94 THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. [APRIL, 



was a separate class for these floowers, which at Sheffield run twelve deep. 

 Certainly, the sorts exhibited then would not be tolerated now — indeed, very few 

 of thern are cultivated ; but looking at the great improvement in this class of 

 flowers, it reflects no credit on florists that they should be allowed to remain 

 neglected at the exhibitions. I hope therefore that we shall see the class of Eed 

 Bizarres fairly established this season. In this advanced age I do not see why 

 the "Science of Floriculture " should remain stationary, and its votaries become 

 dormant ; but as a class, florists are in many instances rather dogmatical. 



"We have two classes for the white-ground flowers — the Byblomens and Roses, 

 and there are those who advocate a third for Eosy Byblcimens, a class the 

 adoption of which is only a question of time, for there are many fine sorts that 

 we cannot class properly in the other two, and which when young will pass as 

 Boses, but if old are staged with the Byblomens, a state of things which is rather 

 confusing to the ideas of inexperienced amateurs. Mrs. Dixon and Bion, both 

 raised near here by Mr. Butler, and purchased by the late Mr. Dixon, of Man- 

 chester, belong to this class, as do many new sorts which are really fine, and 

 worth placing in any choice collection. 



In this locality there is more opposition to the Bed Bizarres than is found in 

 other districts ; and yet one' of the most refined tulips we have, Dr. Hardy 

 (Storer's), belongs to this class ; whilst that which rose to such a fabulous price 

 in Holland during the Tulip mania, 5,500 florins, was also of this class, a con- 

 fused red-flamed Bizarre, which would not now be tolerated on a moderate bed. 

 There are, moreover, several new ones ready to claim the attention of all ardent 

 admirers of this Queen of May. 



At the meeting of the South Lancashire Society, at Stockport, on the 6th hist., 

 the subject was mooted, and some discussion on it took place. Mr. Hepworth, of 

 Huddersfield, ■who is favourable to the adoption of this steadily increasing and 

 improving class, thought it high time that something 'should be done in the 

 matter ; and he hinted that some years ago a class for these Bed Bizarres wa3 

 started in London. 



I should be glad to hear or see of others taking up the subject. There are 

 many complaints about the lack of floral information, and no wonder, when some of 

 the more able refuse to lend their aid in its dissemination. We are certain that 

 it is not on account of dear paper or excessive postal charges. It may be that 

 many of the old enthusiastic florists have departed from amongst us, and that 

 the young ones lack that spirit of energy and enterprise which distinguished them, 

 and which is so requisite to make a true florist. There are few young florists to 

 be found at the present time, who would walk eighteen or twenty miles and back 

 in a day to look at a few new flowers and gain a little information, and they care 

 as little about imparting what they do know to others. 



Education is to be had in many localities gratis, and free libraries are now 

 becoming less rare than formerly, so that the rising generation has many 



