562 Cultivation of the Cyclamen chum, 



or pit, where they may be defended from frost ; and, though 

 a little heat does not hurt them in this stage of their growth, 

 it is altogether unsuitable when they have arrived at their 

 age of flowering. In twelve months they should be trans- 

 planted into pots or large pans, in which they will flower in 

 the month of January following. From the time they are 

 transplanted, keep them in a shady yet airy place, occasionally 

 watered ; and about the first of November they may be removed 

 to an open airy part of the green-house to flower. When 

 done flowering, they should not, as is often the case, be thrust 

 away into any by-corner, out of sight ; but should have an open 

 situation to perfect their leaves, and be free from injury by 

 frost. This summer and winter management, and but seldom 

 shifting, will keep them in fine flowering condition for many 

 years. 



There is another plant to which I would beg to call atten- 

 tion, particularly for its hardiness, and for showing, in the 

 open air, a greater profusion of fine flowers than it ever does 

 in the house; I mean the Bouvardm triphylla; which bears 

 frost, and grows as vigorously as the Fuchs/a coccinea. 

 Both should be cut down late in the autumn, as from the 

 early spring shoots they produce their finest flowers; and, 

 while so cut down, are much easier defended from frost by 

 leaves or litter, than if suifered to remain uncut. Another 

 very interesting flower, appearing in the most dreary season, 

 should be more generally cultivated; namely, the Eranthis 

 hyemalis, as it is not only the first harbinger of spring, but 

 gives life to every scene where it appears. 



I am. Sir, yours, &c. 



June, 1830. J. HousMAN. 



Remarks on the above. By J. D. 



Cyclamens. — A more elegant family can scarcely be re- 

 commended to the skill and aff'ection of floriculturists : and 

 Mr. Wilmot's lucid and practical communications plainly de- 

 clare it to be one vex-y susceptible of improvement by art. 

 Will not the species and varieties hybridise readily if arti- 

 ficially cross-impregnated, and thus originate entirely new 

 varieties, even superior to the beautiful kinds already extant ? 



I was once shown a plant of C. persicum whose blossoms 

 were very fragrant. It was deemed by its possessor, the 

 llev. George Reading Leathes (Shropham Hall, Norfolk), 

 a gentleman versed in plants, a rare and peculiar variety. Is 

 it so? Mr.Wilmot, in his excellent articles above referred to, 

 calls C. persicum a " fine-scented bulb ; " and, farther on, 

 directs those who would save seeds to " select " for this pur- 



