216 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



with pieces of slate or board. This not only prevents birds or 

 animals from doing any harm, but also serves to retain the mois- 

 ture for a longer time. The seeds of Primulas and bulbous 

 plants will also germinate much more freely when treated in 

 this way, as will also those of Hepaticas and Hellebores. 



Mr. George Bunyard endorsed the views expressed by Mr. 

 Jenkins as to standing seeds of Primulas when sown in water. 

 He had found Primula rosea to germinate freely in this way. 

 Eucharis sanguinea also, which until recently was a very rare 

 plant, he succeeded in raising by accident in this way. A cold 

 frame, in which the seeds had been sown, became saturated with 

 water, and the seeds came up like mustard and cress. 



LACHENALIAS. 

 By Mr. F. W. Moore, F.R.H.S. 



[Eead April 14, 1891.] 



To possess a fondness for certain classes of plants, and to have 

 means, facilities, and sufficient independence to gratify this love, 

 constitutes one of the pleasing episodes in life that gardeners can 

 always reflect on with pleasure. I speak advisedly when I say 

 " to have sufficient independence," for assuredly it is very difficult 

 to remain constant to your " hobby " for a lengthened period in 

 the cultivation of flowers. Fashion, always a powerful factor, no 

 matter how it may be sneered at, may be against your " hobby." 

 Your candid friend is almost certain to favour you with advice 

 contrary to your inclinations. Should you be a grower of suc- 

 culents, he will say, Why don't you burn your succulents and 

 grow Ferns ? The lover of Ferns is told. It is a pity to occupy 

 so much valuable space with such rubbish, when it could so well 

 be utilised for Orchids. However, the most potent factor is the 

 seductive power of rival flowers. Their attractions are so varied, 

 the advantages which accrue from the cultivation of a mixed 

 collection of plants are so numerous, that it is indeed hard to 

 remain faithful to one hobby. Nothing can more fittingly illus- 

 trate the changes in fashion as regards plants, and the effect of 

 these changes, than a careful study of botanical and horticultural 



