314 BHlJif KEMAKlvS. 



little less than an impossibility ; but Ave are only anxious to show tlie 

 ntility of the latter as regards the well-being of floriculture as a science. 

 "While perfection is desired in any particular class of flowers, its gradual 

 attainment must be a subject of intense interest to all concerned ; ami 

 where, we ask, can its progress be followed with such precision as in 

 carefully observing a flower's merits or defects when placed bloom 

 against bloom with the best in its class ? The eye is not diverted from 

 the contemplation of its every beauty by other attractions, or blinded 

 to its defects by witnessing them in a greater degree evident among 

 their opponents' collections. Comparative perfection is the pivot on 

 winch success must turn ; every point is canvassed, every property is 

 discussed : the very fact of tlie argument being maintained at all is a 

 self-creative evidence of its extreme propriety : ignorance could not 

 support it, or indifference originate it. We may, therefore, fairly claim 

 for our system ability and anxiety ; the first in producing desirable 

 introductions, the second in an earnest wish to equal them. Flowers 

 raised, grown, and sliown under such circumstances, become as a matter 

 of course the gems of their class ; they have been put to the proof, and 

 take their stand as deservedly first-rate varieties. We feel assured all 

 our amateur friends will think with us, that the more of sucli flowers ■we 

 see tlie better. Encourage class-showing, and fine flowers will be 

 ensured for their stand exhibition — the brightest ornaments in our 

 grand metropolitan shows. — J. d. 



Rhododendron maximum. — During my wanderings in America I 

 only met with it once ; it was in a valley in the Virginia mountains ; 

 it there forms an immense and splendid grove; the road wiiids through 

 it for a considerable distance. While in it, it was with difiiculty a 

 glimpse of the sky could be seen through the dense foliage. It was 

 mixed with Kalmia latifolia. I am afraid to hazard an opinion of tlieir 

 height, or the size of their stems ; yet I might venture to guess them 

 to be about thirty feet in height, and many of the stems as large as a 

 man's thigh. I supposed them to be the variety mentioned by Pursli, 

 which he calls Maximum Purpureum, he says : " It grows to an 

 immense size; its stem is often found eighteen inches and more in 

 diameter, and the foliage triple the size of any other species." — t. b. 



[What is more beautiful than a pleasure garden of American Rhodo- 

 dendrons, &c., at all seasons admirable.] 



DouBLE-FLOMERED PELARGONIUM. — I liave obscrvcd Several 

 notices recently made about these flowers existing at certain places. 

 I have seen three varieties, but one which I received from a lady residing 

 at Ramsey, in the Isle of Man, is very much the best. It is of tlie class 

 usually termed Scarlet Geraniums, and the flowers were of a pretty 

 rose-pink. It is well worth obtaining, and I think would be a useful 

 acquisition to the bedding plants. It is well worth applying to a friend 

 in the island for it. — Clericus. 



How TO APPLY Sulphur effectually. — In order to prevent the 

 appearance of the mildew-scourge upon Boronias, Ericas, and, in fact, 

 all choice greenhouse plants, mix the sulphur with soft water, and so 

 apply it; but in order to avoid its unsightly appearance, add as much 

 of ivory black as will make it of a good hard grey colour. This mix- 



