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TUE GENESEE FARMER. 



matter for the common good ; if tliey do, we venture to predict that no man will have 

 the assurance to ask $5 or $10 for a new plant that does not possess a single character- 

 istic to distinguish it from others that can be bought for ^5 per dozen. 



To return to our subject, the Fuchsia, we will state the points that claim attention in 

 ■judging of the merits of a variety. As we have already noted, the chief attraction lies 

 in the flowers, and it is to them we must look, in the main, for the merits of the variety. 

 The Fuchsia flower consists, like most other flowers, of a calyx, corolla, stamens, and 

 pistil. These parts in the aggregate make up the flower ; and it is their relative size, 

 form, and color, that give those characteristics that constitute the excellencies and beauties 

 of the variety. The calyx, unlike the calyx in most other well known flowers, is colored, 

 and is one of the most striking parts of the flower : a part of it, at the base, is a tube ; 

 at the mouth it is divided into four parts called sepals, and these are more or less reflexed, 

 (turned backwards,) as shown in some of the annexed figures, displaying the corolla, 

 which is situated in the throat of the calyx. The more this calyx is reflexed — that is, 

 the more fully the corolla is displayed, the better is the flower, other things being equal. 

 The calyx and corolla are seldom of the same color ; and the qualities of the flower 

 depend not only on the depth, richness, and delicacy of the colors, but on the beauty or 

 novelty of the contrast between the calyx and corolla. Then the stamens and pistil, by 

 their length, projecting far beyond the other parts, and by their coloring also, especially 

 of the anthers and stigma, give character to the flower and constitute part of its beauty. 

 Then the flower stalk, or petiole, must be considered : the longer it is, the more pendu- 

 lous the flowers are, and the more graceful the habit ; the stronger it is, the better tha 

 flowers stand out from the foliage. The requisites of a plant are — distinct and fine 

 foliage ; free, robust growth ; and profuseness of bloom. 



These are the main points to look to in selecting a Fuchsia or a collection. People 

 arc too apt to be struck with one feature, and overlook the rest. For instance, if th y 

 find a plant with a fiower on it, and it 

 happens to please them, they seldom stop 

 to inquire into other important qualities 

 that should never be overlooked. Now we 

 shall describe briefly a few select varieties 

 selected from fifty which we have under 

 cultivation. The first on the list is the 



Pearl of England. — This, to our fancy, is 

 the finest yet introduced ; certainly the finest 

 of all those hybrids with light colored tubes. 

 The annexed figure shows this in the natu- 

 ral size. The calyx is of a pale flesh color, 

 or nearly white, well reflexed, showing a 

 a fine, full, bright scarlet corolla. It grows 

 freely and blooms most profusely. New. 



Eliz Miellicz. — Nearly as good as the 

 preceding, and somewhat similar. The 

 calyx is of a rosy blu^^h towards the base, 

 nearly white at the mouth, well reflexed, 

 showing a deep rosy pink corolla. Grows 

 well and blooms freely. 



Fair Rosamond. — A long, elegant flow- 

 er, well named for its grace and delicacy. 

 Calyx long, almost pure white, not much pearl of England. 



reflexed, but showing a fine, rich, scarlet corolla. Plant vigorous and blooms freely. 



Snow Drop. — Flower rather short ; calyx pure white ; corolla light crimson. Plant 



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