244 THE FLORIST. 



may bravely challenge fastidiousness. No human being not utterly 

 perverted can scorn flowers ; nor can they be offered, even to the 

 spoiled child of fortune, without an implied compliment to taste. 

 The fairest of Eve's daughters, and the proudest scion of nobility, as 

 well as the village beauty, the most gifted and least cultivated— pro- 

 vided either imagination or heart exists — must feel gratified at such 

 a tribute, whether from dependent or equal, new^ acquaintance or 

 faithful lover. Like all spontaneous attractions, that of flow^ers gives 

 them immunity from ordinary rules. They are so lovely and so frail, 

 that, like children, they bespeak indulgence ere they offend. Of all 

 material things they excite the most chivalric sentiment ; and hence 

 are given and received, scattered and woven, cultivated and gathered, 

 worn and won, with a more generous and refined spirit than any 

 other ornaments. They are radiant hieroglyphics sculptured on the 

 earth's bosom ; perhaps the legacy of angels, but certainly overflowing 

 with messages of love that are apart from the work-day scenes and 

 prosaic atmosphere of common life, and allied to better moments, — to 

 the sweet episodes of existence, to the promises of love, and the 

 memories of youth ; and hence they are consecrated, and like " the 

 quality of mercy," bless " him that gives and her that takes." 



ERYTHRINA LAURIFOLIA. 



This coral tree is unquestionably one of the most splendid objects 

 which a garden can possess. It is a native of South America, and 

 has been long in cultivation, but, like many other plants, when first 

 introduced it was placed in our stoves, and almost lost sight of; 

 indeed in many places it is yet to be found occupying a warm house. 

 It is commonly treated as a greenhouse plant ; but in the south of 

 England at least, it is nearly able to withstand the vicissitudes of 

 our climate, requiring protection only during winter, and keeping 

 the young shoots from spring frost. It is one of the easiest of all 

 plants to manage, either in pots or planted out, producing its large 

 and deep red-coloured flowers in the greatest profusion on the shoots 

 of the present year's growth, beginning to develope them about the 

 middle of July, and continuing on in beauty till the blossoms are 

 destroyed by autumn frosts. After flowering, all the branches may 

 be lopped off, leaving only the stump remaining. If planted out 

 in a pit or frame, where the stump can be sheltered when divested 

 of its branches, by the sashes being put on in November, and re- 

 moved in spring when the frosts are over, it w'ill form one of the 

 most beautiful objects imaginable during the latter part of summer 

 and through autumn. A mixture of loam and sand, with a little 

 turfy peat, is the best compost to pot it in, and the same material 

 may be used if planted out. It will be necessary to give it frequent 

 waterings in hot weather during summer. 



Kew. J. HouLSTON. 



