Notes and Gleanings. 185 



gy reported on it as follows : ' We see here a remarkable fruit in many respects: 

 by its early maturity, it enables us to await patiently the other fine pears which 

 close the season of summer fruits, and open that of autumn ; by its size, it clearly 

 takes place in the first rank of summer pears, which it surpasses in this respect ; 

 by its quality, it would seem that it ought easily to compete with them ; adding 

 this further advantage, that it keeps several days without rotting, awaiting the 

 requirements of the consumer.' 



"The flesh is half-fine, melting, juicy, sugary, and well flavored. It ripens 

 from the end of July to the end of August. The tree forms very fine pyramids; 

 the wood is strong, and very vigorous. The fruit has much analogy with that 

 of the Colmar d'Aremberg ; and still more with the Bartlett, which it surpasses 

 in size. The grafts and buds on free stocks or quince have pushed with re- 

 markable vigor, and permit us to expect some very fine trees." 



Beddixg-Plants. — From my e.xperience, I can confirm " Quo's " notes 

 respecting the Pyrethrum Golden Feather as a bedder, and its being not so 

 free blooming when grown from seed ; also respecting Pelargonium Crystal 

 Palace Gem being an " effective and durable bedder." I would add a word re- 

 specting one or two other things which I have found good. Pelargoniums come 

 first ; and, amongst the golden tricolors, Louisa Smith has a first place. Mrs. 

 Pollock is an old favorite, and is cheap, and must be grown either for auld lang 

 syne or its cheapness, which is the powerful consideration with the multitude ; 

 but I am confident, that, when Louisa Smith is seen growing with Mrs. Pollock, 

 it will be found quite as good a " doer." At Reading, where I saw it in one 

 place, it was doing much better ; both being planted out together. I also saw it 

 near Weymouth, where it was splendid, having grown into a large plant ; and 

 indeed, wherever I have seen it, the opinion seems to be that it is quite as good 

 a grower as, and much brighter in coior than, the older sort : the leaf is also a 

 finer shape, being rounder ; and the green does not run so much outside the zone. 

 I am informed by those who have seen it (I have not) planted out at its 

 home, the Dulwich Nurseries, that it is very fine there also. Lady Cullum is a 

 first-rate grower, and very distinct, but not sufficiently effective for bedding out: 

 the zone is all, or nearly all, quite black ; and the margin is so narrow, that it has 

 no effect. Among common zonal varieties. Glorious (rich, deep vermilion-scar- 

 let), Rebecca (cherry), and Vesuvius (bright scarlet with a white eye) are worthy 

 of every praise ; habit, flowers, truss, and profuseness of bloom, are unsurpassed : 

 perfect balls of bloom all the season. Tropsolum (Mrs. Treadwell) is unique as 

 a bedder, the flowers such a rich crimson, the leaves such a dark green, and so 

 profuse ; moreover, a fine winter bloomer. For the few who can afford it, 

 Achyroclijie Sauiidersonii (E. G. Henderson & Son) will be a valuable acqui- 

 sition amongst white-foliaged plants, being of a beautiful silvery tint, and exqui- 

 site in habit, and, moreover, useful all the year round. In the same way is 

 Artemisia Stelleriana, first-rate for bedding, and perfectly hardy. From what 

 I have seen of all the above, I am sure they will give every satisfaction as bed- 

 ders if they only get a fair field and no favor. Favor has given not a few things 

 a bad name, and nearly killed Mrs. Pollock : fair play is all they want. — Alex- 

 ander, 29 Union Road^ Cambridge, in Gardener V Chronicle. 



VOU VI, 24 



