8 TUE FLORIST. 



Mr. Hamilton having shewn us some ornamental flower- vases, which, 

 by the introduction of his supporter, are fitted for growing these 

 favourite sj)ring flowers ; the vases being available for their legiti- 

 mate purpose after the Hyacinth and Narcissus have bloomed and 

 are over. 



If simplicity be the test of usefulness, Mr. Hamilton's supporter 

 is well calculated to effect its object ; and we gladly recommend it 

 (to use his own language) to all who would preserve the beauty of 

 these favourite flowers. In detail, it keeps the bulb stationary, pre- 

 vents the necessity of tying up the stem, while it aff"ords increased 

 convenience in other necessary manipulations, such as changing the 

 water, &c. We think its cheapness an additional recommendation. 

 We have obtained some for ourselves ; and lest it should be thought 

 we are under any undue influence, we may add we have paid full 

 price for them. 



FANCY DAHLIAS. 



I BEG your acceptance of the accompanying list of Fancy Dahlias 

 for insertion in your pages. My name, which I hand you, will satisfy 

 yourself, and consequently your readers, that the selection is made 

 after a most favourable opportunity of observing the flowers in all 

 parts of the countr)^ and under all kinds of cultivation. The general 

 lover of the Dahlia, who has not hitherto cultivated this class, is 

 unable to form a just conception of their varied beauties when seen 

 under good management, and cannot fail to be gratified if he com- 

 mences with the following selection : — 



Belle de Nogent {Med). This is a large variety, with long 

 footstalks and fine erect habit ; petals reflexed ; globular, good form ; 

 colour red and white. 3 to 4 feet. 



Candidate {Barnes). Maroon, tipped with white ; high centre, 

 thin ; very showy, and free bloomer. 5 feet. 



CoMus {Tassart). Carmine and white; colours well defined; 

 large open petals, which do not make a very compact flower ; flowers 

 beneath the foliage. 2 feet. 



CoMTE DE Flandre {Van Renynghe). Red, tipped with white; 

 flower of medium size ; fills well in the centre ; good habit. 4 feet. 



CoNSPicuA {Salter). Violet purple, with white down the centre 

 of each petal. Similar to Master G. Clayton, but fuller of petals ; 

 fine habit. 5 feet. 



Discount (Barnes). Dark maroon, tipped with white; large fine 

 form, and of the best habit. The only fault is, that the early blooms 

 have a hard green centre ; late, it is one of the best : therefore such 

 varieties, to be more useful, should be grown to a large size in pot 

 before planting-out time. 4 to 5 feet. 



Empereur de Maroc {Huidoux). Maroon, shaded and tipped 



