116 MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 



to the right and the other to the left, and have extended about four feet on each 

 side. The plant was almost one mass of bloom, the showy rich red flowers pro- 

 ducing a brilliant appearance. We never saw, elsewhere, anything near so well 

 cultivated a specimen as this, or so well managed. It deserves a place wherever 

 it can be grown. 



Vkronic\ speciosa (figured in our present number). — A fine specimen of it, 

 being five feet high, which blooms profusely, growing in the border in the con- 

 servatory. 



Clianthus puniceus. — A dense bush, twelve feet high, with, apparently, 

 several thousands of flowers. A very striking specimen. 



Podalyiua styracifolia. — A most beautiful specimen ; the tree-like plant, 

 being twelve feet high, having numerous long branches, all of which were 

 actually laden with blossoms. They are of the pea-shaped ciass, large, of a 

 lively lilac colour, becoming paler towards the base of the petals, so as to be 

 nearly white. The plant deserves a place in every conservatory. 



Boiionia anemonifolia. — A fine plant, literally one mass of bloom. We 

 have seen numerous specimens in other places, but this very far surpasses in 

 profuse bloom any others we have seen. It was grown in sandy peat, and had 

 not been allowed to grow too vigorously. 



Erica lonqifi.oha spi.endidissima. — The blossoms are of a rich rose colour, 

 very pretty. 



Luculia gratissima. — Ahandsome plant, is growing in the border of the con- 

 servatory. It is now ascertained that the plant blooms much more freely when 

 it is grafted on the stem of Burchellia Cauensis. It readily unites, and is the 

 best mode of increasing this truly splendid flowering plant. 



Achimenes picta. — This new and beautiful species was in profuse bloom. 

 The flowers are much in the way of A. pedunculata, but expands m»re at the 

 mouth, and the limbs are larger. The upper half of the flower, dividing it 

 lengthwise down, is of a rich red, and the luwer half yellow, streaked and spotted 

 with rich red. The plants were about a foot high, and in profuse bloom. The 

 foliage is hairy, green freckled, and marked with a lighter colour, very distinct 

 and pretty. The plant was growing in the stove. 



PART III. 

 MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 



QUERIES. 



On Cow-dung for Rhododendrons. — Is cow-dung good for promoting the 

 vigour of Rhododendrons. 



[Yes, applying it when well rotted, diguing it in at the extremities of the roots, 

 to lay a portion over the surface and sprinkle a slight portion of peat over will 

 also improve them. — Conductor.] 



On Hot Water Pipes. — Some time back I had a conservatory heated by hot 

 water, in pipes ; when I no longer require to have the use of the hot water to heat 

 the house, as in spring and summer, I am puzzled to know whether it is best for 

 the pipes, &c.,to draw off" the water entirely from the boiler and pipes, or to keep 

 them full till the return of the heating season in autumn. Perhaps Borne reader 

 of the Cabinet may have had experience in the matter, or having seen old pipes 

 which have been broken up, has had an opportunity of observing the different 

 effects of being kept empty, or retained full of water, will favour me by infor- 

 mation. An early answer will much oblige 



The Colonel. 



On growing Gloxinias in a Frame and Greenhouse.— I am anxious to 

 cultivate several of the Gloxinias, but not having a plant stove, I am desirous to 



