78 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



one of the most desirable annuals we have in cultivation. 

 The German florists have paid more attention to this tribe 

 of Asters than the English, the former being- more assidu- 

 ous to its real merit, and established a name, " German As- 

 ter " that will be at the head of annuals to time immemorial. 

 The improvement is not only in size, but we see them beau- 

 tifully quilled and more splendid than the original China 

 Aster, making them almost a distinct species, and in all 

 about thirty varieties. 



" All its hues, 



From the rich sunset to the rising sun, 

 Their magical variety diffuse." 



I should suppose, out of the number in the English cata- 

 logues, there may be about sixteen distinct "colors selected ; 

 for when so many are advertised it must necessarily occur 

 that the similitude in some must be great, for unless one is 

 a judge of colors the difference could not be perceptible. 

 This Aster flowers in August and September, and in favora- 

 ble weather until October, when the embellishment of their 

 beauty and regularity of form is not to be surpassed by any 

 annual in cultivation. The leaves are ovate, coarsely 

 toothed, stalked, the cauline leaves are sessile, cuncate at the 

 base ; the stem is bifid and branching, with a single head ; 

 the flowers various and quilled, giving them a gorgeous 

 display that approximates to perfection, making them appear 

 to the eye all that is magnificent. There are no encomiums 

 my poor ability could pay but what would appear insignifi- 

 cant to their deserved merit 



To cultivate this flower, if you wish for early ones, the 

 seed should be sown in a pan of light soil, and be placed in 



