lO The Tropceolum. 



T. Smithii a good red kind. These were all introduced from Columbia ; 

 and from them have sprung hosts of hybrids, many very showy and desira- 

 ble. T. bicoiorum is a variety not yet introduced, of which the upper petals 

 are bright yellow, and the lower brilliant scarlet. 



Many of these varieties make admirable bedding-plants, covering the 

 ground with a mass of dark green, often glaucous foliage, and, towards 

 autumn, giving a profusion of gorgeous bloom. They are also well adapted 

 for covering trellises or sunny walls, as they grow so vigorously, that a 

 small plant set out in May will often cover many square feet by August. 

 These varieties do not ripen seed as freely as the various kinds of T. maj'us, 

 and are therefore best propagated by cuttings, which root readily in sand. 

 As parlor-plants, many of the varieties of T. minus are most desirable. 

 They should have rather a large pot, moderately rich soil, and good drain- 

 age. Placed in a sunny window, and trained on a trellis, or by strings 

 across the window, they will never be out of bloom, and, towards spring, 

 will give a profusion of flowers. 



In the greenhouse these varieties are subject to red spider, which, how- 

 ever, may easily be kept down by free use of the syringe. 



We had almost forgotten to mention one of the most charming of the 

 family. T. pcrcgrinum, or aduncum, commonly known as canary-bird flower, 

 is a beautiful summer climber. The flowers are bright canary-yellow, and 

 are very freely produced. Seeds sown in pots in April will produce plants, 

 which, turned into the garden in May, will give abundant bloom. The 

 plant is a tall climber, and likes a warm, rich soil. Seed is freely produced. 



We lastly mention the upright bedding varieties, of which there are many 

 in cultivation. They form miniature bushes, profusely studded with showy 

 yellow or red blossoms ; and are most desirable bedding-plants, as they 

 form striking masses of color. They are generally grown from seed. 



The double tropteolums sometimes seen in greenhouses are ugly mon- 

 strosities not worth growing. 



Our illustration gives a very good idea of the perfection which has al- 

 ready been attained with hybrid varieties. The symmetry of form, and 

 breadth of petal, are worthy of a florist's flower; to which dignity the tropae- 

 olum may soon attain, if the future may be judged by the progress in the 

 past. E. S. iV., yun. 



Glen Ridge, June, iS68. 



