been unusually great ; so much so, that, with many kinds, a number 

 of orders remain on hand, for want of stock to supply them. This 

 not only affords evidence of the increasing cultivation of ornamental 

 plants, but shows likewise, that, notwithstanding our somewhat strait- 

 ened position, the admirers of Flora have yet wherewithal to follow up 

 the cultivation of their favourite plants ; and if this be true with the 

 admirers of the Carnation, the Fink, Pansy, Dahlia, and Hollyhocks, 

 it is no less so with those who patronise the more rare productions of the 

 greenhouse and stove. At the various public sales of Orchids during 

 the past season, the prices given for all the leading kinds have been 

 high, and warrant the conclusion that there is a great demand for really 

 good varieties, and that their cultivation is increasing. Nor are we 

 surprised at this ; for, assuredly, no class of plants presents such end- 

 less variety, such brilliant colouring, or such delightful fragrance, as 

 this interesting group ; and now that their culture has been reduced to 

 a simple line of practice by the writings of Williams and Lyons, &c., their 

 management may be taken in hand without much fear but that with 

 common care, and an avoidanc3 of quackery, all will go on well. 



If there is one class more than others which has fallen in public esti- 

 mation, it is the Cape Heath, which for a few years back has not been 

 so popular as its merits really deserve. This has arisen chiefly from 

 a want of variety ; or, in other words, from a general sameness when 

 viewed in the mass, and perhaps for that love of showy colours which 

 seems to have taken a strong hold on the public taste, to the evident 

 detriment of the more delicate, but equally beautiful classes of plants. 

 Chinese Azaleas, Pelargoniums, and one or two other groups, are cer- 

 tainly more effective for forming a display of colour at the great exhi- 

 bitions, but they la'k, on closeriaspe^tioa, that neat habit of growth 

 and exquisite form and colouring so peculiar to the family of Heaths. 

 But as we shall soon witness the exhibition of varieties of more decided 

 character, and which will contrast well with each other, we hope these 

 old and deserved favourites will soon regain their former position in 

 public favour. 



Calceolarias, as exhibition plants, are losing ground ; they are best 

 treated as annuals, and are therefore sscarcely worth iiaming. On the 

 contrary, Gloxinias have made a decided advance ; the best strains of the 

 erect blooming kind are very beautiful, and will be grown by every one 

 who can command a warm pit. When in bloom greeenhouse treatment 

 will suit them. 



Variegated-leaved plants are much sought after, and deservedly so ; 

 for this interesting class is invaluable, either for mixing up with other 

 plants, or for forming single groups — one of the handsomest new ones 

 we figured at p. 65. 



If we may judge of the interest taken in Ferns from the number of 

 works now issuing from the press to describe and illustrate this family, 

 we should say they are really at the head of the list ; they are, how- 

 ever, worthy all that is said in their praise, and, as forms of graceful 

 beauty, superior to many plants cultivated solely for their flowers. 



Plants remarkable for fine foliage have likewise many admiiers. 

 We shall not soon forget how admirably these plants worked up 



