1 but had dug out with a sharp knife all the small eyes1 and had cut off the whole of the tuberous part1 leaving only the bulb proper4 ,this ,i tried on one-half my bulbs1 with the result that they were nearly two months earlier than those planted the same time1 that ,i did not cut4 ,although this seems to be rather severe treatment of the bulb1 it has given such good results that ,i propose to continue the practice4 ,my own experience is that of late blooming4 ,of the dozen ,i planted in the border in ,june1 five were finely budded when taken up in ,september1 and have since bloomed4 ,two others had just begun to spindle1 the others with one exception look as though they would not stalk4 ,next year ,i purpose to try this new method4 ,a ,talk ,about ,gladiolus4 ,posthumous glories1 angel-like collection1 ,upraised from seed or bulb interred in earth1 ,ye are to me a type of resurrection ,and second birth4 ,it was my intention to devote this entire article to ,ornamental ,foliage ,plants1 but ,i think ,i will have a prelude1 and my prelude may have no more connection with my talk proper than ,mr4 ,cook's preludes do with his lecture proper1 and ,i think that frequently the first is the most interesting and important2 and from the fact that in the published reports much more space is afforded to the prelude than the lecture1 ,i opine that others are of the same opinion4 ,the ,topic of the ,hour1 whatever may be the question just then stirring the public mind1 is usually chosen as the preface4 ,the topic of the hour to-day has been a bit of a sermon from the text1 ,and to every seed its own body1 and the lesson embodied was that of ,faith4 ,the preaching came from a package of gladiolus bulbs1 just received1 and it run on this wise3 ,illustration ,here are these dry bulbs1 separately wrapped and labeled4 ,they look alike in color1 and very nearly alike in form2 some are rather more cone shaped than others4 ,one is larger and more flat4 ,but there is nothing in form nor size to show that they will not develop precisely the same form and color of flower4 ,i know that they will all reveal the leaf1 habit of growth1 bud and bloom that distinguishes this species of plant from all others1 because ,i know that these are gladiolus bulbs1 and every seed hath its own body4 ,a gladiolus bulb never yet produced a dahlia4 ,a tigridia or shell-flower bulb1 though greatly resembling some gladiolus bulbs1 and its form of leaf is very similar1 yet it never produces a bud nor blossom like the gladiolus4 ,the tigridia hath its own body1 peculiarly and exclusively its own4 ,i have spoken thus far of demonstrated facts--facts that have become to me a matter of personal knowledge4 ,but now comes the lesson of ,faith4 ,i find each bulb bears a different name4 ,i take my catalogue and read the description against the name on each label4 ,thus ,i am told what colors pertain to each bulb1 inclosed1 shut up beyond my ken4 ,do ,i have any doubts respecting these descriptions--that the distinguishing characteristics of each sort before me will fail to correspond8 ,here is ,lord ,byron and ,lord ,raglan4 ,how do ,i know that the former will be a brilliant scarlet1 stained and ribboned with pure white1 while the latter will have salmon colored blossoms1 spotted with scarlet and blotched with dark garnet8 ,i do not know this1 for ,i have never seen it demonstrated1 but ,i have an assured faith that in due time ,i shall behold those flowers true to their assigned colors1 and if there should be a failure ,i should attribute it to the mistake of the labeler4 ,but why should these brown bulbs1 so alike to outward view1 bear flowers so widely differing in hues8 ,why should ,cleopatra have a large flower of soft lilac tinged with violet1 and a purple feathered blotch1 while ,meteor is dark red with pure white stain8 ,why should ,nestor be yellow striped with red1 and ,addison dark amaranth1 with white stripes8 ,vainly would ,i seek by dissection to fathom the mystery of these hidden diversified markings1 but ,he who created this plant of wondrous beauty gave to each seed its own body1 and thus we can plant in faith--yea in full assurance of faith--that in due time our eyes will behold all those varied tints now secreted in these bulbs before us4 ,our seed sowing is all the work of ,faith1 and ,hope looks beyond with bright anticipations of the summer and autumn harvest4 ,the gladiolus is very easily cultured1 and ,i have far better success in keeping the bulbs through the winter than ,i have with the dahlia4 ,the tubers of the dahlia easily rot1 on account of the dampness of the cellar1 though carefully dried and packed in sand4 ,but the gladiolus bulbs1 without any special care1 come out in fine condition4 ,i like to add a few new ones to my old standard stock1 so as to have a variety of colors1 for few flowers make such a grand display in the flower garden1 and the spikes of bloom are admirable for bouquets1 as the buds will unfold day after day for a long time4 ,the lower flowers on the stalk can be removed as they fade4 ,the flowers are very fine also for saucer or shoal dish bouquets4 ,i have a special liking for these4 ,fill the shallow dish with water or sand--,i prefer the latter kept constantly wet--then arrange tastefully short stemmed flowers till they are a mass of bloom4 ,i first make a green border of geranium leaves1 or some trailing vine4 ,different shades of gladiolus flowers picked from the stalk are very effective to set off the flowers not so striking4 ,where the season for out-door culture is short1 as it is here in ,maine1 it is best to get the bulbs started in the house4 ,some do this by simply placing them in a sunny window without covering4 ,i always plant mine in a box4 ,the gladiolus can be raised from seed1 but they are of slow growth1 and one has to wait till the third summer usually for their flowering4 ,it is far better to purchase the bulbs1 then they bloom the first season1 and1 except some of the rare sorts1 multiply rapidly4 ,although novelties1 and some rare sorts are very expensive1 #a4ej1 #b and #c for a single bulb1 yet very fine bulbs of choice colors can be obtained for that price per dozen4 ,in reply to the question1 ,what are the names of six of your finest gladiolus not very expensive8 the reply is1 ,calypso1 ,cleopatra1 ,agatha1 ,eldorado1 ,james ,carter and ,lord ,byron4 ,these six cost but little more than #a4 ,of those more expensive the following are very desirable3 ,addison1 ,eugene ,scribe1 ,etenard1 ,la ,france1 ,meyerbeer and ,rossini4 ,these cost a little less than #c4 ,unnamed bulbs1 a good variety1 can be bought for #a per dozen of reliable florists4 ,of the new varieties sent out the present season for the first time1 are the following raised during the past year by ,m4 ,souchet1 ,m4 ,leomine and other ,french growers1 who have for years made the improvement of the gladiolus a special study4 ,they are said to be superior to any gladiolus hitherto introduced4 ,aurore1 ,bremontier1 ,chameleon1 ,corinne1 ,dalila1 ,eclair1 ,gulliver1 ,hermione1 ,lesseps1 ,tolma1 ,victor ,jacquemont4 ,the descriptions represent them as superb1 and they ought to be at the price named1 #d per bulb6 ,some of us will have to wait till their novelty is worn off4 ,,new ,,hybrid ,,gladiolus4 ,lemoinei and ,marie ,lemoine4 ,these two varieties are ,hybrids of gladiolus purpureo-auratus1 and are of the old garden varieties of ,gandavensis1 and are now offered for the first time4 ,in form they approach the old ,gladiolus ,biperatus1 the colors being creamy ground with distinct markings of crimson-maroon1 with lemon and salmon colored cloudings4 ,they have proved quite hardy and may be left out of doors from year to year4 ,mr4 ,henry ,cannell of ,swanley1 ,england1 a florist of world-wide reputation1 says of those hardy ,hybrids3 ,it is considered both by professionals and the trade1 that ,m4 ,leomine's greatest victory was in crossing ,gladiolus purpureo-auratus and gandavensis1 two distinct species1 and at the time they were awarded first-class certificates1 it was thought by many that some higher and substantial recognition ought to have been made for introducing a perfectly hardy constitution into our glorious garden gladiolus1 and saving the trouble of housing them from frost every season4 ,,gladiolus ,,purpureo-,,auratus4 ,this is a new species from ,natal1 quite distinct from the common species of gladiolus and very attractive4 ,on a slender1 bending stem1 which rises to the height of three or four feet1 are borne from eight to twelve nodding flowers1 somewhat bell-shaped in form1 and yellow in color1 with broad purple stripes on the lower divisions within4 ,its bulbs are small1 and at the end of long runners numerous offsets are produced which are more certain to flower the succeeding season than are the old bulbs4 ,,gladiolus ,,gandavensis4 ,this ancient type is a very ordinary flower1 and it seems almost incredible that such superb varieties should have been produced therefrom by cross-fertilization4 ,in the hands of the ,french florists it has attained to the superior position it occupies to-day4 ,more than forty years ago ,mons4 ,souchet1 head gardener at the ,chteau of ,fontainebleau1 first called attention to this flower1 and began its improvement1 and although some few other ,french florists1 such as ,messrs4 ,courant1 ,berger1 ,lamoine1 ,verdier and others followed his example1 yet nearly all of the varieties now in commerce in ,france1 are of the raising of that now venerable and respected private citizen4 ,his successors1 ,messrs4 ,soulliard and ,brunelet supply the great ,french houses of ,paris1 by whom the bulbs are forwarded to all parts of the world4 ,about thirty years ago ,mr4 ,kelway of ,longport1 in ,somersetshire1 began his culture and hybridizing of the flower1 and has built up an immense business4 ,he devotes fifteen acres to ,gladiolus exclusively1 and the number of seedlings annually raised is #bjj1jjj4 ,in #ahgi-hj1 ,mr4 ,kelway exhibited eighteen named seedlings which were severally awarded first-class certificates as possessing striking original characteristics4 ,of our own eminently successful growers1 ,messrs4 ,hallock and ,thorp of ,queens1 ,n4 ,y41 take the lead4 ,they devote over seven acres to ,gladiolus1 and raise thousands of seedlings4 ,,mode ,,of ,,culture4 ,for diversity of color and general effect1 either in masses1 or in beds of three or four rows1 placing the bulbs one foot apart and three inches deep4 ,mix a liberal supply of well-rotted manure with the soil1 and if clayey1 use sand4 ,as soon as the plants are sufficiently tall stake them1 and mulch with dressing4 ,the ,use of ,flowers4 ,god might have made the earth bring forth ,enough for great and small1 ,the oak-tree and the cedar-tree1 ,without a flower at all4 ,we might have had enough1 enough1 ,for every want of ours1 ,for luxury1 medicine1 and toil1 ,and yet have had no flowers4 ,then wherefore1 wherefore1 were they made1 ,all dyed with rainbow light1 ,all fashioned with supremest grace1 ,upspringing day and night2-- ,springing in valleys green and low1 ,and on the mountains high1 ,and in the silent wilderness1 ,where no man passes by8 ,our outward life requires them not1-- ,then wherefore had they birth8-- ,to minister delight to man1 ,to beautify the earth2 ,to comfort man1--to whisper hope1 ,whene'er his faith is dim1 ,for ,who so careth for the flowers1 ,will care much more for him4 ,,mary ,,howitt4 ,a ,talk ,about ,pelargoniums4 ,and so ,i hold the smallest flower ,some gracious thought may be2 ,some message of the ,father's love ,mayhap to you or me4 ,here we step on disputed ground4 ,are ,geraniums ,pelargoniums8 ,who shall decide when florists disagree8 ,there are eminent names on both sides of the question4 ,mr4 ,henry ,cannell of ,swanley1 ,england1 a florist who stands in the front rank1 and whose name has become so widely known in connection with ,new ,life ,geranium1 of which he was the originator1 jumbles up together under the head of ,pelargoniums everything we on this side of the water class under the head of ,geraniums4 ,a veritable muddle he makes of the matter--that is our private opinion--we whisper it to you confidentially4 ,here is our yellow ,zonal ,guinea2 our best scarlet bedder1 ,gen4 ,grant1 and ,wellington1 and ,mrs4 ,pollock1 and ,happy ,thought1 all called ,pelargoniums1 and yet are quite unlike in leaf and flower what we ,americans denominate a ,pelargonium2 and1 to avoid confusion1 it is certainly advisable for us to adhere to our established distinctiveness4 ,we quote from the ,gardener's ,chronicle of ,january #c;d1 #ahhj1 a sensible talk on this subject1 to which ,mr4 ,cannell takes exceptions3 ,pelargoniums and ,geraniums--,i think it would be as well to settle by authority the exact names of those flowers that seem to be indiscriminately called ,pelargoniums and ,geraniums4 ,botany has been described as the 'science of giving polysyllabic barbarian ,greek names to foreign weeds2' but while some plants1 ,abies ,mariesii for instance1 are most carefully described1 others1 as ,geraniums1 seem to be called by names that do not belong to them1 but to quite a different flower4 ,i notice1 both in your letter-press and advertisement1 mention made of ,zonal ,pelargoniums2 now ,i should certainly decline to receive ,geraniums if ,i ordered ,pelargoniums4 ,i am old enough to remember that we had a parti-colored green-house flower of a violet shape that was called a ,geranium1 then came a lot of hardy-bedding-out stuff with a truss of red flowers1 all of one color1 followed by ,tom ,thumbs and ,horseshoes which grow nicely out of door4 ,then we were told that we must no longer call those green-house plants ,geraniums1 that their right and proper name was ,pelargoniums1 and that those bedding-out plants were1 strictly speaking1 ,geraniums4 ,now1 however1 the old name ,geranium seems to be dropped for both1 and the new name ,pelargonium given to both1 surely erroneously6 ,let us1 however1 have it fairly settled which is which1 so that we may clearly and distinctly know what we are talking about1 and not make mistakes either in writing or talking1 in sending to shows1 or in ordering plants4--,james ,richard ,haig1 ,blair ,hill1 ,sterling4 ,we will now give a part of a lecture delivered last spring before a ,pelargonium ,society in ,london1 by ,shirley ,hibberd1 a delightful writer on ,horticulture1 says ,mr4 ,vick1 from whose magazine we quote the following3 ,a ,pelargonium is not a ,geranium1 although often so called4 ,the true ,geraniums are for the most part herbaceous plants inhabiting the northern hemisphere1 and the ,pelargoniums are for the most part shrubby or sub-shrubby plants of the southern hemisphere4 ,let us for a moment wander among the pleasant slopes of ,darley dale in ,derbyshire1 or by the banks of the ,clyde or the ,calder4 ,we shall in either case be rewarded by seeing vast sheets of the lovely meadow ,crane's ,bill1 ,geranium pratense1 a true ,geranium1 and one of the sweetest flowers in the world4 ,in the rocky recesses of ,ashwood ,dale1 or on the banks of the 'bonny ,doon1' we may chance to see in high summer a profusion of the ,herb ,robert1 ,geranium ,robertianum1 with pink flowers and purple leaves1 a piece of true vegetable jewelry4 ,and1 once more1 ,i invite you to an imaginary journey1 and we will ride by rail from ,furness to ,whitehaven1 in order to behold on the railway bank1 more especially near ,st4 ,bees1 a wonderful display of the crimson ,crane's ,bill1 ,geranium sanguineum1 which from ,july to ,september1 forms solid sheets1 often of a furlong in length1 of the most resplendent color4 ,no garden coloring can even so much as suggest the power of this plant as it appears at a few places on the ,cumberland coast2 even the sheets of scarlet poppies we see on badly cultivated corn lands are as nothing compared with these masses of one of the most common and hardiest of our wild flowers4 ,now let us fly to the other side of the globe and alight in the vicinity of the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 say on the vast desert of ,karroo1 where there is much sand1 much sunshine1 and little rain4 ,here1 in the midst of desolation1 the world is rich with flowers1 for the healthy shrub that occurs in patches1 glowing with many bright hues1 consists in part of wild ,pelargoniums1 which often take the form of miniature deciduous trees1 although in the valleys1 nearer the coast1 where more rain falls1 they are evergreen bushes4 ,very different in their character are these two tribes of plants1 and they are not less different in their constitution and aspects4 ,we may regard the ,geraniums as herbs of ,europe1 and the ,pelargoniums as miniature trees of ,africa4 ,when we examine the flowers1 we find the fine petals of a true ,geranium of precisely the same shape and size2 but the fine petals of a ,pelargonium are not so1 for sometimes the topmost are the largest1 and stand apart from the rest with great dignity1 like mother and father looking down on their dutiful daughters1 and in other cases they are the smallest1 suggesting that the daughters have grown too fast and become unmanageable4 ,the florists are doing their utmost to obliterate the irregularity of the petals of the ,pelargonium1 and in this respect to convert ,pelargoniums into ,geraniums1 but the conversion will not be complete until much more wonderful things are accomplished4 ,a ,geranium has ten stamens1 and a ,pelargonium has only seven 7perfect ones74 ,these numbers are not constant1 but the exceptions are of no consequence in a general statement of the case4 ,when all is said that can be said about the differences and resemblances of the several genera of ,geraniace1 there remains only one constant and unfailing test of a true ,pelargonium1 and that is the nectariferous tube immediately below the flower1 and running down one side of the flower-stalk4 ,if you hold the pedicel up to the light1 it may be discerned as giving an indication of a double flower-stalk1 but when dissected with a pin or the point of a knife1 it is found to proceed from the base of the largest of the green sepals1 and it often appears to form a sort of digit or point in the line of the pedicel4 ,when you have mastered this part of the story1 you may cherish the idea that you know something about ,pelargoniums4 ,the large flowered show varieties and the large-flowered single ,zonals take the lead1 and they are pleasantly followed by a crowd of ivy-leaved1 double-flowered and variegated sorts that are useful and beautiful4 ,the ,pelargonium ,society has set up a severe standard of judging1 and a variety must be distinct and good to pass through the sieve4 ,moreover the raising of varieties has been to a great extent reduced to scientific principles1 and we obtain as a result new characters suggestive of the great extent of the field that still lies open to the adventurous spirit in cross-breeding4 ,no one in recent years has contributed more directly toward the scientific treatment of the subject than our own painstaking ,treasurer1 ,dr4 ,,denny1 of whose labors ,i propose to present a hasty sketch4 ,dr4 ,,denny commenced the raising of ,pelargoniums in the year #ahff1 having in view to ascertain the influence of parentage1 and thus to establish a rule for the selection of varieties for seed-bearing purposes4 ,in raising varieties with variegated leaves1 as also with distinct and handsome flowers1 he found the pollen parent exercised the greatest influence on the offspring4 ,the foundation of his strain of circular-flowered ,zonals was obtained by fertilizing the large starry flowers of ,leonidas with pollen taken from the finely formed flowers of ,lord ,derby4 ,from #ahga to the present time ,dr4 ,,denny has sent out sixty varieties1 and he has in the same period raised and flowered1 and destroyed about #cj1jjj4 ,these figures show that when the selection is severe1 and nothing is allowed to pass that is not of the highest quality1 there must be #ejj seedlings grown for the chance of obtaining one worth naming4 ,we have devoted a good deal of space to this citation because of its interest and value on the question at issue4 ,mr4 ,hibberd has1 we think1 made the matter very clear1 and conclusive it must be to the most of minds4 ,pelargoniums are divided into classes1 though we rarely see any classifications of them in the catalogues4 ,,regal ,,pelargoniums ,are comparatively a new type1 and from the fact of their having more scalloped petals1 somewhat approaching a double2 they retain their petals instead of shedding them as do the single show flowers4 ,the ,beauty of ,oxton and ,queen ,victoria1 novelties of very recent introduction1 belong to this class4 ,we had them in bloom last year and thought them very fine4 ,the ,beauty of ,oxton has the upper petals of a very rich maroon color1 darkly blotched2 under petals very dark crimson1 shaded with maroon2 light center tinted with rose4 ,all the petals are attractively and regularly margined with white and beautifully fringed4 ,the flowers are large and the extra number of petals gives them the appearance of being semi-double4 ,queen ,victoria is of a very novel type and marvelously beautiful4 ,the flowers have crispy petals1 all of which are a rich vermilion in color1 broadly margined with white1 and the upper ones blotched with maroon4 ,the ,show and ,fancy ,pelargoniums have what the florists term blotches1 i4e4 large spots on the two upper petals1 and spots which mean the darker marks upon the center of the lower ones4 ,the ,lady of the ,lake belongs to this class4 ,lower petals orange-rose painted with crimson1 very dark maroon top petals with a narrow1 even crimson edge1 white center4 ,prince ,charlie is very unique in its markings4 ,color white elegantly tipped1 with rose-violet blotches4 ,,fringed ,,and ,,striped ,,pelargoniums4 ,this is a very handsome class of which there are many new varieties4 ,princess of ,wales we had last summer4 ,it has elegant frilled petal margins2 flower trusses large size and borne in profusion well above the foliage2 ground color pure blush1 each petal alike marked with a rich dark velvet crimson-scarlet margined blotch4 ,star of the ,east resembles the ,princess of ,wales in growth and profusion of bloom1 but with larger flowers1 of pure white ground4 ,the petals are elegantly fringed1 the upper ones marked with a rich crimson spot1 and the under ones elegantly penciled with violet-colored lines4 ,these are among the novelties of recent introduction4 ,,hybrid ,,perpetual ,,pelargoniums4 ,a class of distinct habit1 free bloomers1 mostly fragrant foliage1 good for bedding out4 ,of these we have only had ,madame ,glevitsky of ,bavarian origin4 ,color1 upper petals a fine vermilion1 veined and spotted with purple1 under petals vermilion4 ,we were much pleased with ,pelargonium ,filicifolia ,odorata for its finely cut leaves of a ,fern-like appearance and pleasing fragrance4 ,our specimens of the various classes were from the extensive and superb collection of ,mr4 ,john ,saul1 of ,washington1 ,d4 ,c4 ,among them was one which originated in his establishment and was named for his wife4 ,it belongs to the ,regal class4 ,the habit is compact and very free flowering1 producing large trusses of flowers the color of which is a rich glowing vermilion1 with light center and light margin to the petals4 ,we are indebted to ,mr4 ,john ,g4 ,heinl for specimen plants of two ,new ,monthly ,pelargoniums1 now offered for the first time to the general public4 ,of the origin of one1 ,fred ,dorner1 we have this account given in a letter to ,mr4 ,heinl1 from ,fred ,dorner1 ,esq41 of ,lafayette4 ,mr4 ,dorner says3 ,six years ago ,i undertook to grow some ,pelargoniums from seed4 ,i procured some very choice seed of ,ernest ,benary of ,erfust4 ,the seedlings grew finely4 ,about midwinter one commenced to bloom1 and to my astonishment kept on blooming for ten months1 during which period it was never without flowers4 ,the plants grew to a good size and at one time ,i counted forty-seven good-sized trusses on it4 ,the winter and everblooming quality1 with the large and beautifully colored flowers1 makes this ,pelargonium a great acquisition to the amateur as well as the florist4 ,i have seen here in ,lafayette plants in windows blooming all winter1 and it is acknowledged here to be the best and easiest kept house and window plant1 blooming from nine to ten months in the year4 ,freddie ,heinl originated with ,mr4 ,john ,g4 ,heinl1 who says it is a sport from ,fred ,dorner2 it is lighter-colored and the flowers are somewhat larger4 ,that these are both a rare acquisition is evident from the testimony of such florists as ,mr4 ,john ,thorp of ,queens1 and ,mr4 ,henry ,a4 ,dreer of ,philadelphia4 ,mr4 ,thorp says1 ,there are no ,pelargoniums equal to them and they have a decided right to be called perpetual4 ,three months later he writes3 ,i am more than ever impressed with their superiority over any perpetual blooming varieties1 and they must take foremost rank4 ,mr4 ,dreer says3 ,the ,pelargoniums have proven very satisfactory4 ,they flowered during the greater part of the summer1 and are now full of buds4 ,the colored lithograph1 which ,mr4 ,heinl says is a good representation1 shows them to be very beautiful4 ,we should think that to call a plant so dissimilar in foliage and flower a ,geranium1 would be a misnomer1 why not equally such to call a ,geranium a ,pelargonium8 ,,mode ,,of ,,culture4 ,as we have seen by ,mr4 ,hibberd's address1 the ,pelargonium's native home is on arid plains where there is much sand1 much sunshine and