118 THE FLORIST. 



Purple Perfection. A variety which has not been brought so 

 prominently before the pubHc as most of the others. The colour9 

 are brilhant, and the flame decided ; rather apt to break out at the 

 top of the petals. Of robust growth, making a large cup ; often 

 coarse. When not grown too strong, it will often bring a winning 

 flower. 



Queen of Violets. This I have seen in several characters. The 

 cup shoulders rather more than the generality ; the petals are re- 

 markably broad, and stout beyond any other sort I am acquainted 

 with. The feather intensely dark, with a strong beam or flame up 

 the centre of each petal. A noble fourth row. 



Violet le grand. I have but once seen in good character. The 

 form is good, the purple light, generally flame and feather. 



Added to the above there is a bizarre which I had forgotten to 

 notice, it is called Oriflamme. I do not think Mr. Gibbons named 

 it, but it certainly is one of his. It is a very good and pure cup, 

 with a single flame of bright red, without a particle of feather. Now 

 this is a style of flow^er that does not suit northern growers, which is 

 one reason why it is not seen more frequently. 



I have now% Mr. Editor, done till the blooming season is past, 

 when, if nothing unforeseen happens, and my remarks suit your 

 readers, you shall hear from me again. 



H. S. M. 



BEDDING-OUT PLANTS. 



Previous to planting these out in the borders, they ought to be 

 well hardened off^, by being gradually inured to the full influence of 

 light and air, and more particularly those which have been propa- 

 gated in a strong heat within the last two months ; if this is not 

 properly attended to, they will receive such a check as will cause 

 them to remain some weeks before they commence their growth. 

 I have seen good healthy plants almost killed when turned out of a 

 rather close cold frame and fully exposed. When planting, it is of 

 great importance to see that the plants in pots are in a moist state ; 

 for if dry — and they generally are so in small pots — and very full 

 of roots also, the soil in the beds being loose, it often happens that, 

 although they may receive a liberal watering immediately after 

 planting, the ball will be found quite dry ; if the roots are much 

 matted, they should be carefully disentangled, which will cause 

 them to take root in the fresh soil much sooner. The following 

 list of plants will be found suitable for the purpose. When the 

 height of the plant is mentioned, it must be borne in mind that the 

 soil and situation make a difference, likewise the way in which they 

 are trained and pegged down. 



Ageratum mexicanum, blue, from IJ to 21 feet high; put the 

 plants 18 or 20 inches apart, and peg them well down. 



A. album, white; a weaker grower, about 1 foot high; requires 

 to be thickly planted. 



