THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. [ Januaey, 



The most peculiar point about M. ChimcBra is its saccate lip, exactly like that 

 of a Ci/pj-ipedium. Believers in the Darwinian theory have here something 

 highly interesting, while amateur orchid-growers have another curious and 

 beautiful plant added to their pet collections. — F. W. Bubbidge. 



THE TREE P^EONY AS A DECORATIVE PLANT. 



'Jjf^EW persons are aware what striking and excellent plants the Tree Pseonies 

 Hkr are for forcing and decorative purposes. Amongst them there is no end 



fof varieties of bold characteristic beauty. I think quite a feature might 

 be made at one of the Spring meetings at South Kensington, by offering a 

 prize for a collection of these gorgeous plants. I fancy the thing would create 

 quite a furore, and astonish the visitors to our London shows. I much question 

 if the majority of people when viewing a forced collection of Paeonies at a distance, 

 would really know what they were looking at. No flower that I am acquainted 

 with is more conspicuous at a long distance, its glowing shades of colour shining 

 forth with brilliant effect. Indeed the distinct and striking characters of the 

 whole plant, are points of excellence rarely seen combined in one species. So 

 convinced was I of their value as decorative plants in Spring, that when at 

 Enville I had ordered a large collection for forcing, to light up with their glownng 

 colours the large conservatory. Little trouble or care is required to have them 

 in perfection in February and March. Plenty of light is the most essential thing 

 in their culture at that period ; they should be placed as near the glass as possible, 

 plunged in a mild bottom-heat, and occasionally syringed. The temperature of 

 the house need not exceed 50° or 55°. — Edwaed Bennett, Gardener to the 

 Marquis of Salisbiir//, Hatfield, Herts. 



BOUVARDIAS AS WINTER DECORATIVE PLANTS. 



4.2J AM glad to see that these very useful winter-blooming plants are beginning 



1^ to obtain some attention among English growers, for since I have been in 



^^ this country, I have often felt surprised that none of us found out their 



tj merits before. It is certain that until recently, there were but few 



varieties known, and several of the best have originated in this country. If I had 



again to find a private establishment in England in cut flowers during the winter, 



I should certainly grow some hundreds of these for that purpose ; besides which 



well-grown plants in pots are very useful for furnishing. A few plants of B. 



Vreelandii would scent a large conservatory at night with the most delicate and 



pleasant of perfumes. I do not consider your plate did this fine variety justice, 



although the rosy tint on one spray, is like we have it out of doors in summer. 



We have another sport from B. Hogarth called The Bride, which, as regards 

 size, shape of flower, and habit of growth, is the same as Vreelandii, but the colour 

 is a beautiful satin rose. I can only compare it to the colour in Tea Rose La 

 France. This variety, I have no doubt, will be very popular when known in 

 England, but, of course, would not cause the sensation which Vreelandii did here. 



