GLOXINIA. 133 
although he annually raised a large number of seedlings, 
he could not succeed in obtaining anything better than 
those already in cultivation. Being discouraged at find- 
ing his best efforts so poorly rewarded, he had deter- 
mined to relinquish the attempt. His seedlings that 
season (1877) had nearly all bloomed, with the same 
result. There remained but a few weak plants to flower. 
Curiously enough, on the weakened and latest seedling 
appeared a single flower, so distinct and beautifully 
marked that M. Vallerand declared that he was quite 
taken by surprise. It may be easily imagined how that 
plant was cherished, the flower carefully fertilized, and 
precaution taken to destroy every other bloom near it. 
The seed ripened, and from this sprang many other 
charming forms.” 
Another interesting form has appeared in Gloxinia 
Gesnerioides, cross sent out by Messrs. Carter, of Lon- 
don, between the Gloxinia and the Gesnera. It is but 
little known in this country, but is described as follows: 
‘This desirable novelty is the result of hybridizing the 
Gloxinia with the Gesnera, and the peculiar properties 
of both species are fully united, for while carrying the 
graceful habit and beautifully colored foliage of the 
Gesnera, it produces the magnificent flowers so identified 
with the Gloxinia.” 
We make no attempt at a description of the natural 
species, as they are no longer in cultivation; neither the 
florists’ varieties, as these are innumerable. The great 
pleasure in growing the Gloxinia comes from seedlings, 
which are so readily and easily produced, and which fur- 
nish such an endless variety of form and color, all desir- 
able, that named varieties are not essential to the most 
beautiful collection. 
The cultivation of the Gloxinia is very simple, and 
nowhere have we seen it so well managed as by William 
Falconer, Esq., of Glen Cove, Long Island. We give his 
