300 AN HOUR WITH THE HOLLYHOCK. 



do not know that we could do better than quote here the 

 remarks of a contemporary writer " The Hollyhock for 

 several years past has had much to complain of from the 

 undue neglect with which it has been treated. Here and 

 there it has found a discerning patron, but, generally 

 speaking, the floral world has been influenced by a Dahlia 

 excitement, from which it is now subsiding in sober dis- 

 position to judge all flowers by their respective merits. 

 The Rose is again the queen, and the Hollyhock is again 

 at court."* It is true the Dahlia, the Pelargonium, and 

 others, have each their peculiar beauties, and their absence 

 would create an immeasurable void in Flora's throng ; the 

 only pity is that they are robbed of their gay attire by the 

 first breath of frost, while the hardy nature of the Rose 

 and the Hollyhock carries them forward fresh and beauti- 

 ful throughout the chilly months of autumn. When others 

 languish and decay, they fearlessly confront the blast, 

 their many-coloured blossoms often enlivening for a 

 long period the desolation caused by a single frosty 

 night. 



It has been said that fine Hollyhocks are originated 

 in Scotland and France. In the autumn of 1850 I saw 

 the most celebrated collections in both countries, as well 

 growing as on the exhibition tables. There are two dis- 

 tinct strains in Scotland. The varieties of the one strain, 

 although superior to the common English kinds, are 

 inferior to those of Mr Baron ; those of the other have 

 sprung from Mr Baron's stock. Some of them, while 

 bearing different names, appear identical with the English 

 kinds, which appearance is supported by the fact that 

 certain kinds are reproduced true from seed. But if not 

 identical a point difficult to pronounce upon when we 

 consider the variation of soil and climate they certainly 

 bear a close resemblance. It is not my wish to depreciate 

 the varieties of Scotch origin. I have seen large and 



* The "Botanic Garden," by B. Maund, F.L.S., No. 977. 



