BRIEF REMARKS. 



67 



very carefully, as the shoots are easily broken. The soil that I find 

 best suited for them is two parts decayed turf, one decomposed cow- 

 dung, and one river sand, or, what is better, the grit that is washed by 

 the rain on the sides of turnpike roads. These well incorporated, 

 together with a little leaf-mould and some pieces of charcoal, make a 

 suitable compost ; the pots must be well drained, three inches at 

 least for large plants. Then proceed to shift them very carefully, by 

 rubbing part of the old mould away, and pressing the new rather 

 firmly among the roots ; re-adjust the trellises, and the work is com- 

 pleted. Afterwards place them in a gentle bottom heat, either in a 

 stove or pit, and give a good watering, allowing the thermometer to 

 range from 50 to 70 ; giving them a syringe in the morning when 

 there is an appearance of a fine day, and they will soon start into 

 growth. Then light, air, and moisture are beneficial to them at this 

 stage, frequently turning the plants, so as to balance them on all sides; 

 give manure water once a week when they are in a growing state, 

 and regulate the young shoots ; pinch some out where they are coming 

 too numerously, in order that the plants may be equal on all sides. 

 After they have made their growth, or towards the end of July, re- 

 move them to a greenhouse, or cold pit, for a short time, preparatory 

 to placing them out of doors ; withhold manure water at this stage, 

 and keep them rather dry, in order that the wood may get thoroughly 

 ripened ; they will require protection from wind and rain ; place them 

 on coal ashes in a south aspect, at the bottom of a wall or hedge, till 

 they have set their flower buds. Towards the middle of September, 

 remove them to a light airy place in the greenhouse, anil introduce 

 them into the stove or forcing pit, in succession, as the demands of 

 the family may require. I have proved by this management that 

 there is no difficulty in getting them to bloom freely. By paying 

 attention to a few minor points, as regards their rest and growth, they 

 will more than amply repay the little labour bestowed upon them % 

 Before the bloom expands, remove them to a cool place, in order to 

 prolong it, and enrich its colour. — 1). ff., Cirencester. 



Tree Peonies. — Dr. Lindley has separated the Tree Peonies from 

 the genus Peonia, on account of the tough leathery coat which is drawn 

 lightly around their carpels, allowing nothing but the stigma to project ; 

 this organ, properly referred to what botanists now call the disk, has 

 no existence in the true Peonies ; " it is, in all probability, an inner- 

 most row of abortive stamens, the filaments of which are united into a 

 cup, while the anthers refuse to appear." 



The new genus is named Moutan, and the common species M. offi- 

 cinalis. Also, the annual branching Larkspurs are no longer to be 

 called Delphinium. Dr. Lindley proposes to re-establish Bauhin's old 

 genus G'onsolida, the grounds of separation being thus stated. " Its 

 petals being reduced to two, and these completely combined into one, 

 remove it from Delphinium. The old genus Consolida should, there- 

 fore, be re-established." 



The Ma-an-ga Rose. — Knowing the interest you feel in the 

 science of Horticulture, I have taken the liberty of inclosing a speci- 

 men (if wild double Multiflora Rose that grows in this country. It 

 was discovered by a young Wyandotte girl, whose perception of the 



