94 On the Cultivation of Geraniums. 



which has been originated in such a manner as to contain within 

 itself the germs of disease; and, finally, that we may renew a 

 fine variety in any locality, when it has become barren and worth- 

 less, by procuring scions from healthy trees of the same kinds, 

 growing in districts where they are still flourishing. 



A. J. Downing. 



Botanic Garden and J\'*urseries^ ) 

 Mwburgh,J^. F., Feb. 1837. \ 



Art. IV. On the Cultivation of Geraniums, (or Pelar- 

 goniums.) By J. W. Russell, Superintendent of Mount 

 Auburn. 



As this tribe of plants is now coming into extensive circula- 

 tion, I send you a few remarks on their propagation and growth, 

 premising that they may be useful to your readers at the present 

 time. 



I hereby beg leave to mention, before I go any farther, that 

 the common name geranium I intend to adhere to, believing that 

 this lovely genus of plants is more generally known by its origi- 

 nal cognomen than by the scientific one Pelargonium. 



This splendid tribe of plants is so well known, that any de- 

 scription of them would be superfluous; and however common 

 they may appear to some persons, still, perhaps, there is not in 

 the whole catalogue of plants a more extensive and endless vari- 

 ety than may be found in this old favorite genus. Any person 

 who has had the pleasure of seeing a choice collection in full 

 bloom, will, perhaps, agree with me in saying this much — that a 

 more charming sight is rarely or ever met "vith in the floral king- 

 dom. If we notice the amazing difFerenc3 in the habits of 

 growth of each variety, the great diversity of foliage, the agree- 

 able fragrance of some, and, above all, the magnificent appear- 

 ance of the flowers of others, some most delicately pencilled, 

 and others gorgeously painted, indeed adorned with every color 

 and shade that art or taste can imagine, we must concede to them 

 a rivalship over almost all other plants. If we take into consid- 

 eration the length of time they continue in bloom, the ease with 

 which the very best varieties are obtained, it would be difficult 

 to mention any one family of green-house plants that would be 

 so likely to give such universal satisfaction. 



