98 THE FLORIST. 



artificial fertilisation is accomplished may, however, not be known to 

 some ; and therefore in an early Number I may again refer to this 

 interesting subject. 



Peckham. J. T. Neville. 



THE LADIES' PAGE. 



" Descend, sweet April, from yon watery bow, 



And, liberal, strew the ground with budding flowers, 



With leafless crocus, leaf-veil'd violet, 



Auricula with powdered cup, primrose 



That loves to lurk below the hawthorn shade."" 



Graham. 



In this month every gardener should take an exact survey of the 

 extent of ground which has to be filled with summer flowers ; and 

 decide on the number and varieties of plants to be appropriated to 

 every border and bed. There is certainly something very pleasing 

 in a wild mixture of natural productions ; but this can be seen to 

 perfection only in hedgerows, where Nature herself is the presiding 

 genius, and is able to maintain a beautiful harmony even in con- 

 fusion. A flower-garden is the work of art ; and artificial arrange- 

 ments are necessary, to make it attractive, and develop all its re- 

 sources. Forethought thus becomes indispensable, if we wish to 

 give that grace to our floral domains, which may be undefinable and 

 nameless as a whole, yet is derived from a series of obvious and 

 well-ascertained particulars. 



Generally, it is best for beds to be filled with one kind of flower, 

 as many varieties being introduced, as their different colours and the 

 size of the bed will allow. Verbenas, Petunias, Fuchsias, Roses, 

 &c. have a far better effect when in separate masses than in com- 

 bination ; besides the advantage of being able to adapt the soil and 

 treatment to the habit of each species. Miscellaneous plants, her- 

 baceous and annual, are more fitted for borders, the edges of shrub- 

 beries, &c, and in such situations produce a pleasing effect. Care 

 must be taken not to plant these too close ; a common fault in 

 gardens. In beds or borders of miscellaneous plants, the rake should 

 be easily admissible between each. Pay attention to the combina- 

 tions of colours, as some harmonise together better than others. 

 Ladies will read all the directions they require on this subject in the 

 rainbow, which is so often seen in April — in our ideal or poetic April, 

 at all events. The subject is treated of in books ; but no where 

 more tastefully, naturally, or scientifically, than in the delicate leaves 

 of Iris. The colours which approximate best together are there de- 

 picted with unmistakeable clearness. 



We hope all our fair readers will be extensive patronesses of the 

 Rose this year ; that they will grow it in the best manner, and secure 

 flowers from May to November. This will be the month to make 

 purchases of this favourite in pots ; which mode of growth allows 

 of the plants being removed without suffering a check. Budding 

 Roses is a very pretty art, and easily learned ; but the brier is rather 



