DECEMBER. 353 



PELAKGONIUMS. 



(Plate 158.) 



Our present illustration consists of the two leading Pelar- 

 goniums of the season, hoth having heen first in their respective 

 classes at the Crystal Palace and other exhibitions. Our plate 

 faithfully represents their colour and form, hut to this we can 

 add the very satisfactory requisite to their becoming general 

 favourites, viz., that they are free bloomers, fine growers, and 

 of easy culture. The very noble flower, raised by E. Foster, 

 Esq., has that depth of rich colour so well known in many 

 of Mr. Foster's seedlings, but with lower petals such as were 

 never before produced at Clewer. It is without doubt the 

 finest Pelargonium of any class that has yet come under our 

 observation. King of Purples is also new in colour, and one 

 of the best of this popular class, the spotted varieties. 



We have been favoured with the following observations from 

 a most successful grower, and an old and highly respected con- 

 tributor : — 



It is some time since your readers were favoured with any remarks 

 upon the new Pelargoniums which have been annually sent forth into 

 the floricultural world, to be criticized and admired, and, as I do not 

 possess the data for a full detail of all the new flowers that have appeared 

 since your last remarks, I shall not therefore attempt a description cf 

 them, yet there are several that have been exhibited during the past 

 season that are so decidedly worthy of notice, and which must give satis- 

 facton to all who are fortunate enough to obtain them, that I believe your 

 readers will be glad to have their attention directed to them. I think I 

 am not far wrong, if wrong at all, in saying that at no period has the 

 improvement of the Pelargonium been more marked and decided than 

 in the new flowers of the last two or three years, and this improve- 

 ment has not been confined to one particular point, but has com- 

 prised general freedom of bloom, size and substance, form and 

 colour, all which are leading points. The new flowers are strikingly 

 fine, nor is their increased variety less remarkable. Some years ago 

 there was but one class of Pelargoniums (leaving out the Cape species), 

 and now we have three, with distinctions very strongly marked, 

 viz., the old style, the spotted, and the fancies, and each of these classes 

 contains numerous varieties. 



The first flower that attracted my attention this season was Festus, 

 exhibited by Mr. Turner at Regent's Park, in May ; the individual 

 flowers and also the trusses are large, bold, smooth, and constant, and 

 the general habit excellent ; a most desirable exhibition plant, and 

 likely to be a favourite for some time. 



VOL. XII., NO. CXLIV. A A 



