2i8 JVotes and Gleaninsrs 



&' 



true method of cultivation is not yet known, and it is worth some study to find 

 out how to grow so beautiful a genus successfully. It is believed that some of the 

 species have been lost from neglect during their long dormant or flowerless sea- 

 son. " The present species was discovered by M. Roezl, in the Sierra Nevada 

 of California, and was transmitted by him to M. Max Leichtlin, of Carlsruhe, 

 after whom it has been named by Dr. Hooker. It is a bulbous plant, with linear 

 glaucous grass-like leaves, and the flower stalks bear from two to three flowers, 

 shown of the natural size in our illustration. The calyx consists of three lan- 

 ceolate sepals, of a greenish color streaked with red. The petals are pure white, 

 with a purple spot at the base on the inner surface, recalling that of some of the 

 varieties of the Althea frutex. The bark of the petals is traversed in the centre 

 by a reddish stripe along the midrib. The flowers, says Dr. Hooker, open 

 almost in pairs at a time, and last for several days in perfection. So beautiful a 

 plant is likely to become an established favorite." Gardener's Chronicle. 



The Sweet Violets are among the most charming little gems of the spring 

 garden, and they will grow almost anywhere, provided they get pure air ; but 

 what they most delight in is a rich, deep, loam soil, with liberal soakings of ma- 

 nure-water during the flowering season. The following are a few of the most dis- 

 tinct : King of Violets, an improvement on arborea, dark violet, a good grower, 

 free bloomer, and fit for green-house or out-door culture. Reine des Violettes, 

 blush-white, very double and hardy, a free bloomer ; will do either in-doors or 

 out. The Giant and the Czar, if not the same, are very much alike ; both have 

 large flowers, with long stalks, which make them very valuable for either bou- 

 quets or vases. Riibro-plena, double red or copper-color, very distinct, hardy, 

 and a free bloomer. Arborea alba, tree habit, pure white, one of the best for 

 in-door cultivation, as it likes a little protection. Devo7tiensis, in bloom the 

 whole season, and has a long flower stalk, which makes it valuable for gathering ; 

 is of a light violet color. Neapolitan, one of the most beautiful* second to 

 none, remarkably sweet-scented, with charming pale-blue flowers. These are 

 all worthy of general cultivation. • Florist and Pomologist. 



Eucalyptus Leaves, for dressing wounds, were tried at a hospital in Cannes, 

 instead of lint. The leaves have a catty smell ; they are merely laid on the 

 wounds. The balsamic nature of them not only cures, but after a few hours all the 

 unpleasant odor of the matter ceases. M. J. B., in Gardener's Chrotiicle. 



Cutting Asparagus. — The following paragraph from the Florist and Po- 

 mologist expresses our ideas exactly, except that, to prevent bleeding, we would 

 cut just below the surface of the ground, and afterwards break off the tough 

 butt. It is no harm to let it grow a foot high. " Don't cut asparagus when 

 intended for home use, but let it grow to the height of six or eight inches, and 

 then break it off at the proper length ; it is brittle as an icicle. It is true, it has 

 no handle ; but what is so gathered can all be eaten, which is more than can be 

 said for the article sold in the markets." 



