270 General Notices. 



MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 



Art. I. General JVotices. 



The Pansy. — We stated on a recent occasion, that in addition to the 

 improvements effected in general gardening through the agency of the 

 Horticultural Society, much had also been done by it for the advancement 

 of floriculture. This is, perhaps, best exemplified by the magnificent col- 

 lections of Roses in pots which annually grace its May and June exhibi- 

 tions. In common with most new projects, when this was first announced 

 it was met at the very threshold with much determined opposition. Some 

 even went so far as to say that the thing could not possibly succeed ; never- 

 theless, the result has been all that could be desired. The same institution 

 required Pansies, Pinks, Carnations, and Picotees in pots, and this innova- 

 tion again called forth similar predictions of failure. Those, however, who 

 preferred deeds to empty speculation, set heartily about trying the experi- 

 ment, and with what success last season's exhibitions at Chiswick bore 

 favorable witness. But it is our wish on the present occasion to direct 

 attention exclusively to the Pansy, and more particularly to its cultivation 

 in pots ; not more with a view to the purposes of exhibition than for early 

 spring decoration. This was suggested by the charmingly bloomed exam- 

 ples in pots of this flower exhibited by Mr. Turner at the last meeting of 

 the Horticultural Society in Regent-street. They consisted of Duke of 

 Norfolk, Sir Philip Sidney, Disraeli, Ophir (very fine), Robert Burns, and 

 Euphemia. This exhibition proved a source of much interest to all who 

 were present, whether florists or not ; while a pan of cut blooms, although 

 of equally fine varieties, arrested but limited attention. Those who have 

 never cultivated the Pansy in this way have little idea what a profusion of 

 really gay flowers is produced by this plant during the whole of the early 

 spring months, and that within the narrow limits of a common three-light 

 wooden frame. A box of the size just mentioned will hold about 70 plants 

 in 6-inch pots, which size is large enough when not required for the pur- 

 poses of exhibition ; and they may nearly all consist of different varieties, 

 or two plants of some kinds that are especial favorites may be allowed, 

 according to the taste of the cultivator, and which we should recommend ; 

 for there is much in the choice of a plant, as we shall hereafter show. 

 Proper plants for the purpose will often have a considerable number of 

 blooms open by the middle of February, and even Iron Duke, Supreme, 

 Duke of Norfolk, Elegant, Euphemia, Sir J. Franklin, Leader, Constantine, 

 and Caroline, will have fair blooms in the middle of January. With proper 

 attention, these same plants will flower in good character till the latter part 

 of May ; but we will date the commencement of a good head of bloom, as 

 a general rule, from the first of March to the first of June ; thus, for very 

 little attention, giving a succession of good flowers for three months, without 

 the expense of heat, linings, or coverings. We may, then, well ask what 

 other plant will make the same display and the same return for so little 

 trouble. Mr. Turner, who is perhaps the most successful grower of the 