little rain1 so that they are chiefly dependent on heavy dews for moisture4 ,to plant them in heavy soil1 give them a sheltered situation and liberal and frequent watering1 would be a mode of treatment directly the reverse of what they require4 ,in the cultivation of all plants we should as far as possible adapt them to their native conditions4 ,one skilled amateur says his rule is to let the earth in the pots become thoroughly dry before watering1 and always to give a period of rest after blooming4 ,another1 a lady1 said she never had any success with ,pelargoniums until she gave them a heavy period of rest after blooming4 ,in the spring1 when putting her plants out of doors1 she laid the pots containing ,pelargoniums on their sides1 and let them remain perfectly dry until fall4 ,she then took the plants out of the pots1 shook the soil from the roots1 and scrubbed them well with a hard brush and water4 ,the old-looking roots were cut off and the top trimmed down to six or eight inches in height4 ,they were then repotted in rich earth and watered very moderately till they started into full growth1 and after that more freely4 ,with this treatment they never fail to bloom4 ,a young physician who raised many extraordinarily fine varieties of ,pelargoniums from seed1 in stating his mode of culture1 said that his practice was to re-pot large plants whenever they seemed in danger of being pot-bound4 ,the mold he used was made up of black earth from under a manure heap1 and a little stiff clay to retain the water4 ,after the plants were done flowering1 they were trimmed rather close1 and with regard to probable places of sprouting4 ,they were then placed in partial shade1 and all shoots found straying out of symmetry were pinched off4 ,his large plants were kept moist till after bloom1 and then rather dry4--,floral ,cabinet4 ,we have given these methods so that if not successful with one1 another can be adopted4 ,the ,rhodora4 ,,lines ,,on ,,being ,,asked1 ,,whence ,,is ,,the ,,flower8 ,in ,may1 when sea-winds pierced our solitudes1 ,i found the fresh ,rhodora in the woods1 ,spreading its leafless blooms in a damp nook1 ,to please the desert and the sluggish brook2 ,the purple petals fallen in the pool1 ,made the black waters with their beauty gay1-- ,here might the red-bird come his plumes to cool1 ,and court the flower that cheapens his array4 ,rhodora6 if the sages ask thee why ,this charm is wasted on the marsh and sky1 ,dear1 tell them1 that if eyes were made for seeing1 ,then beauty is its own cause for being4 ,why thou wert there1 ,o rival of the ,rose6 ,i never thought to ask2 ,i never knew1 ,but in my simple ignorance suppose ,the selfsame ,power that brought me there1 brought you4 ,,ralph ,,waldo ,,emerson4 ,a ,talk ,about ,fuchsias4 ,a ,,legend ,,of ,,the ,,fuchsia1 ,,from ,,vick',s ,,magazine4 ,a legend of this little flower1 ,i heard not long ago2 ',tis this1 that when upon the cross ,the sinless ,saviour died1 ,and soldier with his cruel spear ,had pierced his precious side1 ,the holy drops flowed to his feet1 ,then fell upon the sod1 ,when ,mary knelt and wept for ,him1 ,her son1 and yet her ,god2 ,an angel who was hovering near1 ,thus breathed a prayer to heaven3 ,oh1 ,father1 let them not be lost1 ,these drops so freely given1 ,but in some form of beauty still1 ,let them remain on earth1 ,and here upon this rugged hill1 ,give some sweet floweret birth4 ,then1 forth from the ensanguined sod1 ,a ,fuchsia sprang that morn1 ,rich crimson1 dyed with ,christian blood1 ,wrapped in his robe of scorn1 ,drooping in sorrow1 still it bows ,ever its graceful head2 ,shivering in the slightest breeze-- ,trembling in fear and dread2 ,for the dark shadow of the cross ,can ne'er forgotten be1 ,where all the perfume of its breath ,was spent on ,calvary4 ,yes1 offering its rich fragrance there1 ,as incense at ,his feet1 ,the ,fuchsia1 though so beautiful1 ,can never be more sweet4 ,,its ,,history ,,and ,,culture4 ,the ,fuchsia was introduced into ,england in the latter half of the last century by a sailor1 at whose home it was discovered by ,mr4 ,james ,lee1 a florist of ,hammersmith1 who secured the original plant by paying quite a sum of money for it1 and in addition promising to give to the sailor's wife one of the first young plants he would succeed in raising4 ,in a short time he succeeded in producing several hundred nice plants1 nearly all of which were sold at a guinea each4 ,shortly after this a captain ,firth presented one that he had brought from ,chili to the ,royal ,garden at ,kew4 ,the plant was named in honor of ,leonard ,fuch1 an eminent ,german ,botanist1 who lived in the #afth century4 ,the varieties in cultivation to-day are vast improvements4 ,one of the early varieties was called ,fulgens4 ,we recollect seeing this variety some four or five years ago1 and could not refrain from comparing it with a number of varieties lately introduced4 ,the flower may be described as follows3 ,a slender crimson tube two inches in length2 sepals narrow1 one-half inch2 in color a shade lighter than the tube2 the corolla purple2 in size very small compared with the varieties of the present time4 ,this variety is a strong grower1 large foliage which has a silvery appearance4 ,thus we can have a slight idea of that from which have been produced the beauties of our time2 thus can we see what a skillful florist can do when he has something to begin with4 ,some of the varieties of the ,fuchsia are hardy in ,england as well as in some parts of our own country4 ,a traveler informs us that he has seen them in ,california trained over arbors and to the houses just as we train grape vines here1 and growing most luxuriantly4 ,they grow in favor very rapidly wherever introduced1 and it was but a short time after they became known we find the ,poet eulogizing them in these lines-- ,graceful flowers on graceful stem1 ,of ,flora's gift a favorite gem2 ,from tropic fields it came to cheer1 ,the natives of a climate drear2 ,and grateful for our fostering care1 ,has learnt the wintry blast to bear4 ,while some flowers have been extremely popular for a season1 and then have sunk into comparative obscurity1 the popularity of the ,fuchsia has never waned1 but on the contrary has continually been on the increase until now it occupies a prominent place in every collection of plants1 be that collection large or small4 ,there is a cause for this popularity1 and that cause is1 it is of easy culture and produces its flowers freely1 often under adverse circumstances4 ,the ,fuchsia is readily propagated by cuttings of the young wood4 ,these will root in from two to three weeks1 when they should be potted in rich soil1 say one-half garden soil or loam enriched with well-rotted manure1 and one-half leaf soil1 with a little sand added to make the compost very porous4 ,from the time the plant is first potted it should never be allowed to become so dry as that the growth will be checked4 ,the great secret of growing ,fuchsias successfully is to keep them growing4 ,in order to do this we must provide for them a rich soil1 an abundance of pot-room and a moist atmosphere4 ,if you wish to grow large specimen plants the cuttings should be struck 7that is rooted71 early in the season4 ,this will allow a longer period for them in which to make their growth before the season for blooming arrives2 by keeping the plants supplied with plenty of pot-room the time of blooming will be somewhat retarded1 and if on the other hand we desire to have the plants in bloom as early as possible we allow plenty of pot-room during the early part of the growing season1 after which we allow the pots to become pretty well filled with roots1 and abundance of beautiful pendulous flowers will be the result4 ,as house or window plants the ,fuchsias are very popular4 ,the variety ,speciosa will bloom very freely during the winter4 ,during the summer months they should be protected from the direct rays of the sun1 and kept well syringed4 ,as bedding plants their utility is limited1 as they must be planted in a shaded position4 ,a bed of them in such a position makes a pleasant appearance1 and in this way they are easily kept through the hottest part of the year4 ,they may be bedded out1 or may be allowed to remain in the pots and the pots plunged in the garden4 ,in this latter way they will need additional care1 as they must not be allowed to suffer for want of water4 ,if it is desirable to keep the old plants another year they may be removed to the house or cellar1 and kept cool and dry until toward spring1 when they can be repotted in fresh soil1 watered scantily1 and started into growth and pruned or trained to any desired shape or form4--,the ,floral ,world4 ,the foregoing article so fully and clearly stated all that was essential respecting the culture of the ,fuchsia1 that we have transferred it entire instead of writing something original4 ,we need now only add a few things respecting some choice varieties and recent novelties4 ,champion of the ,world has the largest blooms of any ,fuchsia2 the tubes are short2 sepals very broad and of great substance1 well reflexed1 and of a most beautiful coral red2 the foot-stalk of each bloom is of unusual length and strength1 so that each flower stands out bold and graceful4 ,corolla of immense size1 and as it expands forms two-thirds of a perfect ball4 ,color is of the most intense bright dark purple4 ,free tall grower1 and for conservatory decoration is one of the most remarkable ,fuchsias for size ever yet sent out4--,h4 ,cannell4 ,the illustration of this ,fuchsia in ,mr4 ,cannell's ,floral ,guide measures two and one-third inches in diameter1 and yet we are told that when well grown1 the ,champion produces much larger bloom than the engraving4 ,it has four rows of petals1 and looks round and full like a pink4 ,bland's ,new ,striped is of the single class1 but the corolla is very large1 of a rich plum-colored purple1 regular and distinctly striped red and rose1 pyramidal shape1 habit strong4 ,of the ,hybrid variegated ,fuchsias1 ,sunray is by far the best with red variegated leaves ever sent out2 it is very ornamental4 ,pillar of ,gold is a very showy variety with yellow leaves4 ,among the novelties in color1 we find mention of ,aurora ,superba2 tube and sepals rich salmon1 corolla large and spreading of a distinct orange scarlet highly suffused with yellow1 fine habit and free bloomer4 ,polyhymnia is a dwarf yellow4 ,of ,lord ,beaconsfield1 ,mr4 ,cannell says3 ,one of the strongest and most conspicuous blooming varieties ever sent out1 and one of the very best for sale and decoration2 flowers neither good shape nor color1 but produced in very large clusters and blooms nearly all the year if allowed plenty of root room4 ,this ,fuchsia originated with ,mr4 ,john ,laing1 ,stanstead ,park ,nursery1 ,forest ,hill1 near ,london1 and is a cross between ,fuchsia ,fulgens and one of the modern varieties known as ,perfection4 ,it was exhibited at some of the meetings of the ,royal ,horticultural ,society first1 as ,laing's ,hybrid1 in #ahge or #ahgf4 ,it much resembles the old ,speciosa1 but is more free blooming even than that1 and its flowers are twice as large4 ,kingsburyana1 figured in ,mr4 ,cannell's ,floral ,guide--which comes to us from ,swanley1 ,england--is very large and double4 ,it is another addition to the double white corolla class1 and is remarkable for its fine vigorous growth and large showy flowers2 its corolla is particularly novel and beautiful4 ,mrs4 ,h4 ,cannell1 named for the florist's wife by ,swaffield1 its originator1 was one of the greatest lifts in bringing the double white corolla to perfection1 and has given great satisfaction in this country4 ,we have never seen one so beautiful1 but ,mr4 ,c4 ,e4 ,allen who has a large collection1 including those rare gems from across the water1 we have named1 says3 ,snow ,white is the very best double white ,fuchsia ever sent out4 ,a fine1 erect grower1 and a remarkably free and early bloomer4 ,sepals coral red4 ,superior to ,miss ,lucy ,finnis in that it is of a stronger habit4 ,have none now in bloom4 ,among the fine specimen blooms of the dark purple type sent us by ,mr4 ,allen1 we think ,elm ,city the gem for size1 richness of color--a double dark purple striped with scarlet1 sepals scarlet-crimson--and compact form4 ,the ,swanley ,gem is of a peculiar shape1 single1 very open bell-shape corolla1 frilled ,mr4 ,cannell calls it1 rose color with tube and sepals coral scarlet1 the latter are very prettily reflexed4 ,we began our list with the ,champion--the largest known--we will end it with the tiniest1 ,microphylla1 the whole plant1 flowers and leaves are ,liliputian among the ,fuchsias4 ,,fuchsias ,,in ,,the ,,isle ,,of ,,man4 ,here these are truly wonderful2 they grow up the house fronts1 and grow into large trees1 so large that you can have a tea-party around the bole of the trees4 ,they are also grown for hedges and kept nicely clipped1 and with their bright green leaves and scarlet flowers look cheerful and refreshing4 ,the winds and the spray from the sea do not in the least affect them4--,the ,garden4 ,mr4 ,vick1 in his ,magazine says3 ,once when in ,europe1 we saw at ,ventnor1 in the ,isle of ,wight1 a ,fuchsia tree1 perhaps twenty feet or more in height1 with a trunk full fifteen inches in diameter4 ,the editor of the ,flore des ,serres of ,belgium1 in writing of this tree1 says it is doubtless the largest specimen in ,europe1 but is only a baby compared with specimens the editor has seen in ,south ,america4 ,seeing our notice of this tree1 ,mr4 ,,nicholls of ,sharon ,springs1 ,n4 ,y41 wrote us that he had seen ,fuchsias in the ,isle of ,jersey1 in the ,english ,channel1 thirty feet in height1 and there are hundreds there from twenty to twenty-five feet4 ,,propagating ,,fuchsias4 ,we have found the most effective method to be by placing the cuttings in a bottle of water1 and keeping them in a sunny window1 but the following method is said to be practiced by cottagers in the west of ,england3 ,in the autumn1 after the frost has destroyed the foliage1 the wood of the present season is cut off close to the ground and laid like a sheaf of corn in a trench a foot deep4 ,the bundle is covered with a few inches of soil1 and here it remains until spring1 when a multitude of young shoots may be seen pushing their way through4 ,the soil is then carefully moved1 and with a sharp knife a cut is made each side of a joint1 and the result is rooted plants enough for the parish4 ,the old stool throws up more vigorously than before1 to be served in the same way the following autumn4 ,a ,talk ,about ,coleuses4 ,,by ,,one ,,of ,,themselves4 ,only a few years ago1 not one of the ,coleus family had a place in the gardens of ,europe and ,america1 and ,i have been told that in our absence gardeners depended chiefly upon plants with showy flowers for ornamenting their gardens and grounds4 ,when some of my remote relatives were introduced1 numerous were the surmisings as to what place they should occupy amongst cultivated plants4 ,this was especially so in the case of ,perilla ,nankinensis1 a plant of most sombre hue1 but so striking withal as to attract general attention4 ,some looked upon it as the forerunner of a class of plants destined to play an important part in the future1 whilst others regarded it as a vile weed4 ,nevertheless1 considerable attention was bestowed upon its cultivation for a time2 but ultimately became so neglected as to be met with chiefly as a garden weed4 ,this may have been owing in some measure to the introduction of ,coleus ,blumei1 which species was regarded with greater favor1 and at once took a place which it held fairly well for a time1 or until he whose name ,i bear obtained from it varieties so novel and brilliant in color1 as to entitle them to rank high amongst the time-honored favorites of the garden4 ,from the most reliable information1 ,i infer that this species at least is one of my immediate ancestors1 and whether ,i owe as much of kinship to any other1 has not been made known4 ,but this ,i do know1 from the day ,i was first introduced to the public1 in my chocolate and violet colored suit until the present time1 ,i have been praised as few plants have been4 ,but being neither envious nor vain1 ,i have desired the company of those whose colors are brighter than my own1 as variety in harmony gives greater satisfaction than any one can singly bestow4 ,some of the older varieties are well fitted to produce this effect1 and none more so1 perhaps1 than my old friends ,aurea ,marginata1 and ,golden ,circle2 but the majority of their class either lack expression1 or are so delicately constituted as to become perfect frights when planted out of doors4 ,illustration3 ,,dreer',s ,,new ,,hybrid ,,coleuses4 ,during my time1 many varieties with excellent characters when in my company1 have performed their parts but poorly1 whilst others have had enough to do to keep up a doubtful reputation4 ,it was with pleasure1 therefore1 ,i hailed the arrival of a fresh set from ,england a short time ago1 headed by ,george ,bunyard1 who1 with his companions were so highly spoken of1 that ,i hoped one or more of them would prove of service to me4 ,but this hope has not been realized1 and to-day1 for all of them1 ,i am as destitute of support as ,i was before their arrival4 ,poor ,george1 after being much in his company for a season1 it is only fair to say1 he performed his part so poorly that ,i hope1 for the credit of both1 we shall never meet again under similar circumstances4 ,what the incoming season may bring forth1 yet remains to be seen1 but at present the prospects are good for a grand display1 as a new order of aspirants are being marshaled for duty1 whose merits1 some say1 are such as to eclipse the old members of our family1 and even take from me the honors ,i have enjoyed so long4 ,should their claim be well founded1 ,i shall surrender my right to the first place without regret1 and be even glad to take any subordinate place ,i may be deemed competent to fill4 ,but should they fail to meet the expectations thus produced1 it will be my duty to remain at my post until such time as new varieties are found1 regarding whose merits there can be no doubt4 ,be it understood that what has been said about my associates has reference only to them as bedders2 for it is well known1 many varieties when grown under glass1 and partially shaded from the glare of sunshine1 possess greater brilliancy and beauty than ,i lay claim to4 ,for this reason1 ,i think those so constituted as to require the protection of a green-house1 should be sparingly1 if at all1 planted out of doors1 and the outside department exclusively occupied by such as attain their greatest perfection in free air and the full tide of sunlight4 ,before closing this monologue1 ,i am forced to say a word in behalf of a plant seemingly possessed of extraordinary capacity for the work in which ,i excel4 ,i refer to ,acalypha ,macaffeana1 the leaves of which are large and finely formed2 color1 reddish-brown1 and irregularly blotched with bright shades of crimson4 ,when fully exposed to sunlight1 it looks as if on fire through all its length1 and being much more stately than myself1 might form the central figure in a group of ,coleus or other plants with the greatest acceptance4--,,verschaffeltii1 in ,gardeners ,monthly4 ,we do not know who is the author of this very interesting autobiography of an old and popular ,coleus4 ,the florist for whom it was named1 ,m4 ,nuytans ,verschaffelt1 was the adopted son of the late ,jean ,verschaffelt1 of whose nursery near ,ghent1 he was the manager1 and to which he succeeded on the death of the proprietor4 ,m4 ,nuytans was a very distinguished and highly esteemed horticulturist2 he was an active member of the ,royal ,agricultural and ,botanical ,society of ,ghent and ,chevalier of the ,order of ,philip the ,magnanimous4 ,he died ,june1 #ahhj1 in the forty-fourth year of his age4 ,there has been a remarkable progress in the development of the ,coleus since the introduction of ,blumei1 but the two past years have been more distinguished than any previous ones by the originating of many new and beautiful hybrids4 ,pre-eminent among these are ,dreer's ,set of ,tri-colored ,coleus1 fifteen varieties2 ,queensland ,set1 fifteen varieties1 and ,queensland ,set of ,dwarfs1 ten varieties4 ,mr4 ,henry ,a4 ,dreer says of them3 ,these varieties which it is a pleasure to offer1 have originated in our nursery grounds during the past summer1 were selected from perhaps six thousand seedlings excelling in point of color1 variety1 habit and novelty1 and we feel safe in predicting for them a future that leaves nothing wanting in this class of plants4 ,mr4 ,dreer is sustained in his statement by the verdict of many of the leading florists who visited them1 and the committees of the ,cincinnati1 ,philadelphia and ,new ,york ,horticultural ,societies1 the summer and autumn before they were offered to the public4 ,in the ,february number of the ,gardeners ,monthly1 a lady asks some of the correspondents who have tried the new ,coleuses1 to report thereon1 whether as brilliant as their illustrated types1 and if they retain their colors in bedding out4 ,we will give the replies from the ,march number4 ,j4 ,r4 ,h41 ,richmond1 ,va41 says3 ,in response to the query of ,mrs4 ,r4 ,b4 ,edson about ,dreer's ,new ,hybrid ,coleus1 ,i take pleasure in giving my experience with regard to their hardiness in the summer sun4 ,as the summers in our city are extremely dry and hot1 ,i think it a very fair trial of them4 ,when ,i received my box of ,coleus from ,mr4 ,dreer and opened it1 the first thought was that ,i was swindled nicely1 while ,i at once perceived that they were of an entirely new type of ,coleus1 but considered their colors very ugly indeed1 and quite different from the colored sheet in his catalogue4 ,however1 ,i determined to give them a trial before expressing my opinion4 ,i put them in the hottest place ,i could find1 determined to get out of them all the 'come out1' should there be any1 and to my utter surprise1 their colors changed so rapidly and beautifully1 that after a lapse of two weeks1 ,i could scarcely believe they were the same plants4 ,i so much liked them ,i determined they should have a prominent place in my garden1 and accordingly planted them in my border where they did not miss the sun at all while it shone4 ,they grew off at once with the old colors 7as when received71 which discouraged me again1 when to my surprise1 about the middle of ,june1 they began to show their bright colors again1 and in three weeks they were the brightest and prettiest ,coleuses ,i have ever seen1 and remained so with a continual growth until they were killed by the frost4 ,i must confess ,i never saw plants resemble as much the colored plates of their likeness1 as did my ,coleus2 just like the plate with the exception of the fine gloss1 which of course ,i did not expect4 ,it seemed that the hotter the atmosphere was the brighter they looked1 and have stood the sun about twenty per cent better than the older varieties4 ,they have given me more pleasure than any set of new plants ,i have ever received4 ,i consider them the greatest acquisition ,i have known in the soft-wooded class of plants4 ,while there is quite a similarity in the tri-colored set1 it is not at all an objection4 ,the only objections to any of them are that ,amabilis and ,mrs4 ,e4 ,b4 ,cooper1 while very rank growers1 are exceedingly ugly1 and ,superbissima entirely worthless4 ,it will not grow1 ,i don't care what ,i do with it4 ,some seedlings that ,i have raised from them are very richly colored1 and ,i think them much prettier than their parents1 though ,i have not had a chance to test their qualities in the summer4 ,we regret that the writer did not give the names of those ,coleus he so much admired as well as those which are exceedingly ugly and entirely worthless4 ,we can report the same lack of success with ,superbissima4 ,it would not grow one bit1 but remained stationary several months1 and then died4 ,mr4 ,e4 ,l4 ,koethens reports from a large collection3 ,for bedding these are the chosen ones1 ,gracilliana1 ,miss ,r4 ,kirkpatrick1 ,superbissima1 and above all1 ,speciosa4 ,but for inside culture1 many of the new ones are unsurpassed for beauty in any class of decorative plants4 ,here again ,speciosa and ,miss ,r4 ,kirkpatrick of ,dreer's set1 lay claims to attention1 and his ,amabilis is attractive for its free blooming properties4 ,fairy is also conspicuous1 and ,beacon takes the place of ,superbissima indoors1 but ,zephyr1 in my opinion crowns them all as a foliage plant for indoor culture2 a single head often measuring ten inches across1 with a rich bronzy-brown color4 ,the above are all valuable acquisitions and should be in every collection4 ,mrs4 ,m4 ,d4 ,wellcome thus writes3 ,mrs4 ,r4 ,b4 ,edson in her charming ',garden ,notes and ,gossip1' asks that some of the correspondents who have tried the new ,coleus1 ,dreer's and ,henderson's new sets1 report thereon4 ,i have not tried ,henderson's1 and only six of ,dreer's1 so ,i am not prepared to report very fully4 ,but ,i wish to make special mention of ,miss ,ritta ,kirkpatrick1 which looks like the picture only it is handsomer4 ,it is the one represented by a large leaf1 creamy white center1 broad1 green lobed margin4 ,it was a wee plant when it came to me in early spring1 but it very rapidly outgrew the other five1 branching out finely1 so that ,i began in ,june to take slips from it1 and have continued to do this each month to the present time4 ,i should