^32 THE FLORIST AND 



regularity as the single ones ; so that it is necessary to have a few semi- 

 double or single varieties in the bed to insure success ; but it must be borne 

 in mind that the strictly single kinds will very seldom produce double 

 flowered offspring, as they are almost invariably fertilized by their own 

 more abundant pollen. If care be taken to keep the various colors separate, 

 the progeny will most generally partake of the parent ; but there is little 

 use in being thus exact, as nearly all will be beautiful, and a mixture often 

 gives most pleasing results. Soon after the petals have fallen the seed will 

 begin to ripen, and should be picked off as each head comes to maturity, 

 which may be known by the outer surface becoming detached at the lower 

 base from the receptacle ; if not gathered soon as ripe, it flies off and is 

 lost. Keep in a dry place until the middle of September, and sow in a 

 frame well exposed to the sun, using the above-mentioned compost, made 

 fine on the surface, level very smooth, and scatter the seeds thickly over 

 the whole area; afterwards, sift through a fine sieve a little more equally 

 over the seeds, just enough to cover, but not more. It is well to give a 

 good watering before sowing, and cover afterwards, which leaves the surface 

 loose and prevents baking. Keep shaded on bright days, or darken the 

 glass till the young plants have advanced into the first "rough leaf," and 

 regulate the air so as to prevent scalding, but still keep a humid atmosphere. 

 When they are all well started, the shading may be discontinued by degrees, 

 and through the winter give all the sun and air possible, but avoid cold 

 winds and keep well covered from frost. When the warm days of early 

 summer begin to advance, the seedling plants will ripen off; they may then 

 be taken carefully up, and packed in very dry earth in a box, and kept in a 

 dry and cool room till the regular time of planting. The next season they 

 will bloom, and can be treated as the regular stock. 



If the above directions be attended to, this too much neglected flower will 

 bloom as fine, increase as fast and give as general satisfaction as it does in 

 many parts of Europe, and will give gratification and pleasure to all who 

 will take the little trouble required. 



Wm. Chorlton. 



THE PAULOWNIA IMPERIALIS. 



When this tree was first introduced ' into this country, a few years ago, it 

 rapidly rose to a wide popularity. The demand for it was so great, that 

 few nurserymen ran the risk of an overstock, and the prices obtained were 

 in consequence high. Latterly, inquiries for it became less frequent, and 



