372 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. 



plant collection; and when well grown, as it always should 

 be, there is not a gayer object in the greenhouse. 



In England the Cineraria is more easily managed than with 

 us ; our hot weather overtakes the plants when they are in their 

 weakest condition, just as they have finished their bloom, 

 and if not carefully attended to they are likely to suffer by it. 

 Saving this, they can be grown as well and flowered as pro- 

 fusely as with the English cultivators, whose advice upon 

 their management we give below from the Florist, Avith an 

 engraving, representing what is considered a model specimen : 



Where is there a plant, during the autumn, winter, and 

 early spring months, so gay and beautiful as the Cineraria ; 

 or which is so useful for exhibition or decorative purposes, or 

 for the embellishment of the flower-vase or bouquet ? By 

 artificial light, the colors of some of the rose, crimson, and 

 purple varieties are extremely brilliant ; while the white va- 

 rieties, mingled with the preceding colors, are matchless. 

 Add to this, that many of the kinds are deliciously fragrant, 

 and you have nearly all the qualities which constitute a good 

 flower. In treating of the Cineraria as a plant for exhibition, 

 or of its value for decorative purposes, (and, in the early part 

 of the season, the plants make a fine display,) we cannot 

 refrain from stating that their cultivation should be much 

 improved, and indeed must be before they will assume their 

 wonted standing upon our exhibition tables. But a few 

 years back Cinerarias were but a lot of poor, starry things, 

 with narrow, flimsy petals, and flowers supported by tall, un- 

 sightly stems ; but now, thanks to the desire for improve- 

 ment, the best varieties are dwarf and compact, and, when* 

 properly grown, produce perfect trusses of stout, and, in some 

 cases, of almost perfectly-formed flowers. 



When high cultivation is aimed at, peculiar treatment 

 (which we sliall presently describe) is required to produce 

 stout, healthy cuttings, as from such the Cineraria can only 

 be properly grown. As the plant is now in bloom, and seed- 

 lings will be required, a few of the most esteemed varieties 

 should be selected for that purpose, bearing in mind that those 