think ,i had rooted full thirty cuttings1 and the original plant1 which has been beheaded on three of its branches1 has now twenty-eight that would ,i think all make very nice plants1 if treated as were the others4 ,i rooted them all in sand1 kept constantly wet1 and exposed nearly all day to the rays of the sun4 ,i never saw anything so quickly take root and so rapidly grow as did those cuttings4 ,at one time ,i kept half a dozen about two months in the pure sand1 till they were fine large plants1 with a great mass of roots4 ,they can be removed from the sand to pots of earth without retarding their growth4 ,i always allow the particles which adhere to remain in transplanting4 ,this ,coleus is a special favorite with me4 ,fairy1 foliage yellow and green1 blotched with crimson-scarlet1 and ,charm1 yellow1 tinged with bronzy scarlet1 stained with dark brown2 green deeply serrated margin1 were very beautiful in the open ground1 and from these ,i rooted also in sand several very fine cuttings4 ,but the original plants did not grow rapidly4 ,i think the ,coleus adds much to the attraction of the border1 but it is for the winter window-garden they are specially valuable4 ,these new ,hybrids have stood the test of a year's trial1 and three varieties exhibited at the ,june meeting of the ,royal ,horticultural ,society1 ,london1 carried off the highest prize for this class of plants1 and received very flattering newspaper notices4 ,in ,mr4 ,dreer's catalogue for #ahha1 he has selected twenty-four which he calls the cream of those ,new ,hybrids4 ,superbissima is included1 while ,zephyr is omitted4 ,kirkpatrick is among them1 we are happy to say4 ,so superb are some of the recent ,coleuses1 ,verschaffeltii1 we fear1 will have to retire still further into private life4 ,being quite advanced in years1 we presume he will not regret this4 ,we are sure that he will always be treated with that respect which is due to honorable old age4 ,ornamental ,foliage ,plants4 ,how much one who gives attention may learn in the vast field of ,nature6 ,how varied are its attractions1 how wonderful its work1 how indescribable its beauties6 ,there is a fascination in these studies1 whatever may be the department to which they are directed1 and the more one learns the more sensible they become of the limitations of their knowledge4 ,i have already told you ,i had within a year or two been awaking to a realization of the value of ornamental foliage plants in giving an abiding brightness and beauty to the window-garden and open border4 ,as humanity is ever prone to extremes ,i may become too enthusiastic in this direction4 ,i thought there was some danger of it as ,i surveyed my array of pots filled with fine specimens of various sorts4 ,i will take them for my subject to-day1 giving whatever facts of interest ,i have been enabled to gather from various sources4 ,,crotons4 ,everybody has heard of croton oil1 but only a few of that same everybody know anything about ,crotons4 ,the number of species known is enormous1 and they are found in many parts of the world1 but chiefly at the ,south ,sea ,islands4 ,some kinds are native to our own country1 mainly in the ,south and ,southwest1 but these are not characterized by the brilliant markings of the foreign varieties4 ,their leaves are often thick and large1 but usually they are very long and narrow and ribbed1 veined1 spotted and blotched with crimson1 scarlet and gold4 ,they are a very interesting class of ornamental plants1 and their low price1 twenty-five to fifty cents1 except for novelties1 places them within reach of the common people4 ,they do best in a rich soil1 with a little peat and sand2 also an abundance of water4 ,the specimens ,i have are these3 ,aucub ,folium--leaves large1 dark green1 blotched with golden yellow4 ,interruptum1 very long leaves1 mid-rib bright scarlet1 shading to gold--very graceful4 ,irregulare1 so named because of the irregularity of its leaves in shape and color--two precisely alike being rare4 ,the handsomest however of my collection1 is ,croton ,weismanni4 ,the ground color is a shining bright green1 striped and mottled with golden yellow4 ,the leaves grow to a foot in length and three-fourths of an inch wide4 ,among the more recent and high priced novelties are ,croton ,evansianus and ,princess of ,wales4 ,the former is distinguished by the peculiar form of its trilobate leaves and the depth of coloring pervading the whole plant4 ,the newest formed leaves are light olive green with mid-ribs and veins of golden yellow1 and the interspaces spotted with the same color4 ,as the leaves become older1 the green deepens and changes to a bright bronzy crimson1 and the golden yellow of the mid-ribs1 veins and spots becomes a rich orange scarlet4 ,princess of ,wales is one of the long-leaved drooping forms of ,croton1 and is very distinct in character4 ,the leaves are from one and one-half to two feet in length4 ,the ground color is green1 and the variegations creamy-yellow1 very variable in color4 ,the markings are of the maculate style1 with here and there large blotches of clear cream-yellow1 and and in other parts clouded markings of smaller confluent blotches and spots4 ,occasionally these conditions are reversed4 ,the ,croton ,fenzii1 recently offered in commerce by ,m4 ,,solviati1 of ,florence1 is described as a jewel among the ,crotons4 ,it is the result of a cross effected in the green-houses of ,sesto1 between ,c4 ,veitchii and ,c4 ,weismanni1 and has moderate sized oval acuminate leaves1 richly veined with golden yellow1 the principal nerves being purplish-red1 which color extends to the stem and the petiole4 ,the habit is so dwarf and compact that plants only a foot high are often seen with all their splendor1 the yellow streaking then extending to almost the whole surface of the leaf1 and the red nerves shining on the yellow ground4 ,it is a variety especially fitted for the decoration of small green-houses1 as it requires very little room to be able to develop all its charms4 ,this variety has been dedicated to the ,chevalier ,e4 ,o4 ,,fenzi1 ,president of the ,royal ,horticultural ,society of ,tuscany4--,london ,florist4 ,,fancy ,,caladiums4 ,of these the varieties are numerous1 and the foliage very ornamental4 ,those ,i have are ,dr4 ,hondley2 green ground1 blotched with rose1 crimson center2 ,madame ,houllette1--blush clusters and white spots on green ground2 ,sagittfolium pictum1--arrow-shaped leaves prettily spotted with white2 ,madame ,alfred ,bleu1--the ground color of the leaves is silvery white1 which is blotched with green1 in some leaves very sparingly1 in others1 nearly half the surface2 the veins are prominent and of rich rosy crimson1 bordered by narrow bands of a lighter shade4 ,alfred ,mame1--beautiful deep carmine1 richly marked with rosy spots and white leaf margin4 ,la ,perle de ,brazil1--ground color1 green1 reticulated all over with pure white1 like fine lace4 ,these last three are from the collection of ,mr4 ,john ,saul of ,washington1 and are new4 ,fancy ,caladiums do best in somewhat shaded positions1 in well enriched soil1 composed of finely decomposed manure1 leaf mold and sand1 and a moist1 warm temperature4 ,great care must be had in their earliest stage of growth1 to prevent decay of the tubers by over-watering4 ,they can be preserved in sand during the winter1 in a room sufficiently warm to prevent danger from frost4 ,,caladium ,,esculentum1 ,is the most striking and grand of the ,ornamental ,foliage ,plants for the lawn or flower garden4 ,it will grow in any good soil1 and is very easy of cultivation4 ,when of full size it stands about five feet high1 and its immense leaves often measure four feet in length by two and a half in breadth2 very smooth1 of a light green color1 beautifully veined and variegated with dark green4 ,when killed down by frost in the autumn1 the bulbs must be taken up and stored in the cellar4 ,the ,caladium belongs to the family of ,jack in the ,pulpit1 or ,indian ,turnip1 and the ,ethiopian or ,egyptian ,calla4 ,they rarely bloom in our ,northern ,states4 ,the flowers resemble in shape the ,calla ,lily1 only are much larger and narrower1 are of a rich cream color1 very fragrant at first1 but soon lose their odor1 which resembles the ,magnolia4 ,,eranthemums4 ,these comprise a large genus valuable for their foliage and also winter flowers1 yet not very generally cultivated4 ,mine are labeled ,andersonii1 a handsome orchid-like flower1 white1 spotted with red4 ,pictum1 foliage prettily streaked with white1 a strong1 vigorous grower2 ,tricolor1 leaves prettily marked with pink and green2 ,cooperi1 has flowers white1 prettily streaked with purple2 ,el ,dorado1 light green foliage1 with golden veinings4 ,,marantas4 ,these are considered by florists as among the most elegant of tropical plants1 but like the ,eranthemums1 are not generally known4 ,they are all natives of tropical ,america1 and require strong heat with plenty of moisture4 ,they are low-priced1 and ought to be more extensively cultivated4 ,i think mine are very beautiful4 ,eximia1 upper surface of leaves striped with grayish-white2 under1 purplish-violet4 ,leopordina1 pale green with oblong blotches of deep green4 ,mikans1 shining green with a white feathery stripe4 ,van den ,heckii1 dark glossy leaves1 mid-rib silvery white4 ,makayana1 a very ornamental dwarf species2 leaf-stalks slender reddish-purple1 blade of the leaf ovate1 ground color1 olive green1 beautifully and regularly blotched with creamy yellow of a transparent character2 on each side the mid-rib are oblong dark green blotches1 while the under side is rosy red4 ,tubispatha is an elegant and very attractive species of erect habit of growth2 leaves some nine or ten inches long1 light green1 ornamented on each side the mid-rib with oblong blotches of cinnamon brown4 ,veitchii1 ,the leaves of this grand plant are upward of twelve inches in length2 the under surface of a rich purplish-wine color1 the upper of a deep shining green1 blotched with conspicuous patches along each side1 of a yellowish-green1 almost verging on gray4 ,the contrast is very marked1 and the whole plant very beautiful4 ,,achyranthes1 a genus of richly colored tropical plants1 are better known1 and to a limited extent are found in many gardens1 ,verschaffelti1 with its dark crimson leaf1 being the most common4 ,brilliantissima1 ruby red1 is a new ,english variety2 ,wallisii is a new dwarf1 with small purple leaves2 ,lindeni ,aurea ,reticulata1 foliage netted with golden yellow1 on a light green ground4 ,these plants are of the easiest cultivation1 and endure strong sunshine without injury4 ,,alternantheras are also very effective for bedding plants2 habit dwarf4 ,foliage is in some of a magenta-rose color1 others1 yellow and red2 ,purpurea has a purplish tint1 and ,versicolor1 crimson and pink shadings4 ,they are unsurpassed for ribbon or carpet bedding4 ,,dieffenbachia1 a genus of stove plants with very showy foliage4 ,brasiliensis1 a handsome variety1 the leaves averaging eighteen inches in length by eight or nine inches in width2 the ground color of the leaf is deep green1 and the whole surface is mottled with small blotches of greenish-yellow and white2 ,bausei is a stocky-growing1 broad-leaved variety1 with yellowish-green leaves1 which are irregularly edged and blotched with dark green1 and also spotted with white1 the markings being peculiarly effective2 ,weirie is of dwarf habit1 the foliage of a bright green color1 thickly blotched and spotted with pale yellow4 ,one of the finest of the species4 ,they grow best in loam and peat equal quantities1 with a little sand4 ,require strong heat and frequent watering4 ,a few ornamental foliage plants of rare beauty received from ,mr4 ,john ,saul merit special notice3 ,cyanaphyllum ,spectandum is a grand plant with large1 oblong1 lustrous leaves which have a rich1 velvety appearance2 they are beautifully ribbed with whitish color4 ,alocacia ,macrorhiza ,variegata1 its large caladium-shaped leaves are marbled and broadly splashed with white4 ,some leaves are nearly all white2 ,zebrina1 fine yellow leaf-stalk with distinct black marks2 ,illustris1 the leaf-stalks are erect1 and have a brownish-purple tint1 color a rich green1 marked between the principal veins by broad patches of a blackish olive1 and forming a striking contrast with the brighter green portions of the leaf surface2 ,sedini1 ,a very beautiful hybrid between ,a4 ,metallica and ,a4 ,lowii4 ,the form of the leaf is perfectly intermediate between the two parents1 whilst the coloring is a very striking and pleasing combination of the metallic hue of one parent1 with the dark green and prominent white veins of the other4 ,alocasias require a moist heat during their growing season4 ,soil1 peat1 with a small portion of loam1 sand and manure4 ,acalypha ,macafeeana is another of the rare and beautiful foliage plants alluded to4 ,it is considered the best ,acalypha ever offered4 ,it is certainly very handsome with its sub-cordate and serrate leaves1 eight inches long and six broad1 frequently cut into many forms1 and very highly colored bright red1 blotched with deep bronzy crimson4 ,it proves to be an admirable plant for bedding out4 ,quite as attractive every way is ,panax ,laciniatum1 ,an elegant and very distinct habited stove plant from the ,south ,sea islands4 ,the leaves are tinted and indistinctly marked with pale olive brown1 and form a rather complicated mass of narrow segments2 they are bipinnate1 nearly as broad as long1 and have a drooping contour2 and the pinnules or segments are very variable in size and form1 presenting the appearance of a complex head of foliage in which the lanceolate lobes or pinnules have the preponderancy4 ,panax ,fruiticosm has a very graceful fern-like foliage4 ,these plants belong to the ,aralia family1 a genus very ornamental1 natives of the ,south ,sea ,islands4 ,another of my ,washington collection1 very graceful and beautiful1 is ,paulinia ,thalictrifolia4 ,its delicate cut leaves resemble the fronds of a finely divided ,maiden-hair ,fern4 ,the leaves are of a rich shade of green4 ,the young shoots and foliage are of a pinkish-brown color4 ,it is of slender growth and climbing habit1 very similar to ,capsidium ,filicifolium1 which has long been a special favorite of mine4 ,both of these are elegant1 trained on a pot trellis4 ,paulinia ,thalictrifolia is a native of the southern ,brazils1 from whence it was introduced to the nurseries of ,messrs4 ,veitch ,sons of ,chelsea4 ,if only required for decorative purposes there should be no inclination to make the plants produce flowers which are inconspicuous2 therefore the main object should be to have plenty of healthy foliage4 ,to secure this1 the plant should be grown in a temperature of from #fe to #gj1 and if one part of the greenhouse is more adapted to its growth than another1 it is the dampest part4 ,after this plant came into the possession of ,messrs4 ,veitch1 and before its true value became known1 some plants of it were placed in a corner of an old1 very damp1 warm pit1 in which position they grew wonderfully strong1 and quite surpassed in vigor and beauty those that were1 as was then supposed1 placed under more advantageous circumstances1 i4e41 in dryer and lighter parts of other houses4 ,care is therefore now taken to keep them where abundant atmospheric moisture can be supplied4 ,a compost consisting of two parts good substantial peat and one of loam1 together with some silver sand1 suits it admirably4--,gardening ,illustrated4 ,,cannas4 ,these form a very important part of the class of which we are treating4 ,they give a very beautiful and tropical appearance to the lawn and the garden by their stately growth and broad massive foliage1 relieved by rich crimson1 scarlet and orange-red flowers4 ,their foliage comprises various shades of green1 glaucous1 chocolate and purple tints1 ribbed and striped1 fitting them admirably for grouping with other plants4 ,they are also very effective for large pot plants in the pleasure-ground1 or conservatory4 ,under rich cultivation they will attain the height of five feet4 ,they need water often4 ,among the newer roots ,creole1 very dark foliage1 grows to the height of about six feet4 ,ornement du ,grand ,rond1 very tall1 with large bronzy-green foliage1 large scarlet flowers4 ,oriflamme has large lanceolate-green leaves1 with violet veins1 a vigorous showy plant with salmon-orange flowers4 ,the roots of ,cannas must be taken up in the autumn4 ,if wanted singly1 divide them1 if a thick clump is desirable let them be planted out as they are4 ,they must be kept perfectly dry through the winter2 if the cellar is very damp they will do better packed in sand4 ,,drac,,na4 ,this is a valuable genus of ornamental plants1 specially fine for the center of vases1 and for pot culture4 ,although their culture is on the increase1 they are not so frequently grown as they deserve4 ,the species are very numerous1 and are found in tropical countries1 especially in the islands of the tropics4 ,many of them assume the proportions of trees4 ,the largest specimen ever known was one of ,dracna ,draco1 or the ,dragon tree of ,oratava in ,teneriffe1 one of the ,canary ,islands4 ,this tree was remarkable for its monstrous dimensions and prodigious longevity4 ,about ten years since1 or in the autumn of #ahfg1 this magnificent specimen was destroyed by a gale of wind4 ,it was a special object of interest in the ,canary ,islands1 and received the attention and veneration of visitors1 as do the great ,seguvia trees of ,california4 ,its trunk below the lowest branches was eighty feet in height1 and ten men holding hands could scarcely encircle it2 by one measurement this span around it was seventy-nine feet4 ,the trunk was hollow1 and in the interior was a winding stair-case1 by which one might ascend as far as the part from which the branches sprang4 ,it is affirmed by tradition that1 when the island of ,teneriffe was discovered in #adjb1 this tree was as large1 and the cavity in the trunk as great1 as at the time of its destruction4 ,we are even assured that in the fifteenth century1 at the time of the conquest of the ,canaries by the ,normans and ,spaniards1 they celebrated mass on a little altar erected in this cavity4 ,from the slow growth of the young ,dragon trees in the ,canaries1 it has been estimated that this monster tree before it was destroyed1 was the oldest plant upon the globe4 ,a writer in describing it says3 ,long leaves pointed like swords1 crowned the extremities of the branches1 and white panicles1 which developed in autumn1 threw a mantle of flowers upon this dome of verdure4 ,the popular name of this species is ,dragon's-blood ,tree1 because of a resinous juice of a red color which exudes from the cracks in its trunk4 ,at one time this resin formed a considerable branch of commerce1 as it was used medicinally as an astringent1 but it has fallen into disuse4 ,the ,dracnas belong to the ,lily family1 and they afford a remarkable contrast to the palms and other arborescent endogens1 by their branching heads4 ,the young trees of ,dracna ,draco do not1 however1 send out any branches1 even in their native localities1 until they are thirty years old or more4 ,the small plants of this species1 cultivated for ornament1 have always a single1 straight stem2 but are much more robust1 and quickly assume more stately proportions than those of the other kinds that will be mentioned4 ,the ,dracna is admired for its peculiar grace of form--it would be in vain in common house culture to expect flowers4 ,to admire a plant for its well developed and graceful form1 marks an advancement in refined taste beyond that which would induce one to exclaim1 ,oh6 at the sight of a brilliantly colored flower4 ,even in rearing a plant for flowers1 the first object should be to develop it to the fullest extent in size and shape and strength--to make a beautiful object of the plant itself2 just as the first and main attention given to a child1 for years1 should be to develop and build up its physical system4 ,the ,dracna is a good house plant1 a good balcony and veranda plant1 good for the vase in the open air1 and in a handsome pot is a fine ornament for table decoration4 ,its culture is of the simplest kind1 adapting itself to any ordinarily good soil1 it only requires to be supplied moderately with moisture and to have a temperature ranging upward from sixty-five degrees4 ,it delights in a moist air1 and whenever possible1 water should be kept where it will rapidly evaporate1 and thus ameliorate the atmosphere in this respect for the plant4 ,this condition1 moreover1 is conducive to the well-being of most plants1 and no good plant-grower can disregard it with impunity4 ,washing the leaves and stem of the plant frequently with a wet sponge1 is favorable to its health and vigor1 and one of the best preventives of the attack of insects4 ,with dust on the leaves the plants look dingy1 while frequent washing keeps them bright and lustrous4 ,dracna indivisa has long1 slender1 dark green leaves1 about three-quarters of an inch or an inch in width1 and from two and a half feet to three feet in length1 and the lower ones especially are very much recurved or gracefully drooping4 ,this species is among the hardiest of the ,dracnas1 and is frequently wintered in the open ground1 with some protection in climates where the temperature frequently descends several degrees below the freezing point4 ,dracna terminalis is the most popular of the whole family in this country1 and is worthy of all the admiration bestowed upon it4 ,the leaves are broader and more erect than those of the preceding species1 and of a dark green suffused with red1 or having streaks of a reddish color2 the young leaves nearly pink1 but assuming a dark bronzy copper color afterward4 ,it is a very distinct and showy plant1 and adapted to a great variety of ornamental purposes4 ,the propagation and sale of it is rapidly increasing every year1 and it is already widely disseminated4 ,at the ,sandwich ,islands it is cultivated to a considerable extent for its roots1 which are baked and eaten4 ,a fermented beverage is also made from the juice1 and its leaves are employed as fodder for cattle1 and for clothing and other domestic purposes4 ,dracna ,shepherdii is of a most noble form1 and is one of the finest yet in cultivation4 ,it has long1 spreading leaves1 of a metallic green1 with stripes and border of bronzy-orange1 and is a very free grower4 ,unlike most of the forms already known1 which color most on the free young growth of vigorous plants1 this plant takes on its distinctive coloring gradually on the older leaves4 ,dracna cannfolia is an interesting species4 ,its peculiarity consists in the length of petiole1 which is as long as the rest of the leaf4 ,the blade of the leaf is elliptical in form1 from fifteen to twenty inches in length1 firm1 and of a glaucous green4 ,within a few years past much attention has been given by cultivators in ,great ,britain and ,europe to hybridizing the ,dracna1 and producing new varieties4 ,the most remarkable success has attended the efforts in this direction1 of ,,mr4 ,,bause1 in the establishment of ,,mr4 ,,wills1 of ,anerly1 ,england4 ,the variety is wonderful--broad-leaved1 medium-leaved and narrow-leaved2 bronzy and green1 crimson1 rose1 pink1 violet and white variegations2 drooping1 spreading1 and erect habits1 are blended in all sorts of combinations4 ,one of the sorts produced is described as a most important acquisition1 having quite the habit and character of the well-known favorite terminalis1 but with white variegation4 ,the ground color is a bright green1 with bold1 white variegation1 the upper leaves being white1 with here and there a bar of green4--,vick's ,magazine4 ,,drac,,na ,,goldiana4 ,sent out in this country for the first time in #ahhj1 is said to be one of the most magnificent ornamental foliage plants ever introduced1 and altogether unique in character and aspect4 ,it is a native of ,western ,tropical ,africa4 ,the plant is of erect habit1 and the stems are closely set with stalked spreading leaves1 the petioles of which are of a grayish color1 terete with a narrow furrow along the upper side1 the base being dilated and sheathing the stem4 ,the blade of leaf is marbled and irregularly banded with dark green and silver gray in alternate straight bands1 the colors being about equally distributed4 ,the back of the unfolded leaves is a pale reddish-purple or wine color1 and the stem1 where visible4 ,it is1 without doubt1 one of the most superb of ornamental stove plants4 ,when first sent out in ,london in #ahgh1 its price was from five to ten guineas per plant4 ,we do not know the price in this country4 ,mr4 ,h4 ,a4 ,dreer who has an illustration of it in his catalogue1 furnishes the price only on application1 which is evidence that it is costly4 ,from the type given1 it must be exceedingly handsome1 and wholly unlike any ,dracna before offered in ,america4 ,dracnas1 as we have noticed before1 are particularly desirable house plants1 keeping in good condition for a long time1 even in rooms where gas is burned--places so unsuited to most plants4 ,they are liable to attacks of the ,mealy ,bug and the ,red ,spider if neglected1 but the syringing and sponging advised for them will effectually prevent their gaining a foothold if frequently and thoroughly performed4 ,after a year or two the plants begin to lose their lower leaves1 and to get leggy1 a state of things quite undesirable1 as the beauty and effectiveness of the plants depend upon their being furnished with leaves down to the