DECKMBER. 267 



plants of tlie lovely Veronica Andersonii, than which a prettier winter 

 flower for the greenhouse can hardly exist ; a bright red -coloured 

 hybrid Bigonia, raised between Mamcata and Cinnabarina; the little 

 Cochlearia acauHs, four Pomi)on Chrysanthemums, and some Tree 

 or Perpetual Carnations, wiiich are very useful conservatory and 

 greenhouse plants at this season. 



THE CARNATION AND PICOTEE BLOOM OF 1852; 

 AND STRAY THOUGHTS ON THE SEASON. 



The past season has been one of a peculiar character in more than 

 one particular. Notable for its long drought — the unusually low 

 temperature which prevailed during the spring months — the remark- 

 able heat of July — the prevalence of thrips, and the brevity of the 

 bloom. Such circumstances may seem to afford little room for 

 remark, and less for congratulation ; nevertheless, I trust my readers 

 and myself may spend a few minutes not unprofitably together, and 

 that they will rise from the perusal of my short remarks with my 

 own conviction, viz. not only that the past season has bten full of 

 satisfaction, but that it affords ground for congratulation, and san- 

 guine exjjectation to all interested in these lovely flowers, far exceed- 

 ing any of its predece^^surs. 



Let us first revert to the meeting of the National this year, held 

 in the ancient city of Norwich. Favoured by its excellent secretary, 

 we enter the exhibitron with the privileged few, that our observations 

 may be made quietly, and without the busy life of a large crowd to 

 interrupt ; and what a scene meets our view ! Was ever a richer 

 galaxy of the?e "fair flowers" presented.'' We look long, eagerly, 

 and critically; and then with 'bated breath answer, Never! Rare, 

 indeed, in their magnificence are our pets, and worthy are they of the 

 admiration so freely expressed. All around us, equally intent with 

 ourselves, are the giants of Carnation culture ; and it is worthy of 

 note to observe the harmony which a delight in similar pursuits has 

 produced in minds often dissimilar and of opposite temperament. 

 Easy kindliness pervades the whole ; and it is one of the many ad- 

 vantages of floriculture, that no exclusiveness is known within its 

 pale. Whilst we have been thus communing and admiring the 

 wonders before us, time has rapidly passed , aid now, the great doors 

 being opened, the public, the great arbiter of all fates, comes in to 

 make its award. It is not long in being decided ; we can read it 

 in the sparkling eyes, the pleased and delighted countenances, and 

 the lingering steps of the many visitors ; and we read therein the 

 plain deduction, that the Florist's labour is no longer a fancy — a mere 

 chimera of the brain — but an art, a science, delightful in its pursuit, 

 and capable of affording the most refined enjoyment to thousands. 

 Then we agree, that snatching such enjoyment from a season so 

 adverse in cliaracttr, is a satisfaction a thousand f.ild enhanced — 

 made sweeter by the dangers encountered and difliculties overcome. 



