302 Notes and Gleanings. 



Fuchsias : their Culture. — Who that loves flowers does not admire a 

 fuchsia ? Their almost countless flowers, so gracefully drooping from their pen- 

 dent branches, have a very pleasing and attractive effect. The fuchsias, like the 

 majority of our florist-flowers, have undergone many changes, both in size and 

 color of the flower, within the past quarter of a century. The first great im- 

 provement we can recollect was the introduction of F. globosa and F. Vemts 

 victrix. The former was a most profuse bloomer, and of medium habit in regard 

 to height, being short-jointed and very bushy. It was an almost universal fa- 

 vorite with the cultivator of the fuchsia ; and although for some time it can only 

 be reckoned among the plants of the past, — so far is it forgotten, — yet I believe 

 it is to be found in many parts of England, growing either in the cottager's 

 garden, or adorning his window. Of the latter variety, it may be ranked among 

 the first of the light sorts. Like its companion globosa, it was a most profuse 

 bloomer ; but it did not partake of the robust character of the former. Since 

 that period, the improvement among the fuchsias has been going on so rapidly, 

 that it is almost difficult to make choice of a selection, so good are the varieties 

 which are being annually introduced. But, for beginuers in the cultivation of 

 this favorite flower, I would here offer a word of advice as to the selecting of the 

 sorts most suitable for their purpose. Until you are thorough master of the 

 detail of their culture, never select double-flowering varieties, but be content to 

 begin with the single sorts : the latter are in general the most abundant bloom- 

 ers, and their growth is less rampant. There are exxeptions to the rule ; for 

 instance. Queen of Whites, with scarlet sepal and double white corolla, may 

 be considered a gem in its way, its habit being dwarf and compact, and a very ^r^^ 

 bloomer. Now, the single-flowered varieties with white corolla, as Alexandrina, 

 although very fast growers, yet flower very profusely, which makes them exceed- 

 ingly interesting in a collection. 



What kind of form or habit should constitute a good fuchsia ? This is a 

 question that has to deal with taste to some extent ; for what cne person admires 

 another may not. But, among florists, a pyramid shape is regarded as the correct 

 form of growth (and that is decidedly the natural inclination of a majority of 

 fuchsias) ; that the lower branches do so spread as to occupy the greater space : 

 and this should be so accomplished, that a portion of the shoots should hang 

 over the pot, and thus the foliage would partially conceal its naked part, so that 

 the branches would from thence to the apex of the plant gradually diminish in 

 circumference. Thus but one stake would Le required for the main stem. In 

 tying, be careful that you do not draw your bass too tight, but allow it to be 

 somewhat loose for the swelling of the wood as it grows. 1 have, for want of 

 attention to this little matter, had it almost sever the wood, — a serious affair 

 when your plant is progressing. 



If you find that the side-shoots cannot well support themselves, then suspend 

 them by the aid of ties fastened to the centre stake. If that is not suflScient to 

 sustain their weight, then use as few stakes as possible ; giving them a slanting 

 direction from the plant, so as to preserve the true pyramid shape : they can be 

 so managed that their presence may be hidden by the foliage. These instrut- 