base of the stem4 ,when the plants have become unsightly from the loss of their leaves1 they can be renewed very quickly by a simple process4 ,cut a notch in the stem1 on one side1 just below the lowest good leaves1 and take out a piece of the wood1 then do the same on the other side of the stem1 but not exactly opposite the first notch4 ,the object is to check the flow of sap at this point and yet allow enough of it to pass to maintain the head4 ,having cut the notches1 take some moss or sphagnum and bind about the stem1 covering the incisions and fastening it on securely with twine or fine wire2 the moss is to be kept gently moist1 and in the course of two weeks will have thrown out young roots above the notches4 ,the head can now be severed from the stem and potted in a medium-sized pot4 ,after keeping it a few days in the shade1 it can be gradually brought out into the full light1 and will be found to be established4 ,dracnas may also be multiplied by removing the thick1 fleshy root that may usually be found in the base of the plant4 ,those tuberous roots can be potted1 and if kept in a warm place will soon start and make new plants4 ,when plants are re-potted a favorable opportunity is offered for taking off these roots1 for the roots of the old plants are actively at work and1 with the fresh soil they receive1 will soon recover from any slight check they may have received4 ,the most rapid method of propagating this plant is by cuttings of the stem2 the stem may be cut into pieces an inch in length1 and those pieces split in two1 and all of those bits will root and become plants4 ,they should be placed in a light1 sandy soil1 and given a brisk bottom heat of #gj or #hj degrees4 ,they will break and start into growth in a few days4--,vick's ,magazine4 ,so fully does the foregoing express all that is needful regarding the ,dracna1 we have thought best to give it entire4 ,we might greatly enlarge on the subject of ,ornamental ,foliage ,plants1 and speak of the beautiful ,palms1 so fine for decorative purposes1 the pretty ,ferns and elegant ,aralias1 of which latter ,sieboldi is a capital house plant1 so enduring that it will live and keep its beautiful dark green color for weeks almost in the dark4 ,then there is the ,euonymus1 so bright with its glossy green leaves1 long a favorite whether for the border or window garden4 ,argentea has striped foliage1 and ,japonicas aurea has its dark green foliage diversified with golden variegations4 ,bicolor1 foliage almost white1 and ,tricolor1 a rarer form1 is marked with pink and white4 ,with the numerous varieties we have named1 it will be apparent how ornamental our gardens1 whether within doors or without1 may be made by plants1 the beauty of which is wholly independent of flowers1 and they do wonderfully enhance the effect of the bloomers4 ,the ,centaureas and ,cinerarias with their deeply lobed leaves of white1 are too well known to need any special mention4 ,we do not intend however to pass so lightly over another stately and highly ornamental genus that comes within the reach of everyone4 ,ricinus1 the seed of which can be purchased for a dime1 are magnificent in foliage1 and when combined with the brilliant colored fruit of the giant varieties1 the effect is very oriental4 ,ricinus ,africanus albidus is of recent introduction4 ,it is white fruited1 and the stems and leaves are silvery2 height eight feet4 ,borbaniensis arboreus has very large and showy foliage2 height fifteen feet4 ,communis is the ,castor ,oil ,plant4 ,sanguineus 7,obermanii7 bears splendid red fruit in clusters1 and is very ornamental4 ,a species from ,phillippines has gigantic foliage2 height ten feet4 ,these can be purchased in separate or mixed packets1 and we advise everyone who has a bit of ground to try them4 ,we will close with ,a ,,big ,,bean ,,story4 ,i have just harvested my ,ricinus or ,castor ,bean1 which ,i raised from the seed you sent me last spring4 ,it was of mammoth growth1 attaining a height of fourteen and a half feet1 and sixteen feet across the branches of which there were seventeen after cutting off five during the summer4 ,each of the branches contained a cluster of burs1 the center one having one hundred and thirty-four burs1 the other branches not so many4 ,many of the leaves measured from thirty to thirty-two inches across from tip to tip or point of leaves4 ,when sawed off at the ground1 the body measured five inches and a half of wood in diameter1 inside of the bark1 which was one-fourth of an inch thick4 ,this is a big bean story but nevertheless a true one4--,t4 ,g4 ,t4 in ,vick's ,magazine4 ,a ,talk ,about ,primroses4 ,it is an old adage that one must take ,time by the forelock4 ,in the culture of flowers1 we must certainly do so1 planning and preparing in spring for the coming winter1 if we would secure for ourselves plants that can be relied on for blooming4 ,we know of none equal to ,,the ,,chinese ,,primrose1 for common house culture1 commencing to flower usually in ,november1 and continuing through the spring months4 ,the seed for this ought to be sown in ,april--if later the plants will not come into bloom so early4 ,the soil for ,primroses in all stages should be fine1 light and rich1 with a good mixture of sand4 ,for seed sowing it can be put in pans1 boxes or six inch pots4 ,first1 put in drainage--,i use for this coarse sand--then the coarse siftings of the soil4 ,on this to the depth of one and a half or two inches1 put the fine mixed soil1 press down smoothly and spray lightly with tepid water4 ,sow the seed on the surface1 and sift on enough of the fine earth to partially but not fully cover them4 ,cover with a glass1 or with a bit of soft nice flannel1 and place in the shade where a mild moist temperature can be attained4 ,where flannel is used1 it can be kept damp and thus impart moisture to the seeds without their being saturated1 washed bare1 or displaced by spraying4 ,when the seed has germinated1 then glass can be substituted4 ,the tender seedlings must be gradually brought to the sunlight2 too long exposure at first would kill them1 and if kept in the shade too much they will become drawn and dwarfed4 ,this is the critical period1 and many fail at this point4 ,great care is essential till the plants put forth the third leaf1 which is rough and the true primula leaf4 ,then the plants must be carefully transplanted into other pots prepared as before4 ,in about a month the glass can be removed and the plants potted separately1 setting them low1 as it is a peculiarity of the ,primula to stretch itself up out of the soil1 and become shaky4 ,it is necessary sometimes to give them support4 ,in watering1 care must be had to prevent the water lodging in the axils of the leaves1 which cause them to decay4 ,they will not bear showering like smooth surfaced plants1 and only occasionally should they be sprayed through a fine hose4 ,they must be kept during the summer months in a shady place1 and have a cool bottom to stand on2 a cold frame is the best4 ,they must be housed by the end of ,september1 and the best situation for them is a light1 airy shelf near the glass1 yet not exposed to intense sunshine4 ,they do not like frequent changes of position and temperature1 nor to be grown with other plants4 ,give them a cool place where they will have the morning or afternoon sun for a time4 ,during the blossoming season stimulate the soil once a week with liquid manure1 or water with a few drops of ammonia added4 ,pick off all flowers as fast as they fade4 ,plants are stronger and better the second year1 and unless they get too shaky1 are good for three years4 ,they must1 after blossoming1 be taken out of the pot1 the ball of earth reduced from the roots1 and then re-potted in fresh soil4 ,it is not needful to keep them dormant and shaded through the summer1 but in a cool and partially secluded position1 they will after a brief rest begin to grow1 putting forth frequently little crowns all around about the old one1 and be full of blossoms during the autumn and winter months4 ,the double varieties are not so easily grown1 and cannot be recommended for general culture to be raised from seed4 ,fine plants can be procured from the florists1 but the large single sorts1 we think give the most satisfaction4 ,ellis ,brothers1 ,keene1 ,n4 ,h41 have sent us for trial1 packets of very fine strains2 some are rare1 and1 judging from the description1 must be very beautiful4 ,it is not often that we find more than four varieties named in the catalogues4 ,they send out a dozen sorts1 some of which we will name3 ,primula ,fimbriata ,kermesina ,splendens2 ,large flowers1 brilliant velvet like crimson1 yellow eye4 ,primula ,frimbriata ,punctata ,elegantissima2 a new variety2 flower velvety crimson1 edge spotted with white2 very distinct4 ,primula ,fimbriata ,striata2 beautifully striped4 ,primula ,fringed1 ,fern ,leaf2 pure white1 with large citron eye2 very fine4 ,primula ,globosa1 new2 a large flowering1 fringed sort2 petals large and many of them crimped1 each overlapping the other1 so that they appear almost semi-double2 colors white1 light pink1 crimson and lilac pink4 ,all of these can be bought in mixed or separate packets4 ,we cannot find room for all of these1 but hope from the rarest to obtain some fine plants to brighten our room the coming winter4 ,great advances have been made since the ,primrose was introduced into this country little more than half a century ago4 ,illustration ,of the novelties we find in the ,london ,garden special mention made of ,primula ,sinensis ,fimbriata ,alba ,magnifica4 ,the writer says3 ,the ,primulas from ,mr4 ,b4 ,s4 ,williams' ,victoria ,nurseries1 ,holloway1 were remarkably fine4 ,the newest sort shown1 ,alba ,magnifica1 promises to be an excellent kind2 the flowers are large1 produced in dense and many flowered trusses1 borne well above the foliage1 which is also remarkable being elegantly crisped at the margins4 ,the color is white1 the purity of which1 however1 is more strongly marked when the plants are more mature than those shown2 the habit of growth is very robust4 ,of this novelty ,mr4 ,h4 ,cannell says3 ,the new white ,primula is of exquisite form and substance2 the plants are exceedingly compact1 with deeply indented leaves of a light green color2 the flowers measure two and one-quarter inches in diameter1 pure white1 with large1 bright yellow eye1 each petal being deeply and beautifully fringed1 and are borne in large trusses well above the foliage4 ,we give an illustration of this ,primula1 kindly furnished by ,ellis ,bros41 who are of the first to offer it in this country4 ,,carnations ,,and ,,picotees4 ,what is the difference between them8 ,i am told differently by nearly every florist ,i ask4 ,an old ,englishman told me the other day that he used to grow great quantities of them in ,england1 and that the difference between the two is1 that the ,picotee has fringed edged leaves1 while in the ,carnation proper the edge of the leaf is smooth like a rose4 ,the question is asked of ,mr4 ,vick1 and he thus replies3 ,the ,carnation and ,picotee differ only in the arrangement of the color1 or markings4 ,the distinction is made by florists1 and is of course arbitrary4 ,seeds saved from one plant1 may produce both ,carnations and ,picotee1 or even from the same seed-pod4 ,in an old work in our possession1 the distinction is as stated1 but for long years any flower with an irregular edge has been considered unworthy of propagation4 ,the ,carnation should have broad stripes of color running through from the center to the edge of the petals4 ,the ,picotee has only a band of color on the edge of each petal4--,vick's ,magazine4 ,although ,mr4 ,vick here states that the ,carnation should have broad stripes of color1 neither he1 nor any other florist makes this distinction1 but call pure white1 and pure red ,carnations1 just as freely as those that are striped4 ,there are two classes of ,carnations1 and thousands of varieties4 ,the class of ,perpetual ,bloomers are called ,monthly and ,tree ,carnations4 ,the ,garden ,carnations are hardy1 and can be left in the garden during winter by giving them a covering of leaves1 straw1 or evergreen boughs4 ,they are easily raised from seed4 ,sown in ,june or ,july1 will make good robust plants before frost1 which will bloom the following summer4 ,some of them will be single1 perhaps1 and these can be removed4 ,those of superior merit may be multiplied by layering4 ,this method is to select good healthy shoots that have not bloomed1 and make a cut midway between two joints4 ,first cut half way through the shoot1 then make a slit lengthwise to a joint4 ,remove the earth a few inches in depth1 and press the branch down so that this slit will open1 and then cover with the soil4 ,roots will form where the cut was made1 and thus a new plant will be formed1 which can be removed in the autumn or spring4 ,midsummer is the best time to do this1 and by adopting this method good1 healthy plants are secured4 ,the plants should be well watered a day or two before layering is commenced1 and immediately afterward--then only occasionally4 ,they are frequently propagated by cuttings1 which can be rooted in wet sand1 or in light sandy soil4 ,,perpetual ,,bloomers1 ,or ,monthly ,carnations1 can be easily obtained of the florists for summer or winter blooming2 the former purchased in the spring1 and the latter in the autumn4 ,if one raises their own stock1 it is not best to allow those to bloom much during the summer that are wanted for winter flowering4 ,it is well to sink the pots in a good sunny place in the garden1 and when they run up and show signs of bedding1 cut back the stalk so that it may become more compact and branchy1 then the buds in the late autumn or winter1 will be much more numerous4 ,the best for winter blooming are ,la ,purite 7carmine71 ,president de ,graw 7white71 ,peerless 7white1 striped with pink7 and ,peter ,henderson1 of the well-known varieties4 ,of those of recent introduction1 ,lady ,emma is said to be excellent4 ,one florist says that it is destined to be one of the leading winter-blooming ,carnations4 ,from my bed of one thousand plants in the green-house throughout ,december and ,january last1 ,i plucked more blooms than from any other variety occupying the same space4 ,it has proved excellent also for a bedding pink4 ,its color is a rare shade of crimson scarlet2 the flower is of medium size1 full and double1 and never bursting down the side4 ,lord ,clyde has for three years proved to be an excellent winter bloomer4 ,it is of a very robust growth1 like its parent the ,edwardsii1 but of a more dwarf1 low-flowering habit4 ,the ground-work is white1 thickly striped with carmine1 and a frequent blotch of maroon2 very floriferous1 each stem bearing from six to eight flowerets4 ,lydia is another of the recent novelties1 and is very handsome4 ,flowers very large and intensely double1 of a rich rosy1 orange color blotched and flecked with carmine4 ,crimson ,king is one of the largest ,carnations1 very full1 bushy habit1 and robust1 color crimson-scarlet4 ,a pure bright scarlet is rare2 when therefore1 ,firebrand1 a novelty of #ahhj1 was announced as a bright scarlet1 it produced quite a sensation4 ,it is very highly commended by those who have seen it4 ,grace ,wilder1 ,princess ,louise and ,fred ,johnson1 are new hybrid seedlings now offered for the first time to the public4 ,there was quite a discussion in the ,gardener's ,monthly of last year as to the best pure ,white ,carnation4 ,in the ,august number1 ,mr4 ,e4 ,fryer of ,delaware writes3 ,the varieties called ,peter ,henderson1 sent out by ,nanz and ,neuner ,i have found to be the best white ,i have yet grown for winter bloom4 ,it is a stronger and better bloomer than de ,graw1 its only drawback being that it runs up high like ,la ,purite4 ,snowdon is a true dwarf1 pure white1 and if it proves a good winter bloomer1 will probably supersede all other whites1 the flower being of fair size and very fragrant4 ,bock's ,seedling1 ,charles ,sumner1 ,i have grown the past winter4 ,the flower is of an enormous size1 but it invariably bursts before opening1 and is a dull unattractive color4 ,waverly ,i have also grown last winter--a splendid variety1 rich crimson scarlet2 the color was no way exaggerated as represented in the ,monthly a year ago2 produces a fair average of flowers to the plant1 flowers selling readily at ten cents each4 ,i think this the most useful color to the commercial florist4 ,i still cling to the old carmine ,la ,purite1 which for quantity of bloom1 size of flower and general good qualities1 ,i think has not been beat by any of the newer varieties for winter bloom4 ,mr4 ,peter ,henderson1 one of the leading florists1 places ,snowdon above all other white ,carnations1 its dwarf habit making it specially desirable4 ,florist's ,pinks are more dwarf than the ,carnations1 flowers very double1 clove scented1 and are of various shades of maroon1 carmine1 crimson and rose interlaced with white4 ,,the ,,origin ,,of ,,the ,,florist',s ,,pink4 ,the ,gardener's ,chronicle gives the following interesting account of the origin of this class3 ,it may be interesting to record the fact1 published in an old number of the ,floricultural ,cabinet1 that the first ,pink worthy of notice was raised in the year #aggb1 by ,mr4 ,,james ,,major who was then gardener to the duchess of ,lancaster2 previous to that there were but four sorts1 and those of very little note1 being cultivated as only common border flowers4 ,mr4 ,,major having saved some seed in #agga1 he reared several plants1 which1 blooming the next season1 one of the number proved to be a double flower with laced petals1 at which he was agreeably surprised1 although he considered it as being only in embryo1 and the prelude to still further advance to be developed at some future period1 which is now verified by the rapid strides this beautiful flower made in size and quality during the years which followed4 ,mr4 ,,major informed the writer of the foregoing remarks that he made his discovery known to a nurseryman or florist and was offered the sum of ten guineas for the stock of his new ,pink2 but1 acting on the advice of his friends1 he declined to sell1 and set to work instead and increased the stock with a view of offering it in sale to the public4 ,it was sent out to the public at half a guinea a pair 7for it has long been a custom of offering ,pinks in pairs1 a custom which is continued to this day71 under the name of ,,major',s ,duchess of ,lancaster1 the orders for which amounted to #hj4 ,it is recorded that one individual ordered as many as twenty pairs1 which was considered in those days an unusually large number4 ,it would be interesting to have a bloom of ,duchess of ,lancaster to compare with the fine double varieties of the present day4 ,we appear to have come to something like a pause in the matter of ,pink production as the flowers are now very large and full1 and the lacing is as perfect as can well be conceived4 ,,dianthus4 ,the word is derived from the ,greek words ,dios1 divine1 and ,anthos1 a flower2 ,god's flower1 or the flower of ,jove4 ,there are several species1 and many varieties of ,dianthus2 ,dianthus ,caryophyllus is what is commonly known as the ,clove ,pink1 and from it have been produced the double varieties called ,carnations and ,picotees4 ,the plant in its wild state is found growing on the south side of the ,swiss ,alps1 at a low altitude1 where the winters are not severe4 ,the common perennial garden ,pink is ,dianthus ,plumarias4 ,the old and well-known ,chinese ,pink1 ,dianthus ,chinensis1 is a biennial1 flowering the first season from seed sown in spring1 lives during the winter1 blooms the second year1 and then dies4 ,new and superb varieties have been introduced of late years from ,japan1 and ,dianthus ,laciniatus1 and ,dianthus ,heddewigii1 both single and double1 make a splendid display1 and are among the most desirable of our garden flowers4 ,dianthus ,diadematus is of dwarf habit1 very profuse in blooming1 and the flowers are of various hues1 from white to dark maroon1 and also beautifully marbled and spotted4 ,of the recent novelties ,eastern ,queen and ,crimson ,belle are superb2 we speak from personal knowledge4 ,eastern ,queen is beautifully marbled2 the broad bands of rich mauve upon the paler surface of the petals are very striking4 ,crimson ,belle1 as its name implies1 is of a rich crimson hue1 with dark markings2 very large and finely fringed4 ,for early blooming it is well to sow seed as early as ,april4 ,june sowing will secure good hardy plants for the following season4 ,when there is a profusion of bloom1 it is well to remove a portion of the flowers1 so that the plants may not become exhausted1 and the seed pods beyond what are desired for ripening1 ought also to be cut off4 ,a ,talk ,about ,climbers4 ,oh1 a dainty plant is the ,ivy green1 ,that creepeth o'er ruins old6 ,of right choice food are his meals ,i ween1 ,in his cell so lone and cold1 ,the wall must be crumbled1 the stone decayed1 ,to pleasure his dainty whim2 ,and the moldering dust that years have made1 ,is a merry meal for him4 ,creeping where no life is seen1 ,a rare old plant is the ,ivy green4 ,,charles ,,dickens4 ,have been off on a vacation1 peering into other folks' gardens and admiring other people's flowers4 ,visited the ,public ,garden of ,boston and saw that there had been a marked improvement within ten years4 ,the massed beds of several sorts1 with their contrasting borders1 were very attractive1 specially the maroon ,coleuses with border of ,centaurea4 ,there were few varieties of ,geraniums1 and these were mostly massed in beds1 some all scarlet1 others wholly pink4 ,at ,forest ,hills ,cemetery there was the finest display of flowers and tropical plants ,i ever saw1 and they are very artistically and tastefully displayed4 ,i saw several beds with artistic designs on a ground work of ,sempervivum1 evidencing great skill in the arrangement and culture4 ,the entrance gateway to ,forest ,hills ,cemetery is very beautiful in design1 and here we saw that graceful climber ,ampeclopsis ,veitchii1 in the perfection of its beauty1 covering the front almost entirely4 ,i had noted it in various stages of growth1 clinging to the dwellings in all parts of the city1 requiring no aid but its own little rootlets4 ,it is a native of ,japan and was introduced in this country twelve years ago4 ,it was slow at first in being duly appreciated1 but now is widely known and extensively propagated4 ,probably the finest plant is owned by ,mr4 ,george ,l4 ,conover of ,geneva1 ,n4 ,y4 ,it covers the entire front of his two-story square house1 and has become so famous that horticulturists from all parts of the country have been attracted by it1 and a great many people have visited ,geneva for the special purpose of seeing this fine plant4 ,it has proved to be perfectly hardy1 only the first year the young and tender plant needs some protection during the winter4 ,florists are growing them in great quantities to meet the increasing demand4 ,it can be obtained for twenty cents4 ,i received a small plant last year and kept it in my window box during the winter4 ,it died down1 however1 and ,i quite forgot about it1 till it sprang forth anew in ,april4 ,since putting it in the ground it has grown rapidly1 and ,i shall value it now more than ever4 ,,honeysuckle4 ,the ,golden-,leaved ,honeysuckle is a special favorite of mine4 ,its leaves are so netted and veined with yellow as to give this hue the predominance4 ,the foliage is small2 the flowers are yellow and fragrant4 ,the family of ,lonicerus1 or ,honeysuckle1 embraces a large variety4 ,the botanical name was given in honor of ,lonicer1 a ,german botanist1 who died about three hundred years ago4 ,lonicerus ,holliana was introduced into this country from ,japan by ,dr4 ,hall4 ,the flowers are pure white when they first open1 but assume a creamy tinge in a few days4 ,this variety blooms almost continuously from ,june till frost4 ,it attains sometimes to the height of twenty1 and even thirty feet4 ,the flowers are very fragrant4 ,belgian1 or ,monthly ,fragrant1 bears its blossoms in clusters4 ,they are pure white in the interior at first1 but afterward change to creamy yellow1 deepening into orange4 ,sempervirens 7,scarlet ,trumpet7 is a native of this country1 and perfectly hardy4 ,this is the most common1 though not fragrant4 ,it is a strong grower1 and blooms from ,june to ,november4 ,its scarlet flowers tinged with orange afford a pleasing contrast with its dark1 glossy foliage4 ,,canary ,,bird ,,flower4 ,for an out-door annual climber1 what can be prettier than the dainty1 graceful ,canary ,flower8 ,mine have scorned the limitations of the twine ,i had fastened to the lower limbs of a small pear tree and ascending far above them1 have run out a full yard on a large branch4 ,the light green1 finely lacinated foliage is very handsome of itself1 but when the ,canary bird flower is added1 how lovely it is6 ,it is so easily grown from seed that ,i wonder so few have it4 ,a paper costing only ten cents would give you a score of plants1 and they are much prettier for the bay window than ,madeira vines4 ,a writer from ,england says3 ,while in the north of ,england1 last fall1 we paid a visit to ,alnwick ,castle1 the seat of the ,duke of ,northumberland1 and the ancient home of the ,percy family4444 ,the first thing that struck me on entering the town was a bay window most charmingly draped with light green climbers1 and literally covered with bright lemon yellow flowers4 ,now this appeared so strange to me 