172 



half an inch aboAe the calyx, and then turn off gracefully in a hori- 

 zontal direction, supporting the interior petals, Avhich should decrease 

 gradually in size as they approach the centre, which should be well 

 filled with them. All the petals should be regularly disposed, and 

 lie over each other in such a manner as that their respective and 

 united beauties may meet the eye all together ; they should be nearly 

 flat, or at most have a small degree of inflection at the broad end ; 

 their edges perfectly enlire, without notch, fringe, or indenture. The 

 calyx should be at least an inch in length, sufficiently strong at top 

 to keep the bases of the petals in a close and circular body: the 

 colours distinct, and the stripes regular, narrowing gradually to th.e 

 claw of the petal, and there ending in a fine point. Almost one half 

 of each petal should be of a clear white, free from spots." 



These properties are, however, chiefly expected in the fine potted 

 varieties, which on coming into blow are usually placed together 

 upon a stand or stage considerably raised and covered, in order to 

 produce the fullest effect, and by protecting them to continue longer 

 in beauty. 



The double varieties, as being more large and beautiful in their 

 colours, should be principally cultivated. Some of tliem, especially 

 the Bursters, are extremely large, as three or four inches in diameter 

 over the crown. 



Whole Blowers and Bursters are common to most of the varieties, 

 especially the Flakes and Bizarres ; the former arc those in which 

 the calyx or outer cup is long and of equal growth, opening regularly 

 each way only at top, to admit a free and equal expansion of the 

 petals all round: the flowers in these, though somewhat smaller, are 

 more equally expanded, and require less trouble in the manage- 

 ment of their bloom than in the Bursters. The latter are those in 

 which the cup is large, and as it were swollen, being liable to burst 

 on one side, and permit the petal to break out and produce irregular 

 flowers, if care be not taken to prevent it by tying, and opening the 

 calyx a little on the opposite side. The fV/iole Blozeers are on this 

 account the more convenient for culture, where much time cannot 

 be spared in attending to the flowers. 



