148 THE PROGRESS OF THE PELARGONIUM. 



their popularity even now ; the writer was passing a cottage the other 

 day, and seeing the window entirely filled with a plant of each was 

 induced to ask for a specimen of their flowers ; the favour (for it was 

 considered an especial one, so highly were they prized,) was granted 

 with some reluctance, but an application for a cutting was rejected, 

 though a plant of a superior variety was offered in exchange. But to 

 resume the list : Smut, Bancho, and Habranthum were figured in 

 this work for 1835, as stated in the last article ; they were sent out by 

 Mr. Dennis, of Chelsea, but obtained very little circulation. Not so 

 the varieties "Washington, Daveyanum, Moore's Victory, and 

 Yeatmanianum ; these were in general request, and considered gems 

 in their day. Nosegay, Lady Denbigh, Curate, Cupid, and the 

 renowned Diadematum will suffice to complete the list. Those who 

 are able to remember so far back will recollect that most of those 

 named above were very inferior flowers — bad shapes, flimsy petals, and 

 with very uncertain colouring. 



In 1836 Ave find that Mr. Dennis raised and first advertised his 

 Perfection ; this was a great step in the right direction ; it was sold 

 at two guineas per plant, which was not high then. The flower was 

 similar to Gaines' King, or Rising Sun, but had more violet about it. 

 Gaines this year also raised and sent out his Sir John Broughton, 

 which was a popular flower for some time; it was also priced at two 

 guineas, as was Hill's Diomede, a flower with dark-veined petals. 

 These were the only celebrities of any account which require notice at 

 the present time. 



The year 1837 was remarkable, as a gentleman very much devoted 

 to this flower (first?) appeared with some decided novelties; this was 

 Edward Foster, Esq., who has since contributed so many notoriously 

 fine flowers, and too much praise cannot be awarded that gentleman for 

 his long and valuable services. He is now as celebrated as when he 

 first appeared, though many other raisers have attempted to rival him, 

 and " fell to pass away." Alecia was his crack flower of this year, 

 and advertised at three pounds ; it was then a fine light flower. His 

 Eliza, Iantha, Lelia, and Lady Nithsdale, each two guineas, 

 were not esteemed so long, but were still good acquisitions. Countess 

 of Jersey attracted some attention for a time, but her beauty soon 

 faded ; tins variety was raised by Mr. Blackford, of Jersey, and also 

 priced two guineas. Mr. Lound raised his Bride, Criterion, and 

 the celebrated Chef-d'GCuvre at this time. Gaines sent out his 

 Hienzi at one guinea ; Alusidora, Bellissima, and Beauty of 

 Ware were also then " worthy of notice," but, like many more 

 " departed worthies," their fame is forgotten now. Beauly of Ware 

 was raised by a gentleman of that town with whom the writer was 

 acquainted, and he was a good instance of an enthusiast in the cause, 

 but, like many other careful raisers, only fortunate once or so in their 

 lives at getting a grand prize. 



Before proceeding to the year 1838, it will not be out of place to 

 give a slight account of the letting out of this period. There were 

 then only three nurserymen who devoted much attention to this flower, 



