CUT FLO WEES. 13? 



flowers are very much admired when well shown. ■ The following 

 are a few of the best varieties : — Bella Donna, Breckii, Desde- 

 mona, Mi's. Gamp, Prince Albert Victor, and Voltaire. The 

 cultivation .of the Delphinium is similar to that for the Antir- 

 rhinum, except that it is propagated by division, which is best 

 performed in spring. Planted on a rich border, the plants 

 will get thoroughly established the same season, and with a 

 little attention during summer as to watering and mulching 

 during dry weather, good spikes will be produced the follow- 

 ing year. Plants may also be divided early in autumn, and 

 kept in pots in cold frames through the winter ; and if potted 

 and planted out in March, spikes of fair quality can be ob- 

 tained from them the same season. The points of merit are : 

 (1.) Size of spike; (2.) size and number of expanded flowers; 

 and (3.) quality of the flowers, which should be dense in colour, 

 of good substance, and the eye distinct. 



GEKANIUM. 

 A very show}' stand for exhibition is made from a good 

 selection of Geranium flowers in trusses, and if properly set up 

 and the colours well arranged, they produce a dazzling effect. 

 The following are a dozen of the best, including varieties from 

 each section : — Brilliant, Buffalo Bill, Caliban, Duchess of 

 Portland, Preya, Gloire de Prance, Madame Thibaut, Opal, 

 Rev. Dr. Morris, Silver Queen, Shirley Hibberd, and Charles 

 Turner. The trusses should be exhibited in triplets, a thin 

 wire being twisted down the stem, bending it slightly out- 

 wards to prevent the blooms from crushing. The points of 

 merit are: (1.) Size and freshness of the trusses; (2.) size of 

 pips and breadth of petals; and (3.) colour and texture of the 

 flowers. 



GLADIOLUS. 



The Gladiolus never fails to be greatly admired at horti- 

 cultural exhibitions, even by those who have no special know- 

 ledge of florist's flowers. Indeed it may be said that a collection 

 of them, when well set up with most of the flowers expanded, 

 has nothing to equal it for a gorgeous display in the cut-flower 

 division. The following are some of the best exhibition varie- 



