The Phloxes, as Garden and Parlor plants. 213 



sorts which add to the effect of the flower border. They are, 

 however, from the parentage of two species, viz., P. panicu- 

 lata and pyramidalis. An accurate descriptive catalogue of 

 these varieties would not only be very interesting, but instruct- 

 ive, and serve as some guide to the forming of a good collec- 

 tion, which should combine the most striking qualities. To 

 furnish such a catalogue, might perhaps require some study, 

 and particularly an acquaintance with the sorts: but as not a 

 few are from the seed-beds of the florists in this vicinity, and 

 as probably the imported ones are not numerous, some zealous 

 amateur among us may be found competent to the undertaking. 

 Indeed, if I am not mistaken, there is such an one, surround- 

 ed with his choice hardy perennials and exquisite flower-gems, 

 in his neat and unique little garden at Roxbury, who may be 

 induced to further this object with his ready pen and able in- 

 formation. Should this friendly hint meet his favorable notice, 

 I anticipate the result of my wishes. 



The cross impregnation and partial hybridizing of the phlox- 

 es have been most satisfactory in rewarding the necessary care 

 in experiments. What might be the effect of instituting some 

 similar experiments on that dazzling beauty, the annual Phlox 

 Drummondu', patience and skill can only determine. To secure 

 a permanent and choice variety of this, is very desirable, and 

 a perennial hybrid of such a partial parentage would be quite a 

 triumph! There are some of its natural seedlings of singular 

 beauty in the collections of our florists; while others probably 

 still more perfect, could be produced through tlie many cu- 

 rious processes well known to the skilful experimenter. 



These humbler phloxes are, by the way, admirably adapted 

 to parlor and in-door cultivation. A sod of P. subulata var. 

 nivea, in a frozen condition, and another similar piece of P. 

 stolonifera, were potted in some good light soil., towards the 

 end of December last, and kept in a room at the average 

 temperature of 55^ Fahr. In about eight weeks they began 

 to flower profusely., and formed very pretty objects, requiring 

 no other attention than a plentiful supply of water and as much 

 light and sun as was convenient. \Vhen deprived of the di- 

 rect influence of the sun, a singular effect was produced; the 

 fine rosy crimson of the blossoms of the latter were changed 

 into a variegated purple hue. This little species, the stolon- 

 ifera, is well known in almost every garden, as a desirable 

 spring flower; it is equally capable of gracing with its beauty 



