Plate 458. 



DOUBLE PETUNIA— ABBE D'OSSEAUME. 



We have never been able to understand why it was that the 

 Double Petunia had so short-lived a popularity. At first it 

 seemed as if it were likely to be one of our most j^opular 

 flowers ; but after a few years it gradually receded from public 

 favour. Possibly the fact that it is uosuitable for bedding 

 purposes may have somewhat to do with it, for so great has 

 been the rage in this direction, that a plan t which could not be 

 used in this manner was considered almost valueless, while 

 everything that could in any way be brought into use for that 

 purpose, no matter how trifling, was considered an acquisition ; 

 but whatever the reason, the fact is so. 



We think this is a great mistake ; there are few flowers 

 more useful for the decoration of the conservatory or green- 

 house, during the early autumn months, than the Double 

 Petunia: the size of the blossoms, the ease with which it is 

 grown, and the length of time which it remains in bloom, 

 are all points which give it a claim to our favour ; and mingled 

 with fuchsias, Japanese lilies, &c., they tend to keep up the 

 blaze of beauty which can be had in one way or another all 

 through the year ; and it is with this idea that we have chosen 

 for one of our illustrations this month one of the latest and 

 best additions to the class. 



Abbe (T Osseaunie (for the opportunity of figuring which we 

 are indebted to the eminent firm of Carter and Sons, Holborn, 



