Parlor-Plants. 153 



PARLOR- PLANTS. — No. IIL 



There is no better plant for window-culture than the cyclamen. Neat 

 in foliage, easily cared for, beautiful in flower, and of low habit, it seems 

 especially adapted for growing where but little room can be afforded. 



It also thrives well in an atmosphere where many plants suffer, as it is 

 but little affected by the unconsumed gases which pervade the air of most 

 rooms heated by furnaces, or where illuminating gas is used. 



In some varieties, the foliage is most beautifully marbled, dark green and 

 white ; and, in all, the contrast between the upper and lower surface of the 

 leaves is ver)' pleasing. 



In the flowers, there is an endless variety : first, the species differ greatly 

 in form and color ; and, secondly, the varieties sport into infinite number 

 of shades, var}'ing in intensity even on the same plant, according to the 

 age of the flower. 



Another recommendation is the permanency of the flowers, which remain 

 in perfection many weeks. A plant in our window has been in bloom now 

 (Feb. i) three weeks, and will continue in good condition for at least a 

 month longer. 



During the past few years, great attention has been paid in England to 

 the culture of this plant ; and the horticultural journals have been filled 

 with cultural reports and discussions abouf species and varieties. We do 

 not propose to even state the different theories, as our limits forbid, but 

 would refer those curious upon the subject to " The Cottage Gardener," 

 1867, 1868, 1869, passim. 



The summer and autumn blooming species, of which C. Europeum and 

 its varieties are examples, are not specially adapted for parlor-culture, as 

 they bloom at a season when flowers are not wanted in the house. 



C. count, Neapolitamim, repandum, and vcrnutn are all fine species ; but 

 it is to Cyclamai Persicum and its numerous varieties that we must look for 

 the winter adornment of our windows. 



In this species the leaves are heart-shaped, toothed at the edge ; deep 

 green with gray or white marbling, and pale flesh color on the under side : 

 they vary much, however, on seedlings. The flowers vary from pure white 