7for the chilly night air had already affected the geraniums and other tender out-door plants71 that ,i had to cross the street1 take the ,yankee liberty to open the gate1 go inside and examine this thrifty beauty4 ,i confess ,i was not only surprised but greatly interested to find it was only the ,canary flower1 ,tropaeolum peregrinum1 a member of the ,nasturtium family1 and ,i concluded at once that there should be one cottage in ,america next summer worth coming miles to see on account of its climbing plants of light green foliage and rich yellow masses of ,canary bird flower4--,,walton1 in ,vick's ,magazine4 ,do not forget to include this pretty vine in your seed order next year4 ,,coboea ,,scandens4 ,this is one of the best of our climbing annuals1 on account of its rapid and luxuriant growth1 attractive foliage and large bell-shaped flowers4 ,under favorable circumstances they will grow to the height of twenty and even thirty feet in a summer4 ,they commence to bloom when quite young1 and continue in bloom until destroyed by frost4 ,some people remove them from the border to the house for winter blooming1 but the change from out-door to indoor life1 often retards their growth and mars their beauty4 ,they are too cumbersome for window plants after having grown during the season1 and it is better to sow seed in ,august1 and get in this way plants for the house4 ,they are hard to germinate1 and need to be started in pots or in a hot bed4 ,place them in moist earth edge down1 and do not water until the young plants appear above the surface1 unless the earth becomes very dry4 ,for out-door blooming sow in ,march or ,april4 ,as soon as the plants are strong enough1 transplant to three-inch pots2 keep them shaded from the sun for a few days1 gradually expose to the open air1 and plant out when all danger from frost is over4 ,the soil should be well stirred to the depth of nearly two feet1 and well rotted manure worked in4 ,in dry weather they need liberal watering as often as once a week1 and liquid manure water occasionally is of great benefit to them4 ,the ,coboea can be propagated by layers at almost any season of the year4 ,it is done in this way3 ,cut a notch near a joint1 place in a pot and fill with soil1 and keep the soil moist4 ,it takes from two weeks to a month for them to root4 ,a writer says of this plant3 ,the ,coboea is an old favorite and it is worthy of remark that but few of the novelties introduced of late years can equal some of the old favorites that we have been accustomed to grow4 ,the ,coboea is a native of ,mexico1 from which country it was introduced in #agib4 ,it was named in honor of ,bernandez ,cobo1 a ,spanish priest and botanist4 ,the growth of the vine is very luxuriant1 and it is equally easy of cultivation1 the only essentials to success being warmth1 a rich1 light soil1 and sufficient water4 ,if allowed to become very dry1 it will soon wither away4 ,it requires sun and a warm room to grow it to perfection2 yet it is not a tender plant1 that is1 it will live anywhere1 provided the frost does not touch it1 and is one of the few plants which will flourish luxuriantly in parlors lighted with gas and kept almost at fever heat4 ,if grown in a hanging basket or pot1 it must be large and the roots allowed plenty of room to spread out in4 ,in the summer the pots can be removed from the interior room to a balcony or piazza1 or plunged until they are again wanted4 ,then clip off the growth of branches and leaves1 place the pot back again in a sunny window1 where it will soon start afresh1 with new arms and leaves to cover the window4 ,it is one of the best vines for parlor decoration1 as it will drape and festoon the window1 and stretch forth its tendrils1 running up even to the ceiling4 ,the tendrils are so clinging in their nature that they will attach themselves to anything which comes within their reach--curtain cords1 branches of other plants1 brackets1 etc41--throwing out new branches everywhere4 ,i advise all who adopt the plan of plunging the plant in the pot in the open air during the summer1 either to shift into a pot two sizes larger1 or else to take it out of the pot and reduce the ball of earth nearly one-half1 and repot it in fresh compost before removing it to the house4 ,this should be done not later than ,september #ajth4 ,the plants will amply repay this little attention by an increased luxuriance of both foliage and flowers during the winter months1 while plants not so treated will become sickly and unhealthy before spring1 and beside1 when pot-bound1 they soon become the prey of numerous insects4 ,there are several varieties of the ,coboea1 though scandens is the most generally known4 ,the large bell-shaped flowers are greenish at first1 but rapidly change to a dull purple4 ,coboea ,scandens ,alba has greenish white flowers4 ,coboea variegata is one of the most magnificent ornamental climbers1 the leaves being broadly margined with yellowish white1 the variegated foliage forming a beautiful contrast with its large purple flowers4 ,it is of strong habit1 a rapid grower1 attaining frequently the height of fifty feet in a short time4 ,it is1 however1 difficult of propagation1 rooting with difficulty4 ,the seeds vegetate as readily as the common sort1 but the plants are apt to die off soon after attaining their seed leaves4 ,layering in the manner already specified1 is the best method of increase4 ,coboea scandens argentea is another variegated leaved variety1 differing from variegata in that its leaves are of a purer white4 ,it is described by some as being identical with ,coboea scandens1 ,schuerens ,seedling1 but by ,messrs4 ,leeds ,co41 of ,richmond1 ,indiana1 as being a great improvement on the old variegated variety4 ,leaves large1 green1 bordered with creamy white2 calyx of the flowers variegated like the leaves4 ,,clematis4 ,clematis 7,virgin's ,bower71 derives its name from klema1 a vine-branch4 ,the popular name1 ,virgin's ,bower1 was given to ,clematis ,viticella upon its introduction into ,england during the reign of ,elizabeth1 #aefi1 and was intended as a compliment to that sovereign1 who liked to be called the ,virgin ,queen4 ,there are1 it is said1 two hundred and thirty described species1 the majority of them free-growing1 hardy climbers4 ,they are among the most gorgeous perpetual-blooming of the class under consideration4 ,great improvements have been made during the past twenty-five years by hybridization1 but the finest varieties have originated within ten years4 ,of the new ,english hybrids ,jackmanii stands in the front rank4 ,the flowers are from five to six inches in diameter1 and consist of from four to six sepals which have a ribbed bar down the center2 the color is of an intense violet-purple1 remarkable for its velvety richness1 and a shading of reddish-purple toward the base1 and they are furnished with a broad central tuft of pale green stamens4 ,it originated with ,jackman ,son1 ,england1 and was first exhibited at ,kensington1 #ahgb4 ,it is a cross between ,clematis ,viticella and ,clematis ,lanuginasa4 ,from this cross many excellent seedlings have been raised1 closely resembling the parent stock in color and general character4 ,of ,jackman's ,clematises the ,english ,gardener has the following3 ,they are magnificent2 and more than this1 they do give us some of the grandest things in the way of creepers the horticultural world has ever seen1 making glorious ornaments either for walls1 verandas1 or rustic poles or pillars1 varying in color from deep rich violet hue to dark velvety maroon1 and in the newer seedlings1 forms beautiful shades of pale bright blue4 ,mr4 ,vick says of the ,clematis3 ,having a rather unsightly pile of stones in the back part of our grounds1 we had them thrown together more in the form of a stone-heap1 perhaps1 than of anything worthy of the name of rockery1 and planted ,jackmanii and other fine sorts in the crevices1 and for three summers this stone-heap has been covered most gorgeously4 ,thousands of flowers1 in fact a mound of flowers1 every day for months1 has been the delight of visitors1 causing one to exclaim1 ',nothing since ,paradise has been more beautiful4' ,these fine hybrids will endure our ,northern winters if somewhat protected4 ,a gentleman in ,rochester1 ,n4 ,y41 had a ,jackmanii which bore full exposure without protection and came out in the spring uninjured to the height of nine feet4 ,the extremities of the shoots for about two feet were winter-killed4 ,clematis ,sieboldii is a native of ,japan1 whence it was introduced by ,mr4 ,low in #ahcg4 ,it is of a slender free-growing habit4 ,the flowers which are produced from ,july to ,september are composed of six ovate sepals of a creamy white color1 which form a fine background for the large rosette of purple stamens which occupy the center and render the flowers particularly attractive4 ,clematis graveolins is a native of the mountains of ,thibet4 ,it is of comparative recent introduction4 ,the flowers are produced on long stalks at the axils of the leaves1 and are of a light yellow--an unusual color in this genus4 ,it grows to the height of from ten to fifteen feet1 and blooms freely during the entire season4 ,a lady writes to ,vick's ,magazine that she has a ,clematis graveolins which is a wonderful sight4 ,it grew from a feeble plant planted out in spring1 two inches in height1 into a column twelve feet high and three feet broad by ,august1 and was a mass of yellow blossoms1 and then1 of the most exquisite1 long-haired1 silvery seed pods until hard frost4 ,it lived through the winter1 to its extreme tips1 and then grew so rapidly1 shading such an important part of her garden1 that she had to remove it in the autumn1 cutting it back severely4 ,the seedlings from it grow1 she adds1 to eight or ten feet in a season4 ,clematis crispa is of ,southern origin2 the flowers are one and a half inches long1 produced singly on long stalks1 and delightfully fragrant1 a rapid grower1 and perfectly hardy4 ,clematis coccinea is of recent introduction from ,texas1 the flowers are bell-shaped1 of a most brilliant scarlet1 and are produced in great abundance4 ,this rare variety is offered only by ,woolson ,co41 ,passaic ,falls1 ,n4 ,j41 who make a specialty of hardy herbaceous plants4 ,vesta1 a ,jackman1 is large and of fine form2 dead white1 with a creamy tinge over the center bar1 delicate primrose fragrance1 an early bloomer4 ,mrs4 ,james ,bateman1 pale lavender1 and ,thomas ,moore1 violet1 superb1 are ,jackman seedlings1 which flower in the summer and autumn1 successionally1 in masses1 on summer shoots4 ,these are all high priced4 ,many fine sorts can be purchased at prices ranging from thirty cents to one dollar4 ,the ,clematis requires only ordinary garden soil4 ,where there are severe winters it is best to give the young plants at least some protection4 ,they can be propagated by layering1 which is rather a slow method1 or rapidly by seed4 ,,wistaria4 ,very beautiful among the hard-wooded ,climbers1 is the ,chinese ,wistaria when in bloom4 ,its long1 pendulous racemes of blue flowers are exceedingly graceful4 ,they are frequently twelve inches in length and highly fragrant4 ,the flowers appear about the last of ,may and first of ,june4 ,it is not a continuous bloomer like the ,clematis1 but often gives a few flowers in ,august4 ,it is rather slow at first1 but after getting a good start the second or third year grows very rapidly4 ,it is hardy after it gets strong1 but young plants need some protection4 ,the ,chinese ,white ,wistaria was introduced by ,mr4 ,fortune1 and is regarded as a great acquisition4 ,the ,double ,purple is illustrated in ,ellwanger ,barry's ,catalogue1 by a full page engraving1 which gives one an idea of its beauty better than the description which is as follows3 ,a rare and charming variety1 with perfectly double flowers1 deeper in color than the single1 and with racemes of remarkable length4 ,the plant is perfectly hardy1 resembling ,wistaria ,sinensis1 so well known as one of our best climbing plants4 ,the stock which we offer was purchased of ,mr4 ,parkman1 who received this variety from ,japan in #ahfc1 and was the first to bloom and exhibit it in this country4 ,white ,american ,wistaria is a seedling originating with ,messrs4 ,ellwanger ,barry1 of ,rochester1 ,n4 ,y4 ,flowers clear white2 bushes short4 ,free bloomer4 ,,chinese ,,wistaria ,,as ,a ,,standard4 ,a novelty has been offered to the horticultural public of ,london this spring 7#ahhj71 in the shape of standard trees of ,wistaria ,sinensis1 raised in tubs1 having heads five or six feet in diameter and covered with clusters of bloom4 ,the plants were raised in ,rouen1 ,france1 and sent to ,london for sale4 ,it requires several years to attain plants of good size in this style1 and as a matter of profit1 a strict account would no doubt show a balance on the wrong side4 ,in this country where the ,wistaria is at home1 it may be raised in tree-shape in the open ground without expense1 save the necessary care in pinching in and shaping4 ,so completely did the plants offered in ,london strike the popular taste1 that there was quite a competition to become purchasers of them1 and large sums were offered by those anxious to possess them4 ,the general public1 unaccustomed to this fine ,chinese climber1 looked on with wonder at ,lilacs of such unwanted size and beauty of color4--,vick's ,magazine4 ,mr4 ,vick evidently does not deem this method an improvement on the natural graceful climber1 for it reminds him of an anecdote which he thus relates in reply to an inquirer respecting the ,wistaria as a standard4 ,once upon a time some kind of a steam cannon was invented1 and a day of trial was arranged at ,portsmouth1 ,england1 to which the ,lords of the ,admiralty and the ,duke of ,wellington were invited4 ,after the exhibition1 which we believe was somewhat successful1 opinions of its merits were freely expressed1 but the ,iron ,duke said nothing4 ,when urged to give his opinion1 he replied that he was thinking--'thinking if the steam gun had been first invented1 what a grand improvement gunpowder would have been4' ,if the ,chinese ,wistaria had been a tree1 and some one could have induced it to climb and cover our porches and arbors and old trees and buildings1 what a grand improvement it would have been4 ,thoughts in ,my ,garden4 ,my faultless friends1 the plants and flowers1 ,have only smiles for me4 ,when drought withholds refreshing showers1 ,through hot and dreary summer hours1 ,they then droop silently4 ,when tired and worn with worldly care1 ,their fragrance seems like praise1 ,a benediction in the air2 ,pure as an unfallen angel's prayer1 ,sweet'ning the saddest days4 ,no frowns1 no pouting1 no complaints1 ,in my bright garden fair1 ,a colony of sinless saints1 ,whose beauty ,nature's pencil paints1 ,are my fair darlings there4 ,no inattention can awake ,envy or jealousy2 ,their alabaster boxes break1 ,as ,mary's did1 and ,i partake ,of their rich fragrancy4 ,sometimes with weary soul and sad1 ,i taste their sweet perfume2 ,and then my soul is very glad1 ,i feel ashamed ,i ever had ,a hateful sense of gloom4 ,flowers are the sylvan syllables1 ,in colors like the bow1 ,and wise is he who wisely spells ,the blossomed words where beauty dwells1 ,in purple1 gold and snow4 ,o6 sacred is the use of these ,sweet gifts to mortals given4 ,their colors charm1 their beauties please1 ,and every better sense they seize1 ,and bear our thoughts to ,heaven4 ,,george ,w4 ,,bungay4 ,a ,talk ,about ,several ,things4 ,spake full well in language quaint and olden1 ,one who dwelleth by the castled ,rhine1 ,when he called the flowers1 so blue and golden1 ,stars1 that in earth's firmament do shine4 ,wondrous truths1 and manifold as wondrous1 ,god hath written in those stars above2 ,but not less in these bright flowerets under us1 ,stands the revelation of ,his love4 ,what changes have been manifested--how unceasingly and with what deftness ,nature has silently wrought in tapestry and embroidery1 sculpture and painting1 till beauty is all around us1 in the green carpet of earth1 brightened with flowers and leafage of every hue6 ,no wonder the birds sing praises to ,him who gave them life with its fullness of blessings4 ,sad to think that man1 high over all1 and under the greatest obligation1 too often is silent in thanksgiving for the gifts of a ,father's love4 ,no month to me has such charms as ,june1 when nature's robes are so fresh and clean1 and the balmy air is redolent with fragrance4 ,how delightful to be abroad with the early worm and early bird1 working in the garden1 while the songsters give free concerts1 and the hum of the honey bird1 and buzz of the bee1 set forth a good example of cheerful industry6 ,the house plants have become established in the open border1 and are so glad to get away from artificial heat and confined atmosphere into the broad sunlight of heaven1 and breathe in full draughts of pure air and sweet dew1 that they put on their best attire1 and most attractive ornaments4 ,before the roses bloom1 the bed of geraniums looks bright with flowers1 each ambitious to excel his or her neighbor1 either in beauty of color1 or form1 or duration of bloom1 thus leaving me in perplexity as to choice4 ,when ,pliny bloomed everybody admired who saw his beauty2 then ,romeo with quite another style looked charming1 but when ,naomi unfolded her large trusses of double pips1 of a rare1 peculiar shade1 nobody ever saw a geranium quite so lovely1 and then its duration of bloom--full six weeks6 ,jennie ,dolfus1 however1 became a dangerous rival--a deeper1 richer shade1 and not a pip would she allow to fade so long as ,naomi looked so pert4 ,some said1 ,i like ,naomi the best2 others said1 ,i think ,jennie is the prettiest4 ,but ,beauty1 close by1 hearing the praises lavished on her sisters1 and perchance trusting in her good name1 came forth one day in dress of white with deep pink ornamentation4 ,never had such unique beauty as this ever been seen in ,geranium before1 and1 ,isn't it lovely6 ,just splendid6 ,what a beauty6 were uttered with exclamation points1 till she blushed with becoming modesty--the flush spread and deepened until her face was completely suffused with the delicate tint1 making her yet more attractive4 ,wellington donned his crimson suit1 and ,de ,gasx an orange yellow2 ,pauline ,lucca1 prima donna though she be1 appeared in dress of pure white1 and ,richard ,dean in scarlet with a white star that was very becoming4 ,new ,life thought to draw special attention by odd freaks1 and came out in a parti-colored dress of the most singular combinations2 part of it was scarlet dotted with white--part of it half scarlet1 half salmon1 part of it widely striped1 and part white with just a flush of pink6 ,i must call him the clown of the family6 ,i have only named a few of the rare ,geraniums that adorn one of the beds of my garden4 ,for beauty1 free flowering1 and duration of bloom they cannot be surpassed4 ,interspersed with them are ornamental leaved ,geraniums1 ,crystal ,palace ,gem1 an improvement on ,cloth of ,gold2 ,marshal ,mc,mahon1 the best of all the bronzes2 ,cherub1 deep green1 white and orange1 flowers carmine2 ,glen ,eyre ,beauty1 ,dr4 ,livingstone1 a new1 sweet-scented1 fine cut-leaved ,geranium2 ,happy ,thought1 one of the most attractive1 with its dark green leaves and creamy white center4 ,here and there are commingled ,anchryanthus of divers hues1 and ,coleosus1 giving a fine effect to the whole4 ,this is now the most attractive bed of all1 but when the ,lilies are in bloom1 and the dear little ,tea ,roses1 the bed parallel with it will be the sweetest1 if not so brilliant4 ,this year ,i have a tropical bed of oblong form4 ,a ,castor ,bean rises majestically in the center1 two beautiful ,cannas each side1 while a ,dracna1 a splendid ,croton1 two fancy ,caladiums1 and a few other choice plants fill the space1 the whole bordered with ,coxcombs4 ,in a few weeks this bed will look gorgeous1 and those filled with annuals will have changed from their present inattractiveness to delightful bloom4 ,august is really the month of fullness of blossom1 and of restful enjoyment of beauty and fragrance4 ,the weary days of preparation1 of bedding out and of weeding1 are over1 and one may now give themselves up to the enjoyment of the fruit of their labor1 till the chill nights of autumn bring a renewal of the toil4 ,does the brief period of restful enjoyment repay for the many weary days antecedent and subsequent8 ,yes1 richly1 fully1 for there is pleasure with the toil1 and to me health-giving influences that energize the physical system for indoor work1 and stimulate the brain for literary pursuits4 ,to me my garden is a ,god-send1 fraught with blessings4 ,gardening is a pleasant pastime4 ,i am prepared to adopt that sentiment to-day1 if ,i did demur somewhat last month4 ,it is a delightful pastime1 in the early morning1 to spend an hour among the flowers1 trowel in hand1 rooting out the weeds1 loosening the soil around your plants1 and tying up here and there the tall and fragile1 while the birds are singing in the trees around you their morning song of gladness4 ,how the dew-laden grass and shrubs impart sweetness to the air1 and your lungs inhaling its purity1 are expanded and invigorated1 your whole system feels the better for the tonic1 and prepares for breakfast1 and the work that shall follow4 ,it is a pleasant pastime1 when wearied with toil you go forth for a time among your flowers and search for the buds1 or examine the newly-opened flower4 ,how it rests you6 ,it is a pleasant pastime1 when the labors of the day are over1 and the sun is throwing long shadows from the west1 you take watering-pot in hand1 and shower the refreshing spray upon your plants1 cleansing them from the dust1 and cooling them after the heat4 ,how they thrive1 and bud and bloom6 ,the ,love of ,flowers4 ,we should love flowers1 for when we are gone ,from this forgetful world a few short years-- ,nay1 months1 perhaps--those whom we hold most dear1 ,cease to bedew our memories with tears1 ,and no more footsteps mark the paths that lead ,to where we dreamless lie2 but ,god's dear flowers ,give to our very graves the loveliness ,that won our tender praise when life was ours4 ,,last ,,words ,,of ,,the ,,poet ,,heine4 ,of the many touching tributes paid to flowers1 there is a beautiful one associated with the closing hours of ,henry ,heine1 the poet4 ,he was dying in ,paris4 ,the doctor was paying his usual visit1 when ,heine pressed his hand and said3 ,doctor1 you are my friend1 ,i ask a last favor4 ,tell me the truth--the end is approaching1 is it not8 ,the doctor was silent4 ,thank you1 said ,heine calmly4 ,have you any request to make8 asked the doctor1 moved to tears4 ,yes1 replied the poet2 my wife sleeps--do not disturb her4 ,take from the table the fragrant flowers she brought me this morning4 ,i love flowers so dearly4 ,thanks--place them upon my breast4 ,he paused1 as he inhaled their perfume4 ,his eyes closed1 and he murmured3 ,flowers1 flowers1 how beautiful is ,nature6 ,these were his last words4 ,,the ,,old ,,man ,,and ,,the ,,flowers4 ,a few years since the ,belfast 7,me47 ,journal gave this touching incident3 ,one day last week an elderly man1 known to our people as an honest and hard-working citizen1 was walking slowly up ,main street4 ,there was sorrow in his countenance1 and the shadow of grief upon his face4 ,opposite the ,savings ,bank his eye caught sight of the flowering ,oleander1 that with other plants fill the bay-window of the banking-room4 ,he looked at it long and wistfully4 ,at length he pushed open the door1 and approaching ,mr4 ,q41 said3 ',will you give me a few of those flowers8' ,the cashier1 leaving the counting of money and the computing of interest1 came around the counter1 bent down the plant1 cut off a cluster of blossoms1 and placed it in the man's toil-hardened hand4 ,his curiosity led him to ask3 ',what do you want them for8' ',my little granddaughter died of scarlet fever last night1' the man replied with faltering voice1 'and ,i want to put them in her coffin4' ,blessed be flowers1 that can thus solace the bereavement of death and lend their brightness as a bloom1 to the last resting-place of the loved one4 ,,converted ,,by ,a ,,flower4 ,there is a beautiful incident told of a ,texas gentleman who was an unbeliever in the ,christian religion4 ,one day he was walking in the woods1 reading the writings of ,plato4 ,he came to where the great writer uses the phrase1 ,god geometrizes4 ,he thought to himself1 ,if ,i could only see plan and order in ,god's works1 ,i could be a believer4 ,just then he saw a little ,texas ,star at his feet4 ,he picked it up and then thoughtlessly began to count its petals4 ,he found there were five4 ,he counted the stamens1 and there were five of them4 ,he counted the divisions at the base of the flower1 there were five of them4 ,he then set about multiplying these three fives to see how many chances there were of a flower being brought into existence without the aid of mind1 and having in it these three fives4 ,the chances against it were one hundred and twenty-five to one4 ,he thought that was very strange4 ,he examined another flower1 and found it the same4 ,he multiplied one hundred and twenty-five by itself1 to see how many chances there were against there being two flowers1 each having these exact relations of numbers4 ,he found the chances against it were thirteen thousand six hundred and twenty-five to one4 ,but all around him were multitudes of these little flowers1 and they had been growing and