FEBRUARY. 59 



At page 5, we find " Bessie (Turner)," and at page 7, " Bessj/ (Drum- 

 niond) ; " but who would suppose or believe that this is the same 

 flower ? yet such is the case ; and in a small catalogue of 14 pages 

 there is no excuse for this and so many other palpable mistakes. The 

 other plants enumerated are, Carnations, Picotees, and Pinks, of which 

 Mr. Keynes grows a full collection. 



The illustrations are novel, and consist of a man looking over a gate 

 — but we cannot see what at ; a windmill ; and — but we are unable 

 to make out what it is. 



Messrs. Downie & Laird's Plant Catalogue 



has also reached us, and contains full collections of Pansies, Hollyhocks, 

 Phloxes, Dahlias, &c. ; but why call the new Dahlia " Lollipop " by 

 the more feminine and gentle name of " Lilliepope ? " We also notice 

 a new Tropajolum Vanderi (?), twenty feet in height, which seems a 

 very questionable recommendation. Altogether, this is a well got up 

 Catalogue of florists' flowers, and contains select lists, including many 

 of the best new things offered for the first time. 



Buttons Spring Catalogue and Amateur s Guide for 1856. Sutton 

 & Sons, Seed Growers and Merchants, Nurserymen, &c., Reading, 

 Berks. 

 We have as already stated noticed the improvements which have taken 

 place in compiling nursery and seed Catalogues. Many of them con- 

 tain not only lists of what are offered for sale, but much original and 

 useful matter besides. We last month noticed " Rendle's Price 

 Current," which affords proof of the energy and expense bestowed on 

 getting up these periodical lists ; and this month we have to advert to 

 that of the Messrs. Sutton, of Reading, which heads this notice. From 

 a rather lengthened experience in making out seed orders, we have 

 been, at times, perplexed to select what were best, from the numerous 

 varieties of garden-seeds entered ; and this difficulty must be much 

 more felt by amateurs and others not so well acquainted with the sub- 

 ject. In the little work before us, the selections and descriptions of the 

 various seeds, &c., offered, entirely obviate the above. The selections 

 made are very judicious ; and the descriptions may be safely relied on 

 as being correct, and will form a complete guide to the gardener and 

 amateur to select from. The work is divided into five parts. We 

 strongly advise our agricultural and horticultural readers to purchase 

 the work as a book of reference, as it contains much valuable informa- 

 tion, and the perusal will amply repay the trifle it costs. 



CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH. 



Auriculas. — The mildness of the winter has excited these plants to 

 commence growing at an unusually early period. They will now 

 require water, which they should have more freely as the season 

 advances. As soon as the ball of earth has been penetrated to the 

 bottom with water, top-dress the pots with rich soil. Remove the 



