2G8 



THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST. 



[ Decembeh, 



nary circmiistances is some ten days or a fortnight earlier than tlic common white, 

 but it is very weak-growing, and requires nursing. A pale blue variety whieh I 

 got last spring at Hartley, near Dartford, in Kent, might be cultivated, I think, 

 where there is a love for variety ; of course, I cannot speak definitely about it. 



The above are all the single Violets I know anything of, experimentally, ex- 

 cept my own seedlings. Of these Victoria Rcgina has been pretty well tested, and 

 I have every hope it will be a great acquisition. It is as hardy as Crimean, London, 

 or Devoniensis, a stronger grower, and having much the habit of these varieties ; 

 the stalks equally long, much stouter, and the blooms much larger, their 

 average size being 1^ in., or a little over ; some blooms when very fully expanded 



Violet VicToni.v Eegina. 



measure 1^ in. across, but then they are past their best, that is, they Lave lost 

 their symmetry ; the blossoms before they have gone too far are beautiful in shape, 

 and the scent is said to be delightful, but as a bloomer I cannot say it is superior 

 to Devoniensis, London, or Crimean, except that I get more from Dec ember to 

 Febiniary. This is the greatest improvement I have ever known on all points. 

 I have another I have named Prince Cojisorf, which is more in the way of the 

 Czar, as to constitution, not hardier than that variety certainly ; this will be fine 

 for the conservatory, as the foliage is very handsome apart from the beautiful 

 flowers, which are even larger than those of Victoria Eegina, but do not keep 

 their colour so well. 



