By 



James Douglas 



Florists' 

 Flowers. 



By common consent the favourite plants of our gardens have 

 been designated " Florists' Flowers," and for very many years 

 they have been known as such. The most beautiful, and of 

 highest value amongst them, are the Rose, Chrysanthemum, 

 Carnation, Pink, Auricula, Pansy, Viola, Tulip, Dahlia, Hollyhock, 

 Ranunculus, Polyanthus, and Gladiolus. Some, like the Viola, 

 are of modern conception ; others, like the Carnation, Auricula, 

 Tulip, &c., have graced our gardens for over three-hundred years. 

 By careful selection and cross-fertilisation all of them have 

 attained a high standard of excellence. The work of improve- 

 ment has been going on for many generations of amateurs. For 

 instance, we have a very definite account of the Carnation in 

 "The Historic of Plants," published by John Gerard, in 1598. 

 This worthy florist cultivated the Clove and the Great Double 

 Carnation, and he informs us that the first yellow Carnation was 

 procured from Poland, and grown in his own garden. Doubtless, 

 he would speedily raise new varieties from seed, and the yellow 

 Carnation has been going through a course of improvement 

 since that time. 



In these days the florist has a standard of excellence in his 

 mind, and by cross-fertilising the best varieties, and by careful 

 attention to minute details, he effects some improvement in the 

 colour or in the form of the flowers of his favourites. Some 

 excellent work has been done by men in comparatively humble 



