224 THE POTENTILLA. 
they contain. The reader must not suppose that pots thus decorated 
are recommended to be universally used ; such would be a misapplica- 
tion of taste; but for plants to bloom in, for the conservatory, and for 
plants intended during the summer to ornament the flower-garden, or 
parterre, such pots would harmonize with the surrounding objects and 
scenery, and by their warmth and colour, form pleasing objects of 
themselves, independent of their proper uses.—Spencer, in Paxton’s 
Magazine. 
THE POTENTILLA 
Is one of those plants which do not attract much attention in their 
original state, but which have been rendered desirable by the im- 
provements that have been made by seeding. The best of the family 
was Potentilla Hopwoodiana, which was originally found in a bed of 
stools, and was supposed to be a self-sown seedling, a natural cross 
between a light and a scarlet. 
This flower, to be perfect, should be circular and slightly cupped, 
blooming abundantly, completely above the foliage, on stiff wiry 
branches. The colour, as in all other flowers, is purely a matter of 
taste, but the most in repute are the most brilliant. 
The culture of the Potentilla has been quite neglected, except that 
it is found among the collections of herbaceous plants. A collection 
of them in a bed, with the flowers well contrasted, makes a very showy 
object, and the following selection has been recommended :— 
Atrosanguinea, deep crimson. 
Thomasii, rich yellow, large. 
Insignis, bright yellow. 
Russelliana, crimson scarlet. 
Formosa, rose. 
Menziesii, rich crimson. 
M‘ Nabiana, bright crimson. 
O’ Brienii, orange red. 
Rubra-Aurantia, red and orange. 
Hopwoodiana, lemon ground with pink edges. 
Brilliant, rich bright scarlet. 
Plantii, yellow centre, scarlet border. 
These are calculated to make a pretty little collection to begin with, 
and contrast one with the other well for colour. This plant, like 
many others, would grow best in good rich loam, without any other 
dung than had fallen to its share when it was in pasture land; and as 
a general rule, nothing beats this soil for flowers. Beds should be 
formed four feet wide, and any length the number may require. They 
should be planted in three rows down the bed; the rows should be 
nine inches from the side, and the same from row to row. ‘There are 
few subjects that look more pleasing or more showy. They will do 
three years without replanting, but when done, the roots should 
be parted, so that there be a good heart and a bit of root to each. 
After watering them in, to settle the earth about the roots, they may 
