A WALK THROUGH THE VIA GELLIA. 505 



principally, with an undergrowth of fern which literally 

 covered us with brown dust as we brushed through it. 

 The form of the faces of the rocks in some instances, 

 reminds one of certain animals, particularly the antedelu- 

 vian giants. 



Thus ended our day's excursion, for the return was 

 diversified only by a slight detour, taking Bonsai instead 

 of Cromford on the way back to Matlock Bath. Tired in 

 body but refreshed in spirit, we returned to our hotel, 

 carrying with us a large bouquet of wild flowers, and fully 

 satisfied that we had spent a day in and around the 

 Via Gellia which would give rise to many pleasurable 

 thoughts in the future. 



FLOEICULTUKAL MILLINEKY. 



[From " The Florist? May 1869,^. 98.] 



"T7LORICULTURAL MILLINERY! We can find 

 JT^ no better term to express our idea of a practice very 

 commonly followed with regard to plants and flowers 

 grown for exhibition, and on which we invite discussion. 

 It is well known to practical horiculturists that most of the 

 plants and flowers seen at our flower shows are more or 

 less " dressed." Is this legitimate or not ? and if legitimate, 

 is it desirable? Legitimate we think it is to a certain 

 extent, although, perhaps, no two individuals would draw 

 the line precisely in the same place. It is not, that we are 

 aware of, absolutely forbidden by any society, and prece- 

 dent and usage may be urged in its justification. 

 Desirable we think it is not, and that for various reasons 

 which we shall state hereafter. 



Every cultivator who has grown plants and flowers for 

 exhibition knows well that success depends chiefly on two 

 fundamental points (i) Skill in production, which premises 

 knowledge and judgment in the choice and growth of 

 individual plants and flowers ; and (2) Taste and lightness 



