166 THE FLORIST AND 



absence of which its processes are unhealthy. If a plant be adapted to a 

 warm and dry climate, an atmosphere that is cold and damp will affect it 

 injuriously , and, on the other hand, one adapted to a cold, moist country, 

 is but indifferently situated in one of opposite conditions. Hence, a plant 

 not in the exact conditions of growth which its constitution requires, is 

 always more or less liable to diseases and disorders ; but while these from 

 their varied nature, can probably never be exactly pointed out, we can so 

 far guard against them, by conducting our operations with as much regard 

 to the peculiar constitutions of the individual plants as possible. So long 

 as a variety or form of vegetable remains under the exact circumstances 

 under which it originated, it will remain the same, let its mode of propaga- 

 tion be what it will ; when these change, mutability and disease follow ; and 

 these altered circumstances being so ill understood, has led to the belief in 

 an innate degeneracy or fixed period to the duration of varieties. 



I have always felt an interest in this subject, and as you were kind enough 

 to insert a communication from me before, I offer a few further notes, 

 though I fear they are too hastily thrown together to be as easily understood 

 as I could wish. Julius. 



ON A NEW VARIETY OF CULTIVATED FLAX. 



Linum usitatissum var. regale, Scheidw. 



BY M. M. SCHELDWEILER ; 



With some Remarks on the distinction of the two species, from which are derived the usual 



varieties of Flax, 



BY J. E. PLANCHON. 



The perfection of plants which are useful to man, is an object which 

 should interest every one who looks with pleasure on the prosperity of his 

 country. 



Since a long time, there have been obtained from most of our cultivated 

 plants, by the help of different processes, numerous varieties, deviating more 

 or less from their original by their superior qualities. Fruit trees, cabbage^ 

 lettuce, peas, beans, &c, are evidences of it. Flax and some other 



