STO On the Ctdtivation of Pelargoniums. 



a small space; it is, in fact, the only means of producing 

 excessive luxuriance of bloom in many tribes of plants, 

 and this healthy axillary action can only be induced by 

 cutting back well ripened shoots. I have tried this thor- 

 oughly. By cutting back shoots before they are fully ripe, 

 notliing but weak and puny growth is obtained ; not all 

 the guano in the world can change this position. 



There is one great difficulty in growing plants well in 

 greenhouses here — it is, that the anxiety to save room 

 causes the plants to be crowded as close to each other as 

 they can possibly stand; this prevents a proper circulation 

 of air amongst them, and is particularly injurious to the 

 pelargonium. Such plants, therefore, as are intended for 

 exhibition, should be raised much higher than the rest, by 

 placing them on a tall, inverted pot; this would bring them 

 nearer the glass, which is also a great advantage. 



With the exception of the dahlia, there is perhaps no 

 florist's flower which has so well rewarded the care and 

 ingenuity of the growers of seedlings in Europe, as tlie pe- 

 largonium; the form of the flowers and the brilliancy of 

 their colors have improved beyond all expectation ; it is 

 easy of propagation, retains its beautiful verdure through- 

 out the winter, is easily grown and managed in the parlor, 

 (thanks to guano,) and never fails in rewarding attention 

 by a splendid display of bloom. 



That this climate possesses many advantages over that 

 of England, for the purpose of raising improved seedlings 

 of florists' flowers, is confirmed by experience with the 

 pelargonium. Several, raised by Mr. Meller, of Roxbury, 

 are eminently beautiful; and it is to be hoped that the 

 patronage of the public will I'emunerate him sufficiently to 

 encourage him in the pursuit; but he must not expect too 

 much at once. Horticulture has alread}'^ made more rapid 

 strides here than its most sanguine followers could have 

 possibly expected ten years ago, and there is no doubt that 

 it will continue to increase its number of votaries every 

 year, until it shall difiuse an immense mass of innocent 

 enjoyment and pleasure throughout the commtuuty, and 

 amply repay the industrious and persevering gardener. 



J. E. T. 



Boston, Sept. Utk, 1844. 



