2 THE FLORIST. 



specimens for the gratification of our readers. At the same 

 time we willingly offer to the introducers of all new and in- 

 teresting productions the opportunity of inserting at their own 

 expense a second coloured plate in any of our numbers, pro- 

 vided always that the drawing be executed by an artist ap- 

 pointed by ourselves, so as to ensure a faithful representation 

 of the orii^inal. 



The list of our contributors will, we trust, plainly indicate 

 that the readers of the Florist, Fruitist, and Garderi Miscel- 

 lany will be made acquainted with what is taking place in the 

 different parts of the kingdom, as well as in the various branches 

 of a pursuit which has ever drawn together so many willing 

 and enthusiastic votaries, and which we hope will ever prove 

 an indissoluble bond of union between ourselves and our 

 patrons. 



PELARGONIUM OPTIMUM. 



This fine variety, which forms the subject of our Plate, was raised by 

 E. Foster, Esq., of Clewer Manor, near Windsor. It will be seen 

 that the bottom petals are deep crimson, and that there is a rich 

 dark glossy spot on the top-petals extending nearly to the margin, 

 which is vivid crimson. 



In addition to striking colours, it also possesses fine form and 

 great substance ; in habit it resembles Constance, and some others 

 of Mr. Foster's raising. The pip is large, with a full-sized truss ; 

 and being a free bloomer, it cannot fail to become a popular variety, 

 as much tor gener:d purposes as for those of exhibition. It was not 

 sufficiently in flower at the Seedling Pelargonium Show last season, 

 only one bloom being expanded ; but at the National Floricultural 

 Society's meeting on the 'IQlh. of June, it was in excellent condition, 

 and was awarded a first-class certificate ; it was similarly rewarded 

 at the June Surrey show ; and it also received the first prize for 

 seedhng Pelargoniums on the same occasion. 



This variety is one of a large batch of fine flowers which bloomed 

 at Clewer in 1849, some of which figured conspicuously during the 

 past season ; Purple Standard, Ariadne, Enchantress, and Shylock 

 being amongst the number. In habit, Mr. Foster's seedlings are 

 known to be generally stout growers, easy to winter, and throwing 

 full-sized trusses freely from every joint. The present example fully 

 maintains these desirable qualities. As respects the cultivation of 

 the Pelargonium, it is to be regretted that so little attention is paid 

 to the subject. In a tour recently made through the north of 

 England and Scotland, we were much disappointed with the general 

 appearance of collections of this favourite plant ; instead of vigorous 

 short-jointed specimens, we generally found them lean, drawn, sickly 

 from aphides, and overcrowded. It is a common fault to grow three 

 plants in the room which one should be permitted to occupy. Plants 



