254 ON THE GERANIUM HOUSE. 



creased by cuttings, the simplest of all modes of re-production. 

 If the majority of Pelargoniums are deficient in fragrance, nature 

 has made up for that apparent deficiency, by the splendour of the 

 blossoms ; and, as it were, to equalise her gifts, certain kinds 

 whose flowers are less showy, nay, even of a dingy hue, have a 

 delightful perfume ; some during the evening and night, and 

 others when rubbed against, or when the wind lashes the leaves 

 and branches against each other. 



Few genera of plants exhibit more fully the industry of the 

 cultivator, or demonstrate more clearly the control he exercises 

 in producing varieties, than in the case of the Geranium or Pe- 

 largonium. Hundreds of varieties, which are to be met with in 

 the collections of florists, are the fruits of his ingenuity ; for, 

 however strange it may appear, it is a positive fact that not above 

 a dozen true species are to be recognised amongst them. It is, 

 therefore, now only in the strictly botanical collections that true 

 species are to be seen, they having given place to sub-species 

 originated by hybridizing. With the exception of three or four 

 species, the whole of this splendid tribe, amounting to nearly 

 three hundred recorded species, and above five hundred sub- 

 varieties, have been either introduced or originated in this coun- 

 try within the last fifty or sixty years. 



Structures calculated for the Growth of Geraniaceee. 



" An ordinary greenhouse, not too lofty, and capable of being 

 completely ventilated, and situated in full exposure to the me- 

 ridian sun, will answer very well for the culture of this tribe. As 

 the plants of this family require all the light, air, and sun, that 

 our climate affords, it is necessary that the Geranium house 

 should front the south, and be perfectly free from the shade of 

 trees or buildings. 



A very complete Geranium house may be upon the same scale 

 of size, and constructed as that recommended for a Heathery, 

 and may be attached to it, thus forming a pretty range, which in 

 consequence of the plants being for the most parts natives of the 

 same country, will associate well together; or the Geranium 

 house may be erected against the Camellia house, providing 

 that the latter be detached from the dwelling house, and occu- 

 pying the north aspect of a separate wall. One remark we shall 

 here make respecting the erection of plant houses in which small 

 plants are to be cultivated. 



