202 ON THE CULTURE OF PELARGONIUMS. 



niary sacrifice and attention given in order to realize so desirable an 

 improvement in the flowers of this most lovely tribe of plants, we 

 feel especially thankful to Captain Thurtell, and when the variety 

 here figured, with several other very superior seedlings, are in pos- 

 session of growers in general, they will unite with us in similar feel- 

 ings of obligation. Having, in page 191, described the mode of 

 procedure with seedlings, we proceed to the more general culture as 

 practised by the best London growers. 



We have, in recent Numbers, given a description of all the first- 

 rate kinds exhibited for the first time this season; and there are 

 several most superior ones. The beauty and perfection to which 

 (in character and culture) they have attained almost compel every 

 admirer of floral beauties to become what is termed a geranium 



grower. 



Pelargoniums are usually denominated Geraniums, although they 

 constitute a very different family. The following mode of culture 

 applies to the shrubby class of Pelargoniums, usually exhibited at the 

 floral meetings for competition. 



They always succeed best when grown in a house apart from other 

 plants, and to be placed upon a stage as near to the glass as circum- 

 stances will admit : thus placed is a most essential point in their 

 culture. Where a greenhouse is of necessity appropriated to other 

 classes of plants, then it is best to have pit-frames to grow the 

 Pelargoniums in till blooming season ; and when the flower-stems 

 have pushed about half their length, to introduce the plants into the 

 greenhouse for blooming, and when there to be placed as near the glass 

 as possible. When they are in the greenhouse, and the petals are 

 bursting the calyx, the temperature must be kept high, and be kept 

 so till the blooming is over. If it is desired to have large and bold 

 flowers, this attention is very necessary ; and, though at a hot season 

 of the year, the house should be kept closed in a great degree, using 

 a canvass shade when mid-day sun is intense. This mode of treat- 

 ment with blooming plants is the principal reason of the flowers 

 exhibited by the London growers being generally so superior in size 

 to those usually seen in the country. 



Having thus premised as to situation, &c, we add some general 

 observations on culture. 



In the first week of July, or earlier, if the plants have done bloom- 

 ing, the cuttings are taken ofT, and inserted around a pot in loam 



