PELARGONIUM. VAK. TOM THUMB'S BRIDE. 



WITHIN the last half-dozen years particular attention has been 

 directed to obtain improved varieties of that class of Pelaro-o- 

 niums, usually termed Scarlet Geraniums, and the result has been 

 very successful. 



Of the section denominated Horse-shoe leaf Geraniums, which 

 comprises varieties whose leaves are very distinctly horse-shoe marked, 

 others wholly destitute of it, and the flowers of all shades of colour 

 from the richest crimson and scarlet down to the white flowered, there 

 are sixty named kinds, and each successive season there is a nearer 

 approach to perfection in form of flower, so that we have some that 

 when fully expanded very nearly fill up a complete circle. 



In iiabit of growth there is too a great variety, from the very dwarf 

 Scarlet Minima to those of gigantic stature, some of which we have 

 seen trained to the height of ten or twelve feet. The charming variety 

 Tom Tliumb, now so well known and generally cultivated as a beddino- 

 plant, or for outside of windows, is an universal favourite, and recently 

 some seedlings from it have been raised equally dwarf, but having 

 more perfectly formed flowers. About three years ago a very pretty 

 variety, named Lucia-rosea, was introduced into tliis country from 

 Paris, having flowers of a beautiful delicate colour, with tiie lower 

 portion of the two upper petals white, being much admired ; plants 

 were soon in every nurseryman's possession tliroughout the country. 

 The charming variety we now figure was raised by Mr. Salter, of Ver- 

 sailles Nursery, Hammersmith, from a seed obtained from Lucia-rosea, 

 whicli liad been impregnated by one of the dwarf scarlets. Tiie plant 

 is of dwarf habit, compct, and a profuse bloomer. It is a very lovely 

 variety, and merits a place in every greenliouse, dwelling-room, 

 window, or flower-garden. 



Vol. xvui. No. 43,—N.S. o 



