154 THE FLORIST. 



introduction of fresh water at the same temperature, and the escape 

 of an equal quantity, thus creating an imperceptible current, ^ir, 

 in suitable weather, may be freely admitted from above without 

 injury. Indeed, there is every reason to believe that, when the 

 plant is fairly at home, and our skilful gardeners are famihar with 

 its character, it will grow like a weed ; and we have every expec- 

 tation that it will exceed, in size of flowers and foliage, all that has 

 been reported of it in its native country. We believe some of our 

 large manufacturers might readily cultivate the Victoria by diverting 

 the condensed steam of their engines into a pond covered with glass 

 and planted with it. We have in our mind's eye several reservoirs 

 of the kind which might be thus converted ; and from what we ob- 

 served at Chiswick on the 18th, where the leaves and flowers were 

 exhibited after being cut a considerable time, we are inclined to 

 believe that the Sunday's rest of the steam-engine would not prove 

 destructive to it. 



At Syon, the tank will soon furnish a beautiful specimen of tro- 

 pical aquatic vegetation. In the centre is the Victoria, with its noble 

 foliage and flowers lying on the surface ; planted by it are the dif- 

 ferent species of Nelumbiums, which will no doubt soon be in flower; 

 at the several corners are Nymphseas rubra, ccerulea, dentata, and 

 odorata, blooming beautifully, and growing most vigorously ; and 

 here and there, floating on the surface, are a number of Pistes. 



The Duke of Northumberland has liberally distributed tickets to 

 view the Victoria ; and in a short time, when the alterations of the 

 house are entirely finished, it will no doubt prove a highly attractive 

 object. 



THE CHOICEST PANSIES 



SHEWN IN THE SEVERAL COLLECTIONS AT HAMMERSMITH.* 



White-ground varieties. — Queen of England (Fellowes), Almanzor 

 (Le Messurier), Helen (Hunt), Mrs. Beck (Turner), Miss Thomson 

 (Thomson), Duchess of Rutland (Thomson), Penelope (Thomson), 

 Caroline (Thomson), Sir R. Peel (Bragg), very fine ; Chmax (Bell), 

 Princess (Turner), Ariadne (Cook), Mrs. Hamilton (Nasmyth). 



Yellow or Straw-ground varieties. — Constellation (Thomson), 

 Bellona (Hooper), a large variety ; Rubens (Turner), Miss Edwards 

 (Turner), an early flower; Duke of Norfolk (Bell), the boldest 

 flower in cultivation ; Supreme (Youell), Addison (Turner), Leader 

 (Hooper), Juventa (Hooper), a large variety; Lady Franklin (Thom- 

 son), Mrs. Bragg (Bragg), Viceroy (Turner), Example (Turner), 

 Mr. Beck (Turner). 



White Selfs. — I can report nothing very excellent. Snow-flake 

 (Thomson) has shape, but requires smoother edges ; White Sergeant 

 (Cook) was more purple than white, being much mottled : even 

 moderate whites are in request. 



* See report. 