blooming there for years4 ,he thought this showed the order of intelligence1 and that the mind that ordained it was ,god4 ,and so he shut up his book1 picked up the little flower1 kissed it1 and exclaimed3 ,bloom on little flowers2 sing on little birds2 you have a ,god1 and ,i have a ,god2 the ,god that made these little flowers made me4 ,a ,talk ,about ,abutilons4 ,this species is one of the most desirable of hardy-wooded plants we possess4 ,they are admirable for the house1 for the balcony1 the piazza1 or the border1 being handsome in foliage1 and very graceful and beautiful in flowers4 ,some are stately1 others dwarf1 some are flexible and drooping4 ,we have had for several years three that we have greatly admired for their variegated leaves1 especially for the winter window-garden1 where they compensate for the scarcity of flowers1 by the brilliancy of their foliage1 yellow and green1 finely mottled and marbled4 ,duc de ,malakoff is stately1 and by cutting off the top of the main stalk1 it is made to branch out very largely1 forming a miniature tree4 ,it grows very rapidly1 and its leaves are like the ,maple in form1 which has led many to call the plant ,flowering ,maple1 but this is not correct1 as it is not a ,maple at all1 but an ,abutilon4 ,some of the leaves on one only a year old1 measure seven inches across1 and eight and a half in length4 ,in the older plant they are not so large4 ,thomsonii much resembles ,malakoff1 but its markings are not so handsome2 the green is darker1 and predominates over the yellow1 so far as my observation extends1 but it is a more abundant bloomer4 ,flowers are orange color4 ,i have vainly searched through many catalogues to find the color of the ,duc de ,malakoff blossom1 but all are silent2 it is not even said that they flower at all1 but my four-year-old had one bud last year1 which unfortunately blighted4 ,the yearling has one bud1 and ,i hope it will live and afford me the knowledge ,i have failed to find in books4 ,malakoff not variegated1 has large orange bells1 striped with brown4 ,my other variegated ,abutilons are of trailing habit2 ,mesopotamicum is very graceful1 one droops over the side1 and climbs and twines around the cords of a large hanging-pot1 for which it is admirably adapted4 ,its small pendant blossoms1 crimson and yellow1 growing profusely along the slender branches1 drooping among the elegantly marbled foliage1 give this variety a very attractive charm4 ,another is trained to a pot trellis1 and is very beautiful in this form4 ,we advise every one to add this variety to their collection4 ,pictum is very similar in every respect2 the leaves are darker1 and not so variegated4 ,they require a strong light to bring out their markings1 and hence are more perfect in beauty when bedded out in the garden1 where they can have plenty of sunshine4 ,boule de ,neige 7,fairy ,bell7 has long been a favorite for its pure white bells and constancy of bloom4 ,a splendid winter bloomer4 ,john ,hopkins1 with its rich1 dark1 glossy leaves and golden flowers has superseded the old ,pearl d',or1 which was for a time the only real yellow4 ,darwinii is one of my favorites4 ,the flowers are more spreading than any other variety1 opening like a parasol2 color orange-scarlet veined with pink4 ,it blossoms very profusely1 and when only a few inches in height4 ,the flowers are large and well formed1 and borne in clusters rather than singly1 like many older sorts4 ,this variety was cross-fertilized with ,santana1 crimson flower1 and as a result we have ,darwinii tessellatum1 combining the variegated foliage of ,thomsonii with the free-blooming qualities of ,darwinii4 ,the improvements by hybridizing have been very great within a few years1 and many new varieties have been sent out4 ,one of these is ,roseum ,superbum1 the flowers of which are of a rich rose color1 veined with a delicate pink4 ,very free bloomer4 ,venosum1 we find only named in an ,english catalogue4 ,the magnificent blooms of this variety place it at the top of all the ,abutilons4 ,although it is of tall growth its beautiful palm-shaped leaves and gorgeous flowers make it invaluable for crossing and for conservatories4--,h4 ,cannell4 ,among the new and valuable novelties of ,american origin are ,arthur ,belsham1 ,robert ,george1 ,j4 ,h4 ,skinner1 and ,joseph ,hill4 ,these have been three years before the public1 and ,mr4 ,john ,thorp1 a well-known popular florist of ,queens1 ,n4 ,y41 says of them1 ,we have not1 amongst all the flowering ,abutilons1 such fine varieties as these4 ,i have had plants between five and six feet high1 pyramidal shape and literally covered with flowers4 ,they originated with ,messrs4 ,leeds ,co41 of ,richmond1 ,indiana1 who make quite a specialty of new seedling ,abutilons1 and this year offer four of new shades and colors4 ,a4 ,g4 ,porter4 ,flowers of a beautiful lavender color1 delicately suffused with a light shade of rosy pink1 and handsomely veined with magenta1 forming a flower of magnificent color and shape1 a very free bloomer4 ,a cross between ,boule de ,neige and ,rosaflora1 with the habit and growth of ,boule de ,neige4 ,little ,beauty1 ,a very dwarf grower1 having a short1 compact1 symmetrical bush1 which is completely covered with its medium-sized but well-shaped flowers1 of a very light salmon color1 beautifully veined with rosy carmine4 ,it blooms in clusters and when in full bloom makes a remarkably fine appearance4 ,a cross between ,rosaflora and ,darwinii4 ,n4 ,b4 ,stover1 ,a low1 compact grower4 ,flowers large and well-formed1 almost covering the bush2 color1 rich ponceau1 finely veined with carmine4 ,a decided novelty1 being a new color among ,abutilons4 ,dr4 ,rapples4 ,light orange salmon1 veined with crimson4 ,one of the most attractive in the set4 ,a new ,abutilon1 a decided novelty in color1 comes to us from ,the ,home for ,flowers1 ,swanley1 ,england1 sent with other choice plants by ,henry ,cannell ,son4 ,it is thus described in his ,floral ,guide3 ,,firefly 7,swanley ,red74 ,by far the highest and brightest color of all the family2 habit dwarf1 and one of the freest bloomers1 throwing flowers out on strong foot stalks of the finest shape2 certainly one of the noblest1 and when grown in a pot it flowers all the winter1 and all the summer when planted out1 and forms one of the best flowering shrubs that we possess4 ,,parentage ,,of ,,this ,,flower4--,mr4 ,george states that he sometime since flowered a small red variety1 which had a very lively shade of color1 and determining to make this a seed parent1 it occurred to him to use on it the pollen of the single deep color ,hibiscas1 which1 like the ,abutilon1 is included in the natural order ,malvace4 ,mr4 ,george thinks the fine color seen in his new variety1 ,firefly1 is due to this happy inspiration of color4 ,the ,gardener's ,chronicle has this paragraph respecting ,firefly3 ,a red ,abutilon1 one of a batch of recent seedlings raised by ,mr4 ,j4 ,george of ,putney ,heath1 well deserves the foregoing appellation4 ,the flowers are of large size and of a much greater depth and vividness of color than that possessed by any variety in the ,chiswick collection4 ,it has been provisionally named ,firefly1 and we believe the stock has passed into the hands of ,h4 ,cannell ,son1 of ,swanley1 for distribution4 ,a writer in ,vick's ,magazine describes a method of training the ,abutilon that must1 we think1 be a very attractive one4 ,a pretty plant may be obtained by inarching ,abutilon ,mesopotamicum upon ,abutilon ,darwinii1 or some other strong-growing variety1 and training it so as form an umbrella head1 which can easily be done4 ,the stock for this purpose should be about five or six feet high4 ,grown in this way it produces an abundance of bloom1 and the flowers being elevated are seen in all their beauty4 ,if ,abutilon ,mesopotamicum is inarched upon ,abutilon ,thompsonii1 the result will be ,abutilon ,mesopotamicum ,variegatum4 ,a well-formed plant of this on a stock about five feet high is one of the finest of plants2 whether in blossom or not it is always adapted for decorative or exhibition purposes4 ,care must be taken at all times to keep them tied to stakes1 as they are liable to be broken off by the wind4 ,abutilons are apt to be infested by the red spider1 if kept in too dry an atmosphere1 and not frequently sprayed4 ,moisture is death to this pest1 but as it makes its home on the under side of the leaf1 it is too often overlooked until it has destroyed the vitality of the foliage4 ,recently ,i found that my large ,duc de ,malakoff looked sickly1 and ,i concluded it had become root-bound4 ,a few days later1 ,i noticed brown spots thickly covering the bark4 ,i removed one1 and on examining the under side through a microscope1 ,i saw several tiny insects moving about4 ,i decided that my plant was troubled with the scale of which ,i had often read1 but never seen4 ,i made a pretty strong solution of soap-suds1 and with a sponge quite easily removed all of the pests4 ,in bedding out ,abutilons1 it is better to have them in pots1 plugging the hole1 or setting the pot on a stone or piece of brick1 so that the roots may not go astray1 for if plunged directly in the ground they throw out many roots and the plant becomes too large for re-potting to advantage4 ,if1 however1 they are planted in the earth1 in ,august they should be cut around the stock so as to bring the roots within due bounds1 and the plant can be pruned in the autumn4 ,this method is applicable to all strong plants that run largely to roots4 ,they should be cut off sufficiently to leave only a ball of earth of convenient size to set in the pot when the plant is transplanted4 ,a ,talk ,about ,dahlias4 ,the genus ,dahlia comprises but few species1 all natives of the mountains of ,mexico1 whose range is from #ejjj to #aj1jjj feet above the level of the sea4 ,about one hundred years ago a ,spanish botanist introduced seeds of the ,dahlia into his native country1 and named the genus in honor of a ,swedish botanist1 ,,dahl4 ,the first seed imported seemed to be variable and not very promising4 ,about seventy years since1 ,,humboldt sent fresh seed to ,germany4 ,soon after this1 both seeds and bulbs were introduced into ,england and ,france1 and began to attract considerable attention1 some enthusiast being rash enough to hazard the assertion that there are considerable reasons for thinking that the ,dahlia will hereafter be raised with double flowers4 ,about #ahab probably the first double ,dahlia was grown1 but for several years after this both double and single varieties were figured in colored plates1 and exhibited at horticultural shows4 ,that the single varieties were prized is not strange1 for the double were not very good1 and even as late as #ahah1 published figures showed very imperfect flowers4 ,the improvement of the ,dahlia after this was rapid1 and its popularity quite kept pace with its improvement4 ,dahlia exhibitions were held in ,england and on the continent1 which were crowded by enthusiastic admirers of this wonderful ,mexican flower4 ,for many years the ,dahlia maintained its popularity1 but there is a fashion in flowers1 as in almost everything1 and for a time the ,dahlia became1 to a certain extent1 unfashionable1 and this was well2 for it placed the flower upon merit alone1 and growers were compelled to introduce new and superior varieties to command either attention or sale for their favorite flower4 ,a taste for old styles is now the correct thing1 and so we have imitations of ancient earthenware1 furniture1 etc41 and import original ,chinese ,aster seed1 and also obtain roots of the single ,dahlia from ,mexico4 ,there are three pretty distinct classes1 the ,show ,dahlias1 the ,dwarf or ,bedding1 and the ,pompon or ,bouquet1 and to this we may add the ,fancy ,dahlia4 ,the ,show ,dahlia grows from three to four feet in height1 and embraces all our finest sorts1 fit for exhibition at horticultural shows1 from which the name is derived2 the flowers range in size from two and a half to five inches in diameter4 ,the striped and mottled and spotted varieties belonging to the ,show section are called ,fancy1 and though not as rich1 nor usually as highly prized as the selfs1 or those of one color1 are very attractive4 ,the ,dwarf or ,bedding ,dahlia grows about eighteen inches in height1 and makes a thick1 compact bush1 and covers a good deal of surface2 flowers of the size of ,show ,dahlias4 ,they are therefore very desirable for bedding and massing4 ,the ,pompon or ,bouquet ,dahlia makes a pretty1 compact plant1 about three feet in height4 ,the leaves are small1 and the flowers from one to two inches in diameter4 ,many expect to find small flowers on their ,dwarf ,dahlias1 and feel disappointed because they are of the ordinary size1 not knowing that it is the plant1 and not the flower1 that is dwarfed1 and that only the ,pompon gives the small flowers4 ,the word ,pompon is ,french for topknot or trinket1 meaning about the same as the ,english word cockade4 ,the ,english term ,bouquet is very appropriate1 as the flowers are so small they are very suitable for bouquets4 ,being of a spreading habit1 they cover a good deal of ground4 ,unlike most of our bedding out plants1 they do best in a poor soil2 if rich1 they grow to branches and leaves so much1 they bloom sparingly and late4 ,generally those who plant ,dahlias purchase the tuberous roots1 because they give good strong plants1 that flower freely without trouble or risk4 ,they are smaller and better than the large1 coarse roots usually grown1 because they are raised from cuttings1 and generally form their roots in pots4 ,when a tuber is planted1 a number of buds that cluster around its top will push and form shoots1 and if too numerous1 a portion should be removed2 indeed1 one good1 strong plant will suffice1 and then the plant will become a tree instead of a bush4 ,even then1 if the top become too thick1 a little thinning of the branches will be of advantage4 ,if the young shoots that start from the neck of the bulb1 are cut off near a joint and placed in a hot-bed in sandy soil1 they will root1 form good plants1 and flower quite as well as plants grown from the tuber2 this1 however1 requires some care and experience1 and amateurs generally will succeed best with bulbs4 ,new varieties of ,dahlias1 of course1 are from seed4 ,some of them prove good1 others fair1 and a portion utterly worthless4 ,as a general rule1 we would not advise amateurs to trouble with seeds1 although there is pleasure in watching the birth and development of a new and beautiful variety4 ,the seed of ,dahlias may be sown in pots in early spring or end of winter1 in a light1 loamy soil2 they will germinate quickly1 and as soon as they begin to show their second leaves they should be pricked out into other pots or boxes1 so that they may have plenty of room and air--they are very liable to damp off if at all crowded4 ,after pricking out they should be kept in a thrifty1 growing condition1 by proper attention to watering and temperature2 the temperature should be maintained as near #gj as possible1 and the watering be sufficient to preserve a moderate moisture4 ,if the green fly attack them1 it will be best to treat them to a very weak dilution of tobacco water2 the young succulent plants are very sensitive to smoke1 and it is best not to fumigate them4 ,in about two months the young plants should be large enough to pot off singly1 or to be transplanted into a frame or bed1 where protection can be given them from the cold of night-time1 or from late frosts4 ,as soon as all danger is past they can be transplanted into their summer quarters1 and should stand at least three feet apart4 ,the soil where they are to grow1 should be rich and mellow4 ,in ,august they will come into flower1 and those having blooms worthy of cultivation can be retained1 and the others destroyed4 ,only a small proportion of the plants grown from common seed produce flowers equal to those now in cultivation1 but when seed is saved from a choice collection of named varieties1 the chances are that a large proportion of the plants will produce very good flowers4--,vick's ,magazine4 ,the ,dahlia is called a gross feeder1 but it is not4 ,it loves moisture rather than rich elemental food4 ,in clay it finds the best constituents of its development--moisture1 silex1 lime and alumnia4 ,so we say to those who love this queenly flower1 if you would see the queen in all her glory1 plant in a comparatively heavy soil1 no manure1 and reduce the stalks to one for each tuber1 set the stakes firmly1 to keep the stalks from swaying1 and if the season is dry1 give the bulbs a soaking with water every evening during the drought4 ,my word for it you will then be proud of your success4 ,the ,pompon1 or ,bouquet ,dahlia is a favorite variety of this genus4 ,the little round balls of bloom are so pretty and trim4 ,beatrice1 blush tinted with violet2 ,dr4 ,stein1 deep maroon1 striped and mottled2 ,goldfinder1 golden yellow2 ,little ,philip1 creamy-buff edged with lilac2 ,little ,valentine1 crimson2 ,mein ,streifling1 salmon1 striped with crimson2 ,pearl1 white2 ,prima ,donna1 white1 fimbriated2 ,perfection1 deep maroon4 ,,single ,,dahlias4 ,anything for a change from the common order of things1 seems to be the fashion now-a-days1 in flowers as well as in house building and house furnishing4 ,the antique1 the antique1 is the rage6 ,so after years of labor and hybridization to bring the ,dahlia up from its native state of single blessedness1 to its enormous cauliflower blooms1 there comes a reaction1 and now single ,dahlias are praised as the most beautiful of all flowers1 the par excellence the ,londoner's flower6 ,well1 let the ,english florists thus praise its beauty if they want to1 but we opine that on this side of the great ocean it will never be considered the most beautiful of all flowers1 however attractive some of them may be1 and well adapted for bouquets4 ,there is no danger of their superseding the doubles1 but it is well to have both when one can afford it2 their present high price puts them beyond the reach of those whose purses are not well filled1 but in a year or two1 when the novelty is worn off1 they can be purchased at half or even less1 perhaps1 than their present price4 ,we find in the ,london ,garden the following3 ,dahlia perfecta1 originally introduced by ,messrs4 ,henderson1 is perhaps the finest flower which we possess1 unless ,paragon1 brought into notice by ,h4 ,cannell1 may be considered to bear away the palm4 ,lutea1 a quilled yellow1 is also a grand bouquet flower4 ,the single ,dahlias1 ,paragon and ,lutea1 are now offered for the first time in this country1 by ,messrs4 ,hallock ,thorp of ,queens1 ,n4 ,y41 and the former is finely illustrated in their catalogue4 ,color very dark velvety maroon with shadings of bright scarlet around each petal2 small yellow disk4 ,lutea is pure yellow1 with dark orange center4 ,the same firm offer ,dahlia ,juarezii1 of which ,mr4 ,cannell says3 ,the grandest novelty of the year1 and not only a novelty1 but a most valuable and useful decorative plant for all purposes through the late summer and autumn months4 ,its blossoms are of a rich crimson1 and very much resemble in shape and color the well-known ,cactus1 ,cereus speciosissimus4 ,height about three feet1 very bushy flowers of very striking appearance and quite unlike those of an ordinary double ,dahlia1 the flowerets being flat and not cupped4 ,figured in ,gardener's ,chronicle ,october #dth1 #ahgi1 and awarded a ,botanical ,certificate ,royal ,horticultural ,society4 ,the following statement was made in the ,gardener's ,chronicle respecting this new type3 ,a remarkable box of ,dahlias was shown by ,messrs4 ,cannell with three or four of the single forms1 which1 if it were not heresy to say so1 we should so much prefer to the formal lumps so dear to the florist proper2 and then there was a new type of ,dahlia altogether1 a ,sea ,anemone among ,dahlias1 with long crimson scarlet pointed petals1 like the tentacles of an ,antinia--a striking novelty1 christened temporarily the ,cactus ,dahlia1 and which will be the parent of a new strain4 ,it received a ,botanical ,certificate2 some said this ought to have a higher award1 but what higher or more appropriate form of a certificate could be given to such a flower4 ,if we were a ,dahlia1 we should greatly prefer the honor of a ',botanical1' to that of a ',first ,class ,certificate4' ,this new type is illustrated in ,hallock ,thorp's ,catalogue4 ,two new ,dahlias not yet introduced in this country are included among the novelties of #ahha4 ,cannell's ,scarlet1 a ,show ,dahlia1 several shades higher and brighter in color than any scarlet before introduced4 ,its shape is most model-like1 and not excelled by any other1 and is without doubt the best ,dahlia of the year4 ,miss ,cannell1 7,eckford7--,mr4 ,eckford's ,dahlia1 ,memorial1 was the king of best shapes for many years1 but the one now offered is of greater excellence1 and by far the best of its class2 color white1 tipped with rose-pink1 and the depth and build of flower is most model-like4 ,,amaryllis4 ,these are the finest of all summer flowering bulbs1 throwing up strong flower stems in ,june and ,july1 bearing from two to six magnificent lily-like blossoms4 ,the varieties are numerous1 but only a few sorts are found catalogued4 ,amaryllis ,johnsonii is the finest of the commonly grown varieties4 ,its leaves are a dark rich green1 two inches broad1 and two feet long4 ,the flowers which are five or six inches long1 are crimson with a white stripe through the center of each petal1 and are borne upon a stalk two feet high4 ,they usually bloom twice a year1 the flowers appearing just as the leaves begin to grow4 ,amaryllis formosissima is of a very peculiar form4 ,the flowers are scarlet-crimson1 very velvety in appearance2 there are six petals1 three of them nearly erect1 and three drooping very long4 ,after being bedded out1 it quickly throws up a flower stalk and blooms before the leaves appear4 ,it is a superb flower1 known sometimes by the name of ,jacobean ,lily4 ,amaryllis vittata is a splendid hybrid1 red ground striped with white4 ,amaryllis ,valotta purpurea is an evergreen variety1 and should be kept growing the year round4 ,in ,august it throws up a flower-stem from one foot to eighteen inches high1 bearing a cluster of light scarlet flowers two or three inches in diameter4 ,a light soil and small pot suits it best4 ,mr4 ,john ,lewis ,child of ,queens1 ,n4 ,y41 has a finer collection and more numerous varieties than are usually found named in the catalogues4 ,some of them we will specify4 ,johnsonii ,grandiflora1 an improvement on the well-known ,johnsonii ,harrisoni1 large1 pure white1 with double crimson streaks running through each petal4 ,it has a delicious1 orange-blossom fragrance4 ,reticulata1 a bright rose color1 the foliage is very attractive--dark green with a white stripe running through the center of each leaf4 ,aulica ,stenopelalon1 a magnificent species1 having large orange crimson flowers1 beautifully veined with scarlet4 ,equestre fl4 pl4 ,this grand novelty was discovered in #ahgg1 in one of the ,west ,india ,islands4 ,the flowers are perfectly double1 resembling those of a large ,camellia4 ,its color is rich1 fiery orange red4 ,we believe we have the only stock of this beautiful flower in ,america4 ,,john ,l4 ,,child4 ,this and ,harrisoni1 are priced at #d4ej1 so they must be very rare and beautiful4 ,aspasie1 white1 tinted with yellow and red2 large and perfect4 ,crinum ,amnum1 new and very beautiful1 white-striped crimson4 ,lutea1 a hardy variety1 which blooms in the autumn2 pure yellow4 ,calafornica1 pure white4 ,the bulbs are of easy culture4 ,after blooming1 and the foliage fully grown1 they should be allowed to rest for several months1 then start into growth by watering sparingly until the flower stalks appear1 when a more liberal supply should be given4 ,usually two successions of bloom can thus be obtained4 ,the bulb should be planted so as to leave the upper portion uncovered4 ,,hoya ,,carnosa1 ,,or ,,wax ,,plant4 ,this plant is a native of tropical ,asia1 where it is partially parasitical1 its roots penetrating the bark of the trees which support it4 ,it was introduced into ,england in #ahjb4 ,there are several species1 but only one is generally cultivated4 ,hoya ,carnosa has thick waxy leaves1 and bears umbels of beautiful flesh-colored flowers which are very wax-like in appearance4 ,it is an excellent plant for house culture as it stands the extremes of heat and cold better than most plants1 and is not easily injured by neglect4 ,it can be trained to climb on trellis-work to almost any height1 and when in bloom1 which continues for half the year1 it is a very interesting plant4 ,there are several varieties of ,hoya1 but one only is generally cultivated4 ,silver ,variegated ,foliage is said to be very handsome but is of slow growth and difficult to propagate4 ,imperialis is a new variety with beautiful foliage and scarlet flowers4 ,cunningham has light green leaves1 deeper colored flowers than the ,carnosa and is a rapid grower4 ,they succeed best in peat1 with some fibrous soil and sand4 ,they must have perfect drainage1 and require a period of rest4 ,hoya ,carnosa is easily propagated from cuttings4 ,a very good method is to wrap a cutting in moss1 keeping it moist until the roots are well started4 ,among ,my ,flowers4 ,august is the month when we rest from our labor in gardening1 and abandon ourselves to the full enjoyment of the varied blossoms which so abundantly meet our eye4 ,now we can