82 TROP^EOLTIII SMITHII. 



are some of the characteristics of the Geraniacece found among the Tropaeolums, 

 but conversely, one peculiarity of the latter occurs in the former j we allude to the 

 spur, which is present in the true Pelargoniums, not, it is true, in the same pro- 

 jecting form, but adhering to the pedicel. 



The T. Smithii is a native of the mountains of Columbia, where it was found by 

 Mr. Lobb, Messrs. Veitch's collector, at an elevation of 9,000 feet ; in what 

 province is not stated. This species is one of those to which the name peregrinum 

 was applied by Linnaeus, though it appears certain that the plant to which that 

 appellation was first given by him, is the one at present known as aduncum, or the 

 ' Canary Flower.' 



Nothing can be simpler than its treatment, for, being quite hardy, the seeds may 

 be sown in the open borders ; as, however, they are somewhat rare, it will, for the 

 present, be advisable to sow them in pots in a frame, the young plants being 

 subsequently turned out against a trellis ; in a word, its cultivation is precisely 

 that of the pretty annual T. aduncum. It may also be allowed to trail, and will 

 speedily fill a bed of some size, but it is less desirable for this purpose than the 

 varieties of T. majus. In the absence of seeds, it may be multiplied by cuttings 

 of short lateral shoots, planted under a hand-glass, but no necessity for this mode 

 of increase is likely to arise. 



The T. Smithii is in the hands of most of the leading Florists ; those amateurs 

 who may prefer to raise it from seed can obtain them of Mr. Carter, Holbom, 

 whose catalogue is the only one in which we have seen them named this season. 



Although there are many seminal varieties of the Tropceolum majus and T. minor, 

 we are not aware that a single artificial hybrid has yet been produced in this genus, 

 which is the more remarkable that we believe few plants would intermingle 

 more freely ; and in the case of the annual species, the results would be ascertain- 

 able in a very short period. To those who may have sufficient leisure to attempt 

 the experiment, we would suggest a cross between the common yellow T. aduncum 

 (often absurdly called T. canariense) and the scarlet T. speciosum, which would 

 probably give rise to a variety of the former with spotted, striped, or more highly 

 coloured flowers. The tints of the T. Smithii might also, there is but little doubt, 

 be deepened by the same means ; and as the process is sufficiently easy, we strongly 

 urge those of our readers who may possess these plants to follow up our suggestion. 

 The stamens of the flower to which it is intended to apply the pollen should be cut 

 out with a pair of scissors as soon as it expands ; and to protect the stigma from 

 accidental contact with the pollen of contiguous flowers on the same plant, the 

 blossom should be tied over with a fragment of fine muslin. Two days afterwards, 

 the pollen from the plant with which the cross is to be effected, may be applied 

 by dusting or rubbing the anthers on the stigma, and the muslin should then be 

 replaced until the flower begins to fade ; for greater security, the pollen may be 



