PROCEEDINGS OP THE FABMEES' CLUB. 103 



some will stand a flood of rain, while others again require mois- 

 ture only occasionally; from which it is pretty evident that one 

 general system of culture for every plant can be neither right nor 

 proper. To mix, temper, and harmonize different soils, so as to 

 form one suitable to each plant, to know its peculiar situation and 

 proper treatment, its best mode of propagation, &c., is what 

 shows and distinguishes the skillful and experienced gardener. 



Mr. Fuller also exhibited several specimens of new flowers of 

 Carnations, and explained why they were not worth cultivation : 

 because the flowers are known as ''bursters." He also gave a 

 little history of some native kinds, and compared them with those 

 imported from China. A good pink shows a smooth, round head 

 form, as well as good color. In planting pink seed, make the soil 

 very fine, soft and light, and after the seed is sown sift the dirt 

 over the seed. You only need a covering a quarter of an inch 

 deep. This seed bed should be shaded in hot, sunny weather. 

 When the plants are big enough, transplant them to stand a foot 

 and a half apart, and cover the plants with straw in winter, not 

 so much to protect it from the cold as from the sun and from 

 freezing and -thawing. Pinks are propagated the third year 

 from the seed by layering. 



FLOWER SEEDS. 



Some are improved by keeping. For instance, the balsams, or 

 "lady slippers." Verbena seed keep poorly. Most seeds do not 

 keep well more than one year. Carnation seed does not keep 

 well. Verbena seed must be collected by casting off the head 

 before it withers, or Vv^atch and gather the seed every morning. 



FLOWERING CURRANTS. 



In answer to a lady's question, Mr. Fuller stated that flower- 

 ing currants will grow from slips. The hydrangia is hardy, as 

 a general thing, and does not require housing in winter. 



ORNAMENTAL VINES. 



In answer to another question, Mr. Fuller said the trumpet 

 creeper (Tecoma radicans) and Virginia creeper are both good 

 and hardy. The Wistaria is also a good, hardy climber. 



BUYING PLANTS IN BLOOM. 



Solon Robinson. — Please accept from me this word of good 

 advice about buying plants while in bloom. Many people are 



