1869.] MONTHLY CHRONICLE. 239 



■ ©he New Plectopornas, raised by M. Van Houtte, differ so much from 



their type Plectopoma gloxiniseflorum, that a botanist would have some difficulty 

 in discovering the affinity, though they inherit in a great measure the foliage of 

 the type. In respect to habit, they are far superior ; for instead of producing their flowers 

 towards the summit only, the plants become complete floral pyramids, covered from base to 

 summit with large well-shaped flowers of various forms, and of innumerable shades and 

 colours. These and kindred Gesneraceous plants are invaluable for ornamenting the green- 

 house during summer and autumn, and in view of them M. Van Houtte asks, why should the 

 amateur leave his cold house empty during the five months intervening between the removal 

 into the open air and the re-entrance of the plants for which it has been constructed, when, 

 with little trouble, he might enjoy the rich and innumerable colours of the various Ges- 

 neraceous plants, — plants destined to play an important part in house decoration ? 



JtT is a matter of surprise that the fine varieties of Lilac now in 



cultivation, such as the magnificent dark-coloured kinds named Dr. Lindley 

 and Charles X., are not oftener planted in preference to the very inferior older 

 kinds of common Lilac, which they excel as much as the plant usually grown as Persian 

 Lilac, but which appears to be tho Rouen variety (rothamagensis), does the comparatively 

 puny-looking type of Syringa persica. 



©he Cannas at Battersea Park have been very effective this season, 



especially a bed of the dark-leaved Canna Bihorelli, which was worthy of all 

 praise. This is one of a new race of Cannas, dwarf in growth, and very 

 floriferous, bearing large and strikingly showy flowers, and which will become extremely 

 useful in flower gardens. C. violacea superba is of tho same habit, with motley-bronzed 

 leaves, and abundant red flowers. C picturata nana, dwarf and free as the foregoing, has 

 green leaves, and yellow flowers spotted with crimson. Two fine dark bronze-leaved sorts of 

 larger growth are C. metallica and C. nietallicoides — both very telling varieties for foliage 

 groups. Canna Annai, in one place, where it had been left out all the winter, grew from 9 ft. 

 to 10 ft. high, and C. peruviana 7 ft. high, both freely blooming. Generally, the Cannas which 

 had not been disturbed in winter, have grown away with remarkable vigour. 



©he following new Picotees, Cloves, &c, should be in every collection^ 



as they are adapted for decoration either in pots or in the garden border :— 

 Turner's Admiration Picotee, a fine large purple-edged flower, which gives a 

 quantity of blossoms, and is of very strong compact habit. Perkins' Prince of Orange Carna- 

 tion, the finest orange-yellow tree Carnation yet before the public ; of good constitution and a 

 free flowerer ; indeed, it may be had in flower all the year round. Hodge's Bride Clove, a 

 pure, white, clove-scented, large, bold flower, with occasionally a little tint of flesh-colour; it is- 

 particularly free and good ; a strong grower, and will force well. 



Pricks' Hardy "White Cos is said by Mr. Edlington to be a most dis- 

 tinct and valuable Lettuce. If it proves as good a winter Lettuce as it has turned 

 out during the summer, its good properties will be considerably enhanced. The 

 3pring-sown plants grew to a huge size, and notwithstanding the excessive drought, there was 

 no tendency in this variety to "bolt." Where Cabbage Lettuces are at all in demand, the 

 new French Spotted is undoubtedly one of the best to grow for summer purposes. It grows 

 to a large size when well cultivated, and stands well, without the least tendency to run to seed. 



■ ©o perpetuate Double Stocks, it is recommended, when the varieties 



are in full bloom, to take off as cuttings the lateral shoots beneath the flowers 

 (before they show bloom), and to prepare and plant them like those of other soft- 

 wooded plants, placing them in a cold frame, and shading them until roots have pushed out 

 freely. In this way it is said that plants more symmetrical in shape, and blooming more 

 profusely than those generally raised from seed, are produced. 



2£Jho can say that we have even yet produced Lilium auratum in all its 



beauty. Certainly the specimen shown on the 17th of August at South Ken- 



