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THE ROCKET LARKSPUR. 



The Rocket Larkspur was introduced into Eno-land, 

 from Switzerlan.l, 1573. It is of a compact h.ibit of 

 growth, and its l>lossoms appear set around the 

 raceme, forming a dense mass of blossom ; and its 

 beauty has made it a great favorite for more than two 

 hundred and fifty years. It requires a rich soil to 

 bring it to perfection, and an addition of leaf mold 

 from" the woods will tell a good story when the plants 

 are in bloom. The seed should be sown in drills, 

 where the plantsare in tended to blossom, as they will 

 not bear transplanting. When the young plants 

 come up, they will require but little thinning, and 

 may be left standing within two inches of each other; 

 as from their compact habit they require but little 

 room, and should be seen in masses to produce a fine 

 eftect. These plants are of such a neat and symmet- 

 rical growth, that any device, such as a name, can be 

 well made with them. The time for sowing is in April. 

 Last season we presented to all our female readers 

 whose application reached us, a package of flower 

 seeds, containing from twelve to eighteen^ varieties of 

 the best annuals grown, which we obtained from M.Vil- 

 MORiN, of Paris. We have taken some pains to raise 

 and preserve flower seeds the past summer, and we 

 hope to have something new for the ladies before an- 

 other spring. The agent of M. Vilmorin is now at 

 our elbow, and soon returns to Paris, and authorizes 

 us to say that the seeds to be sent to us this year will 

 be extremely fine. With this addition to our own, 

 we hope to have a good assortment of the best annu- 

 als grown, and of which our female readers shall have 

 the benefit. 



To the wife or daughter (and indeed we are not 

 very particular as to the relationship) of every sub- 

 scriber, who may apply before the 1st of March next, 

 we will send a package of these flower seeds before 

 the 1st of April. We are much gratified with the 

 success of the ladies in cultivating flowers the past 

 season, as expressed in the many very pretty letters 

 we are constantly receiving. We should be pleii^ed 

 to publish extracts from many of these, but have only 

 room for one : 



« There is a voice in the gentle, silent, and fragrant flower, that addres- 

 ses itsclflo our hearts in tones though dumb, yet eloquent, and awakens 

 a now of holv iileasure, such as is occasioned only by the communion oi 

 our betler nitvire with the great Fountain of Purity. I f"'"^'f *"^'''?^ 

 httle links, therefore, between the earthly and "le heavenly, no only lor 

 the pleasure they impart to the eye, but the elevation and purity they give 

 to the soul." 



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