FEBRUARY. 



15 



" own roots" so good), Olivier Delhomme. These await trial, and are capital 

 growers. Let us hope that a good time is coming. The robins, however, 

 began their " querela" this year in July, which portends an early and severe 

 winter. Their usual time is September or October. 



5. Roses of 1863. — I have only heard of five, which will be brought out by 

 M. E. Verdier, The four first are by Fontaine, and the last by Grainger. I 

 get the information from M. E. Verdier by my trusty friend M. F. Gloedc, 

 who gives Verdier the highest character for judgment and integrity. He was 

 right about Madame Furtado (sister of Louis Fould) last year. 



The Roses by Fontaine are Emeralda, Le Tour de Cressy, Murillo, and 

 M. Brianson. This last is to be the Al, a Rose of "high order of merit." 

 Murillo is a constant and free bloomer. Le Juif Errant (Grainger), is to be 

 very dark. John Bull likes a wandering Jew : England cannot go on without 

 a Jew. Without calumny against " Le Juif Errant," England cannot go on 

 without a fresh humbug every year ! 



In conclusion, buy some Roses ; and when you are ill they will compel 

 you to say — 



" They cheer me, solace me, 

 And mitigate my pain ; 

 Bow to me, nod to me, 

 And wish me well again ! " 

 Eushton. W. F. Radclyffe. 



SUGGESTIONS FOR FUCHSIA-EXHIBITORS, 1863. 



In an early Number of the Fjlorist and Pomologist, 1862, 1 ventured 

 to make a few observations on the aged and unsightly specimens of the 

 Fuchsias which were usually sent for competition at our great exhibitions. I 

 therein suggested the advantage of youth and vigour over exhausted yet 

 venerable old age. Most truly gratified was I to find that at the fetes held 

 last year, both at the Botanic and South Kensington Gardens, others were of 

 the same opinion, which was well exemplified by the well-grown specimens 

 exhibited by Mr. W. Cannel, gardener to G. Jennings, Esq., Oak Lodge, 

 Clapham. The superiority of these young and well-trained plants was evident 

 to every critical eye ; and, as they duly deserved, they received the highest 

 award. Hoping to see many exhibitors following this good example, I venture 

 to remind amateurs and others that the season has arrived for commencing the 

 training of specimens, and that no time should be lost in securing cuttings or 

 recently-struck plants for this purpose. And let me here remind all those who 

 intend to exhibit, that their specimens should not exceed 4 feet in height, and 

 should be symmetrically grown in pots not over 10 inches in diameter. 



I will here add a few names of the varieties which have been commended 

 as some of the best. Among the white corollas, Princess of Prussia, Fascina- 

 tion, White Lady, and Reine Cornelissen (a double variety), are highly 

 approved. In the purple or dark corolla class, Sir Robert Peel, Lord Elcho, 

 Perseverance, Hermine, Edith, The Lord Warden, Black Prince, Criterion, 

 King of the Purples, and Souvenir de Chiswick, will be found useful. Among 

 the double dark corollas, Universal and Sir Colin Campbell will not be sur- 

 passed ; the former variety, if well grown, is by far the best double Fuchsia in 

 cultivation. Among the white-sepalled varieties, Wiltshire Lass, Fair Oriana, 

 Fairest of the Fair, Annie, and Bridal Bouquet, are about the best. Many 

 other good, and probably many newer varieties might be added ; but experience 

 has long taught me the truth of the old adage, "Taste and try before you buy." 

 I therefore refrain from recommending the new Fuchsias which have not been 

 before the public tribunal. X. 



