34 THE FLORIST, AND 



exciting competition in others ; and we think this variety indispen- 

 sable to a good exhibition of this attractive genus. h. c. h. 



CULTIVATION. 



To a lover of Horticulture, it is highly interesting to watch its 

 progress. The number of new flowers yearly added to our collec- 

 tions is surprising. It would surprise old Gerarde or Parkinson, of 

 the old world, or the more recent Bartram or Marshall of our own. 

 The stock of novelties seems inexhaustible, as it indeed will prove 

 to be. The introduction of new plants is a source of the highest 

 pleasure. It is second to no other Horticultural pursuit in interest, 

 except perhaps hybridization. The latter originates entirely new 

 forms. The laws of reproduction are so arranged by the skilful 

 operator as in reality to form a new kind. The act becomes, in 

 fact, a species of creative agency, through the instrumentality of 

 man, highly flattering to his mental powers. It elevates him to a 

 high position amongst organic nature, alike gratifying to his intel- 

 lect and his pride. He in some degree decides on what forms of 

 being shall or shall not exist. The introducer of new plants does 

 not become the agent in the creation of new forms, but by causing 

 them to exist where they never did before, they produce pleasur- 

 able feelings, little inferior to those originating from successful 

 hybridization. Besides, the most beautiful flower will weary by an 

 unending sameness, and the love of variety natural to the human 

 mind ; and the almost universal desire to possess that which is pre- 

 cious from its rarity, is together the main-spring of that pleasure 

 the sight of a new flower gives to the florist, or the delight he ex- 

 periences in being the introducer or possessor of it. 



The Achimenes has been one of those families of plants that 

 have progressed in numbers, variety and beauty very recently and 

 rapidly, and has afforded a greater fund of enjoyment both to the 

 introducer and hybridizer than most others. Fifteen years ago its 

 very name was unknown ; although one species had been in culti- 

 vation long before. That Adam of the tribe too, was no disgrace 

 to its posterity. The rich, luxurious Pansy, of the present day, 

 may blush when its descent is traced from the thin lanky-jawed 

 Viola tricolor of the English corn-field ; and the genteelly scented 

 and royally marked Carnation look with scorn and contempt on its 



