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GEXTIAJN-S. 



0"W frequently in these daA's do we hear aged people inquire after some 

 of the flowers of their youth, old-fashioned flowers of days gone by, old 

 favourites that have been discarded for more modern introductions ? 

 Amongst old plants now fast disappearing, I am sorry to have to enu- 

 merate tbe beautiful Gentians, acaulis and verna^ two charming spring 

 rivals ; indeed few spring flowers are more lovely than these ; and I question if the 

 spring Gentian {G. verna), which is the best and most beautiful of all the species, 

 opening as it does its large blue dazzling flowers in Aptil, has any equal at that 

 season. Its dense tufts of brilliant blue flowers are indeed unsurpassed for effect, 

 and the effect is obtained just at a time when floral display is much needed. 



It is true that it is somewhat shy as regards cultivation. It is, however, per- 

 fectly hardy, and where soil and situation suit it, it flourishes and flowers most 

 freely, whicii is the case here, where it is used as an edging to several diamond- 

 shaped flower-beds, in lieu of box, on two coloured designs, on either side of the 

 conservatory. The situation is elevated, and consequently rather dry, but partially 

 shaded. I attribute the success of the plant here, however, to its being planted in 

 lime and mortar rubbish, the same being used rather thickly on the walks to keep 

 down worms. Into this it roots freely ; indeed, nothing can do better than it does 

 here, growing as it does as freely as Couch Grass. I also find it to do well in a 

 mixture of maiden loam, mortar, rubbish, and gravel. I generally plant divisions 

 of the roots as soon as the plants have done flowering, but I have planted in 

 autumn with equal success. In order to insure a profusion of blossom, the 

 plants should not be removed too often. 



In raising plants from seed, it is requisite to sow as soon as the seeds are ripe 

 (otherwise they soon lose their power of vegetating) in pans filled with rather heavy- 

 peat. Sow on the surface without covering, except a slight sprinkling of silver- 

 sand, then place the pans either in a cool frame facing the north, and kept close, or 

 on tbe north side of a wall, where they are completely screened from the sun, and 

 cover them with a hand-glass. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick 

 them off in a bed composed of the compost alluded to above, where they can remain 

 until their final planting. This short notice will suflBee to answer some private 

 inquiries that I have not answered by post. — Edward Bennett, Osberton Gardens, 

 in Gardeners' Chronicle. 



Cannas in Paris. — In rambling through an obscure part of Paris the other 

 evening, I encountered a plant of Canna springing up strongly through and around 

 a box-edging — pretty good evidence that it had remained there for some years. 

 Upon inquiry of the proprietor I found this was the case, and that he had no doubt 

 of the hardiness of several other kinds. How deep are they planted ? Not more 

 than eight or ten inches. When we consider that the Cannas are amongst the most 

 valuable plants we use forgiving grace and verdure to the flower-garden, this surely 

 is worth knowing. Indeed, considering their diversity of colour and size, their 

 graceful pointed habit and facility of propagation, we must concede them the first 

 place. They are capable of being used by anybody who grows ordinary bedding 

 plants, and may, in fact, be regarded as such now. That they may be preserved 

 so very easily through the winter is much in their favour. The following are 

 among the best of the hardiest kinds : — C. Annasi, mussefolia gigantea, limbata 

 Warscewiczii, nigricans, and zebrina. Of course they will prove equally hardy 

 with us. As it is desirable to change the arrangements as much as possible every 

 year, it may not be any advantage to leave them in the ground, and in that case 

 they may be taken up with the bedding plants, and stored as simply and easily as 

 carrots, parsnips, or potatoes. We may thus regard them as hardy plants, and the 

 necessity of using expensive stove things for putting out in the open air is quite 

 done away with. I have no experience of the behaviour of the Cannas in the open 

 air in the north, and fear they will there be found wanting, but about London, and 

 in the south of England, nothing can grow more satisfactorily. I should like to 

 know how far north they may with safety be grown, and perhaps some of your 

 readers would kindly inform us on this point ? — *' H." in Gardeners' Chronicle of 

 Jane last. 