best determine what changes may be required in the arrangement of our plants next year1 in order to give the most pleasing effect4 ,a tall plant may have been inadvertently set out in the midst of those of low growth1 and we see now how awkward it looks4 ,short-lived annuals may have occupied a conspicuous place1 and on their departure left an unseemly vacancy4 ,a bed may have been filled with a class of plants that are not free bloomers1 and so there has been little beside leaves1 while another bed has been brilliant during all the summer months with flowers4 ,annuals of a new kind1 high-priced novelties1 have been tested2 are they any better than our old favorites8 ,if we cannot indulge in many sorts1 what do we find the most satisfactory8 ,twenty-five cents per packet seemed very expensive for ,heddewigii ,pinks1 but ,crimson ,belle and ,eastern ,queen are of such superior size and rare beauty that the investment is not regretted1 and then we know that they will bloom in greater perfection next year1 and that the seed saved this autumn and sown in early spring1 will increase the stock4 ,twenty-five cents for a paper of ,candytuft seed looks extravagant1 but no one who invests in ,tom ,thumb would regret it4 ,it is so dwarf1 so compact and bushy1 such a long continued bloomer1 so admirable for edging a bed1 that it is really almost an essential4 ,then it will sow itself1 and the seedlings will be up as soon as the frost is out of the ground1 and plants from self-sown seed are so much more thrifty and early than those one sows in the spring1 that this is a great gain4 ,candytuft--white1 pink1 light purple1 dark purple and crimson1 ,i find it well worth while to culture for early and profuse flowers1 and admirably adapted for bouquets4 ,i always have large quantities of the white1 to set off the brighter flowers1 and by sowing seed in ,june and ,july1 have a succession of blooming plants4 ,foxglove1 both white and purple1 with their thimble-shaped spotted blossoms profusely borne on tall spikes1 with side branches loaded with bloom1 has been one of the greatly admired flowers of my garden4 ,plumbago1 with its clusters of tube flowers1 of the palest of blue1 is very beautiful4 ,godetia1 ,lady ,albemarle1 ,i have found to be all that it is represented4 ,for two months it has been in constant bloom1 and it will continue to flower till frost4 ,it is of a bushy1 compact habit1 about twelve inches high1 the flowers are from three to four inches in diameter1 and of a rosy-carmine color4 ,everybody who has seen it1 has a word of praise for this most beautiful of all the ,godetias4 ,alba is a new variety1 having pure white flowers2 ,insignis is pure white with a crimson blotch on each petal2 ,whitney's is of dwarf habit1 and has large flowers1 blush-colored1 marked about the center with a handsome crimson stain4 ,the new ,french ,marigolds ,cloth of ,gold1 and ,meteor are just splendid with their large and beautifully striped imbricated leaves4 ,one has gold bars evenly marked on the rich dark velvety petals1 and the other has deep orange stripes on a pale straw-colored1 almost white ground4 ,meteor is a perfect gem among the ,calendulas4 ,convolvulus minor--new crimson-violet with yellow eye encircled with a band of pure white2 dark blue and light blue with yellow eye margined with white2 pure white with yellow eye1 and blue and white striped1 are very pretty free-blooming dwarfs of this species4 ,my ,stocks are very fine1 from mixed seed of the ,german1 new large flowering4 ,they are mostly very double4 ,the creamy white are especially beautiful4 ,the bright crimson and canary yellow are handsome4 ,there are many varieties of this species1 but what are generally termed ,ten-weeks ,stock are best known4 ,they are classed under five heads3 ,dwarf1 ,miniature1 ,large-flowered1 ,pyramidal and ,wall-flower-leaved4 ,then there are the ,intermediate ,stocks1 prized for their late autumn blooming1 of which there are twelve or more varieties4 ,the ,german ,brompton ,stocks are divided into two sections2 ,brompton and ,hybrid1 or ,cocordean4 ,the latter bloom with a single stem which forms a splendid pyramid of flowers1 and is cultivated largely in pots4 ,seeds sown in early spring will bloom in autumn1 and if carefully potted will flower during winter2 if sown in ,july and ,august1 and cultivated in pots will flower the following spring and summer4 ,the ,imperial or ,emperor stocks1 sometimes called ,perpetual1 are large flowering1 and white1 rose1 crimson and blood-red in color4 ,hardy's ,all-the-,year-,round1 is a perpetual bloomer4 ,the plants grow about twelve inches high1 and produce hundreds of bunches of double white flowers4 ,let us linger a little while at this rose bed4 ,are not those ,teas lovely8 ,look at ,madame ,lambard1 one of the finest ,french roses imported recently from ,paris4 ,is not the color exquisite--a beautiful shade of silver bronze1 changing to salmon and fawn1 delicately shaded with carmine rose4 ,and so deliciously fragrant6 ,that rose so large and full1 with a rare shade of violet red1 brightened with crimson maroon1 is ,aline ,sisley4 ,it is surprising how such a tiny plant could have produced such an immense flower6 ,and this is ,letty ,coles1 a new ,french rose1 very handsome and sweet2 color rosy-pink1 deeply shaded with intense crimson4 ,perle des ,jardins is magnificent with its rich golden yellow1 and ,bon ,silene has long been a special favorite4 ,its buds are large and beautiful4 ,that charming white so deliciously scented is ,mademoiselle ,rachel1 and this one with pure deep green flowers is ,verdiflora1 or ,green ,rose1 scentless1 and of no value except as a curiosity4 ,this grand rose is ,abel ,carriere1 a hybrid perpetual more beautiful ,i think than the popular ,jacqueminot in the perfectness of its form1 and richness of its color4 ,the outer petals are bright glowing crimson-scarlet1 while the center is a deep fiery red4 ,but it will never do to linger longer among the sweet roses1 for there are many other flowers to show you4 ,i think that ,hydrangea1 with its immense trusses of bloom1 is just one of the most desirable shrubs we can have in the garden4 ,i have had mine six or seven years1 and it bore three clusters of flowers the first year1 though a wee plant4 ,it blooms from ,august till hard frost1 and needs no protection in the winter1 though ,i do sometimes put a mulching of straw or a bit of brush around the roots4 ,a lady writing to ,vick's ,magazine says of this ,hydrangea3 ,the first year ,i planted ,hydrangea ,grandiflora it produced three heads of flowers1 the second1 fifty-six1 and the third year ninety-two4 ,thorough cultivation and a pail of liquid manure once a week1 helped the plant to bear this enormous load of flowers4 ,hydrangea ,alaska is a more recent acquisition4 ,its flowers frequently measure twelve inches across1 and are of a bright pink color1 not hardy at the ,north4 ,hydrangea ,thomas ,hogg would be a very unpoetical name did it not remind one of ,the ,ettrick ,shepherd4 ,this variety was sent to the ,united ,states from ,japan1 by that eminent botanist for whom it is named1 and has become deservedly popular4 ,it belongs to the ,hortensia section of the family1 but is a far more abundant bloomer than any other4 ,the flowers are of the purest white1 of very firm texture1 and retain their beauty for a long time4 ,a more recent novelty sent from ,japan by ,mr4 ,hogg1 is the ,new ,climbing ,hydrangea1 which he describes as clinging to trees to the height of fifty feet1 producing corymbs of white flowers of the size of ordinary ,hydrangeas4 ,it clings exactly like the ,ivy1 and must produce a striking effect when in full bloom4 ,it is entirely hardy4 ,mr4 ,peter ,henderson was the first to offer this novelty here and in ,europe4 ,elegantissima is a novelty truly with its leaves flaked1 bordered and striped with golden yellow4 ,i do not know whether it blossoms or not1 it is handsome enough without flowers4 ,,heliotrope4 ,the new ,heliotrope ,le ,negre is the darkest of this genus1 and ,snow ,wreath the nearest approach to white we have yet had2 truss very large1 growth compact1 and fragrance exquisite4 ,garibaldi is almost white2 ,mrs4 ,burgess is dark violet1 and ,duc de ,lavendury is a rich blue1 dark eye4 ,illustration ,sweet ,alyssum is another of the essential flowers for the border1 admirable for edgings1 for its dwarf habit and continuity of bloom4 ,the great novelty of last year was the new double variegated ,sweet ,alyssum--,the ,gem4 ,the flowers are very full1 and the foliage broad with a mid-rib of light green1 bordered on each side with pure white4 ,it is a fine1 compact grower1 and far superior to anything of this species yet offered4 ,lantanas1 ,i think1 add greatly to the attractions of the garden1 so rich in color and profuse in blooming4 ,clotilda1 pink with yellow center1 and ,comtesse de ,diencourt1 flower bright rose and yellow center sulphur1 are very desirable4 ,alba perfecta1 pure white1 is fine1 so also is ,alba lutea grandiflora1 white with yellow center4 ,mine d',or is a new variety1 with bright orange and crimson flowers1 and golden variegated foliage4 ,m4 ,schmidt is a beautiful novelty4 ,flowers of a brilliant yellow1 passing into purple vermilion2 grows in the style of a ,petunia4 ,a ,talk ,about ,cyclamens and ,oxalis4 ,next to ,primroses1 and by no means below them in value1 we place the ,cyclamen4 ,the leaves1 a deep green with white embroidery1 are very ornamental1 but when surmounted with a wealth of bloom1 what can be more charming8 ,two of mine have begun to blossom--a white and a pink--and the buds are numerous4 ,others will bloom later4 ,they continue in bloom for a long period1 and are easy of culture1 though where there is over-dryness of atmosphere1 they are apt to be infested with the red spider4 ,they need to be frequently sprayed and it is well to immerse occasionally the entire plant in water so as to wet the under surface of the leaves4 ,the water ought to be tepid1 and indeed for all plants in cold weather4 ,to keep the dirt from falling out when the plant is plunged top downward1 something can be wrapped around the pot4 ,a mixture of turfy loam and sandy peat is best1 but when not available1 leaf mold or a rich mellow soil mixed with silver sand will do4 ,there are several varieties of ,cyclamen1 but the most common is persicum1 and many catalogues name no other4 ,one of mine is gigantium1 an improvement on persicum1 the flowers being much larger and finer in every respect4 ,among many catalogues ,i find this named in only one4 ,persicum1 white and pink1 is a sweet scented variety from ,cyprus2 ,africanum1 white and rose1 from ,africa2 hederfolium1 from ,britain4 ,other rare and expensive sorts are ,atkinsii1 white1 crimson and rose colored2 ,europeum1 red1 and ,coum1 which in the early spring months bears above its very ornamental leaves a profusion of small bright1 rosy1 crimson and snow-white turbinate blossoms of a roundish recurved outline1 blotched with violet-crimson at the base1 very beautiful4 ,the bulbs of all ,cyclamens1 except ,coum1 should be placed on the surface of the soil1 covered half an inch1 and water given moderately till the leaves are fully developed1 and the flowers appear1 when it may be applied more liberally4 ,do not make a mistake and plant your bulb upside down as did a lady ,i know of4 ,i have an idea that it is put in wrong1 as the leaves seem to come from the under side1 she writes4 ,it is difficult to tell sometimes which is the right side to put down4 ,persicum1 with its dappled green and silvery gray1 rounded1 heart-shaped leaves1 embroidered margins1 is a fine ornament1 but when these are surmounted with a profusion of pure silvery white oblong lanceolate petals1 blotched with violet-crimson at their base1 borne on slender flower-scopes1 the plant is very beautiful4 ,it varies in color from snow-white delicate peach and rosy crimson4 ,some are delightfully fragrant4 ,during the growing and flowering season the plant should have a full exposure to the light1 but not to the intense sunshine4 ,after blooming1 the bulbs may be allowed a time of rest1 removing them to a cool and shady place in the border1 if desired1 watering rarely4 ,in early autumn repot1 and after a few weeks of growth1 water more freely4 ,it does not1 however1 injure the plant to keep it constantly growing1 and the best florists have very generally abandoned their former method of letting them rest during the summer4 ,cyclamen autumnale flore alba1 white1 and rubra1 red1 blossom in the autumn4 ,,oxalis4 ,the winter blooming varieties are admirably adapted for hanging-pots1 and being cheap and very easy of cultivation1 they ought to be in every dwelling4 ,there are one hundred and fifty known varieties1 though our catalogues rarely name half-a-dozen4 ,some are strictly winter bloomers1 others flower only in summer1 and some blossom the year round4 ,the floribunda varieties belong to this class of perpetuals4 ,ortgiesi also1 which is a wonderful bloomer1 and on account of its erect growth1 is admirably adapted for pot culture4 ,it is a new and somewhat rare species from ,brazil4 ,it often grows eighteen inches high1 and in good form4 ,the upper side of the leaf is rich olive green1 and the under side bright violet purple4 ,the flowers are quite small1 yellow1 and borne in clusters4 ,the special beauty is in the foliage4 ,floribunda alba and rosea have tuberous roots4 ,the foliage is very strong1 and the clusters of bloom are borne on long foot-stalks starting directly from the tuber4 ,a single small tuber will often have a hundred open flowers at a time4 ,they are from one-half to three-quarters of an inch in diameter4 ,this variety can be obtained and planted at any time of the year4 ,it is admirably adapted for baskets or a hanging-pot4 ,oxalis acetocella is the true shamrock of ,ireland4 ,flowers are white1 borne on stalks two to four inches high4 ,versicolor is a winter bloomer2 color white1 with bright pink margins to the petals2 requires sunshine2 the flowers will not expand in cloudy weather4 ,floribunda has no such freaks1 but smiles in the storm1 as well as the sunshine4 ,a lady writing to ,mr4 ,vick becomes enthusiastic over her ,oxalis4 ,she says3 ,the sixth of last ,october ,i planted a bulb of ,oxalis versicolor1 and it is just beginning to bloom4 ,and oh6 what lovely flowers2 delicate and perfect in form1 pure white1 with just the faintest tinge of yellow in the center1 and beautiful crimson stripes on the outside4 ,the plant also is of a very graceful habit1 bearing its tuft of small leaves1 and clusters of flowers on the top of a short1 slender stem4 ,it seems strange that so small a bulb can produce such beautiful flowers4 ,of ,bowii she thus writes3 ,a year ago last ,october ,i planted a bulb of ,oxalis ,bowii in a small bed4 ,the bulb was so very small that ,i did not believe the flowers could amount to much1 but was soon most agreeably disappointed4 ,such a mass of flowers on one small plant ,i had never seen before1 and such large1 bright-colored flowers6 ,many stopped to admire it1 and ask its name4 ,it continued to produce a mass of flowers the entire winter and part of the spring1 until the sun became very hot4 ,from this one bulb ,i obtained eight1 which ,i wrapped in paper and kept in a dry place4 ,about the first of ,august they commenced growing1 and so ,i planted them1 and the first of ,september they were in full bloom1 though the flower grew large as the days became less hot1 until they were nearly as large as ,petunias4 ,the soil in which they grew was mostly sand and rich surface earth from the woods1 and ,i sometimes watered them with weak soap-suds4 ,mr4 ,vick1 to whom we are indebted for the most of our information on this subject1 says that this variety has large1 thick1 fleshy leaves1 and large1 bright1 rose-colored flowers1 the largest1 indeed1 of any of the cultivated kinds4 ,in his illustrated article he gives an engraving of one named ,cernuus plena1 the flowers of which resemble double ,portulacas2 erect1 borne in clusters4 ,we regret that he gives no reference to this variety whatever4 ,it must be a rare sort1 probably not in the market here4 ,a ,talk ,about ,lilies4 ,,consider ,,the ,,lilies4 ,thus spake one wiser than ,solomon1 even ,he whose hand created and beautified the ,lilies with a glory surpassing that of the greatest of ,israel's kings4 ,this department of the ,floral kingdom is too vast for us to explore2 we can only make a selection of a few of the numerous varieties for consideration1 gathering our information from the various sources at hand1 and adapting it to our present use4 ,the ,lily is the rival of the ,rose1 and by many is considered far superior4 ,they certainly are far more easily cultivated4 ,they are hardy1 elegant1 gorgeous sometimes1 and sometimes of snowy purity4 ,many of them are of exquisite fragrance4 ,there are early and late bloomers1 and one can have these desirable flowers in succession for several months1 by a right selection4 ,the earliest bloomers are the ,pomponiums1 natives of ,siberia1 and are perfectly hardy4 ,the ,lancifolium or ,speciosum is the autumn blooming ,lily1 native of ,japan4 ,lancifolium ,album1 a fine sort1 with pure white petals and a pea-green stripe1 very fragrant4 ,lancifolium ,rubrum1 and ,roseum1 though catalogued separately1 are the same with different shadings4 ,some purplish crimson1 others a faint blush of rose4 ,some have a red stripe1 others a dark dull green1 but all are specially recommended4 ,lancifolium ,punctatum verum is a late bloomer2 color1 clear white with soft rose spots and green stripes4 ,finest of the species1 ,lancifolium ,praecox2 flowers white with a purplish-blush at the tips4 ,lancifolium ,monstrosum or ,corymbiflorum rubrum1 bears its crimson flowers in large clusters4 ,grows to a great size4 ,the ,lancifolium ,lilies are of special value for their hardiness and varied beauty1 and their cheapness places them within general reach4 ,they are classed under the head of ,,martagons1 or ,,turks ,,cap4 ,illustration ,auratum ,imperial is the ,golden-banded-,lily of ,japan which has become so extensively known and popular since its introduction from ,japan by ,mr4 ,gordon ,dexter4 ,it was first exhibited in ,july #ahfb1 at the ,massachusetts ,horticultural ,exhibition4 ,it first bloomed in ,england same year4 ,it was for sometime considered too tender for the ,canadas and ,new ,england states1 but it proved to be hardy4 ,we have had ours twelve years1 and give it only a slight protection4 ,the petals of the ,auratum are snowy white with a golden band running down the center of each1 and freely spotted on the sides with deep carmine red4 ,they are very fragrant4 ,being of somewhat slender growth1 they need support4 ,it does best in a warm sandy soil that has been well manured and dug deeply4 ,it is easily propagated from the scales of the bulbs1 each scale producing a small bulbet4 ,they should be planted in a box about a foot deep1 in good friable soil about three inches deep1 and one inch apart4 ,sink the box in some out of the way place in the garden1 and water frequently4 ,in a short time small bulbs will be found forming on the base1 which rapidly grow1 and must be transplanted out the second year in the bed2 the third or fourth year it will bloom4 ,the little bulbets which form on the mother bulb blossom a year earlier4 ,they should be renewed in the fall1 after the foliage is dead4 ,plant in a bed about four inches deep1 and let them remain undisturbed for two years2 then they are large enough to bloom and should be transplanted into a permanent bed1 if required4 ,,longiflorum ,,lilies4 ,illustration ,these trumpet-shaped ,lilies are charming in appearance1 quite hardy and fragrant4 ,they bloom in ,july or ,august1 and continue in beauty for a long time4 ,longiflorum ,japonicum blooms in ,july1 and is a fine dwarf bedder2 color pure white1 with occasionally a greenish tinge outside4 ,increases rapidly4 ,eximium bears a longer flower1 from six to nine inches in length1 and is more open at the mouth than the common ,longiflorum4 ,pure white and very fragrant4 ,brownii is a native of ,japan1 and is a grand ,lily of rare beauty4 ,it resembles ,longiflorum in shape1 but is larger and more expanding2 color white inside1 exterior brownish-purple2 stamens rich chocolate1 which forms a distinctive feature in this species4 ,it has been frequently confounded with ,japonicum1 but the difference is very marked in the illustrations of the two1 and are thus noted in ,messrs4 ,hallock ,thorp's ,catalogue of ,lilies4 ,,japonicum 7,odorum1 ,japonicum ,colchesterii74 ,one of the most beautiful and rarest ,lilies in cultivation4 ,it differs from ,brownii and all the forms of ,longiflorum in many respects4 ,note the following marked differences3 ,its broader1 fewer and more spreading leaves1 the shape of the entire flower and broader claw of its divisions1 its shorter anthers with pollen tinged with red4 ,the flower is solitary and large1 interior pure white1 exterior of a pinkish-brown color1 tubular1 bell-shaped1 with spreading revolute tips2 the bud shows a rich golden tint4 ,bulb white1 or whitish-yellow1 never red or brown1 broad at the base1 the scales which are somewhat narrow and acute at the tip1 the outer ones terminate at about two-thirds of the height of the inner scales1 whereas in ,brownii the scales are broad1 and all pass up1 overlapping1 and terminate together at the apex of the bulb1 thus making the base much narrower than the apex4 ,it is a native of ,japan1 and is so exceedingly rare that it is priced at #g4jj1 more than double the cost of any other in the list4 ,brownii was priced1 when a novelty at #d4jj1 but is now offered for #a4ge4 ,illustration ,candidum1 sometimes called ,easter ,lily1 is one of the best known and commonly grown of all the ,lilies4 ,it has been in cultivation for about three hundred years4 ,bears a profusion of pure white fragrant flowers in a compact head4 ,the double ,tiger ,lily is a very great improvement on the old single variety4 ,it is very double1 and very showy4 ,wallacei is a new ,japanese variety1 said to be magnificent2 color1 buff1 spotted with black4 ,chalcedonicum or ,scarlet ,martagon is supposed to be the ,lily of the field mentioned in the ,gospel4 ,it is magnificent1 and its intense scarlet is one of the finest shades in the whole vegetable kingdom4 ,a full bed is a most magnificent sight1 and if suddenly looked at on a bright day1 has nearly the same effect for a moment as if looking at the sun4 ,it is much scarcer than it should be1 and requires careful culture1 to be planted about six or eight inches deep1 and watered in the summer time4 ,it pleases every one who is capable of being pleased4 ,lilies1 as well as many other bloomers1 are greatly improved by thinning out the overplus1 thus concentrating the sap to fewer blossoms1 which being thus liberally nourished1 greatly increase in size1 and amply repay1 by their superiority1 for the loss in numbers4 ,although this is a demonstrated fact1 yet few have the courage to prune where flowers are not very abundant1 and many will not when they are4 ,those who have limited space are loth to devote much room to ,lilies1 preferring plants that bloom continually throughout the season1 or that make more show4 ,but it is not essential that the bed should be devoted exclusively to lilies4 ,for early spring blooming there can be the ,crocuses1 ,snowdrops1 ,hyacinths1 ,tulips1 all of which will bloom before the lilies1 and after flowering can be taken up1 i4e41 the ,tulips and ,hyacinths1 and low bedding plants take their places4 ,portulaca1 ,pansy1 ,ageratum1 ,mignonnette1 ,nemophila1 ,sweet ,alyssum1 are all suitable for this purpose1 and will not only make the bed beautiful all the season with their blossoms1 but will also be of real benefit to the ,lilies by shading their roots somewhat1 and keeping the soil more cool and moist4 ,lilies must never be crowded2 a foot or twenty inches is about right4 ,the soil should be dug deep and mixed with old rotted manure and sand liberally1 unless the soil is naturally sandy2 if heavy1 clayey soil1 it ought to have in addition to sharp sand1 leaf mold and bog muck4 ,plant the bulbs from six to eight inches deep1 according to the size4 ,last autumn1 in planting my ,lily1 ,tulip1 ,hyacinth1 and other bulbs1 ,i made a little bed for each of pure sand1 and then covered well with soil1 over which was put a blanket of old dressing1 then1 before snow1 a covering of boughs4 ,the bulbs never came up so grandly1 nor grew so rapidly before4 ,october is the best month for bedding out1 later will do1 and many do not plant their ,lilies till the frost is out in the spring4 ,the two leading ,lily growers of this country are ,john ,l4 ,child and ,v4 ,h4 ,hallock ,thorp1 of ,queens1 ,n4 ,y4 ,illustration ,,double ,,white ,,bouvardia1 ,,alfred ,,neuner4 ,this is indeed a novelty among this class of valuable plants1 being the first double ever known4 ,it is said to be equal if not superior1 in profuse blooming quality1 and vigorous1 healthy growth1 to the single white variety1 ,davidsonii1 of which it is a sport4 ,the flowers are rather larger than those of the single flowering1 and composed of three perfect rows of petals1 of the purest waxy white color1 each floweret resembling a miniature ,tuberose4 ,the trusses are large and perfect1 and are freely and without interruption produced1 even on the small side shoots1 which generally make no flowers on the single one4 ,it is highly praised by ,mr4 ,thomas ,meehan1 florist and editor of the ,gardeners' ,monthly1 and by ,mr4 ,henry ,a4 ,dreer1 florist1 of ,philadelphia4 ,a grand thing1 says ,mr4 ,meehan4 ,gives great satisfaction4 ,it has excelled our expectation1 says ,mr4 ,dreer4 ,my own specimen1 about four inches in height1 has twelve buds2 two small clusters are on side-shoots4 ,the very fine illustration of this ,bouvardia we give our readers1 has been kindly loaned by the ,ellis ,brothers1 ,keene1 ,n4 ,h41 who have a fine stock which they are offering to the public4 ,mr4 ,henry ,cannell says1 ,of all plants the ,bouvardia1 in our opinion1 excels for cut flowers1 no matter either for button-hole bouquets or table decoration2 a spray of it is sure to be most prominent and pleasing1 and the odor of several kinds is deliciously refreshing1 and if well-grown they will more or less continue flowering nine months out of the year4 ,strange to say1 they need only the ordinary course of cultivation of the winter-flowering ,zonal ,pelargonium2 hitherto they have been treated as a stove plant1 whereas they only need a temperature not higher than #ej to #fj1 and in the summer to have every attention1 like a specimen ,chrysanthemum1 and on the first appearance of frost to be taken into the house1 and when growing and flowering1 to be supplied with liquid manure occasionally4 ,our only experience with this genus has been with ,bouvardia ,humboldtii ,corymbiflora1 and it has proved to be a very valuable plant4 ,its pure white flowers are produced in large trusses2 their tubes are three inches in length1 and very fragrant4 ,it blooms very freely and for a long period4 ,this variety and ,vreelandii are the best single white4 ,liantha is a dazzling scarlet1 and a very profuse bloomer4 ,elegans1 salmon-scarlet2 large and fine4 ,lady ,hyslop1 a light rose4 ,canspicua is of a blood-red color1 with whitish tube4 ,bicolor1 a summer-flowering variety4 ,flower tube purple1 with tint of blue and delicately mottled flesh1 tipped with white4 ,these last we find1 only in ,cannell's ,floral ,guide4 ,i have no difficulty in keeping my ,bouvardia in the cellar1 the leaves drop off1 but they come out anew in the spring4 ,,camellia ,,japonica4 ,this is a very popular genus on account of their rich dark-green leaves1 and beautiful rose-like flowers4 ,they are hardy greenhouse plants1 and thrive best in light loam mixed with sand and peat1 but will do well in light soil without the peat4 ,it will not flourish in a limestone soil4 ,mr4 ,vick gives the following in his ,magazine3 ,the ,camellia ,japonica was sent to ,england in #agci by ,father ,kamel1 a missionary1 for whom it was named4 ,as a house-plant the ,camellia requires considerable care1 on account of the tendency of the flower buds to drop off4 ,a northern exposure is best1 and a temperature of from forty to fifty degrees4 ,when the buds are swelling1 water plentifully with warm water1 but allow none to stand in the saucer4 ,sponge the leaves once a week4 ,in the spring put the plant out in a shady place on the north side of a house or fence1 not under the drip of trees1 and water it every day4 ,set the pots on a hard bottom1 so that no worms can get into them4 ,they form their flower beds during the summer1 and at this time a good growth of wood must be encouraged4 ,in the ,southern ,states the ,camellia can be raised with not more than ordinary care2 at the ,north it must be considered entirely a green-house plant1 and as such will always be highly prized4 ,we are often asked how it should be cared for as a house-plant1 and to all such1 in the northern part of the country1 where it is necessary to maintain good fires in warm houses for several months of the year1 we have no hesitation in saying1 let it alone1 do not expend care and labor where there is so little prospect of reward4 ,camellias are of many hues1 and some are beautifully striped4 ,gen4 ,lafayette1 bright rose1 striped with white1 imbricated4 ,bell ,romann1 imbricated1 large flower and petals1 rose striated with bright crimson4 ,matteo ,molfino1 petals cerise1 with pure white band down center4 ,mrs4 ,lurmann1 crimson1 spotted1 very beautiful4 ,pure colors of white1 red1 crimson1 rose and carmine1 can be obtained4 ,,azalea4--,shrubby green-house plants of easy cultivation4 ,very showy and hardy4 ,like the ,camellia1 they are found in all the leading colors1 and also striped1 blotched and spotted4 ,they are both single and double4 ,alexander ,,ii1 is white1 striped with vermilion2 edges of petals fringed4 ,aurelia1 white1 striped with rosy orange1 amaranth spots4 ,flag of ,truce1 is a pure double white1 very fine4 ,her ,majesty1 is rosy-lilac1 edged with white4 ,alice1 rose1 blotched with vermilion2 double4 ,mr4 ,vick gives the following directions3 ,azaleas need a light soil of sandy loam1 to which should be added one-half leaf mold4 ,repotting should be done in ,may1 trimming the tops to bring them into shape4 ,then plunge in some sheltered spot in the garden4 ,in ,september the plants should be brought in under cover1 or into a cool room4 ,they do best when the temperature ranges from forty degrees at night to sixty-five or seventy by day4 ,the foliage should be showered once a week1 but care must be taken that the roots are not over-watered1 as they rot easily4 ,small plants bloom well1 but their beauty increases as they get age and size4 ,the flowers appear on the terminal shoots1 and are from one inch to two and a half inches in diameter4 ,azaleas if left to themselves will develop long shoots1 that after a time become naked below and are furnished with leaves only at their extremities4 ,flower stems are formed on the new wood of each summer's growth1 consequently the amount of bloom1 other things being equal1 depends upon the amount of new wood annually produced4 ,in order to have plants of good shape when they become large1 it is necessary to give attention to pinching and training them from the first4 ,the pyramid form1 or more properly that of a cone1 and rounded at the top1 is considered the best for the plant1 as it allows the greatest exposure of leaf-surface4 ,two principal methods are adopted to regulate the growth and bring plants into shape3 one is by successive pinchings as the growth proceeds1 the other by allowing long shoots to grow and then bending and training them down1 thus causing many of the dormant buds along their whole length to break and develop into shoots4 ,a skillful combination of the two methods is probably better than either exclusively4 ,mr4 ,john ,dick1 ,philadelphia1 has the largest stock of ,camellias and ,azaleas1 it is stated1 in the ,united ,states4 ,their catalogue list of these plants embraces more than a hundred varieties1 to which we refer our readers4 ,the ,ingathering of the ,flowers4 ,we have come to see your garden1 said a gentleman with a lady in company4 ,they were from a neighboring town4 ,this two weeks after the heavy frost6 ,i told them my garden was in the stable1 and thither ,i piloted them4 ,it was not a very small garden if it was in a stable4 ,a hundred or more plants had been hurriedly removed from the beds the day before that freezing night6 ,there they were1 in the soiled pots just as taken from the ground1 or packed closely in boxes4 ,not very attractive looking1 in one sense1 yet in another they were1 for they were bright1 healthy appearing plants--leaves as fresh as when in the open air1 pretty ,geraniums in bloom1 a mass of ,lobelia1 attractive with their tiny blue flowers1 ,coleus of varied hues1 and even a few ,roses struggling into bloom4 ,then we strolled among the despoiled beds1 and the ,pansies1 so large and pert1 elicited admiration1 and the ,sweet ,peas1 just as fragrant as though blight were not all around them1 while dear little ,mignonnette seemed to have taken a new lease of life4 ,yesterday ,i arranged in a shallow glass dish as handsome a bouquet as ,i have had for the season4 ,sweet ,clover sprays1 ,mignonnette and fragrant ,geranium leaves for the foundation all around the dish1 a few bunches of the little white wax balls1 with their glossy leaves1 ,geranium blossoms1 and lots of ,sweet ,peas1 from the most delicate shades to the deepest1 and bunches of splendid ,pansies1 ,sweet ,alyssum1 a bit of purple ,verbena here and there1 and white-eyed ,phlox4 ,it was just lovely4 ,when the evidence was sure that frost was surely coming1 and a great many plants must be taken up in a few hours' time1 ,i was so glad that full half of them were in pots4 ,i could never have potted a third of them in the time4 ,the great object was to get them sheltered1 and the repotting could be done at my leisure4 ,but ,i almost changed my mind the other day after toiling several hours at the business4 ,so many pots to wash6 then fill with fresh earth1 and set the plant4 ,o dear1 wasn't ,i tired6 ,but then the wide door was open1 the day was lovely1 and ,i rather think potting plants in a stable is better than potting out of doors on a cold day1 and when one is in a great hurry4 ,plants that are in pots plunged in the ground do not grow so many roots1 and that is another advantage4 ,,my ,,window ,,box4 ,perhaps ,i may as well tell you about my most important window box4 ,i had it made last autumn1 and ,i was greatly pleased with it4 ,it is made of zinc1 size one yard long1 fourteen inches broad1 seven inches in depth4 ,to give it strength it is framed at the top with wood4 ,you can have this of black walnut1 or stained in imitation4 ,you can have the box painted any color you wish1 or leave it unpainted4 ,in the center is ,croton ,weismanni1 on one side of it a fine ,eranthemum pictum2 its green leaves look as though they were painted with white streaks2 on the other side1 ,acalypha ,macafeeana4 ,these are the largest plants in my box1 and they do not exceed ten inches in height4 ,there are sixty plants in all1 mostly averaging six inches in height1 but a few are quite small4 ,they consist of very choice ,geraniums--some of them handsome-leaved--variegated ,abutilons1 ,lemon ,verbena1 two bright ,achyranthes1 six very beautiful ,coleuses1 and four fine ,begonias4 ,there are others ,i cannot stop to specify4 ,you will see that ,i have filled my box with what are1 in themselves1 beautiful without the aid of flowers1 though ,i expect to have a few of these by-and-by4 ,i am perfectly satisfied with it1 however1 just as it is4 ,i had a large ,german ,ivy growing out of doors1 which consisted of several long vines4 ,this ,i planted in one corner of the box1 and then drooped and twined it on the outside4 ,the change to indoor life caused the large green leaves to fall off1 but already new ones have put forth1 and the vines are rapidly growing4 ,everything else had been previously prepared so that there was no change in their leafage after being put in the box4 ,it is a great addition to the beauty of the box to have vines of pretty foliage drape the sides4 ,this autumn ,i have had it placed on a small1 low table with castors1 so ,i can change the plants every week1 and thus avoid that turning toward the window which they always assume if kept in one position4 ,i first put in drainage1 and then filled the box with rich1 mellow earth in which was a mixture of one-third sand4 ,i have been thus particular in my description1 for many1 no doubt1 who1 like myself1 have to make the most of limited space1 will be glad to know just how to keep the greatest number of plants to the best advantage4 ,not only is there a saving of room1 but of labor1 and it is more cleanly4 ,,hyacinths4 ,among the essentials for winter flowers are the bulbs4 ,of these the hyacinth takes the lead4 ,they are so easily grown2 so lovely and so fragrant that they are worthy of a place in every collection4 ,they should be planted so that the upper surface of the bulb is visible4 ,water liberally and then put away in a cool dark place for several weeks1 six weeks is none too long1 and some ,i allow to remain a longer time1 bringing them to the light at intervals so as to have a succession of flowers4 ,they are very effective planted in a group4 ,they are very pretty in hyacinth glasses1 but this method ruins the bulbs for future use4 ,planted out they will sometimes flower4 ,the best time to plant them in the border is in ,october1 but the first of ,november will do4 ,it is a good plan to make a little bed of sand for the bulb1 and then cover with light porous soil4 ,hyacinths are classed as tall and dwarf1 single and double4 ,the ,roman ,hyacinth is the earliest bloomer1 coming into flower about the holidays if started in season4 ,the spikes are small and flowers rather scattering4 ,as soon as the blooms fade1 the stalk should be removed1 and when the leaves turn yellow1 they can be cut off1 and the bulb dried and packed in paper bags and kept till time for autumn planting4 ,hyacinth bulbs come from ,holland4 ,about ,haarlem the rubbish heaps are hyacinths1 and the air is oppressive with their perfume4 ,in ,california there grows what is called the ,twining ,hyacinth4 ,it grows in the mountains1 and twines about the bushes1 sometimes going up eight and ten feet4 ,after it gets to the top of the bush and rests awhile1 it lets go of the earth and goes on blooming for months1 regardless of the burning sun4 ,the flower stem breaks off near the ground1 and the flowers are kept swinging in the air supported only by the bush about which it twines4 ,the color is deep rose1 and it is said to be very pretty4 ,the picture of it certainly looks attractive4 ,it is a large cluster composed of dozens of blossoms4 ,for flowering in the house the ,polyanthus ,narcissus are very desirable4 ,they can be put into glasses as well as the ,hyacinth1 but the most natural method is in a pot of earth1 and the bulb is in a better condition for after use4 ,the ,jonquils are also pretty4 ,snowdrops1 ,scillas and the ,crocus are cheap bulbs1 and planted in the autumn will show their bright1 sweet faces soon after the snow is gone4 ,they are also very fine for house culture4 ,should be planted in groups4 ,tulips ought to have a place in every garden4 ,they make a brilliant show in the ,spring1 when the beds are bare of other flowers1 and afford bloom for a long time1 if a good assortment is selected4 ,the pretty little dwarf ,duc ,van ,thols are early bloomers and very gay4 ,they are admirable also for the house1 and by planting in ,september1 will come into flower in ,december4 ,there are early single and double ,tulips1 and also late bloomers1 so that by having a variety1 the border may look gay for a long time4 ,the ,parrot ,tulips are large and very brilliant in color1 and picturesque in appearance4 ,all of these varieties succeed in ordinary garden soil4 ,they ought to be planted in ,october or ,november1 about four to six inches apart1 and about four inches under the surface4 ,before severe frost they need to be protected by branches of evergreen1 straw or leaves4 ,after blooming1 and the leaves have died down1 they can be taken up1 dried and stored till autumn1 if the bed is needed for other flowers4 ,the ,bulb catalogues issued by leading florists in the autumn1 and sent free to all applicants1 will enable you to select just what you want4 ,,insects4 ,in a work of this character it seems needful to treat more fully of those pests which prove so destructive to plant life1 than we have in our brief references4 ,the ,,aphis or green louse is the one that most frequently infests our plants1 and the rapidity with which it multiplies1 is astonishing4 ,,reaumer has proved that in five generations one aphis may be the progenitor of six thousand millions1 and there may be ten generations in a year6 ,the method most generally adopted for their destruction is fumigation with tobacco4 ,as this is attended with considerable difficulty1 a weak solution may be used quite as effectively4 ,we have had no experience with either method1 having used another with good success for several years4 ,this is white hellebore which we usually apply in the powder when the ,rose-bushes are wet with dew or rain1 bending the branches over1 so that the application can be made chiefly on the under side of the leaves1 where the pests are found4 ,two or three times proves sufficient4 ,for our house plants we usually make a solution1 by putting half an ounce of the hellebore into pretty warm water1 and letting it stand for several hours1 stirring it up however1 before spraying the leaves4 ,afterward1 the plants need to be washed4 ,for the ,,scale a strong solution of soap-suds applied with a sponge or a small stiff brush4 ,a tooth brush is very suitable for this purpose4 ,for ,,mealy ,,bug1 a mixture of one part alcohol and three parts water1 applying with a feather1 or what is better1 a camel hair brush4 ,another method is to use kerosene in the same way4 ,a florist who has practiced this for eight years1 says it is sure death to the insect4 ,the feather should be brushed all over the mealy-looking substances found usually in the axils of the leaves4 ,,worms ,,in ,,pots4 ,lime water is a safe and effectual remedy for the little white worms often found in the soil4 ,slake the lime in water and after it has settled1 pour off the clear water and drench the earth4 ,,ants4 ,various remedies have proved effective4 ,one is to take a vial or a cup nearly filled with sweet oil1 and sink it in the ground where the ants resort1 so that the rim is on a level with the surface4 ,the ants are very fond of it1 but it is sure death to them4 ,a ,german writer says that carbolic acid and water will drive ants away from any grounds--one hundred parts of water to one of the acid4 ,mix in a tub and stir repeatedly for twenty-four hours1 taking off the scum that rises to the top4 ,kerosene or coal-oil mixed with water has proved very successful in the destruction of noxious insects and grubs4 ,a tablespoonful of the oil to two gallons of water is the rule for tender plants2 for hardy ones it will be necessary probably to have it of greater strength4 ,as the compound does not mix readily1 it needs to be thoroughly stirred1 and then quickly applied4 ,the best way is to draw it back and forth a few times in a syringe1 and then apply4 ,water tainted with coal-oil1 poured into little holes made in mole tracks1 will1 it is said1 drive them effectually away4 ,,index ,,of ,,florists4 ,for the convenience of our readers who may wish to procure varieties of plants of which we have treated in this work1 we give the address of reliable florists who make a specialty of those connected with their address4 ,all of them will furnish their catalogues free when requested4 ,,pansies4 ,,seeds ,,for ,,the ,,wild ,,garden4 ,b4 ,k4 ,bliss ,sons1 ,new ,york ,city4 ,,verbenas1 ,,petunias1 ,,fuchsias4 ,c4 ,e4 ,allen1 ,brattleboro1 ,vt4 ,,geraniums4 ,innisfallen ,greenhouses1 ,springfield1 ,ohio4 ,,pelargoniums1 ,,ornamental ,,foliage ,,plants1 ,,gloxinias4 ,john ,saul1 ,washington1 ,d4 ,c4 ,,gladiolus1 ,,single ,,dahlias1 ,,novelty ,,dahlia4 ,v4 ,h4 ,hallock ,thorp1 ,queens1 ,n4 ,y4 ,,coleuses--,,new ,,hybrids1 ,,drac,,nas4 ,h4 ,a4 ,dreer1 ,philadelphia1 ,pa4 ,,chinese ,,primroses1 ,,new ,,primula1 ,,double ,,white ,,bouvardia4 ,ellis ,brothers1 ,keene1 ,n4 ,h4 ,,new ,,monthly ,,pelargoniums4 ,john ,g4 ,heinl1 ,terre ,haute1 ,ind4 ,,wistaria4 ,e4 ,h4 ,ellwanger1 ,rochester1 ,n4 ,y4 ,,amaryllis1 ,,rare ,,varieties4 ,john ,l4 ,child1 ,queens1 ,n4 ,y4 ,,lilies ,a ,,specialty4 ,john ,l4 ,child2 ,v4 ,h4 ,hallock ,thorp1 ,queens1 ,n4 ,y4 ,,camellias ,,and ,,azaleas4 ,john ,dick jr41 #ec;d st41 and ,darby ,road1 ,philadelphia1 ,pa4 ,,author',s ,,notes4 ,vick's ,illustrated ,magazine is the best ,floricultural ,monthly we know of for amateurs4 ,we are indebted to it for much of the information we have obtained respecting the culture of flowers1 and have drawn largely from its pages in this work4 ,there is a finely colored frontispiece in each number1 and it is otherwise fully illustrated4 ,its entire arrangement evidences the fine sthetic taste of its editor and publisher4 ,it is very low at #a4be per year4 ,beautifully bound vols41 #a4ge4 ,mr4 ,james ,vick1 ,rochester1 ,n4 ,y4 ,the ,gardener's ,monthly and ,horticulturist takes a wider range1 treating not only of ,flowers1 but also of ,fruit and ,vegetable ,gardening1 ,natural ,history and ,science1 ,forestry1 etc4 ,the ample ,notes pertaining to the several departments1 by its editor1 ,mr4 ,thomas ,meehan1 are of special value4 ,published by ,chas4 ,h4 ,marot1 ,philadelphia1 ,pa41 at #b4aj per annum4 ,,an ,,essay ,,on ,,roses4 ,,notices ,,of ,,the ,,press4 ,mrs4 ,m4 ,d4 ,wellcome of ,yarmouth1 ,me41 whose pleasant and helpful ,talks ,about ,flowers are familiar to the readers of ,the ,journal1 has published in a neat pamphlet1 ,an ,essay on ,roses1 which was read before the ,maine ,pomological ,convention last ,march1 and has since been revised and enlarged for publication4 ,this essay treats the subject historically and descriptively4 ,it considers the classification of ,roses1 tells what ,roses to plant1 gives suggestions as to the best mode of culture1 and furnishes a list of the best hybrids and of the best ever-blooming varieties4 ,mrs4 ,wellcome writes with enthusiasm1 and from a thorough knowledge and a considerable experience4 ,all lovers of roses1 and all amateur horticulturists will find the little monograph interesting and suggestive4 ,boston ,journal4 ,the valuable and instructive ,essay on ,roses read before the ,maine ,pomological ,convention by ,mrs4 ,m4 ,d4 ,wellcome1 has been issued in a neat pamphlet4444 ,our readers who are familiar with ,mrs4 ,wellcome's writings1 will know how to value this production of her busy pen4 ,portland ,transcript4 ,our well-appreciated correspondent1 ,mrs4 ,m4 ,d4 ,wellcome1 has published in a neat pamphlet1 an essay upon ,roses4444 ,it is an interesting and practical little manual1 and will prove a valuable aid to young horticulturists4 ,zion's ,herald4 ,the ,waterville ,mail says3 ,of this essay it is sufficient to say that it was prepared by a graceful writer1--a well-known contributor to the literary department of several prominent ,journals1 and a skillful florist--and that it secured the approbation of the ,convention before whom it was read1 and the representatives of the agricultural press4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,m4 ,orrock1 editor of ,messiah's ,herald1 after describing the work1 adds3 ,the author says in her introduction1 ',i have brought you a bouquet of ,roses1 and there is little of my own but the string that binds them4' ,it is indeed1 a pretty bouquet1 and we hope many of her friends will want to see and enjoy it4 ,mr4 ,samuel ,l4 ,boardman ,esq41 editor of the ,home ,farm1 says3 ,this little booklet about ,roses is just the plain1 sensible guide all amateur growers will be profited by reading4 ,there is just enough of history and sentiment in its opening pages1 ample directions for culture1 treatment1 etc41 closing with descriptions of the most desirable ,roses1 and lists from which to make selections for larger cultivators4 ,mechanically1 the little book is as delicate as a rosebud2 and every lover of this queenly flower should procure a copy4 ,the ,essay is issued in a neatly illustrated pamphlet of #bd pages1 with ornamental cover4 ,price #ae cents4 ,for sale by the author1 ,yarmouth1 ,me4 ,,geraniums6 ,we offer a fine assortment of ,geraniums at #aj ,,cents ,,each1 for your selection2 or we will send #af ,,fine ,,sorts of our own selection1 all labeled1 prepaid1 by mail1 for a remittance of #a4be4 ,we have by far the largest stock of ,geraniums in this country4 ,roses1 ,ever ,blooming4 ,we have a fine collection of ,roses that we offer1 strong flowering plants1 labeled1 at #aj ,,cents ,,each1 your choice2 or we will send #af ,,fine ,,plants of our own selection1 prepaid1 by mail1 for a remittance of #a4be4 ,we also offer a fine assortment of all kinds of flowering plants at the above low price4 ,send for a catalogue4 ,address1 ,,innisfallen ,,greenhouses1 ,,springfield1 ,o4 ,the ,latest ,novelty in ,roses4 ,,new ,,hybrid ,,teas4 ,this new class of ,,roses combine ,,hardiness1 ,,constant ,,bloom1 and ,,delicate ,,coloring4 ,they originated in ,england1 and are now offered for the first time in this country4 ,for full description of these ,roses1 and price1 send for catalogue4 ,e4 ,c4 ,,allen1 ,brattleboro1 ,vermont4 ,,free6 ,we wish to obtain #be1jjj ,new ,subscribers to ,,the ,,floral ,,monthly during the next few months1 and we propose to give to every reader of this paper ,fifty ,cents ,worth of ,choice ,flower ,seeds4 ,our offer is to send1 ,free of ,cost1 #ej cents worth of ,choice ,flower ,seeds to each and every one who will send us #be two cent postage stamps for the ,,floral ,,monthly one year4 ,seeds sent free by return mail4 ,specimen copies free4 ,address ,w4 ,e4 ,,morton ,,co41 ,,florists1 #fae ,congress ,street1 ,portland1 ,me4 7,,natural ,,flowers ,,preserved ,,to ,,last ,,for ,,years47 99 99 99 99 99 ,transcriber's ,note3 ,punctuation has been standardised1 and typographical errors such as missing or reversed letters have been silently corrected4 ,variations in hyphenation 7such as greenhouse and green-house71 and obsolete or variant spelling have been preserved4 ,in particular1 variations in the spelling of some botanical names have been left as printed in the original book4 ,in the ,table of ,contents1 the entry ,a ,talk ,about ,pansies was printed as ,pansies2 this has been changed to match the chapter title as printed on page #cc4 ,the following changes were also made3 ,pg #hb1 ,verschaffellii changed to ,verschaffeltii3 7,verschaffeltii1 we fear74 ,pg #aji1 ,ainwick changed to ,alnwick3 7a visit to ,alnwick ,castle74