286 MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 



of having such frames affixed to the pots is, to have the strong principals 

 to extend two-thirds of the way down the outside of the pot ; at the lower ex- 

 tremity they are secured by running through holes in a circular rim of wrought 

 iron, the end of each having a head to prevent its slipping upwards. The iron 

 rim is so made that one endtoverlaps the other, and each having holes at an inch 

 apart through which a little bolt is put, keeps the girth so secured, but allows the 

 same to be loosened from the pot, or extended to suit a larger one when repotted. 

 A second girth goes round the pot close under its upper edge, through which 

 the principals pass ; they are then turned inwards near the surface of the pot, so 

 that they meet at the centre, forming a strong standard, which being lengthened 

 to purpose, either long or short, is then formed above into any vase or other 

 shape, numerous smaller wires being extended parallel to the principals and 

 intersected across so as to form square or diamond meshes. 



Healthy grown, climbing, or trailing plants, trained horizontally around, or 

 even having the shoots pendant, such wire- frames induce them to produce a 

 far greater quantity of flowers than if permitted to grow in a rambling or lengthy 

 extended manner. Besides which, as we noticed in some recent numbers of the 

 Cabinet, the flowers are not only brought fully, but near to view. Plants should 

 be so prepared, if not done before, previous to pushing in spring. — Conductor.] 



REMARKS. 



Upon keeping Dahlia Roots sakely dukino Winter. — I lift them up and 

 dry them ; then pack them in a box among corn seeds, placing them so that they 

 do not touch one another. The box is then placed over where the cows stand, 

 above their heads, and a little straw is put over the box. When I take them 

 out in March, the shoots have generally pushed two inches long, and are almost 

 immediately ready for striking on the roots being removed to the frames. I have 

 pursued this method for the last five years, and never lost a root. 



A Normi Briton. 



On the Cactus. — In autumn they should be placed in a warm situation in 

 the open air fully open to the sun, and be taken into the greenhouse before the 

 weather becomes too cold; in winter be kept dry. Early in spring pot them in 

 a compost of equal parts of sandy peat, rich loam, and well-rotted dung, in which 

 they flourish beyond any other compost. When growing in summer they must 

 have a free supply of water. Attention to these particulars will ensure the most 

 admirable success, Ci.ericus. 



The Qualities ov a Good Rose. — Mr. Shears, of the Floricultural Society of 

 London, on the 21st inst., gives a five guinea silver cup for Thirty-six Roses, to 

 be exhibited in single blooms. This is the first prize offered for Roses by the 

 Society, and of course they will be judged by the same rules as " florists' flowers," 

 i.e. by perfection of form. A few words are therefore necessary as to what qua- 

 lities constitute a perfect Rose ; and these may probably be a guide to the 

 growers, as to what they should endeavour to exhibit. For perfection of shape, 

 the outer row of petals should he a little incurved, so as to form a shallow cup. 

 If the summits of the pistils (as is often the case in fine Roses) are inclined to 

 be monstrous, so as to form themselves into an incipient flower-bud in the centre 

 of the flower, such a rose should disqualify a stand. Uniformity of size should 

 by all means be attended to; and diversity of colours also should be a leading 

 feature, so as to give as many tints as possible in the Thirty-six Roses selected 

 fur competition. If these few rules are not adhered to, much trouble will be 

 given to the judges ; for one grower may exhibit thirty-six very double and beau- 

 tiful Roses, but some of them with reflexed outer petals ; another may perhaps 

 think that size alone will carry the day, and accordingly show all large roses, 

 without reference to perfection in shape, and feel dissatisfied at the result. Let 

 all, therefore, endeavour to exhibit those only that are most perfect, and with as 



