m 



MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



choosing pots according to the size of the plant — say from 3 to 5 inches 

 in width. This may be considered the last shift for the season, as the 

 plants will be much easier wintered when not overpotted. And if kept in 

 a moderate heat they will retain most of their leaves through the winter. 

 Where large quantities are grown, and where room is an object, they might 

 be allowed to bloom in the same pots, throwing away all inferior kmds, and 

 saving those of doubtful merit for another year's trial. Should any appear 

 of decided merit they will be sure to be cared for without any advice, and 

 be perhaps valued by the raiser higher than they deserve. 



As a general rule, no seedling of any kind should be considered very 

 fine or extra, unless, in a majority of points, superior to anything of its 

 class. We can only judge them relatively. A flower may be very fine this 

 year; and next year, through the introduction of superior varieties,* only 

 very good, or fine. 



It is all very well for those who produce them, for we readily understand 

 their motives, when they talk about this or that variety superseding every- 

 thing in its class. The tale has been told too often ; the game is nearly 

 played out. The enthusiast even begins to ask and find out their merits 

 from parties who they may know to be disinterested. They and the public 

 want an experienced and honest opinion ; an opinion founded on the pe- 

 culiar merits of the flower alone. And if raisers of seedlings will not 

 submit them to the ordeal of public competition they will be naturally 

 looked on with strong suspicion. But, in fairness to the exhibitor, the 

 names of the censors, and the reasons for their decision, should be known, 

 which, if not always satisfactory, might be, at least, instructive to the 

 unsuccessful competitor. 



ACHIMENES. 



This is a very extensive genus of ornamental plants, and very nearly 

 allied to the Gloxinia, requiring in many respects similar treatment. They 

 are well known for the brilliancy and variety of their flowers, their easy 

 culture, and long duration of blooming. Nor is it surprising they should 

 be favorites, with all who have the means of growing them, for if it is an 

 object to make the greatest possible display with the least care and atten- 

 tion, few plants are equal, certainly none superior to this lovely and charm- 

 ing genus. 



Many beautiful varieties have been raised from seed, and much improve- 

 ment, it is hoped, will yet be made in this respect; the field is wide, and 

 the species are numerous, and exceedingly varied in habits and general 

 appearance, in consequence of which, much confusion and uncertainty has 

 attended their arrangement and classification. 



The brilliant and well known Achimenes coccinea, and the first of the 

 tribe known in England, was cultivated for several years under the name 

 of Cyprilla pulchella, and Trevirana coccinea. With the introduction of A. 

 longiflora, A. grandiflora, and other beautiful kinds, the former names were 

 discarded, and Achimenes soon became popular and much sought after. 

 The indefatigable exertions of the botanical collector, aided and encour- 



