98 THE FLORIST AND 



lection of J. F. Knorr, Esq., of West Philadelphia, and was universal- 

 ly admired. Dr. Planchon, in the Flore des Serves, states that there? 

 is a variableness in the botanical character of some specimens ; some 

 are nearly smooth, and others are covered with a thick, short down y 

 which variation seems owing to differences in the atmosphere where 

 they grow. There are, however, sufficient intermediate forms occur- 

 ring between the two extremes to prevent their being described as- 

 different species. 



THE PETUNIA. 



BY PF.OF. CHAS. G. PAGE, M. D. 



Flowers of easy culture are not so apt to be prized by the amateur o? flor- 

 ist as those -whose culture is attended with difficulty. The florist is influ- 

 enced chiefly by pecuniary considerations, while the appreciation by the 

 amateur is determined by circumstances which appeal to his taste, love of 

 novelties, and excitement and emulation. The Petunia has been a neglec- 

 ted flower, and it has seemed to me to be true of this, as well of others, that 

 because it had no enemies, it had but few special friends. It however has 

 some faults, and these are first,* that the foliage when bruised has an un- 

 pleasant odor to some persons. Second, the stems and foliage are sticky to 

 the touch and adhere together frequently. Third, it has a rambling growth, 

 requiring considerable attention to keep it in shape and within bounds. 

 With these premises it is but fair to enumerate its advantages. It grows 

 readily from seeds, blooming at a very early period, it may be propagated 

 from cuttings at any season of the year, with the utmost ease and certainty ; 

 it will bear drought or excess of moisture, it is very hardy, not injured by 

 light frosts, enduring here in the open ground frequently until the first of 

 December; it is always in bloom and will thrive in the parlor window, the 

 greenhouse, or the hothouse, the flowers have an agreeable odor like that of 

 the common pink; neither aphides nor red spider trouble it, and from its ex- 

 uberant growth it may be pruned severely and soon worked into any desired 

 shape. Added to these are the colors which are not surpassed in intensity 

 and I had almost said in variety, by any other flower. I do not hesitate to 

 assert my belief that in a few years the Petunia will excel every flower in 

 cultivation for intensity, variety and combination of colors, and variety and 

 beauty of markings. Six years ago I commenced its cultivation and at that 



• The foliage of soms new varieties obtained by myself has a pleasant fruit-like odor. 



