2 



THE F10KIST AND POMOLOGIST. 



deservedly high, in the opinion of rosarians on account of other estimable 

 characteristics, either separate or combined. There has latterly been a very- 

 great advance in quality in the class to which we are referring ; and it appears 

 to us that the exquisite varieties we now possess should be constantly kept 

 forward as models, in order to save us the infliction of sorts possessing inferior 

 character, or no character at all. We allude especially in these observations 

 to such superb Roses as Senateur Vaisse, Beauty of Waltham, Madame Furtado, 

 Comtesse de Chabrillant, and Madame Vidot, the reputation of which, as 

 leading varieties of their respective colours, is now fully established. We 

 should like to see groups of these made prominent as test flowers at all future 

 exhibitions by having prizes specially offered for them, this being continued 

 until they were thoroughly beaten by something better, when the victors 

 should step into their prominent place. There would then always be at hand 

 standards of the highest excellence for comparison with other varieties exhibited, 

 whether old or new. The test would be a severe one, but the application of it 

 would be wholesome. 



CULTIVATION OF THE PELARGONIUM. 



I haediy know whether I should do the most good towards promoting the 

 successful cultivation of this favourite flower by warning your readers against 

 the bad advice I have frequently read on the subject, or give the course of 

 culture that I have for many years pursued myself with great satisfaction. I 

 have, however, decided on the latter course ; and I purpose in the present paper 

 to state briefly my own practice, commencing with the plant after it has done 

 flowering. This is generally the case about the end of June to the beginning 

 of July. If there is convenient space out of doors, the plants are placed out 

 for about a fortnight, and supplied moderately with water as often as they 

 become decidedly dry. Care is taken that they receive no injury from strong 

 winds or any other cause. If there is not convenient space for them out of 

 doors they are kept in the greenhouse, and all the air admitted that is possible. 

 The time of cutting-down is from the 1st of July to the 1st of August; the 

 earlier in July the better — the plants break with more vigour, and make much 

 larger and better plants than those out of doors at a later period, enjoying as 

 they do a longer period of fine growing weather before winter. They are 

 allowed to become quite dry before being cut, and are kept so for four or five 

 days afterwards to allow the wounds to heal, and are exposed, to the full influence 

 of the sun and air ; a little water is then given round the edge of the pot and 

 repeated as needed, the quantity given being increased as the young leaves 

 become developed. The " cutting-down " as to the length of the shoots to be 

 left depends somewhat upon the habit and size of the plant, the object being to 

 induce such growth as will make the best shaped plants ; but generally the shoots 

 are left with two or four plump buds on each, besides the small incipient buds at 

 the base of the shoot. When the new growth is about an inch long the plants 

 are " shook out," every bit of soil removed, and the roots pruned of all matted 

 fibres, and are repotted into the smallest pot that the roots will easily go into. 

 Care is taken to get the fresh soil well in amongst the roots, which is best 

 accomplished when the soil is somewhat dry. The potting being finished, the 

 pot is dipped into a bucket of water deep enough to cover the surface of the 

 soil, and quickly withdrawn : this moistens the soil better than the usual way 

 of watering the surface. The plants are kept close, and if the weather is bright 

 a little shade is given until the emission of fresh roots, when the plants are 

 gradually exposed to the sun and air. As soon as the roots are sufliciently 



