THE FLORIST. 219 



— engaged in a manner so agreeable as to render the flight of time 

 unnoticed. But they too at last depart ; and the gardens, lately so 

 animated and gay, resume their ordinary quiet appearance, as the 

 shades of evening warn us to wend our way homeward. 



ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY. 



The last exhibition for the season took place on the 4th ult. in their 

 garden in Regent's Park. 



The day was fine, the company numerous and fashionable, and 

 the show a good one for July. Pelargoniums, which occupied one side 

 of the first tent, were again produced in the most beautiful condition 

 possible. Every plant in itself formed a perfect specimen of floral 

 beauty. " Fancies," among which Anais, Queen, Hero of Surrey, 

 and Defiance, shone conspicuously, were contributed in capital order 

 by Messrs. Gaines and Staines; and Messrs. Ambrose, Robinson, 

 Mosley, and Henderson also had good groups of this now fashionable 

 Pelargonium. The best collection of Pelargoniums proper came 

 from Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr. Beck, and Mr. Black, gardener 

 to E. Foster, Esq. Capital specimens were also shewn by Messrs. 

 Cock, Gaines, Staines, and Robinson. Mr. Parker of Roehampton 

 had the best sixes. 



The other side of this tent was, as usual, filled, or nearly so (for 

 plants were scarcer this time than formerly), with Orchids, whose 

 curious forms, bright and varied colours, always render them objects 

 of universal interest. The principal features of this portion of the 

 exhibition were the large and fine specimens of Aerides odoratum, 

 almost every collection containing one fine plant of this charming 

 genus. With what interest should we have viewed this kind of 

 Orchid, four feet high, and as much through, a few years ago ! yet 

 such plants are now far from being uncommon. In large coU 

 lections, Mr. Rucker was first, and Mr. Warner second. Mr. 

 Schroder had the best group of fifteens, and Mr. Dobson, gardener 

 to Mr. Beck, the best sixes. 



The next tent was adorned in the usual manner with Heaths, and 

 with collections of stove and greenhouse plants, into the details of 

 which it is unnecessary for us to enter further than to say, that among 

 the various groups there were some magnificent bushes of the showy 

 genus Kalosanthes (Crassula), whose effect at this time of the year 

 is about as showy as that of the Azaleas in spring ; and we would 

 advise our readers who possess a greenhouse (they are very easily 

 managed), to obtain a plant or two, which would serve to keep up 

 gaiety in autumn. The genus Aphelexis (Everlastings) too, of which 

 A. purpurea macrantha is the best, is a most useful one for the small 

 grower, for the different species keep in bloom nearly the whole 

 season. 



One side, or nearly so, of the third tent was filled with Ferns, 

 whose beautiful green fronds, unlike the green of most plants, had a 



