CULTURE OF THE TROP^OLUM. 23 



to the bulbous varieties. Sometimes we have known the roots of the 

 summer bloooming varieties to be attacked by the root aphis, but this 

 is unfrequent. The foliage is of too fiery a taste to be subject to the 

 attacks of insects. 



With these few remarks we will proceed to the description of the 

 different varieties, noting any peculiarity in the habits of each, or any 

 peculiar mode of culture which may be best adapted to its nature. 



The oldest and best known variety is Tropteolum majus — the common 

 Nasturtium of our gardens — a native of Peru, but very early introduced. 

 This occurs in a variety of colors, and under a variety of names. The 

 colors are chiefly red, yellow, very dark, and all the intermediate shades : 

 or, again, red upon yellow in spots, shadings, stripes, or bands, or yellow 

 upon red or dark ground. Scarce two flowers, unless self colored, will be 

 found alike, and there is no prettier sight than a flower bed filled with this 

 variety — the various colored flowers contrasting finely with the large round 

 leaves. At any seed store varieties may be obtained ; and by a little care 

 in planting the seeds a beautiful effect may be produced. This species is 

 of the easiest culture, and will grow almost Avithout care ; it is well 

 adapted for covering rockwork, or any unsightly spot ; producing from the 

 latter part of June until killed by the frost, a constant succession of bril- 

 liant flowers and ornamental foliage. All the varieties of this species are 

 annual, and are propagated either by seeds which are freely produced, or by 

 cuttings of half-ripened wood which root freely in sand. 



Tropjeolum majus atrosanguineum — is only a very fine variety, as 

 its name implies, of the above. It was introduced into England as early as 

 the year 1684 ; the required soil is light and rich ; it flowers freely ; 

 increased by seeds and cuttings. 



Trop^olum Scheurianum^A variety of T. majus first exhibited by 

 the writer at the weekly shows of the Society. Habit, strong, growth very 

 vigorous, but only adapted for trailing on the ground, as, indeed, are most 

 of the varieties of T. majus; a free bloomer ; leaves large ; flower of deli- 

 cate straw color, penciled with dark blood-red lines. This variety is well 

 adapted for the greenhouse ; cuttings struck in August will bloom freely 

 after January. The flowers sometimes become nearly white, and are then 

 very ornamental. Seeds freely, though plants from cuttings bloom earlier. 

 A desirable variety. Will do well in any soil, but blooms better where 

 there is an admixture of sand. 



It would be useless to attempt a description of the varieties of Tro- 

 pseolum majus ; so constantly do they change, that each year, as newer 

 seedings are produced, the older are forgotten and lost. All are well worthy 

 of cultivation, and some of the varieties should be in every garden. We 

 have seen a double variety, but it was evidently a mere sport which was 

 only propagated and preserved as a curiosity in a collection ; the colors 

 were confused, and the blossom destitute of beauty. 



We pass now to the varieties of Tropseolum minus ; being those com- 

 prised in our last class, and seemingly only reduced specimens of Tropseo- 

 lum majus. We have seen it stated that this variety was introduced before 



