1873-] LOBELIAS FROM CUTTINGS, &c. 419 



places are filled as follows : Yellow Calceolarias, replaced by Dwarf 

 Wallflower, Tom Thumb ; White-leaved Geraniums by white varie- 

 gated Kale, and Scarlets by red variegated Kale. Mr Noble has also 

 been making experiments with the view of laying in the centre of 

 beds to be filled with Geraniums a carpet of dwarf Sedum. By this 

 means the soil will be covered at once, and each Geranium allowed to 

 stand distinct. Among other novelties, we were shown an Aquelegia 

 with yellow variegation, which is under trial, and is expected to be a 

 good thing. Also a dwarf plant, which, if we mistake not, was called 

 Lamium maculatum aureum, — leaves of a bright golden yellow, with 

 creamy white centre. It will doubtless prove an acquisition where 

 there are small beds to fill, the outlines of which are often entirely hid 

 by being planted with rank-growing plants. 



As a peculiar feature we must not omit to mention the pillar Ger- 

 aniums, three to seven feet high, which form striking objects in mixed 

 borders, and supply an almost unlimited quantity of cut bloom in win- 

 ter, kept as they are in a moderate heat. In conclusion, we say from 

 experience, that if the example of energy and skill displayed by Mr 

 Noble were more generally followed, less would be heard of the dul- 

 ness of flower-gardens in winter. Brightspade. 



LOBELIAS FROM CUTTINGS, AJSTD CENTAUREAS 

 FROM SEED. 

 When Lobelias are used for bedding purposes in large quantities, it is 

 the all but universal practice to propagate by seed, the impression 

 being that this is the easiest and most expeditious plan ; otherwise, I 

 suppose it is admitted, that for uniformity of colour and habit, and 

 eff'ectiveness generally, plants from cuttings are the best. I have pro- 

 pagated the Lobelia from seed for years, but I find that seedlings are 

 not adapted for small beds or edgings ; be the strain ever so pure, the 

 plants are sure to vary in colour and habit to an extent that seriously 

 interferes with neatness in arrangement. I have therefore been 

 gradually going back to the cutting process, until I have come to use 

 cutting plants for all purposes, even for massing borders hundreds of 

 feet in length ; and the improvement is so decided, that I contemplate 

 no other practice in future. As regards time and labour, &c., I am 

 inclined to think that cuttings are the most convenient. Nothing 

 strikes easier than a Lobelia. It is difl5cult sometimes to get good 

 grass in autumn for cuttings, but be they ever so wiry they never 

 refuse to strike, and before spring they will not fail to make good 

 plants if kept in a cold pit or greenhouse ; and they furnish so well, 

 that a few dozens of pots will almost give suflScient cuttings at the 



