74 Retrospcclive Criticism. 



in the least destroyed by the winter. The prospect now is, that 

 there will be an abundant crop. — T. Hancock, Burlinoion, N. J., 

 Jan. 22, 1841. 



Art. IV. Retrospective Criticism. 



Culture of Kiiphorb'm Poinsett'il, .Rmaryllis, Cactuses, <S'C. — Mrs. 

 H. M. B. would respectfully request of Mr. Hovey some instructions 

 to ))rocure a bloom of the jEuphorbz'a Poinsettn and splendens, in as 

 early a number of your very useful and excellent Magazine as con- 

 venient. I have, in various methods, tried my ingenuity, and the 

 advice of others, but in vain: I have been disappointed in blooming 

 the Poinsettn as I saw it in Mr. Buist's green-house, Philadelphia, 

 from whom it was purchased. 



Will the editor also notice the treatment of the amaryllis, daph- 

 ne, acacias, carnation pink, and cactus, all of which have already, in 

 former numbers, probably, (not having the December number by me 

 at present, for reference,) been treated of under their proper heads."* 

 the only apology I can offer for the request being in the fact of your 

 Magazine having reached the fifth volume before it was brought to 

 my notice; and although further remarks on the subject may be un- 

 necessary to the experienced florist, whether public or private, yet to 

 a young beginner, like myself, very acceptable, who cultivate a few 

 flowers for their own [)leasure, and I should add for their friends, 

 many of which I have had bloom splendidly, particularly Cereus 

 grandiflora, splendens, speciosa, and Epijjhyllum truncata, the latter 

 still in fine bloom. 1 would I could say as much of C. Jenkinsonia, 

 speciosissimus, and flagelliformis, or creeping cereus: the three lat- 

 ter have tried my patience not a little, and Virginians are not at any 

 time overstocked with the virtue of good old Job. 



The Eyriesii is noticed by you as a fine variety: is it a very dis- 

 tinct one, and the treatment the same as the others of the cactus 

 tribe.'' Is there such a variety as the pure white, except the grandi- 

 flora.'' Many thanks for the chapter on the summer treatment of 

 flowers, which I hope will be continued, with all the little detail 

 which characterizes that already given, for a reason already stated, 

 particularly as your remarks coincided, I regret to say, with my own 

 experience. Strange as it may seem, I rarely lose a plant in the win- 

 ter, but our hot suns make sad havoc with many a cherished plant, 

 and this not so much for want of attention as a little experience, and 

 some direction as to the proper situation of the plants, keeping them, 

 I fear, now too much shaded. 



I have been requested, by a gentleman of my acquaintance, to 

 make some inquiries respecting the work of the Abbe Berlese of 



