ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE POLYANTHUS. 131 



attention, except a little water when first planted. By this treat- 

 ment the Gentianella flowers witli us in gieat perfection ; and if 

 your con-esjiondent adopts this method, I have no doubt but he 

 will get it to bloom in profusion. 



Wheton, June ilh, 1833. J. C. Hall, Jun. 



ARTICLE VII. — On the Cultivation of the Polyanthus. 

 By Mr. Wm. Jackson, Florist. 



The readers of the Cabinet will, with veiy little observation, 

 justify my i-emark when I state that no plant delights more in a 

 FREE and PURE AIR than the Polyanthus ; from which circum- 

 stance it is very rarely found to flourish near large towns, except- 

 ing those towns that are situated in elevated places. The air near 

 large towiis is generally very impure and opposed to vegetable life, 

 and from the fact of particles of dust and soot falling upon the 

 stems and foliage of the plants, the pores are closed up by it, and 

 the plants are then ])revcnted either absorbing or I'espiring in the 

 way they require ; the result is, they frequently die, and even such 

 ns live only produce few and feeble blossoms. I observe in the 

 Cabinet, page 42,- in your instructions relative to the treatment of 

 plants growing near large towns, or by the side of public roads, 

 you recommend a frequent application of water over the, foliage, 

 &c. I have no doubt but such attention will amply repay for the 

 trouble with most plants, but the Polyanthus would not endure a 

 frequent application of water at any stage of its growth ; but after 

 having done blooming, it requires rest, and the apjjlication of 

 water sufllcient to wash oflf the dust and soot would very soon 

 rot the plunU*. Tiie Polyanthus is very often killed in the drought 

 of summer ; it is, therefore, necessary to have them screened from 

 the scorching sun ; like the Primrose, which delights in the shady 

 bank of a wood or hedge, so the Polyanthus requires to be accom- 

 modated. This may most readily be done, whether in pots or the 

 open ground. In ])lanting the Polyanthus, care should be taken 

 to have the plant inserted in the soil so deep that the loaves are 

 ciofw upon it; this is required, in order that llie new roots, whicji 

 are often produced very high uj) (he stem of the plant, may be 

 able lo Rlrikc into soil. 



