APRIL. 



THE DAHLIA. 



[Plate 86.] 



Beauty of Slough, the subject of our present illustration, 

 was raised by Mr. Bragg, of the Star Nursery, in 1852, and 

 was rather extensively exhibited during the last autumn. It is 

 a showy, striking variety, as will be seen from the plate ; and 

 is of excellent habit, and grows to the height of four feet. It 

 is not strictly speaking a constant flower, but has many good 

 qualities ; such as stout smooth petals and good form, and will 

 be very effective either on the plant or in a stand of blooms. 

 It should not be grown too luxuriantly ; stiff soil, with but 

 little manure, will be best suited to its habit. Forcing it too 

 much would probably make it come rather loose and open in 

 the centre. Mr. Andrews has produced a life-like and highly 

 finished drawing of a good bloom of it, which we present to 

 our readers. 



GLASS WALLS, &c. 



As you are now treating on the different kinds of architecture 

 which have been introduced to our gardens since the removal of the 

 duty from glass, perhaps I may be permitted to make a few remarks 

 on those descriptions of building which are more especially adapted 

 for the protection and growing of fruits. 



These structures consist of three kinds, viz. the covering of brick 

 or stone walls with glass, orchard houses, and glass-walls, each of 

 which has its respective merits, and I may add its disadvantages. 

 The covering of existing walls with glass is by no means new ; but it 

 has been brought more prominently forward, and improved upon, 

 within these last few years ; and when properly planned and executed, 

 it not only will secure a crop of fruit, but looks neat of itself; and 

 may in the latter respect be regarded in appearance as somewhat 

 approaching to the glass-wall : notwithstanding its advantages, I find 

 both gardeners and amatem-s who seriously discuss, and tenaciously 

 adhere to the antiquated plan of fruit-tree protection by means of 

 canvas-rolls and fir-branches. 



As regards orchard-houses, I believe we are indebted to Mr. Ri- 

 vers for first bringing them into notice as useful expedients for the 

 culture of fruits, more partic^jlarly in pots and tubs ; and I cannot 

 doubt that they are useful erections in their way. On the other 



NEW SERIES, VOL. IV. NO. XL. H 



