S2 THE GARDENER. [Feb. 



leaves, with a distinct dark zone traced on them. I have, at the time 

 I write, several pots of seedlings presenting a singular variation of 

 leaf-marking. 



I find it very necessary to guard against the attacks of mice. They 

 have decided' floral tastes, as I have discovered to my cost ; they are 

 extremely fond of devouring the seeds, and with them the chances of 

 obtaining either plants or novelties. 



Now for my experiences with seeds taken from certain varieties. I 

 planted one pot with seeds obtained from Amy Hogg, one of Mr W. 

 Paul's Nosegays ; and, as far as I can judge of the appearance of the 

 leaves at present, they show at least four distinct types. From Forget- 

 me-not, a pretty and useful pink-blooming zonal, I have some plants 

 having dark-green leaves with a dark zone like the parent, and some 

 leaves with a pure golden surface. From Mons. Reudatler some fine 

 zonal leaves may be expected, even if the flowers are worthless. In 

 the early part of the summer of 18G9 I planted out in the margin 

 of a vine-border two rows of seedlings of my own raising, and in 

 several instances the decided character of the leaf-marking was of a 

 very interesting character ; and some of the plants produced really 

 good flowers. From these I selected several kinds that promise to 

 make good bedders, and I shall propagate them for the purpose, and 

 so thoroughly test their properties and bedding qualities. 



Supposing I get no decided novelties, I would on no account miss 

 the enjoyment that the raising of seedlings always affords. It is 

 deeply interesting to watch the opening flowers, and to note how they 

 vary in character from the parent type, alike in the shape and colour 

 of the blossoms, and in the shape and marking of the leaves. 



I have now to add that I sow the seed in August or the first week 

 in September. George Venner. 



The Grove Gardens, Hamvell, W. 



THE PLUM GROWN AS A PYRAMID. 



I have read on page 8 of the last number of the ' Gardener ' an article on 

 "The Cultivation of Hardy Fruits," by Mr M'Millan, in which he particularly 

 treats of the Plum. In that article the following passage occurs — "I have 

 never tried the Plum as a pyramid, nor have I ever seen it as such. From its 

 general appearance and habit, and the mode of pruning and training necessary, 

 it is my opinion that, grown as pyramids, it would not succeed. I may be wrong, 

 but my idea is, that as such it would be far more likely to make such growth as 

 would result in the production of wood in the place of flower-buds." 



I write for the purpose of narrating, not what I have myself done with the Plum 

 as a pyramid, but what I have seen others doing; and I can draw a notable illus- 



