168 THE FLORIST. 



the principal cause of the miserably small flowers which are often seen 

 upon this plant. 



While in bloom the plant may be removed to a somewhat cooler 

 situation, ])rovided the proper degree of moisture can be maintained in 

 the atmosphere, which will tend to prolong its beauty. As already 

 stated, the specimen will continue growing and flowering the whole 

 season, but it can seldom be had in first-rate condition after the first 

 head of flower is over, and unless better things are scarce, or it can be 

 cut back and grown a second time, it need not receive any very 

 particular care through the summer, merely aftbrding it a situation in 

 a rather warm house, and a moderate supply of water. By annually 

 cutting back and disrooting, a specimen will last any length of time, 

 and will soon form an immense bush, producing a grand effect when 

 in full beauty. 



The best soil for this plant is good strong fibry peat with a small 

 proportion of turfy loam ; the peat and loam should be carefully broken 

 up and intermixed with a liberal proportion of clear sand to ensure the 

 soil taking water equally ; and in potting, the soil should be made 

 moderately firm, so as to prevent the water escaping without first 

 moistening the ball. 



Wm. Cole. 



THE GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. 



We again beg to direct attention to this institution, which has peculiar 

 claims on gardeners, and so eminently deserves the attention of all 

 interested in gardening matters. The Society was instituted in 1838, 

 for the relief of aged and indigent gardeners and their widows, but it 

 was not until 1841 that the institution became practically useful, through 

 the medium of pensions. Since then the Society has paid upwards of 

 5000/. to aged and indigent gardeners and their widows. The number 

 of pensioners now on the funds is 29, and three more are to be elected 

 at midsummer ; but since the formation of the Society, 74 pensioners 

 have enjoyed its benefits, and these persons have lived to the average age 

 of 80 years. The institution is dependent entirely on subscriptions and 

 donations, in addition to possessing 3400/. in funded property. 



Another great source of income to the Society is the annual dinner, 

 appointed to take place at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate Street, on 

 Monday, June 11th, when Sir Samuel Morton Peto, Bart,, has consented 

 to preside, and wiU be supported by a large number of stewards, in the 

 list of whom are the well-known names of Dr. Royle, T. Grissell, Esq., 

 J. J. Mechi, Esq., and many other gentlemen. These annual dinners 

 of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution promise to rank above 

 the ordinary dinners connected ^vith charitable institutions ; men holding 

 the highest position in the world of literature have honoured the festive 

 board, and have not only done great service to the Society in words but 

 by their purses also. A large number of noblemen and gentlemen have 

 annually frequented these dinners,, and the handsome subscriptions 



