1873.] FLORIST FLOWERS. 261 



among Mr Speed's specialities, and maybe classed with tlie ''lions" of 

 the gardens. The fruit-houses are all in excellent order : most of the 

 vineries (sixteen in all) have been replanted since Mr Speed went to 

 Chatsworth. His name is so favourably known as a fruit-grower, one 

 need hardly say that every Yine and Peach-tree is in fine order, and 

 many of them growing under difficult circumstances, from the overflow 

 of the Derwent river. Pines, Strawberry-forcing, all kinds of forced 

 vegetables, are very extensive. The kitchen-garden, which is over 12 

 acres in extent, has been much improved of late years. The extensive 

 grounds are also receiving due attention. Chatsworth gardens are 

 managed by eighty-five men under Mr Speed. ^I. Temple. 



Blenheim. 



FLORIST FLOWERS. 



THE ANTIRRHINUM. 



Perhaps there are those who still question the propriety of honouring the 

 snapdragon so much as to admit it into the order of that high-caste group 

 designated "Florist Flowers." We are perfectly well aware how jealously the 

 walls and portals that encompass and guard these gems of Flora are manned 

 against innovation, and therefore shall not presume further than ask permission 

 to enter the Antirrhinum under this heading, for the convenience of those of 

 our readers for whom these notes are principally intended. 



The Antirrhinum is a hardy genus, in the ordinary sense of the term, 

 being a native of England, although, like sundry other plants indigenous, some- 

 what susceptible to extreme frost in certain localities. According with its 

 great merits, it is extensively patronised, being very beautiful whether con- 

 sidered for its diversity of colour or the unique formation of its flowers. 

 Speaking of its usefulness in varied positions, the Antirrhinum is quite at 

 home occupying the crevices of some venerable wall, adorning its time-eaten 

 sides by massive spikes of glowing crimson, white, yellow, and other inter- 

 vening hues ; handsome on the flower-border ; on the rockwork also ; but for 

 the parterre indispensable. 



Although not extremely fastidious about the soil in which it is placed, it 

 prefers most that of a rich light nature. There its full beauties are perfected 

 when in the enjoyment of abundant sunshine. Moreover, under these circum- 

 stances there is less danger of frost killing it in winter than when the soil is 

 of a heavy clayey kind. 



Propagation. — This is effected both from seed and by cuttings. I do not 

 know of any other plant to equal this as regards the number of first- 

 class flowers derived from a single packet of seed, when the seed is got from 

 a reliable source ; a poor flower is quite the exception ; so that one need 

 not be afraid to plant a bed of seedlings in the most conspicuous part of a 

 flower-garden. For spring planting, the seed should be sown in August, or 

 early in September, and encouraged to grow by means of a little artificial heat 

 — that is to say, in a bed where cuttings are striking. When the seedlings are 

 ready to prick out, sort them into shallow well-drained boxes, and place them 

 on a shelf near the glass in a greenhouse, where frost is excluded. Water 

 sparingly all the winter, without allowing them once to get over dry ; and 



T 



