372 THE GARDENER. [Aug. 



information. The demand for choice cut-flowers seems rapidly increas- 

 ing, not only in tlie great metropolis, but also in other large towns. 

 The great and increasing interest taken in choice flowers is a tolerably 

 correct index of public taste and refinement; while the humanising em- 

 ployment aff'orded to hundreds by this increased appreciation of the 

 pure and beautiful in nature, cannot but operate beneficially on the 

 world at large. Here are bridal bouquets, tastefully formed of the 

 most snow-like blossoms, that nestle lovingly among fresh ferns and 

 mosses, and diffuse their delicate fragrance around us. Here are also 

 Immortelles and wreaths for the decoration of graves and tombs, that 

 remind us of friends " not lost, but gone before." We are right glad 

 to notice this growing taste for beautiful flowers, since they appeal to 

 the better feelings of all classes alike, and diff'use brightness and fra- 

 grance in many a happy home. It is also quite evident that a regular 

 current of public opinion has set in in favour of herbaceous and other 

 outdoor flowering-plants. Perhaps the coal question may have some- 

 thing to do with the increasing taste in this direction, but at all events 

 it is quite certain that many hardy plants are now becoming sought 

 after with avidity, that were but a year or two ago nearly lost to culti- 

 vators. One shop in the Grand Row makes a specialty of succulent 

 plants in small pots, and very pretty objects they are for window-cul- 

 ture or for the Wardian case. These plants are specially adapted for 

 the decoration of windows, since they succeed without the constant 

 care and attention required by most other plants. Young plants of 

 Kleinea, Pachyphytum, Echinocactus, Mammillaria, and Cereus are 

 easily obtained, and soon make effective objects for any dry situation, 

 either in the greenhouse, or apartment where other plants do not thrive. 

 In conclusion, I earnestly advise all horticulturists interested in the 

 commercial aspect of gardening to visit Covent Garden Market, and 

 there see for themselves the varied produce of hundreds of the market- 

 gardens scattered around the great metropolis. 



June 22. 



THE CHINESE AZALEA. 



The almost perfection of symmetry, and great brilliancy and purity of 

 colour, to which the Chinese Azalea has been advanced, by patient 

 breeding and high culture both in this country and on the Continent, 

 have long secured for it a foremost position among decorative plants. 

 Among the tribes of plants deserving to be described as gorgeous on 

 account of glowing brilliancy and massive outline, the Azalea cannot 

 be omitted from such a category. Their exceeding eff'ectiveness is 



